In the mid-nineteenth century, in the mountains of North Carolina, Tom De Willoughby, huge, lazy and much loved by his neighbours, runs the store and post office at a remote crossroads. One day he takes in Sheba, a baby whose young mother has just died, and brings her up on his own.
Years later comes Rupert, Tom's nephew, poor and without family, hoping to win back the fortune the De Willoughbys lost in the Civil War. A warm and humorous story about the family we choose, by the author of “The Secret Garden”.
With its endearing characters, this novel is a pleasure to read in the language you are learning.



















