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Deep Valley #1
Carney's House Party
It is the summer of 1911, and Carney Sibley is back home in her beloved town of Deep Valley, Minnesota. She's looking forward to hosting a month-long house party, with guests including her Vassar college roommate Isobel Porteous and old chum Betsy Ray. With lots of the old Crowd and a new friend--wealthy, unkempt, but lovable Sam Hutchinson--around, the days are filled with fun. And romance seems to be in the air. But Carney can never be romantic about anyone but Larry Humphreys, her high school sweetheart, who moved to California four years ago. Then Larry returns to Deep Valley and sets the town abuzz. Will Larry propose? And will Carney say yes? In addition to her beloved Betsy-Tacy books, Maud Hart Lovelace wrote three more stories set in the fictional town of Deep Valley: Winona's Pony Cart, Carney's House Party, and Emily of Deep Valley. Longtime fans and new readers alike will be delighted to find the Deep Valley books available again for the first time in many years.
288 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 1949
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2651 people want to read
About the author
Maud Hart Lovelace
45 books730 followersMaud Hart Lovelace was born on April 25, 1892, in Mankato, Minnesota. She was the middle of three children born to Thomas and Stella (Palmer) Hart. Her sister, Kathleen, was three years older, and her other sister, Helen, was six years younger. “That dear family" was the model for the fictional Ray family.
Maud’s birthplace was a small house on a hilly residential street several blocks above Mankato’s center business district. The street, Center Street, dead-ended at one of the town’s many hills. When Maud was a few months old, the Hart family moved two blocks up the street to 333 Center.
Shortly before Maud’s fifth birthday a “large merry Irish family" moved into the house directly across the street. Among its many children was a girl Maud’s age, Frances, nicknamed Bick, who was to be Maud’s best friend and the model for Tacy Kelly.
Tib’s character was based on another playmate, Marjorie (Midge) Gerlach, who lived nearby in a large house designed by her architect father. Maud, Bick, and Midge became lifelong friends. Maud once stated that the three couldn’t have been closer if they’d been sisters.
Maud’s birthplace was a small house on a hilly residential street several blocks above Mankato’s center business district. The street, Center Street, dead-ended at one of the town’s many hills. When Maud was a few months old, the Hart family moved two blocks up the street to 333 Center.
Shortly before Maud’s fifth birthday a “large merry Irish family" moved into the house directly across the street. Among its many children was a girl Maud’s age, Frances, nicknamed Bick, who was to be Maud’s best friend and the model for Tacy Kelly.
Tib’s character was based on another playmate, Marjorie (Midge) Gerlach, who lived nearby in a large house designed by her architect father. Maud, Bick, and Midge became lifelong friends. Maud once stated that the three couldn’t have been closer if they’d been sisters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
December 13, 2019
I've certainly been enjoying my reread of the Betsy-Tacy series, but increasingly, as I made my way through the high school books, it was feeling like too much candy at once. I kept telling myself that after I finished a given book, I would take a break and read something else as a palette cleanser. I finished Betsy and Joe, and having done with high school (something of a relief) came to a natural break in the series. You'd think it would have been easy to pick up another book, as I had about a dozen with very pressing claims waiting in the wings, and especially since the next book up was one that I remembered quite well, and would not feel fresh and new as the others have. Carney is one that I've read multiple times, having somehow taken it more to my heart on first reading than I did the main books of the series. But no. I succumbed without putting up hardly any fight, and raced through Carney, and despite the relative familiarity, I loved it more than ever. It went down as easily and quickly as vanilla ice cream on a hot Summer day. I even got a little more out of it than I had in the past. Why had I never before considered Queed (which three characters read) as a possible book to seek out? Why does Betsy abruptly stop smiling when describing the scenery of California to Carney? (Is it possible she triggered a memory of the unwanted physical advance she describes later? ) And, as much as I adore Carney, I was more amused than I was in the past by how ponderous and endearingly boring her family is (Mr. Sibley and his beloved reflective oven!).
So, long story short, I'm not even going to bother making any resolutions not to read the remaining three Deep Valley books one after the other.
I am rather fond of my review from the last time I read this book, seven years ago.
Review of May 21st, 2010:
The close of Carney's sophomore year and the beginning of her junior year at Vassar bookend the events of the summer of 1911 in this wonderful, gentle, and funny book, which is an offshoot of Maud Hart Lovelace's well-loved semi-autobiographical Betsy-Tacy series.
