Sarah's Story: Sisters of the Quantock Hills (Quantock's Quartet)

I am rather cautious with my book-buying, so I never buy a series. I didn't realize there were three more books when I started this one! I began with Sarah's Story because my name is Sarah and I, like Sarah Purcell, want to write books -- yes, yes, that's sappy. She ended up being nothing like me; I found I was more like Frances. These books are quite well-written in a very unique voice, and you can feel the tone change between sisters. Sarah's book makes you feel more timid and aching for her because of Gabriel. These books are very honest about people and feel very real, and I enjoy that, even though it makes them much more painful to read. I recommend this quartet to anyone, and don't be silly like me and get them one at a time out of caution. There's too much suspense to wait until you can go buy the next book -- Get all four!

I love good historical fiction (I grew up on "Doctor Quinn, Medicine Woman" & later on the 'Dear America' books). If you're looking for a good read set in simpler times, but full of rich language and a pinch of romance...look no further than the "Sisters of the Quantock Hills." The story tells of the life of the four Purcell sisters: Frances, Julia, Gwen, and Sarah orphaned and left under the care of a neighbor. The first book "Sarah's Story" follows the youngest Purcell sister from 1910-1920. It tells of her life before World War I, during it, and a bit after it has ended. The lives of the four sisters tend to entwine with the life of the three sons of the Rector, the Purcell's guardian. You get Sarah's point of view on the events between her sister Frances, and the oldest son, Gabriel (whom Sarah secretly pines for). In the next book the events begin to make a bit more sense, when you get Frances's point of view on all that is happening. The beginning of "Sarah's Story" is a bit boring, as Sarah is only seven. The book is also a bit hard to follow at first, with one chapter set in 1910, and the next in 1911, etc. But once Sarah becomes about 14 or 15, it is easier to follow. I strongly recommend this series to anyone who likes historical fiction.

I first read this at the tender age of 12 and found myself seeped in a world hauntingly beautiful and real. Over the years, the book would remain in my memory, the names (Gabriel, Sarah, Frances)and story forever enshrined in my mind. The ironic thing was, I totally forgot the title of the book! I searched in vain for a book about four sisters growing up in the early 1900s amongst the English hills, caught up in romance, growing up and then the disturbance of war. I gave up, writing the book off as a dear, distant memory. Yesterday (I'm 20 now), I was browsing through a bookstore when I simply pulled this book out. I glanced at the cover, and finding it unfamilar, merely turned it over to read the blurb. As the names and story were outlined, I found myself unable to breathe! THIS WAS IT! The book I had read all those years ago and adored. My poor darling sister merely smiled at me as I squealed and jumped up and down with delight. That night, I curled up with it and a warm cup of cocoa. I realized how mature the book was for a twelve year old and enjoyed it even more with my newly achieved adult-ness. Incredibly provocative and simple, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, Little Women, Anne of Green Gables, The Secret Garden, etc. Simply magic. Now all I need is to read the next three books!

This book is the best in this series. I can relate to Sarah, even though in the beginning of the book she is about 6 years old, and I am 13 years old. The series gives each sister's view of a certain time, happening, and what they think of each other. Some of the best books that I have ever read!!!!!

The Quantock quartet tell the story of four unforgettable sisters prior to and after World War I. Each book is told from the point of view of a different sister. Sarah is the youngest but her perspective on her family and their neighbors is warm and affectionate. Characters are memorable, and the reader is drawn irresistibly into a bygone world as Sarah and her sisters grow up. We become almost as fond of the three sons of the local vicar. I recommend reading these books in order (with this one first). Enjoy! And if anyone knows Ms. Harris, please ask her to write more books!