The Callahan Cousins: Together Again

The last in the series of 4 books. It's too bad Elizabeth Carey doesn't continue with these girls. They are all excellent reads. My daughter is 8 and loved every one of the books.

Winter break has arrived, and the Callahan cousins (Hillary, Kate, Phoebe, and Neeve) have decided to spend their holiday vacation together at Grandmother Gee's rambling estate in the lovely, and very holiday-oriented, Gull Island. The reunion won't be as long as last summer, but the four girls, along with sprightly Gee, plan on making the most of it. Especially Phoebe. Phoebe, the voracious reader, has dreamt of a perfect, traditional Christmas ever since she was a mere toddler, lugging around her copy of Laura Ingalls Wilder's LITTLE HOUSE IN THE BIG WOODS. However, living in sunny Florida, and having a father insistent upon un-Christmas-like traditions, Phoebe has never gotten her wish. But this year, she knows things will be different. This year, with a little help from her beloved cousins, and Gee, along with Gee's cook, Sheila, Phoebe has decided that everything will be traditional. From the Victorian-era tree they decorate in the living room, to the foods and desserts they indulge in, even going as far as wishing the snow would stick for once. However, the more that Phoebe becomes obsessed with snowman contests, sledding, caroling, making snow angels, and even participating in a Christmas-themed sleepover at the Gull Island Whaling Museum, the more she drives the people around her crazy. Now, with Phoebe planning an extra special, extra furry, holiday gift for Gee, the cousins realize just how out-of-hand Phoebe's plans for a proper traditional Christmas have become, and enlist the help of Gee to talk some sense into her before the holiday is ruined. and Phoebe's plans for a proper traditional Christmas go out the window. As a voracious reader myself, who has always dreamed of a proper traditional Christmas in the fashion of those described in the works of Laura Ingalls Wilder, Louise May Alcott, and countless others, I found myself forming an instant bond with Phoebe, and understanding exactly what she was looking for in terms of Christmas and celebration, straight off the bat. In fact, to a certain extent, I almost felt as if this story was written about me - a feeling I rarely experience. Elizabeth Doyle Carey has done an amazing job of capturing the emotions of Phoebe, as well as those of the people around her. Her descriptions of highs and lows, disappointments, and excitement are accurate, and really send the reader into fits of joy and sadness along with the characters. In TOGETHER AGAIN, Carey features countless narratives that truly bring the imagery to life; from the snow-covered plains and trees, to the smells of delicious desserts baking; all the way to the screeching, yet joyful, sounds of carolers, and the gift that you receive from helping those less fortunate than yourself. Mixed together, these things present a delightful holiday story that will warm anyone's heart. My only qualm is that a recipe for the angel cakes wasn't included. An enjoyable, can't-put-down tale, that will leave you in the Christmas spirit - even dur