The Two Mrs. Abbots

The Two Mrs. Abbotts / D.E. Stevenson
Naperville, IL: Sourcebooks Landmark, 2014, c1943.
283 p.

This is the final book in Stevenson's Miss Buncle series, although it doesn't have too much Miss Buncle in it -- she is a pivotal character as the now matronly Mrs. Abbott, but there are so many others taking the spotlight in this book, to great effect. Including the second Mrs. Abbott!

This was a follow up to the first two very successful Miss Buncle books, but it's more episodic than the others. Miss Buncle, now Mrs. Abbott, lives in the country, and it's the family and neighbours that have the adventures in this one. There is a throughline of a plot, but mainly the chapters focus on events that are happening to different people in each. 

My favourite chapter is when the no-nonsense housekeeper reveals unplumbed depths and uncovers a German spy (this was published during WWII, though it's not dark at all). The scene is funny, and allows this character to shine. There's another character who is trying to hide her identity, there's a romantic theme, and some more sober moments -the younger Mrs. Abbott's husband is away at the war and that is mentioned. 

I appreciated that this story is really all about women, of all ages and classes. It focuses on their experiences and relationships; even the romance theme is more interested in the woman involved. There aren't many men around and the women are just doing their thing. I liked it. 

It is a lovely read, and this reissue is part of a nicely designed series with really attractive covers (these are the versions in my local library). If you haven't read the first two Miss Buncle books, you can still enjoy this one. I feel that the first two must be read together and in order, but this one is a bit of an add-on -- you'll get more from it if you know all the backstory, but it does work on its own. It's a great addition to books set in WWII and very readable.