Today’s Spotlight is on the fifth of the Penderwicks books! I’ll try to keep my spotlight relatively spoiler-free, but given how deep into the series this is, if you haven’t read them you may want to back up and take a look at my spotlight on the first in the series instead of reading on here.

As many of you know, I have some difficulty persuading myself to stop dithering and actually read certain, much anticipated books–especially if they are a sequel in a beloved series, or come after a long publishing lull. I guess it could be called a Schrodinger complex, since prior to reading the book, in my head it is simultaneously both good and bad, and I’m afraid to crack it open and see which is true. 😂

For this reason, it’s taken me months longer to read The Penderwicks At Last than it should have, given my raving adoration of the series. This, especially, since I loved Batty’s story but it made me cry so I wasn’t sure I was ready for where the author would go next.

Truthfully, at first I worried my fears had been justified. When I began the book I had a hard time feeling that Penderwicks connection to Lydia, and unlike the last time we had a Penderwick character leap years forward in age, I had no prior connection to this young person passing herself off as a Penderwick. Finally, the older girls had grown and changed so much it took me more pages than I want to admit for me to remember what each younger self had been like. I specifically remember wishing a little more time in the early pages had been spent reminding me of the family’s past dynamics.

However, the story still engaged–even when I felt a teensy bit upside down–and by the end of chapter two or three I was in the full swing of things. Moreover, the rest the novel unfolded in every way exactly as my heart desired. We visited Arundel again (it’s where the majority of this last book takes place) and I adored what they’d done with the place! Then Lydia met the girl in residence in the cottage, and the two began a perfectly Penderwick set of adventures designed to show up a certain brother who believed himself to be having the superior summer. Meanwhile, the updates on the rest the girls went forward, with the wedding making room for plenty of heartwarming adventures.

I know all of that makes the stories sound sort of sappy, and it is possible they’re not…but as soon as I try to pick a word to say what’s lacking, I can’t find one. Adventuresome? Got that. Quirky? Got it in spades. However I will admit that while the pace feels perfect, it won’t ever give you an adrenaline rush, and it’s also true that this story isn’t meant to wrench your heartstrings or make you cry. But I’m betting you’ll love it all the same!

Now, let’s see what Apricot-kitty thought of it:

“You know what it’s got too much of? Dogs. And you know what it doesn’t have enough of? That’s right. Cats. It’s downright insufferable. And before you go defending the story by saying the Penderwicks were always dog people, I’d like to point out that this story still managed to make room for lots of chicken scenes. Chickens!”

You’ll have to pardon her. Apricot-kitty is especially put out because we’re in the midst of re-arranging her favorite person’s room…and that means her kitty space is disrupted, too. However, it can’t be denied. There are plenty more scenes with lovable dogs in this book and some with a pretty cool chicken, too. Consider yourself forewarned. 😉

In a serendipitous twist of fate, as I was in the act of drafting this post, I received my very own copy of The Penderwicks at Last in the mail! I was lucky enough to win a copy from Rosi, who has my undying thanks! I’ll treasure it, and those of you who do the instagram scene can expect to see my bookstagram pic of it over there, too! I’m @warrchick. Give me a like so I can take a peek at your pics and follow you back.

For more Marvelous Middle Grade Monday spotlights, reviews, giveaways and interviews stop by Greg Pattridge’s blog, and happy reading!

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