Nelly and her twin brother were twelve years old and living in Mayfield, Coneticut with their mother and father. It's Christmas time, her brother Rob has always been sickly and her father suffers from asthema. Her parents have been talking about moving to a healthier climate out in Colorado and soon it is agreed by all to move there. The time is the 1870's and this story gives the reader a good look at travel and conditions experienced in those days. There are heartwarming friendships developed along the way and a great deal of adventure. Especially when Nelly gets it in her mind to find a silver mine to help out her father and mother. This book was written I believe as a children's book, maybe ages ten to thirteen or so, but I'm a long way from childhood and I enjoyed it very much.