The foster-sisters : $b A story in the days of Wesley and Whitfield

"The Foster-Sisters: A Story in the Days of Wesley and Whitfield" by Lucy Ellen Guernsey is a historical novel set in the early 18th century. The narrative centers around two young girls raised together in a convent in Provence after the upheavals in their respective families, providing a unique glimpse into their lives and the religious and social challenges they face. The story captures themes of friendship, faith, and the struggles of life within the confines of a changing community influenced by broader historical movements. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the narrator's first memory—a fall into a fountain—setting the stage for her early recollections at the convent. The protagonist reflects on her upbringing alongside her foster-sister Amabel and their shared experiences amid the strict and often difficult conditions imposed by the convent’s reformation. Through vivid descriptions, the opening reveals the camaraderie among the sisters, the shift towards stricter religious observances, and the impact of reforming influences such as Mother Angelique. This establishes the backdrop for the girls' formative years, interwoven with themes of innocence, growth, and the nuances of faith, foreshadowing the adventures and trials that lie ahead in their journey. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Lucy Ellen Guernsey was a 19th-century American author who lived in Rochester, New York. She was a strong proponent of early education and moral development in children, although she never had children of her own. Throughout her most productive years (1855–85) she wrote over 60 novels, most of which were published by the American Sunday School Union. She was an active member of the Rochester community; she founded the first sewing school for working-class children and was involved establishing the Home for Aged Women. She edited a popular religious publication, The Parish Visitor, taught an adult biblical class for Sunday School, and was the president of the Christ Church Missionary Society (1881–85).