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Christmas at Fairacre: Village Christmas/Christmas Mouse/No Holly for Miss Quinn
A delightful Christmas collection of Fairacre tales from the ever-popular Miss Read.
The people of 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.
From an unexpected visitor on Christmas Eve in 'The Christmas Mouse' to an unwanted change of plan in 'No Holly For Miss Quinn', Miss Read recounts some of the most memorable Christmas events where often, despite best-laid plans, things do not always go as expected.
For heart-warming reading there is no writer to rival Miss Read, and this charming collection of Christmas tales is packed with unforgettable characters, enchanting stories and festive cheer.
The people of 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.
From an unexpected visitor on Christmas Eve in 'The Christmas Mouse' to an unwanted change of plan in 'No Holly For Miss Quinn', Miss Read recounts some of the most memorable Christmas events where often, despite best-laid plans, things do not always go as expected.
For heart-warming reading there is no writer to rival Miss Read, and this charming collection of Christmas tales is packed with unforgettable characters, enchanting stories and festive cheer.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
37 people are currently reading
692 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 106 reviews
December 18, 2025
This will be going on my favorites shelf because I will reread it often, possibly every year at Christmas. All 3 of these stories were calming yet thought provoking as well.
December 22, 2014
WEEKLY CHRISTMAS READ FOR DECEMBER
This was my first "Miss Read" book, and it continues to rank at the top of the series. You can still spend Christmas in some small villages in England and enjoy the smell of fires burning in cozy fireplaces, walking down wooded lanes, listening to choirs sing, drinking hot spiced rum, trying to warm up as the chill envelopes me...or you can also get all that by reading this treasure.
The characters are from a bygone era which is why it is so easy to love this book. When the rain arrives and the leaves fall, pick up this book and cuddle up in your reading chair. The three stories are certainly worth it.
Book season = Winter (sugarplums for strangers)
This was my first "Miss Read" book, and it continues to rank at the top of the series. You can still spend Christmas in some small villages in England and enjoy the smell of fires burning in cozy fireplaces, walking down wooded lanes, listening to choirs sing, drinking hot spiced rum, trying to warm up as the chill envelopes me...or you can also get all that by reading this treasure.
The characters are from a bygone era which is why it is so easy to love this book. When the rain arrives and the leaves fall, pick up this book and cuddle up in your reading chair. The three stories are certainly worth it.
Book season = Winter (sugarplums for strangers)
April 20, 2013
This is the Christmas book I've been waiting for. One might question why I've been waiting given that it's been in print for several decades. And the answer of course is that this is yet another authour of which I knew nothing till I took my first faltering steps into the blog world. If the rest of the books in her Fairacre series and her Thrush Green series are anything like this one, then Miss Read will be one of the best discoveries I've ever made.
This books reminds me of Anne of Green Gables, or the Mitford books by Jan Karon with small town settings and characters full of common sense and heart. Kindness to one's neighbours, duty to family, and helping the less fortunate are the principles they live by. There is comfort in these stories. They restore your hope in humanity when much of what we read and hear is working to destroy it.
There are three stories here: "Village Christmas", "The Christmas Mouse" and "No Holly For Miss Quinn". "Village Christmas" is about two aging sisters living across the road from a growing young family. Slightly disapproving at first, the sisters remember the true meaning of Christmas when the neighbours need their help in an emergency on Christmas morning.
"The Christmas Mouse" takes us to the home of Mrs. Berry, her widowed daughter and two young grandchildren. It is Christmas Eve, and with everything ready for the next day, the family has settled in their beds for the night. Mrs. Berry is awakened by what she fears is a mouse but turns out to be a small boy, wet, cold and about to eat the Christmas cake she'd made only that day. This encounter will change both their lives and help each one appreciate their many blessings.
The final story is "No Holly For Miss Quinn", which has Miss Miriam Quinn, in need of a new place to live, renting the annex of Holly Lodge. She is looking forward to a quiet, solitary life but things don't go according to her very carefully laid out plans. She is called away when her brother, a busy Pastor, calls to tell her his wife has been hospitalized and asks her to come help with the children. Her plans for redecorating will have to be put on hold, but, she tells herself, "What can't be cured must be endured". As she is swept up in the busyness of family life she finds herself enjoying it - and the company of a surprise visitor - far more than she had expected to.
