Homestead on the Hillside

"Homestead on the Hillside" by Mary Jane Holmes is a 19th-century novel that tells the tale of the Hamilton family after the loss of their mother, and the disruption caused by the secretive Mrs. Carter. This story looks at love, deceit, and how families act around each other, mainly following Margaret Hamilton as she deals with her father's remarriage and the changes brought by her stepmother and stepsister, Lenora. The novel begins by introducing the Hamiltons, especially the ailing Mrs. Hamilton, and her kids, including the spirited Margaret. Mrs. Carter's arrival brings drama, as it becomes clear she has hidden reasons for helping the family. The start of the book sets the scene with sad memories linked to the homestead and hints at the disturbing parts of the plot, which include the bad influence of Mrs. Carter, while the family’s sadness and their attempts to adjust set the scene for the growing mystery around relationships and hidden reasons, especially as Margaret begins to see Mrs. Carter as a risk to her family.