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Mrs. Tim #5
Mrs. Tim Flies Home
The countless readers of D.E. Stevenson's delightful novels will be especially engrossed by this one, the final book of her four-part "Mrs. Tim" series, and will find Hester Christie, herself, more lovable than ever. Humor, charm, and a superb talent for storytelling are the hallmarks of D.E. Stevenson's work.
Leaving Tim (now a colonel) in Kenya, Mrs. Tim flies home to her children for the summer in her beloved North Country. A stopover in Rome allows for the unexpected renewal of an old friendship with Tony Morley—a friendship regarded as highly suspect by fellow passenger Rosa Alston.
Once installed in The Small House in Old Quinings, a host of local characters—some familiar to followers of Mrs. Tim's adventures—brighten and shadow Hester's life. Tony Morley turns up, but so does Rosa Alston with her gossipy innuendos. Mrs. Tim has a trying time with a singularly unpleasant landlady, but two young romances enliven the village, and Mrs. Tim closes her diary on a note of infectious happiness.
Leaving Tim (now a colonel) in Kenya, Mrs. Tim flies home to her children for the summer in her beloved North Country. A stopover in Rome allows for the unexpected renewal of an old friendship with Tony Morley—a friendship regarded as highly suspect by fellow passenger Rosa Alston.
Once installed in The Small House in Old Quinings, a host of local characters—some familiar to followers of Mrs. Tim's adventures—brighten and shadow Hester's life. Tony Morley turns up, but so does Rosa Alston with her gossipy innuendos. Mrs. Tim has a trying time with a singularly unpleasant landlady, but two young romances enliven the village, and Mrs. Tim closes her diary on a note of infectious happiness.
284 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1952
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 58 reviews
April 2, 2023
I always know I'm in a safe pair of hands with this author.
January 6, 2024
4.5🌟 Entertaining and so cozy! D.E. Stevenson books have never (yet!) disappointed me. I loved the first book in this series and this one is a close second.
Mrs. Tim is the epitome of a close friend you wish you had. Though she is sometimes unsure or lacking in confidence, she is kind, capable, clever and so much fun to read about. I adore her relationship with her children and it's always amusing when Tony Morley pops into the scene.
If you love to read about English homes, gossipy village women, unlikely romances and witty conversations, you will love this book too.
The ending of the series is extremely satisfying and I loved every minute of this book. Highly recommended!
Mrs. Tim is the epitome of a close friend you wish you had. Though she is sometimes unsure or lacking in confidence, she is kind, capable, clever and so much fun to read about. I adore her relationship with her children and it's always amusing when Tony Morley pops into the scene.
If you love to read about English homes, gossipy village women, unlikely romances and witty conversations, you will love this book too.
The ending of the series is extremely satisfying and I loved every minute of this book. Highly recommended!
July 20, 2013
I should be very, very sad; after all, this is the final Mrs. Tim book. However, author D.E. Stevenson does such a wonderful job entertaining the reader that the book is over before one has the chance to turn melancholy.
In this (fourth or fifth, depending on whether one counts Golden Days: Further Leaves from Mrs. Tim's Journal as half of Mrs. Tim Christie of a stand-alone) novel, Hester Christie comes to the English countryside to await her husband's return from Kenya, where he is currently stationed. She rents a house in the backwater village of Old Quinings -- called The Small House after a home in an Anthony Trollope novel -- from a harridan named Olivia Stoude. This rude, greedy woman inherited the house from her kindly step-mother, the beloved Lorna Stroude, who built The Small House. Hester meets some wonderful new people, such as Susan Morven, a pretty young girl saddened by her parents' rocky marriage; Anne Carlyle, the learned but awkward spinster who's schoolmistress and librarian in Old Quinings; and the malicious Miss Crease, who lives next door. She also is reunited with old friends Tony Morley, now a general, and Annie and Fred Bollings.
All of the Mrs. Tim Christie novels are magnificent, but, in this one, there's more action than usual as wagging tongues malign Hester as an adulteress, several romances are kindled, and a missing valuable letter penned by Lord Byron goes missing. That the resolution will reward the good and give the wicked their comeuppance, while foreordained, still contains a twist or two.
However, as with the other Mrs. Tim books, the real pleasure remains in enjoying the characters. Whether the detestable Miss Stroude, the shy but loyal "Hedgehog" Edgeburton or the lovable but mischievous MacDougall twins, Stevenson makes her characters into living, breathing folks who feel you really know. Even in novels where not much happens, such as Mrs. Tim Gets A Job, it doesn't really matter: Stevenson paints the everyday situations as so humorous or interesting that nothing else matters.
Readers would be best served to start with the first book, Mrs. Tim of the Regiment, also published as Mrs. Tim Christie. But the final volume, Mrs. Tim Flies Home, proves a fabulous capstone to a memorable series.
In this (fourth or fifth, depending on whether one counts Golden Days: Further Leaves from Mrs. Tim's Journal as half of Mrs. Tim Christie of a stand-alone) novel, Hester Christie comes to the English countryside to await her husband's return from Kenya, where he is currently stationed. She rents a house in the backwater village of Old Quinings -- called The Small House after a home in an Anthony Trollope novel -- from a harridan named Olivia Stoude. This rude, greedy woman inherited the house from her kindly step-mother, the beloved Lorna Stroude, who built The Small House. Hester meets some wonderful new people, such as Susan Morven, a pretty young girl saddened by her parents' rocky marriage; Anne Carlyle, the learned but awkward spinster who's schoolmistress and librarian in Old Quinings; and the malicious Miss Crease, who lives next door. She also is reunited with old friends Tony Morley, now a general, and Annie and Fred Bollings.
All of the Mrs. Tim Christie novels are magnificent, but, in this one, there's more action than usual as wagging tongues malign Hester as an adulteress, several romances are kindled, and a missing valuable letter penned by Lord Byron goes missing. That the resolution will reward the good and give the wicked their comeuppance, while foreordained, still contains a twist or two.
However, as with the other Mrs. Tim books, the real pleasure remains in enjoying the characters. Whether the detestable Miss Stroude, the shy but loyal "Hedgehog" Edgeburton or the lovable but mischievous MacDougall twins, Stevenson makes her characters into living, breathing folks who feel you really know. Even in novels where not much happens, such as Mrs. Tim Gets A Job, it doesn't really matter: Stevenson paints the everyday situations as so humorous or interesting that nothing else matters.
Readers would be best served to start with the first book, Mrs. Tim of the Regiment, also published as Mrs. Tim Christie. But the final volume, Mrs. Tim Flies Home, proves a fabulous capstone to a memorable series.
October 29, 2012
Rounds out the Mrs. Tim stories in a fairly satisfying way, although to me it wasn't as good as Mrs. Tim Gets A Job. This one is set in the early 1950's, and Hester's husband Tim has a military post in Kenya. As the book opens, Hester is just flying home from a visit to see him. When she gets back to England, she rents a house and proceeds to rather enjoy a bit of solitude, though she knows she wouldn't like it for too long a period of time. Soon enough she gets involved in the stories and concerns of her neighbors and her rapidly growing children come home during school vacation. Before too long they will be full-grown adults, and it is as hard for the reader as for Hester to realize that so much time has passed.
I've enjoyed Hester's personality and wit, though to me these books just represent average D.E. Stevenson and I wouldn't necessarily recommend someone to start with them.
One thing I do really like, just as a side point, is that the characters in this series have more than a passing acquaintance with the novels of Jane Austen. In modern novels, references to Jane Austen are limited to things like the desirableness of Mr. Darcy or to Colin Firth swimming in a pond. In the Mrs. Tim books, characters refer to things about Miss Bingley, Catherine Morland from Northanger Abbey, and I forget what else, but anyway the point is that D.E. Stevenson was well-read enough to include references that are more than just surface.
I've enjoyed Hester's personality and wit, though to me these books just represent average D.E. Stevenson and I wouldn't necessarily recommend someone to start with them.
One thing I do really like, just as a side point, is that the characters in this series have more than a passing acquaintance with the novels of Jane Austen. In modern novels, references to Jane Austen are limited to things like the desirableness of Mr. Darcy or to Colin Firth swimming in a pond. In the Mrs. Tim books, characters refer to things about Miss Bingley, Catherine Morland from Northanger Abbey, and I forget what else, but anyway the point is that D.E. Stevenson was well-read enough to include references that are more than just surface.
April 13, 2012
The fourth and final Mrs. Tim book and I am exceedingly sad to have it all come to an end. I shall miss reading about Mrs. Tim, all her exploits, friends and family. How I wish there were more!
Just an absolutely fun and charming group of books.
Just an absolutely fun and charming group of books.
May 29, 2021
This was a delight! I think my favorite Mrs. Tim book, though I’ll have to re-read the first two. I hate that the series is over though. How dreadful! And yet the ending is satisfying too. Hester is such a delightful heroine, and she really shines in this book. It’s no wonder people like her. She has a humility and shyness about her and yet also has a strong sense of self that makes her attractive to so many kinds of people. She is loyal, intelligent, impulsive, warm-hearted, and fun. Such a gem!
I thought this book made more sense of her relationship with Tony too. We know now (hearsay and yet it’s true) that Tony loves Hester and has even stayed unmarried because of her. It works because Hester is pure-hearted enough to be both devoted to her husband Tim and a true and loyal friend to Tony and because she is innocent enough of her own charms to never even consider that Tony is in love with her. And Tony himself never crosses any lines. He is a good and kind friend to her. It is funny though because we see so much more of Tony in the books than Tim. Even though I know how much Hester loves Tim, I always feel a pull in my heart for Tony and Hester. In my mind, Tim will die around age 60 after a full and happy life and Hester will marry Tony and they can be happy together for 20 years in old age.
So sweet with Betty and Perry. Mrs. Alston was a perfect pest. The final encounter with Miss Crease is so funny. Anne Carlyle is sweet. I see a bit of myself in her, which makes me feel a bit sad and wistful. I’d rather be like Hester. I love that Hester’s house is called The Small House after Trollope’s The Small House at Allington and that Hester reads Doctor Thorne. Also that Tony quotes Northanger Abbey at Hester and she picks up on it instantly. I think I’ll marry Tony myself.
I thought this book made more sense of her relationship with Tony too. We know now (hearsay and yet it’s true) that Tony loves Hester and has even stayed unmarried because of her. It works because Hester is pure-hearted enough to be both devoted to her husband Tim and a true and loyal friend to Tony and because she is innocent enough of her own charms to never even consider that Tony is in love with her. And Tony himself never crosses any lines. He is a good and kind friend to her. It is funny though because we see so much more of Tony in the books than Tim. Even though I know how much Hester loves Tim, I always feel a pull in my heart for Tony and Hester. In my mind, Tim will die around age 60 after a full and happy life and Hester will marry Tony and they can be happy together for 20 years in old age.
So sweet with Betty and Perry. Mrs. Alston was a perfect pest. The final encounter with Miss Crease is so funny. Anne Carlyle is sweet. I see a bit of myself in her, which makes me feel a bit sad and wistful. I’d rather be like Hester. I love that Hester’s house is called The Small House after Trollope’s The Small House at Allington and that Hester reads Doctor Thorne. Also that Tony quotes Northanger Abbey at Hester and she picks up on it instantly. I think I’ll marry Tony myself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2018
This was a pleasant read, but Mrs Tim gets rather silly and annoying in some ways. It’s hard to believe that a military wife, who has dealt with many moves and rentals in her marriage, actually *forgot* she signed a lease, or what a lease means. Also, how can she not see that Tom is in love with her? For that matter, how can her husband have not noticed after all these years?
While it was relaxing to bathe in the still waters of a rose-colored view of 1950s middle-class British village life, with its mild upsets, loyal servants, and frequent descriptions of the countryside, I found this final book about Mrs Tim’s life to be less moving than others. The war is over, so there is no thoughtful examination of what war means to those at home. Lacking that, it becomes more clear that Mrs Tim, true to her class and race, doesn’t spend much time ruminating over the plight of the poor, the immigrant, or the people colonized by Britain. Her rather patronizing descriptions of Kenya definitely highlight that.
