15 DECEMBER 1888, Page 26

Thy Heart's Desire. By Sarah Doudney. (Isbister.)—The different fortunes of

the three girls which are narrated in this volume afford some attractive reading. Miss Doudney always shows skill and careful work in the construction of her stories, and her style is bright and taking. But the material of the tale is somewhat slight ; nor is it handled with sufficient originality to render the book at all striking. Still, originality is not an every- day luxury. Miss Doudney writes pleasantly, and teaches some good lessons. The story is probably meant for girls, and is very well fitted for this purpose.