AR: 3.4

Anna and Caleb have had no mother for 6 years, as theirs died the day after Caleb was born. When their father decides to place an advertisement for a wife and mother, Sarah Wheaton answers it, coming from her home in Maine to visit the Whittings in Kansas to see if they're a good fit.

I remember watching the movies with Christopher Walken and Glen Close when I was younger and liking them. I was surprised to see how short the book is, and I wondered how much depth it could really have. When my daughter read it recently and pushed me to read it too, so we could then watch the movie together, I was really glad I did. For being so short, it's very charming and sweet. Because it's so short, there is little in the way of character development, but I still felt like I got a good enough feel for them.

As the kids grew more and more attached to Sarah, Anna worried that she wouldn't stay, and Caleb kept looking for clues that she would. I loved how he'd say things like, "Sarah said 'later.' That means she'll stay." The worry about her missing the sea too much to stay, and the culmination of that along with Caleb hoping she'd bring the sea with her from Maine, made for a great ending to the book. I loved it and look forward to reading the next book. ( )

Independent Reading Level: 3rd Grade
Awards/Honors: Newbery Medal ( )

a 20th Century Novel about the hardships and loneliness of living in rural America during that time period. The Witting's are the family that is highlighted in this story. Jacob, the father in the story is sad at the loss of his wife during child birth. He creates an advertisement for a new wife to join him and his family on the farm. Sarah is the character in the story that answers the ad and the new adventures toward the Witting's to find a new wife and mother begin. This story is filled with many emotions from loss, anger, happiness, and peace of mind. I hope you all enjoy the beautiful story line in this novel.