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Ayrton Family #1-2
The Ayrton Family
Amberwell and Summerhills tell the story of the Ayrton family: siblings raised by cool and distant parents, scattered afar in adulthood, but brought together by the oncoming Second World War.
Sweet and melancholy, the Ayrton family novels paint a vivid picture of one family torn apart by wider events in their world. See why D. E. Stevenson has amassed her own cult following with this moving collection.
Sweet and melancholy, the Ayrton family novels paint a vivid picture of one family torn apart by wider events in their world. See why D. E. Stevenson has amassed her own cult following with this moving collection.
545 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2019
126 people are currently reading
41 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 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 10, 2021
Lost times?
Reading D E Stevenson is a breath of fresh air. Yes, I am uncomfortable with some of the language; issues of race and class are very obvious to a 21st Century reader. But it is of its time, and whilst it demonstrates what we appear to have gained or are still fighting for in terms of the struggle to build a more equal society, it also shines a light on things that seem very sadly lacking in contemporary society. I mean good manners; civility; kindness to others; a sense of personal responsibility and accountability; honesty - etc. I can see how some of the language will inflame some readers; I advise them just not to read it. Alternatively, read it, take a deep breath when provoked, and immerse yourself in a past era, also in recovery from catastrophic world events.
Reading D E Stevenson is a breath of fresh air. Yes, I am uncomfortable with some of the language; issues of race and class are very obvious to a 21st Century reader. But it is of its time, and whilst it demonstrates what we appear to have gained or are still fighting for in terms of the struggle to build a more equal society, it also shines a light on things that seem very sadly lacking in contemporary society. I mean good manners; civility; kindness to others; a sense of personal responsibility and accountability; honesty - etc. I can see how some of the language will inflame some readers; I advise them just not to read it. Alternatively, read it, take a deep breath when provoked, and immerse yourself in a past era, also in recovery from catastrophic world events.
June 4, 2019
So wonderful to find D E Stevenson on Kindle Unlimited. I had enjoyed Amberwell long ago and was quickly reminded why as I revisited Stevenson’s clearly written characters and their stories as WWII in England changed their lives. I hadn’t read Summerhill before, and it was like greeting old friends. Following the twists and turns their lives took now, and getting acquainted with new characters kept me riveted. I set everything else aside and read it all today. I can’t wait to find other Kindle books by D E Stevenson.
August 20, 2020
I always find D.E. Stevenson a pleasant but almost aggressively undemanding read. Everyone is nice except for the people who are just kind of awful; there is a vague sense of contentment permeating the entire book despite the fact that it's taking place during e.g. World War II. Servants are happy being servants, upper-class are happy (obviously) being upper class. There are some rather desultory romances at various points; an arriviste governess clearly makes efforts at catching herself a man but doesn't do so very well and luckily in all cases the men have proper upper-class women to marry or pine over instead, and since the governess is never a viewpoint character we don't much care. There is quite a lot of drama (affairs, death, embezzlement, etc.) but it never really feels very dramatic.
May 1, 2019
3stars
decently written set of books. Authors writing style kind of envelopes the reader into the time and lives of the characters. I would recommend this one
decently written set of books. Authors writing style kind of envelopes the reader into the time and lives of the characters. I would recommend this one
May 30, 2019
A Lovely Book Set
These two books are just lovely. The characters are truly fleshed out, and most of them are the kind of people I want would want as friends. There was some parts of WWII, but mainly the story line revolved around the main family and their friends. I liked the was the little details are wrapped up and the final ending was so very satisfying
These two books are just lovely. The characters are truly fleshed out, and most of them are the kind of people I want would want as friends. There was some parts of WWII, but mainly the story line revolved around the main family and their friends. I liked the was the little details are wrapped up and the final ending was so very satisfying
May 15, 2019
Great series!
I really enjoyed these books. I liked the characters from the start and grew to like them more and wish them happy. Please take a chance on this if you are looking for a really good, fun read.
I really enjoyed these books. I liked the characters from the start and grew to like them more and wish them happy. Please take a chance on this if you are looking for a really good, fun read.
May 9, 2019
EXCELLENT READ
Very enjoyable. We'll put together and easy to keep track of the characters. Would recommend as a very pleasant read.
Very enjoyable. We'll put together and easy to keep track of the characters. Would recommend as a very pleasant read.
May 5, 2019
Loved every minute!
Beautifully written. Lovingly crafted. Both people and places were wonderfully described and delightful. It was heartwarming from beginning to end.
Beautifully written. Lovingly crafted. Both people and places were wonderfully described and delightful. It was heartwarming from beginning to end.
May 18, 2019
Stories chronicle the Ayrton family in the WW2 UK timeframe, as 3 sisters find love and marriage in the changing culture.
July 5, 2019
Lovely read
An original family story. The characters are well rounded and likable. Had a great time reading it. Got me through the flu with a happy feeling.
An original family story. The characters are well rounded and likable. Had a great time reading it. Got me through the flu with a happy feeling.
January 13, 2022
An English story of a family before, during WWII and after.
Read
July 8, 2022D E Stevenson does not disappoint.
July 13, 2022
An old favourite
I read Amberwell as a teenager and liked it very much. I hadn’t known then that the story was continued in Summerhills. I felt that Amberwell ended rather abruptly and I was so happy to discover part 2. It is such a delightful story of a family and the trials and tribulations they encounter in their life journey. It made me smile and cry along the way. I did a reread as I enjoyed “Miss Buncles Book” so much.
I read Amberwell as a teenager and liked it very much. I hadn’t known then that the story was continued in Summerhills. I felt that Amberwell ended rather abruptly and I was so happy to discover part 2. It is such a delightful story of a family and the trials and tribulations they encounter in their life journey. It made me smile and cry along the way. I did a reread as I enjoyed “Miss Buncles Book” so much.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews