"A warmhearted and insightful tribute to the author of Cross Creek and The Yearling, and it s the story of Parker herself, a tough-minded Floridian devoted to her family. A charming book."--ALA Booklist

Idella Parker s recollections of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings are as intimate and frank as their ten years together. This long-awaited memoir, by the black woman who was cook, housekeeper, and comfort to the famous author from 1940 to 1950, tells two stories--one of their spirited friendship, the other of race relations in rural Florida in the days before integration....