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Little Village School #5
Secrets at the Little Village School
The fifth Little Village School novel.
'It's a small village is Barton-in-the-Dale, Mrs Stirling,' said the shopkeeper. 'You ought to know that by now. Nothing can be kept secret for too long. News travels fast.'
In the little village of Barton-in-the-Dale, long-hidden secrets are bubbling to the surface. Ashley Underwood and Emmet O'Malley are set to tie the knot, when a revelation from the handsome Irishman's past returns to haunt him. The town's resident nosey-parker discovers some juicy gossip about the primary school's dishy new staff-member, and head teacher Elisabeth Stirling has a very special secret of her own.
As the wedding day draws closer, brewing secrets threaten to boil over. But along with the skeletons tumbling out of the closet comes plenty of laughter, drama, friendship and love. One thing's for for some, life in Barton-in-the-Dale will never be the same again.
'It's a small village is Barton-in-the-Dale, Mrs Stirling,' said the shopkeeper. 'You ought to know that by now. Nothing can be kept secret for too long. News travels fast.'
In the little village of Barton-in-the-Dale, long-hidden secrets are bubbling to the surface. Ashley Underwood and Emmet O'Malley are set to tie the knot, when a revelation from the handsome Irishman's past returns to haunt him. The town's resident nosey-parker discovers some juicy gossip about the primary school's dishy new staff-member, and head teacher Elisabeth Stirling has a very special secret of her own.
As the wedding day draws closer, brewing secrets threaten to boil over. But along with the skeletons tumbling out of the closet comes plenty of laughter, drama, friendship and love. One thing's for for some, life in Barton-in-the-Dale will never be the same again.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published December 20, 2016
36 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
Gervase Phinn
100 books173 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 - 30 of 50 reviews
November 11, 2017
In the little village of Barton-in-the Dale a wedding is being planned between Reverend Ashley Underwood and Emmet O’Malley. Not everyone is happy about the intended marriage. When revelations from Emmet’s past come to light, could it be the final straw that will see this marriage not eventuate?
This book brings back all the characters from earlier books in this series about the village school. Many are lovable. Some are not. Elisabeth Stirling is still head of the village school. She has interesting encounters with Mrs Humphrey-Snyde a supply teacher with outmoded ideas on teaching, and Elisabeth holds very definite ideas about the viability of the good looking new teacher in training. Of course some of the children that have caused problems or provided amusement in earlier books also return along with a new student who is not quite as he seems. One who produces plenty of smiles and laughs while reading, is Mrs Sloughthwaite. Her mangling of the English language and frequent use of the wrong word produces amusing results.
This is the fifth book in the Little Village school series and the fourth I have read. I picked it up because after a couple of other not so interesting reads, I wanted a book I knew I would like. I was not disappointed. From the first page I was absorbed back into life with these familiar, largely likeable and, oh so real, characters. It was lovely to catch up with them again. Gervase Phinn knows his subject of education and village life, as well as how to tell a story. A delightful book that is so easy to read and lose yourself in is the way I would sum this up and one that leaves you feeling good at the end. Is it any wonder I was delighted!
This book brings back all the characters from earlier books in this series about the village school. Many are lovable. Some are not. Elisabeth Stirling is still head of the village school. She has interesting encounters with Mrs Humphrey-Snyde a supply teacher with outmoded ideas on teaching, and Elisabeth holds very definite ideas about the viability of the good looking new teacher in training. Of course some of the children that have caused problems or provided amusement in earlier books also return along with a new student who is not quite as he seems. One who produces plenty of smiles and laughs while reading, is Mrs Sloughthwaite. Her mangling of the English language and frequent use of the wrong word produces amusing results.
This is the fifth book in the Little Village school series and the fourth I have read. I picked it up because after a couple of other not so interesting reads, I wanted a book I knew I would like. I was not disappointed. From the first page I was absorbed back into life with these familiar, largely likeable and, oh so real, characters. It was lovely to catch up with them again. Gervase Phinn knows his subject of education and village life, as well as how to tell a story. A delightful book that is so easy to read and lose yourself in is the way I would sum this up and one that leaves you feeling good at the end. Is it any wonder I was delighted!
