The Secret of the Storm Country

"The Secret of the Storm Country" by Grace Miller White is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Tessibel, a squatter girl who navigates her life in the rough environment of Cayuga Lake, facing both societal prejudices and personal challenges. Central themes include loyalty, love, and the quest for a better life amidst hardship, illustrated through Tess's relationship with her father, Orn Skinner, and the looming threat posed by characters like Ebenezer Waldstricker. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the lives of the squatter folk living by Cayuga Lake, particularly focusing on Tessibel and her father as they adjust to life after Orn's release from prison. The narrative vividly paints the setting, showcasing the struggles and dynamics within the squatter community. As Tessibel embraces her responsibilities and dreams while dealing with external threats, including unwanted advances from a local man and complications arising from her father's past, the reader gets a sense of her determination to protect those she loves, particularly as she contemplates a future intertwined with her burgeoning feelings for Frederick Graves. The tension sets the stage for a larger conflict that will unfold as the story progresses. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Grace Miller White (1868–1957) was an American writer. She began her writing career novelizing plays, before turning her hand to novels in 1909. Several of her books were adapted for the big screen, most notably Tess of the Storm Country, which was filmed on four occasions between 1914 and 1960. She adopted the name Grace around 1897, in memory of a younger sister who had died before reaching her first birthday.