I think that books must come to us, sometimes at least, when we're ready for them. I lived in Muskoka for a year - last year - and, when the tour guide at L.M. Montgomery's birthplace in Prince Edward Island mentioned that this was the only one of the author's books set entirely outside of PEI - in Muskoka - I had to get it! The story was a pleasant surprise. While all of Montgomery's stories seem to contain an element of romance, the heroine of the Blue Castle, Valancy Stirling, has a lot more spirit than most. After a revelation, Valancy begins to do and say what she thinks with unexpected and shocking results. I wonder what people thought of the book when it was printed in the 1920s. While there is nothing inappropriate to modern eyes, Valancy's behaviour was not that of a 'proper young lady.' The ending was a bit predictable, but no less satisfying for that. An excellent read, particularly for fans of Montgomery's other books. This is now one of my favourites!