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Philippa Munson #1
Must Love Black
NANNY FOR 10-YR-OLD TWINS. MAINE COAST. OWN ROOM - GENEROUS SALARY. MUST LOVE BLACK.
Must love black? Sounds like a coffee-loving, seclusion-seeking goth girl's dream job. Philippa isn't fazed by the fog-enshrouded mansion on a cliff, the weirdest twins on the planet, or even the rumors about ghosts, 'cause when she meets the estate's hot gardener, Philippa's pretty sure she's found her dream boy, too. Too bad Geoff's already taken - by a girl whose wardrobe is head-to-toe pink. Still, Philippa can't get Geoff out of her head. What will it take to lure him to the dark side?
Must love black? Sounds like a coffee-loving, seclusion-seeking goth girl's dream job. Philippa isn't fazed by the fog-enshrouded mansion on a cliff, the weirdest twins on the planet, or even the rumors about ghosts, 'cause when she meets the estate's hot gardener, Philippa's pretty sure she's found her dream boy, too. Too bad Geoff's already taken - by a girl whose wardrobe is head-to-toe pink. Still, Philippa can't get Geoff out of her head. What will it take to lure him to the dark side?
192 pages, Paperback
First published September 23, 2008
8 people are currently reading
482 people want to read
About the author
Kelly McClymer
53 books202 followersUSA Today bestselling author Kelly McClymer writes fairytale-inspired romances set in Victorian England (although a few characters escape to the United States), fairytale fantasy, and mom-inspired mystery.
Kelly shares her characters’ family values: she grew up with three younger sisters and has successfully raised three children of her own. She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren.
Kelly’s first published writing was for her high school newspaper and she’s been writing fiction in many forms ever since. While she explores many genres including historical romance, mystery, young adult, and fantasy, her stories share common themes: developing inner strength, the power of love in all it’s forms, triumph of good over evil, and the strength of family connection.
Kelly shares her characters’ family values: she grew up with three younger sisters and has successfully raised three children of her own. She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren.
Kelly’s first published writing was for her high school newspaper and she’s been writing fiction in many forms ever since. While she explores many genres including historical romance, mystery, young adult, and fantasy, her stories share common themes: developing inner strength, the power of love in all it’s forms, triumph of good over evil, and the strength of family connection.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
February 15, 2009
Phillipa takes off in the middle of her dad's wedding to pastel-loving Krystal, in order to head off to her summer job - being a nanny who "loves black" to ten-year-old twin girls at a luxurious but creepy spa in Maine. The spa has all the latest amenities, including a hot gardener named Geoff, a bossy, a ghost-obsessed business-women named Lady Buena Verde, an absent-minded father, and a prissy assistant, Laurie, who may or may not be dating Geoff. However, the twins and their new nanny are not to be seen or heard by guests, despite orders for Phillipa to make the twins have "fun" so that they can get over their mother's death. Phillipa is still grieving her own mother's death, but she's ready to take on the challenge.
So... sound kind of crappy? That's because it is! This is a relatively harmless fluff-book, but the writing is weak, the characters don't develop, the ending is abrupt, and a major plot-point - Phillipa getting over her mother's death - just gets dropped. She starts out still mourning her mother (and it's been several years since she died in a car wreck that it's hinted was caused by Phillipa's cat... WTH?) and hating the idea of having fun. But she throws herself into forcing the twins to have fun, like going to the arcade, swimming, or hanging out in the butterfly garden. A few ghosts appear in the story with absolutely no consequence, even after one of them tries to kill Phillipa. There are hints that Lady Buena Verde could help her contact these spirits, but absolutely nothing comes of it.
The romance complication between Geoff and Laurie is explained away in one sentence and he'll probably be visiting Phillipa after the summer, who I guess will be going back to her unhappy life with her dad and new stepmother. These are the classic YA adults who hardly care that their teenage daughter will be spending the summer in a strange mansion as a nanny, or that she takes off in the middle of their wedding, after throwing away her bridesmaid dress.
You'd think that maybe the positive of this book is that it's a light, quick read... and it is. But the language is so dated, I have a hard time imagining teens would want to read it. There are references to Dragnet in this... Dragnet! Which last aired in 1959. Very relevant to today's teens. There are just so many good books out there, there's not much a reason to waste your time on this.
So... sound kind of crappy? That's because it is! This is a relatively harmless fluff-book, but the writing is weak, the characters don't develop, the ending is abrupt, and a major plot-point - Phillipa getting over her mother's death - just gets dropped. She starts out still mourning her mother (and it's been several years since she died in a car wreck that it's hinted was caused by Phillipa's cat... WTH?) and hating the idea of having fun. But she throws herself into forcing the twins to have fun, like going to the arcade, swimming, or hanging out in the butterfly garden. A few ghosts appear in the story with absolutely no consequence, even after one of them tries to kill Phillipa. There are hints that Lady Buena Verde could help her contact these spirits, but absolutely nothing comes of it.
The romance complication between Geoff and Laurie is explained away in one sentence and he'll probably be visiting Phillipa after the summer, who I guess will be going back to her unhappy life with her dad and new stepmother. These are the classic YA adults who hardly care that their teenage daughter will be spending the summer in a strange mansion as a nanny, or that she takes off in the middle of their wedding, after throwing away her bridesmaid dress.
You'd think that maybe the positive of this book is that it's a light, quick read... and it is. But the language is so dated, I have a hard time imagining teens would want to read it. There are references to Dragnet in this... Dragnet! Which last aired in 1959. Very relevant to today's teens. There are just so many good books out there, there's not much a reason to waste your time on this.
January 10, 2010
First, I wasn't totally convinced this chick was actually goth as goth takes more than dressing in black and liking black rainbows. She seemed like kind of a superficial goth; someone that dresses in black and pouts all the time at other people's happiness but put a set of abs you can bounce a quarter off of in front of her and she goes gaga. Totally not goth.
And what's with the twins?
Seriously, was red rum involved? I haven't even seen The Shining and I couldn't stop thinking about these guys while reading this book. I mean, what does a set of ten-year-olds have to be morose about? Yeah, their mother fell off a cliff (is it bad that I'm trying not to laugh at that? I mean, who accidentally falls off a cliff?) but they were lacking sunshine even before then. Apparently mummy was a The Cure listener before she took a dive. So what's their deal?
I just felt it was all rather contrived. The goth part anyway. And I was fully disappointed about the ghost part. How lacking that was. Don't go into this book thinking you'll be getting anything on the supernatural side because it's so finite that if you blink, you'll miss it. Why even mention ghosts at all? It holds absolutely no bearing on the plot.
Mostly it's about Philippa trying to get the twins' father to stop being a workaholic and start paying more attention to them all the while trying to figure out how involved the gardener and the pink chick really were. It's pretty lacking on anything exciting and, really, it's overall pretty mundane. The part with Geoff was interesting enough but definitely not enough to hold the entire story together.
The ending was pretty rushed as well. One turn of the page and everything's all dandy. The girls have their daddy back and the Geoff issue is settled and everyone lives a happily summer after. That's it? Boo.
So yeah, Philippa's really not as goth as she likes to think she is, the twins need to be exorcised, Daddy and Lady BV need a laxative and Geoff should just put his shirt back on. Overall, this book's pretty forgettable. It's something different against everything else that's out there with the premise but in terms of plot, it leaves something to be desired. I'd recommend reading this only if you have nothing else to do.
And what's with the twins?
Seriously, was red rum involved? I haven't even seen The Shining and I couldn't stop thinking about these guys while reading this book. I mean, what does a set of ten-year-olds have to be morose about? Yeah, their mother fell off a cliff (is it bad that I'm trying not to laugh at that? I mean, who accidentally falls off a cliff?) but they were lacking sunshine even before then. Apparently mummy was a The Cure listener before she took a dive. So what's their deal?
I just felt it was all rather contrived. The goth part anyway. And I was fully disappointed about the ghost part. How lacking that was. Don't go into this book thinking you'll be getting anything on the supernatural side because it's so finite that if you blink, you'll miss it. Why even mention ghosts at all? It holds absolutely no bearing on the plot.
Mostly it's about Philippa trying to get the twins' father to stop being a workaholic and start paying more attention to them all the while trying to figure out how involved the gardener and the pink chick really were. It's pretty lacking on anything exciting and, really, it's overall pretty mundane. The part with Geoff was interesting enough but definitely not enough to hold the entire story together.
The ending was pretty rushed as well. One turn of the page and everything's all dandy. The girls have their daddy back and the Geoff issue is settled and everyone lives a happily summer after. That's it? Boo.
So yeah, Philippa's really not as goth as she likes to think she is, the twins need to be exorcised, Daddy and Lady BV need a laxative and Geoff should just put his shirt back on. Overall, this book's pretty forgettable. It's something different against everything else that's out there with the premise but in terms of plot, it leaves something to be desired. I'd recommend reading this only if you have nothing else to do.
October 19, 2008
Philippa doesn’t consider herself a true goth. She just likes wearing black. When she sees an ad in the paper looking for a nanny for twin, 10-year-old girls with the stipulation that the applicant “must love black,” she feels like she has found the perfect summer job. It doesn’t hurt that taking this job will get her out of going on a honeymoon cruise with her father and new step-mother. She leaves for her new job directly from the wedding reception. Geoff, the totally hot gardener and part-time driver, shows up to drive her to Chrysalis Cliff, the posh hotel/spa the twins live with their father.
Instructions are very clear when she arrives at work. Philippa is supposed to keep the kids out of the way of the guests and make sure they have fun. Fun is even scheduled into their busy day. The problem is, the kids aren’t necessarily interested in typical fun. They are extremely practical kids, so Philippa has to approach fun in inventive ways.
During the summer Philippa attempts to improve the kids’ relationship with their father and get to know Geoff a little better. She isn’t quite sure if he has a girlfriend or not, but the girl that seems to be claiming him is the complete opposite of her. Philippa’s summer turns out to be very enjoyable despite the fog-enshrouded mansion, tarot card reading twins, and possible ghosts.
Kelly McClymer, author of the Salem Witch series, has written an enjoyable and light novel. Watching the relationship between Philippa and the girls is touching. It would be nice to read a sequel and be able to keep up with the characters, but MUST LOVE BLACK doesn’t leave you hanging at the end. The ending is wrapped up nicely and the reader feels satisfied.
Instructions are very clear when she arrives at work. Philippa is supposed to keep the kids out of the way of the guests and make sure they have fun. Fun is even scheduled into their busy day. The problem is, the kids aren’t necessarily interested in typical fun. They are extremely practical kids, so Philippa has to approach fun in inventive ways.
During the summer Philippa attempts to improve the kids’ relationship with their father and get to know Geoff a little better. She isn’t quite sure if he has a girlfriend or not, but the girl that seems to be claiming him is the complete opposite of her. Philippa’s summer turns out to be very enjoyable despite the fog-enshrouded mansion, tarot card reading twins, and possible ghosts.
Kelly McClymer, author of the Salem Witch series, has written an enjoyable and light novel. Watching the relationship between Philippa and the girls is touching. It would be nice to read a sequel and be able to keep up with the characters, but MUST LOVE BLACK doesn’t leave you hanging at the end. The ending is wrapped up nicely and the reader feels satisfied.
January 6, 2009
This is not what you would expect from the title- a high school girl (about to become a senior in the fall) takes a job as nanny to mysterious twins whose job description includes "Must love black". Turns out that both Philippa and the twins have both lost their mothers in mysterious accidents, and that the twins are much too serious for 10-year-olds. Their father runs a spa and it seems to take up most of his time. Philippa manages to get him to see that his daughters miss spending time with him, and she has a flirtation with Geoff the gardner/chauffeur. However, the ending is very abrupt and not all the questions are answered- such as the ghosts flitting around, and mysterious butterflies, and how Philippa's mother died, plus her home situation. A sequel coming? I liked it, but it was definitely not the goth story it looked like it would be!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2009
This was a really fun read. It's about a high school girl who decides to nanny for the summer, under the ad it says "Must love black" and so it fits her perfectly. She finds herself with two twin girls who don't like the word "fun" and a father that is so busy running his spa company in the house that he rarely has time for the children. While balancing the girls' normal schedule, adding in fun, and flirting with the cute gardener, Philippa has her hands full. Add in some ghosts, storms, and otherwise creepy things and you've got a novel full of fun and creepiness.
August 27, 2018
Philippa’s father just remarried, years after her mother died in a tragic car wreck. So she’s relieved to have a summer job to escape to. She’s to nanny ten year old twin girls at a mansion (turned spa) on the cliffs of Bar Harbor, Maine. The ad specified must love black, but that’s no problem for Philippa, who lives in black.
The mansion (spa) is not quite what it seems. Philippa is confined to the “domain” of the twins, with a rigorous schedule that includes mandatory “fun” time. However, fun must never bring them into contact with the guests. They almost never see the twins’ father, and when they do, it’s almost never without his business partner, Lady Buena Verde who seems intent on keeping the dad away from his daughter. More, did Philippa really see a ghost? Are the mysterious goings on a ghost or just Philippa’s overactive imagination, spurred on by the gothic novel her mother wrote?
McClymer uses snippets from Manor of Dark Dreams, the book by Philippa’s mother at the start of each chapter to help set the tone and act as meta commentary. It’s a device used to good advantage, and the snippets are tantalizing enough to want to read it (or you can read Jane Eyre, which Manor of Dark Dreams is clearly modeled after).
The characters are mostly well done. The twins are generally treated as a singular unit until the introduction of the pet goat, Misty Gale. I wish we could’ve seen more differentiation between the two. Mr. Pertweath evolves over the course of the book. Philippa’s character arc is more about bringing the girls and their father together than making her more interested in or sympathetic toward her father or interested in giving her stepmother a chance–but I think that’s pretty true to form for a sixteen year old.
The supernatural elements of the book are much more subtle than I had expected, given the flap copy, but are present. But if you are looking for a full blown ghost story, this isn’t it–the supernatural is more of a secondary or tertiary storyline.
It’s a fun, easy read for YA readers.
The mansion (spa) is not quite what it seems. Philippa is confined to the “domain” of the twins, with a rigorous schedule that includes mandatory “fun” time. However, fun must never bring them into contact with the guests. They almost never see the twins’ father, and when they do, it’s almost never without his business partner, Lady Buena Verde who seems intent on keeping the dad away from his daughter. More, did Philippa really see a ghost? Are the mysterious goings on a ghost or just Philippa’s overactive imagination, spurred on by the gothic novel her mother wrote?
McClymer uses snippets from Manor of Dark Dreams, the book by Philippa’s mother at the start of each chapter to help set the tone and act as meta commentary. It’s a device used to good advantage, and the snippets are tantalizing enough to want to read it (or you can read Jane Eyre, which Manor of Dark Dreams is clearly modeled after).
The characters are mostly well done. The twins are generally treated as a singular unit until the introduction of the pet goat, Misty Gale. I wish we could’ve seen more differentiation between the two. Mr. Pertweath evolves over the course of the book. Philippa’s character arc is more about bringing the girls and their father together than making her more interested in or sympathetic toward her father or interested in giving her stepmother a chance–but I think that’s pretty true to form for a sixteen year old.
The supernatural elements of the book are much more subtle than I had expected, given the flap copy, but are present. But if you are looking for a full blown ghost story, this isn’t it–the supernatural is more of a secondary or tertiary storyline.
It’s a fun, easy read for YA readers.
October 13, 2019
I enjoyed this book it was cute. The only issue I felt was that the ending just fell off. The story is about Philippa whose father is about to get remarried since her mother died. At her fathers wedding she takes off for a job for the summer to be a Nanny to two 10 year old twins. Where is she is to be a Nanny is at a resort and the girls are set on a scheduled that Philippa is suppose to follow. The twins also lost their mother and their Father is pre-occupied with the business. They have rules that the girls are to follow like not being seen by the guests at resorts and other things. Also there is a gardener/driver named Geoff that Philippa has her eye on but she is not sure throughout the book if he has a girlfriend or not. The story line goes kinda of fast since the book isn't that big, and I know it tries to wrap up the story line at the end but I would of like to of known how her life was once she was done with her Nanny position. How would she adjust to her father being married, how will the new wife treat her, how will her life change now that she is done being a Nanny. I just had a whole lot of questions I was curious about after it was over.
January 3, 2020
Firstly, if you’re look for an enjoyable adult book, this ain’t it. I first read this book when I was twelve, and completely forgot about it until I received it as a Christmas present. It’s reminiscent of many of the children’s and young adult books I read as a child, the light, bubblegum and delicate plots, where girls are focused on shopping, clothes and snacks. It screams 2000s in the best way possible. Enjoyable to read, but with a hint of a twist, the house I haunted, the spa performs seances and the twins own a ouija board. The storyline borders something dark, without ever fully facing it head-on. Nevertheless there is a tinge of darkness, almost an adult plot throughout the book when it comes to death. I deeply enjoyed re-reading it, but, as through my childhood, the only complaint I have is the focus on boy “crushes” which I have never found enjoyable or conducive to any plot. A great,light read that may take an hour or two to finish.
