Gladys Hasty Carroll (1904–1999)

This is the story of Molly and Brad Hartwell. Molly was an orphan girl, raised by a tyrannical stern aunt and uncle who did not want her. At 19, she left home and married Brad Hartwell, a 21 yr old fish trader she knew only by sight.

They married with no real knowledge of one another, Molly was just that desperate to leave a terrible home life. The story of how they grew together, and became a force for good in their rural community is a special tale.

I love this book for its insight into show more the dynamics of rural pious life, and the colourful characters that people the book. show less

Found this book in an antique store in Utah. Once I picked it up, I couldn't wait to get to the next chapter. This is an endearing story that is an easy read, and full of powerful images of life in a farming community. Jen, the main character is easy to love. Through her eyes she weaves an intimate look inside her family, sometimes tough, but always the bond of love.

A Maine woman I know reads this novel every year. That's high praise, so I decided to what the allure was. The title sounds like a soap opera, but the novel is about the seasons of the year in a rural Maine community, not far from Berwick. It describes a way of life that is fast disappearing. It's like living in the world my grandfather described. After reading this book I sometimes feel like baking cookies, cleaning the attic, braiding a rug, and tending plants (indoors and out)!

Very enjoyable stories by a long-popular author, written between 1929 and 1968.