Not by Blyton but a collection of short stories

[Blytonfan]

There was a collection of short stories for girls.

One was Hamlyn Super Story book that I managed to get.

There was another, I think it was called Hamlyn Stories for Girls or Hamlyn Storybook for Girls.

There was a story in it called "The Beach House".

Has anyone come across this book? Please let me know. Thank you.

[Anita Bensoussane]

I've had that book since I was a child. You're right that it was published by Hamlyn but the title is Girl's Choice. 'The Beach Hut' is there, by Elizabeth Stucley, which might be what you remember as 'The Beach House', and there are also stories by Joan Aiken, Monica Edwards, Margaret Biggs and others. My personal favourite as a youngster was 'The Park' by Penelope Farmer - a thoughtful tale which lingered in my mind. I read Penelope Farmer's evocative time-travel novel Charlotte Sometimes without realising she'd also written 'The Park'.

Copies of Girl's Choice are available on eBay if you're looking to buy one:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from ... _sacat=267

[Blytonfan]

Thank you Anita - you have no idea for how long I have been searching for this book!

Incidentally is the "Beach Hut" about a girl whose brother is ill and that's why they take up a Beach Hut although they can't really afford it?

[Anita Bensoussane]

Yes, that's the one. The girl is called Alice and her brother is Newton. Alice prays for a beach hut, saying she would give anything to have one. When her parents finally book one despite it being expensive for them (because Newton has become seriously ill and they think it will provide more shelter for him), Alice is plagued by feelings of guilt.

[Blytonfan]

Thank you again Anita Really appreciate your taking the time out to provide all this information.

I will try get the book ASAP.

[Anita Bensoussane]

I'm just pleased that someone else remembers that book! It's been part of my life since I was about nine. Hope you manage to get a copy and that you have fun re-reading the stories.