Noel Streatfeild (1895–1986)

After losing their mother, Rachel and her adopted sister Hilary move in with their aunt, Cora Wintle. Cora runs a dancing school in London, and she thinks that Hilary would be perfect for her dancing troupe, Wintle's Little Wonders! The only problem is that Hilary might be as good as Cora's own precious daughter, Dulcie. Still, Cora is determined to make sulky Rachel and sprightly Hilary members of her dance troupe.

But Rachel doesn't want to be a Little Wonder! She can't dance and feels silly in her the ruffly costume. Nothing seems to be going as planned, until Rachel discovers her talent for acting. . . .

This classic children's book is perfect for kids who dream of being on stage, whether it be dancing or acting.… (altro)

Originally published in 1939, Sally-Ann by Susan Scarlett is a light and frothy romance that made for a quick read and reminded me of many 1930s romance movies. Susan Scarlett is the pseudonym that author Noel Streatfeild used to write a series of similar light romances that were very popular during the 1940s and today have been republished by The Furrowed Middlebrow

When a bridesmaid gets ill at a smart society wedding, Ann Lane, the beautician from Maison Pertinax is asked to take her place. After all just a few hours of high society then back to her life, but instead, she meets and all too soon falls in love with the best man, Sir Timothy Munster. Asked to keep quiet about the situation so not to arouse jealous relatives as to why they weren’t chosen to step into the bridesmaid role, Ann conceals her identity but this is a secret that is crying out to be exposed especially by the jealous Cora Bolt who wants Sir Timothy for herself.

A charming escapist read with one serious note that deals with Ann’s sickly younger brother. Although quite frivolous, it is interesting to note the insights into career women and gender roles of the day. I enjoyed my time spent with this book and look forward to reading more from Susan Scarlett and other Furrowed Middlebrow authors.… (altro)