A Big Temptation

"A Big Temptation" by L. T. Meade, Maggie Brown, and M. B. Manwell is a fictional children's story written during the late 19th century. The book revolves around themes of childhood innocence, adventure, and moral lessons, showcasing the spirit of young characters who face challenges and temptations in their lives. It highlights the longing for freedom and joy amidst the constraints of a difficult upbringing. The story follows a young girl named Netty, who becomes the caretaker of her sickly baby cousin, Dan. Netty's brother, Ben, entices her with the possibility of a day trip to Southend for a seaside treat, which leads to the children devising a plan to sneak away. Despite challenges, including Netty's moral dilemma of taking Dan along, the siblings embark on an adventure that culminates in a joyful yet fraught day at the beach. However, Dan's health suffers from the treats he consumes, prompting Netty to seek help. The narrative emphasizes the consequences of their actions but ultimately conveys a message of forgiveness and understanding as the children learn important lessons about responsibility, care, and family bonds. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Elizabeth Thomasina Meade Smith (1844–1914), writing under the pseudonym L. T. Meade, was a prolific writer of girls' stories. She was born in Bandon, County Cork, Ireland, daughter of Rev. R. T. Meade, of Nohoval, County Cork. She later moved to London, where she married Alfred Toulmin Smith in September 1879.