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Dering Family #3
Shoulder the Sky
1951: by D. E. Stevenson- A story of winter in the hills.
275 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1951
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About the author
D.E. Stevenson
67 books627 followersThere is more than one author with this name
Dorothy Emily Stevenson was a best-selling Scottish author. She published more than 40 romantic novels over a period of more than 40 years. Her father was a cousin of Robert Louis Stevenson.
D.E. Stevenson had an enormously successful writing career: between 1923 and 1970, four million copies of her books were sold in Britain and three million in the States. Like E.F. Benson, Ann Bridge, O. Douglas or Dorothy L. Sayers (to name but a few) her books are funny, intensely readable, engaging and dependable.
Dorothy Emily Stevenson was a best-selling Scottish author. She published more than 40 romantic novels over a period of more than 40 years. Her father was a cousin of Robert Louis Stevenson.
D.E. Stevenson had an enormously successful writing career: between 1923 and 1970, four million copies of her books were sold in Britain and three million in the States. Like E.F. Benson, Ann Bridge, O. Douglas or Dorothy L. Sayers (to name but a few) her books are funny, intensely readable, engaging and dependable.
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October 21, 2022Stevenson very wisely decided in this third Dering instalment that we actually needed to see Rhoda settling in to her new home, partly to be sure she could, mostly because Stevenson writes the Platonic ideal of "woman coming to grips with living in village" and clearly would never leave an opportunity to do so. This one is more soapy in the sense of expanding out the cast and bringing in a new story and a bit more drama.
I have read all three of these books in two days and regret nothing.
I have read all three of these books in two days and regret nothing.
August 1, 2013
Two isolated houses on either side of a stream, hills covered in snow...
The dust jacket is a fairly accurate representation of what's inside the book.
The end papers, not so much.
Does that remind anyone else of one of those '50s films where college students have wholesome fun?
A newly married artist moves from London to rural Scotland and tries to adjust to amenity-free isolation. Naturally she ends up loving it; everyone in Stevenson novels loves rural Scotland, even men like her husband who become farmers and have to work 12 hours a day (although there are members of the lower classes to do the actual labor, of course). She also takes on a misunderstood local boy as a protege and mends a broken romance.
In the odd fashion not uncommon to Stevenson, the book ends anticlimactically, with most of the major characters off screen and the resolution(s) clear but not witnessed by the reader.
February 23, 2017
What a delightful comfortable read of these Scottish folks-just love Mamie & Jock Johnstone! Their joyful determination to shoulder the sky is true just as their picturesque hills do. A lovely wrap-up of this series!
February 7, 2024
What could be better on a cold, rainy day than to curl up with a hot cup of tea and read this book?
I’m making my way through all of D. E. Stevenson’s work and enjoying every minute of it. This was a wonderful trilogy and I only wish she wrote more about these delightful characters. These are the kind of stories to be read again and again. It’s like visiting old friends.
I’m making my way through all of D. E. Stevenson’s work and enjoying every minute of it. This was a wonderful trilogy and I only wish she wrote more about these delightful characters. These are the kind of stories to be read again and again. It’s like visiting old friends.
April 4, 2023
Alternate title: Winter and Rough Weather
4.5 stars
I so enjoyed reading this. I soaked in the Scotland landscape, the simple wisdom of Scottish countryfolk, the literary allusions to E. Nestbit and A.E. Housman. I appreciated a new wife's struggle to adjust to her isolated life, secluded in the hills. I laughed at the maid's pronunciation of Vogue: Vo-jew. Since my oldest son's family are now sheep farmers, I eagerly read all descriptions of this occupation.
Let's be honest. This isn't great literature. But it is good reading. Light and nourishing like butternut squash soup.
I'm used to the idiom 'sorted' in British literature. When I read this explanation, I could not wipe the grin off my face.
**...the verb 'to sort' was one of the most useful additions to his vocabulary. To sort a gate is to mend it thoroughly, to put it into proper working order (as a matter of fact you can sort anything from a broken toy to a broken down tractor, you can sort an untidy room or a misunderstanding between friends).
A ditch which has become blocked needs right sorting and a leak in the roof of the byre should be sorted straight away. It is even possible to give a man a sorting, in other words to tell him what you think of his behavior in plain unvarnished language and to set his feet in the path of duty. 'I'll sort it' is a promise to put things right. 'I'll sort him' is a threat with sinister implications.**
And I was inspired to make my own hospitality look like this:
**In Mureth House there was not only physical comfort but mental and spiritual comfort as well. You could be yourself here. You could say what you liked without the slightest fear of being misunderstood and you could do what you liked without the slightest fear of giving offence.**
I have lived the next two sentences, arriving at a stranger's house and leaving the same house as a dear friend.
**...soon they were sitting down together eating ambrosial scones, drinking strong tea and talking their heads off. They were in complete accord.**
4.5 stars
I so enjoyed reading this. I soaked in the Scotland landscape, the simple wisdom of Scottish countryfolk, the literary allusions to E. Nestbit and A.E. Housman. I appreciated a new wife's struggle to adjust to her isolated life, secluded in the hills. I laughed at the maid's pronunciation of Vogue: Vo-jew. Since my oldest son's family are now sheep farmers, I eagerly read all descriptions of this occupation.
Let's be honest. This isn't great literature. But it is good reading. Light and nourishing like butternut squash soup.
I'm used to the idiom 'sorted' in British literature. When I read this explanation, I could not wipe the grin off my face.
**...the verb 'to sort' was one of the most useful additions to his vocabulary. To sort a gate is to mend it thoroughly, to put it into proper working order (as a matter of fact you can sort anything from a broken toy to a broken down tractor, you can sort an untidy room or a misunderstanding between friends).
A ditch which has become blocked needs right sorting and a leak in the roof of the byre should be sorted straight away. It is even possible to give a man a sorting, in other words to tell him what you think of his behavior in plain unvarnished language and to set his feet in the path of duty. 'I'll sort it' is a promise to put things right. 'I'll sort him' is a threat with sinister implications.**
And I was inspired to make my own hospitality look like this:
**In Mureth House there was not only physical comfort but mental and spiritual comfort as well. You could be yourself here. You could say what you liked without the slightest fear of being misunderstood and you could do what you liked without the slightest fear of giving offence.**
I have lived the next two sentences, arriving at a stranger's house and leaving the same house as a dear friend.
**...soon they were sitting down together eating ambrosial scones, drinking strong tea and talking their heads off. They were in complete accord.**
April 3, 2017
A quiet story set in Scotland featuring some characters from previous D.E. Stevenson books as well as some new characters. It is a lovely story, full of quiet, everyday sorts of things and the little dramas of life in a community. It made me long to live in one of the farm houses, looking out on the views. When my family traveled through Scotland, I felt the most at home there of all the places throughout the UK & Ireland from which my family came. This story took me back to raising my family in a village, collecting them at their school gates and taking them home for tea. I loved being in this world, people were kind and loving, which is a healing balm after a day being battered by the meanness many blast throughout our days, the incessant bickering in Washington which serves none of us. Like the novel I finished by Stevenson just prior to this one, the ending was very abrupt...ok, all the ends are tied up now, I will just stop writing now, she seems to say to herself. It is a bit off-putting. But recommended for all the endearing, lovely bits in this comforting novel.
July 22, 2017
Wikipedia describes Stevenson as “a Scottish novelist of light romances”. Since I’m not a huge fan of romance novels, I felt the description failed to give a complete picture of the author’s work. Yes, it is lighter reading than Shakespeare. But the characters and story line are more complex than those found in your average Harlequin. Not only do the characters grow and develop, but the writing is beautiful.
Shoulder the Sky is the third book in a trilogy (but stood alone quite well) and takes place in the years just after the Second World War. During the war many children were evacuated from London and sent to other parts of Britain. Lizzie and her two children, Duggie and Greta, arrive in Scotland and make a new life for themselves.
Shoulder the Sky is the third book in a trilogy (but stood alone quite well) and takes place in the years just after the Second World War. During the war many children were evacuated from London and sent to other parts of Britain. Lizzie and her two children, Duggie and Greta, arrive in Scotland and make a new life for themselves.
February 26, 2023
Winter and Rough Weather is the third and last in a series of novels D. E. Stevenson wrote about the Dering family. I understand why she wrote it—there were several unfinished storylines at the end of the second book—but my impression is that her heart wasn’t really in it. This is a pretty flat book.
At the end of the last book, James Dering was about to propose again to Rhoda, who was finally ready for him to do so. This book starts with them newly married and coming back to Scotland to live on a small farm owned by the Johnstones, who have made James their heir. Rhoda had struggled with whether to marry at all because she was a talented painter and felt she had a duty to her career, so I expected that we would find a marriage that was not all sweetness and light. We do get a little of that but it is not really treated with the depth I felt it deserved; pretty much it was all “marriage is a higher calling for a woman” and “James is supportive of her career.” As for James himself, he is almost a nonentity in this story, mostly out on the farm working from dawn till dusk, just popping into a scene from time to time. And Mamie, who played a central role in the previous book and is a very subtle character, was also largely sidelined here.
A number of secondary characters step up to fill the void, but the outlines of their story arcs were already pretty clear to me and there were no surprises. The book hops about from one to another and weaves some of the threads into a single plot line, but it all felt preordained to me and not in a magical way.
Stevenson’s writing is at worst pleasant so I enjoyed myself, but there was little of the keen social insight and moments of transcendence that are found in her best work. A bit of a disappointing end to what had been a wonderful trilogy so far.
At the end of the last book, James Dering was about to propose again to Rhoda, who was finally ready for him to do so. This book starts with them newly married and coming back to Scotland to live on a small farm owned by the Johnstones, who have made James their heir. Rhoda had struggled with whether to marry at all because she was a talented painter and felt she had a duty to her career, so I expected that we would find a marriage that was not all sweetness and light. We do get a little of that but it is not really treated with the depth I felt it deserved; pretty much it was all “marriage is a higher calling for a woman” and “James is supportive of her career.” As for James himself, he is almost a nonentity in this story, mostly out on the farm working from dawn till dusk, just popping into a scene from time to time. And Mamie, who played a central role in the previous book and is a very subtle character, was also largely sidelined here.
A number of secondary characters step up to fill the void, but the outlines of their story arcs were already pretty clear to me and there were no surprises. The book hops about from one to another and weaves some of the threads into a single plot line, but it all felt preordained to me and not in a magical way.
Stevenson’s writing is at worst pleasant so I enjoyed myself, but there was little of the keen social insight and moments of transcendence that are found in her best work. A bit of a disappointing end to what had been a wonderful trilogy so far.
June 13, 2024
“It must be lonely!” she exclaimed. “Loneliness is inside a person,” replied Sutherland. “It is possible to be lonely in a big city. If a person is contented and has enough work to do he will not feel lonely amongst the hills.
I enjoyed this equally as well as the two preceding novels in the trilogy. There was a lot more suspense and drama than in many of the D.E Stevenson’s I have read. In between the evocative descriptions of both people and the land, the thoughtful reflections, and entertaining relationships and conversations, there was actually some action-packed adventure and a little bit dark mystery! Of course, of the bucolic gentle Scottish countryside variety. No crime involved. I loved continuing my acquaintance with Mamie and Jock, and James and Rhoda, and meeting equally interesting characters of Flockie, Rhoda's housekeeper (can I have a Flockie?), and Dr. Henry Ogylvie Smith. The mysterious Lizzie and her son Duggie have important roles in this. Daughter Greta was regrettably left by the wayside, after a promising introduction in Music in the Hills. The odious Sir Andrew and Nestor Heddle each continue to display their deliciously repellent ways in a scene or two, and both get a measure of justice served to them only if just a bit in one case. Still, it was satisfying, even though with one of them, we are just told about what happened after the fact.
After Rhoda gives up her silly notion that she cannot be both an artist and a wife and starts painting again, she discovers Lizzie’s neglected son, Duggie. She uncovers his artistic talent, intelligence and spirit and begins to mentor him. Her studio, lovingly wrought by lovely James, becomes his second home. He catches the interest of Dr. Henry Ogylvie Smith who is sitting for his portrait as a gift to his charming parents. We also become reacquainted with his friends, Dr. Adam Forrester and his sister Nan.
The main drama of the book is how these two likable siblings achieve future domestic happiness. Dr. Adam is attracted to a woman who would make him miserable. Of course in D.E.Stevenson’s world, if a man and a woman like, or just get along with each other and they are both single and of a certain age, marriage is expected at least by one of them. Even if they spend very little time together. It is very odd. Thank goodness the object of Adam’s desire tells him that any marriage between them is off the table. Nan has been suffering from the rejection of a man she is still in love with. It turns out that nice Dr. Henry, Adam’s former boss who paved the way for Adam to practice in Drumberly is the wicked cad. He and Nan seemed to be well on the way to love and marriage until he mysteriously broke it off. When the truth comes out, it is sad and surprising.
This was not a 5-star read for me. I am really frustrated and even confused by how D.E. Stevenson ends many of her books. Sometimes it seems like it is practically in mid-sentence. This one was the worse yet. Genuinely interesting and greatly anticipated doings of characters we have come to be fond of are never gotten to before the book ends. Oh yes, we have every reason to believe everything will work out happily for all, but we are deprived of seeing how exactly they will tackle and be affected by the “rough weather” ahead. We are robbed of the potentially gripping confrontations, joyful revelations, and other hullabaloo that the characters will have to go through in order for happiness and stability to be achieved.
One of the big keys to the story is a certain connection between two previously unrelated characters. When Dr. Henry tells his story, I just didn’t buy it. Once the truth is known we see a way forward for Henry and Nan to find happiness at last. Maybe. If everything goes according to plan. But the book is cut off before that is achieved. And unfortunately, this is the last of the trilogy. So no hope for getting a bit of closure in the next book. Because there isn’t one.
Up to the ending, or lack thereof, it was shaping up to be my favorite so far. In Vittoria Cottage, Robert Shepperton ponders leaving his tragic past behind him to find love and happiness again in the here and now.
We don’t stand still, thought Robert. We are travellers upon the path of life. No traveller can bathe twice in the same stream. He bathes and goes on his way and, if the road is dusty and hot, he may look back longingly and think of the clear cool water with regret … but presently he may come upon another stream, different of course, but equally delightful to bathe in.”
The author lets the reader experience the cool clear stream and the hot dusty road with her characters. But she leaves us behind too soon when they go on their way and hopefully come to another stream to bathe in.
https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2021
This may be my favorite D.E. Stevenson yet — right up there with (the very different) Miss Buncle’s Book, The Two Mrs. Abbotts, Mrs. Tim Carries On, Fletcher’s End, and The House on the Cliff.
I liked Rhoda’s cameo in Bel Lamington so much that I was eager to learn more about her earlier life in “her” trilogy. Yet while I came for Rhoda, one of the things I like in Winter and Rough Weather is how many people’s stories we get to inhabit. This is as much Mamie’s book as Rhoda’s—plus Rhoda’s husband; Eleanor, Adam and Nan; and more. I loved the book’s characters so much; I wish they continued on in even more books!
I liked Rhoda’s cameo in Bel Lamington so much that I was eager to learn more about her earlier life in “her” trilogy. Yet while I came for Rhoda, one of the things I like in Winter and Rough Weather is how many people’s stories we get to inhabit. This is as much Mamie’s book as Rhoda’s—plus Rhoda’s husband; Eleanor, Adam and Nan; and more. I loved the book’s characters so much; I wish they continued on in even more books!
September 26, 2020
3.75 stars
Strictly speaking, you could read this as a standalone book - but you wouldn't really get the whole pleasure from it. The third in the Dering trilogy, this storyline and its characters are closely connected to Music in the Hills, which takes place in the Scottish Borders with more or less the same cast of characters. This is sheep country, and the neighbouring houses of Mureth, Boscath and Tassieknowe all play a role - along with their diverse inhabitants, not all of them born to or suited to the countryside life.
The story begins with the marriage of James and Rhoda, and Rhoda's absorption into the slow country life after years of being an an artist in a sociable London. Although Rhoda is happy in her marriage, it takes a while for her to her to learn how to balance the roles of 'wife' and artist. When she takes on a protege - 'Duggie', the son of Mureth's cook Lizzie - not only does it give her life a new direction, but it also serves to connect several other characters in the neighbourhood. Gradually, the storyline shifts from Rhoda to some of the interesting secondary characters in the novel. There is a bit of mystery, and even a ghost, although practised readers will have no trouble connecting the dots.
The various plotlines all come to a head - or more like a crossing point - during a winter snowstorm. I half wonder if Stevenson had it in her mind to write yet another sequel to this popular trilogy as she hints at the resolution of various dramas without drawing them definitively to a close. As an author, she doesn't tend to over-dramatise endings, though. As with films from a far more modest time, she enjoys a gentle fade-out and lets her readers use their imaginations.
Nothing particularly challenging about this book, but it is an enjoyable 'comfort read' - particularly for those who enjoy a Scottish setting.
Needless to say Duggie did not understand one half of what he read. He took his reading like a drug; he absorbed it as a drunkard absorbs whisky, and the everyday world became dreamy and unreal.
Strictly speaking, you could read this as a standalone book - but you wouldn't really get the whole pleasure from it. The third in the Dering trilogy, this storyline and its characters are closely connected to Music in the Hills, which takes place in the Scottish Borders with more or less the same cast of characters. This is sheep country, and the neighbouring houses of Mureth, Boscath and Tassieknowe all play a role - along with their diverse inhabitants, not all of them born to or suited to the countryside life.
The story begins with the marriage of James and Rhoda, and Rhoda's absorption into the slow country life after years of being an an artist in a sociable London. Although Rhoda is happy in her marriage, it takes a while for her to her to learn how to balance the roles of 'wife' and artist. When she takes on a protege - 'Duggie', the son of Mureth's cook Lizzie - not only does it give her life a new direction, but it also serves to connect several other characters in the neighbourhood. Gradually, the storyline shifts from Rhoda to some of the interesting secondary characters in the novel. There is a bit of mystery, and even a ghost, although practised readers will have no trouble connecting the dots.
She had promised to teach Duggie how to draw but drawing was not everything. Could she accept the burden of teaching him how to live?
The various plotlines all come to a head - or more like a crossing point - during a winter snowstorm. I half wonder if Stevenson had it in her mind to write yet another sequel to this popular trilogy as she hints at the resolution of various dramas without drawing them definitively to a close. As an author, she doesn't tend to over-dramatise endings, though. As with films from a far more modest time, she enjoys a gentle fade-out and lets her readers use their imaginations.
Nothing particularly challenging about this book, but it is an enjoyable 'comfort read' - particularly for those who enjoy a Scottish setting.
April 23, 2018
4/5
Again we are left in the cold, left to imagine how Henry finally deals with his long lost wife and children, whether he marries Nan after all, whether Adam gets together with Lizzie! How the Dering Johnstones deal with the news of their new home. So much, left to the imagination.
If there's ever a pet peeve of mine, its cut off anticlimactic endings and Stevenson seems to rack them up. Gah! I mean for goodness sake this was the end of the series could you not have tied up the details?
Still of course I loved this book in spite of this. -_-
Again we are left in the cold, left to imagine how Henry finally deals with his long lost wife and children, whether he marries Nan after all, whether Adam gets together with Lizzie! How the Dering Johnstones deal with the news of their new home. So much, left to the imagination.
If there's ever a pet peeve of mine, its cut off anticlimactic endings and Stevenson seems to rack them up. Gah! I mean for goodness sake this was the end of the series could you not have tied up the details?
Still of course I loved this book in spite of this. -_-
March 31, 2024
I really enjoyed this third and final novel in the Dering Family trilogy. Miss Stevenson has done herself proud. It was sweet and heartwarming with just the right amount of drama and mystery. I will miss this little group of people, but I'm sure I will find equally interesting "characters" in any of the next books that I plan to read by this wonderful author!
December 27, 2023
There is so much to enjoy about this last book in the Drumberly series. The snowy Scottish weather, a child who needs love and attention to blossom, a mystery to solve, a loving long-term marriage, a new and sweet marriage. I loved it all!! ❤️
It’s now time to do a deep dive into all the DES books. 🎉
It’s now time to do a deep dive into all the DES books. 🎉
November 12, 2017
I’m so sorry to be done with this book. I loved every bit of it.
December 24, 2024
4-1/2 Stars
A lovely conclusion to the Dering Family trilogy. I loved all the new characters we met in this final book and especially loved Nan and Henry’s storyline. A wonderful wintery read.
A lovely conclusion to the Dering Family trilogy. I loved all the new characters we met in this final book and especially loved Nan and Henry’s storyline. A wonderful wintery read.
November 16, 2012
D.E. Stevenson's books don't always take you where you expect; they're usually more about life moving forward than about one big plot, climax and ending. Sometimes hints of trouble come to nothing. Other times plot turns come out of thin air.
Anyway, in this book it was nice to revisit James, Rhoda, Jock and Mamie and see how James and Rhoda make the transition from "will-they, won't-they" in the previous book to a committed, content and happily married couple. Provides background information for when their characters pop up in "Bel Lamington."
Anyway, in this book it was nice to revisit James, Rhoda, Jock and Mamie and see how James and Rhoda make the transition from "will-they, won't-they" in the previous book to a committed, content and happily married couple. Provides background information for when their characters pop up in "Bel Lamington."
February 24, 2017
I thought this one was a bit all over the place. And I agree with my friend Sarah’s review… the “happy” ending came across as too pat and was much too abrupt.
I didn't feel the novel had an overwhelming sense of connection to the following poem, but I loved it none-the-less.
The troubles of our proud and angry dust
Are from eternity, and shall not fail.
Bear them we can, and if we can we must.
Shoulder the sky, my lad, and drink your ale.
- A.E. Housman
I didn't feel the novel had an overwhelming sense of connection to the following poem, but I loved it none-the-less.
The troubles of our proud and angry dust
Are from eternity, and shall not fail.
Bear them we can, and if we can we must.
Shoulder the sky, my lad, and drink your ale.
- A.E. Housman
January 18, 2019
Re-read as audiobook.
November 22, 2025
The 1951 novel Winter and Rough Weather is the last in a 3 volume series on the Dering family. The first volume Vittoria Cottage focused on the widowed family matriarch Caroline Dering and her three grown children in the English village of Ashbridge after the close of WWII. At the end of that novel, Caroline’s oldest child James, who had returned to Ashbridge after finishing off his army service in post-WWII Malaya, heads off to start training for his chosen career as a farmer with Caroline’s sister Mamie and her husband Jock Johnston, but not before James has his marriage proposal rejected by his life-long love, local girl and artist Rhoda Ware.
The second novel, Music in the Hills, changed the focus from Caroline to James and the setting from Ashbridge England to the Johnstone farm in the village of Mureth, near the town of Drumburly in the Scottish Borderlands. There we follow James as he learns the science of farming and how to deal and ingratiate himself with the Mureth and Drumburly locals. Mamie Johnston has a co-starring role in this story and exhibits many of the same traits that made Caroline so endearing.
This third novel changes the focus once again to James’ new wife Rhoda as she tries to adapt her urbane and artistic bent to the nitty-gritty life in the Scottish Borderlands. Like its predecessor, this story has some interesting vignettes on the seemingly mundane yet often engaging nitty-gritty details of life in the Scottish Borderlands. However, outside of some shepherding, this volume pays more attention to Rhoda’s social and artistic life than with farming operations. The social and artistic life presents several interesting storylines.
James and Mamie still have roles to play here, just ones clearly secondary to Rhoda. There are even other characters who have more important storylines than those of James and Mamie whose involvement are only with Rhoda’s storyline. There are storylines involving:
- the Heddles, the newly arrived wealthy, arrogant and self-centered neighbor Nestor and his mad sister/housekeeper;
- The Forresters, a newly-arrived young doctor Adam and his sister Nan, who become good friends of James and Rhoda;
- The Ogylvie Smiths, Adam’s Glaswegian mentor doctor friend Henry who, during the novel, is visiting his Drumburly dwelling parents and gets his portrait painted by Rhoda;
- Duggie, the young son of Jock and Mamie’s cook Lizzie, who finds his artistic instincts flourishing under the mentoring of Rhoda, a storyline that develops into a vital, complex and compelling one at the end.
This is my 7th Stevenson novel and I have liked all of them. This one was as pleasant and comforting as any of them. I think this is due to Stevenson’s talent for descriptive writing and crafting vivid and empathic characters being especially suited to the Scottish Borders landscape and residents that she loves in real life. I liked this book more than the similarly-set Music in the Hills because this had the dramatic range of storylines, freshness and great protagonist that made Vittoria Cottage so enjoyable, and which Music in the Hills somewhat lacked. Rhoda is a more vibrant protagonist than James was. A city girl with an artistic bent is a better fish out of water tale than James’ story was.
I considered rating this as 5 stars but it suffered from some slight implausibility and abruptness at its end. But the book did end leaving me wanting to read more about the characters. So I rate Winter and Rough Weather as 4+ stars.
I thought the Dering Family Trilogy was a very good series, and rate it as 4+ stars also.
The second novel, Music in the Hills, changed the focus from Caroline to James and the setting from Ashbridge England to the Johnstone farm in the village of Mureth, near the town of Drumburly in the Scottish Borderlands. There we follow James as he learns the science of farming and how to deal and ingratiate himself with the Mureth and Drumburly locals. Mamie Johnston has a co-starring role in this story and exhibits many of the same traits that made Caroline so endearing.
This third novel changes the focus once again to James’ new wife Rhoda as she tries to adapt her urbane and artistic bent to the nitty-gritty life in the Scottish Borderlands. Like its predecessor, this story has some interesting vignettes on the seemingly mundane yet often engaging nitty-gritty details of life in the Scottish Borderlands. However, outside of some shepherding, this volume pays more attention to Rhoda’s social and artistic life than with farming operations. The social and artistic life presents several interesting storylines.
James and Mamie still have roles to play here, just ones clearly secondary to Rhoda. There are even other characters who have more important storylines than those of James and Mamie whose involvement are only with Rhoda’s storyline. There are storylines involving:
- the Heddles, the newly arrived wealthy, arrogant and self-centered neighbor Nestor and his mad sister/housekeeper;
- The Forresters, a newly-arrived young doctor Adam and his sister Nan, who become good friends of James and Rhoda;
- The Ogylvie Smiths, Adam’s Glaswegian mentor doctor friend Henry who, during the novel, is visiting his Drumburly dwelling parents and gets his portrait painted by Rhoda;
- Duggie, the young son of Jock and Mamie’s cook Lizzie, who finds his artistic instincts flourishing under the mentoring of Rhoda, a storyline that develops into a vital, complex and compelling one at the end.
This is my 7th Stevenson novel and I have liked all of them. This one was as pleasant and comforting as any of them. I think this is due to Stevenson’s talent for descriptive writing and crafting vivid and empathic characters being especially suited to the Scottish Borders landscape and residents that she loves in real life. I liked this book more than the similarly-set Music in the Hills because this had the dramatic range of storylines, freshness and great protagonist that made Vittoria Cottage so enjoyable, and which Music in the Hills somewhat lacked. Rhoda is a more vibrant protagonist than James was. A city girl with an artistic bent is a better fish out of water tale than James’ story was.
I considered rating this as 5 stars but it suffered from some slight implausibility and abruptness at its end. But the book did end leaving me wanting to read more about the characters. So I rate Winter and Rough Weather as 4+ stars.
I thought the Dering Family Trilogy was a very good series, and rate it as 4+ stars also.
November 19, 2021
I had a wonderful week of reading D. E. Stevenson which was a week of romance, mystery, human frailties and strengths. I find her novels perfect for me, I felt part of this small farming town and experiencing all with them and I was sad when it ended.
All three of these books were enjoyable and each had a main character focus with other character's story entwined as the story progresses. Vittoria Cottage focused on Caroline, Music in the Hills, Mamie and her nephew James and lastly this book Shoulder the Sky was Rhoda turn. Loved them all!
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Shoulder the Sky book 3
Rhoda & James are married and after their honeymoon are ready to go to their new home next to Mamie & Jock Johnstone. They are fixing up the farm house at Boscath, so that the young couple can farm and be near by. The farm is near Tassieknowe, old man Brown's farm which was sold after jus death to Nestor Heddle and his sister Anna, who is older and takes care of her 45 year old brother. The house is fixed up but the farm is not taken care of but parties and enjoyment for their London friends. Anna seems kind of mad and is devoted to her brother who takes little concern for her, but expects her to manage the house. Anna thinks she hears Mr. Brown ghost cough and wants them to leave. She is given a fright that the doctor needs to come and see her after she saw Mr. Brown's ghost. Nestor thinks he saw it too but even after the doctor tells him, he must let his sister leave the house for her sanity, he could care less and is only concerned about her taking care of the house. One day when he is away, she leaves Tassieknowe. He then needs to sell it because his fiancé, does not want to do work. He is to marry Holly.The isolation is quite a change for Rhoda after living in London but is determined to stick it out because she loves James. She also starts to paint again which helps in her happiness. She befriends Lizzie's son Duggie. He is an avid reader and is a born painter. He starts to change into a person happy because of this and is in a play at school. Duggie after hearing James and Rhoda talk about the Heddies was the one to scare Anna. He wore the wig that he wore in the play to scare her and is afraid later that he could get into trouble but Adam tells him certain things must be kept secret.Adam is a doctor who used to practice in London with Henry Ogylvie Smith. He helps Adam and his sister Nan move to Dumburly by suggesting the need of a doctor there. It is found out that Henry wanted to marry Nan but could not and never told her his past marriage. He is unsure where his wife is because the house they lived in was burnt down when he was away in the army. He tried to find her but it has been 10 years and it seems like she is died or died not want to be found. She knows about his parents living in Drumburly but she decided not to look them up when she arrived in town with other refugees. She goes to Muerth with Mamie and hides a lot when company comes. When Adam is called to see Anna after her scare, the roads are extremely dangerous and his car is stuck on his way home. He had to walk and barely gets to Mamie & Jock's home. He looks about died but Lizzy nurses him back to health. Lizzy who is Henry's wife falls in love with Adam but does not tell him but he feels kindness for her and after seeing how Holly refused him in his being a poor doctor and wants to marry another. He is happy he did not marry her and thinks he really did not love her. I think Lizzy and him will end up together. Duggie brings the breakfast tray up for the doctor and Adam sees his hands are like Henry's and other things. He asks him when he was born and all becomes clear. When Lizze comes to his room he asks her questions which he reveals he knows who her husband is and she tells him that she will not go back to him. She says they were too young and she liked being at Muerth. Meanwhile Henry hears of Adam from Nan who is worried about her brother and Henry decides to cross country ski over to see how Adam is doing. Adam tells him about Lizzy and he must see his lawyer for a divorce. Henry is upset and Adam calms him down. After he leaves Henry wants to talk to Nan. She listens but knows he must get a divorce and that Lizzie who is not keen on the kids would let him have the kids. Henry does not feel it is right for him to expect Nan to look forward to marrying him after the mess he made but she says she wants to be asked later when things are cleared up. They will get married I am sure. I also think being isolated Rhoda wanted to tell something to Mamie over the river but it was too loud. I think it was about a baby coming? Henry's parents always wanted grandchildren and Henry to be married. Nan told Henry to tell his dad about everything.
All three of these books were enjoyable and each had a main character focus with other character's story entwined as the story progresses. Vittoria Cottage focused on Caroline, Music in the Hills, Mamie and her nephew James and lastly this book Shoulder the Sky was Rhoda turn. Loved them all!
❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌spoiler alert❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌
Shoulder the Sky book 3
Rhoda & James are married and after their honeymoon are ready to go to their new home next to Mamie & Jock Johnstone. They are fixing up the farm house at Boscath, so that the young couple can farm and be near by. The farm is near Tassieknowe, old man Brown's farm which was sold after jus death to Nestor Heddle and his sister Anna, who is older and takes care of her 45 year old brother. The house is fixed up but the farm is not taken care of but parties and enjoyment for their London friends. Anna seems kind of mad and is devoted to her brother who takes little concern for her, but expects her to manage the house. Anna thinks she hears Mr. Brown ghost cough and wants them to leave. She is given a fright that the doctor needs to come and see her after she saw Mr. Brown's ghost. Nestor thinks he saw it too but even after the doctor tells him, he must let his sister leave the house for her sanity, he could care less and is only concerned about her taking care of the house. One day when he is away, she leaves Tassieknowe. He then needs to sell it because his fiancé, does not want to do work. He is to marry Holly.The isolation is quite a change for Rhoda after living in London but is determined to stick it out because she loves James. She also starts to paint again which helps in her happiness. She befriends Lizzie's son Duggie. He is an avid reader and is a born painter. He starts to change into a person happy because of this and is in a play at school. Duggie after hearing James and Rhoda talk about the Heddies was the one to scare Anna. He wore the wig that he wore in the play to scare her and is afraid later that he could get into trouble but Adam tells him certain things must be kept secret.Adam is a doctor who used to practice in London with Henry Ogylvie Smith. He helps Adam and his sister Nan move to Dumburly by suggesting the need of a doctor there. It is found out that Henry wanted to marry Nan but could not and never told her his past marriage. He is unsure where his wife is because the house they lived in was burnt down when he was away in the army. He tried to find her but it has been 10 years and it seems like she is died or died not want to be found. She knows about his parents living in Drumburly but she decided not to look them up when she arrived in town with other refugees. She goes to Muerth with Mamie and hides a lot when company comes. When Adam is called to see Anna after her scare, the roads are extremely dangerous and his car is stuck on his way home. He had to walk and barely gets to Mamie & Jock's home. He looks about died but Lizzy nurses him back to health. Lizzy who is Henry's wife falls in love with Adam but does not tell him but he feels kindness for her and after seeing how Holly refused him in his being a poor doctor and wants to marry another. He is happy he did not marry her and thinks he really did not love her. I think Lizzy and him will end up together. Duggie brings the breakfast tray up for the doctor and Adam sees his hands are like Henry's and other things. He asks him when he was born and all becomes clear. When Lizze comes to his room he asks her questions which he reveals he knows who her husband is and she tells him that she will not go back to him. She says they were too young and she liked being at Muerth. Meanwhile Henry hears of Adam from Nan who is worried about her brother and Henry decides to cross country ski over to see how Adam is doing. Adam tells him about Lizzy and he must see his lawyer for a divorce. Henry is upset and Adam calms him down. After he leaves Henry wants to talk to Nan. She listens but knows he must get a divorce and that Lizzie who is not keen on the kids would let him have the kids. Henry does not feel it is right for him to expect Nan to look forward to marrying him after the mess he made but she says she wants to be asked later when things are cleared up. They will get married I am sure. I also think being isolated Rhoda wanted to tell something to Mamie over the river but it was too loud. I think it was about a baby coming? Henry's parents always wanted grandchildren and Henry to be married. Nan told Henry to tell his dad about everything.
August 5, 2020
I have really enjoyed the first two books in this series. Unfortunately, I was really disappointed with Shoulder the Sky. I just didn't care much for Rhoda in this one and most of my favorite characters in the series barely made an appearance. I did enjoy the parts of the story that focused more on Nan and Adam's lives. The problem was I didn't care much for Nan's love interest and his attempted "training" of his first wife. She definitely made a good choice when she chose to disappear. I'm sad to end a series I've been enjoying up until now, but Shoulder the Sky was definitely a flop, for me.
December 15, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Nothing big or dramatic happened, but the characters were interesting and likable, and the story line was compelling. I love D.E. Stevenson's writing. I love this peek into life on a Scottish sheep farm and. in a Scottish village in 1951. I. would so much rather. read. books that. were written in the time they depict than modern tellings of stories of the past with the. views and issues of today imposed on the past. I want to feel what life was really like for people of the past - how they really felt, how they viewed their world, how they lived their days.
February 22, 2016
3.5 stars. The last of a trilogy, this is a cosy Scottish mystery in which the mystery is very easy to guess. Furthermore, I couldn't help feeling that the happy ending was abrupt and a little bit contrived. Having said that, it is still a very comfortable and pleasant read.
I have read at least a dozen D E Stevenson novels, and must say I much prefer her earlier works, especially the "Miss Buncle" series, because I love their tongue-in-cheek wit and charming characters.
I have read at least a dozen D E Stevenson novels, and must say I much prefer her earlier works, especially the "Miss Buncle" series, because I love their tongue-in-cheek wit and charming characters.
April 17, 2022
A very pleasant sickbed listen with lots of likeable characters. I'm only disappointed that I didn't realize till I just looked it up on Goodreads that it was the third in a series. I do so hate to read things out of order! But I'm too fatigued to be discontent even about missing church in Easter, so I'll just be happy knowing I've got two more to enjoy.
Lesley Mackie was again an excellent narrator.
Lesley Mackie was again an excellent narrator.
December 10, 2019
Another enjoyable novel, by D.E. Stevenson. She is really one of my favourite authors.
I’m wondering, though, if I hadn’t read this, years ago, on my kindle.
I’m wondering, though, if I hadn’t read this, years ago, on my kindle.
January 19, 2021
Fantastically wonderful story. Beautifully written and the descriptions make the countryside come alive. I loved all the people in the story and the surprise ending was so much fun; I am looking forward to discussing this with all the members of a FB Bookclub. James and Rhoda are an adorable newlywed couple, parents (of James) Mamie and Jock are funny and warm. Adam and Nan, Siblings, are so sweet and caring and Henry, Nan’s past love discovers an amazing secret at almost the end of the book that could bring him back to Nan. Duggie, son of Lizzie, is being mentored by Rhoda in his amazing painting talent. Lizzie has a secret. Mrs. Flockhart is Rhoda and Jame’s cook and friend to everyone. I would love to get her recipe for Scones. So much to say. You will have to read this to find out how wonderful a story it is. I read it in a day.
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
June 17, 2021
En esta ocasión el peso de la trama, casi en su totalidad, lo lleva Rhoda, la esposa de James. Recién casada llega a la granja de Boscath, que le ha sido encomendada a la pareja para que James vaya navegando solo en el tema granjeril. Es una casa aislada, sin teléfono y con una mala carretera de acceso: cuando nieva o llueve en demasía, cuesta mucho salir o acceder a la casa. Por eso al principio la joven pintora se siente sola, ya que está acostumbrada al bullicio de Londres, y ha perdido además la inspiración.
Los tíos de James no les abandonan, consiguen hacer amigos en el pueblo y meterse en muchos entuertos que la perspicacia de Rhoda y los retratos que realiza de la gente y los paisajes consiguen deshacer. A los personajes del segundo libro se añaden algunos más como el nuevo médico Adam y su hermana Nan, Duggie el hijo de la cocinera de Mamie, Henry, la señorita Heddle y su desagradable hermano, la lianta de Holly… Algunos caen mejor que otros, algunos guardan más secretos que otros, pero en conjunto consiguen contar una historia muy entrañable. A pesar de eso, ni este libro ni el anterior logran superar a “Villa Vitoria”.
Los tíos de James no les abandonan, consiguen hacer amigos en el pueblo y meterse en muchos entuertos que la perspicacia de Rhoda y los retratos que realiza de la gente y los paisajes consiguen deshacer. A los personajes del segundo libro se añaden algunos más como el nuevo médico Adam y su hermana Nan, Duggie el hijo de la cocinera de Mamie, Henry, la señorita Heddle y su desagradable hermano, la lianta de Holly… Algunos caen mejor que otros, algunos guardan más secretos que otros, pero en conjunto consiguen contar una historia muy entrañable. A pesar de eso, ni este libro ni el anterior logran superar a “Villa Vitoria”.
August 16, 2024
Third in a trilogy with Vittoria Cottage and Music in the Hills. Super cozy novel written in the early 1950s and set contemporaneously about the lives of people living in a small Scottish sheep farming village. Sounds banal, but it is a typical DE Stevenson special -- cozy and warm character studies, the good people are really good and the bad people are horrid (with some exceptions), everything ties up in a neat package, but most of the denouement happens offstage.
July 7, 2016
I loved this book and only wish there had been another one about Duggie and the adventures he surely had.
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