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Christmas with Miss Read: Christmas at Fairacre, A Country Christmas
The people of Thrush Green and Fairacre celebrate Christmas in a traditional style which has hardly changed over the generations. Children eagerly hang up their stockings, families go to church together, and everyone enjoys Christmas cake and other treats of the festive season. For heartwarming reading there is no writer to rival Miss Read, and this delightful Christmas collection of novels is packed with unforgettable characters, enchanting stories, and festive cheer.
528 pages, Paperback
First published October 27, 2011
23 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Miss Read
158 books514 followersDora Jessie Saint MBE née Shafe (born 17 April 1913), best known by the pen name Miss Read, was an English novelist, by profession a schoolmistress. Her pseudonym was derived from her mother's maiden name. In 1940 she married her husband, Douglas, a former headmaster. The couple had a daughter, Jill. She began writing for several journals after World War II and worked as a scriptwriter for the BBC.
She wrote a series of novels from 1955 to 1996. Her work centred on two fictional English villages, Fairacre and Thrush Green. The principal character in the Fairacre books, "Miss Read", is an unmarried schoolteacher in a small village school, an acerbic and yet compassionate observer of village life. Miss Read's novels are wry regional social comedies, laced with gentle humour and subtle social commentary. Miss Read is also a keen observer of nature and the changing seasons.
Her most direct influence is from Jane Austen, although her work also bears similarities to the social comedies of manners written in the 1920s and 1930s, and in particular the work of Barbara Pym. Miss Read's work has influenced a number of writers in her own turn, including the American writer Jan Karon. The musician Enya has a track on her Watermark album named after the book Miss Clare Remembers, and one on her Shepherd Moons album named after No Holly for Miss Quinn.
In 1996 she retired. In 1998 she was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her services to literature. She died 7 April, 2012 in Shefford Woodlands.
She wrote a series of novels from 1955 to 1996. Her work centred on two fictional English villages, Fairacre and Thrush Green. The principal character in the Fairacre books, "Miss Read", is an unmarried schoolteacher in a small village school, an acerbic and yet compassionate observer of village life. Miss Read's novels are wry regional social comedies, laced with gentle humour and subtle social commentary. Miss Read is also a keen observer of nature and the changing seasons.
Her most direct influence is from Jane Austen, although her work also bears similarities to the social comedies of manners written in the 1920s and 1930s, and in particular the work of Barbara Pym. Miss Read's work has influenced a number of writers in her own turn, including the American writer Jan Karon. The musician Enya has a track on her Watermark album named after the book Miss Clare Remembers, and one on her Shepherd Moons album named after No Holly for Miss Quinn.
In 1996 she retired. In 1998 she was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her services to literature. She died 7 April, 2012 in Shefford Woodlands.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 16, 2019
I normally try to read the Fairacre series in order, but when I saw this, I knew that it had to be read in the Christmas season. Christmas with Miss Read is a collection of stories that are, in some way, linked to Christmas. Some of them, I think I’ve already read (The Fairacre Ghost seems very familiar), but most were new to me. Out of all the stories, I particularly liked:
No Holly for Miss Quinn: Miss Quinn is an introvert who has moved to Fairacre. She has done her best to make sure that she has a quiet Christmas with the minimum amount of socialising, but when her dear brother calls her to help with an emergency, Miss Quinn must step out of her comfort zone.
The Christmas Mouse: Mrs Berry lives with her daughter, Mary, and her grandchildren. One night, Mrs Berry is driven from her room by a mouse – her greatest fear. But as she tries to settle in the living room, she’s awakened by a mouse of a different sort.
The Christmas Mouse is pretty interesting because it’s the most overtly religious Miss Read tale that I’ve come across. Most of the stories are set in the village with a Church, but the Church activities and the vicar tend to be the focus, instead of the theology. In this story, however, we do get discussions of how people might react to tragedy – by drawing closer to their faith or by drawing away. As a Christian who is all to prone to trying to ‘Do It Myself’, these lines struck me:
“Without submission to a divine will, who could be happy? We were too frail to stand and fight alone, but that’s what Mary was doing, and why she secretly was so unhappy.”
The Christmas Mouse by Miss Read
I’m digressing, but for me, there is comfort in the fact that I don’t have to go through things alone and that God is watching over all. It’s also something that I am prone to forget, so these lines struck me as a timely reminder.
The story doesn’t end with Mary coming to a sudden realisation of her need for God because it’s not that type of story (it’s about a Christmas mouse) but I liked that the story grappled with both responses to tragedy, even if it was a minor part of the tale.
Village Christmas: A very friendly family has moved next door to Mary and Margaret. The two sisters find the family a bit too friendly, but when an emergency strikes during Christmas, they must find the village spirit and help each them out.
The White Robin: A white robin has been spotted in Fairacre and thanks to Mr Mawne, has become the darling of the village (and even further afield!) Unfortunately, tragedy strikes – but can there be a happy ending?
As much as I enjoyed The White Robin, the book was published in 1979 and it shows its age in some places. There is a minor character who appears to be suffering from mental illness, and though she is portrayed sympathetically, the treatment she gets is definitely not up to date (mostly taking her away to ‘rest’). I couldn’t help thinking that if this was modern times, there would be a lot more help available.
Overall, this is a gentle, cosy read that takes us into the village of Fairacre (and once to Caxley). Singapore is currently hit with an unusually cool season (which for us means anything below 25 degrees celsius) so it actually felt like Christmas while I was reading it.
This review was first posted at Eustea Reads
No Holly for Miss Quinn: Miss Quinn is an introvert who has moved to Fairacre. She has done her best to make sure that she has a quiet Christmas with the minimum amount of socialising, but when her dear brother calls her to help with an emergency, Miss Quinn must step out of her comfort zone.
The Christmas Mouse: Mrs Berry lives with her daughter, Mary, and her grandchildren. One night, Mrs Berry is driven from her room by a mouse – her greatest fear. But as she tries to settle in the living room, she’s awakened by a mouse of a different sort.
The Christmas Mouse is pretty interesting because it’s the most overtly religious Miss Read tale that I’ve come across. Most of the stories are set in the village with a Church, but the Church activities and the vicar tend to be the focus, instead of the theology. In this story, however, we do get discussions of how people might react to tragedy – by drawing closer to their faith or by drawing away. As a Christian who is all to prone to trying to ‘Do It Myself’, these lines struck me:
“Without submission to a divine will, who could be happy? We were too frail to stand and fight alone, but that’s what Mary was doing, and why she secretly was so unhappy.”
The Christmas Mouse by Miss Read
I’m digressing, but for me, there is comfort in the fact that I don’t have to go through things alone and that God is watching over all. It’s also something that I am prone to forget, so these lines struck me as a timely reminder.
The story doesn’t end with Mary coming to a sudden realisation of her need for God because it’s not that type of story (it’s about a Christmas mouse) but I liked that the story grappled with both responses to tragedy, even if it was a minor part of the tale.
Village Christmas: A very friendly family has moved next door to Mary and Margaret. The two sisters find the family a bit too friendly, but when an emergency strikes during Christmas, they must find the village spirit and help each them out.
The White Robin: A white robin has been spotted in Fairacre and thanks to Mr Mawne, has become the darling of the village (and even further afield!) Unfortunately, tragedy strikes – but can there be a happy ending?
As much as I enjoyed The White Robin, the book was published in 1979 and it shows its age in some places. There is a minor character who appears to be suffering from mental illness, and though she is portrayed sympathetically, the treatment she gets is definitely not up to date (mostly taking her away to ‘rest’). I couldn’t help thinking that if this was modern times, there would be a lot more help available.
Overall, this is a gentle, cosy read that takes us into the village of Fairacre (and once to Caxley). Singapore is currently hit with an unusually cool season (which for us means anything below 25 degrees celsius) so it actually felt like Christmas while I was reading it.
This review was first posted at Eustea Reads
December 9, 2021
Not at all to my tastes, I'm afraid. I don't think I'd thrive in any of these villages - nominal, self-righteous Christian church goers who judge each other as if they themselves are seated on the right hand of God and the last trump gone!
The Guardian described Miss Read's works as having "a little harmless tittle-tattle". Harmless, my foot! What childish, hateful back-biting! Gave me the horrors. Oooh, I'd start in with Ephesians 4:29 and let rip to Proverbs pretty quick if I was giving a sermon there. The hypocrisy! Yuck.
And here's the thing - if I am one of those sad gits who missed the humour in this, I would like to point out that I am of foreign extraction. There must be specialist knowledge required that admirers of Miss Read's perhaps take for granted. (I found it much less funny than Cold Comfort Farm, for example. But then I'm a Wodehouse devotee - rather another style altogether, what?).
I found many of the stories predictable, but I did enjoy the descriptions of the countryside, weather, flora and fauna. I think I disliked nearly every character, however. Also - has HALF the population of the ruddy village been tragically widowed in their youth?! The rate of early deaths in these books defies statistical norms, I'm certain!
The big theme in this particular selection of stories was the revelation of the reality of Father Christmas. I take it that a young Miss Read was quite shaken to the core over this. Sure seemed to have left an indelible mark for her. I found it a bit repetitive.
I would like to express my gratitude to the late Miss Read for curing me of any fleeting desire to move into British village life. The draughts, the flooding under windowsills and lack of central heating or even weather-stripping, the mammoth lurking spiders.... but mostly the AWFUL, INSULAR INHABITANTS! My word. Even if this was meant to be a comical take on a typical village, I can't say I found it charming.
In short, I would much rather watch The Vicar of Dibley. I think I will. 'Tis the season for the Christmas Lunch episode after all.
The Guardian described Miss Read's works as having "a little harmless tittle-tattle". Harmless, my foot! What childish, hateful back-biting! Gave me the horrors. Oooh, I'd start in with Ephesians 4:29 and let rip to Proverbs pretty quick if I was giving a sermon there. The hypocrisy! Yuck.
And here's the thing - if I am one of those sad gits who missed the humour in this, I would like to point out that I am of foreign extraction. There must be specialist knowledge required that admirers of Miss Read's perhaps take for granted. (I found it much less funny than Cold Comfort Farm, for example. But then I'm a Wodehouse devotee - rather another style altogether, what?).
I found many of the stories predictable, but I did enjoy the descriptions of the countryside, weather, flora and fauna. I think I disliked nearly every character, however. Also - has HALF the population of the ruddy village been tragically widowed in their youth?! The rate of early deaths in these books defies statistical norms, I'm certain!
The big theme in this particular selection of stories was the revelation of the reality of Father Christmas. I take it that a young Miss Read was quite shaken to the core over this. Sure seemed to have left an indelible mark for her. I found it a bit repetitive.
I would like to express my gratitude to the late Miss Read for curing me of any fleeting desire to move into British village life. The draughts, the flooding under windowsills and lack of central heating or even weather-stripping, the mammoth lurking spiders.... but mostly the AWFUL, INSULAR INHABITANTS! My word. Even if this was meant to be a comical take on a typical village, I can't say I found it charming.
In short, I would much rather watch The Vicar of Dibley. I think I will. 'Tis the season for the Christmas Lunch episode after all.
January 24, 2025
3-4* with No Holly for Miss Quinn being the standout story in this lovely compendium
January 4, 2021
Oh my! What a delightful holiday read this little book was!!
Having never read anything by Miss Read, this was a great introduction to her absolutely lovely tales which carry me off to a scene so close to my heart and cherishing ways and traditions so intrinsically part of my own life.
This book was one of my happiest reads all year! And now I can't wait to delve into some of her other books.
Having never read anything by Miss Read, this was a great introduction to her absolutely lovely tales which carry me off to a scene so close to my heart and cherishing ways and traditions so intrinsically part of my own life.
This book was one of my happiest reads all year! And now I can't wait to delve into some of her other books.
December 29, 2025
I loved this one! What a perfect companion to spend my holidays!
Wrote a long review about Miss Read books here for anyone interested: https://thesidewalkstone.wordpress.co...
Wrote a long review about Miss Read books here for anyone interested: https://thesidewalkstone.wordpress.co...
December 22, 2023
This is comprised of Christmas at Fairacre and A Country Christmas: Village Christmas, Jingle Bells, Christmas At Caxley 1913, The Fairacre Ghost and The White Robin plus Tales from a Village School. All in all some enjoyable stories that don't all take place at Christmas, but this is a pleasant book to read at this stressful time of year. I haven't read a book by Miss Read in many, many years, and this reminded me why I enjoyed her stories years ago. They remind me of a simpler time that is gone but that we yearn for in certain ways. I didn't live in this era or a place like Fairacre, but at times I wish I could now.
January 23, 2024
One or two things that have been calming my blood pressure and bringing me back to another age are the books by the wonderful Miss Read No Holly for Miss Quinn and Christmas in Fairacre. I picked these up in the fantastic second hand section of @chaptersbookstore and I am now a HUGE Miss Read fan.
Set during postwar Britain in the Cotswolds, Miss Read has a knack for making the rituals of a simple village Christmas, full of calamity and sweet humour. Such comforting reads, I felt completely enveloped in a picture perfect village as if I was hidden like a mouse inside their houses, hearing all the dramas and domestic upheaval in the run up to Christmas. I highly recommend these to anyone looking for a simple, gentle and quite humorous escape.
Set during postwar Britain in the Cotswolds, Miss Read has a knack for making the rituals of a simple village Christmas, full of calamity and sweet humour. Such comforting reads, I felt completely enveloped in a picture perfect village as if I was hidden like a mouse inside their houses, hearing all the dramas and domestic upheaval in the run up to Christmas. I highly recommend these to anyone looking for a simple, gentle and quite humorous escape.
January 3, 2021
What a delightful book!! I am so glad I chose this one for my Christmas reading. It is warm and sincere for any and all ages. And it will leave you with a desire to visit England and cozy up in an old cottage in a dear little village. I will be looking for more of Miss Read’s books for sure!
January 21, 2018
Easy read. The Fairacre Ghost was the best story.
December 23, 2019
Charming pre-Christmas read.
December 24, 2019
A wonderful anthology of stories from the countryside. My perfect read (no pun intended!) during the approach of the season.
January 27, 2020
January Library Book Club Read
I knows its January and we are reading Xmas stories but this was good book with short stories that you could dip in and out of.
I knows its January and we are reading Xmas stories but this was good book with short stories that you could dip in and out of.
November 15, 2020
Warm and fuzzy and for a time enjoyable. These tales allow you to wallow in nostalgia for bygone times, although a tad old fashioned.
January 2, 2023
A set of linked stories about village inhabitants in maybe the 50s. I enjoyed almost all. Gentle and humorous.
December 22, 2025
I only made it half way. Maybe picking it up again another holiday season?! It just felt like all the women in the stories were curmudgeons.
December 30, 2025
Cozy short stories about the fictional village of Fairacre. A great comfort read.
December 12, 2022
Cosy in that old-fashioned, slightly outdated, provincial kind of way. ‘No Holly for Miss Quinn’ was my favourite.
February 6, 2014
CHRISTMAS AT FAIRACRE
From an unexpected visitor on Christmas Eve in THE CHRISTMAS MOUSE to an unwelcome change of plan in NO HOLLY FOR MISS QUINN, Miss Read recounts some of the traditional Christmas events where often, despite the most careful planning, things do not always go as expected. In his charming collection of Christmas stories Miss Read describes the season's events with great tenderness and nostalgia.
A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
From the poignant story of THE WHITE ROBIN and the intriguing tale of THE FAIRACRE GHOST to the rural festivities recounted in TALES FROM A VILLAGE SCHOOL, Miss Read's wry wit and light touch is the perfect antidote to long winter evenings. The stories really put me in a festive mood!
This book is lovely and I enjoy reading it in bed when I am tired, upset or just need a 'comfort' book. :) xx
From an unexpected visitor on Christmas Eve in THE CHRISTMAS MOUSE to an unwelcome change of plan in NO HOLLY FOR MISS QUINN, Miss Read recounts some of the traditional Christmas events where often, despite the most careful planning, things do not always go as expected. In his charming collection of Christmas stories Miss Read describes the season's events with great tenderness and nostalgia.
A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
From the poignant story of THE WHITE ROBIN and the intriguing tale of THE FAIRACRE GHOST to the rural festivities recounted in TALES FROM A VILLAGE SCHOOL, Miss Read's wry wit and light touch is the perfect antidote to long winter evenings. The stories really put me in a festive mood!
This book is lovely and I enjoy reading it in bed when I am tired, upset or just need a 'comfort' book. :) xx
November 25, 2022
The description of this book (see above) includes three stories. However, the book I just bought has only two of them - A Country Christmas and Christmas at Fairacre. Christmas at Thrush Green is represented only by the "don't miss" sample, which is the first 7 pages of the book - the first chapter, apparently. This was a little disappointing, but perhaps it was the only Christmas-themed chapter in the book. It contains two novellas, No Holly For Miss Quinn and The White Robin. The rest are shorter stories - chapters from books and articles from Punch. They are all delightful, typical Miss Read - rural English village life, low key, comfortable without being preachy or saccharine, with well-fleshed-out characters. The Punch stories are nearly laugh-out-loud funny! I enjoyed it very much.
November 2022 Reading again
November 2022 Reading again
May 8, 2023
My Nana had a bureax with two bookshelves underneath. One shelf was taken up with A-Z of London, Motorists Atlas of Britain and other reference books. The other shelf held a few Lilian Beckwiths and then a comparatively vast collection of Miss Read books. I stayed with my Nana in London fairly frequently over the years and read the Miss Read books as a child.
My pen pal sent me this Christmas edition and it has been interesting to read as an adult, thinking of my Nana, also a teacher, also single for most of her life. Miss Read is no Joyce Grenfall though there is an attempt at the close of the book. But her observations of country life, people’s relationships and routines are fascinating in their own way.
My pen pal sent me this Christmas edition and it has been interesting to read as an adult, thinking of my Nana, also a teacher, also single for most of her life. Miss Read is no Joyce Grenfall though there is an attempt at the close of the book. But her observations of country life, people’s relationships and routines are fascinating in their own way.
January 1, 2013
This was an easy read book. However, the storyline's weren't as merry or as light hearted as I thought they would be. Wasn't the magical Christmas Read I was looking for.
March 20, 2014
I still enjoy reading these stories at Christmas time
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December 17, 2014lovely Christmas stories
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews