After her father's death Rose is listless and ill, until her new guardian, Uncle Alec, encourages her to try healthful food, sunshine, and exercise. Gradually, Rose begins to improve both in health and spirits, and soon she is able to join her cousins in their frolics and adventures. She has seven cousins, all boys, who gather around her with energetic fun. But Rose also has a great many meddlesome aunts, who object to Uncle Alec's parenting style, saying that he will make her into a shameful tomboy instead of an elegant young lady. Ultimately, Rose has to decide which path is the best for her own happiness.

This book just gets sweeter every time I read it! What a comfort it is to reread old favorites! I always cry at the sad parts and cheer for Rose when she triumphs.

I just adore the close relationships between the family. The cousins really look out for each other and help each other in the sweetest way. I especially love the friendship between Rose and Phebe! They are so cute and giggly, but their friendship is also strong through tough times.

I always think it's so weird and funny that the characters think it's vain of Rose to want to wear earrings. I guess it was a new fashion back then. They sure make a big fuss about it in several scenes, and everyone tells Rose how silly and frivolous she is. Haha!

I love the charming writing style. It really pulls you into the story, and makes you care about the characters. The plot is very wholesome with dozens of moral lessons, but I like that. It's told in such an emotional and interesting way that I don't mind being preached at.