March 27, 2017
Beginning of the new term. Monday morning at the junior site of Barton-with-Urebank Primary School. Mrs Humphrey-Snyde is a new supply teacher, she knows that the class comedian will make his presence felt and some of them will try things on. It always happens with a new teacher. She does know how to deal with cheeky and misbehaving children. Actually they're a descent set of Kids, Mr Hornchurch told her and that he don't think she will have any problems with them. But Mrs Humphrey- Snyde gets into a difficult situation with two boys. For Mrs Humphrey-Snyde, it had been a most unpleasant week and she is determined that she would not be returning back to the school. News travels fast in the small village, Barton-in-the -Dale, nothing can be kept a secret for too long. Lots of drama is in Secrets at the Little Village School.
March 11, 2017
I had read book one. So when this one came in the post although it means jumping some of the series, I thought it may not matter too much.
This is book 5
Life in Barton-in-the-Dale. It's a little village. We all are aware how little villages are. A close Community but can also hold gossips. There are secrets. Bubbling and brewing away. Ashley and Emmet are about to get married. But a blast from the past has come back to haunt him and knock him for six.
There's always at least one nosy parker, and this Village is not without its very own gossip monger.
A dishy new staff member sets tongues wagging.
There's also some really chuckle moments within the pages that make you laugh out loud.
Nice easy read for a Sunny afternoon or curled up in front of the fire.
Thank you Hodder & Stoughton for my paperback copy
This is book 5
Life in Barton-in-the-Dale. It's a little village. We all are aware how little villages are. A close Community but can also hold gossips. There are secrets. Bubbling and brewing away. Ashley and Emmet are about to get married. But a blast from the past has come back to haunt him and knock him for six.
There's always at least one nosy parker, and this Village is not without its very own gossip monger.
A dishy new staff member sets tongues wagging.
There's also some really chuckle moments within the pages that make you laugh out loud.
Nice easy read for a Sunny afternoon or curled up in front of the fire.
Thank you Hodder & Stoughton for my paperback copy
June 25, 2019
It's the end of the set of books and to me it ended on a high. Excellent series of books which I enjoyed and would highly recommend. 4.5 Stars
The main points in this book were; the planned wedding of Ashley and Emmet. Emmet has to tell Ashley some truths and Ashley's troubled relationship with her parents. A new teacher called Thomas Dwyer and Elisabeth is excellent at defending him. Elisabeth and Ashley make a great team with their friendship both strong female characters with their own minds. My favourite scenes were the school trip to Whitby, that was so amazing.
I liked the school parts of this series best and loved reading about the growth of the pupils, many through the help of Elisabeth (I love this woman). I can't stay mad at Micheal for long but when him and Elisabeth have a difference in opinion I also seem to be rooting for her! I hope they end up with four boys.
Perfect ending even though it was a little predictable. I guessed Elisabeth was pregnant several chapters back. Still it's what I wanted to happen so no complaints from me. I love Elisabeth Stirling she became one of my favourite characters across all the books I've read, she's a modern woman and a great role model for the pupils and teachers alike.
The main points in this book were; the planned wedding of Ashley and Emmet. Emmet has to tell Ashley some truths and Ashley's troubled relationship with her parents. A new teacher called Thomas Dwyer and Elisabeth is excellent at defending him. Elisabeth and Ashley make a great team with their friendship both strong female characters with their own minds. My favourite scenes were the school trip to Whitby, that was so amazing.
I liked the school parts of this series best and loved reading about the growth of the pupils, many through the help of Elisabeth (I love this woman). I can't stay mad at Micheal for long but when him and Elisabeth have a difference in opinion I also seem to be rooting for her! I hope they end up with four boys.
Perfect ending even though it was a little predictable. I guessed Elisabeth was pregnant several chapters back. Still it's what I wanted to happen so no complaints from me. I love Elisabeth Stirling she became one of my favourite characters across all the books I've read, she's a modern woman and a great role model for the pupils and teachers alike.