I probably shouldn't say this very loudly in the company of Maud Hart Lovelace fans, but I like Carney Sibley better than Betsy Ray. It doesn't entirely make sense. Betsy is ambitious and wants to travel and become a writer; Carney keeps a hope chest and likes to sew. But counter-intuitively, it's Betsy who's vain and frivolously interested in cosmetics, and Carney who attends Vassar and quietly loves it. I was never particularly interested in Carney as a character when she was introduced in the volumes chronicling Betsy's high school years, but in this book, in which we see her from the inside, I really warmed to her. I love her calm, earnest, and rational manner, nicely leavened with a dose of humor. I love that she takes her grandmothers to the circus and buys them balloons. In some ways I wish I could be more like her, always "forehanded," never scatter-brained, and always kind and sensible. And it doesn't hurt that I have a crush on the man she falls in love with -- an attraction which comes just as much of a surprise to me as it does to Carney herself.
I just love this book. The illustrations -- not so much.
So, long story short, I'm not even going to bother making any resolutions not to read the remaining three Deep Valley books one after the other.
I am rather fond of my review from the last time I read this book, seven years ago.
Review of May 21st, 2010:
The close of Carney's sophomore year and the beginning of her junior year at Vassar bookend the events of the summer of 1911 in this wonderful, gentle, and funny book, which is an offshoot of Maud Hart Lovelace's well-loved semi-autobiographical Betsy-Tacy series.
I probably shouldn't say this very loudly in the company of Maud Hart Lovelace fans, but I like Carney Sibley better than Betsy Ray. It doesn't entirely make sense. Betsy is ambitious and wants to travel and become a writer; Carney keeps a hope chest and likes to sew. But counter-intuitively, it's Betsy who's vain and frivolously interested in cosmetics, and Carney who attends Vassar and quietly loves it. I was never particularly interested in Carney as a character when she was introduced in the volumes chronicling Betsy's high school years, but in this book, in which we see her from the inside, I really warmed to her. I love her calm, earnest, and rational manner, nicely leavened with a dose of humor. I love that she takes her grandmothers to the circus and buys them balloons. In some ways I wish I could be more like her, always "forehanded," never scatter-brained, and always kind and sensible. And it doesn't hurt that I have a crush on the man she falls in love with -- an attraction which comes just as much of a surprise to me as it does to Carney herself.
I just love this book. The illustrations -- not so much.
February 16, 2012
I love that two of the three proposals we get in this series aren't actually proposals at all, but commands. You WILL marry me or else. It shouldn't work, but it totally does.
This was adorable! Carney is so, so great and all the girls, and one thing I really appreciate about MHL is how well she writes different types of girls. She's not just writing the same character over and over again, they run the gamut, really, and it's so refreshing.
Plus, Betsy and Joe!!! Betsy and Joe!!!!
And okay, Sam is a pretty adorable baby hippo. I admit it. ;)
This was adorable! Carney is so, so great and all the girls, and one thing I really appreciate about MHL is how well she writes different types of girls. She's not just writing the same character over and over again, they run the gamut, really, and it's so refreshing.
Plus, Betsy and Joe!!! Betsy and Joe!!!!
And okay, Sam is a pretty adorable baby hippo. I admit it. ;)
July 4, 2024
Re-read 7/23/11.
This book was a childhood favorite that I still really love! It's part of the Betsy-Tacy collection, which is a series of books based on the author's childhood. Most of them are in Betsy's point of view, but this one is Carney's. It's set the summer after Carney's sophomore year of college in the early 1900's. And knowing that this is when the author really grew up gives the book's setting so much authenticity!
Anyway, Carney hosts a house party, where several of her best friends come to stay at her house for a month. During this month, her childhood sweetheart, Larry, comes for a visit. (His departure was a plot thread in an earlier Betsy-Tacy books, so it's nice to see it picked up here!) He and Carney have written letters to each other for years and she's always felt that before getting serious about anyone else, she needed to see Larry again and determine what was between them. However, right before she Larry's arrival, she meets Sam. Sam's very different from Larry (and Carney!), but she bonds with him pretty much instantly.
So this makes it sound like love triangle and I suppose it technically is, but I've never really thought of it that way. I think because all the characters act very maturely and the resolution makes sense for everyone.
Re-read November 2014
Re-read 2024
I've definitely re-read this more than listed here, but yeah. Finally had all the stress of moving get to me and needed a comfort read! This still does the trick.
This book was a childhood favorite that I still really love! It's part of the Betsy-Tacy collection, which is a series of books based on the author's childhood. Most of them are in Betsy's point of view, but this one is Carney's. It's set the summer after Carney's sophomore year of college in the early 1900's. And knowing that this is when the author really grew up gives the book's setting so much authenticity!
Anyway, Carney hosts a house party, where several of her best friends come to stay at her house for a month. During this month, her childhood sweetheart, Larry, comes for a visit. (His departure was a plot thread in an earlier Betsy-Tacy books, so it's nice to see it picked up here!) He and Carney have written letters to each other for years and she's always felt that before getting serious about anyone else, she needed to see Larry again and determine what was between them. However, right before she Larry's arrival, she meets Sam. Sam's very different from Larry (and Carney!), but she bonds with him pretty much instantly.
