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The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter #7
The Tale of Oat Cake Crag
Miss Beatrix Potter has returned to Near Sawrey, where her friend Grace has been receiving anonymous letters that threaten her good name and her plans to marry. Beatrix must investigate quietly so as not to arouse village gossip. There is also the matter of Beatrix's own romantic future-as she's been offered a second chance at love.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2010
40 people are currently reading
800 people want to read
About the author
Susan Wittig Albert
120 books2,375 followersSusan is the author/co-author of biographical/historical fiction, mysteries, and nonfiction. Now in her 80s and continuing to write, she says that retirement is not (yet) an option. She publishes under her own imprint. Here are her latest books.
A PLAIN VANILLA MURDER, #27 in the long-running China Bayles/Pecan Springs series.
Two Pecan Springs novella trilogies: The Crystal Cave Trilogy (featuring Ruby Wilcox): noBODY, SomeBODY Else, and Out of BODY; and The Enterprise Trilogy (featuring Jessica Nelson): DEADLINES, FAULTLINES, and FIRELINES.
THE DARLING DAHLIAS AND THE POINSETTIA PUZZLE #8 in the Darling Dahlias series, set in the early 1930s in fictional Darling AL
THE GENERAL'S WOMEN. Kay, Mamie, and Ike--the wartime romance that won a war but could have derailed a presidency.
LOVING ELEANOR: A novel about the intimate 30-year friendship of Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickok, based on their letters
A WILDER ROSE: the true story of Rose Wilder Lane, who transformed her mother from a farm wife and occasional writer to a literary icon
THE TALE OF CASTLE COTTAGE, #8 in the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter
DEATH ON THE LIZARD, the 12th and last (2006) of the Robin Paige series, by Susan and Bill Albert
TOGETHER, ALONE: A MEMOIR OF MARRIAGE AND PLACE
AN EXTRAORDINARY YEAR OF ORDINARY DAYS
WORK OF HER OWN: A WOMAN'S GUIDE TO RIGHT LIVELIHOOD
WRITING FROM LIFE: TELLING YOUR SOUL'S STORY
A PLAIN VANILLA MURDER, #27 in the long-running China Bayles/Pecan Springs series.
Two Pecan Springs novella trilogies: The Crystal Cave Trilogy (featuring Ruby Wilcox): noBODY, SomeBODY Else, and Out of BODY; and The Enterprise Trilogy (featuring Jessica Nelson): DEADLINES, FAULTLINES, and FIRELINES.
THE DARLING DAHLIAS AND THE POINSETTIA PUZZLE #8 in the Darling Dahlias series, set in the early 1930s in fictional Darling AL
THE GENERAL'S WOMEN. Kay, Mamie, and Ike--the wartime romance that won a war but could have derailed a presidency.
LOVING ELEANOR: A novel about the intimate 30-year friendship of Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickok, based on their letters
A WILDER ROSE: the true story of Rose Wilder Lane, who transformed her mother from a farm wife and occasional writer to a literary icon
THE TALE OF CASTLE COTTAGE, #8 in the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter
DEATH ON THE LIZARD, the 12th and last (2006) of the Robin Paige series, by Susan and Bill Albert
TOGETHER, ALONE: A MEMOIR OF MARRIAGE AND PLACE
AN EXTRAORDINARY YEAR OF ORDINARY DAYS
WORK OF HER OWN: A WOMAN'S GUIDE TO RIGHT LIVELIHOOD
WRITING FROM LIFE: TELLING YOUR SOUL'S STORY
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
May 21, 2025
“The Tale of the Oat Cake Crag” by Susan Wittig Albert is the seventh installment in the Beatrix Potter series and, as always, I find Albert’s books wonderfully relaxing. Her portrayal of Miss Potter’s life at Hill Top Farm in the Lake District is charming, but it’s the adventures of the animals that truly capture my interest.
At its core, this novel beautifully illustrates the dynamics of life in a small village, where everyone seems to know everyone else’s affairs. I particularly enjoyed the historical tidbit about how Oat Cake Crag got its name—it added a layer of depth to the setting. However, my one complaint is Albert’s frequent marketing of her other books within the narrative. The repeated suggestions to "read such-and-such book to learn more" felt unnecessary and, frankly, in poor taste.
