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Chalk Hearts
Amy escapes her violent boyfriend with a job at Woodbrook Primary School, the place of traumatic memories that still plague her twenty years on.
Secretly ashamed of her loser reputation, Amy hides her ex-pupil status from the staff, even pretending that she has never met Joel, the once-cherished teacher who unexpectedly becomes her colleague.
Under the guise of a confident woman, Amy is determined to eclipse her troubled past. But when she hooks Joel into a deep and passionate relationship, the fear of bursting his bubble with her true identity pushes her ever closer to being exposed.
Secretly ashamed of her loser reputation, Amy hides her ex-pupil status from the staff, even pretending that she has never met Joel, the once-cherished teacher who unexpectedly becomes her colleague.
Under the guise of a confident woman, Amy is determined to eclipse her troubled past. But when she hooks Joel into a deep and passionate relationship, the fear of bursting his bubble with her true identity pushes her ever closer to being exposed.
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Published February 28, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 1, 2025
The 1 star reviews below are fake. Posted maliciously because the author has opposed a local building department.
The three people in question have been using a list of residents who have opposed the planning, to attack and belittle them in many ways. They've posted 1 star reviews on Amazon, GR, and even the publisher website where one reviewer stated he bought the paperback version, which isn't published until 2023. This same reviewer has the same name as someone on the list who is publicly for the planning development.
Another reviewer, below, claims to be the authors school teacher which the author has confirmed as lies.
Another reviewer, rated the book three months before release - amazing to see a real life time traveller.
The publisher is taking this up with Amazon, Goodreads, and also is in contact with the local council, councillors, and the local MP.
This behaviour is pathetic, childish, and defamatory.
The three people in question have been using a list of residents who have opposed the planning, to attack and belittle them in many ways. They've posted 1 star reviews on Amazon, GR, and even the publisher website where one reviewer stated he bought the paperback version, which isn't published until 2023. This same reviewer has the same name as someone on the list who is publicly for the planning development.
Another reviewer, below, claims to be the authors school teacher which the author has confirmed as lies.
Another reviewer, rated the book three months before release - amazing to see a real life time traveller.
The publisher is taking this up with Amazon, Goodreads, and also is in contact with the local council, councillors, and the local MP.
This behaviour is pathetic, childish, and defamatory.
November 22, 2022
Such a feel-good book Chalk Hearts was! I really enjoyed reading it! I wanted something easy and cosy during long autumn nights and this book ticked all those boxes. It was easy to read, cosy, and had romance in it but also explored other significant topics, such as insecurities, trust, personal love and acceptance.
This story follows Amy who struggles to deal with past trauma from a violent boyfriend. With her parent's push, she decides to apply for a teaching job at her old Primary School, Woodbrook. She gets the job but decides she needs a fresh start, including not telling anyone at her new job that she is local and that once she attended Woodbrook Primary. That is until she is faced with another challenge, one of her current colleagues is her old and favourite PE teacher, Joel. To her surprise, Joel doesn’t remember her and with growing attraction towards each other Amy tries her hardest not to reveal her past to him…
I liked that this book was much more than just a romance. It was also a story of personal acceptance and love. Amy throughout the years, especially in her primary school felt insecure and unworthy, as well as numerous times was a laughing stock of pupils and the only person who ever believed in her was her favourite teacher. Throughout the book Amy grew so much as a person and as a teacher, she believed in students who other teachers branded as no good, she stood up for herself and her beliefs and she became more confident in herself by starting to love herself and feel worthy enough. I liked that aspect of this book a lot.
For me, this book was about Amy finding herself and her place to belong. Also at times, I wanted a bit more romance in this book, just like a few chapters more, however, it is still a beautifully written novel.
Overall: Very cosy and easy read for long autumnal evenings. I enjoyed the storyline and characters, even though it was a bit different from the romance books that I am used to. This book also has some brilliant and likeable characters that would make you laugh and love.
