From "The Rosewood Casket" ~ With their father on his deathbed, the four grownup Stargill brothers gather on the old homeplace, and discuss selling the farm. Clayt, the youngest, doesn't want to.

    "This land has the look of winter yet. That's why you can talk so easy about giving up this land. Three weeks from now, those words would stick in your throat. You've forgotten, haven't you, what it's like here in late spring? So beautiful it takes your breath away. 

    "The lilac bushes reach almost to the second floor window by now... The maples will be leafed out on the hills. You can see ridge after ridge from here-- all the way to North Carolina. The stream will be ready for trout-fishing,and the blackberries will be gearing up for summer.

    "At twilight fawns come out to play under the trees in the meadow. You couldn't give it up if you remembered."

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"Grave, poignant, and altogether magical. " ~ Kirkus Reviews