Abbeychurch; Or, Self-Control and Self-Conceit

"Abbeychurch; Or, Self-Control and Self-Conceit" by Charlotte M. Yonge is a 19th-century novel following the Woodbourne sisters—Elizabeth, Helen, and Katherine—as they get ready for the opening of a new church in Abbeychurch, exploring what family means, personal duties, and what society expects through their interactions as the sisters handle their relationships and responsibilities during the church event. We meet the sisters at the beginning, each having different traits and ideas, and as they talk about getting the church ready, their different views stand out, especially between Katherine, who is practical and responsible, Helen, who thinks seriously, and Elizabeth, who is full of life. Their talks show how close they are as a family and the problems they have with relatives like Mrs. Hazleby, who might cause problems. The first parts set the stage for the upcoming celebrations while hinting at personal fights and pressure from society that will be looked at more in the story.