As much as I have enjoyed this series, it's also verrrry slow moving. I was happy to finish this book as it's the next to last---and then I'll be done! Ha! I did appreciate the historical notes in the back and how the author tied in history with her own spin. I didn't care for the answer to the "mystery", however---I didn't think it was very realistic. ( )

Same stylistic issues as I've noticed in previous books, but three stars because I still like the characters. I don't know if I've mentioned from any of the other books in this series, but one of the cool things is that each book has an appendix of recipes that were mentioned in the narrative, and some of them sound heavenly. Haven't tried any, though.

In this book Beatrix's neighbors are agitated because of the advent of a flying machine in the area. It's spooking the animals and disturbing the peace. Also someone is writing poison pen letters to the vicar's fiancée. Romance is in the air for the village young people. And Beatrix has to brave her parents' displeasure by continuing her secret engagement. Also the medium-sized dragon returns from a few books back. ( )

It’s funny, so often I am frustrated by series authors not reminding us of past events and people — here, it’s gone the other direction, and one must weed through all the previously read bits to get to the small continuing plot. Still enjoyable, but I probably should have spaced them out more. ( )

First appearance of the dragon (Thorvaald) and he helped to solve one of the problems in the story. Badger and Rascal also prominent in the story. Word gets out that Bea and Will are secretly engaged and she writes her parents and confirms it. V V G. ( )

"Miss Beatrix Potter has returned to Near Sawrey, seeking refuge from the bluster of London in the quie6t of a mild March. But it is 1912, and elsewhere in England, Winston Churchill is said to be preparing for the possibility of war. In the Lake District, the country peace for animals and Big Folk alike has been interrupted by the test flights of a new flying machine: the hydroplane.

"At the same time, Beatrix's friend Grace Lytheco9e has been receiving anonymnous letters, threatening her good name and her plans to marry. Beatrix must investigate quietly so as not to arouse village gossip. There is also the matter of Beatrix's own romantic future -- as she's offer4ed a second chance at love."
~~back cover

Charming subplot of Owl being jealous of "Water Bird" (the hydroplane), recruiting the dragon into his plans ... Besides the preparations for the coming war, the poison pen writer if of course sussed out by the indefatigible Miss Potter, and all's well that ends well. Even the hydroplane. ( )