I found this fair-condition trade paperback at the local library book sale. Some of the stories were the basis for the charming 1956 film starring Gary Cooper.

The tales center around the Birdwell family, devout (mostly) Quakers living on a farm in a rural community during the mid-1800s. Husband Jess sometimes finds his faith tested by a yearning to drive a fast horse (and rub his neighbor's nose in it by beating him handily on the way to church!). Some of the stories touch on domestic issues, others on much larger ones - especially when the war draws near and the family's oldest son Josh wants to fight. There are romantic complications as well, and a lovely mix of sweet and bittersweet (and some hilarious) incidents.

One of my favorite stories is one that wasn't included in the film adaptation, "Homer and the Lilies"; it takes place very late in the life of Jess, and deals with an orphan he encounters. I won't go into detail, but have some tissues handy...

This book's going into my Based on the Book bookbox, with this book serving as the bookbox journal. The box will be on the way to the first participant soon. Enjoy!

Part of the "Based on the Book" bookbox that is travelling around the States.

To be released as part of the "Based on the Book" bookbox. Sending it off!

I'll be keeping this one.