The Price of Books in 1883

The farther back in history one goes, the more expensive books become relative to the standard of living. In the past, often only the wealthy could afford to own them. I research and write a lot of books set in the latter half of the nineteenth century, and in 1883, a book generally cost more than a day's pay for the average working man. They were a luxury many people couldn't afford. That's one reason dime novels became so widely popular and why newspapers and magazines often published serialized fiction. 

In 1883, a standard hardcover book usually cost around $2.00 and up. That's $60.00 in today's prices. Special editions or multi-volume works ran much more. At the time, a typical laborer made somewhere between $1.00 and $2.00 a day, so a $10.00 multi-volume series or set of books represented a week's wages. This is why libraries were spreading rapidly across the United States in the late nineteenth century, often funded by men like Andrew Carnegie, and making books accessible to people who couldn't otherwise afford them. 

Seen in this light, the reading habits of the late nineteenth century make perfect sense: books were treasured objects, expensive enough to require real sacrifice. Whether borrowed from a new public library, devoured in serialized installments, or purchased one precious volume at a time, reading was an investment. Understanding the cost of books in 1883 not only sheds light on the era’s literary culture but also reminds us how profoundly affordable books have shaped modern life.

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Restorative Love

So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs (John 15:21).

Peter’s failure in the courtyard was devastating, and Scripture doesn’t soften the moment. His bold confidence collapsed under pressure, and when the rooster crowed, he saw the truth of his own weakness. Yet the beauty of the gospel shines brightest here: Jesus did not abandon Peter to his shame. The same Lord Peter denied was the One who sought him out, restored him, and reaffirmed his calling. Grace doesn’t ignore sin, but it refuses to let sin have the final word.

On the shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love Me?”—a question that pierced deeper than guilt. Each affirmation from Peter was met with a commission: "Feed My sheep." Jesus tied love for Him directly to love for others. Affection alone wasn’t enough; love had to take the shape of service, care, and responsibility. In restoring Peter, Jesus revealed that genuine devotion always moves outward, touching the lives of those He treasures.

That same truth reaches us today. If we claim to love Jesus, our lives will naturally bend toward His people—encouraging, serving, giving, and showing compassion even when it costs us something. But if we drift into self-focus, we begin measuring relationships by what they offer us rather than what Christ can offer through us. Loving others is not optional for the believer; it is the visible evidence of a heart anchored in Christ.

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Frosty Fiction

Much of the country, including where I am, has been inundated with ice and snow lately. It's the perfect time to revisit some of my stories set against a wintry backdrop. I love to curl up with a good book on a cold day when I'm kept inside, and I suspect many of you feel the same. I've written quite a few that take place in winter, but here are some of the ones I feel capture the season best.

Candace, Runaway Brides of the West

Willa's Woes

Mountain Mishap

Annie's Uncle

Walnut Cake by Wylene

Off the Streets

Mountain Storms

When Winter Is Past

Going the Extra Mile

Andrea, Christmas Quilt Brides

Many more of my books have winter in them, but these are ten of the main ones. That should be a good start, and I hope you'll check them out. They are available for Kindle, KU, Audible, and paperback. As always, any of my books can be read as standalones. Happy reading!

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Praying in Jesus' Name

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it (John 14:12-14).

Praying in the name of Jesus is far more than adding a familiar phrase to the end of our prayers. Scripture teaches that His name carries authority, access, and relationship. When we pray in His name, we come before the Father, not on the basis of our worthiness, but on the finished work of Christ. His righteousness opens the door we could never unlock on our own. That truth alone should reshape our prayers from uncertainty into a confident approach to a loving Father who welcomes us because we belong to His Son.

Praying in Jesus’ name also aligns our hearts with His character and purposes. It’s not a spiritual shortcut to get what we want; it’s an invitation to want what He wants. As we grow in Him, our desires begin to echo His compassion, His holiness, His mercy, and His mission. We start praying for the things He delights to give—wisdom, strength to obey, boldness to witness, grace to forgive, and love that reflects His own. In this way, praying in His name becomes a daily act of surrender, shaping us into people who carry His heart into the world.

And finally, praying in the name of Jesus anchors us in hope. His name reminds us that nothing is too broken, too dark, or too impossible for Him. When we whisper His name over our fears, our families, our churches, and our communities, we are declaring that the risen Christ is still at work. We pray with expectation because His power has not diminished and His promises have not expired. So today, lift your prayers in His name—boldly, humbly, and with the assurance that He hears, He cares, and He moves.

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Gwendolyn's Groom 

My final book in the Westward Home and Hearts Mail-Order Brides series releases on February 10th. I've loved writing for this series, and others must love it, too, because it's the longest-running series I know of. There are now 68 books, with more to come, just not more of mine. Although it wasn't intentional, I may have saved the best for last.  Gwendolyn's Groom is a heart-tugging story of the Old West with a beautiful ending. 

Gwendolyn Corbett never imagined her father would contact a matchmaker on her behalf. She was even more stunned to learn that her potential groom’s mother came from the Crow reservation. With the doctor warning that any stress could hasten her father’s demise, Gwendolyn faces an impossible choice: marry a stranger or defy her father’s wishes and risk losing him. Meanwhile, River Donahue longs for a place to belong and a family to share it with. Since his grandmother’s passing, he’s left with a bitter, unloving grandfather and a heritage that makes landowners unwilling to sell to him. When the matchmaker his grandmother trusted sends him to a dying rancher, the man makes an unusual offer. If River marries his daughter, he will inherit the ranch. Are River’s dreams finally coming true, or are his troubles just escalating? 

I'm incredibly excited about this book. It will be available for Kindle, Audible, KU, and paperback. My narrator for the Audible had wonderful things to say about the story, and I look forward to hearing what readers think. Be sure to check it out.

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He Leadeth Me

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters (Psalm 23:1-2),

The hymn “He Leadeth Me” was written in 1862 by Joseph Henry Gilmore, a young Baptist minister, during the American Civil War. Inspired by Psalm 23, Gilmore penned the words after a sermon in Philadelphia, never imagining they would later be set to music and become one of the most beloved hymns of the Christian faith. Gilmore (1834–1918) was a seminary professor, Baptist minister, and later professor of literature at the University of Rochester.

Gilmore was preaching a sermon on the Twenty-Third Psalm at the First Baptist Church of Philadelphia when  he became so captivated by the phrase “He leadeth me” that he never moved beyond it. Afterward, in conversation with friends, he wrote down the verses that became the hymn. Gilmore first considered his words as a poem and not a hymn. His wife sent it to the Watchman and Reflector magazine without his knowledge. Later, Gilmore was surprised to discover his words published as a hymn. Composer William B. Bradbury, known for "Jesus Loves Me," set the poem to music, giving it the melody we know today.

"He Leadeth Me came about, not because of some literary ambition, but from a moment of spiritual clarity as the simple truth of God's guidance gripped a young pastor as he delivered his midweek sermon. He couldn't get the words, "He leadeth me," from Psalms 23 from his mind, so he penciled the poem after the service. What began as a few penciled lines became a hymn sung across generations. It continues to offer comfort in seasons of uncertainty and anchors believers in the assurance that God's hand still leads his people, one of God's important truths.

He Leadeth Me

                He leadeth me, O blessed thought!
                O words with heav'nly comfort fraught!
                Whate'er I do, where'er I be
                Still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me.
                He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
                By His own hand He leadeth me;
                His faithful foll'wer I would be,
                For by His hand He leadeth me.
                Sometimes 'mid scenes of deepest gloom,
                Sometimes where Eden's bowers bloom,
                By waters still, o'er troubled sea,
                Still 'tis His hand that leadeth me.
                Lord, I would place my hand in Thine,
                Nor ever murmur nor repine;
                Content, whatever lot I see,
                Since 'tis my God that leadeth me.
                And when my task on earth is done,
                When by Thy grace the vict'ry's won,
                E'en death's cold wave I will not flee,
                Since God through Jordan leadeth me.

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Book Review Rates

Leaving book reviews on Amazon matters far more than most readers realize. A thoughtful review—whether it’s one sentence or a few paragraphs—signals to Amazon’s algorithm that a book is alive, relevant, and worth showing to more potential readers. Reviews build trust for hesitant buyers, offering valuable affirmation. They also help authors understand what resonated, what surprised readers, and what lingered after the last page. For independent authors especially, reviews are the lifeblood that determine visibility, credibility, and long‑term discoverability. In a very real way, every review becomes part of a book’s momentum, helping it reach the readers who need it.

Yet review statistics are dismal. The estimated review rate on Amazon is 1-2%. This means for every 100 books sold, only 1-2 reviews are likely to appear. A book with 50 reviews might have sold around 2,500-5,000 copies.

Why is the review rate so low? Research shows that most Amazon shoppers read the reviews, but very few will write one. Please don't be one of those. I write a review on every book I read or listen to, and I encourage you to do the same. It takes only a minute, and it means so much to both the authors and potential readers.

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