Among the most important topics of discussion Kathy Parker and her friend Lucy shared were their plans for college and the meaning of Real Love. Financial havoc sends the Parkers suddenly to a new town where Kathy becomes embroiled in the problems and lives of her mother's relatives. Soon realizing that the town is dependent for its survival on her father's new business, Kathy generously contributes her education fund temporarily to the cause. Things are not altogether bleak, for both Lucy and Kathy's best beau, Bob, are constant visitors. A series of significant incidents soon point up Bob's shallow values and cause a gulf in the relationship. Kathy's job as a salesgirl alongside the unscrupulous Delrdre creates still another important backdrop for her emerging wisdom and ideals, and, one year later, that postponed first day of college finds Kathy a more profound and seasoned human being. The author shows great skill in fashioning moods; the scene prior to college boards is a prime example. But sentimentality and a tendency to drift from one episode to the next tends to obscure her more positive efforts.