The novel revolves around the life of a young woman who returns to her family's estate after being away for several years. She finds herself at odds with her brother, who has taken over the management of the estate and is determined to modernize it. As she navigates her complicated relationships with her family members, she also becomes embroiled in a romance with a local man who is considered unsuitable by her family's standards. Throughout the novel, themes of class, social status, and personal identity are explored as the protagonist struggles to find her place within her family and society.
By Kate Douglas Wiggin · First published 1888 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Romance, Coming-of-Age