The Beloved Fairacre Series

There’s no pleasing Mrs. Pringle—and everyone in Fairacre knows it. “Miss Read’s novels are sheer delight” (Chicago Tribune).   Miss Read is certain of one thing—she won’t be forced to hire grumpy Mrs. Pringle to straighten up her house. Mrs. Pringle of Fairacre chronicles the life of the beloved but curmudgeonly school cleaner through the stories of her fellow villagers. Readers will delight in the quirks of this favorite character, from the “flare-ups” of her bad leg to her possessive fondness for the school’s two coal stoves. Her neighbors also remember Maud Pringle’s little-known benevolence, like the time she knitted mittens for poor Joe Coggs. The downland village of Fairacre bustles with familiar characters, who all have stories to share about the town’s (and readers’) favorite grouch.   “Miss Read is a master of characterization and description . . . Mrs. Pringle is a book to savor to the very end.” —Broward Sun-Sentinel   “A soothing oasis of tidy living for the frazzled reader weary of an untidy world.” —Kirkus Reviews

In this small English village, when one door closes, another opens for its favorite schoolteacher. “You’llrelish a visit to Fairacre” (Jan Karon, #1 New York Times–bestselling author).   Gradually worsening health forces Miss Read to consider an early retirement from her job as the village school’s headmistress. John Jenkins, a handsome newcomer, competes for her affections with the newly widowed Henry Mawne. However, Miss Read has more on her mind than men. Orphans living in her former house have bolstered the village school’s roll, but these new students seem to be having problems with their adoptive family. In the midst of all this turmoil, readers can rest assured that Farewell to Fairacre boasts all the elements they have come to love: eccentric villagers, gentle humor, and a verdant rural landscape teeming with lambs, larks, and blackthorn bushes.   “As soothing and warm as a cup of Earl Grey tea, this book will delight fans and newcomers to the series alike.” —Library Journal   “Sensible, well read and acutely observant, the delightfully prim Miss Read continues to be very good company indeed.” —Publishers Weekly

“If you’ve ever enjoyed a visit to Mitford, you’ll relish a visit to Fairacre.” —Jan Karon After many years of teaching in the charming English village of Fairacre, Miss Read settles down to what she hopes will be a relaxing retirement. But, of course, it is not entirely so. Having bid farewell to her pupils at Fairacre School, Miss Read finds herself as busy and in demand as ever: on holiday in Florence, helping with church and school affairs, and offering a kind ear to her often eccentric neighbors. Soon she is counseling Henry Mawne on his thorny marriage; gently resisting her own perennial suitor, John Jenkins; and finally discovering her talent for writing.   Once again, Miss Read’s affection for the minutiae of village life, her love of nature, and her good humor make her excellent company.ally important. And if we can’t live in her world, it’s certainly a comforting place to visit.”—USA Today

Even a small English village can’t escape growing pains— “If you’ve ever enjoyed a visit to Mitford, you’ll relish a visit to Fairacre.” (Jan Karon, #1 New York Times–bestselling author).   Times are changing in the charming downland village of Fairacre, and Miss Read isn’t certain it’s all for the best. The new commuter lifestyle has caused a decline in attendance at the local school, and officials are threatening closure. Miss Read worries about the failing health of Dolly Clare. Vegetable gardens have given way to trips to the Caxley markets, and the traditional village fête now includes a prize for best quiche. With her trademark patience and good humor, Miss Read hopes for the best and plans for the worst as the village grows increasingly modern. Despite all the innovations, Fairacre still retains its essential elements: gentle wit, good manners, and the comfort of caring neighbors.   “The characters and settings are as familiar and comfortable as old shoes. . . . Read writes with deep affection about what she knows and never succumbs to the temptation of clichés. An occasional visit to Fairacre offers a restful change from the frenetic pace of the contemporary world.” —Publishers Weekly   “For the devoted following: a soothing oasis of tidy living for the frazzled reader weary of an untidy world.” —Kirkus Reviews

Big changes are afoot in a small English village— “If you’ve ever enjoyed a visit to Mitford, you’ll relish a visit to Fairacre” (Jan Karon, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of To Be Where You Are).   Trouble brews in the tiny country village of Fairacre, when it is discovered that Farmer Miller’s Hundred Acre Field is slated for real estate development. Alarming rumors are circulating, among them the fear that the village school may close. The endearing schoolmistress Miss Read brings her inimitable blend of affection and clear-sighted candor to this report, in which a young girl finds her first love, an older woman accepts a new role in life, and the impassioned battle to save the village from being engulfed is at the forefront of every villager’s mind.   “Wise, ironic, kindly, full of atmosphere and characters, rural charm, broad dialects, and the impishness of children.” —St. Louis Post-Dispatch   “Affectionate, humorous, and gently charming . . . Sometimes funny, sometimes touching, always appealing.” —The New York Times

