I just finished reading (again) the two book "Pat" series by
Lucy Maud Montgomery. L.M. Montgomery is, of course,
famous for her well known "Anne of Green Gables" series,
and her somewhat less well know "Emily of New Moon"
series. She also wrote many stand alone novels, a few
other series novels, and many, many short stories.

L.M. Montgomery's novels are satisfying. They may seem
overly sweet to some, but they present a picture of wholeness
and wholesomeness that is a good hideaway to turn to in
turbulent times. The focus on home, food, friends and simple
living is delightful.

In "Pat of Silver Bush" and "Mistress Pat" we are introduced to
Pat Gardiner of Silver Bush. She lives, of course, on Prince Edward
Island...is there any other place to live? Pat is seven when we
meet her and we follow her ups and downs until she is about
thirty. Mistress Pat takes a long time finding out what her
heart is telling her about love, and that is the crux of the story.

The only complaint I have with the "Pat" books is that Montgomery
repeats herself in the ending. Both the "Emily" and "Pat" series
have the childhood friend rushing in at the end to claim the heart
of the heroine. Both times it was after a narrow escape of a broken
engagement with a neighbor who just would not have done at all.

I am a sucker for crying over the Montgomery death scenes. She
does a very good job of picturing grief in the midst of a life that
must carry on. She is a master at creating quaint period type
characters, such as Judy Plum, and Josiah Tuttletuck, two
of the hired help at Silver Bush. And, her descriptions of nature
are delightful.

The "Pat" series is an altogether satisfying read.