December 18, 2017
Gervase Phinn was a school inspector in Yorkshire. He has written two different series of books. His In the Dales series is loosely based on his time as a school inspector. But I adore his fictional Little Village School series.
Elizabeth Stirling is head teacher at Barton In the Dale and Urebank Primary School. She was the talk of the village for attending her job interview wearing black stockings, and red stilettos with silver heels.
The Little Village series is about the pupils, teachers and residents of Barton In the Dale. I would say it is the education version of All Creatures Great and Small. Gervase Phinn has created a wonderful series which can at parts be funny at other times move you to tears. My favourite characters are Danny who lived with his Grandfather until he passed away. Now adopted by Elizabeth he enjoys life outside rather than academic work. I also love 10 year old genius Oscar who is 'too bloody clever for his own good'.
Secrets at the Little Village School is the fifth book in the series. However this can be read as a standalone as the characters previous stories are mentioned in the book.
If you enjoy Jack Sheffield's books I highly recommend this series.
Elizabeth Stirling is head teacher at Barton In the Dale and Urebank Primary School. She was the talk of the village for attending her job interview wearing black stockings, and red stilettos with silver heels.
The Little Village series is about the pupils, teachers and residents of Barton In the Dale. I would say it is the education version of All Creatures Great and Small. Gervase Phinn has created a wonderful series which can at parts be funny at other times move you to tears. My favourite characters are Danny who lived with his Grandfather until he passed away. Now adopted by Elizabeth he enjoys life outside rather than academic work. I also love 10 year old genius Oscar who is 'too bloody clever for his own good'.
Secrets at the Little Village School is the fifth book in the series. However this can be read as a standalone as the characters previous stories are mentioned in the book.
If you enjoy Jack Sheffield's books I highly recommend this series.
November 8, 2016
Secrets and skeletons come tumbling out of the closets in the small rural village of Barton-in-the-Dale, and the past has a tendency of coming back and biting you on the rear end...Nothing can be kept secret for too long in a small village.
With wedding planning going on for Ashley and Emmet. Plus a dishy new male teacher at the village school, with a secret of his own. There are plenty of goings on in the village.
With plenty of laughter and tears, Gervase Phinn brings all the local colour and speech of the Yorkshire Dales to life.
Love these books by Gervase Phinn, he's a master storyteller. He draws you in and holds you spell-bound...never wanting it to end!
If you like the review and would like to read reviews on other books I have made, visit my blog at www.finalchapterreadersgroup.wordpres... like, comment and follow.
With wedding planning going on for Ashley and Emmet. Plus a dishy new male teacher at the village school, with a secret of his own. There are plenty of goings on in the village.
With plenty of laughter and tears, Gervase Phinn brings all the local colour and speech of the Yorkshire Dales to life.
Love these books by Gervase Phinn, he's a master storyteller. He draws you in and holds you spell-bound...never wanting it to end!
If you like the review and would like to read reviews on other books I have made, visit my blog at www.finalchapterreadersgroup.wordpres... like, comment and follow.
March 9, 2017
Oxfam Reading Challenge: 2017 - A book from an author you love that you haven't read yet.
For a faithful follower of the characters in Gervase Phinn's fictional Little Village School series, the detailed level to which their idiosyncrasies and backstories are continually repeated (not only across books, but also across chapters in this book) is starting to grate. However, there is still plenty to enjoy as the villagers go about their business.
For a faithful follower of the characters in Gervase Phinn's fictional Little Village School series, the detailed level to which their idiosyncrasies and backstories are continually repeated (not only across books, but also across chapters in this book) is starting to grate. However, there is still plenty to enjoy as the villagers go about their business.
Read
January 2, 2017I love this series of books so much and this 5th installment didn't disappoint. They are enjoyable, gentle reads with a real feel good factor.
Judging by the ending I suspect this is the last in the series but I really hope it's not.
Judging by the ending I suspect this is the last in the series but I really hope it's not.
