This debut novel of June O'Donal - set in early colonial Fryeburg - breathes real life into values, faith and work. It is the touching story of a homesteading family built around warmth, passion and acceptance as they lose a child to illness and take another child into their home. The writer clearly loves history and weaves a deep, tender and insightful story - never losing touch with the absolute duty of hard work and discipline. Ms. O'Donal has superbly done her research: from the work in the home to the work of the farm. She takes you into the daily life of the home and makes you feel that you are sitting at the family table. You are able to observe characters change and grow as they define lessons learned from daily hardship and struggle. The writer has drawn the personalities of her characters so deeply, that the reader develops a profound sense of intimacy, affection and understanding. This book is for anyone who loves to read about early colonial times. It is truly a window on the early history of Fryeburg, Maine and how life used to be. I look forward to Book II. Emily Fletcher Librarian Fryeburg Public Library Why did God allow this to happen? How do you learn to trust God again when He has taken away the most precious thing in your life? These are the questions Benjamin Miller and Grace Peabody must answer for themselves in this family friendly historical novel.
