Her first story printed in book form was The Esselstynes, which was published in 1877 as part of the "Mother's Boys and Girls Library" by D. Lothrop & Company.

This illustrated allegory of a Chautauqua gathering held by the flowers, tree, and animals was published in time to be offered for sale that summer and brought enough earnings to take the family there.

During and after her failed ten-year marriage to second husband Flavius Josephus Lutz, a church organist 15 years her junior, she continued to write to support her children and mother.

Although many of her earlier novels were specifically intended to proselytize, Hill's publishers frequently removed overt references to religious themes.

After her publishers realized the popularity of her books, references to religious topics were allowed to remain, although she later modified her writing style to appeal to a more secular audience.