Fletchers End

Bel Lamington #2

by D.E. Stevenson, Patience Tomlinson (Narrator)

Shortly before Bel's marriage to Ellis Brownlee, her friend, Louise Armstrong, goes house hunting for them and discovers a charming but neglected old stone cottage in the Cotswolds. Bel adores the house, called Fletchers End. Ellis buys the place from the absentee-owner, Lieutenant Commander Lestrange, and, after a picture-book wedding, the happy couple move in. As she embarks on her new life as a devoted wife, Bel loyally guides Louise through her own romantic tribulations. She also enjoys sharing with Ellis the excitement and satisfaction of decorating their first real home, as well as unravelling the mysteries of the old stone cottage. But with the unexpected arrival of Lieutenant Commander Lestrange, the peace of Fletchers End is suddenly threatened....

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Cozy, Scotland, British Literature

11 pages, Audiobook

First published June 28, 1962

About the author

There 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.

Reviews

[Julie Durnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh I liked this one so much better than Bel Lamington. Bel herself has moved up a notch in my estimation, but my favorite "character" was actually Fletchers End-what a tale this house could tell and does somewhat tell of its past. Just lovely!

[Classic reverie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having just finished D. E. Stevenson's Bel Lamington, the first of the series and "Fletchers End" is the continuation of Bel's life. You could read book 1 and be satisfied but then you would be missing out in learning more about her and her friends. Can you read "Fletchers End" and not read book 1? Yes, but you would miss out on many things that bring the whole story to completion, yet you would still have a great read!

I mentioned before that reading D. E. Stevenson has romance but there is much more to the story. Book 2 has more mystery and a tad of supernatural which keeps one wondering. I especially enjoy her books because she usually brings the countryside of Scotland and England to the reader with all the interesting characters. My Scottish and English ancestry makes this more interesting and like Mrs. Warmer wondering about the house she is the caretaker of Fletchers End, I can relate to this desire to wonder about the past. The house's history in the quote below.

“They were fletchers.” “Fletchers?” “People who made arrows and feathered them—I can tell you that much. The village down the road is called Archerfield, so it’s only reasonable to suppose that they practised archery in that big meadow down by the stream.” “And the people in this house made the arrows!”

The house was built in Queen Elizabeth 1 time, sometime between 1500's and 1600's.

The story in brief- Louise Armstrong, Bel's friend, finds the perfect home for Bel and her husband but the house needs work and what about the scent of violets, where there are absent. It is Louise's turn to find love but can she find the right man or someone that is completely wrong!

I just love 💟💖 D. E. Stevenson's stories. The perfect amount of romances and interesting storyline!

[Bookworman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book much better on reading it for a second time. The 2-Book series is right up there as my Stevenson favorites.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. So sweet and lovely.

[Gina House · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75🌟 A terrifically cozy and romantic sequel to Bel Lamington!

"...all the things she loved about Fletcher's End;...the friendly feeling when you came in (as if it were welcoming you home)...the old oak beams...the curve of the staircase and the smoothness of the banister-rail beneath your hand...the morning sunshine pouring in through the windows and shining on the polished floors...the singing of the birds at dawn...the clock on the tower of St. Julian's striking the hours...the crackle of logs burning in the big stone fireplace...the gentle creaks and sighings as the old house settled down for the night..."

"Bel thought of Mrs. Warmer—nice kind Mrs. Warmer; and Mr. Carruthers, talking about 'chimbleys'; and little Mr. Fuller, walking about the 'garding' and enjoying the 'luverly flowers'—invisible to everyone except himself. They were all part of Fletcher's End. She thought of the aspen tree outside the staircase window and the rustle of the wind among its leaves; she thought of the roses, Ellis' roses, which would bloom for him next year. She thought of the 'apricocks' on the south wall—not next year, but perhaps the year after, their branches would be bowed down with little golden globes."

WHAT I LOVED ABOUT THIS NOVEL:
💚 Bel and Ellis' loving and supportive relationship
💚 Fletcher's End itself (I want to live there!)
💚 Steady, practical and hardworking Ellis
💚 Lovely and energetic Louise along with her understanding (and patient) father, Dr. Armstrong
💚 Cozy and old-fashioned Mrs. Warmer (I would love a home helper like her!)
💚 Reading about all of the home repairs to Fletcher's End
💚 Bel's friendship with Margaret Warren (from Bel Lamington)
💚 Descriptions of the garden, rose bushes, and violets
💚 The stunning painting of Mrs. Lestrange (with I could see it, if it existed!)
💚 Mini mystery concerning the wardrobe bought from Roy Lestrange
💚 Learning more about Alec's character and his struggle to get his life in order

Although I didn't love this DES novel quite as much as the first time I read it in 2019, I still consider it one of my top favorites.

