The Delightful Maud Hart Lovelace

Merry Christmas Eve, everyone! I have a special Book Byte for you.
On this wonderful night, my heart is warmed by thoughts of Christmases during my childhood, and all the happy memories I have of days gone by.

So, I felt it only fitting to talk about one of my favorite heartwarming book series. I’m only sad that it took me so long to finally hear about it, but I’m so happy that I can read it as an adult. It’s even more of a pleasure.

Maud Hart Lovelace is not an author many recognize by name, but those who do, it’s safe to say they are fierce fans of her best known books, the Betsy-Tacy series.

Set in the early 1900s in the midwest, Betsy and her best friend Tacy become friends when they are five-years-old, and henceforth were known as Betsy-Tacy because they were inseparable. The series, which chronicles them from childhood to womanhood through the eyes of the vibrant Betsy, is warm and fun and inviting, and also includes very important, yet non-preachy lessons that the reader learns along with the characters.

One of the most remarkable things about each book is that it is written according to the age of the girls. The books start out short, with small words and big print when Betsy and Tacy are five, and the writing continues to mature as flesh out as they grow, and by the high school books it’s achieved full novel status.

For those who love the Anne of Green Gables series, this is a must-read! It follows in the same vein with creative, spunky heroines who get into scrapes and have to learn from their mistakes, all the while relishing life and everything it has to offer.

So if you can’t sleep tonight, a Betsy-Tacy book would be perfect to tuck yourself in with. Some cocoa sounds good too. Hmm, now I’m in the mood. I’m ready to drift off, listening for the sleigh bells overhead!

For more info about Maud Hart Lovelace, check out her website. The wikipedia site will give details about the whole series, but watch out for spoilers!

Have a Merry Christmas (or [insert your celebrated winter holiday here]) and a Blessed, Happy New Year!