A modern fairy tale, this harks back to the peculiar fascinations of Island Magic and City of Bells, as the story, set in Devon, deals with virtually fantasy characters. Among them there are a quixotic vicar, a wicked witch of a school dame, three enchanted children, a prince in disguise imprisoned by his own fears- until answers are found and matters put right again. Elizabeth Goudge writes extremely well when she writes of children. But for long term fans this will be a magic tale.