Farewell to Fairacre

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