Henry van Dyke 
The Ruling Passion: Tales of Nature and Human Nature 

A collection of stories by the American clergyman, educator, and author. In this book, Van Dyke wants to tell about ruling passions from the perspective of characters who are chosen for the most part among plain people, because their feelings are expressed with fewer words and greater truth, not being costumed for social effect. The scene is laid on Nature’s stage because he likes to be out-of-doors. 

This is a jauntily written and charming collection of short stories, anecdotal in nature, primarily concerning the lives and adventures of various rural French Canadians near the close of the 19th century. Although the stories nearly all end with the obligatory Victorian Era happy ending, they are rarely the ending you are expecting, which makes for a very satisfying reading experience. This is the perfect book to pick up in the morning and read one story over a cup of coffee before commencing your day. 

Contents: A Lover of Music; The Reward of Virtue; A Brave Heart; The Gentle Life; A Friend of Justice; The White Blot; A Year of Nobility; and The Keeper of the Light.