After almost 20 years, I finally found this book (Kindle) and figured out what happens to Betsy. These books are so true to what kids of that age are like. It is funny to find similarities of a girl living in 1910 and that in my own journal of 1994 (dating myself here!). My great-grandmother was only a few years younger, so I like to imagine how her life and style of living was similar. Reading these books is like a step back in time, seeing how kids lived, and learning how very much the same we all are.

This is my second favorite Betsy book (after Betsy's Wedding) because of the focus on Betsy and Joe. I was waiting for them to become a couple and in this, their senior year of high school, it seems like it might finally happen. But! Tony, a longtime friend seems to be interested in Betsy as well interfering with their budding romance. Like all of the Betsy books, this is loosely inspired by Maud Hart Lovelace's real-life and is another understanding entry in to the series!

I love this Betsy-Tacy story because, well, I love them all, and this one because it shows Betsy's maturing through some of the problems life throws her.

I love this book! Of course, I knew I would as soon as I met Joe, and that one of the books in the series had his name in the title. For much of the book I still found myself (like many others IN the book) thinking "about time!" and "perfect!" I was thrilled when things were going well, and angry when they weren't. I liked that both were at fault for the good and the bad. Of course, Betsy's immaturity and self-centeredness often had her putting more in the balance than Joe. Still, as in every book, she learns some lessons and becomes a lot better for it.

A wonderful book to read on a snowbound weekend because I had plenty of time to enjoy and not have to keep putting the book on hold as other things of life called for my attention. Plus, all the talk of winter in the book made me really feel like I was there.

I missed Cab, but was glad he was here or there at times. I was surprised yet ecstatic about Mr. Kerr. If only I could be more like Tacy. (I think that with every book!) I liked that Betsy did a wink better in her studies than previously. (Still boggles my mind that some people don't put in more effort with school work and learning. Even when I didn't like the subject I made sure to do my best! Call me a nerd--I am!) I loved seeing how much Betsy really did grow up this year. Marked differences and realizations on her part. And one of the best endings that I couldn't have loved more!

4/11/12 & 4/12/12 Re-Read! I couldn't help it. It just sat looking up at me from my bookshelf. So tempting. And it promised to be much more interesting to my current (and sick) frame of mind than N.E.R.D.S. It was right. I skipped a few parts, but probably re-read at least 3/4 of the book. I think I am allowed to count that in my 2012 Book Challenge. In the category of "Classic" maybe? Ha ha. OK. I'll put it in "Other."

2/4/16 - 2/5/16 Another Re-Read! I had to. I'd reached one of those horribly rare points of life when reading just wasn't appealing. None of the new stuff I was reading was intriguing me. So I pulled out what I know is a personal favorite to jump start my reading likes again. I think I only meant to read a few chapters. And finished it all within 24 hours. Totally worth it.