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Bel Lamington #1
Bel Lamington
Bel Lamington finds London a very lonely place - until a charming young artist literally drops in on her rooftop garden...
Bel Lamington, an orphan daughter of an Army colonel, is brought up in an English village and flung into the whirl of London life to earn a hard living as a secretary while attempting to navigate romance, unexpected friendships and urban life. Shy, sensitive, and innocent, she is unaware of the pitfalls that surround her.
But when Bel is offered a chance to leave London and venture to a fishing hotel in Scotland for a much needed holiday with an old school friend, things begin to change. There she learns that you cannot escape from your troubles by running away from them...
Bel Lamington, an orphan daughter of an Army colonel, is brought up in an English village and flung into the whirl of London life to earn a hard living as a secretary while attempting to navigate romance, unexpected friendships and urban life. Shy, sensitive, and innocent, she is unaware of the pitfalls that surround her.
But when Bel is offered a chance to leave London and venture to a fishing hotel in Scotland for a much needed holiday with an old school friend, things begin to change. There she learns that you cannot escape from your troubles by running away from them...
187 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1961
167 people are currently reading
524 people want to read
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
October 13, 2023
Happy tears! I loved this so much! A new to me DES to love? Tra la la!! This book reminds me why DES is a beloved author for me. She has the Trollopian gift of loving her characters and making them fly off the page. The heart of this story is a lonely young woman who finds belonging in friendship and perhaps in one particular friendship that becomes something more. It’s so deeply heartwarming. Plus we return to Mureth and Drumburly in the second half of the story and get to see my beloved James and Rhoda! Oh bliss! 😂 Also this book has just the most adorable ending. I’m so glad there is a sequel.
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February 21, 2020When you want to escape into a book that is warm and engaging, as I did a little while ago, you could do well to turn to the work of D E Stevenson.
You need to choose carefully, because her books are rather variable, and think that I chose well when I chose this one. I warmed to the heroine from the first, and I appreciated that the book held many of the ingredients that D E Stevenson used regularly – and very well – mixed with more that enough other ingredients to make it distinctive.
This isn’t her best book; it isn’t a book that would stand up to very much scrutiny; but it is mid 20th century romantic fiction done rather well.
Bel was orphaned when she was just three years-old; when her mother and father died in car accident; but she had a happy childhood with an aunt who loved and cared for her. Sadly, her aunt died when Bel had only just finished growing up, and the small income that they lived on died with her. That meant that Bel had to start earning her own living, and so she trained as a secretary.
Her first job was as a typist in a London shipping firm, Copping, Wills and Brownlee, and she was quickly promoted to the position of secretary to junior partner, Ellis Brownlee.
She was promoted because she worked diligently, she watched everything that was going on and thought about it, and she took a genuine interest in what she was doing and the work of the company. Sadly – but maybe inevitably – that made her unpopular with other female staff members, who all seemed to be marking time until they didn’t have to earn their own living, or bitterly accepting that they had to work and doing as little as possible. Miss Goudge, who oversaw them all, would be a terrible thorn in Bel’s side, and she really had no idea how to deal with that.
The author had a good grasp of the dynamics of an office, there are characters and incidents that I know will ring a bell for anyone who has worked in an office, and I felt for Bel as she succeeded and as she struggled.
Away from work, Bel was lonely. She had come to London knowing no one at all, and she hadn’t found a way of making friends. She spent all her evenings and weekend in her small flat, and the tiny rooftop garden she has created outside her top floor window became her greatest passion.
A handsome young artist named Mark discovered Bel’s garden when he when he wad out on the roofs outside his own top floor studio-flat. Bel took the arrival of a strange man in her home rather more calmly than I would have, but I put that down to her background and her upbringing. He was charmed, they became friends, and that led to his painting of Bel’s portrait.
Mark invites her to parties, takes her on outings, and for a while it seems that Bel’s lonely life is over. But Mark’s interest waned as quickly as it had grown up, and he moved on without a backward glance. Bel wasn’t quite heartbroken, but she was disappointed and unhappy at the prospect of returning to her solitary, lonely life.
Luckily she was persuaded to attend the unveiling of her portrait, and it was there that she bumped into an old school friend, and they quickly discovered that they were kindred spirits.
Louise was only child of a widowed doctor, she had no need to earn her own living, and she was every bit as happy to have Bel come and stay with her as Bel was to escape London and stay with her in the country. Her father was delighted with the friendship; not just because he thought that Bel would be a good influence on his warm-hearted but rather flightly child, but because he was a kind and thoughtful man who was pleased that he and his daughter would be able to help and a young woman who wasn’t having the easiest time of it.
The drawing of this friendship was lovely.
Louise was disappointed that Bel couldn’t join her and her father on their annual holiday in Scotland, but she understood that her friend couldn’t take time off while Mr Brownlee has left on an extended overseas business trip; and so she was greatly surprised when her friend did come to join her.
Something had gone terribly wrong, and Bel had fled.
Scotland was a wonderful refuge, but would it offer Bel a new start or would travel south with Louise?
The Scottish scenes and characters were well done, but I found nothing that I hadn’t found in more than one of the author’s books before.
This book had a well drawn cast of characters, well evoked characters and situations, and a lovely heroine.
I enjoyed that set-up more than the rather predictable playing-out; but the ending was exactly right and I will probably pick up the sequel when I want to to escape into a book of the kind that D E Stevenson did particularly well.
You need to choose carefully, because her books are rather variable, and think that I chose well when I chose this one. I warmed to the heroine from the first, and I appreciated that the book held many of the ingredients that D E Stevenson used regularly – and very well – mixed with more that enough other ingredients to make it distinctive.
This isn’t her best book; it isn’t a book that would stand up to very much scrutiny; but it is mid 20th century romantic fiction done rather well.
Bel was orphaned when she was just three years-old; when her mother and father died in car accident; but she had a happy childhood with an aunt who loved and cared for her. Sadly, her aunt died when Bel had only just finished growing up, and the small income that they lived on died with her. That meant that Bel had to start earning her own living, and so she trained as a secretary.
Her first job was as a typist in a London shipping firm, Copping, Wills and Brownlee, and she was quickly promoted to the position of secretary to junior partner, Ellis Brownlee.
She was promoted because she worked diligently, she watched everything that was going on and thought about it, and she took a genuine interest in what she was doing and the work of the company. Sadly – but maybe inevitably – that made her unpopular with other female staff members, who all seemed to be marking time until they didn’t have to earn their own living, or bitterly accepting that they had to work and doing as little as possible. Miss Goudge, who oversaw them all, would be a terrible thorn in Bel’s side, and she really had no idea how to deal with that.
The author had a good grasp of the dynamics of an office, there are characters and incidents that I know will ring a bell for anyone who has worked in an office, and I felt for Bel as she succeeded and as she struggled.
Away from work, Bel was lonely. She had come to London knowing no one at all, and she hadn’t found a way of making friends. She spent all her evenings and weekend in her small flat, and the tiny rooftop garden she has created outside her top floor window became her greatest passion.
A handsome young artist named Mark discovered Bel’s garden when he when he wad out on the roofs outside his own top floor studio-flat. Bel took the arrival of a strange man in her home rather more calmly than I would have, but I put that down to her background and her upbringing. He was charmed, they became friends, and that led to his painting of Bel’s portrait.
Mark invites her to parties, takes her on outings, and for a while it seems that Bel’s lonely life is over. But Mark’s interest waned as quickly as it had grown up, and he moved on without a backward glance. Bel wasn’t quite heartbroken, but she was disappointed and unhappy at the prospect of returning to her solitary, lonely life.
Luckily she was persuaded to attend the unveiling of her portrait, and it was there that she bumped into an old school friend, and they quickly discovered that they were kindred spirits.
Louise was only child of a widowed doctor, she had no need to earn her own living, and she was every bit as happy to have Bel come and stay with her as Bel was to escape London and stay with her in the country. Her father was delighted with the friendship; not just because he thought that Bel would be a good influence on his warm-hearted but rather flightly child, but because he was a kind and thoughtful man who was pleased that he and his daughter would be able to help and a young woman who wasn’t having the easiest time of it.
The drawing of this friendship was lovely.
Louise was disappointed that Bel couldn’t join her and her father on their annual holiday in Scotland, but she understood that her friend couldn’t take time off while Mr Brownlee has left on an extended overseas business trip; and so she was greatly surprised when her friend did come to join her.
Something had gone terribly wrong, and Bel had fled.
Scotland was a wonderful refuge, but would it offer Bel a new start or would travel south with Louise?
The Scottish scenes and characters were well done, but I found nothing that I hadn’t found in more than one of the author’s books before.
This book had a well drawn cast of characters, well evoked characters and situations, and a lovely heroine.