So this makes it sound like love triangle and I suppose it technically is, but I've never really thought of it that way. I think because all the characters act very maturely and the resolution makes sense for everyone.
Re-read November 2014
Re-read 2024
I've definitely re-read this more than listed here, but yeah. Finally had all the stress of moving get to me and needed a comfort read! This still does the trick.
February 16, 2014
EVERYONE DESERVES THEIR OWN BABY HIPPO!!!
October 13, 2020
I’ll admit I never really noticed Carney in the Betsy books (maybe some of Betsy’s original feelings about Carney influenced me!), so I was dubious about her having her own book. Was I wrong!
Carney and her practical ways are a delightful foil to Betsy. Whereas Betsy is romantic and desires to be an author, Carney likes to reason her problems out and wants to be a homemaker. I love that the Deep Valley world has equal room for both in a way that speaks unexpectedly to third-wave feminism.
Carney’s friendships and journey to love are endearing. And I enjoyed the peek into life at Vassar in 1911. (Why doesn’t every class graduate with a daisy chain?) Another wonderful book by Lovelace.
Carney and her practical ways are a delightful foil to Betsy. Whereas Betsy is romantic and desires to be an author, Carney likes to reason her problems out and wants to be a homemaker. I love that the Deep Valley world has equal room for both in a way that speaks unexpectedly to third-wave feminism.
Carney’s friendships and journey to love are endearing. And I enjoyed the peek into life at Vassar in 1911. (Why doesn’t every class graduate with a daisy chain?) Another wonderful book by Lovelace.
April 11, 2020
A companion novel to the Betsy-Tacy series and a romance, this one takes place the summer between Betsy's junior and senior years. Carney is the star and home from Vassar for the summer.
December 13, 2019
Maud Hart Lovelace, whose ten-book
Betsy-Tacy
series offers a delightful record of three young girls growing up in late nineteenth and early twentieth century Minnesota, also wrote three tangentially related titles, set in the same fictionalized town of Deep Valley. Carney's House Party is one of these (along with
Emily of Deep Valley
and
Winona's Pony Cart
), and although the HarperCollins reprint I read lists it as the second in the series, it was published first, in 1949. As it is my understanding that all three of the Deep Valley books are independent stories, and stand outside the main Betsy~Tacy storyline, I thought it made just as much sense to read by publication date, as by series chronology.
Set during the summer of 1911, when Carney (Caroline) Sibley returns to Deep Valley, after her sophomore year at Vassar College, this book fills in some of the time between Betsy and Joe , which chronicles the Crowd's senior year in high school, and Betsy and the Great World , in which Betsy Ray tours Europe. It is an absolute joy to read! From the fascinating glimpses it offered, into the world of an early twentieth-century college girl, or the tensions between eastern and mid-western social mores (some things haven't changed!), to the many heartwarming reunions - best friends Carney and Bonnie, long-time correspondents Carney and Larry Humphries, and Betsy Ray and the old Deep Valley "Crowd" - depicted, Carney's House Party was great fun, particularly for the fan of the Betsy~Tacy books!
I appreciated the opportunity to view Deep Valley and its people, including Betsy herself, from a different perspective, and although I knew (having already read Betsy's Wedding ) the inevitable outcome of Carney's romantic entanglements, it was still entertaining to watch the story unfold. I liked the "baby hippo" immensely! Although I think my knowledge of Deep Valley made this a richer experience for me, Carney's House Party stands very well on its own, and would be enjoyed by readers who like tales of early twentieth-century women's lives. As for me, I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of Emily of Deep Valley !
Set during the summer of 1911, when Carney (Caroline) Sibley returns to Deep Valley, after her sophomore year at Vassar College, this book fills in some of the time between Betsy and Joe , which chronicles the Crowd's senior year in high school, and Betsy and the Great World , in which Betsy Ray tours Europe. It is an absolute joy to read! From the fascinating glimpses it offered, into the world of an early twentieth-century college girl, or the tensions between eastern and mid-western social mores (some things haven't changed!), to the many heartwarming reunions - best friends Carney and Bonnie, long-time correspondents Carney and Larry Humphries, and Betsy Ray and the old Deep Valley "Crowd" - depicted, Carney's House Party was great fun, particularly for the fan of the Betsy~Tacy books!
I appreciated the opportunity to view Deep Valley and its people, including Betsy herself, from a different perspective, and although I knew (having already read Betsy's Wedding ) the inevitable outcome of Carney's romantic entanglements, it was still entertaining to watch the story unfold. I liked the "baby hippo" immensely! Although I think my knowledge of Deep Valley made this a richer experience for me, Carney's House Party stands very well on its own, and would be enjoyed by readers who like tales of early twentieth-century women's lives. As for me, I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of Emily of Deep Valley !
