This one's for the ladies and they could be any age (along the lines of her much earlier Summer of Pride) and it's a guilelessly comfortable story on the right side of sentiment hitched to believability -- all taking place in the late '30's on an isolated ranch in Montana. Which Carrie and Thomas Russell, over the hill and down a piece, are determined to keep. Even if their efficiently irritating daughter thinks they should sell it. And even when Thelma, the cook, decides not to stay after Maryalyse arrives as the second girl. With a baby. Without a father. But then there's Bud who chores for the Russells and it's easy to see where this is going -- just the way you'll want it to during this homestretch just before ""the dark draws in."" It's all very nice and natural, natural and nice.