Primrose is back and up for more adventures in her town of Coal Harbor. Her parents are finally home after being lost at sea, but that doesn't slow Primrose down. Between playing matchmaker to her Uncle Jack and Kate Bowzer, and hanging out with her new friend, a foster child named Ked, she is very busy. And then there is the development that may pose a threat to her beloved Coal Harbor. Primrose is up to all of these challenges and much more.

One Year in Coal Harbor is the companion book to Everything on a Waffle. There is no doubt that Polly Horvath, a Newbery Honoree, is a talented writer. Her quirky characters and smart writing delight. Primrose is an intelligent, creative, and resourceful main character, and it is good to see her back in another book with a companion of her own age, as most of her social interaction is with adults. As with the last book, the author does not shy away from real world issues such as foster care, love, fear, and hope. When she presents these issues through a child's (Primrose's) perceptive eyes, the seriousness of certain situations is downplayed. Primrose learns a valuable life lesson: some things in life cannot be changed no matter how unfair. This book is sure to be enjoyed by adults who will appreciate the nuances, exceptional writing, and oddball characters. A smart, mature girl would also likely appreciate this book. There are two different scenes in which dogs die, which may be upsetting to a sensitive animal lover. All in all, One Year in Coal Harbor is a well-written, entertaining, and witty book that mature readers of this age group may enjoy.

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