First sentence: Spring had come again on the banks of the Iller-Stream, and the young beech trees were swaying to and fro. One moment their glossy foliage was sparkling in the sunshine, and the next a deep shadow was cast over the leaves. A strong south wind was blowing, driving huge clouds across the sun.

Premise/plot: Cornelli Hellmut is an easy-going, pleasant daughter until her father goes away on an extended business trip leaving his cousin, Kitty Dorner, and another young woman, Miss Grideelen, to "educate" Cornelli. He returns to find Cornelli radically changed--and not for the better. He's puzzled, but thinks the solution is to send her away to boarding school. Dear, kind, loving Martha is a godsend. She is able to talk a little sense into both of them....

So Martha--dear that she is--let her spare room to a (sick) city boy, Dino Halm. (This was while Director Hellmut was away on business). Dino and Cornelli become good friends despite a less than great first impression. So soon after her father's return, he receives a letter from Dino's mother requesting Cornelli come for a visit. (This is the kind of visit that happened on Gilligan's Island, not really, but still).

When father and daughter are reunited--about eighteen months later???--he's in for a big surprise. (But this time a good one).

My thoughts: I absolutely love, love, love Dino's family--his mom, Agnes, Niko, and Mux. I really like Cornelli. I did love Martha. So many of the characters just felt like FRIENDS within a short period of time.

The story is old-fashioned certainly. It was originally published in 1892. It definitely has Christian themes and values. But I don't think it is as insufferable as it could have been. (I'll try to explain). The book that comes to mind is Elsie Dinsmore by Martha Finley. It is NOT as insufferable as that. (I made it through the first book and part of the second book). To clarify, having Christian themes and values does not make it automatically insufferable. It doesn't. But I think characters have to be developed (they are) and the dialogue has to be strong (it is).

The book does have a tied in a neat bow ending. (I don't mind). There are some characters that are absolutely clueless and you wonder how they function at life. (The dad). There are some characters that you just want to yell and scream at (like the cousin and her friend). But I found it an engaging read. Definitely glad I read this one. ( )