I liked the series, but if she had written more, I probably wouldn’t read them.
Edited to add: Tom Morley is an ass and I’m not sure why Hester likes him. The scene where he “punishes” the female clerks in the shoe store by going through all the shoes and dumping them on the floor was infuriating. And his views of women, which are not surprising, make me wonder why Hester puts up with him.
While it was relaxing to bathe in the still waters of a rose-colored view of 1950s middle-class British village life, with its mild upsets, loyal servants, and frequent descriptions of the countryside, I found this final book about Mrs Tim’s life to be less moving than others. The war is over, so there is no thoughtful examination of what war means to those at home. Lacking that, it becomes more clear that Mrs Tim, true to her class and race, doesn’t spend much time ruminating over the plight of the poor, the immigrant, or the people colonized by Britain. Her rather patronizing descriptions of Kenya definitely highlight that.
I liked the series, but if she had written more, I probably wouldn’t read them.
Edited to add: Tom Morley is an ass and I’m not sure why Hester likes him. The scene where he “punishes” the female clerks in the shoe store by going through all the shoes and dumping them on the floor was infuriating. And his views of women, which are not surprising, make me wonder why Hester puts up with him.
February 22, 2021
Just what the doctor ordered after the last depressing tome. As light and predictable (I guessed both of the surprises ahead of time) a tale as one could wish for. Stevenson always creates amusing and nicely drawn characters. Only two things vexed me: first, that everyone was an idiot for not observing the Pence rule, and second, that I was an idiot for thinking this was the first book in the series when it was the last, so now I've rather ruined things for myself.
The reader was decent.
The reader was decent.
December 10, 2021
Not much happens, but that's not why I read D.E. Stevenson's books. I love the atmosphere. I love characters who 'rejoice in the name of ..." and that our dear author lists the titles on a bookcase in a rented house. (Several to add to my TBR list.)
Gas and gaiters is added to 'beer and skittles' in my lexicon.
Gas and gaiters is added to 'beer and skittles' in my lexicon.
February 11, 2011
Shallow post-war sequel to Mrs. Tim of the Regiment (or, Mrs. Tim Christie). In this one, Mrs. Tim seems to have lost all her oomph. At one point a landlord demands she vacate a rental house on short notice. We readers are supposed to believe that Mrs. Tim, an army wife and veteran of many a household move, is too helpless to remember she signed a lease agreement for the house. Also, Mrs. Tim Flies Home purports to continue the series' use of diary entries. But Mrs. Tim Flies Home is written in straight narrative.
December 31, 2011
Mrs. Tim becomes less and less competent and more and more silly, but there are some bits I liked very much. Her endless naivete about the guy who is in love with her still drives me nuts, though.
February 5, 2022
So sad to leave the world of Mrs. Tim behind. I believe I would happily read another dozen books about Hester and her gentle adventures. The highlight of this story for me was her time spent with Bryan and Betty. I loved seeing how she accepted that they weren’t little children anymore, even though that fact was bittersweet for her.
Of the entire series, I think Mrs. Tim Carries On is my favorite. Since Tim is actually with Hester for a large part of the book, it really set the foundation for appreciating their close marriage.
Of the entire series, I think Mrs. Tim Carries On is my favorite. Since Tim is actually with Hester for a large part of the book, it really set the foundation for appreciating their close marriage.
November 26, 2019
"Mrs. Tim Flies Home" is the fourth and final book in D.E. Stevenson's "Mrs. Tim" series, which began with "Mrs. Tim of the Regiment" (pre-World War II), followed by "Mrs. Tim Carries On" (set during the war) and "Mrs. Tim Gets a Job" (the immediate post-war era).
This book was first published in 1952, and was recently reissued in a new edition for the first time in many years. Like the other "Mrs. Tim" books, it takes the form of a diary kept by Hester (Mrs. Tim) Christie, while her husband (Major Tim Christie of the British Army) is posted abroad. Hester and Tim have been living in Kenya for the past 18 months, but Hester is longing to see their children, Bryan and Betty (now teenagers/young adults, attending boarding school & college back in England), and arranges to rent a house in the village of Old Quinings for the summer while Tim remains in Africa.
Part of the fun of reading Stevenson's books is how characters & settings from one book tend to pop up in another. Old Quinings is also the setting of "Kate Hardy," and several characters from that book are present in this one too (plus there's a cameo appearance by Mr. Grace of "The Four Graces"). Several other characters we've come to know from previous Mrs. Tim books make an appearance -- including (surprise! -- not) Hester and Tim's friend Tony Morley (now a general). That Tony carries a torch for Hester has been obvious to readers all through last three books (but not, however, to the completely oblivious Hester). Early in this volume, Tony meets up with Hester while she's on a stopover in Rome, which winds up becoming the subject of local gossip in Old Quinings -- and a potential wedge in Hester's marriage.
This book very much reflects its time and setting. Like most of Stevenson's books, there's not a whole lot going on in the way of plot, but the writing is warm and wonderful, with memorable characters & witty dialogue. It's a pleasant way to spend a few hours (preferably with a cup of tea in hand). Some early passages where Hester describes life in Kenya are pretty cringeworthy from a modern, post-colonial perspective, but didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the book.
Three stars on Goodreads (it would have been 3.5, if half-stars were possible!).
This book was first published in 1952, and was recently reissued in a new edition for the first time in many years. Like the other "Mrs. Tim" books, it takes the form of a diary kept by Hester (Mrs. Tim) Christie, while her husband (Major Tim Christie of the British Army) is posted abroad. Hester and Tim have been living in Kenya for the past 18 months, but Hester is longing to see their children, Bryan and Betty (now teenagers/young adults, attending boarding school & college back in England), and arranges to rent a house in the village of Old Quinings for the summer while Tim remains in Africa.
Part of the fun of reading Stevenson's books is how characters & settings from one book tend to pop up in another. Old Quinings is also the setting of "Kate Hardy," and several characters from that book are present in this one too (plus there's a cameo appearance by Mr. Grace of "The Four Graces"). Several other characters we've come to know from previous Mrs. Tim books make an appearance -- including (surprise! -- not) Hester and Tim's friend Tony Morley (now a general). That Tony carries a torch for Hester has been obvious to readers all through last three books (but not, however, to the completely oblivious Hester). Early in this volume, Tony meets up with Hester while she's on a stopover in Rome, which winds up becoming the subject of local gossip in Old Quinings -- and a potential wedge in Hester's marriage.
