Under the Rainbow

by Susan Scarlett

To those who saw Saltings first on a hot day in summer-when heat shimmered in the hollows-that churchyard, and those sheep, and the surrounding cottages with their flaming gardens, stood for ever as a picture of peaceful England.

Martin Richards, a dedicated, idealistic vicar, has been moved, for health reasons, from London to the idyllic village of Saltings, watched over by a dedicated housekeeper and surrounded by the beauties of the countryside. But his peace is disrupted when he takes in his newly-orphaned niece and nephew, and (far more reluctantly) his ghastly Aunt Connie. Then peace is dispelled altogether with the arrival of Judy Griffiths, the kind young woman hired to care for the children, who is seeking solace from a mysterious and difficult past. But Judy soon finds herself in trouble again, having triggered the jealousy of wealthy, widowed Lady Blacke, the attentions of the local schoolmaster, and the bitter vitriol of Aunt Connie. How these problems are resolved makes for an utterly delicious tale of romance and misadventure.

Under the Rainbow, first published in 1942, is the seventh of twelve charming, page-turning romances published under the pseudonym "Susan Scarlett" by none other than beloved children's author and novelist Noel Streatfeild. Out of print for decades, they were rediscovered by Greyladies Books in the early 2010s, and Dean Street Press and Furrowed Middlebrow are delighted now to make all twelve available to a wider audience.

"A writer who shows a rich experience in her writing and a charm" Nottingham Journal

Genres: Romance, Fiction, British Literature, Chick Lit, Historical Fiction

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1942

About the author

Pseudonym used by the English author Noel Streatfeild for publishing her romance novels.

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! And here I was thinking this was a Susan Scarlett I’d be less interested in. Noel/Susan is on familiar ground here since she grew up with a parson father who seemed to be similar to Martin Richards in this story: so devoted to his work that he forgets things like eating. Martin is a lovely character, and I love that he is filled with Scripture and feels called especially to the impoverished members of his parish. He’s a saint to put up with Aunt Connie, but my opinion of her changed as the story went on. I’m convinced Noel is describing dementia, which is rather unusual to see portrayed in a novel of this time period.

I love a story with vulnerable and hurting kids who come under the care of adults who understand them and provide for their physical and emotional needs. Polly and Andrew are delightful kids and I love how Judy cares for them and how emotional intuitive and mature she is with other characters in the story too. She’s a wonderful character, and I want to be like her. Also Bertha. She is the best!! I love how she sings hymns as she cleans and cooks. 😂

There are a couple mildly unlikable characters in this in Veronica and Sterndale. The latter is more likable but I did feel annoyed with him at times. Though I was sorry for him too. Veronica is kind of a mess but she adds a lot of interest to the plot.

My romance loving self would have loved a longer ending scene, alas. But it’s easy enough to imagine the joy for most of the characters at the happy ending. And the last line is pretty perfect.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely book of small village life, full of the varied fortunes of people who live closely together, interrupted by secrets, jealousies and love. Its network of characters are far from simple, and it is not until the last page that we are assured of a world that has wobbled under pressure from misunderstandings and unspoken emotion. Originally published in 1942, this is a book which would have offered solace and distraction in wartime, recalling a time of innocence and generosity when peaceful times were common and women and men were not parted. The countryside was never better described as a peaceful backdrop to emotional drama, and the children are sensitively realised. The rich and poor are contrasted as the characters learn that money is not always the answer, but that genuine relationships may be the way forward.
Three villages in the south of England, Upper Saltings, Saltings and Lower Saltings lie side by side geographically, but socially and economically are miles apart. Upper Saltings is prosperous, while Lower Saltings is very poor. Into this idyllic setting, in some respects, comes a young and still idealistic clergyman, Martin, who has been denied the opportunity to minister in more challenging urban areas, and he soon assumes responsibility for Aunt Connie, a querulous elderly lady who has been left penniless. She becomes increasingly difficult, and a long running feud develops between her and the friendly and sensible housekeeper, Bertha. Lady Veronica, a young and very rich widow is supposedly interested in church affairs, using her money to take over events when she really has her eyes on Martin, who is blissfully unaware of her ambitions. Everything becomes more complicated when he effectively adopts his newly orphaned niece and nephew, Polly and Andrew. Being clueless how to deal with them he approaches his wise friend who dispatches the mysterious but extremely capable and attractive Judy as a nanny, governess and companion. Judy soon attracts the attention of Martin’s best friend, the suspicion of Aunt Connie and the powerful jealousy of Veronica. Judy is a lovely and kind young woman, but can she survive with her secret past which threatens to destroy her peace and happiness?
This is a novel of small things, petty jealousies and attractive characters. It is predictable, but that is precisely why it is comforting. It exposes some aspects of rural poverty, but is also very funny at times, especially as the lady of the manor tries to rule the village, the postmistress has a communication network and Bertha always copes. If you can track down this book, you will find it memorable for the characters, smile at the romance and enjoy the tension of secrets revealed. Streatfeild handles families beautifully, especially the women and girls, and the men are perhaps a little hapless as more sophisticated currents and motives swirl around them. A real treat to read at any time of year, this is a splendid example of Streatfield’s velvet writing with a hard core of realism underneath, and makes this book a welcome experience for any reader with a fondness for mid twentieth century novels.

[Gina House · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheer delight!! Susan Scarlett (aka Noel Streatfeild) does it again with another wonderful light and cozy romance novel. From the very beginning of the book, I was invested in this head-in-the-clouds vicar, Martin Richards, and his new parish in the village of Saltings. Everything about Under the Rainbow is appealing (even horrible Aunt Connie and the very clingy widow Lady Blacke) because of the sunshine-y personality and practical goodness of the lovely Judith Griffiths.

It was a joy reading about Judith's integration into the Richards family as a caretaker for Martin's newly orphaned niece Polly and nephew Andrew. She's the type of person who would bring peace, happiness, good sense and organization to any home. Seeing how she maneuvers her way around the nasty mind of Aunt Connie and the jealous tendencies of the wealthy Lady Blacke is brilliant (although also sad in some ways.)

I don't want to say too much because the journey from the beginning to the end of this charming book is such a treat. Though I felt anger at the meanness and frustration for selfishness, I found myself mostly surrounded by the warmth, love and understanding created by the rest of the characters. There is a level of depth to this seemingly light novel that really stays with you long after you finish reading.

I adore books that leave me with a feeling of hope and inspire me to be a better person—and also to seek out more friends like Judith. Under the Rainbow was absolutely this type of book.

I'm very grateful to Susan of the Girls in White Dresses blog for inspiring me to finally read this book that I'd been saving on my shelf for months!! This is definitely a new favorite Susan Scarlett book!

Many, many thanks to Dean Street Press Ltd. for republishing so many of Susan Scarlett's books. I've been loving them so much! I only have a few more on my shelf to read—yay!

[Teri-K · Rating 2 out of 5]

Susan Scarlett is known to many of us as Noel Streatfeild, writers of the "shoe" books we enjoyed as children. She also wrote for adults under this name, and I've read and enjoyed Murder While You Work. It's the only mystery she wrote, so I decided to try one of her more romantic works.

Unfortunately this one didn't work for me. I'm not a fan of straight romance unless there's humor, witty dialogue, or particularly interesting people or plots involved. This book didn't have any of those. It's the very straightforward account of a young parson in a rural district who ends up raising two orphans. The local rich widow pursues him and the noble but poor woman who works as a sort of nanny falls in love with him. Those aren't spoilers, they're obvious from the very beginning. Then the reader just watches the story play out. I wanted to like this more than I did, but I couldn't really care about any of the characters involved and found it all too predictable. The only reason I finished it was to find out what the big secret was - and that was underwhelming.

I can only give this book 2 stars, but for those who enjoy this type of story it may rate much higher. Just not my cup of tea, I'm afraid.

[Christina Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I pretty much love these vintage romances now being re-released. Yes, some of the sentiments are dated, so be warned if you don't want to hear negative talk about "spinsters." The too-good-for-this-world vicar hero inherits a crotchety horrible aunt and his niece and nephew. Also, the neighboring widow is after him. Vicar hires a girl to see to the kids and drama ensues. The girl has a secret which, not to give any spoilers, doesn't even sound worth bothering about in our jaded day and age. Haha.

Some of my readers complained about an "abrupt end" to my most recent book, but I would have made a great writer in the 30s and 40s, when the romances all seem to end rather suddenly! :)

[Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

The parts of this book that I liked a lot were marred by the two over-the-top villains. I could never relax and enjoy the story because I worried over the evil they might cause. I like Noel Streatfeild and really wanted to love this, but was disappointed.

