There's no place like home, especially if home happens to be a mythical hot springs inn.
After a bumpy train journey, Lily finally arrives in Hokkaido expecting to see the cows, meadows and mountains. But here in the Kintempsu Inn, where time seemingly doesn't move, it's more than the postcard views which open up her eyes.
There are throwaway jokes and one-liners on just about every page. The topics they cover range from classical music to high energy physics. Lots of fun.
Also, this is a book about friends, and about growing up. The previous books in the series has somewhat contrived mystery plots. They were fun. They're on my list to re-read. This volume, though, starts to get deep. The characters really come to life. I'm looking forward to the next volume.
The fourth book in their really enjoyable series is about the group taking a vacation at an inn that is run by the parents of one of the girls. There's more concern about squirrels (at least on Lily's part), an incredibly really, really neat inn ( a place you would definitely love to visit and stay at), an unexpected talent of Sonoda's and a wonderful, laid-back approach to life.
This is silly and fun and has absolutely no plot at all. Despite the title, there is little to no romance. Just some teenage girls hanging out at a hot spring.