
In the lush, breezy Upper Glen, where mountains shield the valley and a sparkling river winds between three tranquil lakes, two close‑knit families raise ten bright children. The girls are known by flower names—Jasmine, Gentian, Hollyhock, Rose and Delphium—while their cousins carry the glitter of precious stones—Jasper, Sapphire, Garnet, Opal and Emerald. Their world is a peaceful one of shared evenings, impromptu plays, and the simple joy of growing up together under the watchful eyes of Mrs Constable and the Hon. George Lennox.
As the twins Jasmine and Jasper turn fifteen, a mysterious letter arrives on the night of their joint birthday, promising a shift that will ripple through their carefree lives. The children, educated at home and beloved by their community, suddenly face the prospect of leaving the Glen for distant schools and new responsibilities. With the promise of adventure and a hint of mischief, the story begins its gentle tug between the comfort of home and the unknown horizons ahead.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (387K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Al Haines
Release date
2009-04-12
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1854–1914
Best known for lively girls’ school stories and a huge range of popular fiction, this Irish-born writer helped shape late Victorian and Edwardian reading for young audiences. She was remarkably prolific, writing adventure tales, mysteries, historical fiction, and stories that reached far beyond the schoolroom.
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