One winter is particularly harsh, with the family's cows sickening and dying, the weather destroying houses and boats, the food stores dwindling and Laura's twin brother, Billy, running away to join a ship's crew.

As bleak as Laura's days are, she is gentle enough to protect a sea turtle which might otherwise serve as food, and hopeful enough to dream of rowing in the island gig despite repeated declarations that a girl will never be allowed to handle one of the oars.

[4] Joanne Kelleher of the School Library Journal said the "action in this short novel builds slowly toward the final chapter, and bright watercolor illustrations scattered throughout do much to enliven the text, but in all, a story that's well written but that has limited appeal".

[5] In her review for Booklist, Carolyn Phelan said that "throughout the book, Francois Place's small watercolor paintings reflect the innocence, pain, and grace of the story; the illustrated diary format has its appeal, giving immediacy to a setting removed in time and place, but the story's main strength lies in the telling".

[7] Joanna Carey from The Guardian opined that "a tiny island in the Scillies makes a perfect theatre for a dramatic tale, and gentle, atmospheric drawings provide a wealth of period detail".