The book features both Anna's own story and the fantasy story she composes, intermingled. The story of the Butterfly Girls, Laurel and Hyssop, and Laurel's mother Lady Willow, is a charming tale. The girls study plants in their academy, where Lady Willow teaches. Their studies - and indeed the very existence of their school - is threatened by a serious draught, and Lady Willow must seek the help of a neighbor, Baron Ashbury, who she met when he rescued her from drowning. Although both of them were widowed, and neither one is certain that they are ready for a new relationship, they can't deny the attraction they feel for each other. Slowly, love blooms - to the delight of Laurel, who wishes only happiness for her mother.

Anna's story parallels her fantasy in many ways - she is also a widow, hesitant to begin a new relationship, and with a beautiful, intelligent young daughter. Her life of hardship takes a turn for the better when she finds steady work in a local dress shop, making more in a day than she had been in a week doing odd jobs. She is finally able to afford some little luxuries for herself and Brandy - and best of all, among the contacts she meets in her new position is a young sea-captain, Nate Marston.

This sweet, wistful story is an enjoyable read, equally appealing to young adults and adult readers. The time period is not clearly identified, but it has a sort of Victorian feel to it, and its charming characters seem to comport themselves with 19th-century propriety. I enjoyed the realistic portrayal of a woman struggling to make it on her own, rather than racing into a relationship immediately - which made the relationships that developed in both stories so much more romantic.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Sweet

Reviewer: April Chase
April 23, 2003