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a couple of disappointing Susan Scarlett books, I was delighted to read this excellent one. Although it still contained the fairy- tale elements typical of these books, it was more nuanced, while still being a pure pleasure to read.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Todo comienza cuando el joven reverendo Martin Richards, que anda delicado de salud, es enviado por su médico y con la venia del arzobispado a encargarse de las tres parroquias de Saltings, obligándolo a abandonar la ciudad. Se le concede una casa en Lower Saltings donde ya vive allí su ama de llaves, Bertha, que es una viuda cuyos hijos ya son mayores. Al poco de llegar Martin, a la tía Connie la deshaucian de su casa y como está mayor y no tiene a nadie, el joven se hace cargo de ella. Es una mujer tan autoritaria como amargada y choca con Bertha desde el principio por el control de la casa. Pero la cosa no acaba ahí puesto que la hermana de Martin y su marido, que tienen dos hijos en edad escolar, tienen un accidente de coche y mueren. Martin vuelve a hacerse cargo de la familia acogiendo a la pequeña Polly en su casa mientras Andrew continúa en el colegio. A esas alturas la vida es tan difícil en la casa, que, preocupado por la situación de su sobrina entre dos mujeres que se odian, decide contratar a una chica para que se haga cargo de la niña. Así es como entra Judy en la problemática residencia y, por suerte, cae como un regalo del cielo para Polly, Andrew, Bertha… y Martin.

Pero la tía Connie no se lo pondrá fácil ya que le toma ojeriza a Judy desde el principio. Como también Lady Verónica, la viuda del terrateniente del pueblo, que anda enamorada de Martin… y eso sólo es el principio. Entre las dos empiezan a crear la historia de que Judy, cuyo pasado es un misterio, oculta algo turbio que hará daño a Martin y a los niños.

Publicado por primera vez en 1942, este es uno de esos libros encantadores publicados en periodos difíciles para aliviar a las lectoras de la época. Judy es poco menos que la solución a todos los problemas de Martin, una joven entrañable, generosa, de ideas claras y con la firmeza que a él le falta pero que tanto necesita. Es cierto que no cuenta mucho sobre sí misma, pero también es cierto que tanto Lady Verónica como la tía Connie son personajes, cada uno a su manera, egoístas y snobs. Por tanto es muy fácil empatizar con nuestra protagonista y ponerse de su lado. Hay muchos otros personajes, como en toda novela costumbrista cuyo eje central es la parroquia: al fin y al cabo en tiempos pasados, sobre todo en tiempos de guerra, las iglesias eran los centros en torno a los que orbitaban las vidas de los habitantes de un pueblo o una ciudad. Eran el refugio, el consuelo y la mano amiga que ayuda a quien lo necesita y es el tipo de servicio que Martin quiere dar a sus feligreses. Curiosamente es esta joven salida de la nada quien representa eso que busca. Aun así hay un camino largo hasta que se da cuenta de ello y, por suerte, podemos caminarlo nosotros también.

Susan Scarlett (o Noel Stratfeild) ahonda en temas como la familia, la comunidad, la esencia del ser humano, la pérdida o la paternidad en este libro que, en realidad, tan sólo cuenta con 199 páginas y se lee en un suspiro.

[Michelle Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Susan Scarlett - this one's only fault is that it ended too soon. 💗

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the usual charming, but I do think I prefer the ones that deal with women's working lives in particular environments of which NS has personal knowledge.

[Bookworman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another sweet story from Susan Scarlett (aka Noel Streatfeild). A lovely visit to a small English village with lots of wonderful characters and a satisfying story.

[Lisa of Hopewell · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Interest
“Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Nah! I totally grabbed this one DUE to its cover! What an exuberant portrait! I had to know about this lovely lady!

The Story
“In a world where people can’t see happiness when it’s right under their noses anything can happen, if you ask me.”

“Miss Chloe has her place, and…Mr. Perkins has his, I said, an no good won’t come of mixing.”

“If I don’t have to hear parish tittle-tattle I can forget it. Petty quarrels, unkind gossip, and small snobbism are only clouds; but the can, for a time, dim the glory of God.”

