At a glance
Betsy and Joe
Children's fiction
Betsy and Joe
Book 8 of the Betsy-Tacy series
336 pages · First published 1948
Betsy Ray’s long-running relationship with Joe Willard reaches a new stage as both young people confront what they want from one another and from their futures. Deep Valley’s school and social life provide the familiar setting, but romance now carries more emotional weight than the earlier childhood adventures. Betsy’s writing ambitions remain central, ensuring that love is not the only future she is imagining. Maud Hart Lovelace combines warmth, humor, and autobiographical detail in a Betsy-Tacy novel about young love becoming serious without requiring Betsy to stop becoming herself.
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Jump to the pours ↓Portuguese Rose Lemonade + Bourbon Tea Toddy
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No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
Teen romantic rivalry, jealousy and heartbreak; dating/courtship and kissing-level affection; school/social pressure; period attitudes.
Alcohol-Free Pour
Portuguese Rose Lemonade
A bright, refreshing sip suits romantic anticipation and a little escapism.
What you'll need
- 1 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice ↗
- 1/2 oz rose syrup ↗
- 5 oz cold water
- 4 raspberries ↗
- Ice
How to mix it
- Muddle raspberries lightly with rose syrup. Add lemon juice, cold water, and ice; stir well.
- Garnish: Raspberries and lemon wheel.
- Glassware: Highball glass.
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Highball glass ↗Muddler ↗Cocktail Pour · 21+
Bourbon Tea Toddy
For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
A fragrant cup of tea suits romantic anticipation and a little escapism.
What you'll need
- 6 oz hot black tea ↗
- 1 1/2 oz bourbon
- 1 tbsp honey ↗
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice ↗
Alcohol-shopping links are not shown on children's or young-adult book pages.
How to mix it
- Add bourbon, honey, and lemon juice to a warmed mug. Top with hot black tea and stir until the honey dissolves.
- Garnish: Lemon wheel.
- Glassware: Mug.
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