Betsy Ray won my readership the moment I discovered one of several things we have in common. We don’t like change. That is, we don’t like it till we reluctantly look up from crossed arms and see that perhaps not all change is terrible. Can you relate?
I’m referring to the historical fiction book, Heaven to Betsy, published first in 1945 and up through the 2000’s. The heroine? Betsy Ray. Betsy’s popularity, no doubt, stems from her fictional existence ringing true to life. Author Maud Hart Lovelace drew deeply from the well of her own youth to write the Betsy-Tacy series, and it shows in the most wonderful ways. While Heaven to Betsy sent me on a delightful trip to the past, so often Betsy’s family and friends seemed like they could be my own. For a story set at the turn of the 20th century, you’ll be surprised just how modern they all are.
Given that I hadn’t read any prior Betsy-Tacy books, I was a bit lost at the book’s beginning. I admit chapter one was tough to get through. I’m glad I kept on though, because after that, the book was a treat to read. Once our heroine resolves to accept the changes in her life, she immerses herself in the wild world of high school. With newly forged friendships and studying the boys of Deep Valley High School occupying her time and thoughts, Betsy still finds space for her ultimate passion, writing.
Betsy is fourteen (and turns fifteen) in this installment of the series, which begins when she is five and ends when she marries. Girls and women alike will enjoy Heaven to Betsy just as they would with similar age-progressive series such as Little House.
I do want to note that while this is not an explicitly Christian book, that theme does play an important role in the story. Contrary to that, there is unfortunately the use of a Ouija board when Betsy and her friends hope to learn their futures. All in all, Heaven to Betsy is a gem and I do hope you find that out for yourself.
