The Randolph family is in an uproar. They may be one of the oldest and most genteel families in town, but they're as poor as church mice! The bills keep coming in and there's no money to pay them.

Their change in circumstance is particularly hard on Helen, the oldest, who longs for riches, wealth and stature. She remembers how elegantly they used to live and she bitterly resents having to count pennies.

Second daughter Ermina is just as happy as she ever was . . . as long as no one asks her to do anything or take any responsibility for restoring the family fortunes.

Nineteen-year-old Tom would like to help out, but the job he takes in town only adds to the family's shame.

Sweet Grace is ill-equipped to go out in the world and earn a living; and since she never learned any domestic skills, she's hopeless in the kitchen.

It's up to Maria, the youngest Randolph,to take matters in hand. She'll run the household, manage the kitchen and pay the bills. Maria isn't afraid of hard work, and she's proud of being the steady, practical member of the family to whom everyone turns for help. But Maria's pride and self-reliance may just be her downfall unless she learns to rely on God's strength instead of her own.

This two-book set includes reading group discussion questions, a biography of the author, and an introduction to Isabella Alden's books by Christian author Jenny Berlin.