The Penderwicks on Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall

The prologue takes us back to when Batty was just born and the other girls are much younger.  Mom is in the hospital and we learn she has cancer and dies shortly after leaving Mr. Penderwick alone to raise four girls.  We then travel four years down the road to when the girls are older and have adjusted to life without their mother although she is sorely missed.   Life is going along great for the family until Aunt Claire gives their dad the blue letter from mom saying he needs to start dating and not live his life alone.  The sisters immediately oppose this idea for fear of a stepmother and begin the Save Daddy Plan.  After two horrid dates, Dad comes up with his own idea.  Between soccer games, school plays and getting to know their new neighbors, the girls slowly come to realize a stepmother might not be such a bad thing.  It helps when they discover their dad and the new neighbor they have grown to love are interested in each other.  This is a delightful tale about four hilarious and loving sisters and their family.  I look forward to reading more about this interesting family!