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Fairacre #3
Storm in the Village: The third novel in the Fairacre series
The third novel in the bestselling Fairacre series.
On a blustery March day in the village of Fairacre, Miss Clare sees two strangers, 'pacing slowly, side by side, along the edge of Hundred Acre Field which lay on the other side of Miss Clare's garden hedge...'
So begins a story which brings all the villagers of Fairacre together, as they face the prospect of developers, who hope to build new houses on the fields adjoining old Mr Miller's farm. Everyone has an opinion - but not everyone is in agreement about the development.
Under the watchful gaze of Miss Read, the schoolteacher, we meet old characters and new, from retired teacher Miss Clare and the surly Mrs Pringle, to the new assistant teacher, Miss Jackson - who brings with her problems of her own...
On a blustery March day in the village of Fairacre, Miss Clare sees two strangers, 'pacing slowly, side by side, along the edge of Hundred Acre Field which lay on the other side of Miss Clare's garden hedge...'
So begins a story which brings all the villagers of Fairacre together, as they face the prospect of developers, who hope to build new houses on the fields adjoining old Mr Miller's farm. Everyone has an opinion - but not everyone is in agreement about the development.
Under the watchful gaze of Miss Read, the schoolteacher, we meet old characters and new, from retired teacher Miss Clare and the surly Mrs Pringle, to the new assistant teacher, Miss Jackson - who brings with her problems of her own...
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1958
181 people are currently reading
803 people want to read
About the author
Miss Read
157 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 - 30 of 141 reviews
March 23, 2020
This was a reread for me, that takes the reader back through the mists of time to a more gentle pace of life, to a quintessential English village, pretty thatched cottages, and nosy neighbours, and once again it allows us to catch up with our protagonist, school headmistress Miss Read. This was like a breath of fresh air in these troubled times. Just what I needed right now!
June 13, 2018
I’ve read only a few books by Miss Read so far, but each one I’ve picked up has been delightful and this one proved no different. Storm in the Village is the third of her Fairacre chronicles set in the village of Fairacre and narrated by Miss Read, the headmistress of the village school and in charge of the older students, while the ‘infants’ are taught by her assistant/junior Miss Hillary Jackson, who we’d met in the last book. In this one, a storm certainly is brewing in Fairacre when it seems that a new estate—quite literally a new township—for an atomic institute is being proposed on the hundred-acre farm belonging to Mr Miller, right between Fairacre and Beach Green. This means hundreds of new residents, buses, new water and sewerage connections, even a new school. In short, life at Fairacre seems set to be turned on its head, not to mention a farm and a beautiful part of the village set to be lost, and most residents disapprove. This development also doesn’t spell good news for Miss Read for if the new school comes up, Fairacre school is likely to be affected and then, what will she do? But this is not the only storm brewing in the little village. Miss Jackson seems to have fallen in love with a rather unsuitable man and refuses to see reason—ending up a source of anxiety not only to Miss Read but also Miss Clare in whose house she is a lodger. Life in a little English village might not sound like much, but it is never uneventful, here storms are brewing and thunder and lightning getting set to begin. Meanwhile, other more ‘regular’ events, the flower show, baby-sitting for the Annets, a collapsing roof, and troubles down at Tyler’s row also continue. [No bodies though which one begins to expect around every corner after reading too much Miss Marple or the Midsomer Murders ;) ]
I started my review by saying how delightful a read this was and I’ll say it here again! The thing about Miss Read is while her settings are idyllic, and her descriptions make you want to live in these places and in the houses (Miss Clare’s in particular for me), they are never unrealistic or the stuff of dreams. This is real life in its full flavour with all its ups but also its downs—illness, death, heartbreak, poverty, misery, family troubles—and not all of it always get sorted the ‘happily-ever-after’ way either, but just the simplicity of life she depicts, of life back when one had much less but was in some ways far happier, always leaves one with a happy, pleasant, feeling, a sense of peace when you read them. Miss Read has a lot on her plate in this one, beginning with the skylight smashing nearly on her head, to the impending new ‘development’ in the village (this reminded me a lot of the Miss Marple books, and how they adjusted to the new settlements in the village—The Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side), Miss Jackson’s problems, and Miss Clare’s health but she still manages to find many moments of happiness for herself and for others as well. [I just glanced at my review of Thrush Green and realised this is sounds almost exactly like that—but these are the feelings that I have about the book so I won’t change them, that is not my review]. I also loved how the sections of the book were arranged around the storm theme—from the straws in the wind to the storm breaking and unleashing the thunder and lightning, to things finally calming down again. Needless to say, I adored J.S. Goodall’s illustrations as always. A wonderful wonderful read—I am so very glad she wrote thirty-three books (both series together) and I have so many more still left to enjoy.
