
A cozy winter evening unfolds in a bustling household where the scent of hot molasses tea fills the air and laughter echoes off the stairs. The story introduces a lively cast of children—twins, a spirited brother, and a tiny baby—each eager for the simple comforts of warmth and sweet treats. Their mother, ever attentive, orchestrates the chaos with gentle humor, turning ordinary moments into cherished family rituals.
Amid this domestic charm, the narrative turns to the daughter of a prosperous family, whose world is shaped by both privilege and expectation. As February approaches, she and her siblings prepare handmade valentines for the town’s beloved doctor, hinting at budding friendships and the subtle pressures of social standing. The opening invites listeners into a tender portrait of childhood innocence, familial love, and the quiet stirrings of a young heart learning what it means to belong.
Language
en
Duration
~8 hours (473K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
Sep 4, 2012
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1855–1938
A New England writer and educator, she moved easily between children’s stories, translations of German verse, and popular novels. Her best-known book, The Wood-Carver of ’Lympus, helped keep her name alive long after its first readers discovered it.
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