I'm probably the only reader in the world who likes 'September' better than 'The Shell Seekers', and I want to give my reasons.
Violet is much more likable than Penelope - fortunately, she has got only one child (son Edmund) so that she can't have a favourite child. Unlike Penelope, Violet loves her two grandchildren although they are not perfect.
In 'September' Pilcher is much more generous - like Nancy in 'The Shell Seekers', Violet, Alexa and Edie are fat, but unlike Nancy, they are NOT ugly, for there is something between 'beautiful' and 'ugly' and it is admitted that even plump women may be pretty, lovable and charming!
Yes, I like Violet - she is even a nice mother-in-law!
I was confused to see Archie and Isobel in almost exactly the same situation as George and Nancy - they have got financial problems, but live far beyond their means, keep a giant house and send their to boarding-school. Unlike George and Nancy who are portrayed as greedy and stupid, Archie and Isobel are nice people.
I think it was not logical that Pandora writes a letter in which she tells Archie about her suicidal tendencies without giving her reasons - after all, she has got a very plausible reason (terminal cancer), and it is a relief to her family when they get to know it - Pandora's physician tells them.
Noel who already appears in 'The Shell Seekers' seems to have improved...