I started my review by saying how delightful a read this was and I’ll say it here again! The thing about Miss Read is while her settings are idyllic, and her descriptions make you want to live in these places and in the houses (Miss Clare’s in particular for me), they are never unrealistic or the stuff of dreams. This is real life in its full flavour with all its ups but also its downs—illness, death, heartbreak, poverty, misery, family troubles—and not all of it always get sorted the ‘happily-ever-after’ way either, but just the simplicity of life she depicts, of life back when one had much less but was in some ways far happier, always leaves one with a happy, pleasant, feeling, a sense of peace when you read them. Miss Read has a lot on her plate in this one, beginning with the skylight smashing nearly on her head, to the impending new ‘development’ in the village (this reminded me a lot of the Miss Marple books, and how they adjusted to the new settlements in the village—The Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side), Miss Jackson’s problems, and Miss Clare’s health but she still manages to find many moments of happiness for herself and for others as well. [I just glanced at my review of Thrush Green and realised this is sounds almost exactly like that—but these are the feelings that I have about the book so I won’t change them, that is not my review]. I also loved how the sections of the book were arranged around the storm theme—from the straws in the wind to the storm breaking and unleashing the thunder and lightning, to things finally calming down again. Needless to say, I adored J.S. Goodall’s illustrations as always. A wonderful wonderful read—I am so very glad she wrote thirty-three books (both series together) and I have so many more still left to enjoy.
May 26, 2025
And now I'm settling into Fairacre and getting to know the villagers.
March 17, 2010
This one made me want to move to Fairacre and live in a little thatched cottage. Another lovely little tale of village denizens living their lives, all entangled, all fairly aligned. Mrs. Pringle stomps through, hilariously dour. She's fast becoming my favorite character, though the dear Doctor runs a close second.
These books are like a bowl of macaroni and cheese on a night full of sleet and bluster. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
These books are like a bowl of macaroni and cheese on a night full of sleet and bluster. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
April 9, 2025
How wonderful to return to the village of Fairacre in Storm in the Village. I love the way the author writes the characters—some are simply endearing, some are endearing despite their many foibles, and some aren’t endearing at all… but each one is wonderfully unique.
March 5, 2019
[ 3.5 out of 5 stars]
I should read books from this series more often. They are wonderful rainy day reads: slow and cozy. I always find myself guzzling tea (the ultimate rainy day beverage) when I read one of Miss Read's books. I think it involves the constant references to English teatime!
The Fairacre books are even comforting when the peace of the village is being threatened which is all due to the wonderful characters. They are the sort of everyday-ish people that are completely indescribable. They balance the story --- who am I kidding, they are the story! From Miss Clare to Joseph Coggs to the vicar, they are the setting, the conflict, and the charm.
Miss Read is my favorite character simply because she said this: "The older I get, the more delighted I am that I'm single. Love seems a frightful nuisance." [p. 63]
I should read books from this series more often. They are wonderful rainy day reads: slow and cozy. I always find myself guzzling tea (the ultimate rainy day beverage) when I read one of Miss Read's books. I think it involves the constant references to English teatime!
The Fairacre books are even comforting when the peace of the village is being threatened which is all due to the wonderful characters. They are the sort of everyday-ish people that are completely indescribable. They balance the story --- who am I kidding, they are the story! From Miss Clare to Joseph Coggs to the vicar, they are the setting, the conflict, and the charm.