I'm so happy that I was able to read this duology again (after so long!) in celebration of the upcoming re-release of Bel Lamington and Fletcher's End by Dean Street Press for July 2026! Even if you've read this series in the past, it's the perfect time to revisit all of the wonderful characters, including Fletcher's End itself!

A highly recommended D.E. Stevenson! 😍❤️

CAUTION: SPOILER!
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ANOTHER PART I LOVED:

"Happiness filled her heart to overflowing—for Fletcher's End was safe. It belonged to her and Ellis; it was their very own. They would live here and enjoy its peace and beauty all their lives...Presently Bel became aware of the scent of violets, it was faint at first—perhaps it was just imagination—but gradually it grew stronger until the delicious fragrance filled the room. Bel glanced up at the picture and it seemed to her that Mrs. Lestrange was smiling."

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just an okay DES for me. It rather lacked that sparkle that so many of her novels have. Poor Reggie fell out of the story completely, and I liked him so much! I do enjoy Louise as a character, so it was fun to get the full arch of her story. The Musgraves from another DES story make several appearances here, as does a character from The Tall Stranger, so that was fun.

[Mo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this while traveling to Florida, and it made the hours speed by. I was absolutely charmed by it, and liked it even better than Bel Lamington Book 1.

[Claude · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just loved it. Nothing like a D.E. Stevenson novel to lighten one’s confinement

[Suzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a continuation of D.E. Stevenson's earlier book, "Bel Lamington", where we see the character of Bel engaged and then married to Ellis Brownlee. They find an old house outside London to renovate and become involved in the local villages and other characters from D.E. Stevenson's books. I love the detail of life in London as well as the small outlying villages that were becoming "bedroom communities" in the early 1960's. Stevenson is an old hand at creating a community of locale as well as characters, and her attention to detail in describing the people and places, especially this lovely old home, is engaging. One can walk into her books as if into another life, and the reader finds the act of putting the book down to pick up the threads of their own lives, a bit challenging. This books is a lovely continuation of some of Stevenson's other books; Bel Lamington, The Musgraves, Shoulder the Sky, etc., but it can also be enjoyed and appreciated as a stand-alone book.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this sequel to Bel Lamington! This duology is a new favorite of mine. I loved seeing Bel and her husband setting up their new home and following the trials and tribulations of their friends and relations. This book was so lovely and I know I’ll be revisiting Bel’s world again in the future.

[Susan Dove Lempke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stevenson's wry humor, keen observation of human nature, and respect for decent down to earth people are all in evidence here. In this sequel to Bel Lamington, she and her new husband have bought a house built in the 16th century out of the same wood as Elizabeth's fleet of ships that fought the Armada. I always start my vacation with a D.E. Stevenson book because it is undemanding and like a visit to a beloved place.

[Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice sequel to Bel Lamington, giving glimpses into her married life. Some interesting new characters are introduced including the house called Fletchers End. (Stevenson has several novels where the houses have personalities of their own.)

Even though Stevenson is light reading, I don't think of her as fluffy. The romance angle is rarely the main thing, and the characters often share witty and literary banter. Delightful.

[Michelle Thurman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several of D.E.Stevenson's books and I love them. Her characters are real and likeable, and her style of writing easy to read. I like the time era her books are set in and the locale (England). It's like looking through a window into another time, place and completely different way of life. I would love to visit the world she wrote about.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Original review, May 2024)

"Fletchers End" is the next book my D.E. Stevenson fan group will be reading & discussing together. I'll count it as a re-read once we've finished, but I always like to try to read it through first myself, if I can! It's a sequel to "Bel Lamington," which we just finished reading as a group.

As the book opens, Bel's wedding to her former boss, Ellis Brownlee, is drawing near -- and her good friend Louise Armstrong has found them the perfect house near her own home. Fletcher's End has been sadly neglected by its absentee owner, but it has loads of potential, the owner is anxious to get rid of it, and the price is right. Bel and Ellis are married and settle happily into domestic life and renovations -- but a visit from the previous owner, Lieutenant Commander Roy Lestrange, is a catalyst that threatens to upend their cozy life in more ways than one...

This book is a favourite of many Stevenson fans. I understand the appeal. It contains many of the usual hallmarks of a DES novel: perhaps a little thin on plot but, as compensation, lovely descriptions, sympathetic characters (with a few villainous types thrown in for good measure...!), colourful supporting players (the domestic help), a comfortable old country home that's like a character itself, a strong sense of morality and (surprise! lol) a happy ending. There are bonus appearances from several characters we came to know in "Bel Lamington," as well as a few from "The Musgraves."

On the negative side of the scale, while it's nice to see Bel and Ellis happily wed, they do occasionally come off as "smug marrieds" (as Bridget Jones might say). For example, in Chapter 22, Bel reflects on her new friendship with Margaret (Musgrave) Warren, also married with a delightful baby son, and how in some ways it's easier to talk with Margaret than it is with her single friend, Louise: "Between the married and the unmarried, in the case of feminine friendships, there is always a slight barrier. There are things not to be talked about, things that cannot be understood..." Ugh.

And I STILL find Louise as annoying as I did in "Bel Lamington"! ;)

Content warning: I was a little started by the casual use of a racist expression in Chapter 10. Stevenson's books are very much reflections of the time & place they were written in (this one was published in 1962), and occasionally, a word or phrase that would be unacceptable in the same context today pops up and jolts the modern reader. That said, one word is generally not enough to make me abandon a book. Others may feel differently...

3 stars on Goodreads & StoryGraph.

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(Re-read, Sept. 2024)

My D.E. Stevenson fan group just finished our group reading & discussion of "Fletchers End," the sequel to "Bel Lamington," which we read together earlier this year. I read through the book earlier on my own, and my initial review can be found above.

The book opens as Bel is busy with preparations for her wedding to her former boss, Ellis Brownlee, and hunting for the perfect house where they can begin their life together. Her friend Louise Armstrong discovers Fletchers End, an old home now for sale, conveniently near her own. The house has been sadly neglected, but the seller is "motivated" (as realtors say today) and the price is right. They buy the house, hire the current housekeeper/caretaker, and plunge into renovations -- but a visit from the previous owner, Roy Lestrange, casts an uneasy shadow over their happiness...

"Fletchers End" includes many of the elements of a typical D.E. Stevenson novel. There's really not a whole lot that happens, and the story meanders from one episode/crisis point to another (with a happy ending practically a guarantee), but there are some lovely descriptive passages, gentle humour and well-drawn characters (although I still find Bel's friend Louise rather annoying!). This includes, of course, the house itself! (apparently based on a real house that Stevenson's son lived in). :) And, as usual, our group discussion added to my appreciation of the book.

Content warning: Casual use of a racist expression in Chapter 10 that would be considered highly taboo today.

My original rating -- 3 stars on Goodreads & StoryGraph -- still stands.

[Virginia Tican · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five miles from the Armstrongs was the three or more centuries old handcrafted house called Fletcher's End that Louise found for the about to be married Ellis and Bel. Inside the house, Louise also smelt the strong yet phantom scent of fresh violets which Bel would equally smell later on while touring the house grudgingly accompanied by then hitherto extremely loquacious and welcoming (to Louise) caretaker, Mrs. Warmer who suddenly had a 'volte face' and left the exiting Louise bewildered. Mrs. Warmer's changed demeanor did not deter Louise from deeply encouraging Bel to inspect the house and despite the lack of hospitality, abysmal welcome and the house's state of neglect and disrepair, she knew she found her dream house and then she suddenly hired Mrs. Warmer as her cook on impulse, which put the old dear's fears of being homeless and without income to rest. Long distance negotiations with the absent owner took quite awhile with him upping the price until Ellis got impatient and told him via the agent that he was ready to buy another property nearby to which the absent naval commander finally told the agent to accept Ellis' price. Ellis hired Stephenson, his architect friend who instantly fell in love with the house (which he reverently called HOUSE because it was real and lovingly handcrafted and built) and suggested renovations that would admit light and positive ambience to the drawing room without detracting from the original design and still preserve the house's history... he also added modern plumbing and fixed the windows. Ellis and Bel were married at the village church of St. James where their beloved house was and all their prominent neighbours were invited. The reception was at the Armstrongs' house, Fletcher's End still under Stephenson's loving and meticulously careful renovations so the newly weds stayed at Bel's flat and roof garden... Ellis enjoying Bel's care and loving wifely attentions with both of them working with the firm so Bel could find a permanent and satisfactory solution to the big baby Mr. James' foibles into his sire's firm also with the intention of educating him on public and human relations. Bel found a widow with a school~boy son who could easily handle Mr. James' boyish enthusiasms and hired her despite her marginal typing skills. When the house was finished and the yard was cleared of its jungle~like appearance, the original owner came to take a look at his previous inheritance and he charmed the shy Mrs. Bel Brownlee then he charmed her friend, Louise, too. Outside his sphere of influence, the Pirate's charm wore off and Bel and Dr. Armstrong worried about Louise succumbing to his dubious enchantment. Then Alec Drummond, the Compleat Angler, appeared at Fletcher's End and disclosed that he was betrayed by a Campbell (a trusted employee who embezzled from Drummond's) like in the days of old and he informed the Brownlees that he was in fact punting on the River Tick then he left without keeping his lunch appointment with the Armstrongs but not without Ellis' strong friendship, respect and goodwill for both him and his prestigious family's company. A distraught Louise blaming Bel for not keeping Alec for her came, then she impulsively followed Alec back to Scotland, thankfully with Bel as chaperone easing any fear regarding Roy LeStrange, whom she dismissed as a Pirate and one who took what he wanted without regard to anything or anyone. This one is full of exciting roller coaster ride of up and down moments that make this book one Very Good read. Heart~warmingly brilliant... with lots of endearing stories and suspenseful ones, too

[Aarathi Burki · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*
What a wonderful book this was and what a wonderful background in the form of Fletchers end a house which is the base for Bel and Ellis's future. It was a pleasure and soothing reading this book. It makes you smile,feel good, and wish for such a country life. Bel and Louise's friendship is a delight all through the book, and Bel and Ellis are a perfect match for one another. I had a great time reading this book and recommend this story for all. Just go for it and you will feel very happy and satisfied at the end of the book.

[Judy Shank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relaxing and satisfying

Books by D. E. Stevenson are old-fashioned treasures, perfect for a rainy afternoon or a winter's evening. I wish more were easily available. Her "Hester" books are my favorites. Fletcher's End was a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Treasures

I have so treasured D. E. Stevenson 's books. Beautifully written, just normal good stories about good people. Just what I needed at this time in my life.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a lovely book, pleasant yet real characters. Enjoyable in the comfort of an old fashioned read.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another charming novel from D.E. Stevenson: I enjoyed this at least as much as Bel Lamington and maybe even more.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book - 5 stars
Narration by Patience Tomlinson - 4.5

[Lisa of Hopewell]

3.5
My Interest
A little while ago I read and reviewed Bel Lamington by D.E. Stevenson–the first book of this two-part story. Both are coming from Dean Street Press in July. Well, with appologies to the wonderful folks at Dean Street–whose Furrowed Middlebrow books I keep reading and loving, I could not wait until July! So sorry! To atone for this I’ve put up the cover of the to-be-published book and not mentioning that I listened to an audio version with a cover that in no way related to the story. Whew! I got that off my chest.

The Story
“He’s a bit older than you are but that’s all to the good. You need somebody safe and solid, Bel. He’s the right man for you.”

[Louise to Bel in Bel Lamington by D.E. Stevenson]

As I tried not to say in my review of the first book of this two book pair, Bel Lamington accepts the marriage proposal of her boss, Ellis Brownlee–a partner in the firm where she works as a secretary. [To young readers: In 1961 this sort of thing was considered “normal” and was not seen as grooming or s harassment or anything]. This book begins with their marriage and finding their marital home–a run-down several centuries old house named “Fletcher’s End.”

[Sidebar: I did not know that “fletchers” were the people who made arrows for archery.]

Bel and Ellis find their marital stride with apparent ease. The house has been found by Bel’s old school friend, Louise. Bel falls in love with it and, though he remains quiet while looking over the house, so does Ellis. Happily the house comes compete with the caretaker, now the soon-to-be cook and house keeper, Mrs. Warmer.

As the work continues reviving and updating the house and after the newlyweds move in, their friends come-and-go visiting and bringing new life to the house. But what does a handsome Royal Navy officer have to do with it all? And why is Louise running off to Edinburgh? And what about the happy couple themselves–will their bliss be disturbed? You know the rule here–NO SPOILERS!



My Thoughts
If you’ve read this blog for a while you may have picked up on my liking of SINCERE non-Sugar Daddy older man, younger woman romances–both in film & fiction and in real life. Bel and Ellis are one such fictional couple.

That said I was surprised by the turns in this book. I don’t consider it a spoiler to say that the romance and happy marriage was not the focus of the book like I thought it would be. I thought we’d have Bel in the drawing room fixing the coctails when Ellis’ car pulled into the drive after his train ride home from London. I could just see this scene! His slippers warming by the fire. Nope. Not at all. Not that that sort of happiness wasn’t presented–oh, it was! But not in the way I anticipated.

What we seen instead is the steady pace of work on the house [though not in a Phil & Kirstie Love it or List it way] and a parade of friends who bring joy and troubles and, well, LIFE, to the house and something more to think about than themselves and their bliss to the new Mr and Mrs Blownlee’s home.

While not the story I imagined, it was still absolutely wonderful. Bel’s calm, no nonsense approach to life serves hubby and friends well. While she does have that moment …NO SPOILERS….it was written a year before I was born and such moments were de rigour [Think Laura Petrie on The Dick Van Dyke Show wailing “Oh Rob….” but that’s NOT a spoiler, merely an illustration of what was expected back in the day].

My only regret about this book? That there is no Book Three!

My Verdict
4.0
Fletchers End (Bel Lamington Book Two) by D.E. Stevenson arrives in July 2026

ALSO

Bel Lamington by D.E. Stevenson

[Antonia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Much of the same formula for a Stevenson novel, but this one did not resonate with me. Maybe it was because I read the first in the series back to back with this one. I usually read Stevenson as a palate cleanser versus regular fare, so maybe that was the issue. Or maybe it was that it felt especially outmoded and a bit saccharine, though I appreciated Stevenson’s Christianity coming through a bit more.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Rebecca Wasch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely end to Bel’s story. This one had surprising depth in places.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I did love this book! It made reading the first book in the series worthwhile—which is saying a lot. (I did love not the previous volume, Bel Lamington, until the last 3rd of the book). In Fletchers End, Stevenson is back to the kind of book she does best: a house in the country as a healing balm; kind, lovely characters; descriptions of tea and meals that warm one’s heart; and some dear female friendships.

One doesn’t need to read the 1st book (Bel Lamington) to enjoy Fletchers End, but doing so does help one to appreciate Bel’s background more deeply.

This is right up there with my other favorite Stevensons: Miss Buncle’s Book, The Two Mrs Abbotts, and The House on the Cliff.

Enjoy!

[The Library Lady · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess that I am in the minority here, because I didn't think that the sequel was as good as the first book. While the house itself becomes a good and interesting character, Bel and Ellis' marriage isn't terribly realistic - - it is perfect to the point of insipidness. There are some minor dramatic threads here, but mostly everything runs along perfectly, which is soothing to the soul but doesn't make for very good fiction.

It's also interesting that no one has pointed out in any review the use of the n-word, as in Ellis saying "We've been working like n******."
Yes, it's in period, and I've seen the same in other writers working in this period, but it's still offensive, and you would think that it would have been edited out in an ebook.

[Beccie · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some reason I had a hard time remembering which book I was reading when I started this again - I kept thinking it was Miss Buncle Married . So much so that when someone said Ellis was in the shipping business, I thought, "No, he is in the publishing business". Oops. I was also surprised by the presence of the "n" word. I didn't remember that being in there. Different era.
As always with D.E. Stevenson, this is the perfect book to take your mind off of problems and contention. (Make sure you read Bel Lamington first.)
I'm so grateful that D.E. Stevenson books are coming out on Kindle!

[Alisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pleasant enough sequel to Bel Lamington. Enjoyed the added episodes to tie things up for Bel's friend Louise, as well as the lovely cozy atmosphere of a country English home that Bel and her husband buy.

[P. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasant enough read. Bel - the heroine of the piece - is a bit of a weak reed, but it's an ensemble so there's others to like. Or not.