Mrs. Red Pepper

Red Pepper #2

by Grace S. Richmond

1913. Another volume from the Red Pepper Burns Series featuring R.P. Burns, whose fiery hair (not to mention a similar temper), earned him the nickname of Red Pepper among his friends. He was a country doctor of the old school-one of those whole-souled enthusiasts who would rather relieve some neighbor's suffering than eat his own dinner. And Mrs. Richmond, who has clearly studied her hero from life, makes a highly lovable personality out of this impetuous, brilliant, powerful, high-minded young doctor. Mrs. Red Pepper begins: The Green Imp, long, low and powerful, carrying besides its two passengers a motor trunk, a number of bulky parcels, and a full share of mud, drew to one side of the road. The fifth April shower of the afternoon was on, although it was barely three o'clock. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.

Genres: Fiction, Classics

216 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1913

About the author

Grace Louise Smith Richmond (1866–1959), American romance novelist created the Dr. R.P. Burns series.

Her first short stories were published in various women's magazines including the Women's Home Companion, Ladies' Home Journal, and Everybody's Magazine as early as 1898. Richmond wrote 27 novels between 1905 and 1936. Red Pepper Burns was published in 1910. Like most of her strong-willed yet compassionate characters, R.P. Burns is a kind, old-souled country doctor who makes house calls. His fiery red hair and temper to match earned him his nickname Red Pepper, though he is still a charming and endearing gentleman. Mrs. Red Pepper (1913), Red Pepper's Patients (1917), and Red of the Redfields (1924) followed.

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Excellent story, giving more chronicles of Dr. Burns's life, and this time showing some instances of how his wife made a difference to him and the community around. Of course Ellen is perfect... Also features Dr. Leaver, who Dr. Burns sets out to help recuperate, and Charlotte Ruston, who Ellen is a friend to.

[Rebekah Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable sequel. More characters to follow, but each was interesting and fun. Especially one particular case. Not a lot of depth to the story, but that was okay.
There is one mention of the Lord’s Name used as an exclamation, but that was all.

[Angie Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this second book in the series! "Mrs. Red Pepper" is not the only main character in the book (particularly in the later part), but I did love watching her sweet support and gentle influence on both her husband and pretty much everyone else she came across. <3 I found myself glued to the case of Dr. Leaver and waiting with bated breath at times to see what would come of it. Also, the friendship themes again--so, so good!!! I did find myself very afraid for one minor character when it became obvious how a certain plotline was going, but I'm still not sure if I'm relieved or even more broken-hearted for her now... And I couldn't help loving plucky Miss Ruston with her talent for bringing out the best in everyone she photographed. :)

Content--one use of the Lord's name as an exclamation; some mild language ("hanged," etc.); some references to the expectation of married people flirting with other people (not condoned); some kissing (not descriptive)

[Miriam · Rating 1 out of 5]

I actually read a good portion of it, but did not finish. The author is very good as storytelling and using words well. BUT I didn't like, among other things: 1) how the relationship was turning out between Red and his wife; 2) how it seemed like the wife knew best and was going to change or tame Red instead of letting him be himself and supporting and encouraging him, etc; and 3) how being angry was looked at as a bad thing no matter what, when Red's anger was for good reasons and being calm and tolerant and ignoring issues did not fix the problems and was costing the lives of his patients. I enjoyed the first book immensely, but was very dissapointed in this next installment. Perhaps I shall try again to read the series someday, but it did not hit me right this time around AT ALL and left me feeling extremely frustrated. Read the first one.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grace S. Richmond is classified as a children’s author; her works remind me of nothing so much as Louisa May Alcott. You know how Alcott likes to depict wholesome American families who have troubles and sorrows, but who trust in the Lord and eventually get a happy ending? Same thing. Alcott does get a little preachy on occasion (there’s a bit in one of the March family books where she steps away from narrating and starts addressing a little homily directly to the reader), but in general, I enjoy getting a break from the “gritty reality” that seems to be required in many of today’s books. Richmond, in the books I’ve read so far, doesn’t have those narrative-breaking moments, but she does have that same sort of “wholesomeness” and “family values” about her works.

Mrs. Red Pepper is a sequel to Red Pepper Burns. The titular Red Pepper is a country doctor in Smalltownville, America, sometime in the early 20th century (replace his car with a horse and buggy and you wouldn’t think he was out of place in an earlier time); he finds great fulfillment in working with the local patients, even though he could be commanding a larger salary and much more prestige in a big city. The book opens with Red Pepper bringing his bride home for the first time, and proceeds to tell the story of their first year or so of married life.

There’s no grand, overarching story in this book, no world-shattering plot, and (to be perfectly frank) no mind-blowing writing that will be studied in English classes of the future. The book is simply brain candy – but the best kind of brain candy, the kind that has no poison behind the sweetness. I recommend it for people who like Alcott; if you find her cloying, Richmond will be only slightly less so.

[Mitzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as much as the first one - but WHY is it titled Mrs. Red Pepper? It isn't really about her or the Doctor, it is about their friends more than anything... Very odd... I have to say that I was sad when the build up for the poor nurse didn't end up going where I wanted it to - that lady needs her own book with a happy ending!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one. It's my favorite of Richmond's so far. I really liked the two different story lines and the way that it didn't always go the way I anticipated it would.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed it.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love old-fashioned books like Red Pepper Burns and Mrs. Red Pepper. Dr. R.P. Burns has finally taken himself a wife and she is the perfect help-meet for him. Some interesting cases enter the picture - one is a fellow surgeon with whom Dr. Burns went to school. The other doctor is burned out and has been admitted to an asylum for rest. Dr. Burns brings him home and between his care and his wife's ministrations, and the aid of Dr. Burns assistant, Dr. Leaver begins to recover. And then suddenly, just as he is feeling strong again, a figure from his past shows up that knocks him back.
Ready for a sequel!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Long-form illustration of "He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD."

[Rose Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Occasionally I enjoy a book written 100 years ago. The language! Word meanings have changed and not for the better.