Miss Read is my favorite character simply because she said this: "The older I get, the more delighted I am that I'm single. Love seems a frightful nuisance." [p. 63]
March 18, 2020
3.5 stars.
I'm still getting used to the Fairacre folks after being devoted to the Thrush Green villagers. The main story line did not appeal to me, but I chuckled often at people's idiosyncrasies as described by Miss Read.
The descriptions, as usual, were lovely: In autumn "the elm trees, overshadowing the school, stood in gaunt majesty."
And I learned a new phrase, "The worm turned," which means that a bad situation gets better. I was certainly glad to see that happen with many of the books stormy situations, especially in the life of young Joe Coggs.
I'm still getting used to the Fairacre folks after being devoted to the Thrush Green villagers. The main story line did not appeal to me, but I chuckled often at people's idiosyncrasies as described by Miss Read.
The descriptions, as usual, were lovely: In autumn "the elm trees, overshadowing the school, stood in gaunt majesty."
And I learned a new phrase, "The worm turned," which means that a bad situation gets better. I was certainly glad to see that happen with many of the books stormy situations, especially in the life of young Joe Coggs.
April 17, 2021
Miss Read's books are like coming home, all cozy and comforting. The characters are delightful even the old, crotchety ones. Fairacre is a wonderful, small village in the English countryside. It's the type of place where my heart dwells. I love the small town, rural life. On top of that, Miss Read fills her village with all the types of characters you would expect to find, from our wonderful narrator and headmistress of the small school, Miss Read, to the despicable drunk who abuses his family. The latter isn't a pleasant character, of course, but an accurate portrayal nonetheless. In Storm in the Village, the third in the Fairacre series, the town is faced with an unexpected challenge. A new townsite has been proposed between Fairacre and Beech Green that will considerably alter their way of life, including the possible closure of the small Fairacre school.
June 30, 2018
The little Cotswold village of Fairacre weathers a challenge to its existence from plans to build a large housing estate nearby. Miss Read, the school teacher, copes with an unhappy junior colleague, the grouchy cleaner, Mrs Pringle, and the day to day challenges of teaching.
*****
Reread because I didn’t realize until one-third of the way through that I’d read it before. I’ve added a bit to my review to distinguish this from the other Miss Read books.
*****
Reread because I didn’t realize until one-third of the way through that I’d read it before. I’ve added a bit to my review to distinguish this from the other Miss Read books.
June 7, 2019
I’ve frequently commented that Miss Read’s books don’t really have a plot, and I’m okay with that. However, this one does have a plot. After WW2, atomic energy was seen as the energy of the future, and a number of atomic plants were built. The authorities proposed to erect a purpose-built village between Fairacre and Caxley to house the workers and their families. The land being considered belonged to a farmer named Miller, whose family had owned it for over a century. Needless to say, he wasn’t keen on selling more than 100 acres of prime agricultural land to be turned into a massive housing estate.
In addition, the housing estate will have its own school. Fairacre is militantly proud of its school, and the villagers fear their school may be forced to close, with their children sent to the new school. So in spite of the carrot of more frequent buses, and the additional business for local merchants, nearly all of the villagers are up in arms and ready to proclaim their opposition to the scheme.
The book is organized into 4 parts, using weather imagery to represent the turmoil of the village; it’s quite clever and works very well. There are also lesser subplots: Miss Jackson, the infants’ teacher, falls in love with a very unsuitable man; Miss Clare’s health is failing; and similar village events. In the third part, titled “The Storm Breaks,” all these threads reach their climax.
I have read so many books over my lifetime that I seldom encounter a completely new-to-me word (other than slang), but I ran across one here: “The yellowing keys tinkled plangently under Miss Clare’s fingers as she played. (Just in case it’s new to you, too, plangent means loud, reverberating and often melancholy; synonyms are plaintive, sonorous, mournful, etc.)