I experienced this story as an audiobook through Audible, with a runtime of nine hours and forty minutes. Virginia Leishman delivers an excellent narration, bringing warmth and personality to the tale.
At its core, this novel beautifully illustrates the dynamics of life in a small village, where everyone seems to know everyone else’s affairs. I particularly enjoyed the historical tidbit about how Oat Cake Crag got its name—it added a layer of depth to the setting. However, my one complaint is Albert’s frequent marketing of her other books within the narrative. The repeated suggestions to "read such-and-such book to learn more" felt unnecessary and, frankly, in poor taste.
I experienced this story as an audiobook through Audible, with a runtime of nine hours and forty minutes. Virginia Leishman delivers an excellent narration, bringing warmth and personality to the tale.
August 4, 2025
I'm enjoying this series, and particularly for insomnia listening because it's cozy but not too cozy and if I skip back a couple of tracks on my MP3 player, I can usually fall back to sleep.
Some story arcs begin to be resolved in this book for some of the main characters, including the protagonist, Beatrix Potter. There are several teens / young characters I really like, and one of them winds up with a broken heart in this one - I'm hoping things get better for that person in the final volume of the series, which is coming up hopefully later this year for me.
Hydroplanes are a major focus of this one, and Winston Churchill is even introduced, as tensions with Germany ramp up as WWI approaches. However, the author explains how much is fiction vs. reality, and that author's note is even part of the audiobook version (it is usually skipped).
Recurring animal characters always play a role in solving each mystery in this series. Rascal (terrier) is my favorite, and has the most in-depth personality. I'd actually be happy if Rascal was running the US right now, as he is smarter than many humans, including IT. haha.
Some story arcs begin to be resolved in this book for some of the main characters, including the protagonist, Beatrix Potter. There are several teens / young characters I really like, and one of them winds up with a broken heart in this one - I'm hoping things get better for that person in the final volume of the series, which is coming up hopefully later this year for me.
Hydroplanes are a major focus of this one, and Winston Churchill is even introduced, as tensions with Germany ramp up as WWI approaches. However, the author explains how much is fiction vs. reality, and that author's note is even part of the audiobook version (it is usually skipped).
Recurring animal characters always play a role in solving each mystery in this series. Rascal (terrier) is my favorite, and has the most in-depth personality. I'd actually be happy if Rascal was running the US right now, as he is smarter than many humans, including IT. haha.
June 16, 2014
I hesitated two years to return to Susan Wittig Albert’s 2010 instalment, although I looked forward to it: “The Tale Of Oat Cake Crag”. I enjoy Beatrix Potter & Will Heelis as detectives. I love returning to Lake District, with which readers are made warmly familiar. I was glad she bypassed unnecessary characters this time and stuck to Beatrix’s friends, or personages this mystery needs. The noise of England’s first airplane didn’t yield a dilemma of interest to me but I appreciate and understand that we follow true history, of each year the novels cover. This author’s reproduction of an authentic atmosphere is one thing she does well.
I hoped suggestions had reached her by now about bad habits. Unfortunately they persist and one bloated to its worst. Basic information readers know well six novels in, continue to be rehashed: like the badger ledgers and their motto. Advertising other volumes still isn’t relegated to index pages, or footnoted. It blares within the story. Details we WANT are skimped, like intimacy between Beatrix & Will that was dragged out and dangled too long. She inserts dramas without a care for fitting them into plots, or snips them, with the excuse “We can’t witness all events in this story”. It gave the sense of covering-up overlooked threads. We could do with fewer subplots.
To the most appalling extent imaginable: Susan shatters the flow by inserting herself into the narrative. That she indulges in chatter isn’t new. She crossed the line horridly by STATING to readers, how we ought to interpret Jeremy’s meeting with Caroline! I’ve viewed them as friends throughout the series. The author’s intrusion, to psyche readers out rather than leave us alone to absorb that scene, was so inappropriate: I’m leery about the rest of her books that I’ve collected.
I hoped suggestions had reached her by now about bad habits. Unfortunately they persist and one bloated to its worst. Basic information readers know well six novels in, continue to be rehashed: like the badger ledgers and their motto. Advertising other volumes still isn’t relegated to index pages, or footnoted. It blares within the story. Details we WANT are skimped, like intimacy between Beatrix & Will that was dragged out and dangled too long. She inserts dramas without a care for fitting them into plots, or snips them, with the excuse “We can’t witness all events in this story”. It gave the sense of covering-up overlooked threads. We could do with fewer subplots.
To the most appalling extent imaginable: Susan shatters the flow by inserting herself into the narrative. That she indulges in chatter isn’t new. She crossed the line horridly by STATING to readers, how we ought to interpret Jeremy’s meeting with Caroline! I’ve viewed them as friends throughout the series. The author’s intrusion, to psyche readers out rather than leave us alone to absorb that scene, was so inappropriate: I’m leery about the rest of her books that I’ve collected.
February 15, 2014
Wish I lived in the Lake District. I'd like nothing more than talking animals! Love is in the air and engagements and marriages abound. The cat is out of the bag, Beatrix and Will are gonna tie the knot, tho not anytime soon. And the mystery of the mean letters is solved! And the poison pen writer is sorry and it won't happen again! Ah, simplicity.
July 20, 2025
Enter some additional animals for a bit more diversity! And the pros and cons of technological advances! And Will and Beatrix! YAY!! These are just so very enjoyable!!
July 3, 2015
Quite apart from the story of Beatrix Potter's life in the Lake District in 1912, I was particularly interested in the true story of Britain's first seaplane, "The Water Bird", in Windemere and Churchill creating the Royal Flying Corps, since my grandfather was an RFC pilot during World War I.
As to the novel, it was "just ok"; a very quick read, since I happily skipped all chapters about the animal characters, as well as all the paragraphs containing the author's nauseating comments, adverts for her other novels, rehashed information and childish reader guiding transitions, which cut the page count down quite considerably! These annoying errors of writing style do absolutely nothing for the novel, so I recommend this method to any future readers.
As to the novel, it was "just ok"; a very quick read, since I happily skipped all chapters about the animal characters, as well as all the paragraphs containing the author's nauseating comments, adverts for her other novels, rehashed information and childish reader guiding transitions, which cut the page count down quite considerably! These annoying errors of writing style do absolutely nothing for the novel, so I recommend this method to any future readers.
abandoned
April 5, 2021started 14/03/21 abandoned 16/03/21 at around 80%
This is a repeat listen, the first time through was during 2015 with my then 13 year old daughter: listening to the stories back to back again accentuates the annoying portions in a series. Susan keeps repeating key components of Beatrix Potter's life in every single book which is fine for anyone that may select out just one title later in the series to try; however, for someone who is familiar with every book it does become really irritating after just a few books in. I found the author-speaks-to-us style less than charming this time through too.
As I'm familiar with the outcome of this and the last book in the series, I'm counting my repeat listen through as done.
This is a repeat listen, the first time through was during 2015 with my then 13 year old daughter: listening to the stories back to back again accentuates the annoying portions in a series. Susan keeps repeating key components of Beatrix Potter's life in every single book which is fine for anyone that may select out just one title later in the series to try; however, for someone who is familiar with every book it does become really irritating after just a few books in. I found the author-speaks-to-us style less than charming this time through too.
As I'm familiar with the outcome of this and the last book in the series, I'm counting my repeat listen through as done.
January 23, 2018
This is one of the ones in this series that didn't work for me. The author's narrative voice felt particularly intrusive in this one. The plot around the animals and the "flying machine" felt contrived. And the casual manipulation stemming from the Jeremy/Deirdre/Caroline "love triangle" felt annoying and unearned, given that they pop up from time to time in this series as children, but there wasn't enough of an arc there for me to be anything but annoyed by how it went down.
Not super impressed. A quick read made quicker by skimming.
2018 Reading Challenge - A novel based on a real person
Not super impressed. A quick read made quicker by skimming.
2018 Reading Challenge - A novel based on a real person
May 18, 2025
It was nice to return to the land of Lake Windermere and Beatrix Potter. This is a charming series that is easy to read and serve as great palate cleansers. But not much happened in this one. There was not much of a mystery. But it was interesting learning about the “Waterbird” hydroplane and to see how the author incorporated the history into the story.
April 15, 2018
Nice; I want to read something more
February 15, 2014
I'm a Beatrix Potter fanatic, with a house full of her books, china figurines, and stuffed animals. Susan Wittig Albert has taken the history of Potter and the charming style of talking animals to create a beautiful series of mysteries featuring Beatrix in her home in The Lake District of England, with historical characters and her animal friends.
In this book, in 1911-12, a "flying bird" --the hydroplane-- is disturbing the tranquility of everyone in the district. Beatrix, and her fiancé, Will Heelis, are deciding how to tell their plans to her parents, who are bound and determined to keep Beatrix single so she can care for them in their old age. Then, threatening letters are scaring Beatrix's friend who is planing to marry the new vicar.
In the animal arena, a surprise birthday party is in the mix, a Jack Russell Terrier saves a man's life, and a dragon searches out the "flying bird" with an owl. Lots of fun with dialogue reminiscent of Potter's actual children's books. Great fun read!
In this book, in 1911-12, a "flying bird" --the hydroplane-- is disturbing the tranquility of everyone in the district. Beatrix, and her fiancé, Will Heelis, are deciding how to tell their plans to her parents, who are bound and determined to keep Beatrix single so she can care for them in their old age. Then, threatening letters are scaring Beatrix's friend who is planing to marry the new vicar.
In the animal arena, a surprise birthday party is in the mix, a Jack Russell Terrier saves a man's life, and a dragon searches out the "flying bird" with an owl. Lots of fun with dialogue reminiscent of Potter's actual children's books. Great fun read!
October 25, 2010
I love this series...just cute and enjoyable, moves right along. Love the mix with people and animals. Not a whole lot happens, but problems get put right and the story leaves you with a good feeling.
November 1, 2016
Well researched historical mystery series focused on Beatrix Potter's life in the Lake District.
October 9, 2025
From Mishap to Pleasure
What a wonderful story…this, our October Book Club selection, was a most enjoyable read. Susan Wittig Albert, I thank you for personally for addressing the questions wrote to you, and for also supplying me with additional information that I’ll be able to use as part of our book club discussion.
On to the book, this is only one of the Tales from the series “The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter”. Our narrator, who remains unnamed, it seems is a time traveler who leads us through by including not only “Humans” and their thoughts and actions, but also what is in the minds of all the “Animals” that live in and around Land Between the Lakes.
It’s as if we’re actually going along for the ride….literally speaking! We learn that there are three plots waiting to be discovered and solved through the book. Do we solve them? Well, perhaps two out of three.
Come along for the ride”RIDE”, will it be on the Waterbird or on the Dragon. Either way you look at it, you’ll find it most fun!
What a wonderful story…this, our October Book Club selection, was a most enjoyable read. Susan Wittig Albert, I thank you for personally for addressing the questions wrote to you, and for also supplying me with additional information that I’ll be able to use as part of our book club discussion.
On to the book, this is only one of the Tales from the series “The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter”. Our narrator, who remains unnamed, it seems is a time traveler who leads us through by including not only “Humans” and their thoughts and actions, but also what is in the minds of all the “Animals” that live in and around Land Between the Lakes.
It’s as if we’re actually going along for the ride….literally speaking! We learn that there are three plots waiting to be discovered and solved through the book. Do we solve them? Well, perhaps two out of three.
Come along for the ride”RIDE”, will it be on the Waterbird or on the Dragon. Either way you look at it, you’ll find it most fun!
August 5, 2020
Chapters: 25
Pages: 276
The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter series’ order:
1. The Tale of Hill Top Farm
2. The Tale of Holly How
3. The Tale of Cuckoo Brow Wood
4. The Tale of Hawthorn House
5. The Tale of Briar Bank
6. The Tale of Applebeck Orchard
7. The Tale of Oat Cake Crag (this review)
8. The Tale of Castle Cottage
First let me begin this review by saying that I read this book back in 2014. However, after I read a book, I always try to write out my feelings on the story when I finish. Sometimes, I’m moved to write a great deal to type up later. Other times, I just feel up to writing a very basic review. I never intended for it to take me almost six YEARS to get it on my GoodReads account, but it has. Obviously, by now, I don’t really remember much about the story, though sometimes my notes help jog my memory. So, if the following review doesn’t really say much or deal too much with the story or plot, that’s probably because I wasn’t moved by one or the other or both to write more than I did. However, such as it is I give to you.
Summary: Airplanes (or “aeroplanes) made their debut and are now here to stay—and diversify. Next up: the HYDROplane, which has made its presence felt (and heard) in Sawrey and neighboring areas—and all (save a couple) HATE the plane because it’s noisy and scares animals, large and small.
So the town gathers to talk about what to do, but, when the financier doesn’t show, a few threaten to DO harm, but harm’s already been done. Mr. Baum (the financier) took a fall from Oak Cake Crag (which, in all previous books has been called Oat MEAL Crag. Also, Thorvaald’s deceased boss, Yllva, is mentioned but is spelled Illva, which, along with the Crag, is a bit sloppy in the continuity department) and landed on the rocky floor below, breaking limbs and ending up concussed, which is why he didn’t show. So, the question is: Who tried to kill the gentleman—if anyone? And what’s to be the future of the hydro hangar if he dies? Will Oscar Wyatt (builder and contractor) find a new investor? And who sabotaged the plane’s petrol, causing a crash and damage to the plane?
And who’s threatening Grace Lythecoe’s impending April wedding to the vicar with poison-pen letters? And why? Everyone loves Grace and Vicar Sackett, so what gives? Grace asks Beatrix for help so that the wedding can go on as planned.
On less dastardly notes: Deirdre Malone has a Secret she wishes to tell Beatrix; Jeremy Crossfield has a Secret to tell Caroline Longford AND a conundrum to pose to Beatrix about a poisonous letter he found and what to do about it; Caroline has a Secret that Jeremy accidently learns, which results in her broken heart; Mrs. Thompson, Vicar Sackett’s housekeeper, has a Secret that Beatrix (happily) discovers in her investigation; and Beatrix and Will’s Secret turns out NOT to be such a very well-kept secret as they both thought—not even from her (gulp!) parents!
The animals, once again, are at the center of things, helping steer the Big Folk in the right direction. Rascal leads Major Kittredge to Mr. Baum’s battered body after Hyacinth Badger hears the man calling for help. Rascal also acts as Jeremy’s sounding board when trouble with women strikes. Hyacinth has a special birthday for Bosworth planned. Prof. Owl meets Thorvaald (a dragon) and teams up to do something about the Water Bird; and Tabitha Twichett leads Jeremy to the latest letter and helps him and Beatrix solve the mystery of the letters’ author(ess).
My Review (spoiler alert!)—Good story. I’m actually getting used to Thorvaald the Dragon’s being a recurring animal. No, let me rephrase that. I never DIDN’T like him (he’s cute the way a gangly, awkward young teen boy is cute), but, well, I just thought a dragon’s WELL out of the realm of even THIS story’s probability factor (much as fairies, et al). Anyway, he doesn’t really detract (though, his storyline IS silly), so—whatever.
Usually, in these books, I know who did what and why fairly early in the story. This time, however, I got the Why right away but was wrong in the Who (though within the right family). Also, I guessed incorrectly about Mr. Baum’s storyline/plot’s outcome: Wyatt wasn’t guilty—no one was; it was an accident.
But I did guess who the second investor was (of the planes) and Deirdre Malone’s Big News, though only that she was in love, but when Jeremy Crossfield told Caroline Longford HE had something Important to say, I figured HE was Deirdre’s boyfriend—but it turns out to be more than that. They’re in love and engaged to be married in June! (This book takes place March 1912.)
