Blue Bell, by M. Bramston. Summer Snow, by Sarah Tytler.
(Marcus Ward and Co.)—These two novelettes are the beginning of what the publishers call the " Blue Bell Series," which is intended to furnish the public with cheap fiction of high quality. We heartily wish that this object may be successfully accomplished. Whatever may "supplant the objectionable fiction which is now so extensively circulated and read" has our heartiest welcome. Tho two volumes before us are of good quality, the latter being, perhaps, the best. We should say, indeed, that, looking at them as the first and second volumes of a new series which is asking for public favour—and this favour must, we should fancy, be very decidedly shown, if the under- taking is to prosper—the two are drawn too much on the same lines. The lesson of both is the same,—first, love is very apt to be a mistake. This is a useful maxim, but it is not particularly attractive ; anyhow, it is not one that the average novel-reader (whom the most high-minded of publishers must, after all, consult) cares to have more than occasion- ' ally enforced. Miss Bram.ton's is a pretty story, told with some quiet humour.—Summer Snow treats its theme very skilfully. The surprise of the book is a surprise of a genuine kind, and the complica- tion which arises out of it is well handled. When Miss Tytler con- descends to make her heroes and heroines happy, she is sure to please her readers.
Previous page