Miss Read has mentioned her friend, Amy, several times in the earlier books, and we see quite a bit of her again. It’s so funny how they disagree and even quarrel quite passionately, yet they never really fall out.
As always, Miss Read writes so beautifully and expressively - her books are pure joy to read.
In addition, the housing estate will have its own school. Fairacre is militantly proud of its school, and the villagers fear their school may be forced to close, with their children sent to the new school. So in spite of the carrot of more frequent buses, and the additional business for local merchants, nearly all of the villagers are up in arms and ready to proclaim their opposition to the scheme.
The book is organized into 4 parts, using weather imagery to represent the turmoil of the village; it’s quite clever and works very well. There are also lesser subplots: Miss Jackson, the infants’ teacher, falls in love with a very unsuitable man; Miss Clare’s health is failing; and similar village events. In the third part, titled “The Storm Breaks,” all these threads reach their climax.
I have read so many books over my lifetime that I seldom encounter a completely new-to-me word (other than slang), but I ran across one here: “The yellowing keys tinkled plangently under Miss Clare’s fingers as she played. (Just in case it’s new to you, too, plangent means loud, reverberating and often melancholy; synonyms are plaintive, sonorous, mournful, etc.)
Miss Read has mentioned her friend, Amy, several times in the earlier books, and we see quite a bit of her again. It’s so funny how they disagree and even quarrel quite passionately, yet they never really fall out.
As always, Miss Read writes so beautifully and expressively - her books are pure joy to read.
March 2, 2025
Depicts the peace and tranquility of life and the minutae of domesticity in an English village in the 1950s. Miss Read is splendid at describing nature.⁶
June 7, 2012
I had suspected that I would love the Fairacre novels as much as Miss Read's other series, Thrush Green. However, these novels are even better!
In this third volume in the series, the village of Fairacre braces itself to oppose a proposed housing estate, while Miss Read's assistant, Miss Jackson, puts her job and reputation at risk over a womanizing man. How will it all end? Unlike Thrush Green, where the happy ending is preordained, in Storm in the Village, there is a real sense of suspense -- particularly with regard to the lovesick and foolish Miss Jackson.
While still cozy, they portray a more realistic view of village life in the 1950s, complete with adultery, a privileged harridan, wife and child abuse, unwed mothers, irascible figures, and a silly overwrought young woman intent on throwing it all away on a scalawag. The spinster schoolteacher, Miss Read, provides a sharp albeit somewhat sentimental social commentary on the joys and foibles of village life.
Who knew? Fairacre is even more enjoyable than Thrush Green, which was sometimes much too idealized. I've already ordered the next Fairacre novel, Miss Clare Remembers. I can hardly wait.
In this third volume in the series, the village of Fairacre braces itself to oppose a proposed housing estate, while Miss Read's assistant, Miss Jackson, puts her job and reputation at risk over a womanizing man. How will it all end? Unlike Thrush Green, where the happy ending is preordained, in Storm in the Village, there is a real sense of suspense -- particularly with regard to the lovesick and foolish Miss Jackson.
While still cozy, they portray a more realistic view of village life in the 1950s, complete with adultery, a privileged harridan, wife and child abuse, unwed mothers, irascible figures, and a silly overwrought young woman intent on throwing it all away on a scalawag. The spinster schoolteacher, Miss Read, provides a sharp albeit somewhat sentimental social commentary on the joys and foibles of village life.
Who knew? Fairacre is even more enjoyable than Thrush Green, which was sometimes much too idealized. I've already ordered the next Fairacre novel, Miss Clare Remembers. I can hardly wait.
March 7, 2014
Delightful series. Wasn't sure if I would like this
as much as the Thrush Green series, but I do! I love
the characters in this tiny village. Not goody goody
or icky sticky nice nice. The characters are very human,
and not all of them are pleasant. Mrs Pringle is a grumpy
opinionated old bat and a terrible gossip. There are others
women in the village who are also pushy and demanding. Then you
have a silly stubborn naive young woman who is the teacher of the younger students
( 5 to 8 year old)at Fairacre, who falls head over heels with the wrong man and makes
trouble for people who have her best interests at heart. Then there is
Arthur Coggins, resident drunken wife beater who abuses his kids too! Makes
for a lively interesting read.
as much as the Thrush Green series, but I do! I love
the characters in this tiny village. Not goody goody
or icky sticky nice nice. The characters are very human,
and not all of them are pleasant. Mrs Pringle is a grumpy
opinionated old bat and a terrible gossip. There are others
women in the village who are also pushy and demanding. Then you
have a silly stubborn naive young woman who is the teacher of the younger students
( 5 to 8 year old)at Fairacre, who falls head over heels with the wrong man and makes
trouble for people who have her best interests at heart. Then there is
Arthur Coggins, resident drunken wife beater who abuses his kids too! Makes
for a lively interesting read.
October 26, 2022
The threat of development hangs over Fairacre. (ominous music plays here) But our beloved villagers face the looming disaster with their usual aplomb (or grumbling - looking at you Mrs. Pringle).
A few favorite quotes:
"As I have a horror of stirring up emotional upsets and very much dislike receiving confidences from overwrought individuals who will doubtless regret their own disclosures as soon as they have come to their senses, I had so far kept silent on this matter, but it had given me many uneasy moments..." #same
"In these last few months he had had far more cases suffering from nervous strain than ever before. His advice was generally, 'Get out into the fresh air. Look at the life about you. Look out and not in. Nature can cure you where I can't."
A few favorite quotes:
"As I have a horror of stirring up emotional upsets and very much dislike receiving confidences from overwrought individuals who will doubtless regret their own disclosures as soon as they have come to their senses, I had so far kept silent on this matter, but it had given me many uneasy moments..." #same
"In these last few months he had had far more cases suffering from nervous strain than ever before. His advice was generally, 'Get out into the fresh air. Look at the life about you. Look out and not in. Nature can cure you where I can't."
August 18, 2024
Another charming book by Miss Read - she writes so well and her characters are very well done. Trying to work my way through all of them.
March 9, 2020
I can’t even, with these books.
What gems they are. It's amazing they’ve never been adapted to TV. They would make an excellent series. They are humorous and human, always heart-warming and occasionally heart-rending. The post-war Cotswold village setting would be a feast for the eyes. And the quirky and comic characters would translate to the screen like a charm.
It would be something like Doc Martin, only cozier.
Doc Martin was an outsider. He came from the more metropolitan London, and was at every turn, confronted with the quirky people and odd ways of this small, remote community. Of course, Doc Martin was curmudgeonly. Being predisposed to irksomeness, his encounters with the townspeople and their habits were to great comic effect.
In Fairacre, the closest thing to an outsider is Miss Read herself, (who is NOT a grump). But by this point in the series, she has assimilated comfortably into the community, so the role of outsider belongs to you the reader. You have a front row seat to the peculiar ways of this quaint village. Their narrow outlook, rigid opinions, petty disagreements and trivial gossip. And while you spend half your time smiling and shaking your head at them, you spend the other half wishing you lived there.
Meanwhile, Miss Read’s dry wit is laugh-out-loud funny. For a mild-mannered schoolmistress, she’s not too timid to make the occasional unflattering observation, even about herself. Her narration is candid, and includes the deeply sad (poverty, abuse) as well as the uplifting and humorous.
Yes, there were storms in the village, both literal and metaphorical ones. The various crises were the more compelling for having gotten to know the characters over the course of a few books. This was my favorite book in the series so far.
What gems they are. It's amazing they’ve never been adapted to TV. They would make an excellent series. They are humorous and human, always heart-warming and occasionally heart-rending. The post-war Cotswold village setting would be a feast for the eyes. And the quirky and comic characters would translate to the screen like a charm.
It would be something like Doc Martin, only cozier.
Doc Martin was an outsider. He came from the more metropolitan London, and was at every turn, confronted with the quirky people and odd ways of this small, remote community. Of course, Doc Martin was curmudgeonly. Being predisposed to irksomeness, his encounters with the townspeople and their habits were to great comic effect.
In Fairacre, the closest thing to an outsider is Miss Read herself, (who is NOT a grump). But by this point in the series, she has assimilated comfortably into the community, so the role of outsider belongs to you the reader. You have a front row seat to the peculiar ways of this quaint village. Their narrow outlook, rigid opinions, petty disagreements and trivial gossip. And while you spend half your time smiling and shaking your head at them, you spend the other half wishing you lived there.
Meanwhile, Miss Read’s dry wit is laugh-out-loud funny. For a mild-mannered schoolmistress, she’s not too timid to make the occasional unflattering observation, even about herself. Her narration is candid, and includes the deeply sad (poverty, abuse) as well as the uplifting and humorous.
Yes, there were storms in the village, both literal and metaphorical ones. The various crises were the more compelling for having gotten to know the characters over the course of a few books. This was my favorite book in the series so far.
April 9, 2018
The third in the series of Fairacre. The title alone lead me to believe that were would be trouble ahead and yes correct, it came in the shape of a housing proposal, domestic abuse and adultery to name a few.
All these issues made the quiet village have a lot more realism to what you could imagine it would be like which engaged me as the reader more and therefore upped the pace of the series and encouraged me more to want to continue with it.
A relaxing short easy read.
All these issues made the quiet village have a lot more realism to what you could imagine it would be like which engaged me as the reader more and therefore upped the pace of the series and encouraged me more to want to continue with it.
A relaxing short easy read.
October 19, 2023
Always a pleasure to lose yourself in a ‘Miss Read’. I haven’t read this one for years but now I’m re reading the whole series in order I’m picking up ones that had been missing from my collection. I actually listened to this on audible. A welcome distraction.
June 7, 2020
Another trip to Fairacre. A planning application, a teacher's romance, and the ever complaining Mrs Pringle. A great escape read.
December 12, 2020
There's more than one storm brewing in this little village!
November 6, 2018
I don’t know how she does it, but each book in the Fairacre series remains as charming as ever, while adding a layer of complexity to the story.
Storm in the Village, the third book in the series, has the whole village of Fairacre grappling with the news that a new estate may be built nearby. In the meantime, Miss Jackson, the new teacher for the infants, has fallen in love with a thoroughly unsuitable man.
The previous book, Village Diary, was told entirely through the journal entries of Miss Read. Storm in the Village goes back to the narrative style of Village School – most of the story is from Miss Read’s point of view, but there quite a few sections that are from the perspective of Miss Jackson, the vicar, and even the Coggs! I find that I much prefer this style of story telling, because it allows for the other characters to develop and for more complexity in the story.
The plot about the new estate was interesting because it brought out the potential tensions between country and city folk, not to mention the impact that a new estate could have. Apart from worries that this new group of people will have very different lifestyles, the book explores the question of how institutions like Churches and schools will have to deal with this. Given that the previous two books talk about the challenges facing rural schools, it’s clear that any major event will impact the existence of the school.
The plot involving Miss Jackson’s romance was interesting and somewhat amusing. I didn’t really like Miss Jackson when she first appeared, but she grew on me in the first book.
In fact, I think a lot more characters are growing on me. Mrs Pringle, the crabby cleaner for the school, hasn’t really changed, but I find that I enjoy her sections more than I first did. The vicar, whom I didn’t really have a good sense of at first, came across as a very funny old man – reminded me of my grandparents, to be honest. Oh yes, and Jospeh Coggs’ story comes to a somewhat happy end here; I won’t spoil it but I was so pleased to read about it!
Even though this is the most ‘drama’ filled book in the series, it remains a cozy read. Through the worries about big changes and possible romances, the book remains upbeat. It’s like listening to a story from a close friend over a cup of tea.
This review was first posted at my blog
Storm in the Village, the third book in the series, has the whole village of Fairacre grappling with the news that a new estate may be built nearby. In the meantime, Miss Jackson, the new teacher for the infants, has fallen in love with a thoroughly unsuitable man.
The previous book, Village Diary, was told entirely through the journal entries of Miss Read. Storm in the Village goes back to the narrative style of Village School – most of the story is from Miss Read’s point of view, but there quite a few sections that are from the perspective of Miss Jackson, the vicar, and even the Coggs! I find that I much prefer this style of story telling, because it allows for the other characters to develop and for more complexity in the story.
The plot about the new estate was interesting because it brought out the potential tensions between country and city folk, not to mention the impact that a new estate could have. Apart from worries that this new group of people will have very different lifestyles, the book explores the question of how institutions like Churches and schools will have to deal with this. Given that the previous two books talk about the challenges facing rural schools, it’s clear that any major event will impact the existence of the school.
The plot involving Miss Jackson’s romance was interesting and somewhat amusing. I didn’t really like Miss Jackson when she first appeared, but she grew on me in the first book.
In fact, I think a lot more characters are growing on me. Mrs Pringle, the crabby cleaner for the school, hasn’t really changed, but I find that I enjoy her sections more than I first did. The vicar, whom I didn’t really have a good sense of at first, came across as a very funny old man – reminded me of my grandparents, to be honest. Oh yes, and Jospeh Coggs’ story comes to a somewhat happy end here; I won’t spoil it but I was so pleased to read about it!
Even though this is the most ‘drama’ filled book in the series, it remains a cozy read. Through the worries about big changes and possible romances, the book remains upbeat. It’s like listening to a story from a close friend over a cup of tea.
This review was first posted at my blog
November 17, 2020
What sweet escapism! I absolutely love this series! This time the stories were told from several different perspectives, including Miss Read, which I loved. This time in Fairacre storms, both literal and figurative, are brewing. The biggest storm of all comes in the form of a new housing development, including shops and a new school. The problem is the Atomic Energy Plant wants to build this new development on Hundred Acre Wood, evicting longtime farmer Mr. Miller and destroying the land. As always, each story is pure delight and I can’t wait for the next one!
March 26, 2018
This book is marvelous-- so many tender poignant scenes. One very memorable scene involving poverty stricken childhood and the manner in which the village came together to help a family. I can't love this series enough! All the characters are so dear, especially Miss Clare. I am so grateful to my friend Linda for introducing me to Miss Read!
May 21, 2017
What a delight to read these Fairacre books!
September 24, 2020
I am becoming so attached to the characters in this lovely series. This third book brings to light the deep sense of community in the village of Fairacre. In the midst of these uncertain and often cruel times, it is a gift to be able to escape for a while to a simpler life.
August 28, 2023
Once again, I enjoyed a wee escape of life in the village of Fairacre.
March 19, 2023
Another delightful tale of village life. As a teacher, I love the school scenes, and the reminder that despite all that has changed in school life, there is so much that is still exactly the same!
May 25, 2022
Pick up a Miss Read book for a soothing day and a comforting night!
August 13, 2024
Excellent writing as usual, but the topic of impending development making it a bit stressful.
October 12, 2015
Historic Fiction Lost the charm
I didn't like this one near as much as the last, embroiled as it is with the threat of a large urban suburb planned next to the small country village. And for Miss Read, some unpleasantness with her unlikeable assistant. Bottom line, without the charm of all the children, these books have petered out for me.
I think I will go on to the next one, since it's from Miss Clare's perspective, a look back at all that changed over the course of her life, but I doubt I'll progress beyond that.
The kindle edition has the same problem as the first and second in the series, all the double letter "l"s are transposed as a "d" instead.
This book is clean, no bad words and no intimate scenes.
I didn't like this one near as much as the last, embroiled as it is with the threat of a large urban suburb planned next to the small country village. And for Miss Read, some unpleasantness with her unlikeable assistant. Bottom line, without the charm of all the children, these books have petered out for me.
I think I will go on to the next one, since it's from Miss Clare's perspective, a look back at all that changed over the course of her life, but I doubt I'll progress beyond that.
The kindle edition has the same problem as the first and second in the series, all the double letter "l"s are transposed as a "d" instead.
This book is clean, no bad words and no intimate scenes.
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