This story follows Amy who struggles to deal with past trauma from a violent boyfriend. With her parent's push, she decides to apply for a teaching job at her old Primary School, Woodbrook. She gets the job but decides she needs a fresh start, including not telling anyone at her new job that she is local and that once she attended Woodbrook Primary. That is until she is faced with another challenge, one of her current colleagues is her old and favourite PE teacher, Joel. To her surprise, Joel doesn’t remember her and with growing attraction towards each other Amy tries her hardest not to reveal her past to him…
I liked that this book was much more than just a romance. It was also a story of personal acceptance and love. Amy throughout the years, especially in her primary school felt insecure and unworthy, as well as numerous times was a laughing stock of pupils and the only person who ever believed in her was her favourite teacher. Throughout the book Amy grew so much as a person and as a teacher, she believed in students who other teachers branded as no good, she stood up for herself and her beliefs and she became more confident in herself by starting to love herself and feel worthy enough. I liked that aspect of this book a lot.
For me, this book was about Amy finding herself and her place to belong. Also at times, I wanted a bit more romance in this book, just like a few chapters more, however, it is still a beautifully written novel.
Overall: Very cosy and easy read for long autumnal evenings. I enjoyed the storyline and characters, even though it was a bit different from the romance books that I am used to. This book also has some brilliant and likeable characters that would make you laugh and love.
December 18, 2022
Just finished this utterly gorgeous story and I am blown away by the descriptiveness, the characters and the way Amy changes as it goes along.
I particularly love Colin and Rosie, the housemates she lives with at the beginning, and it’s great that we see them again further on.
The age gap between Amy and Joel and the fact that they have undeclared history teetering on the constant edge of recognition gives an added unique twist to this emotionally-charged love story.
Thoroughly enjoyed and can’t wait to see more from this author!
I particularly love Colin and Rosie, the housemates she lives with at the beginning, and it’s great that we see them again further on.
The age gap between Amy and Joel and the fact that they have undeclared history teetering on the constant edge of recognition gives an added unique twist to this emotionally-charged love story.
Thoroughly enjoyed and can’t wait to see more from this author!
December 19, 2022
Wow! I have just finished this amazing book. I couldn't wait to see what happened at the end of this gripping story. Every word and phrase told with such literary eloquence, the reader felt really connected to Amy throughout. Definitely one of the best books of its kind.
August 28, 2024
This book was good but I don’t think it was for me. I was very bored when reading it and I found it repetitive as well because the whole school vibe but I love Colin and Rosie at the start Amy needed them however as this book was in 3rd person that could be another reason why I wasn’t a huge fan the story was good but something was missing for me but the plot twist I was not expecting!!!
Quotes I loved:
“She might be leaving alone, but she would never be without them.”
“And as long as Joel was there, she knew she would survive.”
“How can I stop those tears?' he asked, dabbing them with a thumb.
"Kiss me, Joel,' she whispered at his lips. 'Just kiss me?
Tropes:
🌸 Friend to lovers
💒 Second chance
🌸 Age gap
💒 Workplace
🌸 New beginnings
💒 FMC past trauma
Quotes I loved:
“She might be leaving alone, but she would never be without them.”
“And as long as Joel was there, she knew she would survive.”
“How can I stop those tears?' he asked, dabbing them with a thumb.
"Kiss me, Joel,' she whispered at his lips. 'Just kiss me?
Tropes:
🌸 Friend to lovers
💒 Second chance
🌸 Age gap
💒 Workplace
🌸 New beginnings
💒 FMC past trauma
December 16, 2022
As embarrassing as it is to say, I taught Emma at school, as her English Literature teacher for 3 years, I was more than a little surprised to hear she had written a book. After spending an afternoon muddling my way through this, I am even more surprised. What as was of time and paper. So sad.
August 8, 2025
A great little read, loved it, looking forward to the next book.
January 25, 2023
A feel good book that I couldn’t put down. A thoroughly enjoyable read !!
February 23, 2025
I loved this. There were many times the main character was very flawed as a teacher and as a person but she wad also so lovable too. the ending did feel kind of random and just thrown in and the ordering was a little off at times but on the whole it was a good book.
I really wanted to know who ends up as the new headteacher so it was just announced that he was leaving but never who was replacing so that was a pretty uncessecary plot point.
Also the old teacher recognising her, what seems to ve her telling Penny but yet we never see the fall out of that which also kind seemed pointless other than her having to out herself to Joel which she was planning on doing anyway.
These few plot points could have been tied together better at the end rather than having the final chapter however it was such a feel good and easy read which I will 100% recommend!
I really wanted to know who ends up as the new headteacher so it was just announced that he was leaving but never who was replacing so that was a pretty uncessecary plot point.
Also the old teacher recognising her, what seems to ve her telling Penny but yet we never see the fall out of that which also kind seemed pointless other than her having to out herself to Joel which she was planning on doing anyway.
These few plot points could have been tied together better at the end rather than having the final chapter however it was such a feel good and easy read which I will 100% recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2025
What a cute little read! Throughoughly enjoyed this one, lovely character dept!
December 23, 2022
Not my usual genre (thriller), but I was excited by Emma's debut novel. She did not disappoint. Her writing flows beautifully and she has a strong way with description. A warm read for a winters afternoon if you want something that will delight the senses. Thank you Emma. Will look forward to more of the same.
April 26, 2023
Super descriptive writing really immerses the reader in Amy's world. Characters with depth and passion are fully realized and draw you deep into the intricate narrative. A sweeping love story that rocks along against a backdrop of insecurities and self-doubt. A great page tuner for those long evenings. Recommended.
April 9, 2024
This was nearly a DNF for me. The story was ok, but far too many unnecessary words! Was a chore to read. Wouldn't recommend.
May 14, 2024
**TW**
Domestic violence, bullying, trauma
I want to say I loved this book but I could not get past the fact that their 'love' practically started when Amy was eleven years old.
The book itself was well written and I won't discredit that purely because the romance wasn't for me. I did like how easily the words flowed and how the story blossomed.
It was great to see Amy's character develop from someone who was self-conscious to someone who stood up for herself.
Her role as a teacher was so well done and I loved how she stood up for what she believed rather than what her colleagues believed she should do. I'm glad she stood her ground when it came to Bertie. His character showed that many people, including children, adorn a mask rather than allow themselves to be who they they are, either out of fear or shame.
The friendships were also well-fleshed out and I loved how supportive everyone was.
In regards to Nathan, I do feel that whole situation was a little too easily bypassed. I mean he hardly gave up after that phone call? (Especially as I felt he would have been the kind of person to enjoy irking Amy).
Other than that, I will admit that Whittaker's writing is to a high standard and I would like to delve into another of her works.
Domestic violence, bullying, trauma
I want to say I loved this book but I could not get past the fact that their 'love' practically started when Amy was eleven years old.
The book itself was well written and I won't discredit that purely because the romance wasn't for me. I did like how easily the words flowed and how the story blossomed.
It was great to see Amy's character develop from someone who was self-conscious to someone who stood up for herself.
Her role as a teacher was so well done and I loved how she stood up for what she believed rather than what her colleagues believed she should do. I'm glad she stood her ground when it came to Bertie. His character showed that many people, including children, adorn a mask rather than allow themselves to be who they they are, either out of fear or shame.
The friendships were also well-fleshed out and I loved how supportive everyone was.
In regards to Nathan, I do feel that whole situation was a little too easily bypassed. I mean he hardly gave up after that phone call? (Especially as I felt he would have been the kind of person to enjoy irking Amy).
Other than that, I will admit that Whittaker's writing is to a high standard and I would like to delve into another of her works.
May 27, 2025
This book had me hooked from the first page! Amy is such a layered, realistic character you root for her while also fearing the ticking time bomb of her secret. The emotional tension between her and Joel is electric, and the setting of the school adds such a chilling sense of déjà vu. Absolutely unputdownable!
December 18, 2022
really enjoyed this book - well written was much more than a love story
June 14, 2025
3.5 Beautifully rich descriptions and evocative language. If you want a warm hearted romance to curl up with on the couch, cocktail in hand then this is for you.
February 1, 2023
What a fantastic read, it pulled me in from the first page. I loved the way the book flowed throughout and every part was highly descriptive, you could easily imagine being there! Each character is interesting which definitely keeps the reader hooked. Well done Emma, looking forward to more from you. A 5* thumbs up from me.
December 26, 2022
I loved the beautiful pastel colours on the cover of this book, which is the debut novel by Emma Whittaker.
Amy was bullied when she was younger and has carried this through her life which has had a huge impact on her. It was great to see the changes in Amy when she takes on her new job, with the support she has.
There was a great range of characters, some who I liked more than others. I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Amy and her friends.
This was an enjoyable read about coping, becoming stronger, self discovery and love.
Amy was bullied when she was younger and has carried this through her life which has had a huge impact on her. It was great to see the changes in Amy when she takes on her new job, with the support she has.
There was a great range of characters, some who I liked more than others. I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Amy and her friends.
This was an enjoyable read about coping, becoming stronger, self discovery and love.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews