Janet Lambert excelled at crafting interconnected family sagas within her extensive body of work for young readers. Her narratives often featured characters whose lives intertwined across multiple series, frequently set against the backdrop of Army posts, reflecting her personal experiences. Lambert's strength lay in her ability to capture the essence of adolescent girls' lives and their familial dynamics, creating immersive worlds that resonated with generations of readers.
With her head in the clouds yet her feet on the ground, sixteen year old Cinda Hollister dances through this fast-moving story about a fun group of teenagers. Through good times and serious ones, Cinda and her friends fumble with ideas, attitudes and principles, trying their wings, throughout the adventurous task of growing up.
The moment Cinda Hollister sees her parents in earnest conversation, she senses impending disaster! She is almost relieved when she learns that the problem involves a move to a new neighborhood. Cinda turns what could be a difficult summer into a fun one as she organizes, produces and writes a production for an amateur theater group. Is it possible that she could find herself in the role of actress, as well?
Fourteen year old Cinda Hollister sets out to help her third cousin Paula Marsh. Paula is deeply troubled by her mother's plans to re-marry and Cinda tries to persuade her to accept her new stepfather, Frederick Aldrich. As she plots and plans her strategies, she has plenty of time to enjoy beach parties and many good times with her family and friends. By selling a beloved boat and pooling their savings, the young Hollisters manage to buy their father a second-hand cabin cruiser! Paula sees their unselfishness at work and considers opening her mind and heart to those who love her.