Jack is a girl named after many generations of Jacks in her family. But there is a family rivalry with the neighbors, which complicates things when the boy next door turns out to be nice and from the rival. Plus, add to the dilemma, her house is full of magic with the friendly ghost of Feathers and ominous dark shadow. And somehow all those things are woven together to create a story that makes for lively and yet deep emotions. I can honestly say I liked every character, and I enjoyed learning of the meaning of all the secrets and nuances of the animosity between the two families.