This is a good series (wish someone could take all 8 of these books and make them into a mini-series on TV). Each story just picks up right where the last one leaves off, so it is like reading one great big novel. It doesn't jump to years later either, as I just finished this story and not even a year has gone by from the end of book 1.

This story centers around little 5 year old Patty Ruth Cooper, the youngest in the Cooper family. It also introduces the McDermott family to you. Without spoiling the whole plot, let me just say that these two families will both undergo heartache and sorrow, but what keeps both families from falling completely apart is their faith and trust in their heavenly Father. I love how the whole town will come together in this story and help out the Cooper family. There are also side stories going on in this story, which keep you informed of what is going on in other people's lives that you have come to know and care about by reading this series.

This is a well written series, about life out West in the 1800's with a good look at the Indian situation, the weather, and the hard times folks had to endure to survive, but survivors they are and it continues to capture and hold my attention with each book I pick up to read. ( )