The Ranch Girls at Rainbow Lodge

"The Ranch Girls at Rainbow Lodge" by Margaret Vandercook is a tale that transports readers to the wide-open landscapes of Wyoming, where Jacqueline "Jack" Ralston and her sisters, Frieda and Jean, carve out a life of adventure on their family ranch. The story introduces Jacqueline as she becomes lost on the plains and has a less than ideal encounter with Dan Norton from the nearby ranch, and then a more pleasant one with Frank Kent, who is brand new to the area. These encounters quickly evolve into a complex storyline when the sisters rescue a young Indian girl, Olilie, from an angry old woman, which then changes the dynamics of the ranch. The novel weaves together themes of sisterhood, self-reliance, and overcoming adversity, set against an early 20th-century backdrop. The girls' strong bond is tested not only by the initial tension between them and the Nortons, but also by the challenges of integrating Olilie into their home and managing the ranch, which is presented in a spirited and engaging manner.