A sweet and gentle and old fashioned book, Miss Read gives her readers a collection of stories that are set around Christmas in a small English village called Fairacre.

There is a Christmas birth that results in outsiders being welcomed, a ghost story, and a sad tale about a white robin that unites the villagers. Then there are school children preparing for Christmas and other glimpses into a time where commercialism hadn’t destroyed the spirit of Christmas. A time not so long ago when children eagerly hang up their stockings but don’t expect much, when families went to Church together, and everyone enjoyed simple home made Christmas food and presents.

A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS is a small book packed full of both quirky and unforgettable characters, enchanting stories and above all, buck loads of festive cheer. ( )