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Betsy-Tacy #9-10
Betsy and the Great World / Betsy's Wedding
Betsy and the Great World: Betsy Ray is twenty-one and on the adventure of a lifetime: a solo tour of Europe! There's even a handsome Italian, Marco, who's going overboard for her—if only she could stop thinking about her ex-sweetheart Joe Willard.
Betsy's Wedding: When Betsy's boat docks in New York, Joe is waiting there . . . with a ring! But she's going to learn that marriage isn't all candlelight, roses, and kisses. There's also cooking, ironing, cleaning, and budgeting— and will she be able to find time to forge a writing career?
Betsy's Wedding: When Betsy's boat docks in New York, Joe is waiting there . . . with a ring! But she's going to learn that marriage isn't all candlelight, roses, and kisses. There's also cooking, ironing, cleaning, and budgeting— and will she be able to find time to forge a writing career?
679 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1955
81 people are currently reading
440 people want to read
About the author
Maud Hart Lovelace
45 books734 followersMaud Hart Lovelace was born on April 25, 1892, in Mankato, Minnesota. She was the middle of three children born to Thomas and Stella (Palmer) Hart. Her sister, Kathleen, was three years older, and her other sister, Helen, was six years younger. “That dear family" was the model for the fictional Ray family.
Maud’s birthplace was a small house on a hilly residential street several blocks above Mankato’s center business district. The street, Center Street, dead-ended at one of the town’s many hills. When Maud was a few months old, the Hart family moved two blocks up the street to 333 Center.
Shortly before Maud’s fifth birthday a “large merry Irish family" moved into the house directly across the street. Among its many children was a girl Maud’s age, Frances, nicknamed Bick, who was to be Maud’s best friend and the model for Tacy Kelly.
Tib’s character was based on another playmate, Marjorie (Midge) Gerlach, who lived nearby in a large house designed by her architect father. Maud, Bick, and Midge became lifelong friends. Maud once stated that the three couldn’t have been closer if they’d been sisters.
Maud’s birthplace was a small house on a hilly residential street several blocks above Mankato’s center business district. The street, Center Street, dead-ended at one of the town’s many hills. When Maud was a few months old, the Hart family moved two blocks up the street to 333 Center.
Shortly before Maud’s fifth birthday a “large merry Irish family" moved into the house directly across the street. Among its many children was a girl Maud’s age, Frances, nicknamed Bick, who was to be Maud’s best friend and the model for Tacy Kelly.
Tib’s character was based on another playmate, Marjorie (Midge) Gerlach, who lived nearby in a large house designed by her architect father. Maud, Bick, and Midge became lifelong friends. Maud once stated that the three couldn’t have been closer if they’d been sisters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
April 6, 2018
Initial read June 2011 | Rereads: July 2012, May 2014, April 2018
Review May 2014:
Betsy and the Great World. 3.5 stars. It's a good book and one that is interesting (Europe right before the outbreak of WWI) but not one that necessarily fits into the spirit of the previous books I felt like at times.
Betsy's Wedding The whole book is delightful up until the ending which is bittersweet because . But this book is still satisfying on so many levels. Betsy and Joe setting up their life together will never not make me happy. WHAT COLOR SHOULD THEY GET FOR THE CURTAINS? WHERE SHOULD THEY HANG THINGS? WHAT ABOUT THE GROCERIES? I just love them so much and this book is a wonderful end to an already wonderful series. Just, ugh. THERE ARE NO WORDS TO EXPLAIN HOW MUCH I LOVE ALL THESE CHARACTERS.
Edit April 2018: Can we talk about how great Margaret is in this last book and how she has finally come into her own? I will never not love Also, I think this book is my favorite of favorite book endings for a long running series. I can't think of another that leaves me as delighted and as happy as this one does (not even Rilla of Ingleside which I loooooove). Probably why I keep coming back and re-reading it through the years.
Review May 2014:
Betsy and the Great World. 3.5 stars. It's a good book and one that is interesting (Europe right before the outbreak of WWI) but not one that necessarily fits into the spirit of the previous books I felt like at times.
Betsy's Wedding The whole book is delightful up until the ending which is bittersweet because . But this book is still satisfying on so many levels. Betsy and Joe setting up their life together will never not make me happy. WHAT COLOR SHOULD THEY GET FOR THE CURTAINS? WHERE SHOULD THEY HANG THINGS? WHAT ABOUT THE GROCERIES? I just love them so much and this book is a wonderful end to an already wonderful series. Just, ugh. THERE ARE NO WORDS TO EXPLAIN HOW MUCH I LOVE ALL THESE CHARACTERS.
Edit April 2018: Can we talk about how great Margaret is in this last book and how she has finally come into her own? I will never not love Also, I think this book is my favorite of favorite book endings for a long running series. I can't think of another that leaves me as delighted and as happy as this one does (not even Rilla of Ingleside which I loooooove). Probably why I keep coming back and re-reading it through the years.
November 2, 2022
Betsy and the Great World is kind of a mixed bag for me. It’s sad to read of her homesickness, but enjoyable to see how she makes friends and a “Crowd” on her travels. I love the travelogue portions, but I miss her friends in Deep Valley. This book occurs during her quarrel with Joe, which breaks my little heart, but their cross-continental love letters might have been too much for my unromantic nature.
The chapter where Betsy visits Oberammergau, site of the decennial Passionspiele, was one of the highlights on this read-through. My parents (after postponing for 2 years) got to see the Passionspiele over the summer, and so much of what they told me was like Betsy’s experience. Betsy didn’t see the play, but their impressions of the town were remarkably similar, even though the visits were two world wars and a century apart. I want to share this chapter with my mom in particular.
One of the reasons the Betsy books work in omnibus editions is because most volumes flow together seamlessly. The elapsed time between Great World and Wedding is Betsy’s journey back to the States, and Wedding picks up perfectly from where Great World left off.