June 1, 2017
I loved the Betsy-Tacy books when I was growing up, but somehow managed to miss out on the Deep Valley series. Even though Betsy Ray is only a minor character is this novel, the storyline has exactly the same charm. The novel begins at Vassar - where Carney, lifelong Deep Valley resident - has just completed her sophomore year. Carney is a confident girl who has always enjoyed the most complete sense of belonging in her small community. She is used to being an important person, and her comfortable home is central to the social life of her Crowd. Going to Vassar, and having to find her place there amongst the rich East Coast girls, has been the biggest challenge of her life so far. In some sense, this book is about bringing the two parts of her life together - as represented by two very different sets of friends. Carney's past and her future are also represented by two very different young men: Sam Hutchison (who she meets that summer) and longtime beau Larry Humphreys, who is visiting from California. Carney is the most sensible of characters, far less flighty than my beloved Betsy, but she is also an appealing heroine - and this is a hugely enjoyable book.
March 25, 2012
"You didn't ask me to marry you, and I just wanted to say . . ." she stopped and swallowed for it sounded ridiculous. It had sounded all right when Betsy had said it in her persuasive voice. But it didn't now.
"What did you want to say?" Sam asked.
"I want to say, that if you had asked me to marry you, I'd have said no," Carney replied.
For a moment Sam sat in stunned silence and Carney's heart misgave her. First, she was afraid that she had hurt his feelings. Then she was even more afraid that she had told a lie. Looking at him as he sat there in the golden light which filtered through the vines, so warm, so protectively big, with that dimple in his chin--she was at all sure that she would have said no.
YOU GUYSSSSS. I love Carney Sibley with all of my heart, and THIS BOOK. THIS BOOK.
Also, I have found the answer to the love triangle that worked out well. IT'S THIS ONE.
True love is not giving your fiancee a ring right away because she's going to want you to pay cash for it.
Also read: January 2011
"What did you want to say?" Sam asked.
"I want to say, that if you had asked me to marry you, I'd have said no," Carney replied.
For a moment Sam sat in stunned silence and Carney's heart misgave her. First, she was afraid that she had hurt his feelings. Then she was even more afraid that she had told a lie. Looking at him as he sat there in the golden light which filtered through the vines, so warm, so protectively big, with that dimple in his chin--she was at all sure that she would have said no.
YOU GUYSSSSS. I love Carney Sibley with all of my heart, and THIS BOOK. THIS BOOK.
Also, I have found the answer to the love triangle that worked out well. IT'S THIS ONE.
True love is not giving your fiancee a ring right away because she's going to want you to pay cash for it.
Also read: January 2011
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2015
8/2015
I've never identified with Carney particularly. She's so reserved, so prim, so proper and I have never been any of those things. And yet. Her fears, her hopes, her motivations- all pretty recognizable to me.
Part of the problem with having Lovelace's books filed under "comfort reading" in my head is that I forget what a good writer she is, how she sees so keenly into people. Coming here for sweetness and finding only magnifying mirrors is more than a little disconcerting.
Several passages leapt out at me this time, none more striking than the trip to Orono Falls.
9/2012
I love this book more each time I read it. I like seeing Betsy through Carney's eyes, and I think Lovelace was very successful at showing us what the whole world looked like through Carney's eyes. Sam is one of my favorite characters in the whole Betsy-Tacy series. I like seeing how the childhood love of Carney and Larry plays out here. All the characters are whole and round and real, the situations believable, and the elopement of Bobbie a classic. Beautifully done.
I've never identified with Carney particularly. She's so reserved, so prim, so proper and I have never been any of those things. And yet. Her fears, her hopes, her motivations- all pretty recognizable to me.
Part of the problem with having Lovelace's books filed under "comfort reading" in my head is that I forget what a good writer she is, how she sees so keenly into people. Coming here for sweetness and finding only magnifying mirrors is more than a little disconcerting.
Several passages leapt out at me this time, none more striking than the trip to Orono Falls.
9/2012
I love this book more each time I read it. I like seeing Betsy through Carney's eyes, and I think Lovelace was very successful at showing us what the whole world looked like through Carney's eyes. Sam is one of my favorite characters in the whole Betsy-Tacy series. I like seeing how the childhood love of Carney and Larry plays out here. All the characters are whole and round and real, the situations believable, and the elopement of Bobbie a classic. Beautifully done.
February 13, 2017
When I read through the Betsy-Tacy books for the first time, a lot of stuff seemed to be missing between books 8 and 9. Then I read Carney's House Party ... and now I understand! Which was amazing, because I really love this series ... but it just didn't make sense until I read this book.
Besides filling in the gaps, the story is beyond amazing. And I love Carney ... and Sam ... and Bonnie ... and all of Carney's family ... and seeing Betsy and Tacy and everyone from a different perspective.
I'd recommend this book to practically anyone, especially people who love the Betsy-Tacy series and want more.
~Kellyn Roth, Reveries Reviews
Besides filling in the gaps, the story is beyond amazing. And I love Carney ... and Sam ... and Bonnie ... and all of Carney's family ... and seeing Betsy and Tacy and everyone from a different perspective.
I'd recommend this book to practically anyone, especially people who love the Betsy-Tacy series and want more.
~Kellyn Roth, Reveries Reviews
July 10, 2022
This was my first book by this author. I've had the Betsy-Tacy books on my list for a long time. I really enjoyed this college summer break story based in 1911. It was fun hearing about normal life back then. It reminded me of a more lighthearted Anne of the Island or Anne of Avonlea. Parts also made me think of the beginning parts of It's a Wonderful Life. I'll definitely read more of this author for some lighthearted classics.
October 17, 2010
So it seems that I have more in common with Carney than I originally thought. I adored this book! It was a wonderful companion to a childhood series.
Edit, 10/17/10
Just finished rereading this book. Oh, but it's wonderful. Lovelace has such a deep love of her characters, and since they're all based on her friends, it's no wonder why.
Edit, 10/17/10
Just finished rereading this book. Oh, but it's wonderful. Lovelace has such a deep love of her characters, and since they're all based on her friends, it's no wonder why.
April 26, 2008
This is only peripherally a Betsy-Tacy book - that's really marketing hyperbole (gee... that's unusual.)
However, it is a really good story. Betsy and Tacy's friend Carney is done with her first year at Vassar, and heading back to Deep Valley for the summer. In order to make sure that she has a chance to visit with all her friends, and keep her posh Easterner room-mate entertained during her visit, Carney arranges a house-party...
This is a great example of my comfort reading. It is sweet, and safe, and while not everyone in it is always nice, there is nothing scary or threatening. It is also right up on my list of frequent rereads.
However, it is a really good story. Betsy and Tacy's friend Carney is done with her first year at Vassar, and heading back to Deep Valley for the summer. In order to make sure that she has a chance to visit with all her friends, and keep her posh Easterner room-mate entertained during her visit, Carney arranges a house-party...
This is a great example of my comfort reading. It is sweet, and safe, and while not everyone in it is always nice, there is nothing scary or threatening. It is also right up on my list of frequent rereads.
June 9, 2021
Not technically part of the Betsy-Tacy series but just as enjoyable, Carney's House Party is about one of Betsy's crowd of friends, Carney Sibley, and a house party she gives between her sophomore and junior years at Vassar.
December 26, 2016
Good story. Made me think of tradition and my childhood, fondly. The cover is deceiving as it is about college kids and not preteens or high schoolers, as one might guess. The better for it and, like I said, a nostalgic good time.
March 7, 2015
Love it. Love it, love it, love it.
07/03/2015
Yep. I still love it.
2015 Reading challenge: a book you can finish in a day.
*Read: January 2012, 07 March 2015
07/03/2015
Yep. I still love it.
2015 Reading challenge: a book you can finish in a day.
*Read: January 2012, 07 March 2015
July 15, 2017
This was sweet and cute, and I liked the unpredictable ending. Carney is a tiny bit boring to me, though. I much prefer Betsy, although I have to disagree with her about the joys of embroidery!
July 3, 2024
An absolute must for summertime reading. 🌻
May 29, 2022
Maud Hart Lovelace’s Carney’s House Party features the Betsy-Tacy series’ supporting character Carney Sibley as hostess and heroine in her own right. When Carney begrudgingly asks her mother if her college roommate Isobel can visit for the summer, she replies, “It would be a sort of house party…It’s part of her education in Middle Westania.” Carney introduces Isobel to Deep Valley’s Crowd, and when caught trespassing on his property, she is introduced to new boy in town Sam Hutchinson. “That baby hippo is all right…He’s going to add a lot to the house party.”
“The opening affair was…a rose luncheon…Grandmother Sibely gave her thimble bee…Alice gave a porch party…Winona was giving an evening party with men,” bookended by a masquerade at the Sibley’s and a dance at the Hutchinson’s. “She compared them in terms of color. Sam’s home, with its lavishness, its warmth, its indulgent extravagant affection, was like a rich deep purple. Her own…was dove gray. Dove gray seemed to express disciplined affection, reticence, order, thrift, justice, and kindness…The house party had tied the East and Middle West together.”
While the premise of the story is lighthearted, the plot grapples with the comparison, confidence and identity. I loved Lovelace’s interweaving of enemies to lovers and lovers to friends, but I didn’t necessarily agree with her endorsement of Carney’s love interest or validation. She rejects loyal, polite, undergrad Larry in exchange for quick-tempered, petulant, spend-thrift Sam.
“Sam’s choosing her had built up her self-confidence more than any one thing had ever done.” As for Larry, “A magic which had lain over their relationship in the past had vanished, as when the lights of a Christmas tree are turned off leaving just an ordinary pine.” The lights shimmer and fade after the holiday, but the pine remains–a stable, solid resource weathering all seasons of the year. While I have my contentions with Carney, I was completely enthralled with her story. “I like stories to have happy endings!” And “this one has a very happy ending…I just love being a free woman.”
“The opening affair was…a rose luncheon…Grandmother Sibely gave her thimble bee…Alice gave a porch party…Winona was giving an evening party with men,” bookended by a masquerade at the Sibley’s and a dance at the Hutchinson’s. “She compared them in terms of color. Sam’s home, with its lavishness, its warmth, its indulgent extravagant affection, was like a rich deep purple. Her own…was dove gray. Dove gray seemed to express disciplined affection, reticence, order, thrift, justice, and kindness…The house party had tied the East and Middle West together.”
While the premise of the story is lighthearted, the plot grapples with the comparison, confidence and identity. I loved Lovelace’s interweaving of enemies to lovers and lovers to friends, but I didn’t necessarily agree with her endorsement of Carney’s love interest or validation. She rejects loyal, polite, undergrad Larry in exchange for quick-tempered, petulant, spend-thrift Sam.
“Sam’s choosing her had built up her self-confidence more than any one thing had ever done.” As for Larry, “A magic which had lain over their relationship in the past had vanished, as when the lights of a Christmas tree are turned off leaving just an ordinary pine.” The lights shimmer and fade after the holiday, but the pine remains–a stable, solid resource weathering all seasons of the year. While I have my contentions with Carney, I was completely enthralled with her story. “I like stories to have happy endings!” And “this one has a very happy ending…I just love being a free woman.”
February 7, 2018
This was the first book by Maud Hart Lovelace that I've read where Betsy was not the main character so I was not sure how I would like it. Happy to report that it was a true delight. To anyone who likes historical fiction, these books are truly illuminating as to what life was like for ordinary girls at the turn of the century (and there is a good sprinkling of historical references).
March 11, 2023
I loved the Betsy-Tacy books and forgot that I had started this one a long time ago. It was fun to go back into this world with Carney and her summer house party and her eventual discovering of love.
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August 2, 2023Just an FYI for anyone interested in the Deep Valley books, this should be read between Betsy-Tacy #8 (Betsy and Joe) and the other Deep Valley bonus book, Emily of Deep Valley, for best plot continuity (This was also the original publication order).
August 24, 2024
I finally got to read this book after reading all the Betsy-Tacy books annually for several years. I was fortunate enough to come across the first edition with this beautiful cover. I paid a tidy little sum for it, but it was worth it! I enjoyed getting to see more of Deep Valley and Lovelace's writing is just as charming here as with the Betsy-Tacy books.
The book starts with Carney reflecting on her sophomore year at Vassar, and she goes home for summer vacation. She throws a house party and invites her roommate from college and many high school friends. While Carney should be having loads of fun, she is distracted by something. She longs to meet her high school sweetheart Larry Humphreys. Larry's family moved away during high school, but they have been faithfully writing letters every since he left. Both of them strongly feel they must see each other again to find out if they still like each other. Neither of them can date because they feel they are betraying each other. Carney finally gets to discover if she loves Larry when he comes to visit.
Naturally I got to know Carney through Betsy's eyes during the high school years, but it was great to see Lovelace writing from another person's perspective. I think I can relate to Carney better in some ways. She is very organized, detailed, and diligent in everything she does. Betsy is more artistic and carefree at times. I try to be like Betsy, but then I analyze my problems just like Carney and must have everything "just so." Also, I have wanted to know for years what happened between Carney and Larry. (I already knew the outcome of this book because of reading the Betsy-Tacy series, but I never got to see this develop.) Most of my questions were answered although, and without giving away any spoilers, I must say I'm surprised by her decision. The ending also came too fast for me, but Emily of Deep Valley sort of picks up where this leaves off and fills in some of the gaps from a bystander's perspective.
All in all, this was a great addition to the Deep Valley world. I like Betsy's point of view better, but it is a nice break to switch over to Carney and see all the fun she has during this summer. I highly recommend reading this in chronological order right after Betsy and Joe, and you could even read it during summer as I did to have the proper mood and setting to compliment this carefree read.
The book starts with Carney reflecting on her sophomore year at Vassar, and she goes home for summer vacation. She throws a house party and invites her roommate from college and many high school friends. While Carney should be having loads of fun, she is distracted by something. She longs to meet her high school sweetheart Larry Humphreys. Larry's family moved away during high school, but they have been faithfully writing letters every since he left. Both of them strongly feel they must see each other again to find out if they still like each other. Neither of them can date because they feel they are betraying each other. Carney finally gets to discover if she loves Larry when he comes to visit.
Naturally I got to know Carney through Betsy's eyes during the high school years, but it was great to see Lovelace writing from another person's perspective. I think I can relate to Carney better in some ways. She is very organized, detailed, and diligent in everything she does. Betsy is more artistic and carefree at times. I try to be like Betsy, but then I analyze my problems just like Carney and must have everything "just so." Also, I have wanted to know for years what happened between Carney and Larry. (I already knew the outcome of this book because of reading the Betsy-Tacy series, but I never got to see this develop.) Most of my questions were answered although, and without giving away any spoilers, I must say I'm surprised by her decision. The ending also came too fast for me, but Emily of Deep Valley sort of picks up where this leaves off and fills in some of the gaps from a bystander's perspective.
All in all, this was a great addition to the Deep Valley world. I like Betsy's point of view better, but it is a nice break to switch over to Carney and see all the fun she has during this summer. I highly recommend reading this in chronological order right after Betsy and Joe, and you could even read it during summer as I did to have the proper mood and setting to compliment this carefree read.
February 28, 2012
I find that this is the first really "subtle" book of the Deep Valley series. It is definitely more adult. These are people who are thinking of their personal futures. As a group, they have each other's support, but they realize that their futures are what they as individuals make them --- that is, they must choose alone aided by their own native wit and feeling. Thus, Carney makes, first, the "small" choice to have Isobel out to Deep Valley as a relatively long term house guest, even though it is evident that Isobel is someone that she does not really like. Second, she is wise enough to reject Larry with honesty and to "choose" Sam --- a surprise to her and to everyone else.
As to feelings, it is a nice surprise in this book that the practical and cheerful Carney, with her family's Vermont and Presbyterian background, can recognize so immediately the genuineness of the emotions that bring her to recognize her love for Sam. And I believe this is the first time that love (outside of family love) has made an authentic appearance in the Deep Valley books. Hitherto, not even the relationship of Betsy and Joe has displayed this kind of maturity.
The "love" aspects are realistic because Carney's House Party is full of sexual tension. We see this mainly from the girls' point of view as the series is really essentially a girls' series. Suddenly, the boys are seen as men, as different, as equals, as autonomous, and as having their own places in nature and life. There is a lot of description of men's clothing in this book (i.e., men's bodies). The girls are also made more realistically sexual. Ms. Lovelace signals this at the beginning with the description of the restrictions and rules of Vassar life. These rules show how real life has become.
Also, Ms. Lovelace uses her art or technique in a move advanced way. At last, we are out of the high school and into a world with somehow fewer rules and more uncertainties. Ms. L. "misleads" the reader very well as to Isobel's situation and intentions. She works very well with the tensions between Sam and Carney. She creates a nice triangle of these three characters who each have different concepts of what is happening. Hence, the suspense. Brava, Ms. Lovelace.
As to feelings, it is a nice surprise in this book that the practical and cheerful Carney, with her family's Vermont and Presbyterian background, can recognize so immediately the genuineness of the emotions that bring her to recognize her love for Sam. And I believe this is the first time that love (outside of family love) has made an authentic appearance in the Deep Valley books. Hitherto, not even the relationship of Betsy and Joe has displayed this kind of maturity.
The "love" aspects are realistic because Carney's House Party is full of sexual tension. We see this mainly from the girls' point of view as the series is really essentially a girls' series. Suddenly, the boys are seen as men, as different, as equals, as autonomous, and as having their own places in nature and life. There is a lot of description of men's clothing in this book (i.e., men's bodies). The girls are also made more realistically sexual. Ms. Lovelace signals this at the beginning with the description of the restrictions and rules of Vassar life. These rules show how real life has become.
Also, Ms. Lovelace uses her art or technique in a move advanced way. At last, we are out of the high school and into a world with somehow fewer rules and more uncertainties. Ms. L. "misleads" the reader very well as to Isobel's situation and intentions. She works very well with the tensions between Sam and Carney. She creates a nice triangle of these three characters who each have different concepts of what is happening. Hence, the suspense. Brava, Ms. Lovelace.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2014
Re-read for 2014 VSC discussion.
05-22-2010 review:
**slight spoilers toward the end**
This is a particularly fun one to discuss at the VSC, because it's a strong favorite among the NY Chapter members, and that invariably leads to a raucous discussion.
I always enjoy my glimpse into Carney's sensible perspective. (I like things settled, too!) With my last read, I remember noticing what an excellent job MHL did with the tightened time frame of just one summer. This time around, I found myself comparing the Carney-Bonnie friendship with Betsy and Tacy. Although I'm no huge Bonnie fan, I love how MHL shows us that the C&B friendship is as strong as B&T's.
I also wonder what would have happened if Sam had never showed up. Would Carney and Larry have gotten engaged? Would they have been happy together? I think they would have been content with one another but would have never known the passion that Carney and Sam had.
Last read:
5-22-06 (has it really been that long?)
7-7-05
05-22-2010 review:
**slight spoilers toward the end**
This is a particularly fun one to discuss at the VSC, because it's a strong favorite among the NY Chapter members, and that invariably leads to a raucous discussion.
I always enjoy my glimpse into Carney's sensible perspective. (I like things settled, too!) With my last read, I remember noticing what an excellent job MHL did with the tightened time frame of just one summer. This time around, I found myself comparing the Carney-Bonnie friendship with Betsy and Tacy. Although I'm no huge Bonnie fan, I love how MHL shows us that the C&B friendship is as strong as B&T's.
I also wonder what would have happened if Sam had never showed up. Would Carney and Larry have gotten engaged? Would they have been happy together? I think they would have been content with one another but would have never known the passion that Carney and Sam had.
Last read:
5-22-06 (has it really been that long?)
7-7-05
May 4, 2017
Can you believe I never read the Betsy-Tacy books? I think they just weren't at my library and so I never saw them or knew about them. I knew from all my librarian colleagues who are B-T fans that they seemed like books I would like, but I just never tried them. So while this book was not about B-T per se, it's still in Deep Valley and features I guess all the regular characters (or, in the book's parlance, "the Crowd.")
Oh my goodness was this ever an incredibly old-fashioned fascinating treat. I enjoyed so much all the details of life at Vassar College, and what they wore, and the gay house party and socializing and customs and really the whole thing. Reminded me of Anne of Green Gables + Daddy Long Legs + any other old books. I especially enjoyed the 1911 fashions. I looked at the first B-T book at the library last night and saw that Lois Lenski illustrated it! Had I known that as a child I definitely would have read them and I'm sure enjoyed the friendship adventures of the girls.
Oh my goodness was this ever an incredibly old-fashioned fascinating treat. I enjoyed so much all the details of life at Vassar College, and what they wore, and the gay house party and socializing and customs and really the whole thing. Reminded me of Anne of Green Gables + Daddy Long Legs + any other old books. I especially enjoyed the 1911 fashions. I looked at the first B-T book at the library last night and saw that Lois Lenski illustrated it! Had I known that as a child I definitely would have read them and I'm sure enjoyed the friendship adventures of the girls.
June 16, 2017
Please don’t make me leave Deep Valley. I know I didn’t love a couple of books in the middle, but reading Carney’s House Party, I fell in love all over again, and I never want to leave.
Told from the perspective of Carney, the book opens at Vassar College, and I love the research Ms. Lovelace did into Vassar and its traditions (adult me was totally berating teenage me for not applying to Vassar after reading this). The story then takes us to Deep Valley, where Carney hosts high school and college friends for summer hijinks.
I wish I had read this one between Betsy and Joe and Betsy and the Great World. It would have made the transition between the two much less jarring. Highly recommended.
Told from the perspective of Carney, the book opens at Vassar College, and I love the research Ms. Lovelace did into Vassar and its traditions (adult me was totally berating teenage me for not applying to Vassar after reading this). The story then takes us to Deep Valley, where Carney hosts high school and college friends for summer hijinks.
I wish I had read this one between Betsy and Joe and Betsy and the Great World. It would have made the transition between the two much less jarring. Highly recommended.
November 11, 2019
Wonderful book. Re-read it for the Maud Hart Lovelace Reading Challenge because it was the only book in the Betsy-Tacy series I hadn't read more than once. Glad I did.
On reading for the 3rd time: this time around I was on another Betsy binge and needed to fill in the time between Betsy and Joe and Betsy and the Great World (which I've still only ever read once because no Joe or the Crowd). Sam and Isobel certainly grow on you. Too bad Vassar had to go co-ed! At least they still have the daisy chain, although those chosen to carry it are purportedly no longer chosen for their looks! Wonder if they give a Carney tour there.
On reading for the 3rd time: this time around I was on another Betsy binge and needed to fill in the time between Betsy and Joe and Betsy and the Great World (which I've still only ever read once because no Joe or the Crowd). Sam and Isobel certainly grow on you. Too bad Vassar had to go co-ed! At least they still have the daisy chain, although those chosen to carry it are purportedly no longer chosen for their looks! Wonder if they give a Carney tour there.
January 31, 2011
This one is still relatively new to me, when I think how many times I've read it compared to the rest of the Betsy series. It was out of print for so long, yet is such an important part of the books. Both Betsy and Joe make an appearance, too. Focusing on Betsy's friend Carney, this story takes place the summer between her sophomore and junior year at Vassar, and finally solves the mystery of what happened with her and her high school crush Laurence.
This is a lovely snapshot of summers in the midwest, month-long "house parties", and a glimpse into Vassar at the beginning of the 20th century.
This is a lovely snapshot of summers in the midwest, month-long "house parties", and a glimpse into Vassar at the beginning of the 20th century.
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