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Chalk Dust and New Chapters

A BRAND NEW charming 1950s Yorkshire tale of compassion, community and romance

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Chalk Dust and New Chapters

By: Gervase Phinn
Narrated by: Gervase Phinn
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Summer term, 1956. For boys and girls, primary school days mean 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 Yorkshire life and even considers a new romance, she must decide which school needs her most, and where she can truly belong.

An evocative, entertaining and feel-good novel that celebrates those memorable early schooldays, from one of the UK’s most beloved storytellers.

Praise for Gervase Phinn:

'A worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing' Alan Titchmarsh

'Hilarious and hair-raising' Sunday Times

'Colourful, funny and honest' Sunday Express

'A natural storyteller' The Times Educational Supplement

(P)2026 Boldwood Books 20th Century Family Life Friendship Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Women's Fiction Funny Witty Feel-Good England
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Was so excited to see a new book and it didn’t disappoint! Loved the characters!

Fabulous Storyline

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Loved everything, I’ve listened to all available books written by Gervase Phinn, I have thoroughly enjoyed every one, I wish there were more, please write more.

Wonderful listen

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I really enjoyed this. it is a gentle and amusing story. inlook forward to the next installment.

Lovely

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I’ve enjoyed Gervase’s writing for many years now, his passion for education (and how to do right by our children) shines through his stories, and he creates believable characters that you genuinely care about. I remember him coming to speak at my childrens’ high school in Harrogate years ago and he had us in stitches with his tales of those wonderful Dales children and Dalesfolk (including Chardonnay!) and this book does not disappoint. Although this novel is in a town setting, it’s as charming as ever, and there’s an interesting Catholicism angle to this story. Look forward to the next one. Gentle and relaxing narration by Gervase himself.

A lovely relaxing listen

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I liked it all. Well written, and beautiful reading. I was sorry when it ended.

Very believable

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