Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin 
The Old Peabody Pew 
A Christmas Romance of a Country Church

Kate Douglas Wiggin’s ‘The Old Peabody Pew’ is a charming and insightful novel set in a small New England town during the 19th century. The book focuses on the lives of the townspeople who gather regularly in the old Peabody Pew at the local church, sharing stories, gossip, and revelations. Wiggin’s writing style is marked by its gentle humor, vivid characterizations, and keen observations of human nature. The narrative unfolds through a series of interconnected stories that paint a rich portrait of community life and human relationships, making it a delightful and heartwarming read for fans of classic literature. The novel is part of the sentimental fiction genre popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, showcasing Wiggin’s talent for capturing the essence of small-town America in her storytelling.