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Chalk Dust and New Chapters
Discover a BRAND NEW fictional series from bestseller Gervaise Phinn 'Gervase Phinn's memoirs have made him a hero in school staff-rooms' Daily Telegraph
'A worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing' bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh
'A worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing' bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh
320 pages, Paperback
Published July 22, 2026
About the author
Gervase Phinn
107 books181 followersGervase Phinn (born 27 December 1946, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, England) is an English author and educator. After a career as a teacher he became a schools inspector.
He is now a freelance lecturer, broadcaster and writer, a consultant for the Open University, Honorary Fellow of St. John's College, York, Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) of the University of Leicester, Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) of The University of Hull and the Fellow and Visiting Professor of Education at The University of Teesside.
In 2005 the highest academic award of Sheffield Hallam University, Doctor of the University (D.Univ.) was conferred upon him by the Chancellor, Professor Lord Robert Winston. In 2006 he became President of The School Library Association.
He has published five volumes of memoir, collections of poetry and a number of books about education. He has a particular interest in children's literature and literacy.
He is married with four grown-up children.
He is now a freelance lecturer, broadcaster and writer, a consultant for the Open University, Honorary Fellow of St. John's College, York, Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) of the University of Leicester, Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) of The University of Hull and the Fellow and Visiting Professor of Education at The University of Teesside.
In 2005 the highest academic award of Sheffield Hallam University, Doctor of the University (D.Univ.) was conferred upon him by the Chancellor, Professor Lord Robert Winston. In 2006 he became President of The School Library Association.
He has published five volumes of memoir, collections of poetry and a number of books about education. He has a particular interest in children's literature and literacy.
He is married with four grown-up children.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 22, 2026
My thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood for a copy of this novel.
A former teacher and school inspector in West Yorkshire, Gervase Phinn has already written an entire saga about schools in ‘the Dales,’ as the area is known. Although the first in a new series, this one tackles the same subject matter: how the postwar school system, already stretched, had to stretch even further as Great Britain (and every other participant nation) had to adjust to a much-changed world.
The narrative is really a series of chapters revolving around Miss Helen Mercer, a young and strong-willed teacher looking for a variety of classroom experiences. She had served as Head Teacher at a school for military offspring in Germany, but a soured romance and a longing for home sent her back to Yorkshire, where she takes on a series of supply positions for the different experiences. The first school is shabby and the Head, though well-meaning, seems to have lost all motivation. The teachers are nasty and have little interest in teaching well. The students, for the most part, are very poor. Yet she proves to them from the start that she has high expectations of them and they quickly make her their favourite. An inspector supports her views.
Miss Mercer speaks her mind, and doesn’t hesitate to move on when the opportunity arises, which surprised me since her teaching philosophy suggests that the children’s best interests should come first. She no sooner earns their trust than she is off to the next school.
Fortunately for Miss Mercer, surprise inspections at the next two schools she is sent to, one affluent and the other Catholic, confirm that there is room for improvement. The same inspector attends to all three, and she is unfailingly impressive, while the students sing her praises. She so impresses the inspector that her ideas about active learning, quite advanced for the 1950s, are taken quite seriously.
This is a gentle story with nothing much in the way of plot—most of the activity takes place in the classroom. Most interactions involve her and the students, her and the other teachers, her and the Head Teachers. Even the most unpleasant of these are not that bad. Without romanticizing the past, it was quite simply a time when most people still had respect for teachers and rarely questioned their authority. The latter, of course, came at a cost. Children had few rights, and parents were often dismissed. Teachers were largely women and Head Teachers (principals in North America) were largely men, despite the fact that Helen Smith had held the position and, as the story closes, is being touted for another chance at the role. Expect a sweet, nostalgic view of the teacher’s life and the children’s time at school, nicely written with sympathy and humour. I can’t say I found Miss Mercer very appealing personality-wise, though a number of men want to date her from the moment they see her. Maybe she reminds me too much of the no-nonsense spinster teachers of my own primary schooling. I also found the story somewhat formless, with changes of scenes, settings and characters happening suddenly with little foreshadowing or transition. Rather than actual chapters, they are really a series of anecdotes with the formidable Miss Mercer the connecting element. As the start of a new series, it will be interesting to see where Miss Mercer will go next.
