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Cover of Where There's a Will

Where There's a Will

Written by Mary Roberts Rinehart

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Humorous storiesLove storiesDetective and mystery storiesMan-woman relationshipsHealth resortsImpersonation

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About this book

"Where There's a Will" by Mary Roberts Rinehart is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book revolves around the lives and relationships of the staff and guests at Hope Springs Sanatorium, particularly focusing on the spirited spring-house girl named Minnie Waters as she navigates intrigue, duty, and the unexpected arrival of a new owner. The opening of the story introduces us to Minnie as she reflects on her life at Hope Springs, where she has dedicated fourteen years to serving guests and tending to their needs. Following the death of the old doctor who managed the sanatorium, Minnie grapples with her responsibilities and the future of the place she considers home. Key players like Miss Patty Jennings, a frequent guest entangled in royal romance, and Mr. Richard Carter, the doctor's grandson who is expected to take charge of the establishment, begin to emerge. As excitement builds around new developments—including Miss Patty's engagement and intriguing secrets in the air—the stage is set for a mix of drama and humor, showcasing Minnie's bold personality and her connections to the unfolding storylines.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Where There's a Will, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • humorous
  • mysterious
  • romantic

Mary Roberts Rinehart's "Where There's a Will" is an early 20th-century novel centered on the spirited Minnie Waters, a dedicated spring-house girl at Hope Springs Sanatorium. Following the death of the old doctor, Minnie navigates the future of her beloved home amidst the arrival of the new owner, Mr. Richard Carter, and the dramatic romantic entanglements of a frequent guest, Miss Patty Jennings. The story unfolds with a blend of humor, mystery, and budding romance, as Minnie's bold personality and deep connection to the sanatorium's secrets prove crucial to its destiny. It explores themes of duty, belonging, and class distinctions within a charming, albeit intrigue-filled, setting.

“Fourteen years I've given to these springs, and they've given me back more than just a living. They've given me a home.”

Key themes

Duty and Loyalty
The theme of duty and loyalty is central, primarily explored through Minnie Waters' unwavering dedication to Hope Springs Sanatorium. Her fourteen years of service have instilled in her a deep sense of responsibility for the place and its guests, going far beyond her job description. This theme also touches on the duty of ownership, as Richard Carter grapples with his inheritance.
The Meaning of Home
For Minnie, Hope Springs is more than a workplace; it is her home. This theme explores what constitutes a home – not just a physical dwelling, but a place of belonging, purpose, and emotional investment. The uncertainty surrounding the sanatorium's future directly threatens Minnie's sense of security and identity.
Independence and Agency
Minnie Waters embodies a strong sense of independence and agency, particularly for a female character in the early 20th century. Despite her role as a servant, she is not passive; she actively shapes her environment and influences the outcomes of events. This theme celebrates individual will and the power to determine one's own path.

Worth discussing

How does Minnie Waters embody the theme of 'home' and belonging? How does her definition of home evolve throughout the story?

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