Two novels in the beloved Fairacre series, full of “delicious wit, quirky characters . . . and certainly love and laughter” (Jan Karon). In the English village of Fairacre, retired schoolteachers Dolly Clare and Emily Davis enjoyed a remarkable friendship. Childhood playmates in Beech Green, they would remain close throughout their long lives, eventually sharing a cottage in their retirement. They felt grief when a village family was lost on the Titanic and each experienced young love and then heartbreak when the First World War interrupted both of their romances. In this two-in-one volume, the triumphs and tragedies of their days are depicted with all the humor, humble tenacity, and human warmth for which Miss Read is known. “Miss Read’s Books . . . have deservedly received the highest praise from both English and American reviewers.” —The New York Times Book Review “Miss Read reminds us of what is really important. And if we can’t live in her world, it’s certainly a comforting place to visit.” —USA Today “[Read’s] heroes are the good, the uncomplicated, and those who do the unsung work of the world. It’s a warm, comfortable, part of the picture.” —Kirkus Reviews