I was sorry to learn this bit because, though I know Jeremy and Caroline aren’t in the same “station” in English society, I liked them together—and, I don’t know, I’ve never really LIKED Deirdre. Anyhow, I felt for Caroline, who believed she was in love with Jeremy and that his Something Important was to confess he loved her, too. Oh, well. She’ll get over it in a bit and, when older (she and Deirdre are only seventeen! (Of course, my grandmother was MARRIED when she was seventeen!), and Jeremy’s only eighteen!—too, too young!), will find love (true love) with someone even better suited for her than Jeremy ever could’ve been. (After all, if he was able to fall for Deirdre (again, don’t like the girl), then he can’t have been all that wise and common sensical in the end, right?) (And with such pain usually comes a creative woman’s best work. I’m sure Caroline will find this so.) And she’ll be all the stronger for this heartache—and wiser. (I do think Jeremy and Deirdre are rather foolish because they’re so young and poor. They don’t even know how they’ll support themselves, so how in the world will they support a baby or two or three or MORE? Being 1912, you just KNOW the babies will come (and come and come and come—just as they did for Mrs. Sutton who, at the end of the story, is pregnant with number NINE!!!))
Grade: A
Pages: 276
The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter series’ order:
1. The Tale of Hill Top Farm
2. The Tale of Holly How
3. The Tale of Cuckoo Brow Wood
4. The Tale of Hawthorn House
5. The Tale of Briar Bank
6. The Tale of Applebeck Orchard
7. The Tale of Oat Cake Crag (this review)
8. The Tale of Castle Cottage
First let me begin this review by saying that I read this book back in 2014. However, after I read a book, I always try to write out my feelings on the story when I finish. Sometimes, I’m moved to write a great deal to type up later. Other times, I just feel up to writing a very basic review. I never intended for it to take me almost six YEARS to get it on my GoodReads account, but it has. Obviously, by now, I don’t really remember much about the story, though sometimes my notes help jog my memory. So, if the following review doesn’t really say much or deal too much with the story or plot, that’s probably because I wasn’t moved by one or the other or both to write more than I did. However, such as it is I give to you.
Summary: Airplanes (or “aeroplanes) made their debut and are now here to stay—and diversify. Next up: the HYDROplane, which has made its presence felt (and heard) in Sawrey and neighboring areas—and all (save a couple) HATE the plane because it’s noisy and scares animals, large and small.
So the town gathers to talk about what to do, but, when the financier doesn’t show, a few threaten to DO harm, but harm’s already been done. Mr. Baum (the financier) took a fall from Oak Cake Crag (which, in all previous books has been called Oat MEAL Crag. Also, Thorvaald’s deceased boss, Yllva, is mentioned but is spelled Illva, which, along with the Crag, is a bit sloppy in the continuity department) and landed on the rocky floor below, breaking limbs and ending up concussed, which is why he didn’t show. So, the question is: Who tried to kill the gentleman—if anyone? And what’s to be the future of the hydro hangar if he dies? Will Oscar Wyatt (builder and contractor) find a new investor? And who sabotaged the plane’s petrol, causing a crash and damage to the plane?
And who’s threatening Grace Lythecoe’s impending April wedding to the vicar with poison-pen letters? And why? Everyone loves Grace and Vicar Sackett, so what gives? Grace asks Beatrix for help so that the wedding can go on as planned.
On less dastardly notes: Deirdre Malone has a Secret she wishes to tell Beatrix; Jeremy Crossfield has a Secret to tell Caroline Longford AND a conundrum to pose to Beatrix about a poisonous letter he found and what to do about it; Caroline has a Secret that Jeremy accidently learns, which results in her broken heart; Mrs. Thompson, Vicar Sackett’s housekeeper, has a Secret that Beatrix (happily) discovers in her investigation; and Beatrix and Will’s Secret turns out NOT to be such a very well-kept secret as they both thought—not even from her (gulp!) parents!
The animals, once again, are at the center of things, helping steer the Big Folk in the right direction. Rascal leads Major Kittredge to Mr. Baum’s battered body after Hyacinth Badger hears the man calling for help. Rascal also acts as Jeremy’s sounding board when trouble with women strikes. Hyacinth has a special birthday for Bosworth planned. Prof. Owl meets Thorvaald (a dragon) and teams up to do something about the Water Bird; and Tabitha Twichett leads Jeremy to the latest letter and helps him and Beatrix solve the mystery of the letters’ author(ess).
My Review (spoiler alert!)—Good story. I’m actually getting used to Thorvaald the Dragon’s being a recurring animal. No, let me rephrase that. I never DIDN’T like him (he’s cute the way a gangly, awkward young teen boy is cute), but, well, I just thought a dragon’s WELL out of the realm of even THIS story’s probability factor (much as fairies, et al). Anyway, he doesn’t really detract (though, his storyline IS silly), so—whatever.
Usually, in these books, I know who did what and why fairly early in the story. This time, however, I got the Why right away but was wrong in the Who (though within the right family). Also, I guessed incorrectly about Mr. Baum’s storyline/plot’s outcome: Wyatt wasn’t guilty—no one was; it was an accident.
But I did guess who the second investor was (of the planes) and Deirdre Malone’s Big News, though only that she was in love, but when Jeremy Crossfield told Caroline Longford HE had something Important to say, I figured HE was Deirdre’s boyfriend—but it turns out to be more than that. They’re in love and engaged to be married in June! (This book takes place March 1912.)
I was sorry to learn this bit because, though I know Jeremy and Caroline aren’t in the same “station” in English society, I liked them together—and, I don’t know, I’ve never really LIKED Deirdre. Anyhow, I felt for Caroline, who believed she was in love with Jeremy and that his Something Important was to confess he loved her, too. Oh, well. She’ll get over it in a bit and, when older (she and Deirdre are only seventeen! (Of course, my grandmother was MARRIED when she was seventeen!), and Jeremy’s only eighteen!—too, too young!), will find love (true love) with someone even better suited for her than Jeremy ever could’ve been. (After all, if he was able to fall for Deirdre (again, don’t like the girl), then he can’t have been all that wise and common sensical in the end, right?) (And with such pain usually comes a creative woman’s best work. I’m sure Caroline will find this so.) And she’ll be all the stronger for this heartache—and wiser. (I do think Jeremy and Deirdre are rather foolish because they’re so young and poor. They don’t even know how they’ll support themselves, so how in the world will they support a baby or two or three or MORE? Being 1912, you just KNOW the babies will come (and come and come and come—just as they did for Mrs. Sutton who, at the end of the story, is pregnant with number NINE!!!))
Grade: A
April 3, 2018
BK 7 of Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter Series deals with rumors, gossip, poison pen letters, impending marriages and a hydafoil aeroplane terrorizing the people and animals of Lake Windermere. Grace Lythecoe brings letters threatening her marriage to her previous husband’s first cousin, Vicar Sackett to Beatrix to discover the sender. Caroline Longford thinks Jeremy Crosfieldoves her when he plans to tell her of his engagement to Dierde Malone. Beatrx’s brother Bertram writes her that her parents have been informed that she is secretly engaged to Will Heelis, a solicitor in Hawkeshead. The noise of England’s first hydroplane is terrorizing the Lake District. What ta-does.
July 17, 2018
Both country folk and animals of the Lake District are disturbed by test flights of a new flying machine: the hydroplane. It is 1912 and Winston Churchill is said to be preparing for the possibility of war. At the same time, children's book author Beatrix Potter's friend has been receiving anonymous threatening letters if she marries the vicar. "The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter" is all and all a lovely series, with talking animals and a little bit of magic, plus in this one, Beatrix has a bit of romance of her own!
January 18, 2019
Things were changing in the life of Beatrix Potter at this time in history, and I was glad to see a bit more of a focus on her in this book; in the past few books, Beatrix had taken on more a supporting character role, as the animals kind of took over the stories. The sub-plot of the hydro-plane, Churchill, and the rumblings of WWI on the horizon added some other nice real-world historical elements to this story. Still not the strongest book of this series, but worth reading if you enjoyed the others in the series.
