QNPoohBear's Reviews > The Two Mrs. Abbotts

Barbara Abbott nee Buncle is back in this third volume. World War II is raging but Wandlebury hasn't changed much. The young men are off to war, except for Archie Chevis-Cobbe who is running a farm single-handedly. Barbara has settled into domestic life with Arthur, their two young children and of course, Dorcas. Barbara is still as honest and trusting as ever, making everyone want to confide in her. Her latest, and most unwanted, confidant is Lancreste Marvell. Barbara dislikes the Marvells and doesn't know how to deal with Lancreste's relationship issues. Arthur's nephew Sam has joined up, leaving his bride Jerry behind. Sam is never far from Jerry's thoughts as she tries to run her horse farm, deal with horrible tenants and the regiment camped on her property. She has company in her old companion Markie and new friends come to stay. Jerry decides to play match maker for her still unmarried brother, though he has plans of his own.

Most of the story takes place in and around Wandlebury, but we do get to catch up on the inhabitants of Silverstream, thanks to a surprise visitor. I was unsure about reading this book since sequels are never good as the original, but I was delighted to discover that this book holds all the sweet charm of the first two books. Though it's not as funny as Miss Buncle's book, it's still charming. Most of the book is dedicated to Jerry and her sphere with Barbara making only occasional appearances. There's mystery, adventure and romance aplenty, sure to please any reader. I was sorry to see it end and want to know what happened next! The paperback reprint of this book will be available in January or you can get the original from your local library as I did.