This is the sequel to Miss Buncle’s Book, which I really enjoyed reading so when I saw this at a library in the next town I snapped it off the shelf, even although it’s a large print book. I suspect that the powers that be in Fife libraries think that D.E. Stevenson’s books are only read by very elderly ladies in care homes, but I’m not quite of that generation.

Anyway, in this book Barbara Abbott nee Buncle is enjoying married life with her Arthur, she’s partial to large men you know, and he fits the bill perfectly. The only blot in their happiness is the fact that they have got into a social circle which means never ending dinner invitations and bridge parties. When they eventually realise that neither of them are keen on all the socialising, they plan their getaway.

So that they don’t upset their neighbours Barbara looks far afield for her dream home, and when she finds it it’s a wreck. She sets to work refurbishing the place and in time they make friends with all the neighbours, who are more to her liking, no bridge this time!

When I was about a third of the way through this book I thought to myself that I wasn’t enjoying it as much as Miss Buncle’s Book but by the time I got to the half way mark it had pepped up and I was happy eavesdropping on the inhabitants of the English village of Wandlebury. As you would expect from D.E.Stevenson, this is a cosy light read, which is sometimes just what I need.

D.E.Stevenson was Scottish and was related to R.L.Stevenson of Kidnapped/Treasure Island fame. You can read some more about her here.