School at the Top of the Dale: Book 1 in bestselling author Gervase Phinn's beautiful new Top of The Dale series

Gervase Phinn is a worthy successor to James Herriott, and Tom Dwyer has been given his first post in Risingdale, a sleepy little village at the top of the Yorkshire Dales. He joins a motley staff at the village school, where he has his work cut out for him. He soon finds himself growing fond of Risingdale and is at the center of drama, secrets revealed, and love, laughter, and new friendships. The School at the Top of the Dale is a warm and humorous portrayal of life in a small Yorkshire village.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 04 October 2018
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

The School at the Top of the Dale is a delightful novel that follows the adventures of newly qualified teacher Tom Dwyer as he begins his teaching career in the charming village of Risingdale, nestled at the very top of the Yorkshire Dales. Despite his initial doubts and uncertainties about fitting into this close-knit community, Tom quickly finds himself embraced by the warm and welcoming residents. However, his first term at the village school proves to be a baptism of fire, as he encounters a class of lively and demanding pupils who know more about sheep than they do arithmetic.



Adding to his challenges, Tom finds himself in a quarrel with the beautiful but distant Miss Janette Fairborn, and he also gets into an argument with the local squire's son. Through these encounters, Tom gradually grows fond of Risingdale and its unique charm. He is captivated by the colorful characters that populate the village, including the eccentric vicar, the mischievous pub owner, and the kind-hearted postmistress.



As the term comes to a close, Tom finds himself at the center of a series of dramatic events. He must organize an end-of-term show that will showcase the talents of his pupils, while also dealing with a pesky jewelry thief who has been causing chaos in the village. Through his experiences in Risingdale, Tom learns valuable lessons about resilience, perseverance, and the power of community.



The School at the Top of the Dale is a warm and humorous portrayal of life in a small Yorkshire village. It is filled with colorful characters, witty dialogue, and laugh-out-loud moments that will keep readers entertained from beginning to end. The novel explores themes of love, friendship, and the importance of embracing one's uniqueness.



Readers have been raving about this delightful book, with many praising its well-written and highly entertaining nature. One reviewer stated, "Well written and highly entertaining - exactly what I hope for from this author." Another reviewer commented, "Another good read," while a third reviewer described it as "A well written story about a small community full of interesting characters."



With its charming characters, engaging storyline, and heartwarming message, The School at the Top of the Dale is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good laugh and a touch of romance. Whether you are a fan of Alan Titchmarsh or are new to his work, this novel is sure to leave you feeling uplifted and inspired. So, why not add it to your reading list today and discover the magic of Risingdale for yourself?

Weight: 290g
Dimension: 129 x 196 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781473650596