Ruth Erskine's Crosses

"Ruth Erskine's Crosses" by Pansy is a tale from the late 1800s that tells of Ruth Erskine, whose world is turned upside down when her father, Judge Erskine, gets married again, adding a new wife and a sister to their family. The story focuses on how Ruth deals with her anger, obligations, and the complicated relationships in her new family as she struggles with the emotional burden of what has happened in her life. The book starts with Ruth waiting nervously to meet her new mother and sister, showing her mixed feelings and sadness about her father’s choices that shake up her normal life. As she waits, wondering how to greet these strangers, she shows the inner feelings and bitterness that grow in her. Ruth watching her new sister Susan and their emotional first meeting sets the scene for the challenges she will face as she tries to make her way through this difficult situation.