Review by: Patience in Murray, IA 
In this fifth book in the Ester Reid Series, we again meet characters from the first, second, and third books, including Abbie Reid (Sayles), Julia Reid (Douglass), Dr. Douglass, Dell Bronson, and Mr. Tresevant. Wise and Otherwise is a self-searching book, realizing that we cannot have both Christ and self. “How long halt ye between two opinions?” cried Elijah. The newly established pastor of a local church, Mr. Tresevant (from The King’s Daughter) is a prideful self-centered man who is blind to the problems of others. Abbie and Julia from previous books, try to help and pray for their new minister and his wife. Difficult times come, but God has a plan for them. When the pastor finally commits himself to Christ, everything changes for the better. A story of happiness and sadness, and a true treasure to read. It taught me to not concentrate on self so much, but on Jesus. I was blessed and challenged, and I recommend this stirring story to all adults and teens. Rated five stars!
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Review by: Amy in Columbus, OH 
If I could give this book 10 stars I would! This is an excellent Alden book. I learned so many things from this story that I would say it has been life changing. The character Abbie is an amazing, spiritually mature example for Christian ladies. She puts out fires of gossip, tries to think the best of others, turns to prayer, and is a peacemaker. It would be helpful to read Ester Reid and Julia Reid first, but not necessary. You will want to read The King's Daughter first to learn about Dell and Mr. Tresevant.
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Review by: Emily in Wamego, KS 
Here again we meet Dell Bronsen, the Douglass', the Sayles' and the Tresevants'. The lives of these people are full of the unexpected, as they look up to Christ to realize things they had not before. Dell at last understands her goal and purpose to a higher degree, but it is not her goal. Mr. Tresevant has not yet changed, he is the same proud person he was before, to an even larger extent. Self is continually in his way, what will it take for him to realize it? Abbie and Julia (you will be glad to see them again!) are now walking along in ther homemaking cares, plus they have to "show their colors" in the new trials awaiting them. How will they grow? Dell gets a problem--and takes it in stride--in a surprising way. Even if she is considered odd, because she is so used to being considered so, what does it matter what the world thinks of us? Christ is out guide, not the society. Jim alse reappears, continually growing in Jesus, even though he continually thinks he has made "a muddle"! Are there truly 'failures' in Christ? You will enjoy and benefit from this group of believers, each one on a different level following the same Master, or getting entirely under his guidance.
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