Mrs. Tim Gets a Job by D. E. Stevenson

282 pages
Printed in the United States
in 1947 by J. J. Little and Ives Company
New York

It really says something about an author when they not only succeed in writing an enjoyable read the first time, but then go on to succeed in telling it further in a second and third installment. Such is the case with Mrs. Tim Gets a Job, the third story in the Mrs. Tim series by D. E. Stevenson.

The Plot:
"With Tim still with the Regiment in Egypt, Mrs. Tim begins to feel the need of something to occupy her time. But when she jokingly remarks to an acquaintance that perhaps she should "do something," that chance remark brings Mrs. Tim more than she had bargained for. She finds herself working for Miss Erica Clutterbuck whose English Border home has been turned into a small hotel. Here at Tocher House one amusing situations after another develops, with the incomparable Mrs. Tim always unhappily in the middle. Here too are new and entertaining characters that are welcome additions to the Tim circle. Like the earlier books, Mrs. Tim of the Regiment and Mrs. Tim Carries On, the story is told for Tim, and quite unconsciously it shows his wife the amusing, warmhearted, understanding person she is." (Summary courtesy of the publisher)

My Thoughts:
I've said it before, I love the Mrs. Tim books. They are a delight to read and always good for a laugh. With each book I feel as if I am returning to the story of a dear friend. Mrs. Tim Gets a Job picks up a few years after the the last novel, Mrs. Tim Carries On, ends. I was pleased that readers are given the chance to learn how various long-time friends of Hester's were doing since the second world war had ended. Such meetings include Hester's hilarious late night adventure with Pinkey and a surprise visit from my personal favorite, Tony Morely!

In addition readers are introduced to a handful of new characters and settings that add to the enjoyment of this read. I couldn't help but love the gruff Erica Clutterbuck. My favorite scene being when she's reading aloud from a supposed Jane Austen novel to the work party (a group of women sewing clothes for charity) on April 1st. Of course in keeping with April Fool's Day it's not really an Austen story, but none of the women, excepting Hester, realize this. What ensues makes for quite an amusing scene and would be appreciated by any Austen fan. All I have to say is well done Stevenson!

Yes, D. E. Stevenson has scored another winner with Mrs. Time Gets a Job. Her writing style is hilarious, witty, charming, sweet, and all around fascinating. Even the day-to-day tales kept me turning pages until late into the night. Mrs. Tim Gets a Job is another winner. Oh how I would love to get my hands on the complete set of this series. Bloomsbury Group reprinted the first in the series, Mrs. Tim of the Regiment in 2009 (now available in the US for under $10). I'm hoping they will go on to republish the rest of the series. (Pretty please!)

Up next the last installment of the Mrs. Tim series, Mrs. Tim Flies Home. Look for a review in the next month.

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Related Links:

Mrs. Tim of the Regiment - Reviewed
Mrs. Tim Carries On - Reviewed

Tuesday Teasers: Mrs. Tim Gets a Job
Tuesday Teasers: Mrs. Tim Gets a Job
Tuesday Teasers: Mrs. Tim of the Regiment

Other D. E. Stevenson books reviewed