Kirjahaku

For 15 years, Cornelia Lager has endured a loveless marriage in turn-of-the-century rural Oregon. When her husband suddenly dies, she tries gallantly but unsuccessfully to run their farm single-handedly. Without income she must move into a dreary boarding house operated by the overbearing Hazel Romano and her hen-pecked husband, Frank. Accustomed to hard work, Cornelia fights boredom and loneliness in her bleak room, amid a motley assortment of male and female boarders. One evening at supper, everyone is shocked when Hazel chokes to death on a piece of her notoriously tough roasts. After a brief period of mourning their first question is, who will prepare the meals? Always passionate about cooking, Cornelia enthusiastically volunteers. Her tasty meals and nurturing ways have an almost magical effect on the boarders who gradually become a friendlier, happier group. So friendly, in fact, that romance blossoms among several couples, even Cornelia and Frank. Convinced that the boarding house has become a bordello, the prudish townspeople demand that it be closed down. To maintain their livelihood Cornelia and Frank come up with a creative solution that leads the novel to a happy conclusion. Enriched by historical and culinary detail, Cornucopia brings us colorful characters who are beset with moral dilemmas but determined to find romance and personal achievement.

1870 Nevada: Seventeen-year-old Edna Mae Clark works as a governess for a wealthy family. Raised in an orphanage, Edna is diligent, capable, and proper-and naive about men. When she is mysteriously and irresistibly drawn to Roy Sprague, a passing stranger, she quits her job to become a domestic servant at the remote gold mine where he works. Sullen and moody, Roy appears to ignore Edna's relentless attempts to win his affection. When he finally gives in, he persuades her to run away with him, and "borrowing" two horses, they flee across the high desert. In the first town they reach, Edna is appalled when Roy proudly reveals that he has stolen ore from the mine, but refuses to let this ruin her growing passion for him. Now in the boomtown of Carson City, they cash in the gold and go on a lavish spending spree-luxury hotels, expensive restaurants and extravagant wardrobes. Living "high on the hog" has elated Roy to such a degree that he asks Edna to marry him. Ecstatically she agrees, and immediately starts planning the wedding. Although Edna resents Roy's low-life gambling pals at the local saloon, she keeps her feelings to herself. But when they want her to play a key part in their bank robbery plan, it's almost more than she can tolerate. More conflict lies ahead for the ill-fated lovers, as Edna's infatuation gives way to regret.

More than anything, 15-year-old Kim Marshall loves to ride and be around horses. Every day she works at a nearby stable in Portland, Oregon, saving her earnings for the purchase of her own horse. This leads to constant conflict with her divorced working mother. Struggling financially, her mother can't afford a babysitter for Kim's 8-year-old sister Ashley, and wants Kim to stay home to do the job. Meanwhile, Kim develops a crush on Kevin, the stable's handsome new resident trainer. To Kim's dismay, Kevin is engaged to the beautiful but nasty Michelle, who creates discord with everyone at the stable. Kevin recognizes Kim's riding talent and gives her jumping lessons in exchange for exercising his horses and teaching his beginning students. This agreeable arrangement lasts throughout summer vacation. But when Kevin accepts another position in California, Kim's world is shattered. On top of that, Walt, the kindly barn manager who has been like a father to Kim, announces his plan to retire and move to Arizona. Devastated, Kim feels abandoned by the people she has loved-first by her father six years ago, and now by Kevin and Walt. Horses remain her only consolation. One day at home, the unsupervised Ashley gets into big trouble. Kim's mother now insists that Kim be there to babysit. But refusing to give up her precious barn time, Kim comes up with an ingenious plan that will solve the problem.