Authors aiming to interest nascent adults need drum up narrative conflicts with which these readers will be acquainted—and let's be honest, the well of experienced conflicts will run a lot deeper for grown-ups than it will for nearly any fourteen-year-old. Jun (Juniper to strangers) is a new arrival at hallowed old Ellsmere, a girls’ school with a certain longevity built on the instruction of alumnists’ daughters—and the occasional charity case.

I wouldn’t say One Year at Ellsmere surprised me but there were some nice unexpected moments and I liked the message. MC who I already forgot the name of (I am literally forgetting everybody's names already) has a rough start with doe-eyed crybaby orphan (lol) roommate-turn-bestie, but later becomes besties with her (as stated earlier).The magic beast is said to be a white deer, and when Orphan says that she thinks that it isn't deer, MC doesn't say anything.

Review: So I didn’t realise this was book 1 until the last few pages, which was a bit disappointing. But living at Ellsmere is far from ideal: She is labeled a “special project,” Ellsmere’s queen bee is out to destroy her, and it’s rumored that a mythical beast roams the forest next to the school.

The story was so basic and stereotypical that there just had to be a magical beast that shows up for like 0. She has once again managed to bring out the feelings of isolation of the main character but does so in a way where the character does not come across as weak. Aside from the ending, which baffled me, the book is an easy read, quite engaging, and nothing if not pleasant. Both were beautifully cooked and of exceptional quality; the freshest eggs, good quality local bacon and sausages and loads of toast.