Since I enjoy Joe so much, it’s no surprise that Wedding is one of my favorites of the series. Betsy is back again with her family and a Crowd, and Tacy and Tib are more present. They are both so lively in this volume, and it’s nice seeing how Tacy’s marriage has changed her for the better. I love how Betsy and Joe encourage each other in their writing and are competitive more for each other than for themselves. Seeing Betsy married and working on her relationship and career is wonderful, and the series ends in a good, if open, spot.
Betsy has been a delightful companion these past few months, and I look forward to visiting her again and again. She represents a rare breed of extroverted bookish writers, and her friendliness is always a balm to read. In my book, she is right up there with Jo March and Anne Shirley; Betsy Ray stays true to herself more than Jo does, and she takes her writing farther than Anne does.
I loved my time in Deep Valley again. Though I usually read chapters here and there before falling asleep, I took my copy along with me on a trip and finished it in the airport, accepting the fact that I would inevitably weep a few decorous tears at the gate. (I cry all the time with books, but Betsy tugged on the heartstrings more than most.) Choosing to re-read favorite children's series at bedtime has been my best reading decision of 2022.
The chapter where Betsy visits Oberammergau, site of the decennial Passionspiele, was one of the highlights on this read-through. My parents (after postponing for 2 years) got to see the Passionspiele over the summer, and so much of what they told me was like Betsy’s experience. Betsy didn’t see the play, but their impressions of the town were remarkably similar, even though the visits were two world wars and a century apart. I want to share this chapter with my mom in particular.
One of the reasons the Betsy books work in omnibus editions is because most volumes flow together seamlessly. The elapsed time between Great World and Wedding is Betsy’s journey back to the States, and Wedding picks up perfectly from where Great World left off.
Since I enjoy Joe so much, it’s no surprise that Wedding is one of my favorites of the series. Betsy is back again with her family and a Crowd, and Tacy and Tib are more present. They are both so lively in this volume, and it’s nice seeing how Tacy’s marriage has changed her for the better. I love how Betsy and Joe encourage each other in their writing and are competitive more for each other than for themselves. Seeing Betsy married and working on her relationship and career is wonderful, and the series ends in a good, if open, spot.
Betsy has been a delightful companion these past few months, and I look forward to visiting her again and again. She represents a rare breed of extroverted bookish writers, and her friendliness is always a balm to read. In my book, she is right up there with Jo March and Anne Shirley; Betsy Ray stays true to herself more than Jo does, and she takes her writing farther than Anne does.
I loved my time in Deep Valley again. Though I usually read chapters here and there before falling asleep, I took my copy along with me on a trip and finished it in the airport, accepting the fact that I would inevitably weep a few decorous tears at the gate. (I cry all the time with books, but Betsy tugged on the heartstrings more than most.) Choosing to re-read favorite children's series at bedtime has been my best reading decision of 2022.
December 16, 2015
Found these loveable classics on a discarded book shelf (no worries -- they were old copies) and decided to read them again for old times' sake. But wait -- they are just as good now as the were when I was a tween. I so appreciate now how Lovelace makes Betsy a fully-realized character with true charms and vanities and the nuanced opinions of a smart girl in 1917. Even the attention to mundane detail, from how Betsy curls her hair to how she reacts to others' quirks, is delightfully immersive. O Betsy! I missed you, old friend!
June 15, 2025
The absolute perfect ending to the Betsy Tacy series!
August 21, 2020
“There’s a long long trail a-winding
Into the land of my dreams.....”
And that’s that... a beautiful ending to a beautiful series. I almost felt like crying when I closed the book. Every one of these characters have become like dear, dear friends. I’ve watch Betsy, Tacy, and Tib grow from five-year-olds!! And the all the crowd since they were just teens. It’s so, so special to me with a series like this, where you get to see the characters grow from childhood to adulthood.
Oh, Betsy’s Wedding makes me so, so happy! Really, it’s one of my favorite in the series. It’s honestly too hard to pick a number one favorite. I might say it would be Heaven To Betsy and then Betsy’s Wedding... but it’s really too hard to choose. I loved them all!
Joe and Betsy have definitely made it to my favorite fictional characters of all time. They are so wonderfully perfect for one another. They’re best friends and in love all at the same time. And to know that they really were a couple (Maud and her husband) makes me so happy!
That’s another thing, since this series was based on real people, it makes it even more special to me!! To know that these people really, truly existed!! I mean, they’re real to me anyways, but to know they really were real is the best! I feel like I knew each and every one. Especially Maud herself! I feel like she lives off the pages from her writing. I love when I can sense or feel the author’s personality through their writing. She seems like she must’ve been such a kind, friendly person!! She would’ve been such a dear friend!
I loved seeing all the crowd grown up. It was so much fun and perfect. Especially seeing Cab again! I wish there would’ve been a mention of what happened to Tony but otherwise, I found the ending beautifully satisfying and bittersweet. I may have been upset about it ending right before Joe heads to war had I not known the rest of the true story but since I do know that Maud’s husband came back and they had a little girl, I’m completely satisfied. Now, I certainly wouldn’t have complained had there been more books, of course but like Maud, I think those last few lines made for a beautiful ending. :)
Into the land of my dreams.....”
And that’s that... a beautiful ending to a beautiful series. I almost felt like crying when I closed the book. Every one of these characters have become like dear, dear friends. I’ve watch Betsy, Tacy, and Tib grow from five-year-olds!! And the all the crowd since they were just teens. It’s so, so special to me with a series like this, where you get to see the characters grow from childhood to adulthood.
Oh, Betsy’s Wedding makes me so, so happy! Really, it’s one of my favorite in the series. It’s honestly too hard to pick a number one favorite. I might say it would be Heaven To Betsy and then Betsy’s Wedding... but it’s really too hard to choose. I loved them all!
Joe and Betsy have definitely made it to my favorite fictional characters of all time. They are so wonderfully perfect for one another. They’re best friends and in love all at the same time. And to know that they really were a couple (Maud and her husband) makes me so happy!
That’s another thing, since this series was based on real people, it makes it even more special to me!! To know that these people really, truly existed!! I mean, they’re real to me anyways, but to know they really were real is the best! I feel like I knew each and every one. Especially Maud herself! I feel like she lives off the pages from her writing. I love when I can sense or feel the author’s personality through their writing. She seems like she must’ve been such a kind, friendly person!! She would’ve been such a dear friend!
