
PREFACE.
CHAPTER I. ’LENA.
CHAPTER II. JOHN.
CHAPTER III. PACKING UP.
CHAPTER IV. ON THE ROAD.
CHAPTER V. MAPLE GROVE.
CHAPTER VI. THE ARRIVAL.
CHAPTER VII. MALCOLM EVERETT.
CHAPTER VIII. SCHEMING.
CHAPTER IX. FIVE YEARS LATER.
A fierce winter storm has blanketed the quiet New England village of Oakland, turning its winding roads into impassable drifts and silencing daily life. When the snow finally thaws, the townsfolk set out on a creaking ox‑sled to check on their neighbors, the elderly Nichols family, whose humble farmhouse clings to the hillside. Inside, a solitary candle flickers behind drawn‑back curtains, hinting that someone—perhaps a stranger or a hidden guest—has taken refuge there.
Among the hardy villagers is Lena, a striking young woman whose fierce spirit and striking beauty set her apart in this close‑knit community. As she navigates the customs of her rugged surroundings, Lena becomes entangled in the lives of those around her, from the steadfast Grandparents Nichols to the enigmatic John, a man whose past and ambitions raise whispered questions. The story weaves together themes of loyalty, identity, and the pull of love against a backdrop of snow‑covered hills and lingering secrets, inviting listeners to follow Lena’s journey as she discovers where heart and heritage truly belong.
Language
en
Duration
~11 hours (689K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2004-07-07
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1825–1907
A hugely popular 19th-century novelist, she wrote emotional, fast-moving stories about family life, love, loss, and moral choices that connected with a wide American audience. In her lifetime, her books sold in remarkable numbers, making her one of the best-known women writers of her era.
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