Perhaps more than any other MacDonald novel, this story manifests one of the strongest driving forces in his spiritual vision: the theme of godly service to the poor. The narrative centers around Hester Raymount, a twenty-three-year-old Londoner whose loving heart continually reaches out to God and to the poor in her neighborhood. Her benevolence is not without its price, however; growing up in an environment of strict social mores where faith in God was often more cultural than spiritual, Hester's choices concerned obedience to the gospel or conforming to the culture of her day.

Scotland's master storyteller gives another vivid portrayal of the mercy and compassion of God as seen in the lives of those who truly know Him.

Purity, corruption, innocence, deception, deep suffering, compassion all elements combining to make MacDonald's characters from another era come alive today!