D.E. Stevenson

'Surely you can sit on a seat for a few minutes without getting into conversation with a perfectly strange young man 'Julia smiled. 'It isn't as easy as you seem to think.'While waiting in Kensington Gardens for her stuffy fianc , Julia Harburn, at a loose end following the remarriage of her father, encounters Stephen Brett, a young mining engineer just back from Africa on exciting business involving an abandoned mine and a perfect blue sapphire. It's a brief meeting, soon forgotten in her fianc 's irritation and her own relocation to a boarding house run by the theatrical (and lovable) Miss Martineau, who also finds her congenial work in a hat shop. But Julia has little time to settle in before a letter arrives from a hitherto unknown uncle in Scotland, inviting her to visit as his health is failing and he hopes to heal the rift between himself and Julia's father. She knows her father, traveling in Europe with his new wife, would disapprove, but she sets off for Scotland anyway. Her decision, naturally, reaps all sorts of complications, and Stephen reappears to dramatic effect.The Blue Sapphire, first published in 1963, is justifiably a favorite of D.E. Stevenson fans. A spirited heroine, an array of delightful characters both irritating and adorable, romance and comedy in equal parts, and the wanderlust-inducing beauty of Scotland-all mixed here in one of Stevenson's most satisfying and entertaining confections. This new edition includes an autobiographical sketch by the author."Miss Stevenson has her own individual and charming way of seeing things." Western Mail

"We must be very nice to him," said Mrs. Braithwaite, looking up at her daughter with large blue eyes."Nice to him " echoed Miss Braithwaite in some surprise. "Well, of course we'll be nice to him. I mean, why shouldn't we?"It's the spring of 1938, the threat of war looms across England, and widowed, slightly dizzy Sophie Braithwaite and her daughter Wynne await the arrival of a distant cousin, Franz von Heiden-from Nazi Germany no less. Franz turns out to be a stiff, formal young man whose father (unbeknownst to the Braithwaites) is a personal advisor to Hitler and has sent Franz to observe English attitudes, but they do indeed welcome him nicely. Soon nicknamed Frank, his defenses are broken down by the kindness, informality, and humour of his cousins-particularly the charming Wynne. But when the dreaded war breaks out and Franz returns to Germany, Wynne must wait in suspense to learn his fate.First published in 1940, in the early days of World War II, The English Air is one of D.E. Stevenson's best works-by turns atmospheric and entertaining, poignant and funny, tense and romantic. This new edition includes letters-never previously published-between D.E. Stevenson and her publishers, which provide a striking glimpse of the historic moment at which the novel was first written and published. Also included here is an autobiographical sketch by the author."Miss Stevenson has her own individual and charming way of seeing things." Western Mail

"Now, listen to me," said Mr. Green earnestly. "I've brought up my little girl as a girl should be brought up. I've sheltered her from the world. She's uncontaminated by the modern ideas-uncontaminated. What d'you think of that?"Young George Ferrier's frivolous jaunt in London ends with an unexpected encounter with wealthy Mr. Green, old friend of his father, who spontaneously drafts George to be a trustee for his daughter Elma. George accepts (primarily due to the payment involved) and puts it out of his mind, returning home to his high-spirited Irish mother, distracted astronomer father, and friends Peter Seeley and his sister Cathy. But Mr. Green's sudden death-and the discovery that his fellow trustees are distinctly on the shady side-launches George into a series of rollicking adventures as he attempts to secure the overly-sheltered Elma's wealth, protect her from fortune-hunters, and shield her from her own na ve instincts.First published in 1939 and out of print for many years, Green Money is a delightful tale of fortune and fraud, innocence and experience-and of course romance. This new edition includes an autobiographical sketch by D.E. Stevenson."Miss Stevenson has her own individual and charming way of seeing things." Western Mail

"There's something . . . I mean we simply must see Miss Fortune now. She isn't in bed, is she?""No, she ain't," said Nannie grimly. "She ought to be, but she ain't, an' you shall see 'er. Ho, yes you shall Both of you shall see 'er before you're any older."The village of Dingleford is all aquiver with the arrival of lovely young Miss Fortune with plans to open a tea house. Captain Charles Weatherby, just back from India, has "no use for bright little creatures no matter how long their eyelashes might be," but his perspective shifts when they actually meet (much to his mother's secret delight). The interest of Harold Prestcott, perpetual doormat to a smothering mother, is also piqued, much to her bitter chagrin. And when Miss Fortune's sister arrives in the village, soon pursued by an irate Frenchman, confusions bloom, passions flare, and hilarity reigns, all in classic D.E. Stevenson style.The Fair Miss Fortune, written in 1938, was originally (rather bafflingly) rejected by D.E. Stevenson's publisher. It only finally appeared in print in a limited edition from Greyladies in 2011, and Furrowed Middlebrow and Dean Street Press are delighted to make it more widely available with this new edition. It also includes archival letters between the author and her agent, and an autobiographical sketch by D.E. Stevenson."Miss Stevenson has her own individual and charming way of seeing things." Western Mail

One day we had been well-off and secure; the old grey London house had been 'home' and we imagined that our lives . . . would continue to run smoothly forever. The next day it was all gone.For Anna Harcourt and her three daughters-lovely Helen, who always gets what she wants, young Jane, who makes the best of what she has, and Rosalie, the middle daughter who wavers somewhere in between-the world is turned upside down by their father's death and the discovery that they will have to sell their London home. The girls are shocked when Anna buys a cottage in Ryddelton, her home town in Scotland, but they soon settle in to Scottish life, each in her own way. As time passes, the three girls must contend with love and tragedy, hope and despair, laughter and tears, all unfolding with D.E. Stevenson's incomparable storytelling and knowledge of human nature.First published in 1958, Anna and Her Daughters is a compelling, poignant, and ultimately joyful tale of family, romance, and healing. This new edition includes an autobiographical sketch by the author."Miss Stevenson has her own individual and charming way of seeing things." Western Mail

Spring came slowly to Underwoods. It was the most beautiful spring Barbie had ever seen, for after lingering in the shadows so long she was in love with life . . .Barbie France has come home to Underwoods, the lovely Cotswolds house where she grew up, following a breakdown and a dreadful time in hospital. Barbie's kind Aunt Amalie, her indomitable companion Miss Penney, and the beauties of nature aid her rapid recovery, only dampened by a troubled romance with Amalie's stepson Edward, whom Barbie hasn't seen in years and whose character seems to have changed. When Barbie returns to her successful career as a decorator, new challenges and pleasures await, include a delightful trip to a castle in Scotland, which bears fruit both professional and private.First published in 1957, The Tall Stranger is a sparkling tale of a spirited, independent young woman finding her way in life, and the unforgettable characters and adventures she encounters along the way. This new edition features an autobiographical sketch by the author."Miss Stevenson has her own individual and charming way of seeing things." Western Mail

Yes, her job was the loneliest in the world. No king, no dictator set high upon a pinnacle, was as friendless as the headmistress of a girls' school.Charlotte Fairlie loves her position at the illustrious St. Elizabeth's, but it's not without its challenges-first among them her trouble-making maths mistress Miss Pinkerton, who yearns for Charlotte's job and spares no effort to complicate her life. Then there's the charming Lawrence Swayne, headmaster of a nearby boys' school, who has plans of his own for Charlotte's future. But it's the arrival of Tessa MacRynne, desperately homesick for the Scottish isle of Targ and distraught about her parents' impending divorce, who really stirs things up-giving Miss Pinkerton fresh ammunition, helping the unfortunate Eastwoods, who cower beneath their father's snide, critical personality, and inspiring Charlotte to spend an unforgettable holiday on Targ. Adventures, pleasures, misunderstandings, and tragedies follow, told with D.E. Stevenson's inimitable sensitivity and humour, and Charlotte's loneliness is soon forgotten . . .First published in 1954 and long out of print, Charlotte Fairlie is the irresistible, sometimes poignant tale of a talented professional woman gaining a new lease on life. This new edition includes an autobiographical sketch by the author."Miss Stevenson has her own individual and charming way of seeing things." Western Mail

Sometimes she wished she could stick up a large notice saying: "FOUR CHILDREN ARE NOT TOO MANY" . . .Raising four young children on her own in the years of postwar rationing, widowed Dinah tends to be the subject of sympathetic murmurs. But though she has little money, is perpetually tired, and remains haunted by unresolved issues from her troubled marriage, Dinah rejects all offers of pity. When her twin brother Dan returns from the military, he sends her and the children on holiday among the scenes of their childhood, staying with their unflappable Nannie at Craigie Lodge, their old family home, in a beautiful coastal town in Scotland. There, amidst happy memories, old friends, and new acquaintances, Dinah and her brood weather delightful adventures, awkward misunderstandings, and, perhaps, the tentative beginnings of new romance.First published in 1949, Young Mrs. Savage is a charming holiday story, a perceptive tale of overcoming past unhappiness to make a fresh start, and one of D.E. Stevenson's most irresistible novels. This new edition includes an autobiographical sketch by the author."Miss Stevenson has her own individual and charming way of seeing things." Western Mail

"Do you know anything about her, Richard?""Nothing except that she lives in London, is obviously well off and very impulsive. . . . She bought the house as if it were-a bun. She bought it straight off without seeing it.""She must be mad "The arrival of novelist Kate Hardy at the lovely Dower House in Old Quinings, with her staunch ally and housekeeper Martha, has the whole village talking. But Kate is not in fact mad, merely in need of escape from her selfish sister Milly and spoiled niece Minty. Though welcomed warmly by Richard Morven at the Manor House and the charming, widowed Mrs. Stark, Kate likewise finds herself taken for a witch and is then one of the targets of a poison pen campaign-not to mention the rumours that her new home is haunted by its past inhabitant. With the arrival of Mrs. Stark's son Walter, back from his wartime triumphs and finding readjustment to village life difficult, Kate may find that the country allows her as little time for writing as London First published in 1947 and providing a fascinating glimpse of English life in the immediate postwar years, Kate Hardy is an irresistible tale of village life, challenging family relations, romance, and D.E. Stevenson's incomparable storytelling. Also included in this edition is an autobiographical sketch by the author."Miss Stevenson has her own individual and charming way of seeing things." Western Mail

Sometimes it is difficult to see clearly in what direction one's duty lies (and especially difficult for people like myself with a husband in one part of the world and children in another) but Tim and I, talking it over together in cold blood, decided that I ought to go home.Hester Christie, the delightful heroine last met in Mrs. Tim Gets a Job, has spent a blissful 18 months living in Kenya where husband Tim is posted. But now it's back to England to be with her two nearly grown children. She rents a house near the village of Old Quinings in England's North Country, and plans a quiet summer with the children near the inn owned by her beloved former maid Annie and her husband.But things are never quiet for long with Mrs. Tim, and she must navigate curious neighbours, a dishonest landlady, and a troublesome travel companion who makes an unwelcome appearance in Old Quinings, not to mention a bit of intrigue and--as usual for Hester--a bit of matchmaking for young lovers.Mrs. Tim Flies Home, first published in 1952, concludes D.E. Stevenson's much-loved Mrs. Tim series. Furrowed Middlebrow and Dean Street Press have also reprinted Mrs. Tim Carries On and Mrs. Tim Gets a Job. This new edition includes an introduction by Alexander McCall Smith."Another charming romance . . . Strongly recommended for pleasurable reading." Edinburgh Evening News

A stranger came to town and stole her heartSue Pringle has never met anyone like John Darnay before. A painter who roams the countryside with brush in hand, Darnay is so absorbed in his art that he can barely remember to feed himself--a stark contrast to the practical shopkeepers and shepherds of her tiny village.Working as his housekeeper allows Sue to observe the eccentric Darnay unnoticed as he goes about his work translating the beautiful Scottish countryside onto canvas... and Sue soon realizes that not only has she been transfixed by his arresting artwork, she has fallen in love with Darnay himself. But will he ever look up from his paints long enough to love her back?One of celebrated author D.E. Stevenson's earliest and most beloved novels, The Baker's Daughter is a heartwarming story of finding love in unexpected places.