“Delicious wit, quirky characters, [and] the colorful intrigues of daily life” make Fairacre America’s favorite English village (Jan Karon, #1 New York Times–bestselling author).   The English village of Fairacre may appear idyllically peaceful to passersby, but those who live among its shady lanes always have problems to untangle. When a terrible rumor emerges—that the Fairacre School is to be closed and the children bused to nearby Beech Green—the village is up in arms at once. The schoolmistress, Miss Read, suffers agonizing indecision at the prospect, and her situation is made worse when her infants’ teacher decides to leave and the short-tempered Mrs. Pringle becomes more contrary than ever.   “Affectionate, humorous, and gently charming . . . Sometimes funny, sometimes touching, always appealing.” —The New York Times   “Miss Read reminds us of what is really important. And if we can’t live in her world, it’s certainly a comforting place to visit.” —USA Today

“Here you’ll find delicious wit, quirky characters, the colorful intrigues of daily life, and certainly love and laughter. . . . Delightful.” —Jan Karon Throughout her years as schoolmistress, Miss Read has gathered excellent accounts of the rich and varied history of her beloved English village, often through neighborly conversation over the gate. Fairacre has garnered its share of odd incidents, entertaining episodes, and village folklore, from an unusual recipe for weight loss found in an old notebook—and used with alarming consequences—to the tragic story of the village ghost. In Over the Gate, Miss Read retells many of these treasured stories of Fairacre past and present, with characteristic grace and wit.   “Affectionate, humorous, and gently charming . . . sometimes funny, sometimes touching, always appealing.” —The New York Times   “Miss Read has a humble, laughing heart.” —Mademoiselle

“If you’ve ever enjoyed a visit to Mitford, you’ll relish a visit to Fairacre.” —Jan Karon Miss Read once again transports readers to the picturesque English village of Fairacre with her Village Diary. Having received a beautiful diary for Christmas, she proceeds to set down a year’s worth of observations and experiences as the village school’s headmistress. And what a year it is! As the villagers prepare for their country pageant, Fairacre welcomes many newcomers, such as the headstrong Amy; the earnest new infants’ teacher, Miss Jackson; and Mr. Mawne—whom the villagers would like to see the reluctant Miss Read marry . . .   “Miss Read's Books . . . have deservedly received the highest praise from both English and American reviewers.” —The New York Times Book Review   “Miss Read reminds us of what is really important. And if we can’t live in her world, it’s certainly a comforting place to visit.” —USA Today

Two novels in the beloved Fairacre series, full of “delicious wit, quirky characters . . . and certainly love and laughter” (Jan Karon). In the English village of Fairacre, retired schoolteachers Dolly Clare and Emily Davis enjoyed a remarkable friendship. Childhood playmates in Beech Green, they would remain close throughout their long lives, eventually sharing a cottage in their retirement. They felt grief when a village family was lost on the Titanic and each experienced young love and then heartbreak when the First World War interrupted both of their romances. In this two-in-one volume, the triumphs and tragedies of their days are depicted with all the humor, humble tenacity, and human warmth for which Miss Read is known.   “Miss Read’s Books . . . have deservedly received the highest praise from both English and American reviewers.” —The New York Times Book Review   “Miss Read reminds us of what is really important. And if we can’t live in her world, it’s certainly a comforting place to visit.” —USA Today   “[Read’s] heroes are the good, the uncomplicated, and those who do the unsung work of the world. It’s a warm, comfortable, part of the picture.” —Kirkus Reviews

A mysterious Fairacre villager receives an unexpected Christmas gift in this heartwarming holiday novel from the popular author of the Thrush Green series.   Nobody in Fairacre knows much about Miss Quinn, which is a rare state of affairs and much regretted by the villagers. Apart from the fact that she lives in the annex to Mrs. Benson’s house and that she works in Caxley, her past history and the amount of her salary remains a tantalizing mystery.   In fact, Miss Quinn is a highly efficient secretary to a Caxley businessman. She runs him, and her own affairs, with terrifying competence. She is completely unsentimental and plans to spend her Christmas exactly as she wants, without fuss or family.   But before the great day, her brother rings to say his wife has been rushed to the hospital, and could she come and cope with the children? Secretly dismayed, Miss Quinn sets out to do her duty.   She copes as capably with the turmoil of her brother’s household as she does with the office, and the regret for her lost Christmas is mitigated by the children’s joy and the unexpected arrival of an old flame . . .   “Miss Read’s novels are sheer delight.” —Chicago Tribune  

A schoolmistress’s summer vacation is ruined—or is it?—in this delightful English village tale. The end of a school year often brings a burst of joy to children’s hearts—and unmitigated rapture to those of their teachers. And so it is for Miss Read, schoolmistress in the charming English village of Fairacre. She happily anticipates long weeks to call her own, free of timetables, bells, children and their parents. But on the very first day of the summer holiday, while retrieving lining paper from her landing cupboard, she falls and breaks her arm. Will she now spend her holiday resigned to the ministrations of the dour Mrs. Pringle?   Just when the summer seems to be ruined, Miss Read’s old friend, Amy Garfield, comes to her aid with a diverting suggestion. They can travel to Crete for two weeks, the change of scenery providing a welcome break for them both—and perhaps when Miss Read returns, refreshed, to her beloved village, she’ll be ready to tackle the various quandaries and mishaps that await her . . .   “The more turbulent the real world, the more charming we may find the stability of Miss Read’s tiny fictional world.” —Los Angeles Times   “Miss Read has three great gifts—an unerring intuition about human frailty, a healthy irony, and, surprisingly, an almost beery sense of humor.” —The New Yorker

Take a trip to America’s favorite English village: “If you’ve ever enjoyed a visit to Mitford, you’ll relish a visit to Fairacre.” —Jan Karon The two-hundred-year-old cottages known as Tyler’s Row have been home to Fairacre residents for generations. With leaded-glass windows and an arched thorn hedge over the gateway, they make an ideal subject for a “Beautiful Britain” calendar. But the charming exterior of Tyler’s Row conceals more than its share of quirks, as well as some rather particular characters.   The new owners, Peter and Diana Hale, plan to create their own rural refuge by converting the middle two cottages into one. But beset by carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and bills, as well as their neighboring tenants—the redoubtable Sergeant Burnaby and the sour Mrs. Fowler—the couple soon has cause to ponder their decision. Fairacre isn’t the utopia they expected, and the Hales must adapt to life in a village that’s not always picture perfect.   Featuring a “rare combination of humor, delicacy, irony, and precision,” the novels of Miss Read capture the challenges and joys of small-town community life (TheNew York Times Book Review).   “The more turbulent the real world, the more charming we may find the stability of Miss Read’s tiny fictional world.” —Los Angeles Times   “Miss Read has three great gifts—an unerring intuition about human frailty, a healthy irony, and, surprisingly, an almost beery sense of humor.” —The New Yorker

Discover these “novels about the gentle rhythms of English village life,” as a community bands together to save their beloved local church (The New York Times). The first day of October brought an unheralded and violent storm, which whipped through the quiet English village of Fairacre, blowing down trees and telephone poles—and, worst of all, damaging the roof of St. Patrick’s church.   The inhabitants of tiny Fairacre can’t imagine how they’ll be able to afford the repairs, until Mr. Willet suggests a fundraising festival. Preparations for a food sale, concert, school play, and gigantic Christmas bazaar are soon made—but will they be enough?   With her customary humor and grace, Miss Read recounts a story of catastrophe and courage.   “If you’ve ever enjoyed a visit to Mitford, you’ll relish a visit to Fairacre.” —Jan Karon   “Miss Read reminds us of what is really important. And if we can’t live in her world, it’s certainly a comforting place to visit.” —USA Today

“For those who miss the Waltons, or who can’t get enough of Jan Karon, Fairacre is an excellent place to visit” (Publishers Weekly).   After a long winter of red noses and wet mittens, summer is a welcome time for Miss Read and her downland village friends. Summer at Fairacre charmingly recounts this bright, bustling season and the problems and possibilities that unfold against the background of roses, skylarks, and bees. Joseph Coggs finds a temporary home in the schoolhouse while his mother is in the hospital. Miss Read’s friend Amy mysteriously disappears. Perhaps most difficult of all, Mrs. Pringle, the grumpy school cleaner, is unable to work because the pain in her bad leg flares up. Still, the sounds of children playing and the fragrance of summertime flowers fill the air, as Miss Read shepherds her students and friends through the warm season.   “If you’ve ever enjoyed a visit to Mitford, you’ll relish a visit to Fairacre.” —Jan Karon, #1 New York Times–bestselling author  

An English village scrambles to prepare for a big anniversary: “If you’ve ever enjoyed a visit to Mitford, you’ll relish a visit to Fairacre.” —Jan Karon Village Centenary welcomes readers back to Miss Read’s cozy English downland village just in time for the hundredth anniversary of Fairacre Shool. Miss Clare, who was a pupil and later a teacher there, points out that such a milestone should be celebrated, and all of Fairacre is quick to offer suggestions—from a tea party to a full-scale pageant.   Deciding how best to stage the grand occasion, however, is only one of Miss Read’s problems. The new teacher, Miss Briggs, fresh from college and full of idealistic theories, proves a thorn in Miss Read’s side. Plus: Miriam Quinn is afraid she might have to leave home; the vicar has decided to keep bees; the ancient skylight in the school is leaking; and Mrs. Pringle is her usual dour self.   But as the seasons continue to change, the centenary year unfolds—with all its hopes and fears, memories and feuds, and friendships that make the tough times so much easier to bear.