Apple Tree Cottage

by Virginia Frances Voight

Set in the Philadelphia suburbs of 1842, this is a fast- moving and interesting story of 14 year old Susan and her little sister, Candace. Father was a cabinet maker in winter, but in the summer he followed his real profession, painting , and the girls traveled the roads with him in a caravan. How they found the little home of their dreams and how they stumble upon the solution of a robbery that has been puzzling the countryside is lots of fun. There's entertainment in the description of Susan's ride to Philadelphia on one of those devilish new contraptions, the railroad train, which belched forth smoke and set fire to the passengers' clothes, and there's an unusual touch in her job of coloring the plates for the fashion magazine of the day, Godey's Lady's Book.

Genres: Childrens, Fiction

hardcover

First published January 1, 1949

About the author

Ms. Voight was a native New Englander and lived in Hamden, Connecticut. She wrote many books for boys and girls, both fiction and non-fiction. Several of her books are set in the New England locale she loved so much.

Reviews

[Gina House · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my new favorite cozy children’s books! 😍 It’s easily read in just a single sitting, but I never wanted this book to end. So charming and sweet!

This story is about Susan, her 9-year-old little sister Candy, and their father, Mr. Warren, who is a painter. They start off on a May Day in the latter part of the 1880s for a summer vacation in their little horse-drawn caravan and encounter an adventure right at the very beginning.

If you love a mixture of Little House on the Prairie, The Railway Children, domestic details and chores, fast friendships, a little mystery and overcoming hardship, this is the book for you!

I was so lucky to find a vintage hardcover edition on Etsy because this lovely children’s story is a definite re-read for me in the future!

[CLM · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite part of this novel was when the elder sister realized she could earn a living and support her younger siblings by painting the illustrations of the Godey's Lady Book.

[C Haywood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book over and over as a child. I absolutely loved it. 💕

[Darla Rowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good book. I read it and re-read it over and over and I have actually made the Walnut cake that is so carefully "spelled out" in the book and it is very delicious! I have made it many times over and it is very good.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anytime it is cold and rain drops can be heard on my roof while I am snug in my bed, I think about this great book, which I first read when I was about nine.

[Lynette Nickel · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I read this book aloud to my younger kids. It was simply delightful. A cozy read.