Series in Rural Life
Books in Rural Life
A Class Act
The third and final novel in the delightful Top of the Dales series from bestselling author Gervase Phinn. 'A worthy successor to James Herriot, and every bit as endearing.' - Alan Titchmarsh Change is afoot in the usually sleepy village of Risingdale. Gerald Gaunt, headmaster of the primary school for over thirty years, is retiring. It is the end of an era and Gerald hopes that his replacement will work with him to secure a bright, happy future for the school. But Mr Smart has his own ideas about how things should be run, and things start to become fraught very quickly. On top of this, the teachers have plenty of other dramas to contend with. Still dealing with a class of children who seem to understand agriculture better than arithmetic, Tom Dwyer is pining over Janette, his one-that-got-away. Meanwhile, his colleague Joyce Tranter's new marital bliss is shattered by the arrival of her husband's avaricious, scheming nephew. And elsewhere in the village, Sir Hedley's long-cherished plans for his future are jeopardised by the arrival back in his life of his bitter, desperate ex-wife. Can the residents of Risingdale pull together and achieve happiness against the odds? With a lively cast of characters both old and new and countless laugh-out-loud moments, A Class Act is a warm, enchanting portrayal of life in a small Yorkshire village. Readers are loving the Top of the Dales series: 'Loved it. So easy to read, lovely story, unforgettable characters.' - 5 STARS 'Brilliant!' - 5 STARS 'Could not put the book down. Gervase Phinn is an expert story teller.' - 5 STARS 'Such a relaxing and calming read' - 5 STARS 'I have been waiting for this sequel and it didn't disappoint.' - 5 STARS
The Guestbook / The Guestbook At Willow Cottage
Welcome to Willow Cottage – throw open the shutters, let in the sea breeze and make yourself completely at home. Oh, and please do leave a comment in the Guestbook!As landlady of Willow Cottage, the young widow Annie Butterworth is always on hand with tea, sympathy or strong Norfolk cider – whatever her colourful array of guests require. A flick through the messages in the leather-bound cottage guestbook gives a tantalizing glimpse into the lives of everyone who passes through her doors.This includes Annie herself – especially now celebrity crime writer Oliver Black, is back in town. He might grace the covers of gossip magazines with a different glamorous supermodel draped on his arm every week, but to Annie, he’s always just been Olly, the man who Annie shared her first kiss with.Through the pages of the Guestbook Annie and Olly, along with all the guests that arrive at the seaside retreat, struggle with love, loss, mystery, joy, happiness, guilt…and the odd spot of naked rambling!Forget sending postcards saying wish you were here – one visit to Willow Cottage and you’ll wish you could stay forever.Readers LOVE The Guestbook at Willow Cottage!''What a fantastic and creative idea. Holly tells a lovely, interwoven story of all the different guests who visit Willow Cottage over a period of time, and the host, Annie Butterworth. Through guestbook-based interactions between them all, we learn about their changing lives, their pasts, their hopes and their fears… A refreshing, original, thought-provoking rom-com, so cleverly executed, and such a pleasure to read.'' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''I laughed at the crazy guests, cried with some of the sad guests, held my breath in certain parts of the book thinking ohh no…. It simply is a lovely read.'' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''Never before have I read a book that has such a magnificent mix of characters and stories… You will find characters to make you laugh, cry and get your blood boiling. With romance and love throughout, The Guestbook leaves it mark on your heart!'' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Previously published as The Guestbook.