I have read all four of this quartet and found this one the most interesting all the way through. I liked Sarah and Frances's stories, but found they still became boring in parts, and didn't really like Julia's at all. This was easily the most touching and sad of the books, and I think, the most well written.
Unlike the other books, this one doesn't have much about the First World War in it, instead concentrating on Gwen's later life. I expected this to make the book boring, but it doesn't. Instead it makes it far more realistic and original. (The reason I didn't really like Julia's book so much was because it was the typical 'war story' and the characters were boring.) Gwen, although she fades into the background in the other books, is actually a very interesting character and I like Antony the best of the Mackensie brothers.
This whole quartet is great for anyone who likes historical fiction, though I advise reading them in order (I didn't) otherwise you can get a bit confused.

Gwen's Story is a wonderful book. She loves to garden and to paint flowers. Gwen has always been in both of her older sisters shadow. If you love to read good books, read this series!!!!!!

I think this book is the best of the three Quantock Hill stories I've read so far. The scenes in hospitals in France during the war are so real, you feel you are there. As with the other stories, you see some of the same events, but from a different point of view. ... it's a sad story in many ways, and very moving. Definitely read the other books in the series too!

I remember when these books were first on display at Borders, thinking I wanted to read this one, because of the romance, and how pretty the cover was... "Julia's Story" was another interesting installment in the lives of the Purcells. It starts after Sara & Frances' stories, and lasts a little longer. It tyes up what you were left wondering at the end of Frances' Story. My favorite part of all the novels is how they all give a sisters persepective on that walk they took over the Quantocks. My favorite part of the story would probably be the few days Julia and Geoffrey manage to steal away, to spend time together in Paris. Their romance is a lot more complex than you were led to believe. It just makes the inevitable all the sadder...if you've read the other books, you know what I'm talking about. "Julia's Story" is definitly not a let down. It's just so sad...but so is life. Definitly read these books - all together they are a great story.

...I got excited, sad, then actually cried. I've never cried while reading a book before. I tried to persuade Julia to say something although I knew it wouldn't matter. This is an extremely sad and compelling book. The sisters have such a strong bond with each other. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND reading this book!!!

This is a really nice start to a really good series- about four orphaned sisters who live in the english countryside. Though this book starts out when the main character is only seven, the author shows a seven year-olds view without going into first person. A really great book.

I love good historical fiction (I grew up on "Doctor Quinn, Medicine Woman" & later on the 'Dear America' books). If you're looking for a good read set in simpler times, but full of rich language and a pinch of romance...look no further than the "Sisters of the Quantock Hills." The story tells of the life of the four Purcell sisters: Frances, Julia, Gwen, and Sara orphaned and left under the care of a neighbor. The first book "Sara's Story" follows the youngest Purcell sister from 1910-1920. It tells of her life before World War I, during it, and a bit after it has ended. The lives of the four sisters tend to entwine with the life of the three sons of the Rector, the Purcell's guardian. You get Sara's point of view on the events between her sister Frances, and the oldest son, Gabriel (whom Sara secretly pines for). In the next book the events begin to make a bit more sense, when you get Frances's point of view on all that is happening. The beginning of "Sara's Story" is a bit boring, as Sara is only seven. The book is also a bit hard to follow at first, with one chapter set in 1910, and the next in 1911, etc. But once Sara becomes about 14 or 15, it is easier to follow. I strongly recommend this series to anyone who likes historical fiction.

I first read this at the tender age of 12 and found myself seeped in a world hauntingly beautiful and real. Over the years, the book would remain in my memory, the names (Gabriel, Sarah, Frances)and story forever enshrined in my mind. The ironic thing was, I totally forgot the title of the book! I searched in vain for a book about four sisters growing up in the early 1900s amongst the English hills, caught up in romance, growing up and then the disturbance of war. I gave up, writing the book off as a dear, distant memory. Yesterday (I'm 20 now), I was browsing through a bookstore when I simply pulled this book out. I glanced at the cover, and finding it unfamilar, merely turned it over to read the blurb. As the names and story were outlined, I found myself unable to breathe! THIS WAS IT! The book I had read all those years ago and adored. My poor darling sister merely smiled at me as I squealed and jumped up and down with delight. That night, I curled up with it and a warm cup of cocoa. I realized how mature the book was for a twelve year old and enjoyed it even more with my newly achieved adult-ness. Incredibly provocative and simple, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, Little Women, Anne of Green Gables, The Secret Garden, etc. Simply magic. Now all I need is to read the next three books!

This was the best book and i truly enjoyed all of the books from the entire quartet. It has a lot of romance and changling human attitudes. Everyones persepective of each other changes through their growing up throughout the book.

The Quantock Quartet are some of the best books I have read, historical fiction or otherwise. The first book basically told you what was happening to the Purcells, and gave Sara's perspective on the romance between her oldest sister and Gabriel. In this installment, we learn what really went on, the things Sara couldn't have known. It also covers a bit after Sara's Story ended...you won't expect the twist at the end. If you like historical fiction (with a bit of romance) I highly reccomend the Quantock Quartet.

this was a TERRIFIC book, i really lOvEd iT, tHiS wAs A tErRiFiC bOoK! i really loved the romance that went on between frances and GaBrIeL, more than once in this book i thought that i was frances, i could feel her pain and her riumphs and after i read this book those feelings were so strong that i decided that i really loved art and because of this book i have become the fastest working artist in my integragreted art class, i have JUST finished working on a finger piano and clay drum, this semester we are begins work with different types of fabrics! i definitley recomend this book if you are; a Sk8Er looking for a change from too deep books or if you are a frustrated artist and need a break(this goes for poets and writers as well), if you are a a teenager adn if you are a girl and that included more than half ofd this poplulation! i loooved this book and you will too!
Sk8eRs HoNoR!

I really liked this books. it gives so much detail in it. of course thats because of the author that wrote it. all her stuff is good. its like she lived it.