A former teacher and school inspector in West Yorkshire, Gervase Phinn has already written an entire saga about schools in ‘the Dales,’ as the area is known. Although the first in a new series, this one tackles the same subject matter: how the postwar school system, already stretched, had to stretch even further as Great Britain (and every other participant nation) had to adjust to a much-changed world.
The narrative is really a series of chapters revolving around Miss Helen Mercer, a young and strong-willed teacher looking for a variety of classroom experiences. She had served as Head Teacher at a school for military offspring in Germany, but a soured romance and a longing for home sent her back to Yorkshire, where she takes on a series of supply positions for the different experiences. The first school is shabby and the Head, though well-meaning, seems to have lost all motivation. The teachers are nasty and have little interest in teaching well. The students, for the most part, are very poor. Yet she proves to them from the start that she has high expectations of them and they quickly make her their favourite. An inspector supports her views.
Miss Mercer speaks her mind, and doesn’t hesitate to move on when the opportunity arises, which surprised me since her teaching philosophy suggests that the children’s best interests should come first. She no sooner earns their trust than she is off to the next school.
Fortunately for Miss Mercer, surprise inspections at the next two schools she is sent to, one affluent and the other Catholic, confirm that there is room for improvement. The same inspector attends to all three, and she is unfailingly impressive, while the students sing her praises. She so impresses the inspector that her ideas about active learning, quite advanced for the 1950s, are taken quite seriously.
This is a gentle story with nothing much in the way of plot—most of the activity takes place in the classroom. Most interactions involve her and the students, her and the other teachers, her and the Head Teachers. Even the most unpleasant of these are not that bad. Without romanticizing the past, it was quite simply a time when most people still had respect for teachers and rarely questioned their authority. The latter, of course, came at a cost. Children had few rights, and parents were often dismissed. Teachers were largely women and Head Teachers (principals in North America) were largely men, despite the fact that Helen Smith had held the position and, as the story closes, is being touted for another chance at the role. Expect a sweet, nostalgic view of the teacher’s life and the children’s time at school, nicely written with sympathy and humour. I can’t say I found Miss Mercer very appealing personality-wise, though a number of men want to date her from the moment they see her. Maybe she reminds me too much of the no-nonsense spinster teachers of my own primary schooling. I also found the story somewhat formless, with changes of scenes, settings and characters happening suddenly with little foreshadowing or transition. Rather than actual chapters, they are really a series of anecdotes with the formidable Miss Mercer the connecting element. As the start of a new series, it will be interesting to see where Miss Mercer will go next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Gervase Phinn has written a number of humorous semi-autobiographical stories of life at the chalk face of teaching, so I was looking forward to reading this one set in the 1950s. His main character is a female supply teacher, Helen Mercer, who has returned from a spell as a headteacher in a forces school in Germany, having broken up with her boyfriend there, and has decided to do some supply work in her home town area.
The result is the usual mix of amusing anecdotes and 'things children say', alongside Helen's experience in supply in three very different schools - one in quite a deprived part of town, where she finds a boy being abused by his stepfather; one in an affluent area, with a bombastic father and arrogant headteacher obsessed with preparing for exams to contend with and one in a Catholic school with an irritating caretaker. Each of these schools receives a visit from a school inspector who hears all about the saintly supply teacher, Miss Mercer, who has just left.
Its a fun read, although a little repetitive in parts, and paints an interesting picture of life as a supply teacher in the 1950s, the prejudices of other staff (she's only doing supply because she can't get a proper teaching job) and the struggles of some families. I found it difficult to believe such a saint could leave Terry under the control of his parents for so long; social services should have been called when she first realised the stepfather hit him.
Overall an entertaining read. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The result is the usual mix of amusing anecdotes and 'things children say', alongside Helen's experience in supply in three very different schools - one in quite a deprived part of town, where she finds a boy being abused by his stepfather; one in an affluent area, with a bombastic father and arrogant headteacher obsessed with preparing for exams to contend with and one in a Catholic school with an irritating caretaker. Each of these schools receives a visit from a school inspector who hears all about the saintly supply teacher, Miss Mercer, who has just left.
Its a fun read, although a little repetitive in parts, and paints an interesting picture of life as a supply teacher in the 1950s, the prejudices of other staff (she's only doing supply because she can't get a proper teaching job) and the struggles of some families. I found it difficult to believe such a saint could leave Terry under the control of his parents for so long; social services should have been called when she first realised the stepfather hit him.
Overall an entertaining read. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Yorkshire Teacher Series Book 1
Summer term, 1956. for boys and girls, primary school means blackboards and chalk dust, pinafores and short trousers, satchels and skipping ropes. For talented teacher Helen Mercer, returning to her home county of Yorkshire and working in a supply role, it's a term of being sent wherever there's a gap to fill, and getting to grips with idiosyncratic head teachers, eccentric colleagues and new classes of young children. To each school Helen brings warmth, creativity and a stubborn conviction that every child matters. But among the endearing, funny youngsters she meets, defiant Terry Smith tests her more than most. Can she reach the vulnerable boy she spies beneath the unruly behaviour? As Helen settles back into rural life and even considers a new romance, she must decide what school needs her most, and where she can truly belong.
Although the author has written several humorous semi-autobiographical books, this is the first book that I have read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Mrs Mercer has returned to her home county of Yorkshire. She's a talented teacher working in a supply role. She really cares for the children, and she isn't afraid to speak her mind.
This story will mess with your emotions. It's beautifully written, the characters were true to life, but the ones that got me were the children who were mainly unloved and disregarded at home. I highly recommend this book.
Published 22nd July 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #GermvasePhinn for my ARC of #ChalkDustAndNewChapters in exchange for an honest review.
Summer term, 1956. for boys and girls, primary school means blackboards and chalk dust, pinafores and short trousers, satchels and skipping ropes. For talented teacher Helen Mercer, returning to her home county of Yorkshire and working in a supply role, it's a term of being sent wherever there's a gap to fill, and getting to grips with idiosyncratic head teachers, eccentric colleagues and new classes of young children. To each school Helen brings warmth, creativity and a stubborn conviction that every child matters. But among the endearing, funny youngsters she meets, defiant Terry Smith tests her more than most. Can she reach the vulnerable boy she spies beneath the unruly behaviour? As Helen settles back into rural life and even considers a new romance, she must decide what school needs her most, and where she can truly belong.
Although the author has written several humorous semi-autobiographical books, this is the first book that I have read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Mrs Mercer has returned to her home county of Yorkshire. She's a talented teacher working in a supply role. She really cares for the children, and she isn't afraid to speak her mind.
This story will mess with your emotions. It's beautifully written, the characters were true to life, but the ones that got me were the children who were mainly unloved and disregarded at home. I highly recommend this book.
Published 22nd July 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #GermvasePhinn for my ARC of #ChalkDustAndNewChapters in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2026
Post war Britain had to face many changes. Trying to cope with economic hardships, the changing attitude of young women seemed to go head to head with the old guard who just could not accept that women were not willing to be silent or quiet in the face of injustice, and some men not accepting that times have changed.
Set amongst the Yorkshire Dales, Helen is a bright, determined teacher just returned from a stint in Germany, to a sadly neglected, run down school. As a supply teacher she is filling a temporary gap, but she is appalled by not just the conditions of the classrooms but also the out of date practices and the apathy of teachers indifferent to their charges. The Head Teacher has a policy of not interfering or trying to improve the situation. Despite opposition, Helen steps in to improve her class. Moving on to the next school, the Head is only concerned with results at the Eleven Plus exams. Anything else is not necessary. Here too Helen sets things right. Her next assignment takes her to a modern school where romance also follows with not one, but two suitors.
The story is a good informative one about lifestyles, attitudes of the working class and middle class in Yorkshire at the time and the manner in which change was coming. A very good read.
Set amongst the Yorkshire Dales, Helen is a bright, determined teacher just returned from a stint in Germany, to a sadly neglected, run down school. As a supply teacher she is filling a temporary gap, but she is appalled by not just the conditions of the classrooms but also the out of date practices and the apathy of teachers indifferent to their charges. The Head Teacher has a policy of not interfering or trying to improve the situation. Despite opposition, Helen steps in to improve her class. Moving on to the next school, the Head is only concerned with results at the Eleven Plus exams. Anything else is not necessary. Here too Helen sets things right. Her next assignment takes her to a modern school where romance also follows with not one, but two suitors.
The story is a good informative one about lifestyles, attitudes of the working class and middle class in Yorkshire at the time and the manner in which change was coming. A very good read.
July 30, 2026
Its 1956 at Brightbrook Junior School, its a Victorian building with red shiny bricks and a grey slate roof making it look like a Victorian Workhouse rather than a school. Its in the middle of an industrial town in Yorkshire and a new supply teacher, Helen has been appointed a job there, but not everyone likes her, the children do but not some of the teaching staff. But some of the children need special attention as they are mistreated at home and picked on at school. Will Helen be the one to reach out to these children and get them the help they need? But when she gets moved onto another school the children are sorry to see her go, but not so the Head and some of the other teaching staff!
A lovely feel-good storyline from the beginning to the end from a former teacher Gervase Phinn.
I have been a fan of books by Gervase Phinn for a long time and I really enjoyed reading this book, the storyline caught my attention from the beginning, and there are both amusing and sad times that keep your attention throughout the book. I have given it four stars and I really enjoyed the nostalgia of the 1950s as I read it.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this great book.
#Netgalley
#BoldwoodBooks
#ChalkDustAndNewChapters
#GervasePhinn
A lovely feel-good storyline from the beginning to the end from a former teacher Gervase Phinn.
I have been a fan of books by Gervase Phinn for a long time and I really enjoyed reading this book, the storyline caught my attention from the beginning, and there are both amusing and sad times that keep your attention throughout the book. I have given it four stars and I really enjoyed the nostalgia of the 1950s as I read it.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this great book.
#Netgalley
#BoldwoodBooks
#ChalkDustAndNewChapters
#GervasePhinn
August 25, 2026
I've read some of Gervase Phinn's memoirs of his time as a school inspector and a teacher in the Yorkshire Dales and loved them. This is my first read of his fiction books, I was hoping for a similar humorous, warm Yorkshire feels and I was not disappointed.
Helen Mercer is working as a supply teacher in Yorkshire, she is sent to three very different schools where she makes a difference in a short space of time. The lives of the children are not all happy and Helen cares deeply for the children in her classrooms.
This is a lovely, gentle feel-good tale, full of social and educational history which I enjoy. The characters feel very real, I think I've met relatives of many of them in my life. I love the Yorkshire dialect being used within the story which gives it authenticity to the time and place. I am very pleased that I chose this book for my first Netgalley review.
Helen Mercer is working as a supply teacher in Yorkshire, she is sent to three very different schools where she makes a difference in a short space of time. The lives of the children are not all happy and Helen cares deeply for the children in her classrooms.
This is a lovely, gentle feel-good tale, full of social and educational history which I enjoy. The characters feel very real, I think I've met relatives of many of them in my life. I love the Yorkshire dialect being used within the story which gives it authenticity to the time and place. I am very pleased that I chose this book for my first Netgalley review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved this book. If you have ever had the joy to read the English “Fairacre” series by Miss Reed- you will be delighted to read a new series, by English author Dr. Gervase Phinn. “Chalk Dust and New Chapters. The story takes place in Yorkshire, and so this book also features the James Herriott charm. I highly recommend this gentle story. A new young teacher becomes the “supply “ teacher at several schools in an English town. Readers will love the laughter and joy of teaching children, and readers will also cry about the plights of some of the children. And there is also some romance! A charming book to enjoy and then read again! Looking forward to the next book! I received a digital review copy from Boldwood Books. This is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was an entertaining read that tells what a difference a good teacher can make to the children in her/his class. In this story, Helen Mercer is the main character. She is a supply teacher and is a very successful teacher. She really cares about the children and uses different ways to stimulate their interest. She goes to a number of different schools and meets a variety of people. There is humour, not only from the children but also some of the adults. There is also a little romance and a heartbreaking home life of one young boy. I loved that Helen didn’t forget him and the fact that she wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own,
Did Not Finish
September 8, 2026I didn't finish this book due to the many historical inaccuracies that prevented me from enjoying the story. Whilst a certain amount of leeway can be given to historical fiction, a novel which claims to be 'evocative of the 1950s' should not contain such jarring terms as a child referring to his mother's 'partner', a teacher talking about unfair dismissal and taking it to a tribunal, another teacher going on 'maternity leave' and Social Services becoming involved with a child who was 'at risk'.
The cumulative effect of language and institutions so unrepresentative of this period meant that I found myself just waiting for the next anachronism to present itself and therefore lost interest in anything else.
The cumulative effect of language and institutions so unrepresentative of this period meant that I found myself just waiting for the next anachronism to present itself and therefore lost interest in anything else.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved this book so much! As an elementary school teacher, this description caught me right away! I felt like this sweet book really hit in my heart in the same way Fresh From the Country by Miss Read did! It felt so similar in the sense that the author understood and really knew the ups, downs, joys and heartbreaks of teaching/working in schools, and how some of those experiences really haven't changed from the 1950s to even now! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves Yorkshire, the 1950s, and historical fiction, but I would recommend it especially for those who are teachers!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a beautiful book this was. Set in 1956 Yorkshire it was filled with wit, kindness and lovely - often very funny - characters. There was sadness too in a poorer school where some children were unruly due to neglect and a difficult home life but the new Supply Teacher, Helen Mercer, had a wonderful rapport with the children and her kindness and empathy turned around the lives of some of the children who were mostly unloved and ignored at home. The characters were so true to life and believable. I loved every minute spent within the pages of this touching and well written book. My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a pre release copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the publisher's blurb or reveal the plot!
I'm fairly sure this is the first book I've read by this author. I enjoyed the story - a gentle and rather sweet tale that brought back memories of how schools used to be.
The characters were very believable - I particularly liked Helen Mercer, Terry Smith and Mr Power. The story is set in the late 1950s in Yorkshire, and captured how life was for children at various "levels" of society.
Recommended if you are looking for a relaxing read.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
I'm fairly sure this is the first book I've read by this author. I enjoyed the story - a gentle and rather sweet tale that brought back memories of how schools used to be.
The characters were very believable - I particularly liked Helen Mercer, Terry Smith and Mr Power. The story is set in the late 1950s in Yorkshire, and captured how life was for children at various "levels" of society.
Recommended if you are looking for a relaxing read.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read the ARC. I really liked this book. I felt like I could relate to Helen,and her work environments. Though set in the 50s, people are still the same. The uplifting ones and the complainers, those who look to make things better and those who are too involved with themselves. It has been said that all it takes is one person to believe in a child, to change their life. Miss Mercer was that one, for several children. She wasn't afraid to get involved. I admired her. This was a different story and I definitely recommend!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Set in the 1950s, this is the charming story of how one teacher was able to make all difference in some of the lives that she touched.
The book takes us back to a time in Britain that was, in some ways, gentler. Or at least, perhaps, less complicated.
As a teacher, of course, that era had its own challenges. And this is how one woman chose to address the situations that she experienced.
Absorbing and nostalgic, this will have significant appeal for many readers, and easily earns 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
The book takes us back to a time in Britain that was, in some ways, gentler. Or at least, perhaps, less complicated.
As a teacher, of course, that era had its own challenges. And this is how one woman chose to address the situations that she experienced.
Absorbing and nostalgic, this will have significant appeal for many readers, and easily earns 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
July 22, 2026
A lovely, heartwarming story about Helen Mercer, a supply teacher in Yorkshire. The book follows her across three very different schools and shows the challenges she faces.
I enjoyed the way she connected with the children, even the 'difficult' ones.
The book does touch on the topics of domestic abuse and child neglect. But there are also happier moments and lots of humour.
I'd recommend this for fans of call the midwife and all creatures great and small as it has similar cosy, nostalgic vibes.
I enjoyed the way she connected with the children, even the 'difficult' ones.
The book does touch on the topics of domestic abuse and child neglect. But there are also happier moments and lots of humour.
I'd recommend this for fans of call the midwife and all creatures great and small as it has similar cosy, nostalgic vibes.
August 3, 2026
Disappointing
I was looking forward to reading this, but found it full of inaccuracies that should have been found at the editorial stage. On the first page it mentions supermarket trolleys, later on pizza and then semi-skimmed milk...all of these were not around in Yorkshire the mid 1950s. Also when the school inspector is talking to the children about the war, of course their parents would have lived through the war...!
I was looking forward to reading this, but found it full of inaccuracies that should have been found at the editorial stage. On the first page it mentions supermarket trolleys, later on pizza and then semi-skimmed milk...all of these were not around in Yorkshire the mid 1950s. Also when the school inspector is talking to the children about the war, of course their parents would have lived through the war...!
