Begun by Grace Livingston Hill before her death in 1947, the manuscript of Mary Arden was completed by her daughter along discussed plot lines. It is the story of a girl who rebelled instinctively against the shallowness of society life, determined to break away from it, and found romance in the course of finding herself. A refreshing, wholesome novel in the best vein of America's most beloved author.

Mary Arden, only daughter of a wealthy family, finishes college and feels an urge to get away from hectic social life and gay parties. Against her mother's wishes, she decides to pay a visit to the old family homestead in Ardenville where as a child she spent wonderful summers with her grandparents. She enjoys seeing the village people again, especially her childhood friend Laurie Judson who has returned from the war and is serving as the village minister in the time left over from his studies and his job in a nearby radar factory.

But Mary's mother and Brooke Haven, Mary's socialite suitor, never cease their efforts to bring her back. They stop at nothing, including trickery, and they try to interrupt the deep spiritual love that has grown between Mary and Laurie. Can Mary withstand pressure from all sides? Will she find strength to follow her heart and mind? It is not until the action-packed climax that the answer comes.

(From the Grosset & Dunlap hardcover edition.)