As I came to the end of each story I wished it would keep going so I could spend more time with the wonderful, very human characters. I loved them, and was utterly charmed by the setting and the storytelling. I can't wait to read more. Very, very enjoyable.
This books reminds me of Anne of Green Gables, or the Mitford books by Jan Karon with small town settings and characters full of common sense and heart. Kindness to one's neighbours, duty to family, and helping the less fortunate are the principles they live by. There is comfort in these stories. They restore your hope in humanity when much of what we read and hear is working to destroy it.
There are three stories here: "Village Christmas", "The Christmas Mouse" and "No Holly For Miss Quinn". "Village Christmas" is about two aging sisters living across the road from a growing young family. Slightly disapproving at first, the sisters remember the true meaning of Christmas when the neighbours need their help in an emergency on Christmas morning.
"The Christmas Mouse" takes us to the home of Mrs. Berry, her widowed daughter and two young grandchildren. It is Christmas Eve, and with everything ready for the next day, the family has settled in their beds for the night. Mrs. Berry is awakened by what she fears is a mouse but turns out to be a small boy, wet, cold and about to eat the Christmas cake she'd made only that day. This encounter will change both their lives and help each one appreciate their many blessings.
The final story is "No Holly For Miss Quinn", which has Miss Miriam Quinn, in need of a new place to live, renting the annex of Holly Lodge. She is looking forward to a quiet, solitary life but things don't go according to her very carefully laid out plans. She is called away when her brother, a busy Pastor, calls to tell her his wife has been hospitalized and asks her to come help with the children. Her plans for redecorating will have to be put on hold, but, she tells herself, "What can't be cured must be endured". As she is swept up in the busyness of family life she finds herself enjoying it - and the company of a surprise visitor - far more than she had expected to.
As I came to the end of each story I wished it would keep going so I could spend more time with the wonderful, very human characters. I loved them, and was utterly charmed by the setting and the storytelling. I can't wait to read more. Very, very enjoyable.
September 16, 2017
Oh how I loved this book! This was my first time reading Miss Read (pen name obviously) and it most certainly is not the last.
Christmas at Fairacre is a compilation of three Christmas stories: Village Christmas, The Christmas Mouse and No Holly For Miss Quinn. This is not my first time reading a book of short stories but it is the first time I loved all of them equally.
The stories are somewhat old fashioned at times (written in the 1960s and 1970s) but other times they mirror current times. Each of the stories teaches life lessons yet are still very entertaining and all touch upon Christmas without being too holiday-ish. (I don't have a problem with that but I know not everyone likes Christmas overload).
My favorite part of Christmas Mouse was when a character states that every individual has the freedom of choice between good and evil. It reminded me of Wicked the musical when Galinda asks (sings) if Elphaba was born wicked. It also brought to mind the great debate nature vs. nurture.
They are all very sweet stories that take place in a rural English village. I didn't realize it at the time I purchased this book but there is a series of twenty books taking place in Fairacre. Now I've read 6, 10 and 12 (omnibus). Sorry hubs but I have to get the other 17 books now! There is a law or something 😹
I give this book 5 out of five stars. Highly recommend!!
Christmas at Fairacre is a compilation of three Christmas stories: Village Christmas, The Christmas Mouse and No Holly For Miss Quinn. This is not my first time reading a book of short stories but it is the first time I loved all of them equally.
The stories are somewhat old fashioned at times (written in the 1960s and 1970s) but other times they mirror current times. Each of the stories teaches life lessons yet are still very entertaining and all touch upon Christmas without being too holiday-ish. (I don't have a problem with that but I know not everyone likes Christmas overload).
My favorite part of Christmas Mouse was when a character states that every individual has the freedom of choice between good and evil. It reminded me of Wicked the musical when Galinda asks (sings) if Elphaba was born wicked. It also brought to mind the great debate nature vs. nurture.
They are all very sweet stories that take place in a rural English village. I didn't realize it at the time I purchased this book but there is a series of twenty books taking place in Fairacre. Now I've read 6, 10 and 12 (omnibus). Sorry hubs but I have to get the other 17 books now! There is a law or something 😹
I give this book 5 out of five stars. Highly recommend!!
January 2, 2025
A lovely collection of three stories previously published separately. I read the first story—"Village Christmas" (1966)—in a separate volume, and wasn't terribly taken with it.
