
All That Makes Life Bright
The Life and Love of Harriet Beecher Stowe
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed

Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Buy for $20.00
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Cassandra Campbell
-
By:
-
Josi S. Kilpack
About this listen
When Harriet Beecher marries Calvin Stowe on January 6, 1836, she is sure her future will be filled with romance, eventually a family, and continued opportunities to develop as a writer. Her husband, Calvin, is completely supportive and said she must be a literary woman. Harriet's sister, Catharine, worries she will lose her identity in marriage, but she is determined to preserve her independent spirit. Deeply religious, she strongly believes God has called her to fulfill the roles of wife and writer and will help her accomplish everything she was born to do.
Two months after her wedding, Harriet discovers she is pregnant just as Calvin prepares to leave for a European business trip. Alone, Harriet is overwhelmed - being a wife has been harder than she thought, and being an expectant mother feels like living another woman's life. Knowing that part of Calvin still cherishes the memory of his first wife, Harriet begins to question her place in her husband's heart and yearns for his return; his letters are no substitute for having him home. When Calvin returns, however, nothing seems to have turned out as planned.
Struggling to balance the demands of motherhood with her passion for writing and her desire to be a part of the social change in Ohio, Harriet works to build a life with her beloved Calvin despite differing temperaments and expectations.
Can their love endure, especially after "I do"? Can she recapture the first blush of new love and find the true beauty in her marriage?
©2017 Josi S. Kilpack (P)2017 Josi S. KilpackListeners also enjoyed...
-
Forever and Forever
- By: Josi S. Kilpack
- Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
- Length: 9 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It's 1836, and 19-year-old Fanny Appleton, a privileged daughter of a wealthy, upper-class Boston industrialist, is touring Europe with her family. Like many girls of her day, she enjoys the fine clothes, food, and company of the elite social circles. But unlike her peers, Fanny is also drawn to education, literature, and more intellectual pursuits. Published author and poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is also touring Europe but under much different circumstances....
-
-
Good
- By Tobi on 06-02-16
By: Josi S. Kilpack
-
The Lady of the Lakes
- The True Love Story of Sir Walter Scott
- By: Josi S. Kilpack
- Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
- Length: 9 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Walter Scott has three passions: Scotland, poetry, and Mina Stuart. Though she is young and they are from different stations in society, Walter is certain their love is meant to be. For years, he has courted her through love letters. She is the sunshine of his soul. Though Mina shares Walter's love of literature and passionate temperament, it's hard for her to know if she truly loves him or if she has only been dazzled by his flattery. When she meets the handsome and charming William Forbes, her heart is challenged. Who will she choose?
-
-
Absolutely magnificent
- By Ben on 09-16-17
By: Josi S. Kilpack
-
The Vicar's Daughter
- By: Josi S. Kilpack
- Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
- Length: 9 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Cassie, the youngest of six daughters in the Wilton family, is bold, bright, and ready to enter society. There's only one problem: her older sister, Lenora, whose extreme shyness prevents her from attending many social events. Lenora is now entering her third season, and since their father has decreed that only one Wilton girl can be out at a time, Cassie has no choice except to wait her turn.
-
-
Beautiful Story of Love and Forgiveness!
- By Alycee on 07-13-18
By: Josi S. Kilpack
-
Miss Wilton's Waltz
- By: Josi S. Kilpack
- Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
- Length: 9 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Shy and timid Lenora Wilton has spent most of her life either behind the keys of her beloved pianoforte or in the shadow of her younger sister, Cassie. But when Lenora decides to travel to Bath to live with her Aunt Gwen and teach music at an all-girls' boarding school, she begins a journey of self-discovery that leads her to a surprising romance. Lenora must decide if she is willing to risk her heart for a chance to love and be loved in return.
-
-
The follow up I had hoped for
- By Anonymous User on 06-13-18
By: Josi S. Kilpack
-
Lord Fenton's Folly
- By: Josi S. Kilpack
- Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
- Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Lord Fenton is a gambler and a dandy, and he will be stripped of his wealth and position unless he rises to his responsibility - one of which is to marry. Far from being a giddy groom, Fenton chooses the unobjectionable Alice Stanbridge simply because he knew her as a young girl, and his mother feels Alice would make a good wife. Alice, however, has harbored feelings for Fenton since their first meeting years ago, and his proposal is a dream come true.
-
-
Jerks Are Not Romantic
- By Amy Nix on 12-10-21
By: Josi S. Kilpack
-
A Heart Revealed
- By: Josi S. Kilpack
- Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
- Length: 10 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Amber Marie Sterlington, the rage of the season in Regency-era London, has her pick of men, and she knows what she wants most in a husband: a title and a fortune. Why would she ever marry for something as fickle as love? And why would she ever look twice at Thomas Richards, a third son of a country lord? But when Amber's social standing is threatened, the character of her future husband becomes far more important than his position.
-
-
Even better the second time
- By GrannyGoose on 05-25-17
By: Josi S. Kilpack
-
Forever and Forever
- By: Josi S. Kilpack
- Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
- Length: 9 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It's 1836, and 19-year-old Fanny Appleton, a privileged daughter of a wealthy, upper-class Boston industrialist, is touring Europe with her family. Like many girls of her day, she enjoys the fine clothes, food, and company of the elite social circles. But unlike her peers, Fanny is also drawn to education, literature, and more intellectual pursuits. Published author and poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is also touring Europe but under much different circumstances....
-
-
Good
- By Tobi on 06-02-16
By: Josi S. Kilpack
-
The Lady of the Lakes
- The True Love Story of Sir Walter Scott
- By: Josi S. Kilpack
- Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
- Length: 9 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Walter Scott has three passions: Scotland, poetry, and Mina Stuart. Though she is young and they are from different stations in society, Walter is certain their love is meant to be. For years, he has courted her through love letters. She is the sunshine of his soul. Though Mina shares Walter's love of literature and passionate temperament, it's hard for her to know if she truly loves him or if she has only been dazzled by his flattery. When she meets the handsome and charming William Forbes, her heart is challenged. Who will she choose?
-
-
Absolutely magnificent
- By Ben on 09-16-17
By: Josi S. Kilpack
-
The Vicar's Daughter
- By: Josi S. Kilpack
- Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
- Length: 9 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Cassie, the youngest of six daughters in the Wilton family, is bold, bright, and ready to enter society. There's only one problem: her older sister, Lenora, whose extreme shyness prevents her from attending many social events. Lenora is now entering her third season, and since their father has decreed that only one Wilton girl can be out at a time, Cassie has no choice except to wait her turn.
-
-
Beautiful Story of Love and Forgiveness!
- By Alycee on 07-13-18
By: Josi S. Kilpack
-
Miss Wilton's Waltz
- By: Josi S. Kilpack
- Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
- Length: 9 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Shy and timid Lenora Wilton has spent most of her life either behind the keys of her beloved pianoforte or in the shadow of her younger sister, Cassie. But when Lenora decides to travel to Bath to live with her Aunt Gwen and teach music at an all-girls' boarding school, she begins a journey of self-discovery that leads her to a surprising romance. Lenora must decide if she is willing to risk her heart for a chance to love and be loved in return.
-
-
The follow up I had hoped for
- By Anonymous User on 06-13-18
By: Josi S. Kilpack
-
Lord Fenton's Folly
- By: Josi S. Kilpack
- Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
- Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Lord Fenton is a gambler and a dandy, and he will be stripped of his wealth and position unless he rises to his responsibility - one of which is to marry. Far from being a giddy groom, Fenton chooses the unobjectionable Alice Stanbridge simply because he knew her as a young girl, and his mother feels Alice would make a good wife. Alice, however, has harbored feelings for Fenton since their first meeting years ago, and his proposal is a dream come true.
-
-
Jerks Are Not Romantic
- By Amy Nix on 12-10-21
By: Josi S. Kilpack
-
A Heart Revealed
- By: Josi S. Kilpack
- Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
- Length: 10 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Amber Marie Sterlington, the rage of the season in Regency-era London, has her pick of men, and she knows what she wants most in a husband: a title and a fortune. Why would she ever marry for something as fickle as love? And why would she ever look twice at Thomas Richards, a third son of a country lord? But when Amber's social standing is threatened, the character of her future husband becomes far more important than his position.
-
-
Even better the second time
- By GrannyGoose on 05-25-17
By: Josi S. Kilpack
-
Promises and Primroses
- The Proper Romance Mayfield Family Regency Series, Book 1
- By: Josi S. Kilpack
- Narrated by: Justine Eyre
- Length: 8 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Lord Elliott Mayfield sees the new generation of his family moving in the same direction of bad matches and scandalous relationships as the last. In hopes to change their course, he establishes a "marriage campaign" to motivate them to improve themselves through making respectable matches. Peter, Elliott's eldest nephew, thinks the entire idea is ridiculous. A widower with two young daughters, he simply needs a governess, not a wife. Julia Hollingsworth has the credentials and the experience, but is too young and pretty for such a job. So why can't he stop thinking about her?
-
-
Jane Austen is back!
- By J Smith on 06-09-19
By: Josi S. Kilpack
-
Autumn Masquerade
- Timeless Regency Collection, Book 1
- By: Josi S. Kilpack, Donna Hatch, Nancy Campbell Allen
- Narrated by: Sarah Zimmerman
- Length: 7 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Lila overhears her uncle talking about a man coming to look for property in the county, she doesn't think twice, until her uncle says he hopes Lila will find enough interest to marry the man. How can she marry someone named Mortimer Luthford, not to mention that his advanced age of thirty-three, and especially since she's already in love with her absent cousin Neville?
-
-
Happily Ever After
- By J. Byerly on 02-11-20
By: Josi S. Kilpack, and others
-
The Valet’s Secret
- The Proper Romance Regency Series
- By: Josi S. Kilpack
- Narrated by: Justine Eyre
- Length: 6 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As a once happily married woman, Rebecca Parker lived a charmed life, but now widowed and working for a living, she feels alone and lives a mundane existence. That is until the day a valet speeding by on a horse nearly runs her off the road. Mr. Malcolm Henry is apologetic, gentle, and very handsome. She’s instantly drawn to him, which is why, rather than stopping him from kissing her, she finds herself kissing him back, reigniting a nearly forgotten passion in her. But love at first sight only happens in fairy tales—never to an ordinary woman like her.
-
-
A sweet, fun, and clean romance
- By marci durrant on 04-25-23
By: Josi S. Kilpack
-
Winter Collection
- Six Historical Short Stories (A Timeless Romance Anthology, Book 1)
- By: Sarah M. Eden, Heidi Ashworth, Annette Lyon, and others
- Narrated by: Karen Peakes
- Length: 8 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Six award-winning authors have contributed brand new stories to A Timeless Romance Anthology: Winter Collection. A collection unlike any other, listeners will love this compilation of six sweet historical romance novellas, set in varying eras, yet all with one thing in common: Romance.
-
-
Winter
- By Manila J. Dobbs on 08-12-23
By: Sarah M. Eden, and others
-
The Work of Art
- Somerset Stories, Book 1
- By: Mimi Matthews
- Narrated by: Alex Wyndham
- Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Hidden away in rural Devonshire, Phyllida Satterthwaite has always been considered more odd than beautiful. But in London, her oddity has made her a sensation. Far worse, it’s caught the eye of the sinister Duke of Moreland - a notorious art collector obsessed with acquiring one-of-a-kind treasures. To escape the duke’s clutches, she’s going to need a little help. Captain Arthur Heywood’s days of heroism are long past. Grievously injured in the Peninsular War, he can no longer walk unaided, let alone shoot a pistol. What use can he possibly be to a damsel in distress?
-
-
The Best!!!
- By Lori Dykes on 11-30-19
By: Mimi Matthews
-
Forget Me Not
- The Gents, Book 1
- By: Sarah M. Eden
- Narrated by: Luone Ingram
- Length: 9 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Julia Cummings has long been acquainted with loss - her mother, her brother, her sister, her friend, all gone too soon. But the loss that pushed her grief to the limit as a young girl was that of her best friend, Lucas Jonquil, who abandoned her without looking back. Now, eight years later, Lucas has returned to Lampton Park, and Julia has steeled herself - she will never forgive the man who broke her heart.
-
-
Torture
- By Our family music on 10-13-20
By: Sarah M. Eden
-
Failsafe
- By: Traci Hunter Abramson
- Narrated by: Aubrey Warner
- Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the wideopen landscape of Pennsylvania, Charlotte Martin and her father live a peaceful life on their farm... or so it seems. In truth, the rural locale provides the perfect front for the father/daughter NSA operatives as they expertly carry out their mission: using a high-tech computer system, they protect a team of undercover agents. Some would kill to have access to this system, and it makes Charlotte and her father prime targets.
-
-
fun ,absolutely loved. it
- By Pneville on 11-02-17
-
The Best Intentions
- The Huntresses, Book 1
- By: Sarah M. Eden
- Narrated by: Luone Ingram
- Length: 9 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the eyes of London Society, Gillian Phelps is suitable enough. Though the ton whispers about her change of residence, any speculation remains just that: ballroom gossip. No one—not even the other Huntresses, the group of ladies she calls her dearest friends—knows that she is harboring a devastating family secret. Gillian has become adept at hiding the reality of her circumstances, but the close quarters of a house party will test her ability to conceal the crushing truth. And with so many people to deceive, the late arrival of another guest is a most unwelcome surprise.
-
-
Wonderful continuation of the Lancaster Jonquil Family
- By Jenice on 11-27-22
By: Sarah M. Eden
-
Longing for Home
- By: Sarah M. Eden
- Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
- Length: 12 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Twenty-six-year-old Katie Macauley has placed all her hope in Hope Springs, a small town in the 1870 Wyoming Territory. But if she wants to return home to Ireland to make amends with her estranged family, she’ll need to convince the influential Joseph Archer to hold true to his word and keep her on his payroll as his housekeeper - despite her Irish roots. When Joseph agrees to keep Katie on ash is housekeeper, the feud erupts anew, and Katie becomes the reluctant figurehead for the Irish townsfolk.
-
-
Absolutey Wonderful
- By Stacey on 09-17-13
By: Sarah M. Eden
-
The Letter from Briarton Park
- The Houses of Yorkshire Series, Book 1
- By: Sarah E. Ladd
- Narrated by: Jude Mason
- Length: 9 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Cassandra Hale grew up knowing little about her parentage, and she had made peace with the fact that she never would. But her world shifts when a shocking deathbed confession reveals a two-year-old letter from Mr. Clark, the master of Briarton Park, with hints to her family's identity. Stung by betrayal, Cassandra travels to the village of Anston only to learn Mr. Clark has since passed away.
-
-
Tedious
- By David on 08-19-22
By: Sarah E. Ladd
-
The Dread Penny Society: The Complete Penny Dreadful Collection
- The Dread Penny Society Series, Books 1-5
- By: Sarah M. Eden
- Narrated by: Justine Eyre
- Length: 10 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This collector’s anthology compiles all the penny dreadful short stories from Sarah M. Eden’s five-book Victorian romance series. Included in this edition are three new never-before-released stories. Each short story is written in the style of the Victorian fiction that became so popular during that time period. From ghost stories to adventures to mysteries, Sarah weaves these gothic tales among her romantic storylines, making it the perfect way to celebrate the Dread Penny Society series.
-
-
delightful collection of stories
- By Melissa Watson on 09-13-23
By: Sarah M. Eden
-
The Sisters of Sea View
- On Devonshire Shores
- By: Julie Klassen
- Narrated by: Elizabeth Jasicki
- Length: 15 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When their father's death leaves them impoverished, Sarah Summers and her genteel sisters fear they will be forced to sell the house and separate to earn livelihoods as governesses or companions. Determined to stay together, Sarah convinces them to open their seaside home to guests to make ends meet and provide for their ailing mother. Instead of the elderly invalids they expect to receive, however, they find themselves hosting eligible gentlemen. Sarah is soon torn between a growing attraction to a mysterious Scottish widower and duty to her family.
-
-
Why does it have to be a steamy romance
- By K on 12-31-22
By: Julie Klassen
What listeners say about All That Makes Life Bright
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- AM
- 08-01-24
This book Really Helped me
I am a newly married author with a newborn and I found this story EXTREMELY relatable. It made me feel better about the marital difficulties I am dealing with, and hopeful for the future, as we all know what Harriet Beecher accomplished. I enjoyed learning more about her family.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Teancum144
- 04-18-23
Great Historical Fiction!
Thanks for a very enjoyable story. Now I want to read Uncle Tom's Cabin. 😊
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- JaNae Hansen
- 10-05-17
Excellent Entertainment with a Historical Flare
I loved the book and learned a lot about abolitionism and the historical facts concerning this period. It was also interesting to learn about how things were for women then as opposed to now and how much women did during this time period to change things for women today. Thanks to the author for such a beautiful illustration of the life of Harriet Beecher Stowe! Now I want to read Uncle Tom's Cabin.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- The Goph
- 06-18-19
Marriage in the 1830’s and later
I found the story fascinating. It shows how hard it was to reconcile the aspects of the expectations of those times for a woman’s role at home vs the aspirations of women for “more”. There were many times where I was wishing to hear her scream the question: Why Did You Marry Me? I love the way the writer can make the characters real and let them evolve in a believable manner. Highly recommended!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anonymous
- 01-22-18
Relevant today! Juggling career and motherhood!
Would you listen to All That Makes Life Bright again? Why?
Probably some day! I connected with the issues raised in the story - balancing family, career, and practicing faith amidst all the obstacles.
What other book might you compare All That Makes Life Bright to and why?
I have read Madeleine L'Engle's autobiographical works (Crosswick Journals) and she records how she managed to find time for writing while also managing family needs, including, in her case, and elderly relative. All done in love.
Which character – as performed by Cassandra Campbell – was your favorite?
Hattie. I loved her inner struggles, as expressed by Ms. Campbell.
If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?
Harriet Beecher Stowe: Prolific Writer, Scholar, and Mother.
Any additional comments?
I've been studying the life of Harriet Beecher Stowe, and was fascinated with how much she was able to accomplish in her life. I was curious how she did so with several children. I love this book because it neither dismisses motherhood nor career, but wrestles with changing the paradigm to make both callings work.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- TERRY NORWOOD
- 06-21-22
Exceptional!
Encouragement for women to have 2 jobs-one inside the home and one outside the home.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!