Shining Windows — Kathleen Norris

Young, beautiful Joyce Ballard always lived in great luxury. Engaged to Paul von Schwerin, she looks forward to a life of ease befitting her social position and wealth. Suddenly the Ballards lose their fortune. And Joyce begins a hard new life on a rundown ranch.

Frightened by her poverty, Joyce searches for the strength of character to make good on her own. At first her daily struggles make her yearn for her old comforts, despite help from Michael, the ranch's handyman. Soon she begins to scorn her frivolous, aimless past.

Paul pleads again to marry her. Will Joyce return to a life of money and security? Or will she stay on at the ranch, hoping to find a new purpose and meaning to her life?