Two quite short books in one volume in Kindle form which I read on a flight. The first features a 12-year-old girl called Marjorie who daydreams about wealth, happiness and a handsome prince, then finds herself meeting some unusual people (real or imaginary) who help her appreciate her circumstances better.

Evidently a moral tale about being grateful and working hard, but nicely done. The same is true of the second book, 'Roses', which features the orphan Lizzie who struggles to survive, who meets the spoilt and wealthy Belle both in childhood and as they embark on adulthood. Contrasts are made without too much author explanation, and again the focus is on hard work and being thankful.

They were good books to read on a flight, and I'd recommend them to children from about ten or older who like reading this kind of book; set at the end of the 19th century it's inevitably dated, but the characters shine through anyway. ( )

'Marjories Three Gifts' is a children's story that follows an endearing girl on her twelth birthday. ( )