Sadie Whitaker lives in Echo Creek and her father Jacob has remarried, but his wife Rachel, who at first was kind and sympathetic, has become so grieved by not conceiving a baby, that she has taken to turning her temper on Sadie. We may think Sadie is too saintly and obedient, but she is still a teen and just wants a quiet life, if one that's full of washing and cooking. Oh, and young people's picnics, singing, and get- togethers of course. Rachel resents Sadie's youth and freedom. Jacob is in an unenviable position, having to be supportive of his wife but loyal to his daughter. We know two women can't work in one kitchen. Maybe it really would be best if Sadie married. There's a widower Rachel knows, with nine kinner under thirteen...

The factors from the Snow White tale are present; a mirror, something not always found in Amish households, a poisoning by apple, and best of all the seven brothers with dwarfism living in the woods. During early chapters, we also meet other town residents and hear the latest gossip; who's getting married to a recluse, who wants to start an organic dairy enterprise, who has a stepmother who makes her work in the grocery store while her stepsisters take it easy. I enjoyed every page, and we get some gorgeous nature descriptions as young Sadie loves the natural environment on the farm. Romance is certainly a big factor as the inexperienced Sadie is flattered by the attention, comparing the men who have different reasons for considering wedding her. I'm delighted that she grows and becomes more self- determined.

I can guess which fairytale will be the subject of Sarah Price's next work, and let's say it involves red. Who knows where this will go? Pick up any of the books so far and enjoy visiting Echo Creek, where there are sometimes worse things than wolves lurking... but not in the woods. SADIE is tremendous fun.

Book Summary