I loved seeing all the crowd grown up. It was so much fun and perfect. Especially seeing Cab again! I wish there would’ve been a mention of what happened to Tony but otherwise, I found the ending beautifully satisfying and bittersweet. I may have been upset about it ending right before Joe heads to war had I not known the rest of the true story but since I do know that Maud’s husband came back and they had a little girl, I’m completely satisfied. Now, I certainly wouldn’t have complained had there been more books, of course but like Maud, I think those last few lines made for a beautiful ending. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2015
Oh Betsy! Oh Joe! Oh joy in reading Betsy-Tacy yet again!
My only qualm in the re-read is that Betsy didn't go to see the King of Spain on her European tour. Such an oversight!
My only qualm in the re-read is that Betsy didn't go to see the King of Spain on her European tour. Such an oversight!
August 5, 2023
The Betsy-Tacy series holds a special place in my heart. Growing up, I always felt really connected to Betsy. I love her passion for writing, it’s super inspiring. Also, I enjoy that Lovelace does not feel the need to conjure these multilayered, complex plot lines, instead just talks about life as it is. I do believe that relatability aspect is one of the most endearing parts of Betsy’s character. Reading it as I am the same age as Betsy was in these two books, it’s much more revealing to me that Betsy was just…a product of her time. Honestly, I found myself kind of disappointed and annoyed with her throughout a lot of the book. The characters that caught my attention the most were Joe Willard and Tib Muller. For one, refreshing to see how much Joe values Betsy as a human being, not just as a wife or a woman, unlike other men in Lovelace’s world. As for Tib, I love seeing her stand up for herself and her needs, even when her friends try to rudely intervene in her life by trying to set her up with these weird ass men! Joe and Tib really do deserve all the love.
October 6, 2017
Betsy's Wedding more than made up for Betsy and the Great World. Great World saw too much flirting and too little Mr and Mrs Ray. But Wedding was just chock full of heart. Newlyweds! Housekeeping! Babies! Aunts! More love and sacrifice than my little heart can handle!
December 15, 2021
Betsy and the Great World: 4 stars
Betsy's Wedding: 5 stars
Betsy's Wedding is my new favorite of the series and everything ends so satisfactorily. I loved reading about Betsy's life as a new, young wife.
Betsy's Wedding: 5 stars
Betsy's Wedding is my new favorite of the series and everything ends so satisfactorily. I loved reading about Betsy's life as a new, young wife.
August 9, 2021
So sweet! It was such a lovely end to a lovely series. This edition in particular was amazing because the binding was great (so easy to read the text and the flip the pages with no spine breakage) and it had an entire section about Maud's life in the back with black and white photos. How I wish I could zoom in on them, though!
Betsy and the Great World was more of a 3.5 star read for me, while Betsy's Wedding was a 4.5. Together in one book, it made 4 stars. The Great World referenced places I've never seen or things that were unfamiliar to me, so it was harder to experience them with Betsy. Usually, MHL's writing is flowing and easy, but I found the travel sections a bit harder to get through and I almost put the book down for a while. The ending was very satisfying, though.
Betsy's Wedding was just was I'd hoped it would be - all about her family, familiar friends, and home life. This is the best part of MHL's charm - the domestic writing! The relationship between her and her husband is very outdated, but still amusing to read about. Lots of social drama, conversations and Betsy becoming more mature...and more herself.
Now that I'm done with the main part of the series, I'm looking forward to reading the last 2 books (or double novel) in the Deep Valley series. I highly recommend the Betsy-Tacy series to both children and adults, especially to anyone who loves stories about friendship, love, family, and home life. Sweet and on my forever list to reread!
Betsy and the Great World was more of a 3.5 star read for me, while Betsy's Wedding was a 4.5. Together in one book, it made 4 stars. The Great World referenced places I've never seen or things that were unfamiliar to me, so it was harder to experience them with Betsy. Usually, MHL's writing is flowing and easy, but I found the travel sections a bit harder to get through and I almost put the book down for a while. The ending was very satisfying, though.
Betsy's Wedding was just was I'd hoped it would be - all about her family, familiar friends, and home life. This is the best part of MHL's charm - the domestic writing! The relationship between her and her husband is very outdated, but still amusing to read about. Lots of social drama, conversations and Betsy becoming more mature...and more herself.
Now that I'm done with the main part of the series, I'm looking forward to reading the last 2 books (or double novel) in the Deep Valley series. I highly recommend the Betsy-Tacy series to both children and adults, especially to anyone who loves stories about friendship, love, family, and home life. Sweet and on my forever list to reread!
December 1, 2024
A childhood classic! You can tell I loved this book because it's absolutely destroyed... cover taped on, corners yellowed from repeated touch of grubby thumbs, one page that has a massive teal stain that I puzzled over for a while before remembering a teal putty I used to play with got stuck on it once. Betsy-Tacy books always made me happy, mainly because of how quaint, yet modern, they are. Betsy is so realistic! (besides the dated sexist and eurocentric bits... still, Betsy's ahead of her times in some ways) Rereading now was funny, considering I'm about to go on my own Great World adventure for a brief bit this summer, and a prolonged period next spring. As always, loved the beautiful European descriptions, and the ending of the book— of BOTH the books —was great.
Update for reread on 11/30/24: I get such a craving for the feel good nature of this book very often. Specifically I wanted to read her European travels, since I’m missing my time abroad. The Great World is probably my favorite of the whole series, because ugh I want to be back. I love the rollicking adventures Betsy has, and the many characters she meets. There’s so much to adore about this book, and while it sometimes shows its age, the good outweighs the bad.
Update for reread on 11/30/24: I get such a craving for the feel good nature of this book very often. Specifically I wanted to read her European travels, since I’m missing my time abroad. The Great World is probably my favorite of the whole series, because ugh I want to be back. I love the rollicking adventures Betsy has, and the many characters she meets. There’s so much to adore about this book, and while it sometimes shows its age, the good outweighs the bad.