May 14, 2021
This book had so much potential. Would have been nice to the see the characters actually deal with their grief.
July 27, 2022
A Good read, about over coming grief and learning to have fun again with those close to you. With a nice spooky ghost tale with it to make you enjoy the read.
January 25, 2023
Cute but didn't like how there wasn't really any real ending, like no answers to anything.
December 2, 2023
Well, 10 year old twins who can read hands aren't my cup of tea.
May 24, 2011
This book sounded so promising, so imagine my disappointment when I reached the end of the book.
So I was browsing books in my school's library and I saw this book. I picked it up and read the blurb and I was all: AWESOME! A GHOST STORY! I've wanted to read something dark and creepy and romantic ever since Paula Morris' Ruined and Beth Fantaskey's Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side and many more (I could consider Goosebumps, but those books honestly give me the heebie jeebies. I have to shamelessly say I sleep with a nightlight and a bunch of stuffed animals). So I began reading it, and half-way through the book, I lost all patience and began yelling: where's the good stuff? WHERE'S THE FRICKIN GOOD STUFF?! I was disappointed when I got to the end. Yes there were "ghosts" but nothing interesting. It's just like you go camping and you sit around a campfire and you're telling ghost stories, and people are so freaked out that they think they're seeing ghosts when they're really not.
Sucks, huh?
Now, the characters: 1. Phillipa. Who honestly names their kids "Phillipa" these days? *just a question that's bugging me. Plus, it's rhetorical... Unless someone can provide me with an answer* Anyway, I didn't like her very much. I liked that she tried to create a relationship between the twins and their father, who I honestly believed was some very strict, scary, don't-mess-with-me-or-I'll-eat-you-up father, but he's the complete opposite. When you read about a father who doesn't like TV's and only cares about education and blah-de-blah-de-blah, who wouldn't?
Anyway... back to the point, I liked that she tried that, but it wasn't really trying if you think about it, cuz he was all slap-happy (that expression makes me LOL when I think about it, ever since I saw that South Park episode...) and you could feel his love for his daughters and he wanted to build a relationship, but in order for that to happen, a dragon needed slaying, and that was his stupid, nosy assistant (who I also forgot her name but am too lazy to look it up).
In addition, Phillipa's character was very bland--bland and boring and not all, WOW. She's just another girl who doesn't approve of her father's second marriage and wants out. She loves black, but doesn't consider herself goth (she's too happy to be goth, anyway).
2. The twins. They were creepy. What kind of ten-year olds would like to study all the time? I wish I had that dogged determination to study, but I'd rather have a life. Haha.
3. Geoff. Weirdo, although I liked him. Okay, weirdo isn't the word I'm looking for, it's PEDOPHILE *I'm using that word way too much these days*. I am all for hopeless, forbidden romantics, but isn't he old enough to not even be in a relationship with Philippa (who I forgot how old she is, but I know she's young enough). I liked him though, but I didn't believe they had something "real." It felt like he was just looking for a summer fling while his Barbie girlfriend worked her butt off in the mansion.
Omg, if I keep on typing, I'll never finish, so I hope you get my point(s: book isn't good enough to read. Don't be fooled with the description: it's NOT a ghost story, just a story about an average girl with a summer job and a crush. There are books out there that are way better than this one, and good day.
So I was browsing books in my school's library and I saw this book. I picked it up and read the blurb and I was all: AWESOME! A GHOST STORY! I've wanted to read something dark and creepy and romantic ever since Paula Morris' Ruined and Beth Fantaskey's Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side and many more (I could consider Goosebumps, but those books honestly give me the heebie jeebies. I have to shamelessly say I sleep with a nightlight and a bunch of stuffed animals). So I began reading it, and half-way through the book, I lost all patience and began yelling: where's the good stuff? WHERE'S THE FRICKIN GOOD STUFF?! I was disappointed when I got to the end. Yes there were "ghosts" but nothing interesting. It's just like you go camping and you sit around a campfire and you're telling ghost stories, and people are so freaked out that they think they're seeing ghosts when they're really not.
Sucks, huh?
Now, the characters: 1. Phillipa. Who honestly names their kids "Phillipa" these days? *just a question that's bugging me. Plus, it's rhetorical... Unless someone can provide me with an answer* Anyway, I didn't like her very much. I liked that she tried to create a relationship between the twins and their father, who I honestly believed was some very strict, scary, don't-mess-with-me-or-I'll-eat-you-up father, but he's the complete opposite. When you read about a father who doesn't like TV's and only cares about education and blah-de-blah-de-blah, who wouldn't?
Anyway... back to the point, I liked that she tried that, but it wasn't really trying if you think about it, cuz he was all slap-happy (that expression makes me LOL when I think about it, ever since I saw that South Park episode...) and you could feel his love for his daughters and he wanted to build a relationship, but in order for that to happen, a dragon needed slaying, and that was his stupid, nosy assistant (who I also forgot her name but am too lazy to look it up).
In addition, Phillipa's character was very bland--bland and boring and not all, WOW. She's just another girl who doesn't approve of her father's second marriage and wants out. She loves black, but doesn't consider herself goth (she's too happy to be goth, anyway).
2. The twins. They were creepy. What kind of ten-year olds would like to study all the time? I wish I had that dogged determination to study, but I'd rather have a life. Haha.
3. Geoff. Weirdo, although I liked him. Okay, weirdo isn't the word I'm looking for, it's PEDOPHILE *I'm using that word way too much these days*. I am all for hopeless, forbidden romantics, but isn't he old enough to not even be in a relationship with Philippa (who I forgot how old she is, but I know she's young enough). I liked him though, but I didn't believe they had something "real." It felt like he was just looking for a summer fling while his Barbie girlfriend worked her butt off in the mansion.
Omg, if I keep on typing, I'll never finish, so I hope you get my point(s: book isn't good enough to read. Don't be fooled with the description: it's NOT a ghost story, just a story about an average girl with a summer job and a crush. There are books out there that are way better than this one, and good day.
December 4, 2017
Weirdly enough, this book kept reminding me of Switch, though the two have nothing in common besides being the stories of au pairs looking after the children of negligent parents.
Our heroine, Philippa, is not a goth. She's sarcastic but also perky and determined to introduce fun into the lives of the two little girls she's looking after. Said girls have buried themselves in schoolwork and study since the death of their mother, and their father has hired Philippa specifically to force them to have some fun. We're not talking Mary Poppins, here.
While the story is predictable and the romance is strained, Philippa's interactions with the children are pleasant to read about. There are better books about family life--see most of Hilary McKay's books, for example--but this one isn't bad. Don't read it if you're looking for action and drama (most definitely of the paranormal kind; there is nothing paranormal here).
Three stars for a pleasant, but not remarkable, YA novel.
Our heroine, Philippa, is not a goth. She's sarcastic but also perky and determined to introduce fun into the lives of the two little girls she's looking after. Said girls have buried themselves in schoolwork and study since the death of their mother, and their father has hired Philippa specifically to force them to have some fun. We're not talking Mary Poppins, here.
While the story is predictable and the romance is strained, Philippa's interactions with the children are pleasant to read about. There are better books about family life--see most of Hilary McKay's books, for example--but this one isn't bad. Don't read it if you're looking for action and drama (most definitely of the paranormal kind; there is nothing paranormal here).
Three stars for a pleasant, but not remarkable, YA novel.
November 17, 2012
Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com
"Nanny for 10-yr-old twins. Maine coast. Own room & generous salary. MUST LOVE BLACK."
This is the ad that started it all for Philippa Munson. When her father decides to remarry, Philippa decides there is no way she can be the third wheel on the honeymoon cruise that her dad and Krystal plan on taking. So she responds to the job posting for the nanny position.
She arrives at Chrysalis Cliff on a foggy night. She is impressed with the place and the room that she will have for the summer. Her first night though, as she lies quietly trying to sleep, she is convinced that she is visited by a ghost at her window. Refusing to freak out about the encounter, she puts it out of her mind.
She meets her two charges, Triste and Rienne, only to learn that it was the two of them that posted the help-wanted ad. It was the "must love black" that spurred Philippa to apply. Philippa is a Goth girl with a black wardrobe. The twins are instantly drawn to Philippa, commenting that she's a keeper. The twins are both pensive and reserved children. Their father has hopes that Philippa will be able to incorporate "fun" into their days. Their mother has died and their father is tied up with the daily operations of the spa that is at Chrysalis Cliff.
Philippa learns early on that the children are to be neither seen nor heard by the guests. The beautiful grounds are virtually off-limits because they could encounter one of the patrons. But Philippa slowly bends the rules, using the pool during the day, as well as convincing the girls to get a pet. But the girls are far from conventional, and the pet they choose is a goat.
MUST LOVE BLACK is a quick story of Philippa's adventures as a nanny for the summer. Philippa tries to bring the children and their father together, noticing early on that the attention of their father is what they most crave. Through the help of the gardener, Geoff, Philippa subtly brings changes to Chrysalis Cliff. The summer doesn't turn out the way Philippa originally planned, but it just might exceed her expectations.
"Nanny for 10-yr-old twins. Maine coast. Own room & generous salary. MUST LOVE BLACK."
This is the ad that started it all for Philippa Munson. When her father decides to remarry, Philippa decides there is no way she can be the third wheel on the honeymoon cruise that her dad and Krystal plan on taking. So she responds to the job posting for the nanny position.
She arrives at Chrysalis Cliff on a foggy night. She is impressed with the place and the room that she will have for the summer. Her first night though, as she lies quietly trying to sleep, she is convinced that she is visited by a ghost at her window. Refusing to freak out about the encounter, she puts it out of her mind.
She meets her two charges, Triste and Rienne, only to learn that it was the two of them that posted the help-wanted ad. It was the "must love black" that spurred Philippa to apply. Philippa is a Goth girl with a black wardrobe. The twins are instantly drawn to Philippa, commenting that she's a keeper. The twins are both pensive and reserved children. Their father has hopes that Philippa will be able to incorporate "fun" into their days. Their mother has died and their father is tied up with the daily operations of the spa that is at Chrysalis Cliff.
Philippa learns early on that the children are to be neither seen nor heard by the guests. The beautiful grounds are virtually off-limits because they could encounter one of the patrons. But Philippa slowly bends the rules, using the pool during the day, as well as convincing the girls to get a pet. But the girls are far from conventional, and the pet they choose is a goat.
MUST LOVE BLACK is a quick story of Philippa's adventures as a nanny for the summer. Philippa tries to bring the children and their father together, noticing early on that the attention of their father is what they most crave. Through the help of the gardener, Geoff, Philippa subtly brings changes to Chrysalis Cliff. The summer doesn't turn out the way Philippa originally planned, but it just might exceed her expectations.
December 31, 2008
OK - I really liked this one. The plot wasn't very deep, but the characters were very likable. There seemed to be a little mystery, but I thought it was more of a coming to like yourself kind of story for this teenage girl who lost her mom and the 10 year old twins who also lost theirs. Very sweet and satisfying...
Some really great writing in this one:
Comparing her mother's death to the teacup ride at Disney, "When the whirling teacups come to a stop, you have to stay where you are while the world rights itself. Disney staff didn't let us do that on the teacup ride - there were other kids waiting - but life isn't as well organized as Disney, so my dad and I, we stayed still a long time after the crash." And then, when things start to get a little crazy later in the book she says, "Teacups, commence your whirling." I love this comparison to the crazy times in life and how you have to learn how to adjust and deal with it sometimes.
Another reference to her mother's death in the car accident while she was in the back seat with her teddy bear, "Happy sneaks up on you even in the worst of times. Screeching of metal on metal, crash of glass, and boom, you're hurt. But then you see Teddy Smithers made it through unscathed and a little bubble of happiness comes from behind the headache forming at the base of a bounced-around skull. Until you notice the next bad thing - your mom isn't moving. Happy is like cotton candy - sweet, and so full of air it disappears before you swallow."
This would be a great book to use for teaching this kind of figurative language. It is also great for teaching voice in writing. I really got a sense of the characters because of the wonderful way the author wrote their thoughts.
Some really great writing in this one:
Comparing her mother's death to the teacup ride at Disney, "When the whirling teacups come to a stop, you have to stay where you are while the world rights itself. Disney staff didn't let us do that on the teacup ride - there were other kids waiting - but life isn't as well organized as Disney, so my dad and I, we stayed still a long time after the crash." And then, when things start to get a little crazy later in the book she says, "Teacups, commence your whirling." I love this comparison to the crazy times in life and how you have to learn how to adjust and deal with it sometimes.
Another reference to her mother's death in the car accident while she was in the back seat with her teddy bear, "Happy sneaks up on you even in the worst of times. Screeching of metal on metal, crash of glass, and boom, you're hurt. But then you see Teddy Smithers made it through unscathed and a little bubble of happiness comes from behind the headache forming at the base of a bounced-around skull. Until you notice the next bad thing - your mom isn't moving. Happy is like cotton candy - sweet, and so full of air it disappears before you swallow."
This would be a great book to use for teaching this kind of figurative language. It is also great for teaching voice in writing. I really got a sense of the characters because of the wonderful way the author wrote their thoughts.
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December 13, 2013Must Love Black is a book by Sarah McClymer and is a story about a ‘’goth’’ girl being a nanny for two twins. I enjoyed reading books about ”weird’ things so I though the cover of the book was weird enough and I though the cover was and would probably be interesting.
Philippa is the nanny of Triste and Reinne for the summer. The twins wrote an ad that stated: “Must Love Black.” They paid good, had a huge house, and Philippa loved black. It was the job she was looking for she was not going to spend the summer with her dad and his new wife Krystal. Geoff, the gardener, was her summer crush, whom she was confused by. The twins dad’s assistant, Laurie, was in the way of Philippa and Geoff being together.
But Philippa had also had other things on her mind besides the guy who already probably taken. The twins’ dad was too busy for them and never spent any quality time with them, especially after their mom died. With the twins being forced to have “fun” for the summer, but not being able to spend time with their dad and having to be out of the way of tourists, they found it hard to have fun. Philippa tried her best and didn’t give up, but the most important thing she wanted to do for them was get their dad to spend time more time with them. In the end, Philippa had loosened their dad and he spent more time with them and actually listened to them for once.
I think it’s a pretty good book. It’s not the best I’ve read, but it’s realistic and what the characters experienced in the book is relateable and true-to-life. The ending was just okay, but atleast it made sense and followed upon what happened.
Philippa is the nanny of Triste and Reinne for the summer. The twins wrote an ad that stated: “Must Love Black.” They paid good, had a huge house, and Philippa loved black. It was the job she was looking for she was not going to spend the summer with her dad and his new wife Krystal. Geoff, the gardener, was her summer crush, whom she was confused by. The twins dad’s assistant, Laurie, was in the way of Philippa and Geoff being together.
But Philippa had also had other things on her mind besides the guy who already probably taken. The twins’ dad was too busy for them and never spent any quality time with them, especially after their mom died. With the twins being forced to have “fun” for the summer, but not being able to spend time with their dad and having to be out of the way of tourists, they found it hard to have fun. Philippa tried her best and didn’t give up, but the most important thing she wanted to do for them was get their dad to spend time more time with them. In the end, Philippa had loosened their dad and he spent more time with them and actually listened to them for once.
I think it’s a pretty good book. It’s not the best I’ve read, but it’s realistic and what the characters experienced in the book is relateable and true-to-life. The ending was just okay, but atleast it made sense and followed upon what happened.
July 17, 2014
The tagline of this book is slightly misleading. The girl in it isn’t a goth. She doesn’t care about the goth lifestyle—no skull earrings, skull socks, jet black wigs, black eyeliner, black eyeshadow, black lipstick, goth music, etc., for her. She’s just in mourning for her mother.
There are hints of a gothic mystery that fail to materialize, two harsh chatelaines of the manor who are more bitchy and autocratic than severe and a neglectful father who is nothing like the brooding male characters of Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights. The romantic interest is so laidback, the heroine wonders where his interests actually lie. This reader felt exactly the same way, which doesn’t help in the enjoyment of the story.
So this book basically is a bait-and-switch, amounting to little more than a fish-out-of-water tale about a sullen teenager ticked off over her father’s new marriage and upset about her dead mother. (Hmmm, sounds almost Shakespearean.) It fails as either drama, gothic thriller, romance or humor. There is little of creepiness or lightness about it. It’s just a bland YA melodrama, too insubstantial to be of any real interest.
There are hints of a gothic mystery that fail to materialize, two harsh chatelaines of the manor who are more bitchy and autocratic than severe and a neglectful father who is nothing like the brooding male characters of Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights. The romantic interest is so laidback, the heroine wonders where his interests actually lie. This reader felt exactly the same way, which doesn’t help in the enjoyment of the story.
So this book basically is a bait-and-switch, amounting to little more than a fish-out-of-water tale about a sullen teenager ticked off over her father’s new marriage and upset about her dead mother. (Hmmm, sounds almost Shakespearean.) It fails as either drama, gothic thriller, romance or humor. There is little of creepiness or lightness about it. It’s just a bland YA melodrama, too insubstantial to be of any real interest.
September 3, 2025
Sept 2, 2025 Review - 4 Stars
This is one that's been held is such high regard in my mind for so many years. I think I remember doing a book report on it. Goth girl, obviously drew me in as an Elder Emo. But also the aspect of her mom being a writer, which was my main goal in life during my first reading. I'm so pleased that I still enjoyed it. I don't know if the ending is weak so much as abrupt. I was listening to my phone read it to me and I didn't realize the book had ended until I realized it was giving a preview of another book of hers. It does set up the idea of things to come, but it could have given more. Though I've just discovered there's a novella, which wasn't written at the time I read it before. Perhaps I'll see if I can track it down.
March 14, 2009 Review - 4 Stars
It was a really good book with a rather weak ending. It ended how I wanted, but it wasn't written the best.
This is one that's been held is such high regard in my mind for so many years. I think I remember doing a book report on it. Goth girl, obviously drew me in as an Elder Emo. But also the aspect of her mom being a writer, which was my main goal in life during my first reading. I'm so pleased that I still enjoyed it. I don't know if the ending is weak so much as abrupt. I was listening to my phone read it to me and I didn't realize the book had ended until I realized it was giving a preview of another book of hers. It does set up the idea of things to come, but it could have given more. Though I've just discovered there's a novella, which wasn't written at the time I read it before. Perhaps I'll see if I can track it down.
March 14, 2009 Review - 4 Stars
It was a really good book with a rather weak ending. It ended how I wanted, but it wasn't written the best.
August 22, 2009
the plot in this book is that philippa's father is getting remarried and she doesn't really like his wife that much. so this summer instead of going with them on there honeymoon she gets a jod being a nanny for 10 yeas old twins. and they place they live at is very werid there's even rumors that there are ghost's there. this was there perfect job for her becuase in the ad it said you must love black which she does.
i can connect to this book becuase if my parent was getting remarried. i would want to go with them on there honeymoon. but im not that sure if i would of got a job with the weridest twins on the earth. but it took a lot of guts to take care of 2 twins over the summer and not go on a vacation.
i gave this book 3 out of 5 stars becuase i liked this book becuase she was like a real teen not a fake made up charater.you can relate to this book if your parent got remarried. i recommed this book to teens and any teens how can relate to his book.
i can connect to this book becuase if my parent was getting remarried. i would want to go with them on there honeymoon. but im not that sure if i would of got a job with the weridest twins on the earth. but it took a lot of guts to take care of 2 twins over the summer and not go on a vacation.
i gave this book 3 out of 5 stars becuase i liked this book becuase she was like a real teen not a fake made up charater.you can relate to this book if your parent got remarried. i recommed this book to teens and any teens how can relate to his book.
July 27, 2015
I've read this book twice (going on thrice), and I simply adore it.
Must Love Black is about a teen that finds an advert in a newspaper for a summer job as a nanny for young twins. The ad distinctively mentions that said nanny "must love black." This teen, Philippa, accepts the job to get out of spending the summer with her newly married dad and stepmother.
After meeting the children, she quickly realizes that they're kept out of their father's gaze, and that these twins are neglected. So, Philippa makes a change and fixes this faulty family's issues.
As I said before, I adore this book. McClymer invents this no-nonsense, get-to-the-point person that you can't dislike. Keeping the storyline going, the story never drifts away, and you can really feel connected to the situations that occur at hand. Through serious and playful moments, this book allows you to fall in love with the characters in less than 200 pages.
Must Love Black is about a teen that finds an advert in a newspaper for a summer job as a nanny for young twins. The ad distinctively mentions that said nanny "must love black." This teen, Philippa, accepts the job to get out of spending the summer with her newly married dad and stepmother.
After meeting the children, she quickly realizes that they're kept out of their father's gaze, and that these twins are neglected. So, Philippa makes a change and fixes this faulty family's issues.
As I said before, I adore this book. McClymer invents this no-nonsense, get-to-the-point person that you can't dislike. Keeping the storyline going, the story never drifts away, and you can really feel connected to the situations that occur at hand. Through serious and playful moments, this book allows you to fall in love with the characters in less than 200 pages.
March 11, 2016
Ugh...why? The ending was so abrupt and not as romantic as the blurb suggested it to be. The protagonist had her strong points, and I appreciated how assertive she was of her identity, but there are so many aspects of the storyline unresolved! Who was the ghost she saw? Were the girls going to get another goat? Will their father really spend more time with his daughters? What's going to happen when Pippa returns home? How is she going to make her 'relationship' work with Geoff? Has she been able to come to terms with her mother's death? What the hell happened to Laurie's cute brother?!
Argh! I feel cheated.
I enjoyed the small snippets of romance that there were, but after reading it, I won't be putting it in the romance category because there was hardly any in there! And the development of whatever 'relationship' Pippa had with Geoff did not arc. I couldn't understand it.
Oh well. I had some 'fun' reading it- but I don't think I would relish doing so again.
Argh! I feel cheated.
I enjoyed the small snippets of romance that there were, but after reading it, I won't be putting it in the romance category because there was hardly any in there! And the development of whatever 'relationship' Pippa had with Geoff did not arc. I couldn't understand it.
Oh well. I had some 'fun' reading it- but I don't think I would relish doing so again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2012
Must love black was a nice book about getting over a loss and a nice romance story. Phillipa is getting over the depression of loosing her mother and having to deal with her father getting re married to a girl that she doesnt like. Through out this story Phillpa is trying to get away from her sad life so she pickes a baby sitting job that she found in the news paper and said" must of black". Phillip is not gothic but she wears black becasue its easier for her to pick out her outfits in the morning and not have to wrry about if she dirties it or not. She tookj the job in which she had to babysit two pre-teens. As she started to get to know then she found out the girls as well has lost there mother and so they grew a bound by doing things out the house to get there mind off of things.As the novel goes on phillipa falls in love and the story ends off with a 360 twist.
July 5, 2024
Philippa has answered a job ad for a nanny, which stipulated that applicants must love black. This is perfect for non-goth, but black loving Philippa, especially in light of her father's new marriage to an annoyingly cheerful woman. Philippa is happy for the chance to escape the newlyweds and becomes quite fond of the two twin girls she is to care for. They are solemn, black wearing girls, who enjoy reading and researching on their computers. Their father has become quite distant with the addition of a forceful new business partner to their home spa. Philippa must find out how to reconnect father with daughters over the course of the summer while still keeping her job and flirting with the hot young gardener.
July 4, 2016
I will admit I loved the name of the book and the look, but was sadly disappointed when I started reading and found that a lot of things were mentioned that would have been so much better if not just dropped and ignored like I don’t know, someone walking her off the cliff, what was that, I mean it was like it didn’t happen, and for something about loving black it was a little well mellow and kind of yellow like baby chicks. I was able to connected to Philippa at the beginning I could appreciate her thought on wearing black. I know its just a kids book and I think that its okay for young readers like from 10 to 14 if that old because its just way to simplistic and has no real grab on the reader who looks for more. Oh and the ten year old really come on.
April 12, 2010
Still mourning the death of her mother and resentful of her father's recent marriage, Phillippa decides to take a summer job as a nanny to twins at a remote Maine resort. She was drawn to the job largely by one requirement, Must Love Black. Since she wears nothing but black, she sees it as a sign, applies and is hired. There she meets her charges, uber-serious twins, their business obsessed father and, among others, a hunky gardner.
I was disappointed in this book. I was tempted by mentions of ghosts, teased by a mysterious woman who works at the resort but all to naught. There is no real mystery here, or anything paranormal as far as I can tell. The story sort of rambles to a predictable ending without Philippa being able to resolve her own personal issues.
I was disappointed in this book. I was tempted by mentions of ghosts, teased by a mysterious woman who works at the resort but all to naught. There is no real mystery here, or anything paranormal as far as I can tell. The story sort of rambles to a predictable ending without Philippa being able to resolve her own personal issues.
February 24, 2013
As an eighth grader, this book was quite appealing to me, but even then the book itself left me with a bad taste in my mouth. As someone who gradually grew into the goth subculture and took the time to learn about it, I realized that not all "goth" young adult novels are created equal. Phillipa hates people who wear colors, minus the super hot guy, and is a bit of a brat about it. It's sad, since these characters, though main ones, tend to perpetuate stereotypes and not in a funny/ironic way.
Aside from her pseudo-goth presentation, the story itself leaves a lot to be desired, whether it's characterization, the lack of any real detail, and the fact that the ending is barely existent.
Not really one I'd go out of my way to recommend it, but if you want to see for yourself, go for it.
Aside from her pseudo-goth presentation, the story itself leaves a lot to be desired, whether it's characterization, the lack of any real detail, and the fact that the ending is barely existent.
Not really one I'd go out of my way to recommend it, but if you want to see for yourself, go for it.
October 9, 2008
Philippa is looking forward to escaping her father and new stepmother's honeymoon by accepting a job as a nanny for twins in Maine. The ad said "Must Love Black", and this fits Philippa perfectly after the death of her mother, and the foggy mansion on the cliff, the strange girls, and the ghost stories don't bother her. As Philippa learns more about Chrysalis Cliff spa, she elists the help of the hot gardener Geoff to help her to bring the two lonely girls closer to their father again, but it takes the combined supernatural forces of a couple of special butterflies and an unlikely pet to to it . . .
October 13, 2014
Philippa answers an ad for a nanny that says 'must wear black'. Too good to be true? P loves black, but she's not really goth. Black is just practical, it doesn't show dirt, and fits most situations. Her outlook fits pretty well when she meets her charges. Two ten year old twins who just lost their mother much like P herself. The twins' dad is a workaholic and P takes the challenge of bringing them together. It's going to take a lot of work. And did I mention there's this guy? Really hot, possibly taken. It's going to be an interesting summer!
"So many meanings hide in the breaths between sentences." p57
"So many meanings hide in the breaths between sentences." p57
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June 11, 2009all girls can be in love, when Philippa falls in love with a guy that already have a girlfriend that is completely pink, she fell backwards a little. with her black self, can she really beat pink, does girly always get all of it. the answer is no. Philippa is going to give up until something shot her mind, since there is always hope, she tries to improve the relationship between her and him. and the outcome of it does come out pretty well
this book shows that you must have hope in yourself, no matter what you are you can still fight for what you want in life. if you don't try then you don't know if you could succeed or not.
this book shows that you must have hope in yourself, no matter what you are you can still fight for what you want in life. if you don't try then you don't know if you could succeed or not.
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