Black Forest Summer

by Mabel Esther Allan

The outlook is very dark for the Hartrich family, Max, Asta, Thea and Van, left to fend for themselves on their mother’s death. With little money, it looks as if both Asta’s dream of and artistic career and Thea’s of becoming a ballet-dancer are shattered. Then out of the blue comes a letter from a German uncle whom none of them has ever met, offering assistance and a holiday in Freiburg. Unwillingness to become dependent or to leave London, tinges the gratitude of the two older girls, but as they get to know their relatives, especially Liesl, their cousin, their horizons are broadened.
Gradually, the charm of Freiburg and the Black Forest country takes hold of them, their sadness fades and restraint vanishes. In unexpected ways both Asta’s painting and Thea’s dancing are given scope, and a surprise which is to settle the future of all four of them rounds off the story. With Black Forest Summer, Mabel Esther Allan has written a book which is full of sympathy for and a real understanding of young people.
(Dustwrapper blurb from Children’s Press edition)

My edition: Children's Press undated with dustwrapper
Advertised in a Children's Press laminated edition on the back of 'Devon Venture' by Catherine Bell 1970 (and elsewhere)

Not known in a Seagull edition

Children's Press dustwrapper undated