SARAH AND ME AND THE LADY FROM THE SEA

In a long-delayed sequel to The Nickel-Plated Beauty (1964), the Kimball family reappears nine years later--now as seen through the eyes of an unwilling new neighbor, Marcella Abbott. The Abbotts are suddenly forced to live year-round in their summer home on Washington's Olympic Peninsula after financial reverses caused by the Portland Flood of 1894. Pampered city-dwellers, they have a lot to learn about managing in the country and without servants. At first, they all--especially 12-year-old Marcella--snub the locals, including the Kimballs (who used to be their servants). Undaunted, the Kimballs provide tactful help and good advice until even Marcella gains respect for her teacher, Hester Kimball (heroine of the earlier book), and becomes close friends with Sarah Kimball. Eventually they are all involved in discovering the identity of a mysterious woman washed ashore during a storm. Marcella's narration is reticent and sometimes flat; but humor, strong characterization (especially of Mrs. Abbott, who thrives on having something of value to do for the first time in her life), and attention to authentic detail lend interest. An excellent historical note is included.