D.E. Stevenson is such a good writer.
Unfortunately I guess I can understand why she's not more popular today--her style doesn't necessarily have a lot of zip. But sometimes you don't want zip. I like what one review (quoted on the back of this book) said: "She creates a small world of tempests and ripples in a teacup."

So, this book is a bit different from the Miss Buncle books, or from Bel Lamington (although there are some crossover characters with Bel Lamington). This one is set in Scotland. So there's much more of a country feel to it, and it's quite reflective. There are plenty of well-written characters.
James, who is somewhere in his 20's, has come to live with his uncle and aunt and learn the business of farming. He's fresh off a disappointment in love, and he is sad over it, but determined to make a go of his chosen career, farming. His uncle and aunt quickly take him to their heart and see with pleasure the way he loves the land and how he makes their way of life his. The rest of it is neighbors, friends, episodes, actions and reactions, etc.
I think I've used this word about a number of books recently, but it truly is cozy.
I think D.E. Stevenson and Angela Thirkell could both drive me slightly crazy with the way that characters keep showing up in subsequent stories. It seems they don't either of them exactly write sequels, but they re-use enough of their people to where one still feels obligated to go and hunt up the DOZENS of other books, because they're all connected. It would be much less of a hassle if my libraries actually had some of their books, but instead I am forced to monitor used book sales. Oh, well, I guess that means that for a while to come I can enjoy a slow trickle of new and enjoyable books, since it will take me a while to accumulate more. ( )

This feels more like a spinoff than a direct sequel to Vittoria Cottage -- although James Dering’s story properly begins in Vittoria Cottage, I think this could standalone.

James Dering has come to Scotland to stay with his aunt and uncle at Mureth, and learn about farming. I knew how James’ romantic endeavours would unfold -- he and his wife appear in the later novel, Bel Lamington -- but even with that foreknowledge to make things extra predictable, I wanted to keep reading. This has such a strong sense of place! I can so easily, so vividly, imagine the green hillsides, dotted with sheep, and the vast sky, and the fireside comforts of Mureth House.

I like James, and I particularly like his aunt and uncle. Mamie and Jock have been married for years and weathered disappointments (they wanted children), and it’s so obvious how content they are with their life together. Their contentment radiates through their home -- and through the story.

Those old stone barns -- what a gorgeous colour they were! And the whitewashed cottages with their shining windows and neat little front gardens full of bright flowers! The view down the valley was wide and free; the winding river, the rounded, rolling hills. The air sparkled so that it was a positive joy to breathe… and over the whole place there was a stillness, a peaceful sort of feeling; it was like the feeling one has when the words of a benediction have been uttered and have died away. ( )

I love all the stories about Mureth the very best. This is the second in the series. ( )