Josefina and her sisters distrust learning to read and write, as well as other changes their Tía Dolores is bringing to the household, because they fear they will lose their memories of their mother.

"When Josefina wants to rescue a newborn goat that needs help, Papá has doubts. But after a rattlesnake threatens the baby goat, Josefina discovers her healing skills -- and her courage. She gets another chance to prove her bravery in a daring midnight journey to learn the truth about a man who may have stolen from her family. Then the worst happens: Josefina's beloved aunt, Tía Dolores, announces she is leaving. How can Josefina get Papá to ask...

When a dashing man from Mexico City brings Tia Dolores a ruby ring for Christmas, Josefina notices that things start going wrong and she decides to get to the bottom of the mystery.

"What if you suddenly found yourself in Josefina's world in New Mexico in 1824? What activities might you do on the rancho, what dreams might you have, and what would you do for fun? In this story, you can join Josefina on adventures that take the two of you from spending cozy evenings on the rancho to coming face-to-face with a mountain lion to visiting the lively market in the city of Santa Fe! Your journey back in time can take whatever twists...

Josefina Montoya and her sisters love the comfortable traditions of life on her family's New Mexican rancho, but they are suspicious of the changes their Tía Dolores is bringing to the household because they fear they will lose their memories of their mother.

This colorful children's picture book describes the year-long visit of thirteen-year-old Kuper, from Chicago, to his aunt and uncle's working cattle ranch in northeastern New Mexico. His horizons expand as he learns the hard work -- and great fun -- of being a cowboy.--Publisher.