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The Friendly Air
The friendly air describes the atmosphere in warm, sunny Portugal where young, beautiful Emma Challis finds herself as the temporary companion to Lady Grantly who has just bought a home there. She took on the task at the request of her fiancé, Gerald Delmont—brilliant, sophisticated and with a promising legal career ahead. A perfect husband for Emma—but would he be? Enter handsome local lawyer Robert Weybridge, some eccentric neighbors, a mysterious young woman with five small children who take up residence in a packing crate, and you have the ingredients for one of Elizabeth Cadell’s finest refreshing romances.
264 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1970
76 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Cadell
103 books118 followersViolet Elizabeth Vandyke was born on 10 November 1903 in Calcutta, British Raj, daughter of British parents, Elizabeth Lynch and Frederick Reginald Vandyke, a colonial officer. During the Great War she studied music in London, but refused a musical career and returned to India where she married in 1928 Henry Dunlop Raymond Mallock Cadell, and they had a son and daughter. After she was widowed ten years later, she returned to England.
Elizabeth wrote her first book 'My Dear Aunt Flora' during the Second World War in 1946, there after producing another 51 light-hearted, humourous and romantic books which won her a faithful readership in England and America. In addition to England and India, many of her books are set in Spain, France, and Portugal. She finally settled in Portugal, where her married daughter still lived.
She died on 9 October 1989, aged eighty-five.
Elizabeth wrote her first book 'My Dear Aunt Flora' during the Second World War in 1946, there after producing another 51 light-hearted, humourous and romantic books which won her a faithful readership in England and America. In addition to England and India, many of her books are set in Spain, France, and Portugal. She finally settled in Portugal, where her married daughter still lived.
She died on 9 October 1989, aged eighty-five.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 13, 2023
After reading the first couple of chapters I was ready to throw the book across the room! But, as you can see by the rating, I pushed on and it improved vastly. The setting in Portugal was beautifully descripted and I liked the people Emma chose to surround herself with. The ending was well done too!
July 11, 2016
Another winner from Elizabeth Cadell. I enjoy her books for the many interesting characters she includes. The characters work so well together. A bit of romance and a problem to solve make for a good way to while away a rainy afternoon. I love the covers by illustrator Mircea Vasiliu and thankfully my library has most of them!
June 27, 2024
When I think of an Elizabeth Cadell book, this is the type of book I think of. It’s set in sunny Portugal as many of her books are and involves a nice heroine (sometimes it is the hero) who is engaged to the wrong person who is usually extremely unpleasant. This one also features an eccentric old lady, as many of her books do.
Upon the death of her grandparents, Emma Challis took the self-serving advice of her Godfather and moved to London. Alone and friendless, she fell into an engagement with her Godfather’s son, Gerald Delmont, a prominent fashionable attorney. Unfortunately, Gerald is a boor and almost deliciously nasty. In 2024 he would be labeled a metrosexual type, and not in a good way. Of course, that word hadn't been invented yet when this book was written in 1970. So why does the beautiful, good-humored, and likable Emma put up with him? It’s hard to explain, except that she is too kind-hearted for her own good. But I couldn’t get too frustrated with her. Despite putting up with his petulance and bossiness, Emma pretty much goes her own way and does have a mind of her own when push comes to shove. Plus, We know from the beginning that their marriage will not take place. It’s Elizabeth Cadell, and we know that Emma will meet and fall in love with someone much more suitable.
When Emma goes up to Yorkshire on business of her own, Gerald asks her to pry a “Lady Grantly” away from her father’s neighborhood where she has bought a house. They despise each other and Gerald wants her resettled in London for his father’s convenience and peace of mind. But when Emma and the delightfully dotty Lady Grantly meet, it is almost love at first sight. They are kindred spirits, even though Lady Grantly is vocally horrified when she finds out that Emma is engaged to the disagreeable Gerald. Not adverse to moving, but yearning to recapture her happy youth in sunny climes, the very wealthy Lady Grantly (with the help of astrology and cards) decides to move to Portugal, not London. Much to Gerald’s distress, Emma decides to accompany her to make sure she gets there safely and is set up comfortably. Portugal is a revelation to the sheltered Emma. In addition to enjoying Lady Grantly, she loves the people, the climate, the countryside, and Mrs. Grantly’s lovely house and garden by the seaside. As the days go by, She realizes she is not only relishing not being in London, but also away from Gerald.
When a family of squatters, a woman and her 5 children, set up residence in a moving crate in Lady Grantly’s garden, it all comes to a head. It turns out they might have a legitimate claim to the house! Emma's deadline to return to her old life has arrived but she can’t leave Portugal and Lady Grantly now! She is dispatched to enlist the help of Lady Grantly’s half-English local lawyer. Their encounter is maddening and then hilarious. Emma has met her match and thank goodness, he has Lady Grantly’s seal of approval. When Gerald shows up to drag Emma back to London and her duties as his fiance, the inevitable happy ending is not far behind.
