New adventures lie ahead as Anne Shirley packs her bags, waves good-bye to childhood, and heads for Redmond College. With old friend Prissy Grant waiting in the bustling city of Kingsport and frivolous new pal Philippa Gordon at her side, Anne tucks her memories of rural Avonlea away and discovers life on her own terms, filled with surprises...including a marriage proposal from the worst fellow imaginable, the sale of her very first story, and a tragedy that teaches her a painful lesson. But tears turn to laughter when Anne and her friends move into an old cottage and an ornery black cat steals her heart. Little does Anne know that handsome Gilbert Blythe wants to win her heart, too. Suddenly Anne must decide if she's ready for love...
I quite enjoyed reading about Anne in college and how she influenced people around her (and how people around her influenced her), and I adored her character development in this book. She really grew up, but she's still herself—something else I love! I love how she's not completely "mature" now that she's gone to college and graduated, much like I've seen in stories in the more recent years. Change is gradual and not so all-at-once.