November 1, 2016
Another school saga
A tremendous and very amusing story of the little village school. The various characters lives move on, the headmistress and the village doctor enjoy life with their two boys, one adopted. The village postmaster continues to know what is going on in everyone's lives, and the sad figure of a boy is finally adopted by two local farmers. Wonderful writing and excellent characterisation.
A tremendous and very amusing story of the little village school. The various characters lives move on, the headmistress and the village doctor enjoy life with their two boys, one adopted. The village postmaster continues to know what is going on in everyone's lives, and the sad figure of a boy is finally adopted by two local farmers. Wonderful writing and excellent characterisation.
November 9, 2021
I just can’t say enough about this series. So much to love. Humor. British village. Delightful characters. Learning through the characters. Old fashioned charm. Happy sigh. I read this series with my friend Elizabeth L. We are moving on to his other series from here.
December 11, 2025
Weer een heerlijk kabbelend boek over het leven op en om een school in een Engels dorpje...
October 29, 2016
Just wonderful.
Another little gem. Thank you Mr Gervase. If you are looking for a gentle story with fantastic characters look no more.
Another little gem. Thank you Mr Gervase. If you are looking for a gentle story with fantastic characters look no more.
December 3, 2016
Really good read yet again. Looks all set for another one in this series. Can't wait.
October 29, 2017
An easy happy read, no extreme violence or hot sex. Just the way I like a book to lose myself in.
November 26, 2022
I'm saddened to come to end of this delightful series. The literary residents of Barton in the Dale have kept me company these past few months during my walks and commutes and I will miss them!
For those readers who live Jan Karon's Mitford series, I think you just might want to visit Barton in the Dale. I highly recommend the audio versions.
For those readers who live Jan Karon's Mitford series, I think you just might want to visit Barton in the Dale. I highly recommend the audio versions.
October 2, 2023
I only read it to finish the series.
So much repetition of backstories between books, and within them too.
So many descriptions of what people were wearing, mostly irrelevant, though Lady Wadsworth’s were slightly interesting.
A boring story really.
So much repetition of backstories between books, and within them too.
So many descriptions of what people were wearing, mostly irrelevant, though Lady Wadsworth’s were slightly interesting.
A boring story really.
April 4, 2025
Happy me finishing this series. It was a pleasure reading it !
July 4, 2019
Somehow I seem to be reading The Little Village School series of stories in the wrong order. That said, it does not take anything away away from the stories in each book which can be made sense of without needing to read every preceding book.
Secrets there are, sometimes past mistakes from youth, sometimes nothing really done wrong just poor judgement in how to handle a situation and what to tell to whom and when. But secrets, even kept with the best of intentions, have a habit of coming out at the most inopportune times, causing friction, misunderstanding and disagreement within families.
Of course not all secrets have bad consequences when they are exposed. At least one secret is a cause for joy.
Whilst much of the book revolves around Barton-In-The-Dale school and characters with a connection to it, in Secrets we get to know a bit more about some of the other residents of the village, with some of the usually less popular people evoking surprising sympathy from the reader.
To anyone who has read any of the previous books in the Little Village School series, the characters will be familiar becoming almost like old friends. And like old friends we get to know them better and better, bit by bit.
In this latest story, Gervase Phinn has lost none of the warmth, charm and humour found in his earlier stories is lost. You might even think you'd like to live inBarton-In-The-Dale.
Secrets there are, sometimes past mistakes from youth, sometimes nothing really done wrong just poor judgement in how to handle a situation and what to tell to whom and when. But secrets, even kept with the best of intentions, have a habit of coming out at the most inopportune times, causing friction, misunderstanding and disagreement within families.
Of course not all secrets have bad consequences when they are exposed. At least one secret is a cause for joy.
Whilst much of the book revolves around Barton-In-The-Dale school and characters with a connection to it, in Secrets we get to know a bit more about some of the other residents of the village, with some of the usually less popular people evoking surprising sympathy from the reader.
To anyone who has read any of the previous books in the Little Village School series, the characters will be familiar becoming almost like old friends. And like old friends we get to know them better and better, bit by bit.
