Miss Read's novels have become classics. Published alongside two others in the series, VILLAGE AFFAIRS and VILLAGE CENTENARY. Includes the original line drawings. The first six in the Fairacre and the first three in the Thrush Green series have been published in Orion paperback and have reprinted. The Miss Read novels have sold over 3 million copies. She has also received terrific reviews: 'Unforgettable characters ... drama, romance and humour' Express. 'Delicious wit, quirky characters, the colourful intrigues of daily life, and certainly love and laughter ... delightful' Jan Karon. 'Miss Read so understands and loves the country and can write so tenderly and humorously about the minutiae of village life without distortion or sentimentality' Times Literary Supplement. 'An affectionate, humorous and gently charming chronicle ... sometimes funny, sometimes touching, always appealing' New York Times. 'Observed with exactitude, animation, and a sense of comedy that recall a Brueghel painting of village folk' The Times.

"A gentle and easy read, just right for summer days" TELEGRAPH & ARGUS

Miss Read was a teacher by profession who started writing after the Second World War. In additional to her novels, she has written on educational and country matters, and worked as a script-writer for the BBC. She lives in Berkshire, and was made an MBE for her services to literature.