If you are a hopeless romantic like me you'll love this book. It's story is so powerful you'll never want it to end. This is by far my favorite series, I've read it 3 times and I never get bored with it. I cry every time Ivy is reunited with Tristan. READ IT !!!

After reading Kissed By An Angel I couldn't wait to read the sequels. This book are worth reading. There's no word to describe how pure Tristan's love towards Ivy. You will read all the series again and again but you will never get bored!

I picked up this series about four years ago and have loved them ever since. Throughout the years the three books have gone through some rough times (the third one fell into my bathtub and a marker fell on it staining the entire thing). I couldn't find them when I went to bookstores and I was so happy when I found them online.

These books are about Ivy and Tristian, who dies in the first book. Her love for him causes her to almost loose everything, meanwhile her mother just married the richest man in wherever they live, and Ivy's new stepbrother is known to be a horrible person.

If you are a fan of the story of undying (literally) love, then read this.

Helene Hanff was a New York writer and Frank Doel was a London bookseller. This book chronicles the letters they wrote over a period of many years to one another. Although they never met, they became true friends bonded by their love of literature.

Having read this tiny little gem, I can tell you that I'm not even sure why I liked it so much. Maybe it was because I loved seeing a warm friendship develop between two total strangers. Maybe it was because I loved the dry wit of Helene and the staunch Britishness of Frank. Maybe it was because I liked hearing about the WWII years, how the people of Britain sacrificed, and how one caring American woman made a difference to this small group of Britishers.

One note: this is the only book I have ever read that is truly enhanced by the video. Read the book, then rent the movie. Anne Bancroft is the perfect Helene and Anthony Hopkins is brilliant as Frank.

This charming little book is a collection of letters between New York author Helene Hanff and London bookseller Frank Doel. In the course of 20 years from Hanff's first book order from Marks & Co,, till Doel's death in 1969 they connected through the mail they exchanged and built a wonderful relationship. While Hanff became friends with Doel's family and his co-workers at the bookstore, what the two had was something special, revolving around their love of literature. Despite plans to do so, the two never met as Hanff didn't make it to London until after Doel's death and the publication of the letters. This book beautifully demonstrates the power of correspondence and how two people can connect, solely by the written word.

Heartwarming, funny, sad, all rolled in one. I went on to read other books by Hanff where she describes her trips to London. After reading her books, I too went on a pilgrimage to 84, Charing Cross Road.

...The book is comprised of letters exchanged by a New York-based American television script writer and various personnel at a small London bookshop where she prefers to buy all her books. The bookseller tolerates her insistance on paying in US currency and stoically endures her teasing and scolding when they send her a book that doesn't quite come up to her expectations. What comes across in this twenty year exchange of letters is the ease with which making and keeping friends is possible--if one only makes the effort. In the years immediately following World War II, Hanff saw that rationed food stuffs were sent to the shop so that they could be shared among the staff. The letters of thanks sent to Hanff and the enthusiasm with which the booksellers greeted friends of the author who happened to visit the shop when taking their vacations in England shows that their affection for their American friend was sincere and deep.

Don't read this collection with the expectation that you will get an in-depth view of the characters' lives. Read it as a way of discovering how simple it is for human beings to drop their defenses and treat one another with respect, civility, humor, and openness. Read it when your hope for humanity is at its lowest.

"84, Charing Cross Road" reminded me of Jan Struther's "Mrs. Miniver." I believe "Mrs. Miniver" was originally published as a series of newspaper articles. When collected into a book, it was rightly or wrongly perceived as a novel. Readers who see it as a novel usually have complaints about it's structure and seeming lack of plot (if this is what you desire, you can always rent the movie). Read as a collection of finely crafted observations of daily life in England during World War II, it's a moving tribute to the strength and durability of the human spirit. "Miniver" and "84, Charing Cross Road" make great back-to-back reads.

I've been interested in the Tam Lin legend since reading Jane Yolen's excellent version of it in "Tam Lin" with lush illustrations by Charles Mikolaycak (see my review). The next time I came across it was Pamela Dean's inventive adaptation of the legend for Terry Windling's Fairy Tale series (again see my review). The Perilous Gard is another fine reworking of this legend.

My email group was discussing fairy tales and fairy tale adaptations and a member mentioned this book after my post regarding the books above. I purchased it and read it. What a wonderful story. I'm always pleased to see strong female characters. For years while growing up, all I had the opportunity to read in school was books with male protagonists. That's not to say that I didn't enjoy these books, but the chance to read books with female protagonists, and strong, capable women or girls at that, is a pleasure.

It's funny, after purchasing this book, I found out that I had read another of Pope's books "The Sherwood Ring." I read it ages ago and enjoyed it very much.

You don't have to be familiar with the "Tam Lin" fairy tale (on which the Perilous Gard is based) to love this book. Part fantasy/adventure, part historical fiction, with a mild sprinkling of horror and romance, this is the story of quiet Kate, a lady-in-waiting to Princess Elizabeth (soon to be Queen Elizabeth I). When her younger sister inadvertently insults Queen Mary, Kate is (unjustly) punished and exiled to a gloomy castle ruled by a moody baron with tragedy in his past. Kate meets and befriends the lord's enigmatic brother, Christopher, and just as she learns of his role in his brother's misery, he disappears. Armed with only rumors of the strange folk who live beneath the earth, Kate sets out to rescue Christopher and uncover the mystery of this odd land, nearly sacrificing her life in the process.

Despite the Elizabethan setting, readers of any age will identify
with Kate's timeless adolescent insecurities and feelings of inferiority towards her sister, touted as "the pretty one." But she rises above these feelings in a time of need, and proves herself to be strong, smart, mature, and incredibly courageous, a great role model for young girls. This is a gripping, cleanly written, and sometimes harrowing story with a thoroughly satisfying ending. Its Newbery honor was much deserved.

I'm 20 now, and I first read this book when I was about 10. I've reread it at least once a month since then (after the initial five times I read it in a row) because I absolutely adore The Perilous Guard. There's a whole host of reasons for my adoration, but the main ones are, one, that I *love* historical fiction, two, that novels set in the same time period (1558, to be exact, although anything within a few hundred years works nicely, too) are one of my favorite things to read, three, that Elisabeth Marie Pope is a fantastic storyteller, four, that I love the ballads the book is peppered with (particularly "Tam-Lin," the ballad that helps form much of the plot),, and five, because the characters are all so well-drawn. I feel as if I really know them, that I could walk out on the street and see them there (if I lived in the appropriate time period, of course). I highly recomend this book to anyone of an appropriate age (above ten, in my opinion) to read and understand it, particularly if you like historical fiction mixed with "fantasy," a term I hesitate to use (although I am doing so as I cannot, at the moment, come up with anything better) since nothing that happens in the book is presented with a very fantasy-ish tone.

A great book on love! I really loved this book as a kid and still remember when my Gramps used to read it to me when we would visit him in the province. He gifted me the book on my 7th birthday and became a real sentimental favorite. My original book got lost when my family vacationed in Milan when I was 12, too bad. I could recall how depressed I became when I discovered that I left the book in the hotel. I missed that book terribly and eversince I was on the look out for another copy, until 16 years later, my beautiful girlfriend gifted me one on our anniversary when she returned home from Munich. I was so happy as I lifted the copy out of the box and I couldn't help but shed a tear out of happiness! Since then, it remains on my bedside table. It is very enlightening, heart warming and full of love. I really love toys up to now and this book really manifests unconditonal love. I will surely treasure this book and in time gift it to my future kids. It's a real classic , something to be treasured forever!

This book is a simple work of art. Its beauty in itself is virtually indescribable. When I was little, it was my favorite book. In fact, I've had it ever since I was born. It is about a boy who owns a stuffed rabbit, and longs for it to be real. Eventually, because he loved the rabbit so much, his wish was granted. The book is so well written that it brings tears to my eyes almost every time I read it. It is definitely one of my all-time favorites.

The Velveteen Rabbit was (and still is) my favorite children's book. The classic tale of how the little boy's love made the rabbit real is a classic. I had a hard time finding this book, but I finally have it. I am hoping to read it to my future kids and hopefully my kids will read it to their kids. This is a book that anyone from any generation could enjoy. I will always love the Velveteen Rabbit!

Anne Of The Island is a great book. It is about a girl with dark strawberry-blonde hair. She goes off to college with her friends: Charlie, Gilbert, and Diana. She makes some new friends and one of them, Priscila which is Pris for short, they meet in the graveyard across from the college. She meets many men she thinks she is in love with, including Gilbert, but when the propose to her she finds out she really doesn't love them that much. She even turns down the man of her dreams. So, it is partially a love story. She was adopted when she was young by Marilla. Now they have taken in twins when their mother died and their only relative can't take care of them. The younger one is Davy, who is always asking questions and getting in to mischief. He especially likes to bother his twin sister, Dora. She is always quiet and quite lady-like. They all live on Prince Edward Island in Canada. If you want to know the rest, you can read the book for yourself. Happy reading!

If you like the Anne of Green Gables series this is the best one in the whole thing! Anne of the Island has something for everyone! Anne Shirley leaves the small town of Avonlea to attend Redmond collage.. There the novel introduces you to a character who is extremely funny named Pricella! (Hope I spelled her name right). In this novel Anne falls in love with a fellow school mate, while her long time friend Gilbert Blythe finds a love interest as well! Do they end up together at last? Read the book and find out! This book is definatly for people who liked the movie "Anne of Avonlea". They are without a doubt slightly similar, but the book is definatly better!

I think that this is my favorite Anne book. I have read it over a hundred times to myself and soon I will need to order a new copy. It tells the ongoing story of Anne Shirley and chronicles her adventures in higher education, friendship, love, and of course WRITING! This is not a childrens' book as some might think. It is very easy to read, but it is for people of all ages. Of course, it features the same Gilbert Blythe who we all know and love as Anne's constant admirer and the irredeemably Sloanish Charlie. She also has Priscilla Grant at her side. She also makes a new friend, Phillippa Gordon, who makes Anne's freshman year wonderful and may someday prove to be quite sensible. In the course of the book, Anne will gain friends and admirers as well as continue to matchmake and write (of Course). She will have her share of joy, tears, loss, and love and ultimately set her course for her life beyond the bend in the road. I learned an important life lesson from this book,you never value what you have until you have lost it. I loved the characterization of all the new characters especially Phillipa, I think that we all know someone like her who attracts men without knowing how or wanting to. I can relate to Anne in this book. This book is thoroughly enjoyable and you not regret reading it. If you still want more Anne after reading this book,you should read all of the other Anne books (the next is Anne of Windy Poplars) and the Chronicles of Avonlea(it includes several stories which include Anne in them: The Hurring of Ludovic, The Winning of Lucinda, etc.) I hope that you will love it as much as I did!

I found The Counselors to be an approachable and personal vehicle for learning about 18 (potentially intimidating) women within a single volume. I particularly like it because of its conversational style. I have read biographies of some of the women included in this book (and enjoyed them). I found that this book adds to the feminist discourse by presenting a new perspective that speaks to readers like myself and also to those who are just becoming interested in law, women's studies or government. I would recommend this to readers already privileged enough to be a part of an academic discussion of feminism and to less traditional audiences who are looking for a way to learn about women in law/government and perhaps be inspired to pursue a career in these or other fields that might appear intimidating.

This book does a great job at what it sets out to do. Its purpose is presented in its introduction: (1) to talk with a group of women who it may be difficult to gain access to for a conversation, and to ask them what they would like to say to others about their journeys during the social transformation in America over the last 30-40 years and (2)to get those stories out there to more people than those women could ever meet with during the course of their busy days changing the world. That's it.

It's not meant to criticize them one little bit. It doesn't. And it's not meant to be new and definitive in the fields of politics and women's issues. It's not.

Having said that, many people will learn a lot, because not that many people are really experts in the fields of politics and women's studies. And readers will take away practical advice they can apply in their own lives, passed along from those who have traveled the path before them--the way you get from having conversations with mentors. Some of the women have "name recognition," some don't. But they all have a warmth and a willingness to share that can help those who think they could benefit from conversations with wiser elders or with role models.

The Counselors doesn't fit the mold of a lot of other books, and it's a book we've been needing. It fills a niche, providing inspiration from numerous voices of women (including women of color), which is different from our tradition of seeing men in positions of power and responsibility and hearing only (or primarily) the voices of men to inspire us. But women have been inspired by the voices of men, and now men can be inspired by the voices of women. The Counselors broadens American folklore--

Author Elizabeth Vrato asked 18 recipients of the prestigious Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award what they would like to share with young women just beginning their law careers. In "The Counselors: Conversations with 18 Courageous Women Who changed the World," these 18 women share their stories; from family relationships to crusades that changed laws of the United States. Each woman recognized for her exceptional contribution, not only to the field of law, but to our quality of life. In his foreword, Bill Clinton said, "Just as the women in this book were empowered by the efforts and example of those who came before them, a new generation will be inspired and encouraged by the spirit and achievements of this remarkable group."

Included: Lynn Hecht Schafran, an expert who has devoted most of her career to educating judges. Lynn Hecht Schafran, director of the New York-based National Judicial Education Program. Patricia Schroeder, Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts and Intellectual Property. Louise Raggio, still practicing law at age 81, is considered a "pioneer in marital and family rights. Jamie Gorelick. former U.S. Deputy Attorney General, current Fannie Mae Corporation Vice Chair, and former General Counsel of the Department of Defense.

Also: Sandra Day O'Connor, Maureen Kempston Darkes, Margaret Hilary Marshall, Elaine Jones, Herma Hill Kay, Nancy Davis, Drucilla Ramey, Janet Reno, Joan Dempsey Klein, Patricia Wald, Joyce Kennard, Antonia Hernandez, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Norma L. Shapiro.

This isn't heavy reading; the chapters are short, yet each sentence made an impact on me. And why not, these are the words of those destined to become the immortals. The American Bar Assoc. Commission on Women in the Profession established the Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award in 1991 to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of women lawyers. This award honors outstanding women lawyers who have achieved professional excellence within their area of specialty and have actively paved the way to success for other women lawyers. Cammy Diaz A@L

Dragonsinger is the second book in the Harper Hall Trilogy and is the sequel to Dragonsong. It starts right after the previous book ends, with Menolly arriving in Harper Hall a-dragonback. There she begins her musical education with the masters of music. Menolly always thought that harpers would be different and that she would fit in among them, but she finds that people are the same wherever you go. All of the other girls are jealous of her musical talents and do not want her living in their cottage. The boys insist that she has no place with them and her nine fire lizards make her stand out even more. Still, she is Masterharper Robinton's special apprentice and he seems to believe in her and to love her new songs. As Menolly struggles to find her place among the harpers of Pern she will discover much about herself, as well as the remarkable secrets about fire lizards and eventually find an honored place among the Harpers of Pern.

Even though I have enjoyed all of McCaffrey's books, the Harper Hall trilogy has always been my favorite. I first read this book when I was in junior high school and simply loved it. I have read my copy time and time again. McCaffrey has a nice, smooth writing style with great descriptions so readers will have no trouble visualizing the life on Pern. She also does a nice job of throwing in little recaps so that those who have not read Dragonflight and Dragonquest can still understand what is going on. I simply loved the world of the Harpers and think that any reader of fantasy will enjoy this enchanting series.

Interesting to find out "Dragonsinger" is the fourth book in Anne McCaffrey's Pern series because I have always thought of it as the middle volume in the Harper Hall of Pern trilogy. In "Dragonsong" we met Menolly, my favorite character in the entire Pern universe. A musical prodigy who has been forbidden by her stern father to sing or play music, Menolly runs away and ends up impressing a clutch of nine fire lizards. But Masterharper Robinton has been searching high and low for her and having found her, brings Menolly to the Harper Hall. In "Dragonsinger" Menolly begins to learn her craft as an apprentice. The Harper Hall is not sure what to make of the island girl and her singing fire lizards, but Menolly is equally astounded by her new world. Menolly is one of the most enchanting heroines in fiction, mainly because the girl has not a clue in the world that she is so talented. After just about every test she is convinced she has failed, convinced that her only friend in the world is Piemur, another one of the young apprentices, and amazed that Robinton takes any interest in her at all. But it is Menolly's encounters with the other Masters, especially Jerint the instrument maker and Domick the composer, that stand out in this tale. Oh, and there is also Journeyman Sebell, who has also taken a special interest in her. "Dragonsinger" is a fitting conclusion to the story begun in "Dragonsong," and since the "next" volume in the trilogy, "Dragondrums," really focuses more on Piemur, this is really the climax to the story of Menolly. McCaffrey's conclusion is extremely satisfying and my only serious complaint about the Pern series after "Dragonsinger" is that Menolly has been reduced to a minor supporting character. One of the nice things about these books is that they are fairly self-contained, you do not have to read all the Pern books in order for them to make sense. I would think young girls who love music would especially enjoy reading these novels.

Ok, the Book Dragon singer was awesome. In the distant future, humans travel to a distant planet, that is like Earth. Here, to combat thread(an organism that eats any thing organic spontaneously)they develop an animal, Dragons. This book takes place several centurys after landing on the Planet, Pern. Menolly,the main character, has nine small dragons, that are her pets. she has a wonderfull talent in singing and playing music. this book is about her adventures in the craft hall of music.She has to work with mostly boys, and the girls that are at the craft hall, are jelous of her talents. She finds friends, and has some rather strange adventures. I strongly recomend you to read DRAGONS DAWN first, just because you get more of a feel for the senerio. I love the setting, and the way the author portrays the characters. The climax is also very awesome and belivable. and it's not boring, either. especially the way the charachters have all the qualities a real person has, fear, uncertainty, happiness, and etc. It's a great book,but a little bit slow paced. That, however, is not bad.

When I first picked up this book, I thought, uh-uh. No way can I get into a book where the hero's name is Bobby Tom. He sounded too much like some red-neck cowboy and not at all like the darkly handsome heroes of other romances. However, it took me about 2 whole seconds to fall head over heels in love with both Bobby Tom and this book. Phillips perfectly masters the romance genre combining great characterization with an interesting plot and lots of sweet humour. Yet at the same time she spices up her story with steamy sex scenes and gut-wrenchingly emotional confrontations between her 2 lovers. The romance between former NFL quarterback and Miss Gracie Snow is a roller coaster ride of thrills and smiles from start to finish. In short, its absolutely wonderful and I highly reccommend it.

After an injury that ends his football career, ex-jock Bobby Tom Denton signs on to become an actor. When he doesn't show up on the day of shooting prim and proper Gracie Snow is sent to retreive him.

Gracie Snow is ready to change her life. At the age of 30, she has finally left the retirement home that her parents ran and is ready for a change. She needs to get Bobby Tom to Texas on time, or else.

Once in Texas, gorgeous Bobby Tom tells everybody that mousy. frumpy Gracie Snow is his fiance in order to keep the matchmaking mamas away. Gracie plays along. Bobby Tom gets her a make-over, making Gracie actually look cute. The two spend time together and Gracie falls madly in love with Bobby Tom.

Susan Elizabeth Phillips has once again written a wonderful, witty and memorable romance. Gracie and Bobby Tom will remain in your hearts and you will laugh out loud at their outrageous romance. I can guarantee you'll fall in love with Bobby Tom and never look at a plain woman the same again.

HEAVEN, TEXAS by SEP is the second book in the Chicago Football Stars series. The prequel to this novel is IT HAD TO BE YOU, which I have yet to read. I always seem to be reading series in the wrong order, but all I can say is that HEAVEN, TEXAS is an awesome book on its own. This is the love story between Bobby Tom, a famous Chicago Stars quarterback and a-one-of-a-kind lady named Gracie Snow.

Bobby Tom was just forced to retire from playing football because of a bad knee injury he received during one of the games. Being very depressed, he decides to have some fun and signs up to be a star in a Hollywood movie. When he doesn't show up for his filming, newly hired Gracie is sent to find Bobby Tom and bring him to set. Poor Gracie, her first assignment and she bring Bobby Tom back to the set, two weeks late!! Even going through an impromptu striptease for Bobby Tom, she was unable to get him in on time. Well it is not right to completely blame Gracie, for Bobby Tom did give Gracie a lot of trouble. He's just not used to a lady with a bossy mouth and a bad perm to tell him what to do! Moreover, feeling attracted to such a lady, when he's seen ones that were ten times more beautiful, is something he'd never imagine he'd do. But what he does not notice and takes for granted till the very end, is that Gracie has the most generous and kind heart in the whole world. Only until Bobby Tom breaks Gracie's heart and when she runs back to her old life, does Bobby Tom realize how much he took for granted and how much he has come to love her.

What did I like most of the story? Like all the other readers have said... sometimes when you feel awkward or unattractive, just be yourself, for there is always someone that will look right into your heart and love you for who you are. I believe SEP has delivered a wonderful story with a beautiful message.

I have wanted to read Anne of Green Gables for so long and finally did. Why did I wait?? I wish I would have read this book years ago. This is one of the best books I have ever read. Whether you are a child or adult you won't be able to help falling in love with Anne of Green Gables. This young Orphan is mistakenly sent to the home of brother and sister Matthew and Marilla. What they wanted was a boy to help around the house as they were getting older. What they got was a delightful little girl who warmed their hearts and touched their souls. Anne gets into all kinds of hijinks throughout the novel that will make you laugh with her and cry with her. Her imagination is unmatched. She is so insightful that you will find it impossible not to relate to her. Follow Anne through her escapades of learning what it is like to be wanted and loved by parents, finding her place in a strange school, and finally getting to have a bosom buddy..someone she can truly call a friend and share life's ups and downs with. As Anne sets one ambition after another for herself, you'll be cheering for her success. This would be a great book to read on your own or along with a child. When you're finished, Anne will feel like your own personal bosum buddy. This book is one you'll adore long after it's over.

A few weeks ago, I got really sick of today's children's literature. I had read enough mysteries and trashy books about romance to last me a lifetime. So I wanted something else to read, something well-written with a good plot and lifelike characters. I had to look no further than the first book I picked up- Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery.

Anne of Green Gables is the first book in the Anne of Green Gables series. It takes place, as most of L. M. Montgomery's books do, on Prince Edward Island in Canada. This particular story takes place in the town of Avonlea. It follows young Anne Shirley, an orphan brought to Green Gables to help Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert on their farm. Much to Anne's dismay, Marilla tells her that they wanted a boy to help around the farm, not a girl. However, Marilla changes her mind and decides to keep the dynamic young girl who would become Anne of Green Gables.

This novel is incredibly written, with well-developed characters and an intricate plot. I absolutely loved it. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a great example of children's literature at its height.

I have read many books in my lifetime, and I must say, without a doubt, this is my favorite. When Mathew Cuthbert goes to pick up his and his sister's, Marilla Cuthbert, adopted child, he finds out she is a girl. They consider not keeping her, but soon they decide that she can stay a Green Gables. Marilla slowly loves the imaginitive high spirited girl more and more each day. Anne encounters many adventures from the age of 11 to 16. This book was so good, I found my heart bursting with joy. I would reccomend this to any girls and women. I loved it!

I read this book based on J.K. Rowling's statement that it was her favorite book as a child, and it's easy to see why she loved it. I wish I had known of it when I was a child. An allegory, a fairy tale and a morality play all rolled into one, this delightful story should entertain adult readers and enchant the younger set, though it may be too very sweet for older kids.

As Goudge's The Little White Horse opens, Maria Merryweather is travelling toward her destiny, though she does not yet know this. Suddenly an impoverished orphan, she is travelling to Moonacre Manor, the home of a mysterious relative, in the company of her caretaker Miss Heliotrope and her little dog Wiggins. The story of Maria's adventures is fanciful and charming and populated by magical characters living in an enchanted place. Maria learns that people and stories are usually more than first impressions suggest, that even virtuous people have faults and even wicked people have goodness, that one can learn from previous mistakes ?- one?s own and others? ?- and make a better decision next time. All problems are resolved at the end, all loose ends tied neatly. First published in 1946, the voice here hints at modern narrative awareness of itself, but Is never cynical.

A drawing of Moonacre Manor is here, and chapters are short enough to make this a great read-aloud novel.

I first read Elizabeth Goudge when I was 11 and I fell instantly in love with her writing. I read this book later than some of her others and I was enchanted immediately; and every time I re-read it, the enchantment returns. While I read, I am with Maria and Robin at Moonacre Manor, riding with them on their adventures, singing the Bell Song, confronting the Men of the Black Wood. I was thrilled to buy my own copy so I can read it whenever I want and not rely on the Public Library. And despite the fact that my copy has only the endpiece illustration of the Manor and its grounds, I can picture everyone and everywhere vividly. Goudge is a writer of true genius. Everything her characters do is completely consistent. Even the religion in the plot, and there is a lot, is not offensive or preachy. It fits perfectly into the whole ambience of the book. This is because Goudge was herself a deeply religious woman and the value she found in her faith is an integral part of all her novels. This book is worth 10 of most of the modern children's books. Moonacre Manor stands proudly with Narnia and Middle Earth.

It's too bad that so few of Elizabeth Goudge's books are in print, though I am grateful that this one has been reprinted. I'd never read it before, and initially I was turned off by the unicorn illustration on the cover. But I'd heard lots of comments about how magical it was, and so I sat down to read.

Newly orphaned Maria Merryweather is being sent from London to Moonacre Manor, the castle-like home of her uncle, Benjamin Merryweather. Initially Maria and her devoted governess Miss Heliotrope expect the place to be cold and uncomfortable -- but Maria is delighted to see an enchanted, silvery landscape, and the brief vision of a white horse running past. She fits quickly into the slightly strange, almost idyllic surroundings -- despite the fact that no woman has come to Moonacre Manor in twenty years. But Sir Benjamin seems very pleasant -- as does the huge, unusual dog Wrolf.

Maria is enchanted both by the beautiful natural surroundings and the neighboring village of Silverydew. But she begins to sense that something is wrong: her uncle is unhappy about something and won't talk about the briefly-seen white horse. Her childhood invisible friend Robin returns to her -- and the inhabitants of Silverydew know him. Beautiful items are laid out in her tiny, luxurious room -- with the initials L.M. And strange dark figures are creeping through the woods near the sea. Maria soon finds out about a long-lasting story of magic, sadness, greed and darkness that has haunted her family for generations, and is determined to set it right.

Goudge was evidently one of the few authors who can effectively blur the line between reality and dreaminess. Some sections of her prose are almost intoxicating; she never held back from describing surroundings and items lushly. The dreamy atmosphere of the book is established when Maria and Miss Heliotrope (and Wiggins the dog) arrive at Moonacre. Such beautifully written passages crop up, such as "moonlight and firelight mingled their silver and gold."

We also are given examples of Ms. Goudge's evident love of both nature, the countryside, and religion (not preachily, simply a demonstration of the beauties she saw in it). She also mixes in a few other items: the hare being a "Fairy" creature, the legend behind the Merryweathers and the valley, the sinister Black Men in the forest, and the enchanting visualization of the "little white horse" being one of the white horses that crashes in on sea foam.

Some aspects of this book are a little unusual by current politically correct standards: we get several negative references to "female curiosity", atheists may be offended by Ms. Goudge's evident dislike of atheism. And I literally have no idea what a "syllabub" is. However, since this takes place in a past era, there's no reason to fuss about it.

Maria herself is a delightful heroine, with just enough quirks to make her realistic -- her mild preoccupation with clothes, for example. Miss Heliotrope is not the usual strict spinster governess, but a kind and upright woman with real emotions and feelings. Wiggins is a little pain in the tail. We also have the fascinatingly charismatic Parson, who manages to make religion come dazzlingly alive while also being kind and gentle. And we have the loquacious Marmaduke Scarlet, a dwarf cook with an odd temper, an amazing culinary craft, and a vaguely gnome-like appearance. And it takes a little while for Robin to develop beyond the level of "boyish sprite," but he's a nice character as well.

This is a thoroughly delightful book, full of childlike innocence and wonder that very few could pull off. Fans of Narnia and the "Hobbit" will probably eat this right up. A timeless, charming tale.