August 5, 2025
It’s good to see Betsy through her trip to Europe and the beginning of her marriage. The books have flashes of the moments that make the earlier books so special, but the earlier friendships, while of course still there, have been diluted (as naturally happens) by other relationships and experiences.
Betsy does seem a bit shallow, I’m afraid, although I was very proud of the way she handled a change in their life in the first year of their marriage. She has a firm Christian foundation and faith, which is great to see. Although it’s not stressed a lot, it definitely comes into play at times.
I do love the illustrations, and I’m glad that they switched illustrators after the fourth Betsy-Tacy book. At first I wasn’t happy at the thought of it, but I began to see that Vera Neville really did a good job. Apparently she lived through those times, and researched the fashions and the furniture carefully so that her illustrations would be accurate. I may or may not go on to read the Deep Valley books. To be honest, I was pretty happy to be done with the 10-book Betsy-Tacy series as, although I enjoy it, I feel it is a bit shallow and my reading time might be better used on Shakespeare or the Penguin Modern 50-book series, ha ha. I actually like to have a mix of easy and more complex reading going, but I might re-start the Little Britches series, by Ralph Moody for my “easy reading” component.
Betsy does seem a bit shallow, I’m afraid, although I was very proud of the way she handled a change in their life in the first year of their marriage. She has a firm Christian foundation and faith, which is great to see. Although it’s not stressed a lot, it definitely comes into play at times.
I do love the illustrations, and I’m glad that they switched illustrators after the fourth Betsy-Tacy book. At first I wasn’t happy at the thought of it, but I began to see that Vera Neville really did a good job. Apparently she lived through those times, and researched the fashions and the furniture carefully so that her illustrations would be accurate. I may or may not go on to read the Deep Valley books. To be honest, I was pretty happy to be done with the 10-book Betsy-Tacy series as, although I enjoy it, I feel it is a bit shallow and my reading time might be better used on Shakespeare or the Penguin Modern 50-book series, ha ha. I actually like to have a mix of easy and more complex reading going, but I might re-start the Little Britches series, by Ralph Moody for my “easy reading” component.
October 22, 2024
This was a slower read for me because I missed Deep Valley and the Crowd! But I was happy to spend more time with Betsy and watch her grow to adulthood. I am so glad that the final book did not end with her wedding, but rather began with it – and we got to see her and Joe begin their life together. I loved the coziness of their apartment life and their little house on Canoe Avenue, very reminiscent of Patty’s Place in Anne of the Island.
These were such wonderful stories that I look forward to reading again. And I love all the biographical information at the end, about the real people who inspired these characters and what happened to them. Truly, this series was wonderful and I’m only sorry I didn’t read it sooner in life.
These were such wonderful stories that I look forward to reading again. And I love all the biographical information at the end, about the real people who inspired these characters and what happened to them. Truly, this series was wonderful and I’m only sorry I didn’t read it sooner in life.
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June 5, 2025It’s feels so funny reading a book I used to read when I was little and realizing that I’m the same age as the main character
November 9, 2022
Cleanliness:
Sexual Content
Lust - 2 Incidents: A man ogles a lady whenever they pass in the halls. “The young lieutenant who had ogled her so vainly smiled back in astonished delight.”
Making Out/Sex - 16 Incidents: A man takes a young lady’s arm. A man touches a young lady lightly on the shoulder. While dancing, a man holds a young lady too tightly. A man kisses a young lady’s hand. “His expression softening, he drew her tenderly from the railing.” “There were lovers with their arms about each other,” “He put his arms around her. He found a wet cheek and kissed it.”
“He put his arm about her shoulders and kissed her wind-blown hair.” A man and lady swing hands. A man takes a young lady in his arms. A man and lady hold hands. A man kisses a lady, and “she clung to him.” A girl remembers a certain kiss. A man embraces a young lady and kisses her. (They are getting engaged). They hold hands throughout the book. A man kisses his fiancee. “Betsy’s head was on his shoulder. His cheek was on her hair.”
Sexual Miscellaneous - 12 Incidents: The word “bosom” is used - non-sexual. The word “sex” is used - as in gender. A piece of art entitled, The Nude Descending the Staircase, is mentioned. A “lady had bared her scrawny shoulders in a jet-trimmed gown.” The word “breast” is used - non-sexual. The word “breast” is used - non-sexual. Undergarments and corsets are mentioned. The word “bosom” is used - non-sexual. Mentions slips, chemises, negligee. Mentions silk undergarments. It mentions a bride is wearing a pink chiffon negligee on her honeymoon. (It is referred to several times). The word “breast” is used - non-sexual.
Illustrations - 1 Incident: a girl naked in a bathtub (nothing visible)
Profanity
Mild Obscenities & Substitutions - 21 Incidents: pooh, deuce, dash it all, deuced, darn, what the dickens, *ss (referring to a donkey), gosh, hang, jiminy, jinks, bosh, don't-give-a-d*mn
Religious Profanities - 26 Incidents: Thank goodness, faith, mercy, golly, heavens, by all the saints, goodness knows, gol darn
Derogatory Terms -1 Incident: ‘Joseph Conrad’s The Nigger of the Narcissus’
Violence - None
Conversation Topics - 9 Incidents
This book has many guys and girls going out together, having beaus (sometimes several at once), trying to attract boys, dancing and thinking guys are handsome. (Book takes place in the early 1900s). The father smokes a cigar, and there is mention of smoking Turkish water pipes and cigarettes. Betsy has a crush on an older man until she finds out he’s married. Some African women have tattoos. Mentions beer halls. Mentions playing cards (poker). A man commits suicide. Mentions Santa Claus. Mentions opium.
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Sexual Content
Lust - 2 Incidents: A man ogles a lady whenever they pass in the halls. “The young lieutenant who had ogled her so vainly smiled back in astonished delight.”
Making Out/Sex - 16 Incidents: A man takes a young lady’s arm. A man touches a young lady lightly on the shoulder. While dancing, a man holds a young lady too tightly. A man kisses a young lady’s hand. “His expression softening, he drew her tenderly from the railing.” “There were lovers with their arms about each other,” “He put his arms around her. He found a wet cheek and kissed it.”
“He put his arm about her shoulders and kissed her wind-blown hair.” A man and lady swing hands. A man takes a young lady in his arms. A man and lady hold hands. A man kisses a lady, and “she clung to him.” A girl remembers a certain kiss. A man embraces a young lady and kisses her. (They are getting engaged). They hold hands throughout the book. A man kisses his fiancee. “Betsy’s head was on his shoulder. His cheek was on her hair.”
Sexual Miscellaneous - 12 Incidents: The word “bosom” is used - non-sexual. The word “sex” is used - as in gender. A piece of art entitled, The Nude Descending the Staircase, is mentioned. A “lady had bared her scrawny shoulders in a jet-trimmed gown.” The word “breast” is used - non-sexual. The word “breast” is used - non-sexual. Undergarments and corsets are mentioned. The word “bosom” is used - non-sexual. Mentions slips, chemises, negligee. Mentions silk undergarments. It mentions a bride is wearing a pink chiffon negligee on her honeymoon. (It is referred to several times). The word “breast” is used - non-sexual.
Illustrations - 1 Incident: a girl naked in a bathtub (nothing visible)
Profanity
Mild Obscenities & Substitutions - 21 Incidents: pooh, deuce, dash it all, deuced, darn, what the dickens, *ss (referring to a donkey), gosh, hang, jiminy, jinks, bosh, don't-give-a-d*mn
Religious Profanities - 26 Incidents: Thank goodness, faith, mercy, golly, heavens, by all the saints, goodness knows, gol darn
Derogatory Terms -1 Incident: ‘Joseph Conrad’s The Nigger of the Narcissus’
Violence - None
Conversation Topics - 9 Incidents
This book has many guys and girls going out together, having beaus (sometimes several at once), trying to attract boys, dancing and thinking guys are handsome. (Book takes place in the early 1900s). The father smokes a cigar, and there is mention of smoking Turkish water pipes and cigarettes. Betsy has a crush on an older man until she finds out he’s married. Some African women have tattoos. Mentions beer halls. Mentions playing cards (poker). A man commits suicide. Mentions Santa Claus. Mentions opium.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
March 5, 2010
Okay - I'm breaking my pledge to review each book individually in favor of writing a single review of this complete series.
The Betsy-Tacy books revolve around the life, family, and friends of Betsy Ray. When we first meet Betsy, she is five years old, and living in a small town in Minnesota in the early 1900's. Each book in the series is written to the level of Betsy's age in the book, starting with elementary school and taking us through to young adulthood, and eventually marriage.
I read the first book in all of an hour and couldn't wait to see what adventures unfolded next for Betsy and her friend, Tacy, now that they were two years older. This cycle continued through all nine books in the series until I found myself sitting on the couch finishing the final book last night instead of doing my planned cardio workout.
I truly enjoyed watching Betsy and her friends grow up - from young children to teenagers, to wives and mothers. I became connected to the characters and often found myself cheering for them. It made me long for simpler times - making fudge and singing around a piano with friends, having a picnic.
It was also interesting to see how little things have changed. Teenagers are still in constant contact. Though not on the brand new telephone, but via text or email. Highschoolers still go cruising in their automobiles, although going 20mph might not seem all that fast to us now.
I loved reading the historical information at the back of the books - how they were based on the author's friends and life. Seeing the photos of the people who actually inspired the characters was great. I also loved the descriptions of the fashion.
I'm so glad that my friend recommended these books to me. I know that should I have a little girl one day, that these books will find their way onto her bookshelf. I also have a feeling that the next time I'm feeling bogged down with life and technology, that I will pick up these books again and escape to Betsy's life.
The Betsy-Tacy books revolve around the life, family, and friends of Betsy Ray. When we first meet Betsy, she is five years old, and living in a small town in Minnesota in the early 1900's. Each book in the series is written to the level of Betsy's age in the book, starting with elementary school and taking us through to young adulthood, and eventually marriage.
I read the first book in all of an hour and couldn't wait to see what adventures unfolded next for Betsy and her friend, Tacy, now that they were two years older. This cycle continued through all nine books in the series until I found myself sitting on the couch finishing the final book last night instead of doing my planned cardio workout.
I truly enjoyed watching Betsy and her friends grow up - from young children to teenagers, to wives and mothers. I became connected to the characters and often found myself cheering for them. It made me long for simpler times - making fudge and singing around a piano with friends, having a picnic.
It was also interesting to see how little things have changed. Teenagers are still in constant contact. Though not on the brand new telephone, but via text or email. Highschoolers still go cruising in their automobiles, although going 20mph might not seem all that fast to us now.
I loved reading the historical information at the back of the books - how they were based on the author's friends and life. Seeing the photos of the people who actually inspired the characters was great. I also loved the descriptions of the fashion.
I'm so glad that my friend recommended these books to me. I know that should I have a little girl one day, that these books will find their way onto her bookshelf. I also have a feeling that the next time I'm feeling bogged down with life and technology, that I will pick up these books again and escape to Betsy's life.
August 29, 2010
First off: I am a huge Betsy-Tacy fan. Starting when I was little, I loved reading about Betsy and Tacy's adventures; they're friendships and troubles, and picnics up on the Big Hill. And as they got older, first crushes and parties, and family happenings. And all of this took place back in the early 1900s', which delighted me (and still does). It was wonderful.
In this two-books-in-one, the first book is Betsy and the Great World. This was one of my very favorite Betsy-Tacy books, because it took Betsy away from her hometown and out into amazing places. I followed her through a cruise on the S.S. Columbic, and trips to Munich, Venice, Paris, and much more. She made tons of friends, and survived some relationships too. Through this book, she can't stop thinking about her ex-sweetheart, Joe Willard. In older Betsy-Tacy books, he was one of my very favorite characters. I was excited to see how he would end up back in the story! Towards the end of the book, she finally gets an excuse to write him a letter. A casual, I-don't-mind-if-you-write-back-or-not kind of letter. And then, after waiting and waiting, she gets a response. And a very heartening one at that! A response telling her that he hopes their war is over, and he wants her to come home.
Well. Plans are made for her to come home almost immediately. She writes Joe to tell him to meet her when she gets back. As soon as her boat docks and she sees Joe, it's obvious their relationship is rekindled.
Hence the name of the next book: Betsy's Wedding.
Read them!
In this two-books-in-one, the first book is Betsy and the Great World. This was one of my very favorite Betsy-Tacy books, because it took Betsy away from her hometown and out into amazing places. I followed her through a cruise on the S.S. Columbic, and trips to Munich, Venice, Paris, and much more. She made tons of friends, and survived some relationships too. Through this book, she can't stop thinking about her ex-sweetheart, Joe Willard. In older Betsy-Tacy books, he was one of my very favorite characters. I was excited to see how he would end up back in the story! Towards the end of the book, she finally gets an excuse to write him a letter. A casual, I-don't-mind-if-you-write-back-or-not kind of letter. And then, after waiting and waiting, she gets a response. And a very heartening one at that! A response telling her that he hopes their war is over, and he wants her to come home.
Well. Plans are made for her to come home almost immediately. She writes Joe to tell him to meet her when she gets back. As soon as her boat docks and she sees Joe, it's obvious their relationship is rekindled.
Hence the name of the next book: Betsy's Wedding.
Read them!
March 26, 2024
This was a wonderful end to a wonderful series. I truly will miss all of these characters, they all feel like such close friends now!
I love how Betsy was so independent when she took a solo trip to Europe. Even if she was homesick many times, she clearly had so much fun meeting people and trying new experiences. Like everyone else, I did miss her Deep Valley friends, family and most of all, Joe. But Betsy's trip made me want to travel all over Europe too, because I had so much fun reading about her day-to-day life in the European cities she visited.
And now about Betsy's Wedding. This was easily one of my favorites in the series! Betsy and Joe's relationship is so wholesome and special; I adored seeing them grow into married life together and learn from their mistakes. It was also great to see all of Betsy's old high school crowd back again at the end as the curtain was drawn.
Even though the ending of Betsy's Wedding is bittersweet, I think that the ending is happy. I wouldn't have minded another book or two describing Joe coming back from the war and more of Betsy's life, but I agree with Lovelace that the ending was heartwarming. I'll definitely come back and revisit this series in the future, because I absolutely loved it! I can't get over how good these books are; please read them if you love the Anne of Green Gables, Little House and Little Women series! I promise you won't regret it :)
I love how Betsy was so independent when she took a solo trip to Europe. Even if she was homesick many times, she clearly had so much fun meeting people and trying new experiences. Like everyone else, I did miss her Deep Valley friends, family and most of all, Joe. But Betsy's trip made me want to travel all over Europe too, because I had so much fun reading about her day-to-day life in the European cities she visited.
And now about Betsy's Wedding. This was easily one of my favorites in the series! Betsy and Joe's relationship is so wholesome and special; I adored seeing them grow into married life together and learn from their mistakes. It was also great to see all of Betsy's old high school crowd back again at the end as the curtain was drawn.
Even though the ending of Betsy's Wedding is bittersweet, I think that the ending is happy. I wouldn't have minded another book or two describing Joe coming back from the war and more of Betsy's life, but I agree with Lovelace that the ending was heartwarming. I'll definitely come back and revisit this series in the future, because I absolutely loved it! I can't get over how good these books are; please read them if you love the Anne of Green Gables, Little House and Little Women series! I promise you won't regret it :)
April 6, 2015
Man. Oh man. These books. There is something about them. A certain timeless charm, a magic, really. They are so simple. Yet, somehow, through the honest, realistic words of these books, Maud Hart Lovelace manages to depict such lovable, authentic, genuine, dimensional characters - characters whom I have grown sympathize with and to love. I was in joyful, affectionate, bittersweet tears as I read the final words of the final book.
I absolutely adore this series, primarily the last 6 books (the "older" B-T books). They are filled with timeless lessons. There are, for example, so many qualities and characteristics of Betsy, Julia, Tib, Tacy, Margaret, Mrs. Ray, Anna, that I admire and aspire to obtain. I adore the era, the simplicity of life. I love the way Betsy enjoys the little things in life. As a writer, she observes everything and really lives life well. I admire that.
I could go on and on about every little thing I love about these books. But for the sake of time and sanity, I will end with this: these books hold such a special place in my heart, and I truly cherish them. Thank you, Maud! <3
I absolutely adore this series, primarily the last 6 books (the "older" B-T books). They are filled with timeless lessons. There are, for example, so many qualities and characteristics of Betsy, Julia, Tib, Tacy, Margaret, Mrs. Ray, Anna, that I admire and aspire to obtain. I adore the era, the simplicity of life. I love the way Betsy enjoys the little things in life. As a writer, she observes everything and really lives life well. I admire that.
I could go on and on about every little thing I love about these books. But for the sake of time and sanity, I will end with this: these books hold such a special place in my heart, and I truly cherish them. Thank you, Maud! <3
September 27, 2009
Growing up, Betsy and the Great World was my least favorite because it took Betsy away from Deep Valley. Perhaps now that I am grown up and have traveled to some of these places myself, I have a deep and abiding appreciation for it. My only criticism is that I wish there were more description of her time in London and less of Germany! Of course, the last chapter is the best of all!
January 7, 2013
This series starts over 100 years ago--women can't even vote yet--but I relate to Betsy more than I relate to a lot of "modern" heroines. (Especially those in YA novels.) Some things are timeless, I guess.
August 3, 2019
In the conclusion of the Betsy Ray story in the Deep Valley series, we get a look at some very hard topics intertwined with the happy ideas of weddings and marriage. It was a good end, but I find myself wanting more, to continue hearing about her.
March 14, 2010
I am so sad that I have now read all the Betsy-Tacy books. They are such treasures!
July 7, 2016
Such a great series! It is really fun to read and easy. Everyone should read these books.
April 7, 2021
This is mostly a review on Betsy's Wedding, to see my review for Betsy and the Great World, follow the link and skip this review as it will have spoilers for the first book in this omnibus: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Though I will say, these two books were probably my favorite of this entire series.
Though I will say, these two books were probably my favorite of this entire series.
We pick up directly from the end of Betsy and the Great World at the beginning of Betsy's Wedding. Joe meets Betsy's boat, they have both realized how much the other means to them and decide to get engaged and married as soon as possible. Joe hopes this will be in the next couple of weeks, but Betsy expects it to take a bit longer, for many reasons, but mostly because she is anticipating her parent's reactions. However, through hard work, determination and helpful friends and family, things work out and Betsy and Joe happily embark into married life!
There are many reasons I like this book, not least is because, though Joe and Betsy do get married very quickly, it has been years coming, and they do it right! The parents' objections are heard and overcome, and their blessings secured with no real thoughts to just going ahead and getting married. As a very good indication of their future happiness, Betsy and Joe listen to the people they love, respect their thoughts/opinions and find good solutions, usually together. Then, after they are married, there is no "inevitable quarrel that drives them apart making them deeply doubt that they should have married in the first place" (which is a very, very overused trope for the newlywed book in my opinion). Joe has bouts of depression, which Betsy supports him through (and doesn't make the marriage all about her own happiness); Betsy is asked to allow someone into their home circle when she doesn't feel like it and works through that without Joe forcing her one way or the other, he lets her have time and space to consider it (not making the marriage all about his will being supreme). They work together to make their marriage strong and healthy and when they hit hard times, they make it through well because of their foundation and it is a true joy to read!
Aside from the characters personal stories, there is also the setting. Frequently, we forget just how long it was from the beginning of WWI to when the U.S. actually entered the fray, but nearly this whole book happens in that time gap and is an excellent look at how life goes on in the midst of uncertainty. There are many other side stories of friends and family going on, several of which I also liked (Tib's parts, particularly being a German-American in this time period were fascinating), but I will just sum up by saying Mrs. Lovelace finished her series very well!
Content notes: No language issues. No sensuality issues, Joe and Betsy kiss, but that is all on page and we stay out of their bedroom; one of their friends is dating a guy who starts behaving pretty stalkery, but she makes wise choices. No violence; the War is mentioned as being discussed, however, I don't remember casualties being part of those talks, mostly the tactics, purpose and motivations behind the War (though Betsy often thinks of the friends she made while in Europe and worries about them).
August 27, 2018
I just love grown-up Betsy!
Not going to lie, the huge time gap between "Betsy and Joe" and "Betsy and the Great World" was disappointing. Having to catch up on the "university years" in one chapter was a little sad, especially after the blow-by-blow of the past four books. However, once I got over that, following Betsy through Europe had its charm. It was even nail biting when Betsy was trying to get out during the start of WWI! The question remains, did Mr. Ray ever write that letter to Mr. Brown?
I read another review that said something about how "Betsy's Wedding" should really be called "Betsy's Marriage" since she gets married in the beginning of the book. I love the description of her newlywed life. It also reinforces the benefits of teaching your children how to do chores! Betsy had quite the learning curve. While the ending was a sort-of cliff hanger, it also nicely sewed up the open seams, (a strange juxtaposition), but seemed a little rushed.
I really enjoyed the notes at the end of the new editions (combined voluemes) with information about MHL and her life, especially since it was quasi autobiographical. Its fun to see the photos of characters in "real life".
As usual, I was sad to leave Betsy's world at the end of the series. It was fun to reread them as an adult (and more than the first four books!), especially after visiting Mankato (Deep Valley) and knowing all the landmarks. On to MHL's 'spin offs'- "Emily of Deep Valley", "Carney's House Party", and "Winona's Pony Cart"!
Not going to lie, the huge time gap between "Betsy and Joe" and "Betsy and the Great World" was disappointing. Having to catch up on the "university years" in one chapter was a little sad, especially after the blow-by-blow of the past four books. However, once I got over that, following Betsy through Europe had its charm. It was even nail biting when Betsy was trying to get out during the start of WWI! The question remains, did Mr. Ray ever write that letter to Mr. Brown?
I read another review that said something about how "Betsy's Wedding" should really be called "Betsy's Marriage" since she gets married in the beginning of the book. I love the description of her newlywed life. It also reinforces the benefits of teaching your children how to do chores! Betsy had quite the learning curve. While the ending was a sort-of cliff hanger, it also nicely sewed up the open seams, (a strange juxtaposition), but seemed a little rushed.
I really enjoyed the notes at the end of the new editions (combined voluemes) with information about MHL and her life, especially since it was quasi autobiographical. Its fun to see the photos of characters in "real life".
As usual, I was sad to leave Betsy's world at the end of the series. It was fun to reread them as an adult (and more than the first four books!), especially after visiting Mankato (Deep Valley) and knowing all the landmarks. On to MHL's 'spin offs'- "Emily of Deep Valley", "Carney's House Party", and "Winona's Pony Cart"!
July 21, 2025
Hours fly,
flowers die.
New days,
New ways,
Pass by.
Love stays. ~ Henry Van Dyke
These last two books were absolute perfection. Betsy has grown so much since those first days in Deep Valley with Tacy and Tib, but the qualities we have loved about her remain.
In 'Betsy and the Great World,' we get to travel to many enlightening and exotic locations with Betsy. There are mistakes and new friends along the way. The ending is all you could hope for as war begins in Europe and Betsy must return to Minnesota. I think her stay in Venice was a favorite.
In 'Betsy's Wedding,' some of the gang is back together. Joe and Betsy are married and their early days are so adorable and inspiring. When Aunt Ruth needs a place to stay they find space for her in their home and extra room in their hearts. Tacy is also married, but Tib still needs to find a man who will be a good match for her and get along well with all their friends. Will Betsy and Tacy ever get to be her bridesmaids? The seriousness of WW I is lurking, but Betsy and the bunch are wisely spending time in church and seeking advice from parents and others who are older and more seasoned.
This set contains a forward by Anna Quindlen, delightful illustrations by Vera Neville, and loads of facts about the corresponding periods of Maud Hart Lovelace's life -- with photos. I can see why many reread these books often. They are like visiting old friends!
She was in the land of dreams now, Betsy thought. The future and the past seemed to melt together.
flowers die.
New days,
New ways,
Pass by.
Love stays. ~ Henry Van Dyke
These last two books were absolute perfection. Betsy has grown so much since those first days in Deep Valley with Tacy and Tib, but the qualities we have loved about her remain.
In 'Betsy and the Great World,' we get to travel to many enlightening and exotic locations with Betsy. There are mistakes and new friends along the way. The ending is all you could hope for as war begins in Europe and Betsy must return to Minnesota. I think her stay in Venice was a favorite.
In 'Betsy's Wedding,' some of the gang is back together. Joe and Betsy are married and their early days are so adorable and inspiring. When Aunt Ruth needs a place to stay they find space for her in their home and extra room in their hearts. Tacy is also married, but Tib still needs to find a man who will be a good match for her and get along well with all their friends. Will Betsy and Tacy ever get to be her bridesmaids? The seriousness of WW I is lurking, but Betsy and the bunch are wisely spending time in church and seeking advice from parents and others who are older and more seasoned.
This set contains a forward by Anna Quindlen, delightful illustrations by Vera Neville, and loads of facts about the corresponding periods of Maud Hart Lovelace's life -- with photos. I can see why many reread these books often. They are like visiting old friends!
She was in the land of dreams now, Betsy thought. The future and the past seemed to melt together.
March 15, 2024
Wah I'm sad to have finished this series! The last 2-in-1 book took me FOREVER because I was fighting someone else in my town for the library ebook so had delays, and Betsy and the Great World took me ages because I didn't like it that much. I think it took me literally months to finish since it was around 700 pages and I read very slowly on ebooks on my phone anymore.
BATGW 3/5
Betsy's Wedding 5/5
I loved this series overall, it gave me such nostalgia for the books I loved to read as a kid (Little House, Booky, etc.). Betsy is a great heroine, I loved the wholesomeness mixed with a more modern/progressive and humorous tone and following her from age 5 to early 20's was really fun. In the Great World book I missed Minnesota and her family and friends who all add so much to the story, it felt boring without them even though the descriptions of her travel and all the countries she visited in the early 1910s was interesting.
I wasn't sure I'd like Betsy's Wedding but I loved it - brought together all of her family, "The Crowd" from her high school era, and her learning married life was funny and sweet. Sort of a bummer to end on all the men enlisting into war but compiled into Tib's wedding and a return to their childhood town/home visit was a nice way to make the series come full circle.
BATGW 3/5
Betsy's Wedding 5/5
I loved this series overall, it gave me such nostalgia for the books I loved to read as a kid (Little House, Booky, etc.). Betsy is a great heroine, I loved the wholesomeness mixed with a more modern/progressive and humorous tone and following her from age 5 to early 20's was really fun. In the Great World book I missed Minnesota and her family and friends who all add so much to the story, it felt boring without them even though the descriptions of her travel and all the countries she visited in the early 1910s was interesting.
I wasn't sure I'd like Betsy's Wedding but I loved it - brought together all of her family, "The Crowd" from her high school era, and her learning married life was funny and sweet. Sort of a bummer to end on all the men enlisting into war but compiled into Tib's wedding and a return to their childhood town/home visit was a nice way to make the series come full circle.
December 2, 2021
Going to average this one out to four stars - the first one was about 3, the second one 5.
Betsy and the Great World - we run into some racism, some classism, and the language that goes with it. Frankly, also a lot of whining from Betsy. I get it - solo travel can be lonely, especially if you entrench yourself in a foreign city for months on end and don’t know the language. But also, wow, what an opportunity - being bankrolled by your father to travel across Europe! The early 20th century travel logistics were fascinating. I also thoroughly enjoyed references to “modern” music - Debussy, Ravel, and the song “Araby”, which I swing dance to all the time.
Betsy’s Wedding - much more charming, back at home with an even Joe-er Joe, having absorbed the swagger of the author’s real life husband. And what a way with words! I hope he said all those things and more to the author! I can’t tell if people in the teens and twenties really did just do things telegram each other and then decide to get married, or meet someone ice skating and decide to get married, or if that’s the swoony writing of the author looking back. There’s some serious nostalgia for a bygone analog era, in which you socialized a lot more for entertainment, because there was no streaming TV to fall back on. Utterly charming.
Betsy and the Great World - we run into some racism, some classism, and the language that goes with it. Frankly, also a lot of whining from Betsy. I get it - solo travel can be lonely, especially if you entrench yourself in a foreign city for months on end and don’t know the language. But also, wow, what an opportunity - being bankrolled by your father to travel across Europe! The early 20th century travel logistics were fascinating. I also thoroughly enjoyed references to “modern” music - Debussy, Ravel, and the song “Araby”, which I swing dance to all the time.
Betsy’s Wedding - much more charming, back at home with an even Joe-er Joe, having absorbed the swagger of the author’s real life husband. And what a way with words! I hope he said all those things and more to the author! I can’t tell if people in the teens and twenties really did just do things telegram each other and then decide to get married, or meet someone ice skating and decide to get married, or if that’s the swoony writing of the author looking back. There’s some serious nostalgia for a bygone analog era, in which you socialized a lot more for entertainment, because there was no streaming TV to fall back on. Utterly charming.
November 5, 2020
In "Betsy and the Great World," it was fun following her almost year aboard traveling through Europe and living in a few places. I was a bit upset that she didn't go with her best friend Tacy. Tacy got married so young so I wasn't happy about it. Why does Betsy need a male companion in her Italian part of her trip? Anyway, living through Betsy's experience reminded me of my year abroad when I studied in France during my junior college year. On the in Maud's World section, she did travel internationally with her best friend Bick when they were older after their kids grew up.
In "Betsy's Wedding," it was okay. All the characters had to have happy endings.
I realized I prefer the fun years when Betsy, Tacy and Tib were children. Though, their teen years were fascinating too.
In "Betsy's Wedding," it was okay. All the characters had to have happy endings.
I realized I prefer the fun years when Betsy, Tacy and Tib were children. Though, their teen years were fascinating too.
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