"Fiona looked over to Marlin to see if she was
balling up her fists, or getting ready for battle.
Fiona always felt like the owner of a barking
dog in such circumstances, ready to race
forward, grab the lead, and quiet the dog, but
Marlin just lay apathetically on the couch
flipping TV channels and looking uninterested.
This, thought Fiona, was far worse than Marlin
barking. She would far rather have to try to
calm Marlin down than to rev her up."
The McCready sisters have dealt with a lot in their young lives. As we learned in Pine Island Home (2020), when their parents died tragically they were taken care of by Mrs. Weatherspoon, a family friend for a year. Upon arrival in Canada, where they were to live with their guardian, they discovered she had only recently died. Their lives improved when Al, a neighbor, agreed to adopt them.
As a new school year begins in this sequel, Mrs. Weatherspoon sends a note inviting herself to stay with them. The girls, though not enamored of the idea, agree, only to find that Mrs. Weatherspoon is accompanied by another woman from her church, Jo Menzies.
At Jo's behest, and with support from Mrs. Weatherspoon, their world changes in an instant. Jo is a total pain in the neck from day one. Her constant insistence that everyone in the house adhere to her demands and needs is almost more than any of the girls can handle. Fiona's fierce pride in her ability to take care of her family is under scrutiny at every turn, leaving her fuming on many occasions. Marlin wants to continue making family meals as she has not yet realized her dream of having her cookbook published. Jo insists they adopt her vegan lifestyle. The list of interferences goes on and on.
Readers continue to get to know the girls and their personalities through conversation, interactions at school and home, and the many small circumstances of every day life. They are finely drawn and worthy characters whose life, though unusual and unexpected, is quite the success. Their love for each other is always evident, and their comfort with Al being next door makes life better for all.
Horvath's storytelling is compelling, and derisive of those who seek power over others, no matter what the ruse. As Jo pushes her agenda, the older girls learn to push back. They stand up for themselves, their family and Al's place in their lives. The pacing is brilliant, keeping readers involved and entertained at every turn. It's a terrific chance for fans to revisit Pine Island and see that the McCready family is managing to deal with all life hands them.
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