Gossip From Thrush Green

The pristine setting of Thrush Green conceals a flurry of activity. Mr. Venables is considering retirement just as Miss Watson, the village's teacher, is about to make an important decision and Molly Curdle prepares for a new baby.

From the author of the Fairacre series: “The more turbulent the real world, the more charming we may find the stability of Miss Read’s tiny fictional world.” —Los Angeles Times Thrush Green is never quite as quiet as it first appears. When a local, long-empty cottage called Tullivers shows signs of occupancy, the village whispers in excitement. Phil, a lovely woman with a young son, has been deserted by her husband and quickly attracts the attention of the villagers—and the interest of several bachelors. Harold Shoosmith gives both advice and practical help in the garden, while Winnie Bailey’s nephew, Richard, offers his assistance with household repairs and takes Phil for a drive to London. When Phil receives some unexpected news, her new freedom brings even more changes to her life—and a new love to Thrush Green.

When a stranger arrives in the village of Thrush Green, Miss Dean's romantic prospects suddenly change.

Miss Read introduces the inhabitants of the lovely village of Thrush Green during the course of one pivotal day--May Day.

In Affairs at Thrush Green, Miss Read continues the fortunes of the Thrush Green families whom we last met in Gossip from Thrush Green. Here we follow the kindly vicar, Charles Henstock, to the neighboring Lulling, after his home was burned to the ground at the end of the earlier novel. Going to a new church is never easy, even in the best of times; indeed, poor Dr. Henstock encounters some very redoubtable females in Lulling. A full-scale power struggle erupts over the question of kneeling cushions for the Lady Chapel, and other difficulties revolve around the crotchety old sexton Albert Piggott. Meanwhile, a mysterious stranger arrives at the Fuschia Bush cafe, and its rivalry with the Two Pheasants becomes more acute. One knows, however, that Miss Read will make all come right in the end.

Tongues are wagging in this charming novel of English village life— “If you’ve ever enjoyed a visit to Mitford, you’ll relish a visit to Thrush Green” (Jan Karon, #1 New York Times–bestselling author). Gossip from Thrush Green returns readers to the delightful English village, neighbor to Fairacre, for a golden summer. But this sleepy, pristine setting conceals a flurry of activity amongst the villagers. Rumor has it that Mr. Venables is considering retirement just as the village’s teacher is about to make an important decision. Molly Curdle prepares for a new baby. The kindly vicar, Charles Henstock, works on his sermon—quite unaware of the disaster that will overtake him. However, there is never any doubt that all will end well in this very English village. “There is a special kind of English writer who writes deceptively simple evocations of English rural life. . . . It is not earth-shattering, but it reveals the fragility of even the most ordinary lives, the courage and stoicism with which people respond to adversity, their generosity in friendship and their gratitude for small pleasures.” —The Washington Post “Bid a joyful welcome to old friends and new . . . in their beloved . . . Thrush Green, the happy world to which Miss Read introduced us so many years ago.” —Publishers Weekly

Miss Read, the headmistress of Fairacre School, learns of a proposed new housing development that soon has the citizens of Fairacre up in arms.

Both the good and the bad find sanctuary in an English village— “You’ll relish a visit to Thrush Green” (Jan Karon, #1 New York Times–bestselling author). It’s spring again in the village of Thrush Green, and with the changing of the seasons comes change in the lives of many villagers. The Young family’s tranquility is disrupted by the sudden arrival of Joan’s father, while Molly and Ben Curdle consider putting an end to their wandering days in order to finally settle down. Even the reappearance of Sexton Albert Piggott—one of Thrush Green’s more malevolent sorts—cannot dim the happiness that inevitably prevails at Thrush Green. “The more turbulent the real world, the more charming we may find the stability of Miss Read’s tiny fictional world.” —Los Angeles Times “A charming little world in which to live . . . One learns a good deal about human nature, integrity, and about truth.” —Christian Herald