The first two books in the Philip Hall series were delights. Narrated by the irrepressible Beth Lambert, the episodic books were light, funny, and charming.
Unfortunately this final book in the series loses its way early on and never gets back on track. Rather than the short story like chapters of the earlier books, this one quickly settles into a single story line about an arm wrestling competition between the town of Pocahantas and the neighboring town of Walnut Ridge. Although Beth narrates all of this, she is barely a character in the events at all. Philip Hall doesn't play much of a role either. The adult characters who fill the gaps, Beth's grandmother, the mayor, the sheriff, and shopkeeper Mr. Putterham are each more absurd than the last, with Mr. Putterham being so cartoonishly portrayed, all flavor of realism is lost entirely. The story is dull, silly, and doesn't really go anywhere.
Enjoy the first two books in this series, but skip this one. ( )

Part of the Philip Hall series. Beth Lambert returns from spending part of her summer with Grandma in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, only to face all kinds of hijinx and drama. Her Pretty Pennies club is in an uproar over current president Bonnie; her beloved Philip Hall thinks Beth met another boy; and her brother's prize singing pig is stolen. It will take a lot of spirit and conviction for Beth to work out all the confusion reigning in her tiny hometown of Pocahontas, Arkansas.