In this latest story, Gervase Phinn has lost none of the warmth, charm and humour found in his earlier stories is lost. You might even think you'd like to live inBarton-In-The-Dale.
August 20, 2019
This book was like starting a new job; at first, you don't know anyone, you're not even sure if you're going to like it. Then, by the end of the first week, it's like you've been there for years, strangers become your friends and you're fully immersed into a wonderful community!
A lovely, easy going book.
A lovely, easy going book.
July 6, 2019
Whilst I have enjoyed reading the Little Village school books this one was a little disappointing. Much of the story line was not about the school and the 'secrets' were less than inspiring. For a bit of light reading the book is okay.
October 17, 2019
A gentle pleasant read - edifying, positive, but not brilliant.
November 9, 2021
I can't believe this is the last book in this series! I will miss these characters and revisit them in the future.
One of the themes of this book is forgiveness. People offering the loved ones in their lives forgiveness for holding back information from them out of fear: "Secrets."
One of the themes of this book is forgiveness. People offering the loved ones in their lives forgiveness for holding back information from them out of fear: "Secrets."
June 29, 2019
I’m loving this series.
June 11, 2017
good enjoyable read all the village characters storylines come together well
July 9, 2017
Fun read!
January 14, 2018
An easy read. Lots of strong characters and the happenings in a village which could be any village in England. A great place to escape to at the end of the day.
August 27, 2019
Different enjoyed it
March 16, 2024
"In the little village of Barton-in-the-Dale, long-hidden secrets are bubbling to the surface. Ashley Underwood and Emmet O'Malley are set to tie the knot, when a revelation from the handsome Irishman's past returns to haunt him. The town's resi9dent nosey-parker discovers some juicy gossip about the primary school's dishy new staff-member, and head teacher Elisabeth Stirling has a very special secret of her own.
"As the wedding day draws closer, brewing secrets threaten to boil over. But along with the skeletons tumbling out of the closet comes plenty of laughter, drama friendship and love. One thing's for sure: life in Barton-in-the-Dale will never be the same again."
~~back cover
There's hardly anything new to say about this final book in the series. The author has stumbled on a very workable "formula" and he's been astute enough to stick with it. When I finished the book, I looked around for the next book in the series, and was sad to find there isn't one. The story could easily have gone on far into the future. Well, it was charming and delightful while it lasted. and I can't recommend it enough as a cozy, "feel good" read.
"As the wedding day draws closer, brewing secrets threaten to boil over. But along with the skeletons tumbling out of the closet comes plenty of laughter, drama friendship and love. One thing's for sure: life in Barton-in-the-Dale will never be the same again."
~~back cover
There's hardly anything new to say about this final book in the series. The author has stumbled on a very workable "formula" and he's been astute enough to stick with it. When I finished the book, I looked around for the next book in the series, and was sad to find there isn't one. The story could easily have gone on far into the future. Well, it was charming and delightful while it lasted. and I can't recommend it enough as a cozy, "feel good" read.
September 25, 2023
"Secrets at the Little Village School" was my first book by Gervase Phinn, but I already know I will read everything this lovely man has written.
I can't remember the last time I felt so comforted and uplifted by a book. Phinn's writing is intelligent, funny, and relaxing, showing a profound knowledge of people. As probably many others, I was reminded of Miss Read, one of my all-time favourite authors. I've read Miss Read several times over, and I'm happy I've found another excellent author in this genre. Most enjoyable and highly recommended!
I can't remember the last time I felt so comforted and uplifted by a book. Phinn's writing is intelligent, funny, and relaxing, showing a profound knowledge of people. As probably many others, I was reminded of Miss Read, one of my all-time favourite authors. I've read Miss Read several times over, and I'm happy I've found another excellent author in this genre. Most enjoyable and highly recommended!
August 4, 2020
Enjoyable but pleased that it was the last in the series. I want to give it 3.5 stars really. It is said that the school is at the heart of the village which I thoroughly believe is true, but the last few chapters are about the folk in the village not the school. Dont get me wrong though, get me right, they are all lovely characters and are some way connected to the school. Glad that Mr Banks is gone though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews