Portia and Foster Blake always enjoy their summer vacations in the country with their cousin Julian. This summer, however, proves more exciting than usual. While six year old Foster plays with a neighbor, eleven year old Portia and twelve year old Julian discover a seemingly abandoned resort community. They soon make the acquaintance of Mrs. Cheever and her brother Mr. Payton, who spent their summers in the now dilapidated homes surrounding a dried-up lake. Their elderly friends teach them many things about life in the past as well as the treasures that nature holds.
Enright's descriptions bring to life the scenery and characters of her delightfully innocent story. The reader truly feels present in each chapter. The friendship that develops between the older brother and sister and younger cousins defies all generation gap stereotypes. Even the most modern of preteens should appreciate the joys of summer and outdoor adventure that the young people in this book experience. Jennifer Minicus is a mother and teacher currently living in Ridgewood, NJ.