Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen

However, readers who enjoy a more action-packed narrative might get impatient with this story, which reads like a long, leisurely hike through the woods. I like that sort of story if the writing is truly good enough to draw you in, and it certainly is in this case. It's what some people think of as a 'typical' Newbery (though there are plenty that break the mold): female protagonist, rich writing and character development, not a lot of plot. Are there still miracles on Maple Hill? Marly is about to find out.I enjoyed this book for a lot of reasons. They learn this, and many other useful things about country life, from their neighbor, Mr. Arriving in the early spring, Marly's family is introduced to the almost magical (but labor-intensive) process of collecting maple sap and converting it into syrup. Maybe at Maple Hill, where there is work to be done in the fresh country air, their family can come together and be as they once were. Her father came home from the war with deep psychological wounds, and life in their city apartment is not helping him recover. Now, Marly's mother has inherited the little house on Maple Hill, and Marly and her family are going to spend some time there - weekends, and then the summer - and Marly is hoping for a miracle. Marly's mother used to visit her grandmother on Maple Hill, where there was all the outdoors to play in, and where you might say that miracles happen.

Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen