![]() ![]() Heather Dieffenbach, Lexington Public Library, KYĬopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. Despite its flaws, this book will appeal to readers with healthy appetites for time-travel mysteries. Sketchy illustrations add little to the story. ![]() The ending is surprising and satisfying, with the ownership of the castle coming full circle. ![]() Emma's realization of her selfishness and resolve to change comes on a bit too suddenly, and adds an unnecessary didactic element to an otherwise entertaining read. However, the historical elements are much more convincing than the characterizations, and the author does little to establish the Irish setting in the present day. For the most part, this is a fast-paced mystery. She gets work as a scullery maid and discovers the importance of the dying woman's instruction. The evening before her birthday, Lucy accidently discovers the magical secret of the ring: 'The secret. Madden dies, Emma accompanies the girls to Moylough Castle to help them fulfill their mother's last request, which was to find a certain cousin. This gift, a star ruby ring, has been passed down for generations through Lucys family. She suddenly finds herself in a crowd entering a workhouse and befriends an ill, worried, widowed mother and her two daughters. A ruby ring with the power to grant two wishes gives her the chance, and twisting it transports her to 19th-century Ireland. Grade 4-6-In this sequel to The Secret of the Ruby Ring (Milkweed, 1994), Emma, 11, overhears family friends calling her selfish and counting the days until her visit with them ends, and she resolves to change her ways. ![]()
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