New Releases by Mary Ellen Chase

In her enchanting novel "Mary Christmas," Mary Ellen Chase weaves a richly textured narrative that captures the spirit of the holiday season through the eyes of a young girl named Mary. This heartwarming tale combines elements of coming-of-age and seasonal reflection, presenting an idyllic yet realistic portrayal of life in a small town during Christmastime. Chase''Äôs literary style is characterized by her vivid imagery and lyrical prose, which evoke the sights and sounds of the season, drawing readers into a world where the magic of Christmas transcends materialism and offers deeper familial connections and cherished traditions. Mary Ellen Chase, a celebrated author and educator, often infused her works with themes from her own New England upbringing. Her background in literature and her experiences as a teacher provide a keen understanding of the youthful desire for wonder and belonging reflected in "Mary Christmas." Chase''Äôs commitment to portraying the emotional landscape of her characters allows readers to engage deeply with their joys and struggles, making her work resonate across generations. This novel is a delightful exploration of childhood innocence and the timeless joys of the holiday season, making it an ideal read for anyone seeking to rekindle the spirit of Christmas. Whether you are reliving your own childhood memories or sharing this story with a new generation, "Mary Christmas" promises to fill your heart with warmth and nostalgia.

Mary Ellen Chase (24 February 1887 - 28 July 1973) was an American educator, teacher, scholar, and author. She is regarded as one of the most important regional New England literary figures of the early twentieth century. Chase earned a bachelor''s degree from the University of Maine in 1909, then both a master''s and Ph. D. in English from the University of Minnesota. During this time, she also taught at schools in Buck''s Harbor, Maine, Chicago, and Montana, before serving as an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota from 1922 to 1926. While a student, she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi. She taught at Smith College starting in 1926 until her retirement in 1955.

The author reminisces about a family pet and life in a Maine village a half-century ago.

Dolly Moses, a stray cat, becomes an unwelcome pet when she has too many kittens and one too many "fits."

Considers the social, political and religious attitudes of the times in which the following prophets of ancient Israel lived: Amos, Hosea, Isaiah of Jerusalem, Micah, Jeremiah and Isaiah of Babylon.

Chase declines an invitation to speak at the MLA.

Glimpses into the lives of the inhabitants of a Maine fishing village on the day of an important funeral.

Reminiscences of her childhood in Maine.

Jonathan Fisher was long an estimable citizen of Maine. . .the whole life of this little community is faithfully re-created.

"This book makes no claim to profound biblical scholarship. As its title clearly implies, it is written for the common reader; and from those common readers who may perhaps enjoy its pages I am myself distinguished only by the fact that I may possess more knowledge of its subject than they. I write it because for many years I have taken more delight in the Bible than in any other book I know and because I have become convinced that too few persons know how to read it." Mary Ellen Chase.

I shall not be in the Middle West either this spring or next fall so far as I know now.