This book very much reflects its time and setting. Like most of Stevenson's books, there's not a whole lot going on in the way of plot, but the writing is warm and wonderful, with memorable characters & witty dialogue. It's a pleasant way to spend a few hours (preferably with a cup of tea in hand). Some early passages where Hester describes life in Kenya are pretty cringeworthy from a modern, post-colonial perspective, but didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the book.
Three stars on Goodreads (it would have been 3.5, if half-stars were possible!).
October 20, 2020
2020 bk 358. The last of the series and the title should have probably been, Mrs. Tim rents a house. The Christies have been stationed in Kenya for awhile and it is time for Mrs. Tim to head back to England to spend time with their children before they leave home for good as they head into adulthood. A series of mishaps in Rome, lead a nasty-minded woman to spread rumors about Mrs. Christie in the village where she has rented a home. Mrs. Christie focuses, not on the small-mindedness, but on the friends she has made, her home, knowing that Annie and her husband are running the inn, and visits from her children and their new friends. It is a gentle book, showing us in bits what has happened to the characters we have come to know and have an interest in from earlier books. As it ends, with a visit from her husband, we can foretell a future of happiness for Mrs. Tim and her family.
November 6, 2019
Not sure why goodreads is saying this is my second time reading this because I definitely haven't ever read it before BUT: having read it I'm very well prepared to look at it on my shelf and smile at it in a cunning way like we've had an affair because I feel like this series and I know a secret no one else does - mainly because hardly anyone else has read this series, and also because I very much doubt the kind of people who Have read it have come to the same conclusions about how the main characters end up as I have.
January 12, 2018
I ADORE Hester Christie. What a fascinating creature. She's proper but not fastidious. She's lively yet mellow. She's unassuming yet discerning. I endeavor to be half the woman Hester Christie is! For a bit I was slightly bewildered about her ignorance of Tony's undying devotion to her. But if she realized it, or rather, if the character of her realized it, there would be instant awkwardness and a severing of ties with him. Then we would be bereft of the special banter and mutual affection between them and that makes up part of the charm of the stories of Mrs. Tim.
February 2, 2022
Delightful! There were several times I laughed aloud at the narrator's portrayals.
Occasionally in the Mrs Tim series it seems odd that Hester, Mrs Tim Christie, is so clueless about Tony Morley's feelings for her however she truly is an innocent in this respect because Tim has her entire heart and love. And she his.
This conclusion to the series is charming, engaging and utterly satisfying.
Book - 5 stars
Narration by Lesley Mackie - 5 stars
Occasionally in the Mrs Tim series it seems odd that Hester, Mrs Tim Christie, is so clueless about Tony Morley's feelings for her however she truly is an innocent in this respect because Tim has her entire heart and love. And she his.
This conclusion to the series is charming, engaging and utterly satisfying.
Book - 5 stars
Narration by Lesley Mackie - 5 stars
January 27, 2022
I was sad knowing this is our last visit with Mrs. Tim. As soon as Hester arrived in Little Quinings, the book had everything I love in a DES novel: our heroine in a charming little village; endearing characters, old and new; tea and outings and conversation; light romance; knowing that the baddies will get their comeuppance (and more good people than baddies overall); and the character-driven descriptions of daily life that make me feel like I want to move right in.
The book was 5* for me all the way through, but I almost lowered my rating when it ended without resolving the Tony Morely situation. When Hester mused that it’s sad Tony never married, since he would make such a good father, I truly felt sad. And when people started gossiping about Hester and Tony’s relationship, I thought we might get an honest conversation or at least finally another love interest for Tony. What a sad life, carrying a torch for a married woman who loves her husband. The whole thing seems almost selfish of Hester. Or maybe Hester is Tony’s excuse for avoiding actual commitment and a real relationship. (It’s a testament to DES’s writing that I am so emotionally invested in her characters’ life choices!)
Overall, a really lovely DES.
The book was 5* for me all the way through, but I almost lowered my rating when it ended without resolving the Tony Morely situation. When Hester mused that it’s sad Tony never married, since he would make such a good father, I truly felt sad. And when people started gossiping about Hester and Tony’s relationship, I thought we might get an honest conversation or at least finally another love interest for Tony. What a sad life, carrying a torch for a married woman who loves her husband. The whole thing seems almost selfish of Hester. Or maybe Hester is Tony’s excuse for avoiding actual commitment and a real relationship. (It’s a testament to DES’s writing that I am so emotionally invested in her characters’ life choices!)
Overall, a really lovely DES.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2021
I loved reading the Mrs. Tim series and having to say goodbye to Hester and her life is quite sad, "Mrs. Tim Flies Home" is the last of the 4. Tim is still serving and Hester, once again must stay in someone's home. The relationship between Hester and Tony becomes the gossip of the town, is this why Tim's letters are lacking? Grace and her twins add to the comedy, and like always Hester finds new friends wherever she goes. I absolutely love D. E. Stevenson's novel which again satisfies. Trollope's The Small House, Barsetshire # 5 and other classics that the Small House bookcase contains.
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Hester and Tim say goodbye in Kenya after 18 months together. While on the plane Hester becomes acquainted with Mrs. Alston, a kind of controlling mother. Hester finds Tony at the pensione entering into her room while she is getting ready for dinner. He convinces her to let him treat her, thus forgoing the meal with the other guests. She asks Tony about his coming to Rome; he was informed that Hester was alone in Rome from Mrs. Bolling, who was worrying. Tony says he came to keep her company but she believes there is another reason, work related. I think he told the truth, he looks forward to providing company when she needs a friend, he really loves her. Hester says goodbye to Tony leaving him in Rome. She arrives in London and stays with her brother Richard and his wife Mary but the pace in London is too much and decides to arrive early at the Small House, where she is to spend vacation with the children. Richard does not understand her wanting to go there, it will be too boring. Hester meets a fussy old lady in the train, Miss Crease, a neighbor from Old Quining, who is both likeable and disagreeable at times. Hester is staying with Annie and Bolling at their Inn until the Small House is ready. Annie tries to get Hester to stay with them until the kids come but Hester wants to be alone. While Annie is showing Hester the Small House, Bryan and his friend Hedgehog surprise her with an afternoon visit and then will return to Cambridge. Both boys comment on how nice the house looks and Hedgehog is invited to stay after school term is over. Miss Stroude is the step daughter of Mrs. Stroude, who had died of a unknown heart condition, she had taken pride in her home. Small House was built by Mrs. Stroude, I wonder if she was murdered? That was totally off, I find out later. Miss Stroube, who lives in London and who is not well liked, has rented to house to Hester until October. Susan Morvan is the squire's daughter and looks forward to meeting Betty, there are not many young people living in Old Quining. The school teacher who has the library is Miss Anne Caryle and likes recommending books, unsolicited. Hester receives a letter from Mrs. Alston who tells her about visiting her in Rome but not being there at the pensione, she is looking to stay at a quiet place with her son, and thought about Old Quining, could Hester help. I see a romance, Susan with her son? Annie and Fred Bolling are working harder than ever in life but are happy with the inn. Annie has rooms for the Alstons. Susan calls her mother, Wanda. I was wondering when she said "Wanda", if she was her step-mother but find out later Wanda is her mother. The Alstons are settled in and Hester goes to see them. Edmond is busy but soon after some conversation Hester finds that there is not a lot in common with the mother. Hester does not care for the son though, she never really talked to him but the mother's talk prejudiced her. Annie says she likes the son, though the mother she could do without. Mrs. Alston brought up Rome and how the pensione's mistress told her about all about it. Hester wonders what she said because the mistress kept saying that Tony was her lover. Tony wants to take Hester to Wandlebury so she can do some shopping but he sees Mrs. Alston has invited herself and waits for Tony to leave before she leaves. Tony has not left and takes Hester for a ride. Miss Carylye comes to see Hester to give her a gardening book and the subject of Miss Stroude being unlikeable, also Miss Carylye is surprised Mrs. Stroude did not have a will. Miss Crease is snide with Hester and mentioning you can have fun in Rome with 2 days. Mrs. Alston must have told her what she had heard from the lady at the pensione. Tim's letter is not very long and he mentions, if she likes the house so much she should rent it for the winter, which surprises Hester because she was supposed to be with him then. Did he hear something about Tony or read her letter and wondered about Tony being in Rome. Miss Stroude writes Hester that she must give up the Small House by August 1; Hester planned to stay until October. Miss Stroude does not listen to her and goes to the attic for some papers. Hester calls up Tony, he arrives and the talk of a lease brings Miss Stroube to a halt. A young man visits Hester to thank her for her help; Hester is at a loss who the young man is but finally knows it is Edmond Alston. He wonders about the young girl that rides her horse and her name. Miss Anne Carlyle comes to visit Hester and the though they are different, the school teacher is a blue stocking intellectual, they are on very friendly terms. Tony takes Hester to Wandlebury and Tony talks to a waiter who he has known for years. The discussion about The Apollo and Boot leads to the talk of wills, which the waiter talks of a simple will that he signed for a nice lady. Edmond Alston is invited to tea with Hester and Miss Susan Morvan, it is soon known that Susan is the young lady who he had met. The two young people are quite friendly and Hester hopes all goes well, so that Edmond is not disappointed. Hester meets Betty at the train station, she is 16 now. Bryan and Perry arrive, with Betty it is quite a busy Small House. Susan comes knowing the young people have arrived and comes for a visit, Betty quite happy to find another girl. Hester does not know what has become of Susan and Edmond but she has been over to visit the young people. Miss Stroude is forever trying to find the letter that her mother misplaced. Tony suggests a dance at the Morley manor, all the young people are happy, yet Hester has a funny feeling that something bad is going to happen. Tim's letters are short but the mention of the Small House for the winter is no longer mentioned. Tony's sister, Freda looks quite a lot older then when they met years ago, her daughter Diane, is not very excited to be there. The picnic goes well for some but Freda and Diana, Tony's sister and niece are not too happy. Tony prefers Betty to his own niece. Edmond is so infatuated with Susan, Tony thinks he looks quite silly. Grace's twin boys are now 10 and they come to visit. Tony sees Hester after the young people left and told her the gossip about them in Rome. He is surprised she told Tim and asks about his letters which makes Hester worry about what she wrote. Tony says he will write Tim. Miss Crease is the main gossip, Hester receives a note from the vicar's wife not to do the church flowers. Hester tells Betty the message about not arranging the church flowers which disappoints her too, but she comforts her mother. Hester decides she must skip church this week, she cannot bare the thought of seeing the vicar and his wife. Betty wears her new dress which impresses Bryan and Perry are speechless; I think Perry might like get. Bryan and Perry compliment Betty about her dress for the party, she looks beautiful and she is surrounded by young men. Hester dances with Edmond who does not dance well, he sees Perry and Susan dance with grace which bothers him. Hester sees Symes, who works for Tony, when asked did he marry his girl. He tells about the marriage not working out, when he was in the desert, she had an affair. Hester talks to Susan's father, when Tony comes for his dance. Lady Morley not knowing she is talking to Hester, wonders which one is Mrs. Christie because all the gossip about her son and that woman, Hester introduces herself. Perry is to leave to go to his grandfather's but before he goes he tells Mrs. Christie that he loves Betty and he can wait for her to grow up, for he loves her and could not love anyone else. Betty has no idea about his feelings. Miss Stroude finds the folder empty and excuses Hester of stealing the Byron letter, which an upset Bryan defending his mother. Bryan and Betty are to visit their uncle Richard in London. Betty talks about Perry being good and part of the family. Tony comes visits Hester, she confides about all her worries, including the Byron letter, looking for it, they find Mrs. Stroude's will which gives all to Anne Caryle. Mrs. Alston is away in London, Mr. Morvan invites Edmond over to his home. Anne is sick and Hester has a bed made for her and made her comfortable but has not told her yet of the estate. Mr. Morven comes to tell Hester that the will is legal; the witnesses will testify in court if need be. He tells her also about Susan wanting to marry Edmond which her father knows the obstacles but Susan is determined, Hester tells of Mrs. Alston being a problem. Anne is told about the will which brings lightness and happiness to her life, she will remain at school until she can teach no longer. Anne wants Hester to stay at Small House as long as she can. Miss Crease wonders why Hester has not visited and Hester clears it up by saying that she would not be welcomed, by the way of the nasty gossip she spreads. No letter from Tim. Hester is shopping and thinks she sees someone that someone looks like Tim and soon finds out Tim is back for a little bit. He has written little because of things going on with regards to his post and laughs at her stay in Rome, stating Tony is a good friend. It seems that the Christies will stay on for winter and Anne will stay too. Edmond and Susan are engaged but will put off telling Mrs. Alston.
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Hester and Tim say goodbye in Kenya after 18 months together. While on the plane Hester becomes acquainted with Mrs. Alston, a kind of controlling mother. Hester finds Tony at the pensione entering into her room while she is getting ready for dinner. He convinces her to let him treat her, thus forgoing the meal with the other guests. She asks Tony about his coming to Rome; he was informed that Hester was alone in Rome from Mrs. Bolling, who was worrying. Tony says he came to keep her company but she believes there is another reason, work related. I think he told the truth, he looks forward to providing company when she needs a friend, he really loves her. Hester says goodbye to Tony leaving him in Rome. She arrives in London and stays with her brother Richard and his wife Mary but the pace in London is too much and decides to arrive early at the Small House, where she is to spend vacation with the children. Richard does not understand her wanting to go there, it will be too boring. Hester meets a fussy old lady in the train, Miss Crease, a neighbor from Old Quining, who is both likeable and disagreeable at times. Hester is staying with Annie and Bolling at their Inn until the Small House is ready. Annie tries to get Hester to stay with them until the kids come but Hester wants to be alone. While Annie is showing Hester the Small House, Bryan and his friend Hedgehog surprise her with an afternoon visit and then will return to Cambridge. Both boys comment on how nice the house looks and Hedgehog is invited to stay after school term is over. Miss Stroude is the step daughter of Mrs. Stroude, who had died of a unknown heart condition, she had taken pride in her home. Small House was built by Mrs. Stroude, I wonder if she was murdered? That was totally off, I find out later. Miss Stroube, who lives in London and who is not well liked, has rented to house to Hester until October. Susan Morvan is the squire's daughter and looks forward to meeting Betty, there are not many young people living in Old Quining. The school teacher who has the library is Miss Anne Caryle and likes recommending books, unsolicited. Hester receives a letter from Mrs. Alston who tells her about visiting her in Rome but not being there at the pensione, she is looking to stay at a quiet place with her son, and thought about Old Quining, could Hester help. I see a romance, Susan with her son? Annie and Fred Bolling are working harder than ever in life but are happy with the inn. Annie has rooms for the Alstons. Susan calls her mother, Wanda. I was wondering when she said "Wanda", if she was her step-mother but find out later Wanda is her mother. The Alstons are settled in and Hester goes to see them. Edmond is busy but soon after some conversation Hester finds that there is not a lot in common with the mother. Hester does not care for the son though, she never really talked to him but the mother's talk prejudiced her. Annie says she likes the son, though the mother she could do without. Mrs. Alston brought up Rome and how the pensione's mistress told her about all about it. Hester wonders what she said because the mistress kept saying that Tony was her lover. Tony wants to take Hester to Wandlebury so she can do some shopping but he sees Mrs. Alston has invited herself and waits for Tony to leave before she leaves. Tony has not left and takes Hester for a ride. Miss Carylye comes to see Hester to give her a gardening book and the subject of Miss Stroude being unlikeable, also Miss Carylye is surprised Mrs. Stroude did not have a will. Miss Crease is snide with Hester and mentioning you can have fun in Rome with 2 days. Mrs. Alston must have told her what she had heard from the lady at the pensione. Tim's letter is not very long and he mentions, if she likes the house so much she should rent it for the winter, which surprises Hester because she was supposed to be with him then. Did he hear something about Tony or read her letter and wondered about Tony being in Rome. Miss Stroude writes Hester that she must give up the Small House by August 1; Hester planned to stay until October. Miss Stroude does not listen to her and goes to the attic for some papers. Hester calls up Tony, he arrives and the talk of a lease brings Miss Stroube to a halt. A young man visits Hester to thank her for her help; Hester is at a loss who the young man is but finally knows it is Edmond Alston. He wonders about the young girl that rides her horse and her name. Miss Anne Carlyle comes to visit Hester and the though they are different, the school teacher is a blue stocking intellectual, they are on very friendly terms. Tony takes Hester to Wandlebury and Tony talks to a waiter who he has known for years. The discussion about The Apollo and Boot leads to the talk of wills, which the waiter talks of a simple will that he signed for a nice lady. Edmond Alston is invited to tea with Hester and Miss Susan Morvan, it is soon known that Susan is the young lady who he had met. The two young people are quite friendly and Hester hopes all goes well, so that Edmond is not disappointed. Hester meets Betty at the train station, she is 16 now. Bryan and Perry arrive, with Betty it is quite a busy Small House. Susan comes knowing the young people have arrived and comes for a visit, Betty quite happy to find another girl. Hester does not know what has become of Susan and Edmond but she has been over to visit the young people. Miss Stroude is forever trying to find the letter that her mother misplaced. Tony suggests a dance at the Morley manor, all the young people are happy, yet Hester has a funny feeling that something bad is going to happen. Tim's letters are short but the mention of the Small House for the winter is no longer mentioned. Tony's sister, Freda looks quite a lot older then when they met years ago, her daughter Diane, is not very excited to be there. The picnic goes well for some but Freda and Diana, Tony's sister and niece are not too happy. Tony prefers Betty to his own niece. Edmond is so infatuated with Susan, Tony thinks he looks quite silly. Grace's twin boys are now 10 and they come to visit. Tony sees Hester after the young people left and told her the gossip about them in Rome. He is surprised she told Tim and asks about his letters which makes Hester worry about what she wrote. Tony says he will write Tim. Miss Crease is the main gossip, Hester receives a note from the vicar's wife not to do the church flowers. Hester tells Betty the message about not arranging the church flowers which disappoints her too, but she comforts her mother. Hester decides she must skip church this week, she cannot bare the thought of seeing the vicar and his wife. Betty wears her new dress which impresses Bryan and Perry are speechless; I think Perry might like get. Bryan and Perry compliment Betty about her dress for the party, she looks beautiful and she is surrounded by young men. Hester dances with Edmond who does not dance well, he sees Perry and Susan dance with grace which bothers him. Hester sees Symes, who works for Tony, when asked did he marry his girl. He tells about the marriage not working out, when he was in the desert, she had an affair. Hester talks to Susan's father, when Tony comes for his dance. Lady Morley not knowing she is talking to Hester, wonders which one is Mrs. Christie because all the gossip about her son and that woman, Hester introduces herself. Perry is to leave to go to his grandfather's but before he goes he tells Mrs. Christie that he loves Betty and he can wait for her to grow up, for he loves her and could not love anyone else. Betty has no idea about his feelings. Miss Stroude finds the folder empty and excuses Hester of stealing the Byron letter, which an upset Bryan defending his mother. Bryan and Betty are to visit their uncle Richard in London. Betty talks about Perry being good and part of the family. Tony comes visits Hester, she confides about all her worries, including the Byron letter, looking for it, they find Mrs. Stroude's will which gives all to Anne Caryle. Mrs. Alston is away in London, Mr. Morvan invites Edmond over to his home. Anne is sick and Hester has a bed made for her and made her comfortable but has not told her yet of the estate. Mr. Morven comes to tell Hester that the will is legal; the witnesses will testify in court if need be. He tells her also about Susan wanting to marry Edmond which her father knows the obstacles but Susan is determined, Hester tells of Mrs. Alston being a problem. Anne is told about the will which brings lightness and happiness to her life, she will remain at school until she can teach no longer. Anne wants Hester to stay at Small House as long as she can. Miss Crease wonders why Hester has not visited and Hester clears it up by saying that she would not be welcomed, by the way of the nasty gossip she spreads. No letter from Tim. Hester is shopping and thinks she sees someone that someone looks like Tim and soon finds out Tim is back for a little bit. He has written little because of things going on with regards to his post and laughs at her stay in Rome, stating Tony is a good friend. It seems that the Christies will stay on for winter and Anne will stay too. Edmond and Susan are engaged but will put off telling Mrs. Alston.
April 21, 2022
I liked the ending to the series, but it didn't excite me as much as the 2nd and 3rd books in the series.
July 9, 2018
I try not to judge books from earlier eras from a twenty first century standpoint, but I find it hard to see the Christies as the model family the author would have us believe they are. The teenage children at boarding school have not seen their parents for 18 months; the wife is leaving her husband for six months to spend only a few weeks of that time with her children. Dysfunctional hardly begins to cover it, and the war is long over so that is not a factor. I agree that services families must make some sacrifices but Tim could have resigned his commission a year or two after the war as planned and yet he is still in the regiment, and the children might have visited in their school holidays. No amount of letter writing could sustain a close relationship for 18 months with children that age. I find it hard to believe they could casually come together as a loving family after such a long estrangement. (Perhaps that says something about my family life?)
As usual, the book is a competent and lighthearted romp through domestic trivia. Surprisingly Stevenson does deal with one ugly aspect of life in 1950s England: respectability. The smallest hint of impropriety, such as a gentleman visitor to a married woman, sets the malicious tongues of local gossips wagging and Hester is banned from arranging flowers in church by the straitlaced vicar’s wife as if she were a social leper. The suggestion that Tony is in love with Hester has cropped up before and seems common knowledge to everyone but Hester, who as a married woman with an absent husband probably ought to have been more careful of her reputation. But her iron-clad innocence seems to blind her to the obvious. Tony is horrified to think he may have compromised her but as a man of the world, he ought to have been more aware of the effect his behaviour. Unfortunately the subject is dropped before being fully resolved – Tim suggests his reappearance will put paid to all the “old cats gossiping”.
Naturally a young couple fall in love and the engagement is encouraged by Hester, though sadly no fly fishing holidays in Scotland this time round. A couple of bullies are rebuffed and a sympathetic character is spared genteel poverty to show that all is well with the world and good prevails. Then Tim arrives and as usual this is a signal that the novel is over, for the diary is to provide him with news of what Hester does when he is away. It seems odd that Hester spends more time in the novels with Tony who regularly turns up to resolve various crises at critical moments like the proverbial knight in shining armour and offers an external perspective on the merits of the Christie family.
The neighbourhood is one which will become more familiar as it crops up in later novels. We have already met Mr. Grace who will reappear with his family in the Four Graces. I wonder if Hester will make a cameo appearance in a later work?
As usual, the book is a competent and lighthearted romp through domestic trivia. Surprisingly Stevenson does deal with one ugly aspect of life in 1950s England: respectability. The smallest hint of impropriety, such as a gentleman visitor to a married woman, sets the malicious tongues of local gossips wagging and Hester is banned from arranging flowers in church by the straitlaced vicar’s wife as if she were a social leper. The suggestion that Tony is in love with Hester has cropped up before and seems common knowledge to everyone but Hester, who as a married woman with an absent husband probably ought to have been more careful of her reputation. But her iron-clad innocence seems to blind her to the obvious. Tony is horrified to think he may have compromised her but as a man of the world, he ought to have been more aware of the effect his behaviour. Unfortunately the subject is dropped before being fully resolved – Tim suggests his reappearance will put paid to all the “old cats gossiping”.
Naturally a young couple fall in love and the engagement is encouraged by Hester, though sadly no fly fishing holidays in Scotland this time round. A couple of bullies are rebuffed and a sympathetic character is spared genteel poverty to show that all is well with the world and good prevails. Then Tim arrives and as usual this is a signal that the novel is over, for the diary is to provide him with news of what Hester does when he is away. It seems odd that Hester spends more time in the novels with Tony who regularly turns up to resolve various crises at critical moments like the proverbial knight in shining armour and offers an external perspective on the merits of the Christie family.
The neighbourhood is one which will become more familiar as it crops up in later novels. We have already met Mr. Grace who will reappear with his family in the Four Graces. I wonder if Hester will make a cameo appearance in a later work?
January 29, 2008
Delightful as always.
Mrs. Tim flies home from Africa after a prolonged stay with her husband after the war's end. She rents a house in Old Quinings and unravels a mystery about her house and the town schoolteacher. She also traps a human bull by the horns. Hester's children are growing into adults and she discovers that a friend is romantically interested in her daughter Betty.
This is the fourth installment of D.E. Stevenson's pseudo biography character Hester. She started writing the series from her journals as a military wife at the request of a young bride-to-be who borrowed them because she wanted to know what life was like as a military wife. The young lady encouraged Mrs. Stevenson (Peploe) to publish them, so she spiced them up and published them with her alter-self as the lead character.
connected to: Mrs. Tim; Mrs Tim Gets a Job; Mrs Tim Carries On; Kate Hardy
Mrs. Tim flies home from Africa after a prolonged stay with her husband after the war's end. She rents a house in Old Quinings and unravels a mystery about her house and the town schoolteacher. She also traps a human bull by the horns. Hester's children are growing into adults and she discovers that a friend is romantically interested in her daughter Betty.
This is the fourth installment of D.E. Stevenson's pseudo biography character Hester. She started writing the series from her journals as a military wife at the request of a young bride-to-be who borrowed them because she wanted to know what life was like as a military wife. The young lady encouraged Mrs. Stevenson (Peploe) to publish them, so she spiced them up and published them with her alter-self as the lead character.
connected to: Mrs. Tim; Mrs Tim Gets a Job; Mrs Tim Carries On; Kate Hardy
July 1, 2019
Mrs. Tim Flies Home is the fourth and last book in the Mrs. Tim series. I have enjoyed these books so much and am going to miss the characters. I could relate to Hester in so many ways as she navigated married life with children. They are wonderful, comfort reads. This time round, we read Hester's diary as she travels home from Kenya where she has been with her husband to England where she will be spending the summer holidays with her children. I loved seeing the kids growing through the series. Hester's relationship with her son, Bryan, is so sweet and the relationship every mother wants with her sons. Lucky for me, my relationship with my oldest is very similar. Her daughter, Betty, is so much fun. She's full of life and says what she thinks and often embarrasses her mother. Of course, Tony Morley, the family friend, is always a delightful addition and one of my favorite characters throughout the series.
September 19, 2017
Last of the Mrs. Tim books takes us to the years following World War II. Enjoyable as the rest of the series. Am writing a blog review for MadReads and will post the link when it is available.
March 21, 2019
I didn't realize this was book 4, but I enjoyed it.
March 28, 2020
A perfect easy but enjoyable read during a stressful time. I adored the characters and the mild drama that ensued. It was a very transportive story and I just loved it.
February 22, 2021
I always feel sad after completing this book, number 4 in the series. I wouldlike to continue reading about Hester Christie.
May 4, 2021
Oh how lovely and how sad, that I’ve just finished the fourth and last Mrs. Tim book.
Hester leaves Kenya after 18 months out there with Colonel Tim, and comes to the Small House at Old Quinings in the English countryside that she has rented where Betty can come down from her boarding school In Edinburgh and Bryan come from his agricultural studies at Cambridge for their Holidays. Wrong impressions are gathered by nosy busybodies when Brigadier General Tony Morley turns up in Rome and escorts Hester out and about Rome. Old crabby Miss Crease owns the property behind the back wall. When those same rumors are spread maliciously Tony discounts them and naive Hester can’t believe such nonsense. Her days are filled with school mistress/librarian Miss Anne Carlyle her daily help Mrs. Daulkes, Bryan and his schoolmate Percy/Perry/Hedgehog and Betty, Susan the lovely young daughter at the Manor House, Horrid Miss Sroud who has inherited the Small house from her step-mother, irritable Mrs Alston and her son Edmond studying for his medical exams.
Romance is in the air, and surprises abound.
Hester leaves Kenya after 18 months out there with Colonel Tim, and comes to the Small House at Old Quinings in the English countryside that she has rented where Betty can come down from her boarding school In Edinburgh and Bryan come from his agricultural studies at Cambridge for their Holidays. Wrong impressions are gathered by nosy busybodies when Brigadier General Tony Morley turns up in Rome and escorts Hester out and about Rome. Old crabby Miss Crease owns the property behind the back wall. When those same rumors are spread maliciously Tony discounts them and naive Hester can’t believe such nonsense. Her days are filled with school mistress/librarian Miss Anne Carlyle her daily help Mrs. Daulkes, Bryan and his schoolmate Percy/Perry/Hedgehog and Betty, Susan the lovely young daughter at the Manor House, Horrid Miss Sroud who has inherited the Small house from her step-mother, irritable Mrs Alston and her son Edmond studying for his medical exams.
Romance is in the air, and surprises abound.
February 6, 2022
I’m so sad this is the last Mrs. Tim book. I have enjoyed this series so much. Each book is really a four, but the series is definitely five stars. This family feels so real to me, the places where they lived and the people they lived with will remain vivid in my memory, even though the last book was written in 1957. I so wish there was another story to see Hester and Tim settled in Mellow House with Betty and Perry’s children on their knees. We don’t get to find out who is the lucky girl who will win Bryan’s beautiful heart. We don’t get to see Tim adjust to life as a farmer. We don’t get to see darling Tony finally fall in love, though I could easily see him carrying the torch for Hester for the rest of his life. We don’t get to see Annie and Bollings finally blessed with a child. But what we do get is a gorgeous story filled with lovely people in a lovely place where everyone gets their hearts’ desire. D.E. Stevenson has a gift for knowing when to end the book. She quits just leaving me wanting more. Thankfully, she was such a prolific writer there are many more books of hers to enjoy. Though I suspect I will not find another character I love more than Mrs. Tim.
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