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Mrs. Tim #4
Mrs. Tim Gets a Job
Mrs. Tim Gets a Job is an amusing, entertaining story of Hester Christie's adventures in her first job. Old admirers of D. E. Stevenson will be delighted with this third volume in the series, and new readers will be charmed with Mrs. Tim's adventures.
With her husband still with his Regiment in Egypt, Mrs. Tim takes a job to fill the months before her husband's demobilization. She finds herself working for Miss Erica Clutterbuck, a formidably tough and masculine woman, who has turned her home into a small hotel. Mrs. Tim becomes deeply involved with the many guests and their various problems. One amusing situation after another develops and, of course, Mrs. Tim is always in the middle.
Humor, lightness of touch, appealing characters, and a delightful plot make for a novel that will delight the readers of this latest volume about warmhearted Mrs. Tim. And beneath the fun and sparkle there is a philosophy worth serious thought.
With her husband still with his Regiment in Egypt, Mrs. Tim takes a job to fill the months before her husband's demobilization. She finds herself working for Miss Erica Clutterbuck, a formidably tough and masculine woman, who has turned her home into a small hotel. Mrs. Tim becomes deeply involved with the many guests and their various problems. One amusing situation after another develops and, of course, Mrs. Tim is always in the middle.
Humor, lightness of touch, appealing characters, and a delightful plot make for a novel that will delight the readers of this latest volume about warmhearted Mrs. Tim. And beneath the fun and sparkle there is a philosophy worth serious thought.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1947
About the author
D.E. Stevenson
63 books532 followersThere is more than one author with this name
Dorothy Emily Stevenson was a best-selling Scottish author. She published more than 40 romantic novels over a period of more than 40 years. Her father was a cousin of Robert Louis Stevenson.
D.E. Stevenson had an enormously successful writing career: between 1923 and 1970, four million copies of her books were sold in Britain and three million in the States. Like E.F. Benson, Ann Bridge, O. Douglas or Dorothy L. Sayers (to name but a few) her books are funny, intensely readable, engaging and dependable.
Dorothy Emily Stevenson was a best-selling Scottish author. She published more than 40 romantic novels over a period of more than 40 years. Her father was a cousin of Robert Louis Stevenson.
D.E. Stevenson had an enormously successful writing career: between 1923 and 1970, four million copies of her books were sold in Britain and three million in the States. Like E.F. Benson, Ann Bridge, O. Douglas or Dorothy L. Sayers (to name but a few) her books are funny, intensely readable, engaging and dependable.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
December 3, 2014
Mildly amusing account of a military wife's employment at a hotel while her husband is stationed overseas and her children are away at school. I enjoyed this quite a bit while reading it, although it didn't grab me as much as some of the earlier books in the series. But it was nice to see Hester (i.e. Stevenson) in a different sort of setting, actually realizing that she has skills. I did not miss her friend Grace, who never grew on me.
There was a passage of sociological interest: a discussion between Mrs Christie and an American visitor concerning happiness. The American thinks the pursuit thereof is paramount; the Brit thinks it is selfish. One of those cultural differences I always forget, even though I've had similar discussions with European and Canadian friends. It's okay that you called me selfish, friends.
As usual with Stevenson's books I had to look up a word: plage, a noun which can mean either "a beach by the sea, especially at a fashionable resort" or "an unusually bright region on the sun."
There was a passage of sociological interest: a discussion between Mrs Christie and an American visitor concerning happiness. The American thinks the pursuit thereof is paramount; the Brit thinks it is selfish. One of those cultural differences I always forget, even though I've had similar discussions with European and Canadian friends. It's okay that you called me selfish, friends.
As usual with Stevenson's books I had to look up a word: plage, a noun which can mean either "a beach by the sea, especially at a fashionable resort" or "an unusually bright region on the sun."
June 16, 2023
Re-read June 2023: I can’t believe I rated this only three stars last time. That was a MISTAKE! This book is delightful and funny and poignant. I just love Hester! She is a gem of a character. There are so many funny bits in this, some only one line and some full scenes. The hotel guests provide lots of amusement. DES captures the hilarity and pathos of daily life so brilliantly in Hester’s voice. Tony is as divinely roguish as ever. He’s one of my favorite book boyfriends. 😆 I had forgotten the climactic scene between two characters towards the end. 😅 Hester’s son Bryan is a dear.
Original Review (three stars): This one felt more disjointed than the previous one, but perhaps that was my own state of mind. Erica’s character is so much fun! I love how she and Hester figure each other out and come to be so companionable. I also love the scene that breaks the ice for them. Of course Tony shows up, and I truly don’t know what to think of him. I love that he and Hester are such pals, but he is rather inscrutable. Is he a womanizer or not? I can’t quite tell.
I liked reading about Betty and Bryan now more that they’re grown up. The parts they play in the story are a lot of fun. Also Hester as fortune teller was so funny. I am in awe of her for rising to the occasion with such aplomb.
Original Review (three stars): This one felt more disjointed than the previous one, but perhaps that was my own state of mind. Erica’s character is so much fun! I love how she and Hester figure each other out and come to be so companionable. I also love the scene that breaks the ice for them. Of course Tony shows up, and I truly don’t know what to think of him. I love that he and Hester are such pals, but he is rather inscrutable. Is he a womanizer or not? I can’t quite tell.
I liked reading about Betty and Bryan now more that they’re grown up. The parts they play in the story are a lot of fun. Also Hester as fortune teller was so funny. I am in awe of her for rising to the occasion with such aplomb.
October 29, 2021
What a delightful read! It's 4.5 stars, but I'm feeling generous today...
I love reading well-read authors. They scatter cultural references here and there without explanation, and I feel like a "teacher's pet" (sadly, a role I aspired to in my youth) when I recognize them. Like what, you ask? Ha!
:: Hester Christie puts her daughter Betty in a girls boarding school called Dinwell Hall. A friend asks about her initial visit to Dothegirls Hall a fun reference to Dicken's Nicholas Nickleby.
:: The woman behind Hester in a very slow-moving fish queue is "less patient in adversity than her fellows." Whee! I get the reference to the Heidelberg Catechism: we learn we are to be patient in adversity and grateful in the midst of blessing.
New words I learned: Tocher (marriage portion, dowry); dogsbody (grunt, gofer); deived (annoyed with the din, Scots); schwärmerei (excessively enthusiastic); swither (doubt, waver); spillikin (pick-up sticks) and Huntigowk (Scots version of April Fools).
I was put off in the first Mrs. Tim book by the close relationship Hester has with family friend Tony Morley, who is infatuated with her. I'm more resigned to it in this book. I think Tony is the male version of Hester. He reads people well, has a wicked sense of humor, and is the one who fixes "situations."
Finally, there is such a delightful scene in which Miss Clutterbuck reads 'Jane Austen' to a sewing circle. That's all I'm saying.
I love reading well-read authors. They scatter cultural references here and there without explanation, and I feel like a "teacher's pet" (sadly, a role I aspired to in my youth) when I recognize them. Like what, you ask? Ha!
:: Hester Christie puts her daughter Betty in a girls boarding school called Dinwell Hall. A friend asks about her initial visit to Dothegirls Hall a fun reference to Dicken's Nicholas Nickleby.
:: The woman behind Hester in a very slow-moving fish queue is "less patient in adversity than her fellows." Whee! I get the reference to the Heidelberg Catechism: we learn we are to be patient in adversity and grateful in the midst of blessing.
New words I learned: Tocher (marriage portion, dowry); dogsbody (grunt, gofer); deived (annoyed with the din, Scots); schwärmerei (excessively enthusiastic); swither (doubt, waver); spillikin (pick-up sticks) and Huntigowk (Scots version of April Fools).
I was put off in the first Mrs. Tim book by the close relationship Hester has with family friend Tony Morley, who is infatuated with her. I'm more resigned to it in this book. I think Tony is the male version of Hester. He reads people well, has a wicked sense of humor, and is the one who fixes "situations."
Finally, there is such a delightful scene in which Miss Clutterbuck reads 'Jane Austen' to a sewing circle. That's all I'm saying.
July 16, 2013
How had I forgotten how enjoyable Hester Christie was? D.E. Stevenson's Mrs. Tim novels recount ordinary life -- if during trying times; consequently, not a lot happens in Mrs. Tim Gets a Job. But, I promise, it won't matter.
Naturally, as per the title, Hester takes a position as an assistant manager at a manor-turned-small hotel near Edinburgh. During the course of the novel, one marriage breaks up while another seems imminent, thanks to some help with what seemed to be a doomed romance. The Christie children, Bryan and Betty, seem terribly grown up. Hester crosses paths again with the lovelorn Tony Morley, now a brigadier general. But all in all, the enjoyment for the reader comes from the delightful and realistic characters and the small but amusing incidents that happen in the course of everyday life. If that sounds dull, I promise you, it's not! I devoured the novel's 282 pages in less than two days!
Those who have read the previous Mrs. Tim books will understand: Some of the situations are funny, some sad, but I was so enthralled that I began the next -- and, sadly, final -- book in the series, Mrs. Tim Flies Home, as soon as I finished this one.
Naturally, as per the title, Hester takes a position as an assistant manager at a manor-turned-small hotel near Edinburgh. During the course of the novel, one marriage breaks up while another seems imminent, thanks to some help with what seemed to be a doomed romance. The Christie children, Bryan and Betty, seem terribly grown up. Hester crosses paths again with the lovelorn Tony Morley, now a brigadier general. But all in all, the enjoyment for the reader comes from the delightful and realistic characters and the small but amusing incidents that happen in the course of everyday life. If that sounds dull, I promise you, it's not! I devoured the novel's 282 pages in less than two days!
Those who have read the previous Mrs. Tim books will understand: Some of the situations are funny, some sad, but I was so enthralled that I began the next -- and, sadly, final -- book in the series, Mrs. Tim Flies Home, as soon as I finished this one.
April 26, 2018
I really love this series. I think each book is a little better than the last. In the background of the funny and insightful Mrs. Tim and her recounting of her days' events is the fascinating story of Tony Morley and his recurring presence in her life. I can't put these books down because I need to find out what happens to him and whether or not Hester ever figures out what is going on. She is innocently naive of his love and devotion - a beautifully selfless devotion, given that she is married to somebody else - to the point that it seems impossible that she could remain oblivious to it, so often do circumstances allude to it. It has made me think a lot about friendship between men and women and whether or not it's possible without introducing romance on one side or the other. Their friendship is certainly very beautiful, and it would never be the same if she realized how he felt about her. And yet you want her to so she can understand how deeply he loves her. But of course there is her husband and their marriage is a perfectly fine one as far as I can tell...
There are new characters introduced, and the reappearing characters are developed a little more. Mrs. Tim gets a little more philosophical in this one, too, which was nice to see.
I finished this in a little more than a day. Can't wait to read the next one.
There are new characters introduced, and the reappearing characters are developed a little more. Mrs. Tim gets a little more philosophical in this one, too, which was nice to see.
I finished this in a little more than a day. Can't wait to read the next one.
July 16, 2019
Hester's husband is stationed in Egypt (World War II is over), and her two children are safely off to boarding school. What is she to do to while away her days? A friend tells her that a woman named Miss Clutterbuck has been forced to turn her family home into a hotel to make ends meet, and she badly needs an assistant. Hester takes up the job, but with many misgivings. This book is a fun look at how she gets to know her eccentric employer, try to patch up the lives of Major Elden and Miss McQueen (an engaged couple for whom things are not going well), and accustom herself to her children growing up.
There is a cute scene where Miss Clutterbuck elects to read aloud to a sewing circle. They fawn over "a scene from Jane Austen," but clearly they are fans in name only, for they fail to recognize that the scene and the characters are absolutely nowhere to be found in the Austen canon. Miss Clutterbuck wrote up the excerpt herself, just for amusement, and because she feels that Jane Austen is too good for the likes of them.
Enjoyed this book--possibly the strongest of the Mrs. Tim books so far. There are only 4 (I think).
There is a cute scene where Miss Clutterbuck elects to read aloud to a sewing circle. They fawn over "a scene from Jane Austen," but clearly they are fans in name only, for they fail to recognize that the scene and the characters are absolutely nowhere to be found in the Austen canon. Miss Clutterbuck wrote up the excerpt herself, just for amusement, and because she feels that Jane Austen is too good for the likes of them.
Enjoyed this book--possibly the strongest of the Mrs. Tim books so far. There are only 4 (I think).
July 6, 2018
Scottish holiday - check. Fishing - check. A spot of match-making for a star-crossed couple - check. It’s all there.
Tony Morley pops up like a cheerful character device designed to liven up the middle section of a novel whose plot is temporarily marooned in a linen cupboard. Notwithstanding his usefulness as a plot device he is very much true to life with his slightly pompous military gent persona and his skill at dealing with all kinds of people, from irascible hoteliers to bereaved or abandoned young officers. Thankfully his infatuation seems to have cooled though it is obliquely referred to. Strangely, Tony is more alive for the reader and for Mrs. Tim than Tim himself, no doubt because he has more interaction with the protagonist while Tim appears only at a distance via his letters.
It is strange to read of a family so widely dispersed which is simply accepted as normal. Even the children are away at school or making their own separate arrangements in the holidays. It seems to be the done thing, almost as if family togetherness is frowned upon which is one of the things which shows the age of the novel. I can’t imagine that happening nowadays, though possibly military or expat families might disagree.
I would like to hear more from and about Annie, to hear the perspective of the downstairs staff. As Hester is technically a servant herself in this novel, such a scenario might easily have been explored. One brief scene with Hope showed this tussle between upstairs and downstairs servants (principally demarcation disputes) but more in this vein might have been very enlightening.
Overall this is a very enjoyable lightweight read from Stevenson.
Tony Morley pops up like a cheerful character device designed to liven up the middle section of a novel whose plot is temporarily marooned in a linen cupboard. Notwithstanding his usefulness as a plot device he is very much true to life with his slightly pompous military gent persona and his skill at dealing with all kinds of people, from irascible hoteliers to bereaved or abandoned young officers. Thankfully his infatuation seems to have cooled though it is obliquely referred to. Strangely, Tony is more alive for the reader and for Mrs. Tim than Tim himself, no doubt because he has more interaction with the protagonist while Tim appears only at a distance via his letters.
It is strange to read of a family so widely dispersed which is simply accepted as normal. Even the children are away at school or making their own separate arrangements in the holidays. It seems to be the done thing, almost as if family togetherness is frowned upon which is one of the things which shows the age of the novel. I can’t imagine that happening nowadays, though possibly military or expat families might disagree.
I would like to hear more from and about Annie, to hear the perspective of the downstairs staff. As Hester is technically a servant herself in this novel, such a scenario might easily have been explored. One brief scene with Hope showed this tussle between upstairs and downstairs servants (principally demarcation disputes) but more in this vein might have been very enlightening.
Overall this is a very enjoyable lightweight read from Stevenson.
January 11, 2024
Another wonderful and amusing Mrs. Tim novel! Now that I've finally read them all, I can honestly say that it's the most lovely, cozy and funny I've ever read. It somehow reminds me of the TV series Rosemary & Thyme (which I adore), but I'm not sure why.
Hester Christie is such a fantastic character and, if what I've read is true (and it's based on the author herself), she's even more special. I would love to have met D.E. Stevenson in person.
Though I loved the first and last books in this series the most, they're all incredibly interesting and worth reading. This one took a little bit to get into for some reason, but the setting of a hotel is always fascinating to me.
If you enjoyed the TV series Seaside Hotel, you would really like this book. It's not entirely the same premise, but it has a similar vibe.
I highly recommend all four of the Mrs. Tim books and I know I'll be reading them all again in a year or so. They're also fun on audio book, too!
Hester Christie is such a fantastic character and, if what I've read is true (and it's based on the author herself), she's even more special. I would love to have met D.E. Stevenson in person.
Though I loved the first and last books in this series the most, they're all incredibly interesting and worth reading. This one took a little bit to get into for some reason, but the setting of a hotel is always fascinating to me.
If you enjoyed the TV series Seaside Hotel, you would really like this book. It's not entirely the same premise, but it has a similar vibe.
I highly recommend all four of the Mrs. Tim books and I know I'll be reading them all again in a year or so. They're also fun on audio book, too!
October 9, 2019
3.5 stars for its gentle humour, delightful character sketches and the very lovable protagonist Hester Christie (aka ‘Mrs. Tim’)
The third book in the Mrs. Tim series jumps to the end of World War II, when Hester’s husband is stationed in Egypt and her children Bryan and Betty are both ensconced in boarding school. Feeling dull, and with time weighing heavily, Hester accepts a job in a country house hotel in the Borders of Scotland. Owned and ruthlessly managed by the fearsome Erica Clutterbuck, the hotel is in need of someone who doesn’t mind mingling with the guests and making them feel welcome - something its owner is loath to do. Hester, whose sympathetic personality is at the heart of all of these novels, is of course perfect for the job. There aren’t a lot of surprises in the plot, but there is still a kind of relaxing satisfaction in negotiating its predictable twists and turns. Many of the old characters (Tony Morley, Pinkie, and the children of course) make cameo appearances - but this book is mostly about Hester, and her growing confidence in a role separate from that of being a wife, mother and Army regimental wife.
The third book in the Mrs. Tim series jumps to the end of World War II, when Hester’s husband is stationed in Egypt and her children Bryan and Betty are both ensconced in boarding school. Feeling dull, and with time weighing heavily, Hester accepts a job in a country house hotel in the Borders of Scotland. Owned and ruthlessly managed by the fearsome Erica Clutterbuck, the hotel is in need of someone who doesn’t mind mingling with the guests and making them feel welcome - something its owner is loath to do. Hester, whose sympathetic personality is at the heart of all of these novels, is of course perfect for the job. There aren’t a lot of surprises in the plot, but there is still a kind of relaxing satisfaction in negotiating its predictable twists and turns. Many of the old characters (Tony Morley, Pinkie, and the children of course) make cameo appearances - but this book is mostly about Hester, and her growing confidence in a role separate from that of being a wife, mother and Army regimental wife.
August 27, 2010
Another excellent story about Mrs. Tim (Hester Christie). Although not all previous favorites make it into this story we do get to see Pinkey Loudoun, Tony Morely and Grace.
The setting for 90% of this book is in Scotland where Hester has a job. Her children are off to boarding school and Tim is in Egypt.
Another hilarious and completely captivating story. How can the day to day life be so fascinating and interesting? It's the characters, it's the setting, it's the dialogue, the wit and charm and the sweet romance.
Only one book left in the series... I'm still holding hope that Tony will find someone. He's by far my favorite character outside of Hester.
The setting for 90% of this book is in Scotland where Hester has a job. Her children are off to boarding school and Tim is in Egypt.
Another hilarious and completely captivating story. How can the day to day life be so fascinating and interesting? It's the characters, it's the setting, it's the dialogue, the wit and charm and the sweet romance.
Only one book left in the series... I'm still holding hope that Tony will find someone. He's by far my favorite character outside of Hester.
June 26, 2019
The Mrs. Tim series by D. E. Stevenson is one of my favorites. They are cozy reads of life in the past and I love the characters. In Mrs. Tim Gets a Job, Hester has found out she must move out of their leased housing. With Tim in service in Egypt and Betty and Bryan away at school, she decides it's time for her to find a job and do something useful. It's fun to see her flourish and to get to meet some fun new characters and catch up with some old favorites. I'm looking forward to reading the next, but sad that it's the last one.
May 2, 2019
As always, D.E Stevenson does NOT disappoint with the Mrs Tim series. I've been wanting to read the continuation for ages, and now that I have read this, I am happy to say that everything I loved about Mrs Tim of the Regiment continues in the rest of the series. I am completely happy, and I hope the other books arrive soon!
October 28, 2009
This third in the series is laced with the theme of "what is happiness" which only adds to the depth and breadth of what I already love about this author.
January 24, 2014
The third installment of D. E. Stevenson's "Mrs. Tim" series is a pure delight. The novels are written in journal form, and in this one, Hester Christie impulsively decides to take a job assisting a gruff hotel-owner in the Scottish borderlands when her landlord in Winfield suddenly terminates her lease.
Initially, Hester regrets the move, but as she slowly comes to know Erica Clutterback, her employer, she understands that Miss Clutterback's bark disguises a much more sensitive and literary nature. The scene in which Hester and Miss Clutterback come to a full understanding of each other--in the linen closet in the middle of the night--is one of the funniest exchanges in the book. So is Miss Clutterback's Huntigowk prank (and I was glad for the impetus to find out what "Huntigowk" is!).
Husband Tim is absent (except via letter) in this one, and children Betty and Bryan only make cameo appearances (as does Annie, Hester's housekeeper and friend). But Tony Morley is back from the wars and more charming than ever, and there are other eccentric characters to enjoy as well, including the paradoxically named hotel maid, Hope.
But as another reviewer notes, you don't read these books for their plot, but for their humor and for Hester's wry observations. Set during the year or two immediately following the end of WWII, the novel also captures the relief, the sorrow, and the continued deprivation of that time in Britain. Hester is frustrated by food and clothing shortages, relieved and saddened to hear who survived the war and who didn't, and struggling to find her way back to happiness.
Here as in the other books, Stevenson acknowledges her admiration of Jane Austen in both explicit and implicit ways. And unlike a lot of other Austenesque novels-of-manners, Stevenson's are worthy of the comparison.
How I wish someone would reprint these books! But I'm glad that the local public library still has them on the shelves.
Initially, Hester regrets the move, but as she slowly comes to know Erica Clutterback, her employer, she understands that Miss Clutterback's bark disguises a much more sensitive and literary nature. The scene in which Hester and Miss Clutterback come to a full understanding of each other--in the linen closet in the middle of the night--is one of the funniest exchanges in the book. So is Miss Clutterback's Huntigowk prank (and I was glad for the impetus to find out what "Huntigowk" is!).
Husband Tim is absent (except via letter) in this one, and children Betty and Bryan only make cameo appearances (as does Annie, Hester's housekeeper and friend). But Tony Morley is back from the wars and more charming than ever, and there are other eccentric characters to enjoy as well, including the paradoxically named hotel maid, Hope.
But as another reviewer notes, you don't read these books for their plot, but for their humor and for Hester's wry observations. Set during the year or two immediately following the end of WWII, the novel also captures the relief, the sorrow, and the continued deprivation of that time in Britain. Hester is frustrated by food and clothing shortages, relieved and saddened to hear who survived the war and who didn't, and struggling to find her way back to happiness.
Here as in the other books, Stevenson acknowledges her admiration of Jane Austen in both explicit and implicit ways. And unlike a lot of other Austenesque novels-of-manners, Stevenson's are worthy of the comparison.
How I wish someone would reprint these books! But I'm glad that the local public library still has them on the shelves.
October 20, 2020
2020 bk 357. The war has come to an end and Hester's husband is stationed in Egypt for at least 3 years. Her children are away at Boarding School and when she casually mentions the possiblity of a job to her neighbor, one is found for her. Being the assistant to the owner of a Scottish hotel would never have crossed her mind, and indeed, those who know her are at first horrified, but with the landlord wanting her house back, it seems easier to take this residential position, put their household items in storage and head north. This is the tale of a housewife who re-enters the workforce, at a time when most women are being forced out. There is time for Mrs. Christie to become involved in the lives of others, to spend time with her children, and to learn to enjoy her work and the benefits of being paid. An enjoyable read, and not one that I expected.
January 23, 2014
Some favorite parts during this re-read:
Where Erica reads what the sewing group thinks is Jane Austen, but it is really nonsense she made up because she was annoyed by the women who claimed to "adore Jane!".
When the 2 American women were trying to see what makes British women tick. They said something about trying to find happiness in life and Hester asked them why they spend so much time trying to find happiness. The Americans are shocked and say it is in our Declaration of Independence. Hester says that seems kind of selfish to her and that shouldn't everyone be trying to provide happiness for other people? It was kind of enlightening to me to read that.
Where Erica reads what the sewing group thinks is Jane Austen, but it is really nonsense she made up because she was annoyed by the women who claimed to "adore Jane!".
When the 2 American women were trying to see what makes British women tick. They said something about trying to find happiness in life and Hester asked them why they spend so much time trying to find happiness. The Americans are shocked and say it is in our Declaration of Independence. Hester says that seems kind of selfish to her and that shouldn't everyone be trying to provide happiness for other people? It was kind of enlightening to me to read that.
March 1, 2013
This is one of those books that you read slowly towards the end because you don't want to finish it. You don't want the story to be over. Now I must locate a copy of the last book in the series. Biblio here I come.
October 25, 2021
Book - 5 stars
Narration -5 stars
Narration -5 stars
Read
June 6, 2023I read about half of this before books arrived at the library that I'd been waiting for (and that have holds on them so I have to read fast). So, I'm currently paused. I enjoyed it while I was reading it, but I'm not sure I feel a huge desire to check it out again promptly. It's one of those books that is more about the characters and situations than any sort of compelling plot; I can really love those if I'm in the right mood, so will just depend...
March 29, 2022
Fabulous
April 9, 2021
I am enjoying D. E. Stevenson's Mrs. Tims series, immensely! Book 3- "Mrs. Tim Gets a Job" is as fun as the last two books, though book 2 is more solemn because of the world war 2 years, humor is present in all these journal type books. It is 6 years later, post war years but still many soldiers are on active duty. Old and new characters bring more drama to Hester's life but in this story, Hester is without her children or husband. Tim is in Egypt; Bryan and Betty away at boarding school. Tony Morley and Pinkie Loudon make their appearance. Hester is to work at Clutterbuck Hotel and Miss Clutterbuck is quite a character! Hester uses Hester sense in all her interactions!
Quite an interesting exchange between American guest and Hester, about the American idea of the pursuit of happiness and Hester commenting on pursing own interest ahead of others selfish. So in that sense other families go ahead of your family, Hester would not neglect her family, but charity is for every human being to give as they can. The Founders did not say that life is all about seeking self for happiness, but it is a God given right to lead your own life and to that your happiness, not guaranteed but your freedom to seek without government interference. This seeking has nothing to do with neglecting others and just thinking of self interest only. Sadly America today is moving away from individual freedoms to collective thinking, just look at the vaccine passport idea, world wide!
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Hester has tried to get Tony Morley married in the past but he is a confirmed bachelor, I wondering if his admiration and love for Hester has been the main cause. I am hoping Pinkie and Guthrie will be more present in the next book, with children, I hope and Mrs. Loudon appearance too!
Both Bryan and Betty are to be going away at school. Tim is in Egypt. Grace has found Hester a job with Erica Clutterbuck. Betty is 12 and still quite outspoken. Grace finds a job at a hotel, Toucher House or the Clutterbuck Mansion but Hester no longer wants a job. Bolling is Tim's batman; it seems that Tim is a colonel now and the war has ended. The landlord sends a letter telling Hester that she needs to be out by the end of the month and her other letter is from Miss Clutterbuck, who is happy to hear she will be working at the hotel. Being Friday the 13 & both letters coming together, she sends Miss Clutterbuck an answer of yes, but soon regrets after sending it. Annie has come to the Christie's years ago after her mother died and she is part of the family; Annie does not want to work for Grace, though Grace wants her for the twins but will help Hester at the hotel. The Dinwell school is where Betty is to attend with Miss Humble and Miss Lena Humble, Hester is feeling sad about the upcoming fate of her daughter. Grace's twin boys are not so sweet as Grace would like them to be. Guthrie and Pinkie are married, he is still in the Navy. Pinkie and Grace do not like each other, this must have happened after book 2 ended and before book 3 started. LOL. Hester is staying with Pinkie for a little while before going to the hotel. Hester meets a major Rogers Elden on the train, he knows Tim from France and recognized Ted's picture of her. Major Elden is a lawyer and has a young daughter, his wife died during childbirth. He asks if Hester could give him advice about a woman, he would like to marry. Hester is taken back by Miss Clutterback's cold ways and decides she must not stay. Hester is having a hard time trying to figure out her job because her boss, is kind of vague. Hope who also works for Miss Clutterbuck does not want Hester working there and tells her so. Miss McQueen must be the young lady that the soldier on the train was talking about. Miss McQueen has taken care of her aunt for 6 years and after her aunt died, nothing was left which really was unexpected and she was unprepared for this. She wishes her aunt would have discussed money matters. Hester is told all this after she sees her on her walk. Mrs. Wilbur Potting wants Hester and her family to come to America, Hester to manage her mansion, Hester is flattered but refuses. Miss Clutterbuck hears about this and offers Hester more money.
Hester needing to sort the linens waits until all the guests are asleep but she has awaken Miss Clutterback. Erica does not want her employees working over 7 hours and wants Hester to go to bed but Hester refuses and they both finish this task. Hester starts to like Erica. Mr. Stannard's son, Tom finally caught a fish which made the father so happy, he explains to Hester why, Tom's twin brother Dick died in the war, and Tom is missing a part of himself, that he had with Dick. While trying to catch the fish, Tom started to laugh and feel something again. Annie has come early, she had a nice visit with her sister's family but they started to see each other differently. Annie tells the sad story about Clara, having lots of hard luck and Hester finally is aware that Clara is Hope; Clara Hope. Hester meets Rodger Elden as she goes for her walk. He has just seen Margaret who refused him and Hester realises that the woman he loves is Miss McQueen and Hester plans to try to get them together without telling him all Miss McQueen told her. She tells him to stay in town and fish, after talking to Hester he feels better. Bryan is 16 -17 years old. Hester is becoming friends with her boss, understanding her more as time goes by. During a Red Cross sewing party, Miss Clutterbuck reads Jane Austen but in reality it was not Austen's work but Erica's, feeling Jane's novels too good for the group. Tony has come to try convince Hester to leave the hotel and go stay with his mother, Lady Morley, he had seen Tim and they agreed this would be best but Hester does not agree. Tony is staying at the hotel and he has been fishing with Captain Stannard, Hester tells him about the twin brother. Hester and Annie think something odd is going on with Mrs. Oven and another young male guest, they are seen together like lovers and now Captain Ovens has arrived. Hester and Erica go up to Mrs. Oven's room and after a second glance notice almost all her things are gone. Tony has helped Catain Oven, who decided not to seek his wife because he has no idea where she has gone, he is in leave and goes fishing instead. Tony and Hester go to church, afterwards Tony engages the minister in a discussion. Hester is feeling sad about times not being so happy as they were before the war, Tony shows her the good and thankfulness of present life. Hester asks about Tony's friend, Alec, who Hester met before the war, but a non answer is an answer. Hester and Tony are to visit Pinkie before Tony goes to London to work in the war office, Miss McQueen has given Hester her diamond engagement ring to sell, Tony hears that Miss McQueen's poverty and wants to buy the ring. Tony says he will never marry, though he has bought an engagement ring. Pinkie and Hester go to see "Peter Pan" at the theater and return to Pinkie's flat and the key being lost, they are locked out. Pinkie enlists two male neighbors ex military men, who enter the flat through a bathroom skylight. Hester picks up Betty at the train station, in 6 weeks she has really grown. Now hopefully Betty will not upset Trochar House with her boisterous ways. Betty and Miss Chatterbuck understand each other and Hester's fears were not warranted. Miss McQueen is opting to be alone and looking rather ghastly. Hester tries to get Margaret to talk to Mr. Elden who she loves but can not marry. Erica is ill and witnesses Hester and Hope's disagreeing, Erica takes Hester's side. Betty and Mr. Elden's daughter Sheila become fast friends. Sheila is shy but Betty helps her feel comfortable. Hester without going into details, tells Mr. Elden that Margaret is very sad and miserable, he must talk to her. Betty tells Hester how Sheila has no direction from her father and not having a mother, it would be good if she could go to Betty's school. Hester is enlisted to be the fortune teller, since the one to come to the fete is ill, she tells Hope that a new woman in her life wants to help her and to Mr. Elden, he must seek what he wants. Hester wonders if she did right, nobody knowing it was her except a few. Betty and Shelia play a game, by all going to the castle for a picnic, that is really meant for Margaret and Mr. Elden to meet and make up but they are both missing after they are left alone. Roger and Margaret come back to Trochar and tell Hester how the girls' game brought them together and Hester words, Hester told Margaret she was a coward in not seeking love, and the fortune tellers' too. Bryan comes and stays for a little bit at Trochar; he is not too happy with Erica's rudeness but sees his mom likes her. Barely making the train station on time, Hester is sadden that no proper good bye and an quite sad until a telegram tells of Tim coming home for leave.
Quite an interesting exchange between American guest and Hester, about the American idea of the pursuit of happiness and Hester commenting on pursing own interest ahead of others selfish. So in that sense other families go ahead of your family, Hester would not neglect her family, but charity is for every human being to give as they can. The Founders did not say that life is all about seeking self for happiness, but it is a God given right to lead your own life and to that your happiness, not guaranteed but your freedom to seek without government interference. This seeking has nothing to do with neglecting others and just thinking of self interest only. Sadly America today is moving away from individual freedoms to collective thinking, just look at the vaccine passport idea, world wide!
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Hester has tried to get Tony Morley married in the past but he is a confirmed bachelor, I wondering if his admiration and love for Hester has been the main cause. I am hoping Pinkie and Guthrie will be more present in the next book, with children, I hope and Mrs. Loudon appearance too!
Both Bryan and Betty are to be going away at school. Tim is in Egypt. Grace has found Hester a job with Erica Clutterbuck. Betty is 12 and still quite outspoken. Grace finds a job at a hotel, Toucher House or the Clutterbuck Mansion but Hester no longer wants a job. Bolling is Tim's batman; it seems that Tim is a colonel now and the war has ended. The landlord sends a letter telling Hester that she needs to be out by the end of the month and her other letter is from Miss Clutterbuck, who is happy to hear she will be working at the hotel. Being Friday the 13 & both letters coming together, she sends Miss Clutterbuck an answer of yes, but soon regrets after sending it. Annie has come to the Christie's years ago after her mother died and she is part of the family; Annie does not want to work for Grace, though Grace wants her for the twins but will help Hester at the hotel. The Dinwell school is where Betty is to attend with Miss Humble and Miss Lena Humble, Hester is feeling sad about the upcoming fate of her daughter. Grace's twin boys are not so sweet as Grace would like them to be. Guthrie and Pinkie are married, he is still in the Navy. Pinkie and Grace do not like each other, this must have happened after book 2 ended and before book 3 started. LOL. Hester is staying with Pinkie for a little while before going to the hotel. Hester meets a major Rogers Elden on the train, he knows Tim from France and recognized Ted's picture of her. Major Elden is a lawyer and has a young daughter, his wife died during childbirth. He asks if Hester could give him advice about a woman, he would like to marry. Hester is taken back by Miss Clutterback's cold ways and decides she must not stay. Hester is having a hard time trying to figure out her job because her boss, is kind of vague. Hope who also works for Miss Clutterbuck does not want Hester working there and tells her so. Miss McQueen must be the young lady that the soldier on the train was talking about. Miss McQueen has taken care of her aunt for 6 years and after her aunt died, nothing was left which really was unexpected and she was unprepared for this. She wishes her aunt would have discussed money matters. Hester is told all this after she sees her on her walk. Mrs. Wilbur Potting wants Hester and her family to come to America, Hester to manage her mansion, Hester is flattered but refuses. Miss Clutterbuck hears about this and offers Hester more money.
Hester needing to sort the linens waits until all the guests are asleep but she has awaken Miss Clutterback. Erica does not want her employees working over 7 hours and wants Hester to go to bed but Hester refuses and they both finish this task. Hester starts to like Erica. Mr. Stannard's son, Tom finally caught a fish which made the father so happy, he explains to Hester why, Tom's twin brother Dick died in the war, and Tom is missing a part of himself, that he had with Dick. While trying to catch the fish, Tom started to laugh and feel something again. Annie has come early, she had a nice visit with her sister's family but they started to see each other differently. Annie tells the sad story about Clara, having lots of hard luck and Hester finally is aware that Clara is Hope; Clara Hope. Hester meets Rodger Elden as she goes for her walk. He has just seen Margaret who refused him and Hester realises that the woman he loves is Miss McQueen and Hester plans to try to get them together without telling him all Miss McQueen told her. She tells him to stay in town and fish, after talking to Hester he feels better. Bryan is 16 -17 years old. Hester is becoming friends with her boss, understanding her more as time goes by. During a Red Cross sewing party, Miss Clutterbuck reads Jane Austen but in reality it was not Austen's work but Erica's, feeling Jane's novels too good for the group. Tony has come to try convince Hester to leave the hotel and go stay with his mother, Lady Morley, he had seen Tim and they agreed this would be best but Hester does not agree. Tony is staying at the hotel and he has been fishing with Captain Stannard, Hester tells him about the twin brother. Hester and Annie think something odd is going on with Mrs. Oven and another young male guest, they are seen together like lovers and now Captain Ovens has arrived. Hester and Erica go up to Mrs. Oven's room and after a second glance notice almost all her things are gone. Tony has helped Catain Oven, who decided not to seek his wife because he has no idea where she has gone, he is in leave and goes fishing instead. Tony and Hester go to church, afterwards Tony engages the minister in a discussion. Hester is feeling sad about times not being so happy as they were before the war, Tony shows her the good and thankfulness of present life. Hester asks about Tony's friend, Alec, who Hester met before the war, but a non answer is an answer. Hester and Tony are to visit Pinkie before Tony goes to London to work in the war office, Miss McQueen has given Hester her diamond engagement ring to sell, Tony hears that Miss McQueen's poverty and wants to buy the ring. Tony says he will never marry, though he has bought an engagement ring. Pinkie and Hester go to see "Peter Pan" at the theater and return to Pinkie's flat and the key being lost, they are locked out. Pinkie enlists two male neighbors ex military men, who enter the flat through a bathroom skylight. Hester picks up Betty at the train station, in 6 weeks she has really grown. Now hopefully Betty will not upset Trochar House with her boisterous ways. Betty and Miss Chatterbuck understand each other and Hester's fears were not warranted. Miss McQueen is opting to be alone and looking rather ghastly. Hester tries to get Margaret to talk to Mr. Elden who she loves but can not marry. Erica is ill and witnesses Hester and Hope's disagreeing, Erica takes Hester's side. Betty and Mr. Elden's daughter Sheila become fast friends. Sheila is shy but Betty helps her feel comfortable. Hester without going into details, tells Mr. Elden that Margaret is very sad and miserable, he must talk to her. Betty tells Hester how Sheila has no direction from her father and not having a mother, it would be good if she could go to Betty's school. Hester is enlisted to be the fortune teller, since the one to come to the fete is ill, she tells Hope that a new woman in her life wants to help her and to Mr. Elden, he must seek what he wants. Hester wonders if she did right, nobody knowing it was her except a few. Betty and Shelia play a game, by all going to the castle for a picnic, that is really meant for Margaret and Mr. Elden to meet and make up but they are both missing after they are left alone. Roger and Margaret come back to Trochar and tell Hester how the girls' game brought them together and Hester words, Hester told Margaret she was a coward in not seeking love, and the fortune tellers' too. Bryan comes and stays for a little bit at Trochar; he is not too happy with Erica's rudeness but sees his mom likes her. Barely making the train station on time, Hester is sadden that no proper good bye and an quite sad until a telegram tells of Tim coming home for leave.
February 11, 2011
Enjoyable sequel to Mrs. Tim of the Regiment (or, Mrs. Tim Christie). This one introduces a great character: Miss Erica Clutterbuck. She runs her ancestral home as a hotel, is rude to all the guests, eats her breakfast in the dining room with a screen up to prevent them talking to her, and has put notices in all the rooms that tell guests they must bring their own towels. Naturally, it's Mrs. Christie who points out that the guests won't see this notice until after they've arrived. There's a sappy love plot between two younger characters who, in my opinion, could both do with a series of vitamin B injections, but you can always skip those sections.
March 7, 2011
This is the third Mrs. Tim novel. I enjoy Mrs. Tim's stories because they are good friends. Every year when I read D. E. Stevenson's books I realize how much novels have changed. Her books are high on characterization and humor. Mrs. Tim's desire to be busy while her children are in school and Tim is stationed in Africa places her in unusual circumstances when she works as the assistant manager at a rural hotel. She 'sorts out' an abrupt, blustery boss, a lonely hero and a lonely, mysterious woman, all while working when her two children are on vacation at the hotel. D.E. Stevenson is always high on gentle, humorous and real stories reflecting satisfying characters.
April 19, 2016
really enjoyed it. couldn't wait to keep going even kept me up at night to read just one more page...She also discusses philosophy
Immortality
"One way to achieve immortality is to have children another is to write or paint-but not everyone can achieve offspring or works of art.
If we go about the world giving bits of ourselves to people we meet...it's worth while having lived...we leave something behind us which goes on and on."
Tony Morland
Immortality
"One way to achieve immortality is to have children another is to write or paint-but not everyone can achieve offspring or works of art.
If we go about the world giving bits of ourselves to people we meet...it's worth while having lived...we leave something behind us which goes on and on."
Tony Morland
April 4, 2012
Splendidly funny, charming and delightful. As usual.
September 15, 2011
I have read close to 30 of her books in the past two months, they are balm for the soul of a reader, especially someone who would rather be in England, in the country side.
October 13, 2012
A gentle tale. Comforting but not amazing.
June 23, 2018
This book never fails to comfort me. I can enter into its world every single time. It's like falling through a pane of glass into the past.
June 2018 - enjoyed once more.
June 2018 - enjoyed once more.
May 3, 2021
Third book of Mrs. Tim series is post War, but Tim Christie is still serving in Egypt. Son Bryan is well settled into prep school, and daughter Betty heading to boarding school, Hester is at loose ends, so when landlord of their cottage says she must give up the house by the end of the month, Betty is packed off to school, and Hester accepts the job as assistant to Irascible, middle-aged Erica Clutterbuck, who most grudgingly is running Toucher House, her immaculately maintained old Border mansion outside Ryddelton, as a hotel with paying guests. Hester will be the “people” person, as Erica certainly isn’t. As she meets and deals with the guests, various staff members, and locals, Hester finds herself growing and happy. Enter lovelost widower Mr Roger Elton, one of Tim’s now demobbed military men from France, who has been turned down by a lady with whom he and his young daughter might be happy, Brigadier Tony Morley, a reenactment of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in a crumbling border castle, and a cryptic cable from Cairo: MAX MEET SATURDAY FORTY NINE DAYS MIST, that gives Hester much joy.
March 27, 2018
I really do love Mrs. Tim. She's such a real character. Kind and intelligent, yet she worries and fumbles and sometimes does the wrong thing. I first read Mrs. Tim of the Regiment when Persephone reissued it. But I had to mail away to the UK to get this sequel, as well as the next one, Mrs. Time Flies Home.
I will say though, that there is definitely some casual racism and sexism in the book, common for the period. Yep, nice people then and now are still a product of their time and environment. It's good to notice it in (even fictional) people I like and be reminded to watch for my own racism and sexism. I think even as recently as 5 years ago, I wouldn't have even noticed it in a book like this.
I will say though, that there is definitely some casual racism and sexism in the book, common for the period. Yep, nice people then and now are still a product of their time and environment. It's good to notice it in (even fictional) people I like and be reminded to watch for my own racism and sexism. I think even as recently as 5 years ago, I wouldn't have even noticed it in a book like this.
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