Library School Journal (*starred review*):

"Cornelia Street Englehart's mother, a world-famous concert pianist, is always traveling, and Cornelia is left with the housekeeper. The 11-year-old has no interest in following in her mother's "finger-steps"; instead, she is enthralled by words. One afternoon, she meets her new neighbor in her New York City neighborhood: a captivating woman named Virginia Somerset, who lives in a stunning, exotic home. The only thing that equals the décor is Virginia and her stories of the four adventuresome Somerset sisters, world travelers who shook things up across continents from 1949 through the early 1950s. Cornelia treasures her time with Virginia, and she desperately hopes that no one, especially her mother, finds out about their friendship. Then,Virginia becomes ill, and a new understanding between Cornelia and her mother heals what has been until then an irreparable rift. Friends and storytellers don't last forever; it is their presence and invaluable gifts that live on in those close to them. Virginia encourages her young friend to share her "audacious" stories, as that is the purpose of telling a story. Cornelia is a fabulous read that will enchant its audience with the magic to be found in everyday life."
-Tracy Karbel, Glenside Public Library District, Glendale Heights, IL

Publishers Weekly:

"This promising first novel introduces memorable 11-year-old Cornelia S. Englehart, who lives in Greenwich Village with her "very famous concert pianist" mother, Lucille Englehart. Cornelia finds it difficult to make friends, as people often use her to get to her famous parent. She utilizes her "impressive dictionary collection" to learn long, confusing words in order to protect herself from people who pester her with "nugatory" questions about her mother. When the renowned elderly writer Virginia Somerset moves in next door, Cornelia discovers that they both "practice the art of parisology." They grow close over cups of mint tea, and Virginia's stories of her "audacious escapades" with her three sisters captivate Cornelia ... [T]he blossoming bond between Cornelia and Virginia is central to this tender story, and their passion for words is infectious. When Virginia suggests to Cornelia, "Did it ever occur to you that your mother speaks through music and not words?" her question opens up an opportunity for Cornelia to begin to heal her relationship with her mother. Blume is a writer to watch."  Ages 8-12. (Aug.)

Los Angeles Times (Kid's Reading Room):

Beautiful, moving and humorous, this book will be cherished by anyone who reads it.

Kidsread.com:

"Lesley M. M. Blume has woven a touching and humorous story within a story. Her unique approach, combined with her diverse and colorful characters, the variety of informative settings and the witty adventures within different cultures around the world, make this book a memorable and joyful experience."

Kids Lit:

"This book is a charmer of a story ... the stories Virginia tells are wonderfully fresh and fun.  Readers will feel their own spirits rise along with Cornelia's.  Cornelia is a shy, lonely child whom readers will also respond to.  She makes a great foil through which to see the gusto and verve that the Somerset sisters had in their lives."

Booklist:

"[The] heroine of Blume's first novel will remind readers of the protagonists in books by E. L. Konigsburg and Louise Fitzhugh."

Bookslut:

"It's impossible not to fall in love with the Somersets ... [who] have the kind of wild and wonderful adventures that girls of all ages would do well to hear more of. They meet Picasso, see the ghost of King Arthur, and strike a blow for women’s rights in England. They also aren’t afraid to be both physically brave and deeply intellectual."

BookLoons:

"I highly recommend Blume's debut offering for young (and old) adults ... it is a curiously uplifting and informative story of being loved and giving love in return, of the sadness and reality of losing friends, of independence, of a love of words and books, and of encountering different cultures."

The Wichita Eagle:

"An entertaining first novel ... Blume moves flawlessly from the plot of the present in New York City to stories of the past from around the world."