The Outdoor Girls at the Hostess House

The Outdoor Girls at the Hostess House by Laura Lee Hope is a captivating tale of friendship adventure and mystery set against the backdrop of World War I. The story follows the Outdoor Girls-Betty Nelson Grace Ford Mollie Billette and Amy Blackford-who are volunteering at a Hostess House near Camp Liberty a place designed to provide comfort and hospitality to soldiers and their families. The narrative begins with the girls enjoying a drive when they encounter a tragic accident involving a little old woman Mrs. Sanderson who is knocked down by a reckless motorcyclist. The girls demonstrating their characteristic compassion and resourcefulness take her to the Hostess House to recover. As they care for Mrs. Sanderson they learn about her poignant past including the mysterious disappearance of her son Willie who ran away years ago after being falsely accused of arson. The girls are determined to help her find closure and they become amateur detectives hoping to solve the mystery of Willie's whereabouts. Meanwhile the girls balance their duties at the Hostess House with their personal lives including their relationships with the boys from Deepdale who are training at the camp. The story is rich with themes of loyalty bravery and the impact of war on personal lives. The girls' interactions with the soldiers and their families highlight the emotional toll of the war and the importance of support and camaraderie. As the narrative unfolds the girls' determination to find the motorcyclist and help Mrs. Sanderson adds an element of suspense and intrigue making this a compelling read for those who enjoy a blend of adventure and heartfelt storytelling.