It took six books to tell the tale, and what a tale it is! The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place wraps up this year with the final book – The Long-Lost Home. If you’ve read some of the series, be sure to pick up the final book. You are no doubt wondering how the author is going to finally let us in on the secrets of the mysterious wolfish family. No spoilers here. I have only a smug smile of satisfaction at the way the author, Maryrose Wood, weaves the story together with expert attention to detail. As Agatha Swanburn might say, “When the impossible becomes merely difficult, that’s when you know you’ve won.” This final book is a winner!
If you are new to the series, get ready for a wild ride. The target audience is middle grades (ages 8-12) but it will delight readers and listeners of all ages. The tale chronicles the adventures of Miss Penelope Lumley and her many journeys while governess to three lively children. The children, Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia, happen to have been raised by wolves before Penelope arrived. Penelope must employ patience and pluck to succeed in educating the youngsters in the same above-reproach manner that she was educated at the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females. Understatement and a dry humor throughout the series will delight the young and old reader alike. You will come to love and care about Miss Lumley and her wolfish charges.
(SR)