A few words on The Runaways (also known as Linnets and Valerians)
Quite simply, this was a delight - a story of 'setting right', of coming into one's own, of happy endings. It's about four siblings who find themselves at the home of their rather marvellous Uncle Ambrose and who thus become agents for change and a power for good prevailing over ill will, so that all becomes well with their somewhat magical world in the village of High Barton.
It's full of delicious food, beautiful gardens, quirkily characterful houses, and a charming collection of people (and animals), all vividly drawn and described, but it's its warmth and joyousness which make it special.
A book to lift the spirits and gladden the heart.
I'd vote for her any time!I always read Elizabeth Goudge novels over Christmas - warmth and joy guaranteed! It's interesting that she is a secret comfort read for so many people, perhaps her spiritual side is unfashionable now, but her writing for adults and children is always magical and inspiring.
Thank you also for sending readers to The Wonderful World of Joan Aiken - you were one of my top referrers this year! http://joanaiken.wordpress.com/
Posted by: Lizza Aiken | 31 December 2014 at 12:39 PM
"Linnets and Valerians" was my absolutely favourite childhood book, and I loved it just as much when I re-read it earlier this year. It's so good to discover other fans (of Uncle Ambrose as well as the book), and you sum it up perfectly - thank you!
Posted by: Mrs Ford | 31 December 2014 at 01:08 PM
I'm so looking forward to reading this again when it's reissued in the US this spring. I'm quite sure you will find some other books to enjoy by Elizabeth Goudge. I think I'm going to start out 2015 with The Dean's Watch.
Posted by: Lory @ Emerald City Book Review | 31 December 2014 at 01:50 PM
My pleasure, Lizza - thank you!
Posted by: Cornflower | 31 December 2014 at 02:35 PM
I loved it so much I'm tempted to read it all over again. Everyone should have an Uncle Ambrose!
Posted by: Cornflower | 31 December 2014 at 02:35 PM
I'm wondering which one to read next, and The Dean's Watch is high on the list, Lory.
Posted by: Cornflower | 31 December 2014 at 02:36 PM
Thank you for this post. I am now reading this, and it is a delight, and somehow the perfect read for this time of year. And the food, oh the food!
Posted by: Chiara | 03 January 2015 at 03:10 AM
Yes!
Posted by: Cornflower | 03 January 2015 at 09:14 AM
When I hear the title, I can see it on the shelf where it lived in my tiny but rich childhood library, The Alvin Bolster RIcker Memorial Library and Community House in Poland, Maine.
I will try to locate a new copy and reread it!
Posted by: Rebecca | 03 January 2015 at 01:56 PM
How lovely that it made such an impression, Rebecca! I hope you will thoroughly enjoy your re-read.
Posted by: Cornflower | 03 January 2015 at 05:22 PM
I have bookmarked this post under my "book ideas" bookmark. Thank you!! It sounds so wonderful.
Posted by: Nan | 06 September 2018 at 08:05 PM
I hope you will love it as much as I did, Nan!
Posted by: Cornflower | 07 September 2018 at 06:08 PM