"Wedded by Fate: or Sister Angela" by Mrs. Georgie Sheldon is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers on Salome Howland, a young woman of refinement who, despite tragic circumstances and her own mysterious past, seeks employment as a nurse at Boston's City Hospital. The book appears to explore themes of sacrifice, love, social class, and personal redemption, with Salome and Dr. Truman Winthrop emerging as the main characters whose lives become unexpectedly intertwined. The opening of the novel introduces Salome Howland as a veiled, sorrowful young woman arriving at the hospital to answer an advertisement for nurses. Despite her delicacy and lack of references, she impresses the staff and excels in her work, quickly earning respect and affection. When Dr. Truman Winthrop, a visiting physician, is brought in near death from coal gas poisoning, Salome heroically donates her blood to save him, forging a deep, almost fateful connection. As Salome recovers from the ordeal, she and Dr. Winthrop form a strong emotional bond, leading to a whirlwind romance and a tender, secretive wedding. The narrative immerses readers in Salome's emotional struggles, her yearning for belonging, and the blossoming love between two lives united by chance and sacrifice. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

"The Thing in the Woods" by Harper Williams is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers on Dr. Haverill, a young physician from the city who takes up a temporary medical practice in a secluded Pennsylvanian community. The book explores themes of rural superstition, isolation, and hidden dangers through Haverill’s encounters with the local residents, especially the enigmatic Lessing family living at "the Bend." The narrative unfolds as Dr. Haverill is increasingly drawn into the mysteries and inexplicable events surrounding the woods and its inhabitants. The opening of the novel introduces Dr. Haverill as he leaves city life behind for the countryside, stepping into the shoes of Dr. Lennox, who departs suddenly and with obvious relief. Upon arrival, Haverill observes a tight-knit, tradition-bound village and quickly encounters Pete, a superstitious hired man, and the nervous atmosphere that clings to the place. Early chapters detail Haverill’s adjustment to rural life, his interactions with reserved locals, and his first professional challenge: tending to the troubled Mr. Lessing, whose mysterious wounds and strange family dynamics suggest deeper secrets. The story gradually builds a sense of unease through unexplained noises, local gossip, and eerie incidents in the woods, setting the stage for a suspenseful exploration of the “thing” that lurks beyond the ordinary. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

"Big Laurel" by Frederick Orin Bartlett is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set in the rural mountains of North Carolina, it explores themes of isolation, longing, and the clash between traditional mountain life and outside influences. The story revolves around Bud Childers, a hardened and self-reliant young mountaineer, and Roxie Kester, a spirited and idealistic girl, as well as the arrival of the outsider Captain Edward Allston, a recently returned soldier, which sets in motion a series of tensions and emotional entanglements among these characters. The opening of "Big Laurel" introduces Bud Childers through his encounter with Roxie Kester at a mountain brook, establishing Bud's intense and possessive interest in Roxie and her cautious, spirited response. Soon after, Captain Allston arrives at the Howe family's summer bungalow following a car accident, bringing with him the worldview and restlessness of a man recently returned from war. The narrative shifts between the perspectives of Bud, Roxie, and Allston, revealing Bud's escalating obsession, Roxie's growing infatuation with her "fairy tale prince," and the burgeoning connection between Allston and Miss Wilmer Howe. Tensions rise when Bud, driven by jealousy and frustration, plots against Allston, but refrains from violence at the last moment upon witnessing a telling scene between Allston and Wilmer. The story’s opening lays a rich groundwork of interpersonal conflict, cultural contrast, and emotional undercurrents among the main characters in this insular mountain community. (This is an automatically generated summary.)