The Girls of Hillcrest Farm; Or, The Secret of the Rocks

by Amy Bell Marlowe

"The Girls of Hillcrest Farm; Or, The Secret of the Rocks" by Amy Bell Marlowe is a novel written in the early 20th century. This story follows sisters Lydia ("Lyddy") and Euphemia ("'Phemie") Bray as they navigate a series of challenges after their family home is destroyed in a fire. Following their mother’s death and their father's struggling health, the sisters make plans to move to their aunt's old farm, Hillcrest, in hopes of finding a more stable life. At the start of the book, Lyddy is dealing with the anxiety of living in a cramped tenement and the burdens of adulthood after her mother's passing. She is particularly worried about her father's health and feels the weight of responsibility on her shoulders. The situation escalates when an accidental fire forces their family to evacuate, prompting a decision to move to Hillcrest Farm. As Lyddy and 'Phemie prepare for their new life in the countryside, they encounter various characters, including the sometimes awkward yet earnest Lucas Pritchett, whose family has historically worked the farm. The opening chapters establish both a physical and emotional journey for the sisters as they seek a place to rebuild their lives.