This is a sunny tale both literally and figuratively. Breezy, charming and old-fashioned, it was a delight. But if you're looking for a high-stakes nail-biter or a complex thought-provoking emotional drama, this isn’t for you. Save it for when you need a peaceful comforting trip to another time and place.
https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings....
Upon the death of her grandparents, Emma Challis took the self-serving advice of her Godfather and moved to London. Alone and friendless, she fell into an engagement with her Godfather’s son, Gerald Delmont, a prominent fashionable attorney. Unfortunately, Gerald is a boor and almost deliciously nasty. In 2024 he would be labeled a metrosexual type, and not in a good way. Of course, that word hadn't been invented yet when this book was written in 1970. So why does the beautiful, good-humored, and likable Emma put up with him? It’s hard to explain, except that she is too kind-hearted for her own good. But I couldn’t get too frustrated with her. Despite putting up with his petulance and bossiness, Emma pretty much goes her own way and does have a mind of her own when push comes to shove. Plus, We know from the beginning that their marriage will not take place. It’s Elizabeth Cadell, and we know that Emma will meet and fall in love with someone much more suitable.
When Emma goes up to Yorkshire on business of her own, Gerald asks her to pry a “Lady Grantly” away from her father’s neighborhood where she has bought a house. They despise each other and Gerald wants her resettled in London for his father’s convenience and peace of mind. But when Emma and the delightfully dotty Lady Grantly meet, it is almost love at first sight. They are kindred spirits, even though Lady Grantly is vocally horrified when she finds out that Emma is engaged to the disagreeable Gerald. Not adverse to moving, but yearning to recapture her happy youth in sunny climes, the very wealthy Lady Grantly (with the help of astrology and cards) decides to move to Portugal, not London. Much to Gerald’s distress, Emma decides to accompany her to make sure she gets there safely and is set up comfortably. Portugal is a revelation to the sheltered Emma. In addition to enjoying Lady Grantly, she loves the people, the climate, the countryside, and Mrs. Grantly’s lovely house and garden by the seaside. As the days go by, She realizes she is not only relishing not being in London, but also away from Gerald.
When a family of squatters, a woman and her 5 children, set up residence in a moving crate in Lady Grantly’s garden, it all comes to a head. It turns out they might have a legitimate claim to the house! Emma's deadline to return to her old life has arrived but she can’t leave Portugal and Lady Grantly now! She is dispatched to enlist the help of Lady Grantly’s half-English local lawyer. Their encounter is maddening and then hilarious. Emma has met her match and thank goodness, he has Lady Grantly’s seal of approval. When Gerald shows up to drag Emma back to London and her duties as his fiance, the inevitable happy ending is not far behind.
This is a sunny tale both literally and figuratively. Breezy, charming and old-fashioned, it was a delight. But if you're looking for a high-stakes nail-biter or a complex thought-provoking emotional drama, this isn’t for you. Save it for when you need a peaceful comforting trip to another time and place.
https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings....
May 3, 2016
This was the first Elizabeth Cadell book I ever read and it's still one of my favorites..just reading this relaxes me and puts me mentally on the sunny coast of Portugal, hearing the sea breeze blow through the trees! The main characters are great, the boyfriend back home in England is deliciously boorish, the old lady is so fun..just a great book all around..Light and happy reading, just the kind I like best and so good at doing just what I want a book to do - take me to a 'calm and happy place' in my mind full of sunshine and love!
July 12, 2016
This was my first Cadell book and I'm getting my hands on as many as I can! She's great for fans of D.E. Stevenson or just anyone who likes a good read that includes well developed characters and a little romance without any smut. Cadell reminds me of a modern Jane Austen for her almost predictable but still engaging stories and characters.
March 15, 2023
What a delightful surprise! Elizabeth Cadell is sort of a non-spiritual D. E. Stevenson with similarities to Rosamunde Pilcher and Miss Read, and a dash of Jenny Colgan's wittiness without the sex and language. I'm looking forward to reading more of her books.
December 13, 2012
Ms. Cadell's character depictions are wonderfully true to life, with eccentric and zany people thrown into the mix. The reader feels like he or she has entered another world, one with different mores and manners and an elegance not often found in today's social interactions. Emma at first glance seems to be a follower with not an aggressive trait in her make-up, but slowly she grows a backbone and talks back to Gerald who is constantly putting her down. Her dressing down of Mr. Weybridge is masterly and makes you take a good long look at Emma. Up until then, mostly it is Lady Grantley who walks away with the honors for outspokenness. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the way Emma emerges as she gets away from Gerald for a few weeks.
March 22, 2023
Emma has a fiancé, who we find is condescending and cantankerous.
It was a pity that she had to suppress, in his company, what he called her flippancy; it was a pity that he believed lightness of heart to be inevitably linked to lightness of head.
Enter Lady Grantly, who takes to Emma immediately, is horrified about her choice of fiancé, and persuades Emma to accompany her to Portugal, ostensibly to help her adjust to her new home.
I should be completely happy if you’d only give up this silly idea of marrying Gerald Delmont. —Just because she knew him when she was a little girl is no reason for marrying him, is it, Robert?”
“I wouldn’t have said so. It’s her kind heart. People take advantage.”
“They do, Robert, they do. But what can I do about that?”
“In this country, they have one word of advice for all troubles, large or small: Paciencia. It means fifty per cent patience and the rest resignation.
So... paciencia.”
“I don’t see any point in being patient if I’m merely going to be resigned at the end of it. I shall be quite patient if I know that everything’s going to be all right in the end,” Lady Grantly declared.
It was a pity that she had to suppress, in his company, what he called her flippancy; it was a pity that he believed lightness of heart to be inevitably linked to lightness of head.
Enter Lady Grantly, who takes to Emma immediately, is horrified about her choice of fiancé, and persuades Emma to accompany her to Portugal, ostensibly to help her adjust to her new home.
I should be completely happy if you’d only give up this silly idea of marrying Gerald Delmont. —Just because she knew him when she was a little girl is no reason for marrying him, is it, Robert?”
“I wouldn’t have said so. It’s her kind heart. People take advantage.”
“They do, Robert, they do. But what can I do about that?”
“In this country, they have one word of advice for all troubles, large or small: Paciencia. It means fifty per cent patience and the rest resignation.
So... paciencia.”
“I don’t see any point in being patient if I’m merely going to be resigned at the end of it. I shall be quite patient if I know that everything’s going to be all right in the end,” Lady Grantly declared.
August 27, 2017
A light-hearted romance with no sex scenes, thank goodness! I am so tired of reading "romance" novels that turn out to be soft-core porn. This book was the first I have read by Cadell but I am sure that I will be seeking out more of her work.
February 16, 2021
This is my second Elizabeth Cadell novel in as many days, and I'm in love with her lighthearted stories and charming characters. Added bonus that this novel—read while 10 inches of snow fell outside—took me to the sunny coast of Portugal. I've never been more terrified that a character was going to make the wrong choice but I enjoyed every step of the decision-making process.
December 5, 2019
Fast read. I couldn't decide whether to be impatient with Emma or compassionate regarding her engagement to a man who is obviously incompatible with her. Ultimately, I decided on compassion, because these things get complicated, and Emma's reasons were explained fairly plausibly. I enjoyed the narrative of her time in Portugal with her eccentric old lady friend, and it all ended well.
November 19, 2020
My first read by this author and it had some flaws but I enjoyed it enough I will look for more.
January 24, 2025
4 stars
March 17, 2024
3-1/2 Stars
Gerald made me absolutely crazy throughout this entire book and, as a result, I disliked Emma’s responses to him. The section set in Portugal and all the scenes with Lady Grantly were enjoyable and engrossing. I realize we need Gerald to add tension to the story but, ugh, he was too much!
But I really want to read more Elizabeth Cadell now because I loved her writing style.
Gerald made me absolutely crazy throughout this entire book and, as a result, I disliked Emma’s responses to him. The section set in Portugal and all the scenes with Lady Grantly were enjoyable and engrossing. I realize we need Gerald to add tension to the story but, ugh, he was too much!
But I really want to read more Elizabeth Cadell now because I loved her writing style.
March 19, 2023
This book opens with a young woman and her fiance sitting before a cozy fire. Emma yearns for a romantic evening while her fiance yammers on about his father's nemesis Lady Grantly. There is a lot of "manspeak" in this book. Gerald constantly tells Emma what she thinks, feels, and should be doing. He obviously thinks she is a disaster, a peasant, and none too bright. GRRRR! Also obvious is that he believes he has created her as she is today. Feeling somewhat akin to Lady Grantly, Emma tries to help her find some happiness. Poor Gerald! Ha! That means Emma also finds what will make her happy. No, I won't tell you what that is for either woman.
February 19, 2018
Challis is engaged to her not-so-nice godfather's son and anyone can see that she and the young man do not suit. Fortunately Challis has a fairy godmother named Lady Grantley. (No, not a real fairy but she does insist on reading cards to see the future.)
Challis ends up accompanying Lady G. to Portugal and an unexpected difficulty over the ownership of Lady G's new house keeps Challis from returning to England. Or is it the charming if prickly English-Portuagues lawyer who is helping get Lady Grantley settled?
Delightful minor characters.
Challis ends up accompanying Lady G. to Portugal and an unexpected difficulty over the ownership of Lady G's new house keeps Challis from returning to England. Or is it the charming if prickly English-Portuagues lawyer who is helping get Lady Grantley settled?
Delightful minor characters.
January 13, 2013
I love Elizabeth Cadell. I read her books years ago, and had bought a couple used ones. Over the years I've re-read some, though they're hard to find because libraries are ridding their shelves of such old books. This past summer I started re-reading some again, and managed to pick some up at the library book sale. I'd lent this one to my mom and retrieved it after Christmas. I read it in about a day and a half. Loved it once again.
April 24, 2020
I really enjoyed the way this was written. Very laid-back book. And some fun characters.
July 22, 2014
EC style is fun and breezy and I would try another of her books. I just found Emma's and Gerald's relationship grating.
August 2, 2023
“I’ve never understood why people who reach the age of discretion shouldn’t be able to choose their nationality as they can choose their religion. One can be naturalized, of course, but it’s all a bit of a fuss. Some people are born flag-waggers, and some aren’t. National anthems make me feel acutely embarrassed. So does all that my-country-‘tis-of-thee business.”
Hear! Hear!
Hear! Hear!
April 22, 2024
I love how Portugal is sqeezed in somewhere in a lot of her books but this one gives me a much better picture 🥰
Really enjoyed as always
Really enjoyed as always
August 26, 2025
Written so many years ago, but still so enjoyable...no 4-letter words, no graphic sex, but lost of intelligent repartee, laughs, and very likeable characters. I really enjoyed reading the characters interactions in this one. And now I re-read them every year.
I read Ms Caldwell's book over and over again, and enjoy them every time. I wish I could have knownthe people in her books.
I read Ms Caldwell's book over and over again, and enjoy them every time. I wish I could have knownthe people in her books.
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July 23, 2015Impeccably Cadell. Romance on foreign shores; everything falls into place. Monied beaus more attractive abroad.
January 22, 2016
I truly enjoyed this book.
March 1, 2017
Meh. 2.5 stars. Cute and fun to read at times; ploddingly factual the rest of the time, with long stretches of boring dialogue. Just not my style of book, but I can see how others would enjoy it.
June 6, 2017
I love this author's books. Always well-developed characters in dilemmas that have feel-good solutions. Refreshing, simple reads.
September 3, 2018
Nancy Pearl read this book several weeks ago so of course, I did, too. Elizabeth Cadell was a prolific writer in the UK who died in 1989 at the age of eighty-six. This novel was written in 1971, and I think about the difference in my life at that time, living in the US, with the world Cadell writes of for Emma Challis, the protagonist of this novel. The domineering fiancé, Gerald Delmont, a stereotype for sure, grated on my nerves as did his father, but Emma is much stronger and more independent than Delmont could ever imagine. Finding a home in Portugal for Lady Grantly, an elderly woman with a strong spirit who has been much maligned by the Delmonts, stretches Emma in many ways. Lady Grantly is bright, generous, and fun with much to teach Emma about following your heart, taking risks. Life in Portugal is filled with color, wonderful people, and adventure, making me long for another visit. Reading Elizabeth Cadell just makes me happy so I'll be back.
April 16, 2022
Emma is engaged, for no very good reason that I can see, to Gerald, a lawyer whom she doesn’t seem to like all that much. An eccentric elderly English woman, Lady Grantly, decides to go and live in Portugal, and persuades Emma to accompany her to help her settle in. In Portugal Emma meets another lawyer,the much more attractive Robert, and - well, no prizes for guessing what happens. It is all very predictable, and I didn’t warm to any of the characters. I think Lady Grantly
is supposed to be charming, but she just irritated me. And I always feel rather sorry for the discarded fiancée in this type of romance - the odds are so heavily stacked against the unfortunate man or woman that you know they have absolutely no chance against the more beguiling newcomer. They exist only to be jilted.
is supposed to be charming, but she just irritated me. And I always feel rather sorry for the discarded fiancée in this type of romance - the odds are so heavily stacked against the unfortunate man or woman that you know they have absolutely no chance against the more beguiling newcomer. They exist only to be jilted.
November 20, 2016
I really enjoyed it. It is up there with my other favorite Elizabeth Cadell book "The Corner Shop." Lovely story set in England & Portugal. Recommended for fans of light reading with a little romance mixed in. Great type of book to read if your feeling down or stressed out:)
January 24, 2021
4.5 stars. Just what I needed as a pick me up in these long days of lockdown..I love Elizabeth Cadell’s books, the writing is simple but so effective. The characters are multi dimensional and everything is tied up nicely at the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews