This is a short book that I chose for its Christmas theme. It has been several years since I read a book by Miss Read. Yes, it can be described as cozy, with its descriptions of life in a quiet English village that is long on charm. This story features Miriam Quinn, a maiden lady in her mid-30's, who is very satisfied with her quiet life. She has found a charming apartment and enjoys some aspects of village life, but she has successfully fended off intimacy and overtures of friendship.
When she gets an emergency call from her brother to come take care of his children while his wife is in the hospital at Christmas time, Miss Quinn at first is reluctant to abandon her own plans for the holiday, and then judgmental of the state of her brother's household. But she soon discovers that running a household with three small children is more work than she had expected.
There are signs of character growth and a possible romantic attachment for Miss Quinn by the end of the book. Although this is by no means a major entry in the Christmas book canon, it has charm and wisdom.

One of my favorite Christmas books. Just simple and delightful.

This comforting read has some complexities running deep below it. Miss Quinn doesn't like her sister in law, chatty landladies, or Christmas, and while she isn't a Scrooge, she's a bit set in her ways. When her sister in law falls I'll, however, it sets up miss Quinn to have a different outlook on things, but Miss Read doesn't pummel us with a total Dickensian change of heart. Once again, a lovely comfort read.

Miss Read's books are like Hallmark movies: kind of dated but comfortable, a cozy read when you just want to relax and not be challenged. This was a good book to read after a stressful year.

3.5 stars. A nice, moderately heart-warming Christmas book.