
In the rolling plains of a western ranch, the Ralston family gathers as the sun dips toward the horizon, their lives a swirl of horses, rivalry, and homecoming. Jack Ralston, a headstrong rider fresh from a European trip, sparks both admiration and irritation among the ranch hands, especially the proud but jealous Carlos. Meanwhile, Ruth Colter delivers a delicate pink‑and‑white bundle—a newborn infant—signaling new responsibilities and fresh hopes for the close‑knit community.
The tension between Jack’s daring spirit and the more measured Frieda creates a lively backdrop for the daily challenges of ranch work and youthful ambition. As friends and family debate who will tend the horses and who will guide the newest member of the household, listeners are drawn into a world of open skies, spirited competitions, and the bonds that hold a frontier family together. The story promises humor, heartfelt moments, and a glimpse of the rugged yet tender life on the ranch.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (273K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Emmy and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2011-01-12
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1876–1958
Best known for lively girls’ adventure series, this American children’s writer filled her books with travel, friendship, and wartime service. Her stories helped shape early 20th-century popular fiction for young readers, especially the Camp Fire Girls, Ranch Girls, Red Cross Girls, and Girl Scouts books.
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