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verityw's review against another edition
3.0
This falls firmly into the category of novels about distressed gentlewomen find unlikely ways to earn themselves money, which is a category that Ireally like (Miss Buncle's book for example, in some ways Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild). This time it's two cousins who end up in reduced circumstances after their trustee gambles away their cash and have to figure out how to make ends meet (in a we-can't-afford-a-servant type of way, not in a starving and on the streets way). They turn to flower selling and manage, over the course of the book, to gain a big house, a nice garden and a squadron of men to help them. I started reading it months ago - and then ended up reading probably 95 percent of it ove the course of a couple of days. It's nice easy reading - albeit easy reading that wraps up a little quickly and only works because it's a book and you can't see the people in question (disguises, mistaken identities etc). Lots of fun - like a children's adventure but for adults, which I suppose considering that it's Enid Nesbit we're talking about, possibly isn't a surprise!
elke_go_read's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
wordnerdy's review against another edition
5.0
http://wordnerdy.blogspot.com/2017/04/2017-book-64.html
Today I made the exciting discovery that a) E. Nesbit wrote books for ADULTS, and b) this adult novel centers on a pair of plucky cousins! Plucky down-to-earth young ladies are my favorites! And these two are in something of a pickle: their guardian has gambled away their inheritances and has left them high and dry (with a house and 500 pounds) to make their way in the world. Which they do, with aplomb, and with a lot of sheer hilarity I had not entirely expected from Nesbit. Too delightful, and just what I needed. A.
Today I made the exciting discovery that a) E. Nesbit wrote books for ADULTS, and b) this adult novel centers on a pair of plucky cousins! Plucky down-to-earth young ladies are my favorites! And these two are in something of a pickle: their guardian has gambled away their inheritances and has left them high and dry (with a house and 500 pounds) to make their way in the world. Which they do, with aplomb, and with a lot of sheer hilarity I had not entirely expected from Nesbit. Too delightful, and just what I needed. A.
jessamine864's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bibliobrujx's review against another edition
4.0
This book is surprisingly hilarious and very modern when it comes to how these women take on their fate. I enjoyed every page.
em_da5h's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.0
A fun little “lark” of a book. There is hardly any drama to keep the plot moving forward but it’s fairly short and a nice little escape into a low-stakes frothy world.
nanditalaks's review against another edition
5.0
It was so good to indulge in a nice old-fashioned book. E.Nesbit's books were a childhood favorite of mine and the discovery that she wrote books for adults (-ish) was a great thrill. This book is delightful with its mix of romance, whimsy and of course the underlying Puritan ideals that are a common theme in all the literature for young girls that I read and loved.
barefootsong's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars, because I didn't really enjoy the first chapter and the ending is kind of abrupt, but otherwise I loved it. Two young women trying to make their way in post-WWI England after their guardian gambles away their inheritance and flees the country, leaving them with just a "tiny" cottage and a few hundred pounds. Naturally, they get into scrapes and there is a touch of romance. A delightful read and just the kind of book I needed right now!
ukeleslie's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Currently my favorite book. I too would like to live in the countryside and open my little flower shop and vibe.
hollyfs's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0