I spent 2+ months reading my last book, and i needed a quick read to get me back into the swing of things, and this little number showed up at a local book seller and it was set here in Maine (my home) and i thought that there was little to lose. Basically a children's book, it is a delightfully sappy little tale of an older Maine couple agreeing to host 3 youngsters from Boston on their rural farm for 2 weeks in the summer to give them a new experience. Ages 12 down to 8....1 girl, 2 boys......and the book tells of the preparations, the expectations (all incorrect), and the time spent, including an exciting night where the youngest guest was willing to step up and commit a heroic act of selflessness. Of course, the children were not nearly as taxing as the local boy hired to look after the guests.....very dated, a little silly, certainly a bit sweet, and definitely a quick read! Of course, being from another time (1895), there are references to 'boys shouldn't be bossed around by the girl,' (but the loser of the book thought that and no one else agreed), and the one boy is disabled and referred to as 'the cripple'(!!!), (but he was the most loved by all), but I can look at such as a healthy reminder as to how far we have come..... and in the end, all works out for the better for everyone.....which is my takeaway. I just discovered this author was remarkably prolific and seemingly wrote a gazillion books geared for children, many involved at famous historic events......and there is a sequel to this!! Now.....to find it..... ( )