Loved it.
This was the first time I have read this book, as far as I know.
It was sweet.
It was wonderful.
It was full of growing girls and boys.
The main character, Rose, such a sweet girl, grows and endures many trials and even helps her 7 male cousins to grow and mature as well.
She is so giving.
Just lovely.
The Aunts... hysterical, endearing, lovely, funny, strange, Great.
And Uncle Alec is the best. Anyone would love him to be their guardian.

a quote and a wake up call for all us parents/guardians, this is one thing that homeschooling gives my husband and I a better chance at doing successfully... though we all have our moments and even days of not doing and being all we should for and to our children...

"Fathers and mothers are too absorbed in business and housekeeping to study their children, and cherish that sweet and natural confidence which is a child's surest safeguard, and a parent's subtlest power. So the young hearts hide trouble or temptation till the harm is done, and mutual regret comes too late. Happy the boys and girls who tell all things freely to father or mother, sure of pity, help, and pardon; and thrice happy the parents who, out of their own experience, and by their own virtues, can teach and uplift the souls for which they are responsible." pg 224

My children talk to my husband and I. They, mostly, respect our opinions on things and come to us with troubles, large and small. It is a privilege and a great responsibility.

I can't wait to read Rose in Bloom.
I hope I like it as well as I did this one.