Aunt Abigail's Beau

Jean Free, a library consultant, is a retired public-school teacher and
librarian in Whitby, Ontario.

Thirteen-year-old Sara Stanley and twelve-year-old Felicity King can
hardly wait for their Aunt Abigail’s wedding. Her handsome beau,
Malcolm MacEwan, made his fortune in the gold fields and returned after
seven years to Avonlea to win his childhood sweetheart’s hand in
marriage. Abigail Ward finds adjusting to the proposed marriage almost
impossible after having her spotlessly clean house to herself for many
years. As both Abigail and Malcolm are strong characters, their
relationship presents many problems.

Based on the Sullivan Films “Road to Avonlea” television series (an
adaptation of the L.M. Montgomery book), this book would appeal to 10-
to 12-year-olds who have watched the programs. The text is brief and
adheres remarkably well to Montgomery’s spirit and phraseology,
capturing the leisurely style of life in Prince Edward Island nearly a
century ago. Young people who might find the original Anne books a
daunting read will enjoy this attractive format with its cover picture
of actors in the series, brisk dialogue, and short chapters. Young girls
may especially like the romance, the plans for the wedding, and the
depiction of the changing relationship between Abigail and Malcolm.