Anne of Avonlea

By L.M. Montgomery

This is the second book in the series about Anne Shirley and it is just as sweet and wonderful as the first. Anne is now 16 and about to start on her teaching career at the local school in Avonlea. We follow her the first two years of her career and also get to know some of her pupils and their families.

The story pretty much follows the same pattern as the first book and it is so predictable it is not even funny, but that is about the only negative thing I have to say.

After two years of teaching, Anne finally gets the chance to start proper college and study towards her degree. She is, of course, delighted at the opportunity but also saddened at the prospect of leaving her dear home at Green Gables, in the very small community of Avonlea. But, her friend, Gilbert, is going away to college as well, which makes up for some of the homesickness. However, Anne has not yet opened her eyes to Gilbert's interest in her but being students at the same college this might change.

At home Marilla is kept company by the twins, Dora and Davy, and her good neighbour through the years, Rachel Lynde. Rachel has now moved in with Marilla following the death of her husband. Should be interesting to see how they get along...

Past Praying For

By Aline Templeton

The storyline is very good and it is sad that the author is not able to make more out of it. It is set in the small community of Stretton Noble where Margaret Moon has just taken over as the new vicar. However, what she and the rest of the community, does not know is that the town is hiding a dangerous person. Someone with a split personality goes around at night setting fire to houses. It does not take long before the whole town is engulfed in fear, and when the vicarage is set on fire Margaret Moon just about escapes the flames.

Throughout the novel I was waiting for a surprising twist at the end, but unfortunately the ending is quite straightforward. There is nothing surprising at all here and instead of going down the road less travelled, the author has chosen the safer road, which, unfortunately for the reader, leads to the obvious, and eventually disappointment.