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In a small house in a hollow "a mile away from anywhere," was a serious, dark-haired girl with purple-grey eyes, and slightly pointed ears, named Emily Starr. She lived with her father, the housekeeper, and her two cats, Saucy Sal and Mike, in quiet and imaginative contentment. Then suddenly it all changed. Her father died and she went to live with her stern Aunt Elizabeth, Aunt Laura, and Uncle Jimmy at New Moon Farm. Aunt Elizabeth was the one chosen by a lot to raise her, and was insistent on bringing her up in strict and old-fashioned ways, intent upon indwelling the Murray pride and tradition into Emily. Emily soon finds a friend in her Aunt Laura and Uncle Jimmy, but is lonely for her father and her old life. Her one solace is being able to write. She writes to her deceased father on old letter bills and later Jimmy gives her notebooks (which she affectionately calls "Jimmy-Books") to fill with stories, poems, and descriptions. Emily makes friends with Teddy, Ilse, and Perry. Teddy is a budding artist with no father and a possessive mother who seems to hate Emily. Ilse is a wild, tomboy with no mother, a vivacious sense of life, and a fiery temper. And Perry is a mischievous boy who comes to live and work at New Moon. Through her relatives, friends, a teacher at school (Mr. Carpenter), and the trials and tribulations of life, Emily begins to blossom into a fine young lady with a deep mind and a yearning heart to write well. --Melinda
As Emily begins to blossom into a young woman, she discovers that there are many new things to learn. When her friends all plan on attending the high school in Shrewsbury, Emily must decide whether to go with them or not. She wants to go, but Aunt Elizabeth made a stipulation that she would be allowed to go only if she was to stop writing fiction for three years. Writing, to Emily, is on the same level as breathing, but she consents to her Aunt's request. Even though it seemed painful, it was one step in helping her climb as a writer. While going to the high school Emily has to stay with her Aunt Ruth in an unfriendly room that Emily feels will never be a home to her. Many adventures ensue while Emily is in Shrewsbury. A prank is played on her, and Ilse is blamed for it by her Aunt Ruth. Then a seemingly wonderful opportunity arises for Emily and the future of her writing. It is almost too good to be true, but it makes Emily examine where her heart's affections truly lie. This book is, perhaps, the best in the trilogy. Much of it is told through Emily's journal entries, so the reader gets a chance to really look into the depths of who she is. If you're looking for a charming and bright story, read the Anne books, but if you're searching for a bittersweet tale of a deep young lady, yearning to express herself well through her writing, then the Emily books are for you. --Melinda
In this book, Emily is now in her 20's and is back home on the New Moon farm with her aunts and cousin. Her passion for writing continues, as she attempts to write a novel to be published. However, disappointment comes for Emily in many ways. Emily's childhood friends leave to pursue their own courses in life, and Emily is left behind. Though this book is more melancholy than the previous ones, it is very rich in itself, and there is much to be taken from it. Emily's Quest is an absolute necessary sequel to the previous two books. It should be noted that while the first Emily book can be enjoyed by children, the second and third should be reserved for older readers. Emily's Quest has far more romance in it than the first two books. A friend, who is several years her senior, begins to court her. Emily becomes unsure of her own heart, and whether or not she can truly make Dean happy. She loves his deep mind, but has trouble loving him because her heart is longing for someone else--her dear friend Teddy. However, it is apparent that Teddy does not return her affections, and she mourns over the fact that he has gone away and forgotten her. Some books are to be tasted, and sometimes their essence lingers. Other books, like the ones in this series, are to be taken into the heart and encased there forever. These books will not stop speaking to you or being an inspiration when their pages are closed. Alongside Emily, you will continue your climb to the top of the the figurative Alpine Path all of your life. --Melinda
Home • Books of Yesterday • Emily's Letter Bills • A Valley of Vision • The Alpine Path • A Hop Out of Kin • Emily's Lookout • Where Airy Voices Lead • Emily's Jimmy-Book • Lofty John's Bush • Emilys-in-the-Glass
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