I enjoyed that set-up more than the rather predictable playing-out; but the ending was exactly right and I will probably pick up the sequel when I want to to escape into a book of the kind that D E Stevenson did particularly well.
November 23, 2018
It has been awhile since I read D. E. Stevenson and when I found her years ago, it was like finding a reading "home"! I mean that she is my go to comfort read! She is deemed queen of the "light read". I know after reading her that I come away with satisfying romantic yet thoughtful human story. This was written in 1961 but Stevenson stays true to her style; old fashion romance and pure perfection! Then to find out today, that there is a book 2 and after this review, I will read to find out more about Bel Lamington.
I also thought it funny the part about parents learning about child care from books. I am not quite certain when that all began but being a listener to OTR (Old Time Radio) and hearing in the early 1950's The Great Gildersleeve episode where Margie and Bronco but a book for rearing the twins. When their Uncle Mort said that the author must have many children, the answer was he had none. Uncle Mort tries the psychology on Leroy and after the book is thrown away. In this book the mother was going by a book with chaos as a result. I had found this humorous and sadly probably more the norm in letting children do as they please.
"This was one evening when the boys had been particularly uncontrollable in the bath, had absolutely refused to have their ears washed and had drenched Bel from head to foot with soapy water. It was rather surprising that Rhoda, who was so sensible about other matters, could be so foolish about her children. If she had burnt all the books and had managed the boys according to her own good sense they would have been easier to live with. At least that was what Bel thought."
In brief- Bel is a lonely working girl in London with no family after her aunt 's death. She then finds many new acquaintances and love trials are ahead which brings much fun for the reader. This is not just a romantic read, it has much thought to characters and human behavior. Also characters from past series, Drumburly are mentioned which brings much enjoyment to the devout D. E. Stevenson reader, to find out how many faired.
I absolutely love her and would love you to try her!!!💕🌼🌸💞🌞💖
I also thought it funny the part about parents learning about child care from books. I am not quite certain when that all began but being a listener to OTR (Old Time Radio) and hearing in the early 1950's The Great Gildersleeve episode where Margie and Bronco but a book for rearing the twins. When their Uncle Mort said that the author must have many children, the answer was he had none. Uncle Mort tries the psychology on Leroy and after the book is thrown away. In this book the mother was going by a book with chaos as a result. I had found this humorous and sadly probably more the norm in letting children do as they please.
"This was one evening when the boys had been particularly uncontrollable in the bath, had absolutely refused to have their ears washed and had drenched Bel from head to foot with soapy water. It was rather surprising that Rhoda, who was so sensible about other matters, could be so foolish about her children. If she had burnt all the books and had managed the boys according to her own good sense they would have been easier to live with. At least that was what Bel thought."
In brief- Bel is a lonely working girl in London with no family after her aunt 's death. She then finds many new acquaintances and love trials are ahead which brings much fun for the reader. This is not just a romantic read, it has much thought to characters and human behavior. Also characters from past series, Drumburly are mentioned which brings much enjoyment to the devout D. E. Stevenson reader, to find out how many faired.
I absolutely love her and would love you to try her!!!💕🌼🌸💞🌞💖
July 14, 2025
Another sweet, cosy story. AND as a added bonus, we get to find out what happens to Rhoda and James!
September 6, 2021
I absolutely loved this story of a girl named Bel and her life. She has no family left and is trying to make ends meet by working her first job as a secretary for a shipping firm. I struggled to have to put this story down. I adore everything D.E. Stevenson wrote and this review does not give this book justice.
March 20, 2015
2.5 Stars
IN A NUTSHELL: A young woman (orphan) works as a secretary at well known shipping firm and lives in a little apartment with a balcony she uses as a garden. One day a man climbs the neigboring roofs and literally drops in on her. Thus begins an innocent friendship. Things happen at the firm and Bel meets new friends and travels to Scotland for a holiday with them. What kind of future is in store for Bel?
This is only my second D.E. Stevenson and it was a sweet gentle read. Not a whole lot happening. The heroine is a mouse, very quiet, very proper and things are wrapped up just a bit too easily to satisfy. Strangely, the first half was much more interesting than the second half. At about 70% in it got veeeeery snoozy and I was pretty glad when I'd finished. It might just be me or it might just be a boring book. I'll leave you to decide.
