zusy's review against another edition
3.0
Really hard to rate, actually. I didn't dislike it and I cried during it. Little things didn't make sense. Not one of Patricia MacLachlan's better works.
celticrockgirl's review against another edition
4.0
I’m finding it hard to rate this book. It was well written and had heart-warming stories about the family before the 4 children become orphaned. Of course, reading the original books you know that the parents died, but hearing about how they were “the best family of all,” and so lovingly happy together…. yet knowing that tragedy is coming, was so sad!
imaclogger23's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
faithfullymoonstruck's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
sngick's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this series...the original series by Gertrude Candler Warner when I was younger. MacLachlan captures the same simplicity and innocence in this "prequel". All my favorites are here with explanations that click for fans like me. Grab your tissues because you know what's coming at the end.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
ajacks's review against another edition
4.0
I support independent bookstores. You can use this link to find one near you: http://www.indiebound.org
renatasnacks's review against another edition
3.0
First, let me say that my 3-star rating is me as an adult reader. For its actual intended audience it's probably higher.
Second, let me say that recently I have had multiple conversations with adults about how every Boxcar Children book after the 1st one was BS because they no longer lived in a boxcar. The first Boxcar Children book was awesome because it was about homeless children who lived in an abandoned boxcar among woodland creatures. Any Boxcar Children book where they live in a HOUSE is BS, and that includes this one, Patricia MacLachlan!!!
Ahem.
Anyway, it was weird reading this because the kids are as wholesome and happy as ever, but you just KNOW that a shoe is going to drop soon. (No spoiler: the entire series is based on the premise that they are orphans, okay?) Kids who like the original Boxcar Children books will probably like this. Adults seeking some Boxcar Children nostalgia would be better off reading the one single non-BS Boxcar Children book, which is Boxcar Children #1.
Second, let me say that recently I have had multiple conversations with adults about how every Boxcar Children book after the 1st one was BS because they no longer lived in a boxcar. The first Boxcar Children book was awesome because it was about homeless children who lived in an abandoned boxcar among woodland creatures. Any Boxcar Children book where they live in a HOUSE is BS, and that includes this one, Patricia MacLachlan!!!
Ahem.
Anyway, it was weird reading this because the kids are as wholesome and happy as ever, but you just KNOW that a shoe is going to drop soon. (No spoiler: the entire series is based on the premise that they are orphans, okay?) Kids who like the original Boxcar Children books will probably like this. Adults seeking some Boxcar Children nostalgia would be better off reading the one single non-BS Boxcar Children book, which is Boxcar Children #1.
wintermote's review against another edition
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Almost painful to read because you know what’s coming and the idyllic life they live will be shattered!