By Joseph C. Lincloln. Introduction by Colin Heston.

Cap’n Dan’s Daughter* by Joseph C. Lincoln is a heartwarming and humorous novel set in the fictional Cape Cod town of Trumet. The story follows Captain Dan Dott, a retired sea captain who now runs a struggling dry goods store, and his family, particularly his ambitious wife Serena and their clever daughter Gertrude. Captain Dan is a simple, good-natured man who finds himself increasingly overwhelmed by the pressures of domestic life and the social aspirations of his wife, who is determined to elevate the family’s status in the community. Serena’s ambitions are fueled when the family receives news of an inheritance from a wealthy relative, which she sees as their ticket to a more refined and prominent lifestyle.

As Serena pushes the family into a more genteel social circle, she becomes increasingly controlling and obsessed with appearances, dragging Captain Dan along with her plans despite his discomfort. Gertrude, however, sees through the pretensions and recognizes the strain it places on her father. She devises a clever plan to gently undermine her mother’s social climbing and restore a sense of balance and authenticity to their lives. Her scheme, while well-intentioned, nearly backfires, leading to a series of misunderstandings and comic situations that test the family’s unity and resilience.

Throughout the novel, Lincoln’s affection for Cape Cod and its people shines through. He populates the story with colorful local characters and infuses the narrative with regional dialect, humor, and a deep sense of place. The novel explores themes of family loyalty, the tension between tradition and change, and the importance of staying true to oneself. In the end, the Dott family comes to a deeper understanding of what truly matters, finding contentment not in wealth or social standing, but in love, honesty, and the enduring bonds of family.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 222p.

By Joseph C. Lincoln . Designed and Edited by Colin Heston.

*Cape Cod Stories* by Joseph C. Lincoln is a charming collection of short stories that vividly captures the spirit, humor, and character of life in small-town Cape Cod at the turn of the 20th century. The stories are narrated by a local character, often Cap’n Jonadab or his friend, and revolve around the fictional town of East Wellmouth, a stand-in for the many quaint villages that dot the Cape. Each tale is steeped in the dialect, customs, and eccentricities of the region, offering a nostalgic and affectionate portrayal of New England coastal life. The collection includes stories such as “Two Pairs of Shoes,” “The Count and the Manager,” “The South Shore Weather Bureau,” “The Dog Star,” “The Mare and the Motor,” “The Mark on the Door,” “The Love of Lobelia ’Ankins,” “The Meanness of Rosy,” “The Antiquers,” “His Native Heath,” and “Jonesy.” These stories often center on humorous misunderstandings, romantic entanglements, and the clash between tradition and modernity. For example, in “The Mare and the Motor,” the arrival of a newfangled automobile causes a stir in the community, leading to a series of comic events that highlight the tension between old ways and new technologies. In “The Count and the Manager,” a visiting European nobleman becomes entangled in local affairs, revealing both the pretensions and the down-to-earth wisdom of the Cape Codders. Lincoln’s characters are often crusty but kind-hearted, with a deep sense of community and a wry sense of humor. The stories are rich in local color, with detailed descriptions of the landscape, the sea, and the rhythms of daily life. Lincoln’s prose is warm and engaging, drawing readers into a world where values like honesty, hard work, and neighborliness prevail. While the stories are light-hearted and often comedic, they also reflect deeper themes of change, identity, and the enduring strength of community bonds. Through these tales, Lincoln preserves a way of life that was already beginning to fade, offering readers both entertainment and a poignant reminder of the past.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. p.144.

By Joseph Crosby Lincoln. Edited with an Introduction by Introduction by Colin Heston

The Big Mogul is a warm, character-driven novel set in a small New England town, where the rhythms of coastal life and the intricacies of human relationships unfold with gentle humor and emotional depth. The story centers on Foster Townsend, a wealthy, proud, and somewhat cantankerous man who is grappling with the loneliness that has settled over his life following the death of his beloved wife. His grand mansion, once filled with warmth and companionship, now feels hollow and cold. In an effort to fill this emotional void, he considers inviting his estranged niece, Esther, to live with him. Esther, who has been raised by her aunt Reliance after the death of her parents, represents a potential new beginning for Foster, though he is unsure how to bridge the emotional distance between them.

As the narrative unfolds, the novel explores the evolving relationship between Foster and Esther, marked by moments of awkwardness, affection, and gradual understanding. Their interactions are shaped by Foster’s brusque demeanor and Esther’s quiet resilience, and the story gently reveals how both characters begin to heal and grow through their connection. The novel also delves into the broader community dynamics of the town, where long-standing feuds, gossip, and the quirks of small-town life add texture and humor to the story. A subplot involving young love between members of two feuding families adds a layer of romantic tension and serves as a counterpoint to the more mature emotional journey of Foster and Esther.

Lincoln’s writing is imbued with a nostalgic affection for Cape Cod and its people, and he paints his characters with a blend of realism and idealism that makes them both believable and endearing. The novel resists the darker currents of contemporary naturalist literature, instead offering a comforting vision of human decency, reconciliation, and the possibility of renewal. Through its gentle pacing and focus on character over plot, The Big Mogul invites readers to reflect on the importance of family, the pain of loss, and the quiet joys of rediscovered connection.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. p.261p.