The Dorrance Domain

"The Dorrance Domain" by Carolyn Wells is a heartwarming story from the early 1900s about the Dorrance family, especially four energetic siblings—Dorothy, Lilian, Leicester, and Fairy—who leave their small boarding-house in New York City for their very own hotel, The Dorrance Domain, by a New Jersey lake. The book tells of their escapades and the difficulties they face while settling into their new home and managing the hotel, starting with the kids' unhappiness with life in the boarding house and their longing for independence. Dorothy, full of ideas, suggests they spend the summer at their hotel, which they fondly call "Our Domain," and the family is swept up in excitement as they plan their move, get to know their friendly but unusual neighbor Mr. Hickox, and look forward to their first homemade dinner in their new place, setting a positive tone that mixes family bonds with themes of discovery and the happiness of childhood.