DECEMBER BRIDE

A sparse, slow growing thorn bush of domestic crises sprouting on somewhat acrid Gaelic earth. When Sarah Gomartin, a cool, determined lass, arrived with her widowed mother to work on the Echlin farm, she felt she had found a home under the protection of old Andrew and his two sons, -- strong and hard-working Hamilton, and gay Frank. After the death of Andrew, however, Sarah finds herself under pressure from her mother and Rev, Sorleynon to leave the undesirable situation caused by her unmarried state. But Sarah remains in the home she loves, and eventually becomes the mother of two Echlin , refusing to marry ""simply to make everything smooth from the outside"". Sarah's decision brings-through the years-misery to some, strength to others, and antagonism from the village. Yet Sarah, for the make of her grown daughter is married at last to Hamilton by Sorleyson's son-in a ceremony of lifeless mockery. Deep country soil but no dirt.