I found this book surprising, though I don't know why. There were times when I was startled. Like when the central character was expected to leave the best of everything for her brothers despite the fact that she had made the meal. I thought it was wonderful that she was able to get some insight into who her mother really was. A good story, certainly kept me turning the pages. I liked the author's message about what really makes a home. ( )

When Mandy Perritt's mother nearly dies giving birth to her baby brother, Mandy is forced to five up going to school. Since her mother is so ill, Mandy has to take care of the new baby and cook, clean, and keep house for the rest of her family.

Set in backwoods Kentucky, this story is a good example of what men's and women's roles once were in a family. After her mother almost dies in childbirth, thirteen-year-old Mandy must leave the thing she loves most, school, and stay home to take care of the household chores, and her family which consisted of her parents, two older brothers, two younger sisters and her newborn baby brother. The added responsibility takes its toll on Mandy's patience to the point where she throws a family heirloom tureen when she is told she must wait for the men to eat before she can have more. Eventually, as a reward for her hard work , Mandy gets to spend Christmas with her grandparents in the big city of Memphis. It is in Memphis that she really begins to appreciate her family and what they have gone through. Mandy matures throughout the story and discovers that her family has a lot of buried secrets and resentments which they must overcome in order to heal.
I enjoyed the book but feel that the title does not fit the story. Maybe there is some underlying meaning or message that I failed to get. A little outdated but I would still recommend it to those who like a touch of nostalgia. ( )