Martin is a vicar in a small village divided roughly by “class” into Upper and Lower Saltings. He is shy and sometimes lapses into a rather holy state where he ignores a lot of what goes on around him. Fate has thrust upon him his newly orphaned niece and nephew as well as his old crone of an aunt. The old crone and “Vicarage Bertha” as his housekeeper is know [she came with the house] do not get on. The aunt, being a spinster, has no clue about children. While the boy, Andrew, boards at his prep school (elementary school for well off boys), but niece, Polly, is at the vicarage full-time. His aunt being temperamentally unsuited for children he asks a friend to recommend someone to look after Polly year-round and Andrew when he’s home for school holidays.

Judy soon arrives to take charge of Polly. Meanwhile, the local grandee in the “Big House” has her eyes on Martin as a future husband. Soon, Judy does as well. Will the lure of all that money with which to do good turn Martin’s head finally to marriage? Or, will Judy’s devoted care of Polly make him think of a love match? Or, will he stay true to his long-held belief that he would never marry?

My Thoughts
This was such a good story! The wicked Aunt Connie, the devious Grand Lady, the good friends surrounding Martin and, of course, Judy and the children. What a nice life if only that Aunt could be parked somewhere else!

“Susan Scarlett” is a pen name used by Ballet Shoes, etc., author Noel Streatfeild. It’s therefore no accident that this was such an agreeable read. Just enough conflict. Just enough sweetness. Never anything truly heinous (or even mildly disturbing). And never precious. Just lovely and sweet.

My Verdict
4.0
For once, I actually READ the book, on my Kindle, instead of listening to it!

[Masteatro · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 estrellas.
Comedia romántica escrita en los años 40. Hay que tenerlo en cuenta a la hora de juzgar algunas de las situaciones. Agradable, ligera y fresca.

[Marie Saville · Rating 4 out of 5]

3'5 ♥

[Louise Culmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Martin Richards, a Vicar so innocent and unworldly you wonder how he manages to survive in the real world, finds himself guardian to a orphaned niece and nephew, and engages a young woman, Judith Griffiths, to look after them. He also has to take in his disagreeable old Aunt Constance, who is full of malice, so life in his household is a bit uneasy, since Aunt Constance dislikes Judith intensely. So does Lady Blacke, a rich widow who has her eye on Martin as a possible second husband. There is a bit of a mystery about Judith, and Lady Blacke is determined to find out what it is, in order to prevent any romance developing between Judith and Martin.
This was a fairly entertaining story, though Martin and Judith were both a bit too good to be true, and none of the other adult characters really made much of an impression, The children were the most interesting, I would have liked more about them.

[L B · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite of the Susan Scarlett books, this reminds me a bit of DE Stevenson. But nobody knows a vicarage like Noel Streatfeild.

[Susan Peak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very much of its time, and better on the setting and background than the romance itself. A rushed ending felt unsatisfactory

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book - 3 stars
Having two manipulative, very unlikeable characters was a bit much. Abrupt ending.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

For ages, I've admired Dean Street Press books. They just look so wholesome and pretty! I finally delved in myself with "Under the Rainbow." It was written in 1942 by Susan Scarlett, which is a pen name for novelist Noel Streatfeild (who I hadn't heard of either). This book, along with many others that are similar, were out of print for decades before DSP brought them back in the 2010s.

The story here revolves around Judy, a young lady with a hazy past who has arrived to care for two young orphans in the care of their bachelor uncle Martin, the village vicar. Judy is really almost too good to be true, continually sacrificing her own desires for the sake of others. When one character proposes to her (of course she has plenty of male admirers), she turns him down but feels bad for him, telling him, "I didn't say how proud I was that you could love me. But I am." Pure Judy. I could relate to her in some things, for instance: "She had a horror of interference; she had an almost morbid dread of seeming to push in where she was not wanted, she knew how easily the wrong words could cut like a knife." That's totally me.

Judy does come to love Vicar Martin. "It was not that she had any idea that Martin would care for her--that she knew to be hopeless; he cared for nothing but his work, but just loving without any possible return was uplifting." That's a nice thought. I also enjoyed "It was quite a walk for the fresh in fine weather, for the wet and tired it was a devastating trek." This gave me shades of a few national parks trips :)

We have the full range of stereotypical characters in this tale: the precious, precocious orphan children, the goodhearted poor people of the community, and the arch-villains in awful elderly Aunt Connie and conniving heiress Veronica, who is also after Martin. There were moments of humor: "Veronica always felt at a disadvantage when Martin quoted the Bible;" "It was maddening the way a parson could turn aside every personal remark by handing it, as were, to God." Relatable. There are also a chorus of villagers with personalities that make them stand out.

I could often imagine this book as a 1950s movie, complete with the actresses with their overdone accents and the too-good and too-bad characters all giving it their all. The title comes from one character's contention that there's a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, and that you'll have it made if you find that.

Will the characters here find their happily-ever-after under the rainbow? You'll have to read it to see, but I'll say that "Under the Rainbow" was a lovely escape from real life and a well-told story.

[Karen (Living Unabridged) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think 3 stars is generous for this one. The heroine is good (even if her name is Judy and it's hard to consider that a suitably romantic name) and the main male character, a CoE minister named Martin, is also good. The children are well drawn (not too sweet, not too perfect). But "Aunt Connie" is one of the worst elderly females comitted to paper, and that's saying something. The other characters, (and I'm kind of drawing a blank on their names but the friend of Martin's was named Sterndale Adam or the other way around and I thought that was strange) are just there to be in the way.

There's a reason Streatfield wrote these books under a pseudonym and I'm pretty sure it's because the plot and resolution is not up to scratch. These are D.E. Steveson like, but all in all a poor substitution. This story has moments of quiet contemplation as the plot builds up and then collapses like a rainbow in a summer sky. It gallops to an end rather than drawing all the threads together.

[Patrizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dal momento che apprezzo la scrittrice Christina Dudley ho pensato di poter fidarmi anche della lettrice Christina Dudley... e così ho scoperto questa perla, a cui attribuisco quattro stelle, il top, per me (riservo il massimo solo ai capolavori mondiali).
La storia è delicata, ma molto profonda. Straordinario il modo in cui viene evocato il piccolo villaggio inglese, distribuito tra tre diverse classi sociali, e i due bambini.
A questo punto della mia vita di lettrice, dopo aver sbattuto il naso in una serie di libri-spazzatura, indegni di menzione pubblica (e aver assistito al triste voltafaccia, o al declino mentale, di alcune mie scrittrici di riferimento) trovare un altro piccolo tesoretto da centellinare per un altro anno è stata una vera benedizione.

[Alisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Possibly my least favorite Susan Scarlett so far, because the poor heroine gets so crowded out by everyone... the demented aunt, the malicious lady of the manor, the neighbor man who is jealously infatuated with her.
And the man she does fall in love with is simply too other-worldly and passive and clueless for words.
Still rating it three stars because I did enjoy the heroine, as well as her two youthful charges. I just... didn't like anybody else.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun lighthearted story! Susan Scarlett is the name Noel Streatfeild used at one time (if you are familiar with her children's books) and she has written a few adult fiction books under that name. Thoroughly enjoyed the interplay of characters in this one; even the disgruntled unhappy and faultfinding Aunt Connie who fails to dampen everyone's spirits was an amusing study in human personality! Four stars

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snotty, objectionable, mean people versus friendly, pleasant, caring people, and you think the former are going to win. Why? Just look around you, read the news, watch the news...there is a struggle going on. For various reasons, a few people would like Judy to leave the vicarage. She feels her past would force her to leave. Hopefully, her worst enemy will never hear that tale. This story will keep you on tenterhooks.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite Susan Scarlett novels so far. She really knows her way around a vicarage and her take on the village gossip network is hilarious. But it's all very fond and the detail is lovingly painted. Very reminiscent of D.E. Stevenson.

[Elinor · Rating 3 out of 5]

A charming little romance that takes place in an English country village, not great literature but a temporary escape from the political drama that surrounds us. The good characters are almost unbelievably good and even the bad actors are to be pitied more than despised. Heartwarming.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

delightful read

Such a lovely quiet book that follows Judy’s story as she moves to a small sleepy village to look after the Revered’s orphaned niece and nephew.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

My second last Susan Scarlett 😢. Lovely, just needed half a page more at the end to be satisfactory.

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute as pie — very soothing — a lovely bedtime reading book. I found this one of higher quality than the other Susan Scarlet books I’ve read. Closer to a D E Stevenson level.

[Bronwyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️½