Miss Read must face the future in another delightful slice of village life... Now that Fairacre school no longer faces the threat of closure, Miss Read is looking forward to a few more years of teaching before retirement.But the best-laid plans often go awry. Unexpectedly, her health begins to fail and she faces some tough decisions about her future. Meanwhile, rumours abound about Miss Read's old friend Mr Mawne, now a widower; a handsome newcomer to the village takes a shine to the stalwart headmistress; Miss Read keeps a watchful eye on the courtship of a friend; and village life goes on.