The Lark Shall Sing

I just stumbled across Elizabeth Cadell a few weeks ago. So glad I did. Even though the books are written 40+ years ago, they come across as light hearted and entertaining. You can't describe them as mysteries or romance. They are in a genre of their own. I have eclectic reading tastes and was amazed by how much I enjoyed the first book I read by her. I have since read several and all I can really say is they make you feel... good.

I absolutely loved this book. It will rate as one of my all-time favorites. I started reading it one day and continued the next afternoon. I couldn't put it down. After everyone went to bed, I continued reading. I laughed out loud until I almost strangled myself. I was afraid I would awaken my housemate. I kept thinking, Just one more chapter, but then, I had to read one more. I finished at 1:30 am, and I am still laughing. I hope the rest of the series are as good.

I could not believe that I would enjoy a book written in the '50's so well. But in these pandemic stress-filled months, this was a feel-good book. The multi-generational list of characters are so well defined, one can picture them: the care-worn martinet older sister in charge of the family, the coming-of age brother just out of the Army, the younger siblings each with their own style of strong-willed determination, the stodgy fiance, the world-weary actor This isn't a pithy or challenging book. There is no social commentary or controversy. There is no murder mystery, or villainous corporate subterfuge; it's a definite escapist "beach-read" that made me feel good to the last page.

I have started reading books by female British authors that were active in the 40s and 50s. I happened to see Elizabeth Cadell's name and thought to give her a try. I'm so glad I did. Her books are labeled romances but I did not find this the case. This particular book was a delightful tale about the Wayne family. The writing was perfect for the story being told. It is not a story of romance geared for only females. I am a male and found the story and the writing to be lighthearted and very delightful. The writing is such that it describes a particular time and a particular social structure wonderfully. I will definitely be reading the rest of this series!

I loved the book. I miss seeing/reading these type authors and glad to be able to see them in print in kindle. It is a lovely story and I can use some gentleness and happy endings in my life right now.

The first of the only trilogy, Mrs. Cadell ever wrote. this the first and one if the wildest funniest and most fun , you will not want to put it down until all of the Wayne's are home with their 'body guards" The oldest sister has caused a mass exit, from all points in England, of all the siblings. when she sent the seemingly sane letter to each family member stating that they should let her know what they wanted of theirs from the house, as she planned to sell it, as she was soon to be married. you would have thought she dropped a bomb in small English counties, OH what fun, The movie star stayed just to watch the fun.

This is a very old-fashioned and charming story. It could not take place in our time, times are too rough now. But if you want to escape to an earlier, probably never real, time, this is the series to go to. I love Elizabeth Cadell and have since I first read her, about 55 years ago.

As usual, I really enjoyed this novel by Elizabeth Cadell. It is disappointing that my libraries don't carry her books in digital form, since I'd love to read them all, but can't afford but one or two of them. Just good clean writing and character development. I find myself wanting more, more, more!

I first read this book about 50 years ago and have now read it with great pleasure for the second time. The story has lost none of its charm: you want the people to be real and preferably friends of yours. Their worries are your worries; their joys are your joys. Elizabeth Cadell is a brilliant writer who knows her characters through and through. I am delighted to be able to read her books again (and again and again....)

rather distant, dismissive, cool and unengaging, but a good price...not her best, too much like a puppet performance, but usually her stuff isexpensive...this was cheap, so a good deal...one small quibble: the house in the text is described as a "colonial" manor, with deep verandas all around it, but on the so called cover of this text the house looks like a standard "tudorbethan victorian" abomination...why?

I like books set in the 30s, and here is the real thing, written in the 30s. A nice story, and a fascinating first hand look into a vanished world and class. Really enjoyed all three.We forget that a really good writer doesn't date at all.

Very enjoyable read