A quintessential American heroine, Eliza Birdwell is a wonderful blend of would-be austerity, practicality, and gentle humor when it comes to keeping her faith and caring for her family and community. Her husband, Jess, shares Eliza's love of people and peaceful ways but, unlike Eliza, also displays a fondness for a fast horse and a lively tune. With their children, they must negotiate their way through a world that constantly confronts them-sometimes with candor, sometimes with violence-and tests the strength of their beliefs. Whether it's a gift parcel arriving on their doorstep or Confederate soldiers approaching their land, the Birdwells embrace life with emotion, conviction, and a love for one another that seems to conquer all.--Back cover.

Includes reading group guide.

Music on the Muscatatuck -- Shivaree before breakfast -- The pacing goose -- Lead her like a pigeon -- The battle of Finney's Ford -- The buried leaf -- A likely exchange -- First day finish -- Yes, we'll gather at the river -- The meeting house -- The vase -- The illumination -- Picture from a clapboard house -- Homer and the lilies.