September 2, 2026
Brilliant as always, Phinn's writing style is addictive in every sense of the word, I always find myself flying through his books. Everything is so vivid, drawn on from real life and the world of wonder that children live within, this book is so like his others in the heart wrenching characters, the laughs, and everything in between but fresh and timeless despite the setting of 1960s. I love it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
1956. Helen Mercer has returned to Yorkshire as a supply teacher, which would be known as a substitute today. She teaches at three vastly different schools. There is an opportunity to become head teacher at one of them. Will she take it?
I enjoyed this book very much. It was well written, and I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. Highly recommended.
I enjoyed this book very much. It was well written, and I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Yorkshire 1956
School teacher miss Helen Mercer.
Outstanding read such a pleasant joyful read.
From the beginning there are touching funny and lots of heartbreaking moments in this book.
A supply teacher that is making a difference to schools.
Just lovely.
School teacher miss Helen Mercer.
Outstanding read such a pleasant joyful read.
From the beginning there are touching funny and lots of heartbreaking moments in this book.
A supply teacher that is making a difference to schools.
Just lovely.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received a free copy of, Chalk Dust and New Chapters, by Gervase Phinn, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Helen is a teacher in Yorkshire in the mid 1950's. This was a nice read, I liked Helen a lot.
June 30, 2026
This was a sweet touching story of a teacher in Yorkshire. She comes back to her childhood home and starts to teach children with pure dedication. She uses her creativity and imagination to help a boy out who is quite the challenge. The story is very heartwarming.
July 27, 2026
A lovely story.
This is a lovely story about a young supply teacher who goes to different schools to cover when the regular teacher is off. It tells about three schools she works at and the children that she meets and finding love.
This is a lovely story about a young supply teacher who goes to different schools to cover when the regular teacher is off. It tells about three schools she works at and the children that she meets and finding love.
June 17, 2026
an amazingly refreshing read, i love to get lost in this authors work his books are such a delight to read!
July 28, 2026
Somewhat predictable, but a nice story.
August 1, 2026
Loved from the outset.
A lovely read, showing school life from different perspectives, how one person can make a difference in someone’s life, by taking notice and caring.
A lovely read, showing school life from different perspectives, how one person can make a difference in someone’s life, by taking notice and caring.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have loved all of Gervase's previous books and what a charming book this is. It is one of those books that is an 'easy read' and you quickly want to find out the ending. A very enjoyable book. Highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A gentle but humorous story which centres on Helen Mercer who has returned to the Dales after teaching abroad. Helen is a temporary teacher who moves between a series of schools as the story progresses. It's not all plain sailing and in each school she is faced with a situation that affects one particular pupil. Coincidently, each time that Helen leaves the different schools there is a school inspection and the inspector is regaled with tales of her brilliance. He must figure out who this exemplary teacher is.
This is a fun and entertaining read which takes the reader back to the 1950's when schools were very different from today. If you have read Phinn's other novels you will be familiar with his style of writing and use of anecdotes and malapropisms. I enjoyed this gentle tale of a woman succeeding in both her career and love. With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the arc in exchange for a review.
This is a fun and entertaining read which takes the reader back to the 1950's when schools were very different from today. If you have read Phinn's other novels you will be familiar with his style of writing and use of anecdotes and malapropisms. I enjoyed this gentle tale of a woman succeeding in both her career and love. With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the arc in exchange for a review.
August 1, 2026
Gervase Phinn is back with a new series of books, set around the mid 1950s and with a new main teacher - Helen Mercer, having taught in military schools abroad, she has returned to Yorkshire.
She starts within a supply teacher role, but it is soon apparent that Helen has a lot to give this children, and she finds her self in varying different schools, with varying different results on the impact she makes with the children.
If you want a book which is humours and heart warming, about the things children say and do as well as heart wrenching when your realise what the children are having to put up with in Post War Britain, then this book is for you.
Wonderful read.
She starts within a supply teacher role, but it is soon apparent that Helen has a lot to give this children, and she finds her self in varying different schools, with varying different results on the impact she makes with the children.
If you want a book which is humours and heart warming, about the things children say and do as well as heart wrenching when your realise what the children are having to put up with in Post War Britain, then this book is for you.
Wonderful read.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews