Recommended to me by a couple friends, this dear little novel lived up to all my expectations. Valancy Stirling is a delightful character, and you can't help but root for her all the way of her journey from anxious, emotionally abused and sad, to a happy, thriving woman living the life she's always dreamed of. The story is touching and never drags, for I loved all the descriptive passages. I also loved the romantic aspect, which isn't common for me - but her relationship with Barney was so wholesome and sweet. I think the one thing I disliked was that it was ...slightly predictable? Like, I totally saw a couple of the final plot twists coming. But I'm not too much bothered by that. They were very lovely plot twists and I am actually glad my predictions came true.
To end on a happy note, another pleasant thing about this novel is its comedic aspect. Every scene in which my girl Valancy shocks the other members of the Stirling is simply hilarious, not to mention satisfying.