I think this might be one of Bowers' early works, but it's one of her best. There are a few strings left dangling here and there, but the characters feel like they're real. Most of us have met the slovenly, hard-working, and grouchy Aunt Marthy. Billy Louise and Ward are clearly made for each other. Charlie Fox is a dog in sheep's clothing. The book hooks the reader's interest from the first few paragraphs. It's not The Virginian, but Bertha's a neglected treasure.