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Elsie DinsmoreMartha Finley

Classic fiction

Elsie Dinsmore

by Martha Finley

Book 1 of the The Original Elsie Classics series

317 pages · First published 1868

Eight-year-old Elsie Dinsmore lives on her grandfather’s Southern plantation while longing for the affection of her absent father, Horace, who returns after years away. Elsie’s intense evangelical faith repeatedly conflicts with the expectations of adults, particularly when obedience to her father seems to contradict obedience to God. Family discipline, emotional suffering, and moral tests dominate her childhood. Martha Finley’s 1867 novel launched a hugely popular nineteenth-century series, though modern readers may find its treatment of child obedience, slavery, and religious scrupulosity revealing—and troubling—products of its era.

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Classic Hot Cocoa + Mint Julep

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At a glance

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Spice0 of 5
Suspense1 of 5
Creepy1 of 5
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No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Slavery and exploitation

Alcohol-Free Pour

Classic Hot Cocoa

Velvety chocolate suits an unhurried afternoon between the pages.

How to mix it

  1. Whisk the cocoa and sweetener into the hot liquid until smooth. Add remaining flavorings, heat until steaming, and pour into a mug. Add any listed topping.
  2. Garnish: As listed.
  3. Glassware: Mug.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

Mint Julep

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

A warming pour with a sharp edge suits an unhurried afternoon between the pages.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Gently muddle mint with simple syrup in a julep cup. Add bourbon and fill with crushed ice; stir until the cup frosts, then mound with more crushed ice.
  2. Garnish: Mint bouquet.
  3. Glassware: Julep cup.

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