When things take a turn for the worse in the lives of the Jacksons, their livelihood on their Washington farm is threatened, and their family bonds are tested. This book continues the adventures of the intrepid heroine of the Newbery Honor Book Our Only May Amelia, and I have to say I loved just about everything about this book. I laughed, I cried, I reflected, I identified, but most of all, I admired the spirit of May Amelia who somehow finds a way to lighten heavy moments and savor the joyful ones. The author made me feel as though I knew her heroine and cared about her family deeply. This book is filled with lyrical language and descripions of unforgettable neighbors, real folks just trying to survive in a rainy rural area in 1900. This one must be read and read again just for the sheer pleasure of coming to know May Amelia and marveling at Jennifer Holm's ability to spin a tale.