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The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken – The Wolves Chronicles #1

When I was young, I had these amazing neighbours who I loved like my own grandparents. They had no children of their own, so they quite enjoyed having me over. They always gave me the best gifts, recognizing what my likes and dislikes were quite aptly. For one birthday, they gifted me two books that were part of this series. And let me just tell you, those books were amazing! I loved the stories – and I still love them! Only recently did I discover that this series even existed, so now I plan on reading all of the books in order!

Bonnie Willoughby is very excited for the arrival of her cousin Sylvia, and for her meeting with her new governess, Miss Slighcarp. While her parents prepare to leave for their sea voyage, Bonnie waits anxiously for the 2 people she hopes will keep her happy while her parents are away. While Sylvia turns out to be just as wonderful as Bonnie imagined, it soon becomes clear that Miss Slighcarp is not a kind governess. Left in her care, the girls are aghast by her cruelty. The servants are sent away, the furniture is sold, and Bonnie and Sylvia are taken to a prison-like orphan school. Will the girls ever escape and be free from the clutches of the evil Miss Slighcarp?

Reading this book brought a smile to my face. Granted, it’s a story for elementary school children, but the story is cute and the characters are spunky, and it’s one of those stories where everything becomes right in the world. It may not explain everything in perfect detail but it keeps the reader entertained throughout. It brought back so many wonderful childhood memories for me, and even though I’m reading it as an adult, it still seemed like a fun read! If you want to revisit the kid in you, then this is the book to go for!

Happy reading ~