Ratings29
Average rating4.4
At twenty-nine Valancy had never been in love, and it seemed romance had passed her by. Living with her overbearing mother and meddlesome aunt, she found her only consolations in the "forbidden" books of John Foster and her daydreams of the Blue Castle. Then a letter arrived from Dr. Trent and Valancy decided to throw caution to the winds. For the first time in her life Valancy did and said exactly what she wanted. Soon she discovered a surprising new world, full of love and adventures far beyond her most secret dreams.
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2,853 booksWhen you think back on every book you've ever read, what are some of your favorites? These can be from any time of your life – books that resonated with you as a kid, ones that shaped your personal...
Reviews with the most likes.
Hooowww have I not read this before? Literally my DREAM is to find another world, free from the shitty parts of society, and I guess Montgomery (author of Anne of the Green Gables, btw), felt that too. So not only is she writing beautiful books for younger people, but she's appealing to a slightly older audience as well. Child AND adult me are so happy. This is a beautiful, classic book that is lesser known than AOTGG, yet has the same flair readers of Montgomery will notice and love. It's a book that indulges us in the dreams we have of escape and excitement and adventure, and it's written beautifully. Gahhh! It's rare you finally decide to read a less popular book from a popular/classic author, and even more rare when the book speaks to your soul. I guess I found that rarity.
3.5 The preposterous secret identities undermine the message of breaking free from the conventions of society. Past that, and the early whining, it is a charming of-its-era read; the beauty of nature sparkles in the text.
I struggled at the beginning of this book. I felt so depressed by the situation of the main character. As the story grows she becomes stronger. It's fun to see her go after her own happiness.