beatrixt's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
stagasaurus's review
3.0
This was an interesting book, aimed at younger readers. I'm on a quest to read all LMA's books and this has her stamp all over it. I didn't feel some of the deeper connection with the characters as I did with some of her other books, but I think that's because there's lots of rompy adventures packed in. There is character development though and they all felt believable. My favourite bit was the hat on the nail. Sweetly done.
slferg's review against another edition
4.0
Began all over again. A sweet tale of a boy who ran away from the circus because they mistreated him. He used to perform in the circus with his father and his father had gone to try to earn some extra money catching and taming mustangs for someone. The boy, Ben, is discovered by two girls and their mother. The mother is the caretaker of the old house and grounds. The owner has died and his daughter and son are returning to the house. The mother discovers him in the coach house and takes him in. She gets him work with the Squire and the squire recommends him to the new inhabitants. There he works for Miss Celia helping her take care of the grounds and her brother who has been ill. A friendship grows up between the boys and the other families. Miss Celia sends Ben to school, too. When they get word that Ben’s father is dead, his friends rally round and comfort him.
d_iris's review
2.0
I don't want to say this book was bad--because it wasn't. It just wasn't very interesting. It felt as if Alcott herself was disinterested in the story she was telling. Strictly in it for the money this time.
fireside_reads's review against another edition
hopeful
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0