By Elizabeth Cadell

This is a charming and humorous story of a 1950s English family in the country trying to stay a family in their beloved home. The oldest sister and head of the family (upon the loss of their parents) almost ruins her life and the lives of her 5 siblings by trying to sell the house and marrying a man totally wrong for her. Luckily, the rest of the family refuses to be bossed and split up. With the help of some “benefactors” along the way, who themselves need a family, everyone finds their heart’s desire. Each of the brothers and sisters, and our heroine, Lucille, are very well-drawn, interesting, and likable. This gentle story has a few laugh-out-loud moments and some touching ones. It is followed by two sequels, in which, I trust, all of the boys and girls find their destinies.

June 12, 2016