Having read several Grace Livingston Hill books , I can say this is one of my favorites. Like with most of her books, the characters in this one are very well portrayed, opposite types which stand out by their distinctive contrasts. However, rather than focusing mainly on Ariel Custer, the story line centers around Emily Dillon whom the author takes great care in displaying her innermost thoughts and desires which lead to her unexpected actions, causing the reader to wonder what had happened.

I had never read a Grace Livingston Hill book. While the story was cute, it was too predictable in that after not to long one could see how the relationship between Jud and Ariel would go. I personally found it exasperating to continually read of the harping, intimidating mother, Harriett, that no one seemed to have the strength to call her on her lack of Christianity. Emily, while wanting to show Christ in her attitude toward Harriett, became a door mat.