The Manor House Stories by Jani Tully Chaplin

The Manor House Stories by Jani Tully Chaplin are a series of 12 beautiful new hardback books in a traditional style that you will want to keep for future generations. I have been completely taken with the Manor House stories, from the beautifully detailed illustrations to the fanciful bird and animal characters. Even the little ribbon book mark set these books apart from modern paperbacks.

The stories are about a family of birds who live together in The Manor House and follow the adventures of the characters and their duties, from the lowliest scullery maid upwards through the ranks of the household to the head of the family.

With the foreword written by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes you would think these books had been written to fill a gap in the market? In fact Jani wrote the stories for her children some 25 years ago whilst living in Devon. It was a chance encounter with her publisher in 2011 that brought these 12 tales back to life.

Book 1: Cream & Sugar the Milkmaids

There is a lovely map illustration at the front of each book so you can understand where the manor house sits within the land. This story introduces you to some of the many characters with a gallery and images of each one and a place for you to illustrate the recipient of the book. Each page of the book has a full colour illustration with lovely little detailed numbered pages. Cream and Sugar are blue tits, and we follow the story as they have fun in the snow with some of the other servants of the house. Having snowball fights, and sledging they come across a royal visitor.

Book 12: Lady Davina Dove

This is a lovely Christmas story following the Manor House characters and their preparations for Christmas. From the present shopping, to decorating the tree and getting the house ready for the visitors. But Lady Davina Dove has a secret, a gift she has never told anyone about, yet wishes more than anything to receive. Following the servants preparation and the excitement of the household, hanging the stocking with care will the family have a visit from Santa. You will have to wait and see…

The story’s are enchanting, with characters who seem to fit the roles given to them perfectly. The text is easy to read and understand and I know these will be a books that we will read many times. A perfect nursery gift and something very special to pass on to family member I think they are worth every penny of the RRP £7.99.

If you would like to find out more about this beautiful new series of books why not follow Jani and the Manor House Stories on Twitter.

I have an amazing giveaway for The Manor House Stories, and you could win a copy of Lady Davina Dove signed by Jani Tully Chaplin as well as a copy of the new story Cream and Sugar the Milkmaids. Simply complete the rafflecopter below for your chance to be entered into the draw.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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• The giveaway is open to the UK only

• It is mandatory to leave a comment in the post comment section answering the question specified. Other tasks completed will gain additional entries. The winner will be      checked to make sure they have both left a comment and completed the task for the winning entry.

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• The prize details are stated at the top of the Rafflecopter, and no alternatives will be offered.

• The prize will be posted by the promoter, unfortunately I cannot be held responsible or replace missing parcels. Please contact me if there is a problem.

• #World Book Day additional terms: In some cases there are multiple prizes, therefore prizes may not be sent out until all winners have been drawn, please allow 28 days from 6th March 2014 for all prizes to arrive

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