Rating: 4 out of 5.

I absolutely loved this book! It is so sweet and life affirming-I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend you read it.

Eudora Honeysett is 85 years old and is done with life. She wants to leave on her own terms and sets a plan in motion to do just that. Of course, when we make plans, God laughs… Enter 10 year-old Rose Trewidney.

Rose is a whirling dervish of energy, sparkles and color. She has an endearing enthusiasm for life and despite Eudora’s desire to be left alone to set her affairs in order, Rose has other plans. Before she knows it, Eudora is swept up in Rose’s wake. She suddenly has BFFs in Rose and neighbor Stanley, and is getting out and about attending parties, afternoon tea, shopping and going to the beach. Eudora is embraced by Rose and Stanley’s families, which reminds her of her unhappy and difficult family life. Inserted throughout the book are memories of Eudora’s past, explaining how she ended up alone and unmarried.

Eudora starts out a prim and solitary person. She’s not exactly grumpy or cranky because she’s not unkind, she’s just very closed off and open displays of emotion makes her uncomfortable. There are probably a lot of people that can relate to Eudora. It was wonderful to see her learn to be more open with her feelings and more willing to put herself out there. She witnesses Rose and Stanley’s loving and expressive families – a far cry from her own experiences – and appreciates basking in their glow.

Rose is such an effervescent and unique person – a true force of nature- and as she struggles with acceptance by her peers, Eudora helps guide her to become more confidant in herself. As a result, Rose begins to bloom in her new school.

I can’t say enough wonderful things about this book. You just need to read it for yourself – you won’t be sorry.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for giving me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.