CONTENT:
SEX: None
VIOLENCE: None
PROFANITY: Very very mild
PARANORMAL ELEMENTS: None
MY RATING: G
IN A NUTSHELL: A young woman (orphan) works as a secretary at well known shipping firm and lives in a little apartment with a balcony she uses as a garden. One day a man climbs the neigboring roofs and literally drops in on her. Thus begins an innocent friendship. Things happen at the firm and Bel meets new friends and travels to Scotland for a holiday with them. What kind of future is in store for Bel?
This is only my second D.E. Stevenson and it was a sweet gentle read. Not a whole lot happening. The heroine is a mouse, very quiet, very proper and things are wrapped up just a bit too easily to satisfy. Strangely, the first half was much more interesting than the second half. At about 70% in it got veeeeery snoozy and I was pretty glad when I'd finished. It might just be me or it might just be a boring book. I'll leave you to decide.
CONTENT:
SEX: None
VIOLENCE: None
PROFANITY: Very very mild
PARANORMAL ELEMENTS: None
MY RATING: G
March 3, 2017
I didn't like this book nearly as much as Music in the Hills and Shoulder the Sky even though it had a few of the same characters toward the end of the book. Bel was just a wee bit tiresome and wishy/washy. When she became a temporary fill in cook/housekeeper for Rhoda and James her latent cooking ability and inability dealing with the two small boys seemed incongruous with her secretarial office duties.
February 25, 2020
Another delightful, light read from Stevenson. Some might take issue with the mousey heroine, but I found her quite likeable and believable. She comes into her own in the sequel (Fletcher's End).
It was fun to make a brief return to Drumberly in this novel (the location of three other Stevenson titles) and to get a glimpse of James, Rhoda, Jock and Mamie ten years later.
It was fun to make a brief return to Drumberly in this novel (the location of three other Stevenson titles) and to get a glimpse of James, Rhoda, Jock and Mamie ten years later.
February 4, 2025
I wanted to give poor Bel a hug through the majority of this book. I just loved her and wanted her to feel safe and happy and loved. Luckily things always work out alright in a Stevenson novel. And it was lovely to see some of the characters we last saw in Winter and Rough Weather again.
I really enjoyed the audiobook production and immediately downloaded the sequel when I finished this one. I can’t wait to continue Bel’s story!
I really enjoyed the audiobook production and immediately downloaded the sequel when I finished this one. I can’t wait to continue Bel’s story!
October 21, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and just put the sequel on reserve at my library.
This is exactly what I was in the mood to read as the pandemic continues and my
work hours fluxuate from "enough to live on but stressful" to "not enough to live on"
and I don't seem to do anything else with the extra time except worry and read escapist
novels. so in better times it's possible I would have only given this 4 stars.
Bel Laminton wasn't my favorite Stevenson heroine, but the situations she was in were all fun to read
about like the London flat with a private area she has made into a garden. I got a small LOL
that she started out with "pot plants", which must mean container gardening from the
context.
The descriptions of her job were awesome: she was lucky to have found a place
where the business was so interesting. and the work place challenges were completely believable:
other people are always the biggest problem.
Once she goes to Scotland, I enjoyed seeing the characters I'd already met in earlier books,
although we needed more Mamie and Jock. I was satisfied with the ending, which is not
always true in Stevenson novels.
This is exactly what I was in the mood to read as the pandemic continues and my
work hours fluxuate from "enough to live on but stressful" to "not enough to live on"
and I don't seem to do anything else with the extra time except worry and read escapist
novels. so in better times it's possible I would have only given this 4 stars.
Bel Laminton wasn't my favorite Stevenson heroine, but the situations she was in were all fun to read
about like the London flat with a private area she has made into a garden. I got a small LOL
that she started out with "pot plants", which must mean container gardening from the
context.
The descriptions of her job were awesome: she was lucky to have found a place
where the business was so interesting. and the work place challenges were completely believable:
other people are always the biggest problem.
Once she goes to Scotland, I enjoyed seeing the characters I'd already met in earlier books,
although we needed more Mamie and Jock. I was satisfied with the ending, which is not
always true in Stevenson novels.
April 25, 2025
So sweet! I just love D.E. Stevenson's stories of the Scottish countryside and the unusual characters that inhabit the region.
In this one, Bel Lamington works in an office in London, until her circumstances change and she ventures into Scotland and finds true happiness. Yes, I'll just say it -- Stevenson usually leaves the reader with a happy and satisfying ending :)
Now I'm planning to read the sequel: Fletchers End !
In this one, Bel Lamington works in an office in London, until her circumstances change and she ventures into Scotland and finds true happiness. Yes, I'll just say it -- Stevenson usually leaves the reader with a happy and satisfying ending :)
Now I'm planning to read the sequel: Fletchers End !
July 15, 2023
It's a gentle book with a gentle heroine.
It's the sort of book where nice people talk to each other about nothing in particular, and plot points are not really plot points because, well, there isn't much of a plot. And the heroine is sort of the person who happens to be in the centre of it all, though it's unclear why. It's not as if she does a great deal. She's mostly passive, and things are done to her and for her. And lots of things happen but sort of end nowhere in particular and are never resolved. There's a romance, but for reasons I will hide in the spoilers it left me a little cold.
Even so, it's all quite pleasant, and exactly the thing if you're in the mood for it.
It's the sort of book where nice people talk to each other about nothing in particular, and plot points are not really plot points because, well, there isn't much of a plot. And the heroine is sort of the person who happens to be in the centre of it all, though it's unclear why. It's not as if she does a great deal. She's mostly passive, and things are done to her and for her. And lots of things happen but sort of end nowhere in particular and are never resolved. There's a romance, but for reasons I will hide in the spoilers it left me a little cold.
Even so, it's all quite pleasant, and exactly the thing if you're in the mood for it.
October 1, 2023
Bel is a little too passive for me but the book is still very enjoyable upon reread and includes interaction with James and Rhoda from earlier books.
January 6, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
May 23, 2014
A novel about a young secretary whose solitary personal life is stirred up by the unexpected appearance of an artist on her rooftop garden. 1961.
Full review (and other recommendations!) at Another look book
And the verdict is...3 stars. It wasn't my favorite DES (The Blue Sapphire still holds that honor, I think, followed up by The House on the Cliff), but it still bears all the markings of DES: great writing, superb and realistic characterizations, and happy, tidy endings all around. I recommend this if you've been reading too many depressing books lately. I can't think of a better antidote.
Full review (and other recommendations!) at Another look book
And the verdict is...3 stars. It wasn't my favorite DES (The Blue Sapphire still holds that honor, I think, followed up by The House on the Cliff), but it still bears all the markings of DES: great writing, superb and realistic characterizations, and happy, tidy endings all around. I recommend this if you've been reading too many depressing books lately. I can't think of a better antidote.
May 9, 2016
I think this is my favorite D. E. Stevenson book! I just love Bel - she is portrayed with such warmth and sympathy that I just root for her in all her endeavors and am so glad and satisfied with how everything turns out for her in the end..I especially love the parts in the countryside, but really all of the book is just a wonderful read! Good to read before bedtime to give those lovely English countryside dreams of love and belonging and joy..
April 10, 2019
Charming
Bel Lemington is living a fairly lonely life in London, having been left an orphan with no means of support. She has a job in an office, and likes to tend her rooftop garden when she gets home. One day she finds a stranger in her garden and her adventures start here.
Bel Lemington is living a fairly lonely life in London, having been left an orphan with no means of support. She has a job in an office, and likes to tend her rooftop garden when she gets home. One day she finds a stranger in her garden and her adventures start here.
February 8, 2020
There is something so comforting about reading a D.E. Stevenson novel. She has such a gentle and soothing style that I quite enjoy.
December 14, 2025
Charming. Bel is a little bit wussy but still a likable heroine. Stevenson glories here in describing environments both indoors and out, bringing the scenes to life. The ending is predictable, but satisfying, especially because there is a sequel!
March 23, 2020
A very sweet and old fashioned story. Perfect timing.
April 20, 2020
Another thoroughly enjoyable D. E. Stevenson’s book, which I managed to actually read, I mean on my Kindle, which means my right eye has actually got better.
September 13, 2019
My review keeps disappearing! I’ll try again. I really liked this book, maybe the best of all the Stevenson books I’ve read so far. On to the sequel!
September 6, 2022
After making it through the Jane Grey book, surely I deserved some light fiction, right? Nah...I'm too much of a Calvinist to say that. 😉 But I was in want of some, and there some was, and here's my review of it. I rather liked this one. I only wish I'd read it right after the one (or maybe it was a series?) that some of the supporting cast had appeared in, as of course I'd completely forgotten almost everything about them. But at least I read this one before its sequel, so I've spared myself the annoyance of getting them in the wrong order. I rather enjoyed it. The heroine and most of the other characters were very likeable, except, of course, for the few villains, but one doesn't want them to be likeable. And the plot was nice, too. Stevenson isn't profound literature, of course, but predictable, familiar, comfortable stories are just fine by me.
Other than her voice for Rhoda, which seemed to make her too old, the narrator was fine.
Other than her voice for Rhoda, which seemed to make her too old, the narrator was fine.
November 19, 2025
A book by D.E. Stevenson is a perfect comfort read. Her likable characters, lovely settings, and gentle plot lines that end just as they should are satisfying without being cloying or dull.
Bel Lamington is a protagonist with such a good, humble nature that I was rooting for her immediately. Although this is the first of two books, I was thankful that at this first check point Bel is in a good place.
Bel Lamington is a protagonist with such a good, humble nature that I was rooting for her immediately. Although this is the first of two books, I was thankful that at this first check point Bel is in a good place.
February 1, 2019
DNF. The writing is good, but the story is very old-fashioned and too slow for modern tastes. There is also a strange lack of any sign of sexuality, which is strange to my eyes, but I guess seemed normal at the time that this was written.
February 7, 2019
4.5 stars
August 21, 2019
It has been a little over a week since I finished this book, and I keep thinking about it. Although it is not terribly exciting, it is very well written. Bel as a character, including her anxieties and fears, are so skillfully drawn that she feels like a very real person that is easy to sympathize with. While the story is about her finding romantic love, I felt like it was even more about her learning to set aside her insecurities and social anxiety in order to find real and lasting friendships.
In addition to a lovely main character, this story is populated with dozens of interesting side characters that all have an influence on Bel in one way or another (many of whom are featured in other D.E. Stevenson novels).
In addition to a lovely main character, this story is populated with dozens of interesting side characters that all have an influence on Bel in one way or another (many of whom are featured in other D.E. Stevenson novels).
December 27, 2024
Re-read as audiobook.
June 15, 2024
Audiobook narrated by Patience Tomlinson.
2024: Enjoyable relisten.
2021: Gentle reading from an era long gone: Bel Lamington - that is the girl's name and has nothing to do with sponge cake cut into squares dipped in chocolate icing and rolled in coconut - helped make a mundane task so much more enjoyable.
While Bel is not my favourite D.E. Stevenson character, she's not too sappy and has moments of spunk. I liked Bel more than her bossy, knows-what-is-best-for-everyone, friend Louise. I'm so thankful that the Aunt that raised her was loving and loved by Bel in return.
This book is a perfect follow on after book three, Winter and Rough Weather, in the Drumberley/Dering series. I enjoyed catching up with Mamie and Jock Johnstone, and, James and Rhoda Dering.
2024: Enjoyable relisten.
2021: Gentle reading from an era long gone: Bel Lamington - that is the girl's name and has nothing to do with sponge cake cut into squares dipped in chocolate icing and rolled in coconut - helped make a mundane task so much more enjoyable.
While Bel is not my favourite D.E. Stevenson character, she's not too sappy and has moments of spunk. I liked Bel more than her bossy, knows-what-is-best-for-everyone, friend Louise. I'm so thankful that the Aunt that raised her was loving and loved by Bel in return.
This book is a perfect follow on after book three, Winter and Rough Weather, in the Drumberley/Dering series. I enjoyed catching up with Mamie and Jock Johnstone, and, James and Rhoda Dering.
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June 26, 2024I’m giving the book 4 stars only because the next book in the series (Fletchers End) is so very good, and knowing Bel’s backstory enhances one’s enjoyment of that sequel.
Others have summarized the plot, so I will just say that I really only enjoyed the last 3rd of Bel Lamington. The first 2/3 of the book had too many unpleasant characters and lacked the “warm hug” elements that charm me in Stevenson’s best novels.
Bel is also such a passive character in most of the book; she doesn’t really become fleshed out (and more likable) until the sequel.
I wouldn’t recommend Bel Lamington as a stand-alone book (although I did like the ending), but it’s worth sticking with as a lead-in to Fletchers End.
Others have summarized the plot, so I will just say that I really only enjoyed the last 3rd of Bel Lamington. The first 2/3 of the book had too many unpleasant characters and lacked the “warm hug” elements that charm me in Stevenson’s best novels.
Bel is also such a passive character in most of the book; she doesn’t really become fleshed out (and more likable) until the sequel.
I wouldn’t recommend Bel Lamington as a stand-alone book (although I did like the ending), but it’s worth sticking with as a lead-in to Fletchers End.
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