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Betsy-Tacy #8
Betsy and Joe: A Betsy-Tacy High School Story
Betsy always thought she and Joe Willard were made for each other—and now that summer's over and senior year's begun, it seems her dream is coming true! But her friend Tony Markham has come calling as well—and his intentions are definitely romantic.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 21, 1948
22 people are currently reading
2058 people want to read
About the author
Maud Hart Lovelace
45 books732 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 206 reviews
June 12, 2017
I loved the beginning and end of this book, but got a little weary of the love triangle angst in the middle.
And in the inconsequential aside category, I did a double take on seeing that Betsy uses the word "bigly" in a diary entry near the beginning.
And in the inconsequential aside category, I did a double take on seeing that Betsy uses the word "bigly" in a diary entry near the beginning.
May 26, 2020
It has been such a boon to shelter-in-place with Betsy. When the real world got a bit too much, what a joy and relief to find shelter in Deep Valley and share in Betsy’s mostly -jubilant (albeit occasionally-turbulent) senior year.
I do rather wonder what it would have been like to read this in some suspense as to which boy Betsy goes with in the end – I’ve known all along thanks to some unfortunate spoilers but I think if I’d read this in my early teens, without spoilers, I would have been on pins and needles.
As ever, I love MHL’s depictions of the Ray family, Betsy’s friends (even if Betsy’s relationship didn’t surprise me, I had a big surprise about one of her friend’s!) and the town of Deep Valley. MHL is wonderfully perceptive about people, yet also so warm and kind about humanity. She’s never judgey. There’s such a sense of goodness in these people, even though they are never goody-goody.
Betsy matures even more in this book. I especially appreciate the way she is sensitive to how big sister Julia’s leaving the nest affects the family -- the way that she tries, not to fill Julia’s place, but to keep alive some of the little joys that Julia brought to the family or in bracing up and thinking of bringing joy to others on their first Christmas without Julia.
“She knew she had helped the family, and as a matter of fact, she had been happy. That, she realized, was because she had stopped thinking about herself.
‘I’ve heard all my life that that’s the way it works. Papa is always thinking about other people and he’s always happy. I’ve got to stop thinking about myself so much—about how I look, how I’m impressing someone, whether I’m popular or not. I’ve got to start thinking about other people, all the people I met.’”
This made me think of The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World
And, speaking of joy, what a joy it was to watch Betsy graduate and look toward The Great World.
I do rather wonder what it would have been like to read this in some suspense as to which boy Betsy goes with in the end – I’ve known all along thanks to some unfortunate spoilers but I think if I’d read this in my early teens, without spoilers, I would have been on pins and needles.
As ever, I love MHL’s depictions of the Ray family, Betsy’s friends (even if Betsy’s relationship didn’t surprise me, I had a big surprise about one of her friend’s!) and the town of Deep Valley. MHL is wonderfully perceptive about people, yet also so warm and kind about humanity. She’s never judgey. There’s such a sense of goodness in these people, even though they are never goody-goody.
Betsy matures even more in this book. I especially appreciate the way she is sensitive to how big sister Julia’s leaving the nest affects the family -- the way that she tries, not to fill Julia’s place, but to keep alive some of the little joys that Julia brought to the family or in bracing up and thinking of bringing joy to others on their first Christmas without Julia.
“She knew she had helped the family, and as a matter of fact, she had been happy. That, she realized, was because she had stopped thinking about herself.
‘I’ve heard all my life that that’s the way it works. Papa is always thinking about other people and he’s always happy. I’ve got to stop thinking about myself so much—about how I look, how I’m impressing someone, whether I’m popular or not. I’ve got to start thinking about other people, all the people I met.’”
This made me think of The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World
And, speaking of joy, what a joy it was to watch Betsy graduate and look toward The Great World.
February 19, 2015
“I’m going to start there,” answered Joe. “Say, you told me you thought Les Miserable was the greatest novel ever written. I think Vanity Fair is the greatest. Let’s fight.”
JOE WILLARD. Heart eyes forever.
The only thing dragging this down from a full 5-star rating is the Betsy/Tony/Joe business. It's not that I dislike Tony - I LOVE his interaction with Margaret for instance, and the fact that she has always had such a crush on him - but I loathe even the hint of any kind of love triangle, and while he's not my favourite, he didn't deserve Betsy stringing him along like that either.
Everything else, though. Heart eyes.
*Read: 13 December 2011, 16 February 2015
JOE WILLARD. Heart eyes forever.
The only thing dragging this down from a full 5-star rating is the Betsy/Tony/Joe business. It's not that I dislike Tony - I LOVE his interaction with Margaret for instance, and the fact that she has always had such a crush on him - but I loathe even the hint of any kind of love triangle, and while he's not my favourite, he didn't deserve Betsy stringing him along like that either.
Everything else, though. Heart eyes.
*Read: 13 December 2011, 16 February 2015
October 26, 2025
I loved this book SO MUCH!!! <333
RTC
RTC
August 8, 2015
8/2015 stet
9/2012 There's so much depth in Lovelace's books, so much backstory that's more felt than expressed. It somehow puts me in mind of Tolkien that way. It's the feeling one gets whilst reading a book that is entirely grounded in one specific world, the history of which is fully known to the author and intuited by the reader. It makes for a roundness, a fullness that satisfies in ways the less well-built world fails to do.
It doesn't hurt that, in my copy of this, tucked into the page describing Betsy's Class Day photos is a copy of Maud's Class Day photo, and lo! she is wearing Betsy's outfit.
Can't recommend this series highly enough.
12/2009 Finally, it seems that Betsy and Joe will be together. This can't possibly be a spoiler, can it, given the title of the book? But the course of true love never did... you know.
Tony (who I adore) comes into his own as a character in this book. We get a glimpse of the boy hiding behind the lazily efficient coffee-maker, the sleepily joking clown. And I wish I didn't know about the real-life Tony, because my fictional Tony goes on to have a long and gloriously satisfying life.
Betsy's maturation continues, and she honors her family, her writing, and her friends- but she's still not able to say the things which need to be said where love and romance are concerned. Miss Bangeter teaches her famous Shakespeare class to the DV seniors- and oh, how I wish I could have audited it. I'm guessing that 90% of what I knew of Shakespeare in my teens came from Lovelace (and also Norma Johnstone's Tish books).
A lovely end to the high school portion of the series.
9/2012 There's so much depth in Lovelace's books, so much backstory that's more felt than expressed. It somehow puts me in mind of Tolkien that way. It's the feeling one gets whilst reading a book that is entirely grounded in one specific world, the history of which is fully known to the author and intuited by the reader. It makes for a roundness, a fullness that satisfies in ways the less well-built world fails to do.
It doesn't hurt that, in my copy of this, tucked into the page describing Betsy's Class Day photos is a copy of Maud's Class Day photo, and lo! she is wearing Betsy's outfit.
Can't recommend this series highly enough.
12/2009 Finally, it seems that Betsy and Joe will be together. This can't possibly be a spoiler, can it, given the title of the book? But the course of true love never did... you know.
Tony (who I adore) comes into his own as a character in this book. We get a glimpse of the boy hiding behind the lazily efficient coffee-maker, the sleepily joking clown. And I wish I didn't know about the real-life Tony, because my fictional Tony goes on to have a long and gloriously satisfying life.
Betsy's maturation continues, and she honors her family, her writing, and her friends- but she's still not able to say the things which need to be said where love and romance are concerned. Miss Bangeter teaches her famous Shakespeare class to the DV seniors- and oh, how I wish I could have audited it. I'm guessing that 90% of what I knew of Shakespeare in my teens came from Lovelace (and also Norma Johnstone's Tish books).
A lovely end to the high school portion of the series.
May 4, 2017
No matter how well-written, I will only give a book a 5 star rating if I find it emotionally satisfying - if it intensely engages me on that level where I feel emotionally moved. This book! Oh, how very satisfying it is for those readers who have loved Betsy, and followed her development since she was first introduced at age 5 in Betsy-Tacy. Joe Willard - the hard-working orphan veiled in mystery - was first introduced in Heaven to Betsy, the book which chronicles Betsy's freshman year in high school. After various false starts, and tentative moves towards friendship, these two aspiring writers finally get their act together at the end of their senior year - and find not only love, but the kind of understanding and support that I think all of us yearn for in a relationship. This is a deeply romantic book, but romance of the best kind - because it is truly rooted in reality. Maud Hart Lovelace dedicated this book to her husband Delos, and she said that Delos was "Joe Willard to the life."
The book is not just about Betsy and Joe, though; it is also about football, Shakespeare, theatre, growing-up ambitions, Tacy's first love, Tony's defection, Julia's trip to Europe and so much more. It's been a long time since my senior year in high school, but like Betsy, I felt quite overwhelmed by the complicated tangle of emotions that comes from realising you really are leaving one stage of life behind.
"The older I get the more mixed up life seems. When you're little, it's all so plain. It's all laid out like a game ready to play. You think you know exactly how it's going to go. But things happen . . .".
The book is not just about Betsy and Joe, though; it is also about football, Shakespeare, theatre, growing-up ambitions, Tacy's first love, Tony's defection, Julia's trip to Europe and so much more. It's been a long time since my senior year in high school, but like Betsy, I felt quite overwhelmed by the complicated tangle of emotions that comes from realising you really are leaving one stage of life behind.
"The older I get the more mixed up life seems. When you're little, it's all so plain. It's all laid out like a game ready to play. You think you know exactly how it's going to go. But things happen . . .".
May 30, 2010
I love that the girls eat!!! There is no anorexia, no eating disorders.
I think that this book covering Betsy’s senior year of high school is my favorite of the 4 high school Betsy-Tacy books, this despite the fact that I generally detest love triangles in novels. I especially loathe them when, as here, there is a lack of communication between the people involved. I know the mores and constraints of the time didn’t permit Betsy to do as I most would have liked, but I do feel communication could have been vastly improved. I admit that at times I was irritated with both Betsy and Joe.
I love both Tony and Joe, although I admit I have basically rooted for Joe for Betsy. I do like my orphaned and quasi-orphaned characters!
This book, as is typical of all the Betsy-Tacy books, is superbly written, and Lovelace is a gifted storyteller, one who’s brilliantly perceptive about following the main characters from ages 5 to 18; I can’t wait to read the next couple of books, and the companion books too.
The Rays are a wonderful family. I would have sunk comfortably into these books and gotten much vicarious enjoyment had I read them as a girl. I think this book made me laugh and made me sadder and happier than any of the previous high school books.
I want to know what happens with one particular character, but a Goodreads friend, one of those who introduced me to these books, says "It is a source of endless debate." So, now I am even more motivated to want to get together with other Betsy-Tacy fans and hear what they think. I have some ideas. I know what I wanted to happen but I guess it doesn’t, which is too bad.
My public library has this book only in an edition combined with Betsy Was a Junior but I was able to get this edition from inter-library loan. I’ve already put Betsy and the Great World on reserve, a book my library does have.
I think that this book covering Betsy’s senior year of high school is my favorite of the 4 high school Betsy-Tacy books, this despite the fact that I generally detest love triangles in novels. I especially loathe them when, as here, there is a lack of communication between the people involved. I know the mores and constraints of the time didn’t permit Betsy to do as I most would have liked, but I do feel communication could have been vastly improved. I admit that at times I was irritated with both Betsy and Joe.
I love both Tony and Joe, although I admit I have basically rooted for Joe for Betsy. I do like my orphaned and quasi-orphaned characters!
This book, as is typical of all the Betsy-Tacy books, is superbly written, and Lovelace is a gifted storyteller, one who’s brilliantly perceptive about following the main characters from ages 5 to 18; I can’t wait to read the next couple of books, and the companion books too.
The Rays are a wonderful family. I would have sunk comfortably into these books and gotten much vicarious enjoyment had I read them as a girl. I think this book made me laugh and made me sadder and happier than any of the previous high school books.
I want to know what happens with one particular character, but a Goodreads friend, one of those who introduced me to these books, says "It is a source of endless debate." So, now I am even more motivated to want to get together with other Betsy-Tacy fans and hear what they think. I have some ideas. I know what I wanted to happen but I guess it doesn’t, which is too bad.
My public library has this book only in an edition combined with Betsy Was a Junior but I was able to get this edition from inter-library loan. I’ve already put Betsy and the Great World on reserve, a book my library does have.
July 14, 2019
Loved seeing more of Joe! Another great installment! Can’t wait to see what Betsy does in the Big World!
December 11, 2019
The eighth installment of Maud Hart Lovelace's wonderful Betsy~Tacy series, which follows the experiences of three girls growing up in Minnesota in the late nineteenth, and early twentieth centuries; and the fourth and final book dealing with their high school years, Betsy and Joe witnesses the long-expected commencement of a romance between Betsy Ray and Joe Willard. It also sees the poignant exit of a long-time member of "The Crowd," Tony Markham.
Senior year is always a time of changes, and Betsy, Tacy and Tib find that their final year at Deep Valley High School is no exception. Tacy, long the only girl in the Crowd with no interest in the opposite sex, finds herself with a most unexpected suitor! And Betsy, always of the belief that she can be friends with everybody, comes to the realization that she will have to make a choice: continue to string Tony along (albeit with the best of intentions), or tell him the truth about her feelings for Joe.
Having never been involved in a love triangle myself, I have no way of knowing how I myself would behave (I suspect that I would opt for the brutal honesty that Betsy eschews), but as always, Lovelace makes me identify with her heroine, understand her choices, and sympathize with her feelings. I enjoyed this final high school adventures immensely, and look forward to accompanying the lovable Betsy out into the "Great World."
Senior year is always a time of changes, and Betsy, Tacy and Tib find that their final year at Deep Valley High School is no exception. Tacy, long the only girl in the Crowd with no interest in the opposite sex, finds herself with a most unexpected suitor! And Betsy, always of the belief that she can be friends with everybody, comes to the realization that she will have to make a choice: continue to string Tony along (albeit with the best of intentions), or tell him the truth about her feelings for Joe.
Having never been involved in a love triangle myself, I have no way of knowing how I myself would behave (I suspect that I would opt for the brutal honesty that Betsy eschews), but as always, Lovelace makes me identify with her heroine, understand her choices, and sympathize with her feelings. I enjoyed this final high school adventures immensely, and look forward to accompanying the lovable Betsy out into the "Great World."
October 29, 2023
October 2023:
Just the warm and cozy book I needed this weekend. ❤️
January 2021:
I was off work today and spent most of my time reading this book. When I finished I was happy but teary-eyed. My little Betsy, who was 5 years old when I met her, was so grown up - a high school graduate with a serious boyfriend and ambitions for her future writing career. Her growth and gradual maturing over the course of the books is real and believable - funny, touching, at times painful to experience. All the characters in this series are so well-written and genuinely human that they feel like people I know and love in real life.
I'm starting to think I need to slow down my reading and not zip through the remaining two Betsy-Tacy books so quickly! I'm going to miss the Rays and their friends in Deep Valley, Minnesota too much when I'm finished.
Just the warm and cozy book I needed this weekend. ❤️
January 2021:
I was off work today and spent most of my time reading this book. When I finished I was happy but teary-eyed. My little Betsy, who was 5 years old when I met her, was so grown up - a high school graduate with a serious boyfriend and ambitions for her future writing career. Her growth and gradual maturing over the course of the books is real and believable - funny, touching, at times painful to experience. All the characters in this series are so well-written and genuinely human that they feel like people I know and love in real life.
I'm starting to think I need to slow down my reading and not zip through the remaining two Betsy-Tacy books so quickly! I'm going to miss the Rays and their friends in Deep Valley, Minnesota too much when I'm finished.
October 22, 2007
Finally, love for Betsy! We've waited patiently and now we are rewarded with some romance between Betsy and the irresistable Joe Willard. Betsy Ray has always thought that she and the fascinating Joe Willard would make the perfect couple. Now, in her senior year at Deep Valley High School, it looks as though she'll get her wish. As soon as Joe returns from his summer job in North Dakota, he's on the Rays' porch with sweet words for Betsy. It's going to be a wonderful senior year!
Then Tony Markham, Betsy's longtime chum, comes calling -- and his intentions are definitely romantic. Betsy is torn. She really cares for Joe, but she doesn't want to hurt Tony. She has to figure out a way to follow her heart without ruining her friendship with Tony.
Betsy and Joe finally come together . . . and even then things don't always go smoothly! Full of tendeness and humor. Deep Valley at its best.
The Betsy-Tacy books were highly autobiographical and Lovelace perfectly captures the innocence and magic of childhood. If you read this book and love it, please read the series. It will be books that you will never forget as long as you live. I also recommend the "Betsy-Tacy Companion" which is an amazing book that disects each book and compares it to it's real-life counterparts, including pictures of the "real" Betsy, Tacy, Tib and all the gang.
I had the pleasure of visiting "Deep Valley" (aka Mankato, Minnesota) for a Betsy-Tacy convention back in 1996. It was incredible to step back in time and enter Betsy's world. We toured the city and I was actually able to step foot in "Tacy's" bedroom and sit on the famous bench at the top of the big hill. It was truly a life-altering experience. I have to thank my sister, Julie for introducting these books to me and changing my life.
It's obvious how much these books mean to me. My first born child was named Tacy Kelly Maloy. Please read and enjoy. They are a treasure!
Then Tony Markham, Betsy's longtime chum, comes calling -- and his intentions are definitely romantic. Betsy is torn. She really cares for Joe, but she doesn't want to hurt Tony. She has to figure out a way to follow her heart without ruining her friendship with Tony.
Betsy and Joe finally come together . . . and even then things don't always go smoothly! Full of tendeness and humor. Deep Valley at its best.
The Betsy-Tacy books were highly autobiographical and Lovelace perfectly captures the innocence and magic of childhood. If you read this book and love it, please read the series. It will be books that you will never forget as long as you live. I also recommend the "Betsy-Tacy Companion" which is an amazing book that disects each book and compares it to it's real-life counterparts, including pictures of the "real" Betsy, Tacy, Tib and all the gang.
I had the pleasure of visiting "Deep Valley" (aka Mankato, Minnesota) for a Betsy-Tacy convention back in 1996. It was incredible to step back in time and enter Betsy's world. We toured the city and I was actually able to step foot in "Tacy's" bedroom and sit on the famous bench at the top of the big hill. It was truly a life-altering experience. I have to thank my sister, Julie for introducting these books to me and changing my life.
It's obvious how much these books mean to me. My first born child was named Tacy Kelly Maloy. Please read and enjoy. They are a treasure!
June 29, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
ughhh this could’ve been so good if it wasn’t for the love triangle 😔
ughhh this could’ve been so good if it wasn’t for the love triangle 😔
January 24, 2007
So I read this book again yesterday, and it reminds me again of just how much I love this series. Lovelace manages to create a wonderful depiction of high school life in the early 1900s (much of it based on her own life), full of fun, friends, and adventure; you just wish you could have really been there to be a part of it.
ps -- I can't stand the newer covers - try and borrow an old copy from the library; they have the original Vera Neville illustrations...
ps -- I can't stand the newer covers - try and borrow an old copy from the library; they have the original Vera Neville illustrations...
November 13, 2012
JOE WILLARD YOU MAGNIFICENT BASTARD.
January 5, 2018
I love this book! Of course, I knew I would as soon as I met Joe, and that one of the books in the series had his name in the title. For much of the book I still found myself (like many others IN the book) thinking "about time!" and "perfect!" I was thrilled when things were going well, and angry when they weren't. I liked that both were at fault for the good and the bad. Of course, Betsy's immaturity and self-centeredness often had her putting more in the balance than Joe. Still, as in every book, she learns some lessons and becomes a lot better for it.
A wonderful book to read on a snowbound weekend because I had plenty of time to enjoy and not have to keep putting the book on hold as other things of life called for my attention. Plus, all the talk of winter in the book made me really feel like I was there.
I missed Cab, but was glad he was here or there at times. I was surprised yet ecstatic about Mr. Kerr. If only I could be more like Tacy. (I think that with every book!) I liked that Betsy did a wink better in her studies than previously. (Still boggles my mind that some people don't put in more effort with school work and learning. Even when I didn't like the subject I made sure to do my best! Call me a nerd--I am!) I loved seeing how much Betsy really did grow up this year. Marked differences and realizations on her part. And one of the best endings that I couldn't have loved more!
4/11/12 & 4/12/12 Re-Read! I couldn't help it. It just sat looking up at me from my bookshelf. So tempting. And it promised to be much more interesting to my current (and sick) frame of mind than N.E.R.D.S. It was right. I skipped a few parts, but probably re-read at least 3/4 of the book. I think I am allowed to count that in my 2012 Book Challenge. In the category of "Classic" maybe? Ha ha. OK. I'll put it in "Other."
2/4/16 - 2/5/16 Another Re-Read! I had to. I'd reached one of those horribly rare points of life when reading just wasn't appealing. None of the new stuff I was reading was intriguing me. So I pulled out what I know is a personal favorite to jump start my reading likes again. I think I only meant to read a few chapters. And finished it all within 24 hours. Totally worth it.
A wonderful book to read on a snowbound weekend because I had plenty of time to enjoy and not have to keep putting the book on hold as other things of life called for my attention. Plus, all the talk of winter in the book made me really feel like I was there.
I missed Cab, but was glad he was here or there at times. I was surprised yet ecstatic about Mr. Kerr. If only I could be more like Tacy. (I think that with every book!) I liked that Betsy did a wink better in her studies than previously. (Still boggles my mind that some people don't put in more effort with school work and learning. Even when I didn't like the subject I made sure to do my best! Call me a nerd--I am!) I loved seeing how much Betsy really did grow up this year. Marked differences and realizations on her part. And one of the best endings that I couldn't have loved more!
4/11/12 & 4/12/12 Re-Read! I couldn't help it. It just sat looking up at me from my bookshelf. So tempting. And it promised to be much more interesting to my current (and sick) frame of mind than N.E.R.D.S. It was right. I skipped a few parts, but probably re-read at least 3/4 of the book. I think I am allowed to count that in my 2012 Book Challenge. In the category of "Classic" maybe? Ha ha. OK. I'll put it in "Other."
2/4/16 - 2/5/16 Another Re-Read! I had to. I'd reached one of those horribly rare points of life when reading just wasn't appealing. None of the new stuff I was reading was intriguing me. So I pulled out what I know is a personal favorite to jump start my reading likes again. I think I only meant to read a few chapters. And finished it all within 24 hours. Totally worth it.
February 13, 2017
This is probably the best of the highschool books ... because of Joe! He is one of the best heroes ever, and Betsy and him together ... wow! It's just so cute!
Of course, Tony ... well, he's really sweet, too. It's kinda sad that there had to be that whole love triangle thing. I mean, there was never really any competition, but ... still. Sad. Especially how Tony ended up. *sighs*
The best part was at the farm when Betsy and Joe meet up (just like in their freshman year!) and have such a good time together. It's just so adorable!
~Kellyn Roth, Reveries Reviews
Of course, Tony ... well, he's really sweet, too. It's kinda sad that there had to be that whole love triangle thing. I mean, there was never really any competition, but ... still. Sad. Especially how Tony ended up. *sighs*
The best part was at the farm when Betsy and Joe meet up (just like in their freshman year!) and have such a good time together. It's just so adorable!
~Kellyn Roth, Reveries Reviews
March 11, 2016
Love the significance of the two picnics on the Big Hill. Also, "I like your hair straight" is one of the most romantic lines in all of literature.
07-27-2012 review:
I love how, in the fall, when Betsy asks Joe about his family, she finds herself "facing the stone wall of his reticence." But when they meet at Butternut Center, it all comes pouring out of him.
"He looked at her suddenly. 'I never told that to anyone before.'"
Previously read: 1-28-05
(how is this possible? maybe I forgot to record another re-read? maybe I've just been dipping into it now and then?)
07-27-2012 review:
I love how, in the fall, when Betsy asks Joe about his family, she finds herself "facing the stone wall of his reticence." But when they meet at Butternut Center, it all comes pouring out of him.
"He looked at her suddenly. 'I never told that to anyone before.'"
Previously read: 1-28-05
(how is this possible? maybe I forgot to record another re-read? maybe I've just been dipping into it now and then?)
February 17, 2022
Betsy's senior year contains several losses that help her to grow in wisdom and maturity. Many of her childhood friends find their callings. Even Tacy, who has never been interested in boys, meets "Mr. Right." It would have been a very satisfying ending to the series, but there are still two more to go!
July 2, 2023
OTP OTP OTP all the feels gah
REREAD JUNE 2023: UGHHH the Betsy books are comfort books like no other 😭. Betsy and Joe are my OTP, and I was shrieking at the full circle moment at the end at the top of the Big Hill! Next, the Great World 😭
REREAD JUNE 2023: UGHHH the Betsy books are comfort books like no other 😭. Betsy and Joe are my OTP, and I was shrieking at the full circle moment at the end at the top of the Big Hill! Next, the Great World 😭
July 11, 2022
I love this Betsy-Tacy story because, well, I love them all, and this one because it shows Betsy's maturing through some of the problems life throws her.
June 24, 2016
Joe is a perfect beau :-) I adore Joe.
July 6, 2024
These books are the cutest.
I wish I had known about these books and read up to this one, but I jumped in the middle of the series. Yet I can fully comprehend the amazingness of these books.
Betsy is so real. She has to be one of the most relatable characters written. I have such respect for her when she desperately tried to cling on the her friendship with Tony while pretending she didn't notice he was wanting more in their relationship. Modern authors just don't write characters like her anymore.
All of the characters were amazing. There are a lot of them, but they each have a distinguishing trait or characteristic that makes them their own character. And they are all adorable. Joe, however, was the very stereotypical early 1900s love interest, with a temper, emotional sensibility, and some red-flag energy. I didn't get the vibes from him, but he pulled through at the VERY end. I was a Tony-Betsy fan through and through.
I loved how the book portrayed Betsy coming to terms with the fact that she was growing up and she was having many lasts. It was so real. It perfectly communicated what it feels like to be graduating, though I am not yet graduated. How are books so old still so relatable after over 75 years later?
Maud Hart Lovelace is a pioneer of her time. She based these stories on her own life but wrote them in such a way that anyone can connect and relate to some aspect of her books. I absolutely need the rest of this series.
I wish I had known about these books and read up to this one, but I jumped in the middle of the series. Yet I can fully comprehend the amazingness of these books.
Betsy is so real. She has to be one of the most relatable characters written. I have such respect for her when she desperately tried to cling on the her friendship with Tony while pretending she didn't notice he was wanting more in their relationship. Modern authors just don't write characters like her anymore.
All of the characters were amazing. There are a lot of them, but they each have a distinguishing trait or characteristic that makes them their own character. And they are all adorable. Joe, however, was the very stereotypical early 1900s love interest, with a temper, emotional sensibility, and some red-flag energy. I didn't get the vibes from him, but he pulled through at the VERY end. I was a Tony-Betsy fan through and through.
I loved how the book portrayed Betsy coming to terms with the fact that she was growing up and she was having many lasts. It was so real. It perfectly communicated what it feels like to be graduating, though I am not yet graduated. How are books so old still so relatable after over 75 years later?
Maud Hart Lovelace is a pioneer of her time. She based these stories on her own life but wrote them in such a way that anyone can connect and relate to some aspect of her books. I absolutely need the rest of this series.
June 26, 2023
What a joy it is to jump back into the world of Deep Valley! These books explore growing up as a teen girl so well and it feels very real. I love the way that even though many times the book tells you how Betsy is feeling, it never feels like lazy writing avoiding showing not telling. It feels very much like Betsy's inner monologue or diary, something that can probably be attributed to the strong references used in Maud's own diaries from when she was in highschool. If you have never read any of the Betsy Tacy books, I highly recommend them as a very cozy read that will transport you to early 1900s and the experiences of growing up which are a fictionalized version of the authors life.
November 18, 2023
It’s bittersweet to read about Betsy, Tacy, and Tib finishing high school! Betsy (Maud) had such a sweet and wonderful childhood, and for all her vices and struggles as she grows up, one thing is true: she loves and appreciates her life in Deep Valley. It was sad in another book seeing Julia graduate, but definitely sadder with Betsy.
May 26, 2023
Betsy and Joe have my heart. I’m talking Anne and Gilbert level obsessed. Words fail me when I attempt to explain why.
The last few pages of this novel, where Joe and Betsy discuss their future, left me absolutely captivated. In its simplicity, I found it to be one of the most romantic scenes I've ever read.
There's nothing quite like a slow burn romance that spans across multiple books (in this case, four) between characters who feel so familiar to the reader. It's like watching two old friends, whom you've always known were destined for each other, finally figure it out. For me, this kind of story is the ultimate reward in reading.
The last few pages of this novel, where Joe and Betsy discuss their future, left me absolutely captivated. In its simplicity, I found it to be one of the most romantic scenes I've ever read.
There's nothing quite like a slow burn romance that spans across multiple books (in this case, four) between characters who feel so familiar to the reader. It's like watching two old friends, whom you've always known were destined for each other, finally figure it out. For me, this kind of story is the ultimate reward in reading.
November 20, 2010
I liked this book very much. It is the last of the Betsy "High School" books because the action takes place in The Crowd's senior year. During the year, Betsy becomes much more mature and reaches the edge of adulthood.
Betsy's relationship with Joe comes out into the open finally, but it is still not entirely smooth. I like the way that, all through these books, Mrs. Lovelace has described their frustrations, puzzlement, etc. as the two unknowingly orbit around each other. Betsy takes Joe on a quiet excursion: to see one of her favorite childhood places --- the tree avenue at the top of the "Big Hill" (which is also one of my favorite places in the books). This excursion is a far cry from Betsy's likely earlier ideas for fun activities. She has achieved enough self reflection to know that she has experiences, pleasures, etc. that she can choose to share and thereby reveal herself.
Betsy also chooses to spend the spring vacation on her own at a farm where she endears herself to her hosts. She rises to meet their simple expectations that, of course, she will provide some pleasure for them in the way of music.
Tacy remains a constant and, as usual, remains true to herself by falling for the guy that she, Tacy the individual, likes. He is an older guy, a working guy, and certainly not a person that members of The Crowd would once even have imagined to exist as a human. Tacy is really a very good friend and model for Betsy. Tib is still a bit of a cipher --- an antic and other-worldly creature. Perhaps, that is her function in the books --- to show that one's life can include persons whose background is entirely out of the ordinary. Unfortunately, Julia returns to attend Betsy's h.s. graduation and apparently for the whole summer. Julia is a suspicious, untrustworthy character in my mind --- highly driven, selfish, and a bad influence on Betsy. Her sway is made stronger by Mrs. Ray's obvious infatuation with her. Last, Betsy deals with her first death: the death of Mrs. Webb's adopted/foster son who had been B's correspondent from the Denver sanitarium.
Betsy's relationship with Joe comes out into the open finally, but it is still not entirely smooth. I like the way that, all through these books, Mrs. Lovelace has described their frustrations, puzzlement, etc. as the two unknowingly orbit around each other. Betsy takes Joe on a quiet excursion: to see one of her favorite childhood places --- the tree avenue at the top of the "Big Hill" (which is also one of my favorite places in the books). This excursion is a far cry from Betsy's likely earlier ideas for fun activities. She has achieved enough self reflection to know that she has experiences, pleasures, etc. that she can choose to share and thereby reveal herself.
Betsy also chooses to spend the spring vacation on her own at a farm where she endears herself to her hosts. She rises to meet their simple expectations that, of course, she will provide some pleasure for them in the way of music.
Tacy remains a constant and, as usual, remains true to herself by falling for the guy that she, Tacy the individual, likes. He is an older guy, a working guy, and certainly not a person that members of The Crowd would once even have imagined to exist as a human. Tacy is really a very good friend and model for Betsy. Tib is still a bit of a cipher --- an antic and other-worldly creature. Perhaps, that is her function in the books --- to show that one's life can include persons whose background is entirely out of the ordinary. Unfortunately, Julia returns to attend Betsy's h.s. graduation and apparently for the whole summer. Julia is a suspicious, untrustworthy character in my mind --- highly driven, selfish, and a bad influence on Betsy. Her sway is made stronger by Mrs. Ray's obvious infatuation with her. Last, Betsy deals with her first death: the death of Mrs. Webb's adopted/foster son who had been B's correspondent from the Denver sanitarium.
March 28, 2015
Ok, I'm going to try—try—to pull myself together to get somewhat coherent thoughts down. I make no promises.
I was not expecting the angst that cropped up in the second half of this one. Which is a credit to Lovelace's narrative abilities. She sets the book up as we're used to: the frame work of Betsy's school year, the gatherings and holidays that mark each occasion; everything seems to be going well! And then the quarrel with Joe and how everything pans out with Tony and while the narrative still carries on its trademark tone, it is a bit muted.
In the wake of this Betsy is at various times confused, sad, and determined to soldier on. It's here that we really see how much she's matured not only from those stories of her as a child, but from her previous years of HS. All together it presents a realistic conflict, handled deftly, that made me appreciate living in a time where a woman isn't caged by politeness in accepting dates.
I loved the introduction of Mr. Kerr and the side plot of Tib and Betsy's concern for Tacy. Even from afar Julia's presence was felt nicely even if Betsy was trying to figure out how to fill the eldest sister role, learning that her role in the family is entirely unique. And, once more, the characters of the Crowd expands yet it still feels like a close knit group of friends.
So many little things add up to a perfect whole really, but not much can top the deepening relationship between Betsy and Joe. It's been happening for several books and the ease of their friendship in the first half of the story reminds you of that. It also sets up some great tension; as a reader I was just waiting for them to declare they were together already! It gets messy and confusing, of course, but Betsy's recognition of her role in both Joe and Tony's lives, and the ending on the hill makes it all worth it. I loved the mirroring of their first meeting and then something they've never had: a picnic, Joe addressing that he knew Betsy understood where he was coming from and that "I wouldn't give a darn for my old Plan if you couldn't be in it." I actually cried.
Really, about as close to perfection as you can get.
I was not expecting the angst that cropped up in the second half of this one. Which is a credit to Lovelace's narrative abilities. She sets the book up as we're used to: the frame work of Betsy's school year, the gatherings and holidays that mark each occasion; everything seems to be going well! And then the quarrel with Joe and how everything pans out with Tony and while the narrative still carries on its trademark tone, it is a bit muted.
In the wake of this Betsy is at various times confused, sad, and determined to soldier on. It's here that we really see how much she's matured not only from those stories of her as a child, but from her previous years of HS. All together it presents a realistic conflict, handled deftly, that made me appreciate living in a time where a woman isn't caged by politeness in accepting dates.
I loved the introduction of Mr. Kerr and the side plot of Tib and Betsy's concern for Tacy. Even from afar Julia's presence was felt nicely even if Betsy was trying to figure out how to fill the eldest sister role, learning that her role in the family is entirely unique. And, once more, the characters of the Crowd expands yet it still feels like a close knit group of friends.
So many little things add up to a perfect whole really, but not much can top the deepening relationship between Betsy and Joe. It's been happening for several books and the ease of their friendship in the first half of the story reminds you of that. It also sets up some great tension; as a reader I was just waiting for them to declare they were together already! It gets messy and confusing, of course, but Betsy's recognition of her role in both Joe and Tony's lives, and the ending on the hill makes it all worth it. I loved the mirroring of their first meeting and then something they've never had: a picnic, Joe addressing that he knew Betsy understood where he was coming from and that "I wouldn't give a darn for my old Plan if you couldn't be in it." I actually cried.
Really, about as close to perfection as you can get.
January 2, 2026
I re-read all of the Betsy-Tacy books every summer, and this one is probably most people's favorite. I think this is arguably the most exciting Betsy-Tacy book because (drum roll please Betsy-Tacy fans) Betsy and Joe finally start going together during their senior year of high school! However, everything doesn't always go smoothly. There are obstacles in the way for Betsy and Joe to be a happy couple. One small problem is Joe's job keeps him busy. But Joe is also very independent and has a Plan for his life, and he is not sure where Betsy fits in. Obviously this is not good news for a couple if your boyfriend can't see a long-term future with you. Lastly, what Betsy probably feels is the biggest problem is actually her close friend Tony. Tony feels like a brother to all the Ray sisters. He used to like this setup until he started to develop feelings for Betsy. Betsy is too loyal to Tony to say no when he asks for a date. Matters are complicated even more by the fact that Tony hangs out with a reckless crowd if he's not with his peers. I'm not going to give away the ending, but trust me, because even with all these obstacles, the ending is good!
This book is a perfect little romantic story on courting in the early 1900s. To me, this is one of the most romantic stories out there, and I think Betsy and Joe's romance ranks up there with Laura and Almanzo's (Little House). I was jumping up and down for several of the cutest moments between Betsy and Joe, and I know I'm not the only fan who acted that way! If you are a newcomer to the series, I urge you to take a chance and go out of your comfort level if you're not a romance, historical fiction fan. This is a great book/series to start off with for these genres!
This book is a perfect little romantic story on courting in the early 1900s. To me, this is one of the most romantic stories out there, and I think Betsy and Joe's romance ranks up there with Laura and Almanzo's (Little House). I was jumping up and down for several of the cutest moments between Betsy and Joe, and I know I'm not the only fan who acted that way! If you are a newcomer to the series, I urge you to take a chance and go out of your comfort level if you're not a romance, historical fiction fan. This is a great book/series to start off with for these genres!
August 13, 2008
All of Shakespeare's heroines are essentially human. Somehow, it never fails to make me laugh. *g*
Lots of stuff going on in this one. I love Betsy and Joe. I'd forgotten how fantastic Joe is - he's right up there with Gilbert Blythe, in my mind. They are just so perfect together, and after four long years (for them *g*), it was wonderful seeing the start of their happy ending.
Tacy is quite interesting. I'd really love to see how other people read her and this storyline. The Harry romance is intriguing to me, after four years of Tacy not liking boys. I'm not really sure how I'm meant to take it all - she had boys going after her, like Tom. She was comfortable with Tom and he pursued her, but she had no interest in dating at all. I think it's quite easy to see Tacy as a lesbian. But then along comes Harry and in one night, he's set her at ease, gotten her interested in dating and swept her off the market before she was ever really on it. So did she prefer an older man? Was she just waiting for the right man, Harry? Did he get under her skin and persuade her like he did Mr. Ray and the knitwear? Did she see him as the easiest road to the end she wanted, which was always to have children? It's kind of odd that Tacy didn't share any of her romance with Betsy. I know that she and Harry pop up in later books, but I don't remember in how much detail, so I can't wait to keep reading. *g*
8-12-08
Lots of stuff going on in this one. I love Betsy and Joe. I'd forgotten how fantastic Joe is - he's right up there with Gilbert Blythe, in my mind. They are just so perfect together, and after four long years (for them *g*), it was wonderful seeing the start of their happy ending.
Tacy is quite interesting. I'd really love to see how other people read her and this storyline. The Harry romance is intriguing to me, after four years of Tacy not liking boys. I'm not really sure how I'm meant to take it all - she had boys going after her, like Tom. She was comfortable with Tom and he pursued her, but she had no interest in dating at all. I think it's quite easy to see Tacy as a lesbian. But then along comes Harry and in one night, he's set her at ease, gotten her interested in dating and swept her off the market before she was ever really on it. So did she prefer an older man? Was she just waiting for the right man, Harry? Did he get under her skin and persuade her like he did Mr. Ray and the knitwear? Did she see him as the easiest road to the end she wanted, which was always to have children? It's kind of odd that Tacy didn't share any of her romance with Betsy. I know that she and Harry pop up in later books, but I don't remember in how much detail, so I can't wait to keep reading. *g*
8-12-08
December 23, 2015
The year is 1910. The place is Deep Valley, Minnesota. The person in question is the irrepressible, vivacious, creative, energetic Betsy Warrington Ray. In this book she is a senior in high school, her beloved older sister Julia is traveling in Europe, and her serious younger sister is soberly promising she will never be too old for dolls.
Betsy is enjoying the activities and chaos of her senior year of high school.
But she has problems.
Boy problems.
I was sorry Betsy was not more upfront with both Tony and Joe. She has no malicious intentions but she ends up treating both of them unfairly. She is also a little oblivious to the tremendously luxury in which she and her sisters are growing up, even though some of the people around her (like Joe) are not as fortunate.
At the end of the book she and Joe have a serious talk about the future. Joe asks Betsy what she intends to do:
"Well, I was always sure I was going to be an author. I'm still sure of it. But I ought to begin selling my stories. I've been sending them out for almost a year now, and I don't even get a letter back. Just a printed slip that says they thank me for thinking of them."
I am glad she remains sure, determined to find a way to open the closed doors in front of her.
Of course I loved this book. It's an excellent, compelling, historically interesting novel. I am hooked on Maud Hart Lovelace.
Betsy is enjoying the activities and chaos of her senior year of high school.
But she has problems.
Boy problems.
I was sorry Betsy was not more upfront with both Tony and Joe. She has no malicious intentions but she ends up treating both of them unfairly. She is also a little oblivious to the tremendously luxury in which she and her sisters are growing up, even though some of the people around her (like Joe) are not as fortunate.
At the end of the book she and Joe have a serious talk about the future. Joe asks Betsy what she intends to do:
"Well, I was always sure I was going to be an author. I'm still sure of it. But I ought to begin selling my stories. I've been sending them out for almost a year now, and I don't even get a letter back. Just a printed slip that says they thank me for thinking of them."
I am glad she remains sure, determined to find a way to open the closed doors in front of her.
Of course I loved this book. It's an excellent, compelling, historically interesting novel. I am hooked on Maud Hart Lovelace.
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