Twelve-year-old Lucy has always lived in her grandparents' pleasant cottage in England. Her mother died when she was a baby, but no one would tell her what happened to her father. Determined to find him, Lucy doesn't care what he has done in the past--he is her father, isn't he?
Morality
Lucy lies several times in order to get away with a forbidden escapade, believing she will be severely punished when she is discovered, but actually she is closer to being praised than otherwise. Other than that the morality is very good; the importance of forgiveness is clearly shown.
Spiritual Content
Almost all of the main characters are believers, and Lucy prays sometimes and goes to church. God and the Bible are frequently mentioned, and a couple of characters become believers.
Violence
A boy gets a gash in his foot. A young girl runs away for a day into the city. A character dies of poor health.
Drug and Alcohol Content
An important character once got very caught up in drug-dealing. He repents heartily of this, though, and explains how wrong he was to have helped people get that addiction.
Sexual Content
None.
Crude or Profane Language or Content
None.
Conclusion
With its lovely settings, its likable characters, its believable dilemmas, and its picture of God's redeeming love, The Secret at Pheasant Cottage is an enjoyable read. Though Lucy's forbidden escapade is a little troublesome, the rest of the book makes up for it, and the end is beautiful.
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