August 8, 2020
Challenges: RRRCs August 2019 (very belated) - Bat Night/Sounds (9); Steeped in Books/Stacking the Series - Level 5a/Book 7. The humans and animals of Near Sawrey and environs find a terrible disturbance of noise throughout this story of romance, engagements, poisoned pen letters, and a terrible fall. A very important figure in British history visits. Based on true occurrences concerning the beloved local lake from 1911-1912, the story remains always cozy, always comforting. Another charming book in the 'Miss Potter' series.
May 11, 2022
Continues the story very enjoyably. We have come to expect the loose connection between the narrative and history -- for example, the aeroplane. The author is developing a fascinating device, where in we the readers and she are in a sort of invisible bubble that allows us to drop in one any conversation, follow the story line ...but delicately step into the parlor when Mr Heelis and Beatrix encounter each other, to give them time to kiss each other. Nicely done.
July 5, 2024
Always a delight to go back and visit Little Sawrey and my friends there. I love this series, it doesn't get enough attention. It is so full of whimsy and charm. I loved seeing the developement of some of the townspeople, the children from the beginning of the series growing up, and the animals and their relationship. I adore the history that is added as well. I am so sad there is only one more left :(
April 6, 2025
The Tale of Oat Cake Crag is probably my least favorite in the series and I still gave it four stars! These are just cool stories without language and stuff.
Some folks fuss on here about the narration, the animals, yada yada. So don't read it if you don't like it. Otherwise, try to find the positive. There's so much good in here, and it's conveyed differently from a standard novel. So celebrate that! You'll be glad you did!
Some folks fuss on here about the narration, the animals, yada yada. So don't read it if you don't like it. Otherwise, try to find the positive. There's so much good in here, and it's conveyed differently from a standard novel. So celebrate that! You'll be glad you did!
August 28, 2022
Beatrix' parents find out about her engagement to Will Heelis; while the village has her marriage already set to go. The dragon comes back to Near Sawrey for a visit. And a man who is trying to get a seaplane built and sold to the government falls off Oat Cake Crag. And that's only part of the events that take place. Recommended.
December 5, 2025
Book 7. Wonderful. Again
I am going to sorely miss reading this series.
The way Albert entwines old time village life to include the animals and humans is simply flawless.
Unlike many cosies, there are no dead bodies to discover, no protagonist falling for the handsome law person, no trope or clique.
There's old fashion prosperity, chivalry, gossip and love.
I am going to sorely miss reading this series.
The way Albert entwines old time village life to include the animals and humans is simply flawless.
Unlike many cosies, there are no dead bodies to discover, no protagonist falling for the handsome law person, no trope or clique.
There's old fashion prosperity, chivalry, gossip and love.
May 23, 2017
This tale of the Land Between the Lakes is full of local news and flying boats or is it a dragon, or a water monster? You'll have to find out for yourself, but I will suggest you read this series in order because they build on one another.
July 31, 2020
4.5
She included the dragon from an earlier book, but I’ve already expressed my opinion on the dragon. Otherwise it was a really good story. Lots of conflicts going on big and small, but all were resolved.
She included the dragon from an earlier book, but I’ve already expressed my opinion on the dragon. Otherwise it was a really good story. Lots of conflicts going on big and small, but all were resolved.
February 12, 2021
It’s funny, so often I am frustrated by series authors not reminding us of past events and people — here, it’s gone the other direction, and one must weed through all the previously read bits to get to the small continuing plot. Still enjoyable, but I probably should have spaced them out more.
November 2, 2021
I've listened to the amazing audiobook versions of books 1-7. I have loved them all! The only reason I'm giving a 4-star on this book of the series is simply because some of my favorite human characters were missing. I'm glad to say they are back in book 8!
April 29, 2022
Another sweet installment in the series. Even though Mr. Dragon makes a appearance again, somehow it didn’t bother me as it did in a previous tale, perhaps because the rest of the story is so darling. I also really enjoyed the historic tie in to the hydroplane introduction to that area.
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