'Mothering on Perilous' Summary

In the rugged beauty of the Kentucky mountains, Cecelia Loring, an orphan seeking a fresh start, finds herself appointed as housemother at a remote school. Her new charges, a group of spirited boys, are consumed by longing for their families and the familiar comforts of home. Nucky, burdened with the responsibility of keeping watch for their rivals, the Cheevers, embodies the weight of this homesickness. Cecelia, grappling with her own grief over her mother's death, must find a way to create a sense of belonging for these troubled boys. As she navigates the challenges of mountain life and the complexities of their emotional needs, she discovers a surprising path to healing both theirs and her own broken heart. Through her experiences, the novel paints a poignant portrait of the beauty and hardship of Appalachian life, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.