A timeless American classic rediscovered—an unforgettable saga of a heartland family
On a farm in western Missouri during the first half of the twentieth century, Matthew and Callie Soames create a life for themselves and raise four headstrong daughters. Jessica will break their hearts. Leonie will fall in love with the wrong man. Mary Jo will escape to New York. And wild child Mathy’s fate will … fate will be the family’s greatest tragedy. Over the decades they will love, deceive, comfort, forgive—and, ultimately, they will come to cherish all the more fiercely the bonds of love that hold the family together.
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This book is one of my all-time favourites. I’ve read and re-read it. It’s an older book and one of only two that this author wrote. I recommend it to everyone I talk to. The characters are fascinating and the story flows along like a slow, summer creek, well written, funny and sad all at once. A great book that stands the test of time.
A gentle, loving picture of a family. The structure supported the development of wonderful characters by allowing each full voice of thought and perspective. This was particularly true of the father who looked into his soul with utter clarity. There is a scene between him and his son-in-law that is laden with surprising love and respect. All in …
I read this book many years ago, in fact all my sisters and Mama read it, we all just loved it.
Good read about a family and their trials of life along with the better things in life.
I had never heard of this book before, and I don’t know why. A wonderful, character-driving novel about family–and how much we don’t know about the people who are the most important to us in the world.
Very thought provoking!
I read this book when I was much younger, and I have thought of it often through the years — especially the sister who always takes time at the last minute to make cookies or do something else that makes everyone late. Really sweet characters. I was delighted when you offered it.
This is classic I’ve enjoyed many times!
I loved the simple and honest style of writing.
I enjoyed the characters and the setting that portrayed the life of that time period. The story line lagged at times.
One of my all time favorite books!
Every family deals with one or more of the same things covered in the story.
Excellent good old-fashioned read.
Loved it!!!
It was difficult to separate all the characters until I got into the story. Ending was a surprise.
Couldn’t put it down. I will read it again.
I first read this book when I was a young teenager in the 1960’s. It is a story that stuck with me and I have read it twice more. The characters are all well written, very relatable. It is a story of family, changing times, hardships and blessings.
Not sure what I expected, but I didn’t get it with this book. Drawn out tale of a families everyday life.
Took you back to simpliar days. Warm-hearted.
Realistic characters in the story of the women in one poor family in rural Missouri. Though neither action-packed nor a mystery, it weaves through the lives of daughters and mother. Narration is excellent. If you are in a laid-back mood, this is the perfect read.