First published in 1918 ‘Patty-Bride’ is set against the backdrop of WWI. Now engaged, the threat of young men being sent overseas as part of the war effort has dampened the joy of her engagement, and Patty and her friends are fearful of the threat spies pose to them. There is still fun to be had though, and Patty has her first eventful ride in an airplane. A captivating episode in Patty’s life from Carolyn Well’s hugely popular ‘Patty Fairfield’ series of children’s books.

Carolyn Wells (1862-1942) was a prolific American novelist and poet, best known for her children’s literature, mystery novels and humorous verse. Following school in New Jersey, Wells worked as a librarian, where she developed her love of reading. It was during 1896 that Wells' first book ‘At the Sign of the Sphinx’ was published. From 1900 she dedicated herself to her literary career, writing over 170 novels in total across a range of genres. Some of her most loved works include the ‘Patty Fairfield’ and ‘Marjorie Maynard’ series for girls, as well as the ‘Fleming Stone’ mystery series for adults. Wells is also well-known for her humorous nonsense verse, and was a frequent contributor of verse to magazines. She published an autobiography ‘The Rest of my Life’ in 1937. Wells died in New York City in 1942.