It's a rare book that leaves me closing the cover on the last page, feeling totally content, at peace with the world, and full of a warm "perfect book" glow.

This book did that for me.

At first it was hard to get into Flip's story...the first half kind of dragged. She had a hard life, and at times I was angry with the boarding-school teachers for being so hard on her. But to her credit, she took their corrections and criticism and tried her best to become the best she could be.

I loved how she grew and changed throughout her year at school. I loved the beautiful scenery descriptions, and I admit that I felt a bit of a desire to experience boarding-school life (just for a day or two...I'd miss my family too much to do it for long). And I really loved her sweet romance with Paul (though I did feel like the first kiss came out of the blue...I was getting "really good friends" vibes from them, not necessarily "crush" or "love" vibes).

This book has a lot going for it: a touch of mystery, some danger, a bit of excitement, sympathetic characters, and a sweet little romance or two (SO glad how things went with Flip's dad).

Note to self: how did I not read this when I was a kid, with my love of all things L'Engle???