It took me almost halfway through the book to really get into it, but the payoff is pretty good.
Two sisters, orphaned and each cared for by a different relative, haven't spent much time together for years. But when Tracy, who's living a privileged life in her early 20's, is suddenly notified that she's received guardianship of her teenage sister Tina, along with inheriting a house in rural Massachussetts, the two of them decide to "run away" and live together by themselves in that remote place.
The year that follows is hard but satisfying, as they discover what they're capable of doing to make a living, how neighbors can surprise them long after first impressions are made, and how the contentment of a life that they build for themselves can slowly replace both the frustrations and transient pleasures of their old life.

Also, I did not catch on to the fact that this is the same author who wrote the Mrs. Pollifax books! Wow, that's neat. ( )

Orphaned sisters Tracy and Tina are reunited after six years, raised by different aunts. Their Uncle Ned has passed away and left them his house and land in the Berkshires. Tracy, 22, is old enough to become Tina's guardian, pulls her out of yet another boarding school and off to Greendale they go. We bounced into the story so quickly, I thought it may have been part of a series. But, the year is chronicled via the lovely seasons near a lake in the Berkshires and the girls change with them. Thanks to Mary for finding a few of these Dorothy Gilman Butters gems, written long before Mrs. Pollifax. ( )