But the second story, "The Christmas Mouse" (1973), is a treasure. The author overcomes some of the problems of the short story genre by giving her characters flashbacks to their youth and to previous Christmases, which fleshes out their character and life experience quite successfully. There is loss and sorrow, but also hope and joy, all mingled together in their experience of Christmas. There are also some elements of mystery, almost holy mystery, in the plot: chance encounters that happen to occur on Christmas Eve. And Miss Read does well not to tie up conclusions—why did all this happen?—too neatly. The story weaves several threads of plot and character together, creating quite a satisfying tale...in fact, one of the most satisfying short stories I've read. (Usually they leave me feeling like I ate one tiny appetizer instead of a whole meal and am still very hungry.)
In the third story, "No Holly for Miss Quinn" (1976), Miss Read reprises some of the successful storytelling techniques of the previous story. I didn't like it quite as much, partly because most of it takes place outside of the cozy village of Fairacre, partly because portions felt heavy-handed. A happily single career woman learns that housewives and mothers actually have their hands very full! Astonishing! (I'm not being fair, here, because the reason Miss Quinn is happily single is that she prizes solitude and order and realizes she wouldn't have that with a family. And there are other things going on: she learns to like and even admire her sister-in-law, despite her chaotic house, she grows through service and self-sacrifice. But there's still some heavy-handedness.)
I would definitely reread the middle tale, perhaps even aloud to my children next Christmas. I'd also enjoy the third another time. And maybe, on the strength of these later and more successful ones, I'd even return to the first.
But the second story, "The Christmas Mouse" (1973), is a treasure. The author overcomes some of the problems of the short story genre by giving her characters flashbacks to their youth and to previous Christmases, which fleshes out their character and life experience quite successfully. There is loss and sorrow, but also hope and joy, all mingled together in their experience of Christmas. There are also some elements of mystery, almost holy mystery, in the plot: chance encounters that happen to occur on Christmas Eve. And Miss Read does well not to tie up conclusions—why did all this happen?—too neatly. The story weaves several threads of plot and character together, creating quite a satisfying tale...in fact, one of the most satisfying short stories I've read. (Usually they leave me feeling like I ate one tiny appetizer instead of a whole meal and am still very hungry.)
In the third story, "No Holly for Miss Quinn" (1976), Miss Read reprises some of the successful storytelling techniques of the previous story. I didn't like it quite as much, partly because most of it takes place outside of the cozy village of Fairacre, partly because portions felt heavy-handed. A happily single career woman learns that housewives and mothers actually have their hands very full! Astonishing! (I'm not being fair, here, because the reason Miss Quinn is happily single is that she prizes solitude and order and realizes she wouldn't have that with a family. And there are other things going on: she learns to like and even admire her sister-in-law, despite her chaotic house, she grows through service and self-sacrifice. But there's still some heavy-handedness.)
I would definitely reread the middle tale, perhaps even aloud to my children next Christmas. I'd also enjoy the third another time. And maybe, on the strength of these later and more successful ones, I'd even return to the first.
January 5, 2021
The version of this anthology that I listened to via Audible must be abridged as it only contained two of the three stories: No Holly for Miss Quinn, and the Christmas Mouse - both stand-alone stories from the world of Miss Read's Fairacre series. Both stories are read beautifully by Carole Boyd.
Both stories are very gentle with the emphasis on everyday life which gets interrupted by the opportunity to help someone in need. This leads to a reflection about what is important in life and a changed perspective on what that might be.
Miss Read has such a beautiful eye for description and a way of writing about the minutiae of everyday life which lifts her characters and stories off the page straight into your imagination
Both stories are very gentle with the emphasis on everyday life which gets interrupted by the opportunity to help someone in need. This leads to a reflection about what is important in life and a changed perspective on what that might be.
Miss Read has such a beautiful eye for description and a way of writing about the minutiae of everyday life which lifts her characters and stories off the page straight into your imagination
February 6, 2011
This book jumped out at me on Christmas Eve in a book store. It looks like a fun read over the Christmas holidays, specially as it's so so cold here in England with freezing temps, and sheet ice on the pavements! This is the ideal time to read holiday books.
This book looks like it's based in England in The Cotswolds, which is so beautiful!!
Cannot wait to read it!!!!
This is a wonderful 'feel good' book, I personally loved it's rural life in green and leafy Oxfordshire. This book is of a very small village with a small slice of life. I really enjoyed escaping from reality and into Thrush Green.
There is no violence, murders, sex, drugs, gambling or any vice.
This is a book to curl up with, in front of a log fire, and enjoy with a mug of hot chocolate!
This book looks like it's based in England in The Cotswolds, which is so beautiful!!
Cannot wait to read it!!!!
This is a wonderful 'feel good' book, I personally loved it's rural life in green and leafy Oxfordshire. This book is of a very small village with a small slice of life. I really enjoyed escaping from reality and into Thrush Green.
There is no violence, murders, sex, drugs, gambling or any vice.
This is a book to curl up with, in front of a log fire, and enjoy with a mug of hot chocolate!
December 28, 2018
This has been such a lovely book to read over December. It's my first Miss Read book, so I was a little unsure if it would be too fluffy for my taste. I've been pleasantly surprised. It's gentle, but then on the other hand, the themes were quite mature and sad at times. The book captured the loveliness (and the sadness at times) of Christmas, but didn't shy away from reality. All three stories were a joy to read. The characters were interesting, likeable and easy to relate to and again the truly beautiful descriptions of landscapes and home life, makes me wonder again why Miss Read's books are not recommended in the usual bookish circles I've been in. Wondering if there's a touch of book snobbery...
December 23, 2016
It was a pleasure to reread the three novellas collected here. It's hard to top Miss Read for either the elegance of her prose or the acuity of her insight into character. And yet, I'd say the first two stories suffer from a familiar sense of uplift--a baby is born on Christmas Eve, an old heart opens up; some visitors from a Xmas storm find not only refuge but love. Etc. But the third tale, "No Holly for Miss Quinn", is the least sentimental and most moving Christmas story I have ever read. It is also a lovely, understated story of a woman claiming control over her own life. You rock, Miss Read!
April 19, 2010
My mother once told me that she reads these stories before Christmas so while I was visiting her one December we went to the library to check out the book. It was not in the library so when I went back home I found a used copy on the internet and sent it to her so she could have her own copy. I now read these stories each Christmas also.
December 22, 2011
I can think of no better place to spend Christmas than Fairacre!
(My only complaint is that none of the stories were about Miss Read or even mentioned her! I am disappointed; she's one of my favourite kindred characters.)
(My only complaint is that none of the stories were about Miss Read or even mentioned her! I am disappointed; she's one of my favourite kindred characters.)
January 8, 2019
I enjoy the cozy stories from a gentler time. I read this every year and my favorite section is the Christmas mouse. Her gentle books are like comfort food especially with all the horrible things happening in our world.
December 7, 2022
Any story Miss Read wishes to tell, I want to hear.
Her tales are more than mere nostalgia. She shows imperfect people doing their best for others in an imperfect but often delightful world - which is exactly where all humans live, if they will only see it.
Her tales are more than mere nostalgia. She shows imperfect people doing their best for others in an imperfect but often delightful world - which is exactly where all humans live, if they will only see it.
September 3, 2024
It's nice to get a perspective of Fairacre that's different than the school teacher. An enjoyable collection of Christmas tales, but with a bit too much "family tragedy" perhaps. I did enjoy the perspective of the single woman being dumped into the life of a mom with 3 kids, and realizing how difficult motherhood is!
December 4, 2021
A collection of three Christmas books by Miss Read, all of them gentle and sweet and lovely. This was my first foray into the Fairacre books, and I'll certainly be looking for more of them.
November 4, 2013
I listened to these on CD and they are two sweet Christmas based stories with messages. The first story: The Christmas Mouse - the arrival of a mouse in the house on Christmas Eve leads to a meeting between an old lady and a very young boy who breaks into her home. Their all night discussion leads to growth in both their lives making them both better people. Another part of the story is that there is a time to mourn and then there is a time to go forward with life, each of us having to decide when the time to move forward is.
The second story - No Holly for Miss Quinn is also about growth and becoming a better person after having to face and do an undesirable task. Miss Quinn is a confirmed spinster and loves her quiet solitary life but when her beloved brother calls and asks her to come and care for his 3 young children just before Christmas because his wife is in the hospital Miss Quinn rises to the task and does her DUTY even though she has to set aside her redecorating project. But after just a week she finds her attitude has totally changed as she got to know her brother's wife and his 3 young children and finds the company is not always a bad thing.
The second story - No Holly for Miss Quinn is also about growth and becoming a better person after having to face and do an undesirable task. Miss Quinn is a confirmed spinster and loves her quiet solitary life but when her beloved brother calls and asks her to come and care for his 3 young children just before Christmas because his wife is in the hospital Miss Quinn rises to the task and does her DUTY even though she has to set aside her redecorating project. But after just a week she finds her attitude has totally changed as she got to know her brother's wife and his 3 young children and finds the company is not always a bad thing.
June 14, 2015
This is a collection of short stories and novella perfect for Christmas reading. The stories all take place in Fairacre and feature some of the familiar faces of the down land village. Miss Read is not the narrator in any of the stories, but that is alright. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, like I enjoy all Miss Read books in the Fairacre series!
January 3, 2016
Lovely
I really enjoyed this book. It was sweet and gentle to read about old fashioned, warm Christmases, where people helped to make things pleasant and bright . Just what I wanted to read at this time of year. It's the kind of book you want to read to find out about the characters, but you don't want the stories to end. Lovely.
I really enjoyed this book. It was sweet and gentle to read about old fashioned, warm Christmases, where people helped to make things pleasant and bright . Just what I wanted to read at this time of year. It's the kind of book you want to read to find out about the characters, but you don't want the stories to end. Lovely.
February 10, 2021
Miss Read and her vivid, likeable characters are a perfect December read which will get everyone in the mood for Christmas and cosy evenings infront of the fire. There is always a lesson to be learnt and the protagonists always go through some kind of transformation either of thought or of circumstances, leaving the reader in suspense with each chapter.
December 14, 2025
Simply sublime. Ever since I discovered Miss Read twenty or so years ago, I reread her Christmas stories almost every December. And they always satisfy!
p.s. December 2023 - reading No Holly for Miss Quinn and The Christmas Mouse is fast becoming as much a festive tradition as watching It's a Wonderful Life or The Snowman. Supremely comforting!
p.s. December 2023 - reading No Holly for Miss Quinn and The Christmas Mouse is fast becoming as much a festive tradition as watching It's a Wonderful Life or The Snowman. Supremely comforting!
January 10, 2009
I read this as my 'Christmas read'. This is a lovely seasonal book. It contains three stories. I especially enjoyed 'The Christmas Mouse' which portrays the season as I would like it to be - uncommercialised, snowy and traditional. A must read with a mug of hot chocolate and a log fire!
December 12, 2009
Can you read too many well-written Christmas books? Of course not! This is my first discovery of Miss Read's; I think I thought she was a 19th or 18th century writer, one of those "Mrs. Somebody" types full of gothic thunder. But, she is a charming writer, and I am enthralled!
Read
January 4, 2012A charming step back in time to a gentle, serene life. This book has a depth that you would not expect. The characters become friends by the time you have finished. A escape from the tensions and challenges of life today.
September 19, 2019
This little book is a wonderful traditional Christmas read. Read it to your kids, read it when you're old. Settle down with a glass of mulled wine and spread the cheer. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
December 10, 2016
Such a perfect rainy day book. I have read all of the Miss. Read books and it's a wonderful way to revisit her world. If you haven't read her books and want to enjoy a kind and gentle life give these books a try.
January 2, 2018
The perfect reading companion for the Christmas season. Warmly written, lyrical and descriptive. I could almost feel the warmth of the fireplace, hear the howl of the wind. And the warm-and-fuzzy feelings it generates... really wonderful for the season.
December 2, 2009
An absolutely delightful Christmas book. Three short stories and definitely added to my "Books to read at Christmas"shelf! It reminded me of Christmas as a child in England. Lovely memories!
December 26, 2010
Yes, I'm lingering in Fairacre for a little while longer.... A delightful time, with three stories that show that holiday plans can always be upended--and improved.
September 26, 2011
I listened to the audio books of both No Holly for Miss Quinn and The Christmas Mouse again this year. The charm of any Miss Read book cannot be beat!
December 23, 2014
I read this sweet, gentle book every Christmas season. It is a wonderfully soothing counterpoint to the hectic, frenzied, anxiety producing Christmas celebration in 21st century middle America.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews