'Ruth Fielding of the Red Mill' Summary

Ruth Fielding, recently orphaned, is sent to live with her estranged Uncle Jabez at the Red Mill in Cheslow, New York. She finds the mill a stark contrast to her former life, but her cheerful disposition quickly draws her to the children of a prosperous merchant family. She befriends them, but their lives are very different from her own. Ruth struggles to adjust to her new life, finding Uncle Jabez's strictness difficult to handle, and encountering conflict with a haughty girl named Clara. She also experiences the challenges of a new town and a new school, forging a connection with a young man named Fred, who offers a comforting presence. Ruth's determination and courage shine through as she navigates the complexities of her new life, facing challenges with grace and resilience. The book follows Ruth as she grapples with her newfound independence and the importance of family, friendship, and true character, setting the stage for her future adventures in the subsequent books of the series.