A Review of Imagine Violet Blooming 

This is the third, and final, book in the Imagine Violet series and equally as enjoyable as the previous two.

Violet and Frank’s lives continue with Frank growing and expanding the orchestra in Toronto under the guidance of Mr Cox. As the conductor of the orchestra and an “in demand” music tutor, he is always busy and rarely at home. Violet also continues in her traditional role as the mother of five lively children and the wife of a well-known conductor. The family have their annual holiday in Muskoka and their cottage on the island is improved with a boat house and a new boat. The descriptions of the encroachment of civilization on this rural and peaceful place are interesting and quite poignant.

Violet grows as a person and experiences the death of her father. Dealing with grief is difficult and she must also keep her mother and sister’s spirits buoyed up, which she does quite successfully. Learning to manage her household staff continues to be a challenge for Violet, but she becomes better and identifying what she needs and a domestic helper who will suit her family as the series progresses. The family moves into a lovely new home which is big enough for their growing family and the older boys, particularly Teddy, excel at school and are great helpers at home.

The series has an unexpected ending, but it is appropriate and well handled; a good finish to a relaxed and peaceful read. These books make me think of taking a boat ride on a calm lake on a warm summer’s day. Each book is a slow-moving and pleasant meander through the life of Violet and each book leads on successfully from the next.

I am rather sad that the series is finished with this book and their will be no more escapades about Violet.

Robbie Cheadle, Johannesburg, South Africa

Robbie Cheadle has published nine books for children and one poetry book. She has branched into writing for adults and young adults and, in order to clearly separate her children's books from her adult books, is writing for older readers under the name Roberta Eaton Cheadle.