Donna Kae Nelson

Retired Episcopalian priest Father Tim, a man who has never really worked with his hands, receives a true Christmas blessing when he decides to purchase and restore an antique plaster creche as a surprise for his wife.

Thousands of readers have come home to Mitford, the little town with the big heart, whose endearing and eccentric residents have become like family members. But now change is coming to the hamlet. Father Tim, the Episcopal rector, and his wife Cynthia are pondering retirement; a brash new mayoral candidate is calling for aggressive development; a suspicious realtor with plans for a health spa is eyeing the beloved house on the hill; and, worst of...

Four girl cousins spend summer vacation together with their grandmother on Gull Island.

Ever since her family moved to Aunt Sally's farm, Tooter's known that farm life is definitely not for her. There's no pizzeria  for miles, her nearest neighbor is a dumb boy, and even her own pet chicken hates her! So Tooter decides to show everyone what she's made of by winning the blue ribbon at the County Fair's goat show. Now all she has to do is keep her little brother—and his paint brush—away from her prize goat!