Robyn's determination and pride in her heritage shine as she navigates societal intolerance and a complicated relationship with the wealthy Fabian Carrington. The story deepens when Robyn returns to her family home in Yorkshire, where she takes charge of her sister's welfare and becomes a teacher. Beddingfield masterfully portrays the family dynamics and warmth, making this a captivating start to a new series filled with well-drawn characters and heartfelt storytelling.
A Class Act by Julie Houston
Series: The Beddingfield Series #1
Genres: Womens Fiction

Robyn Allen is finally getting closer to her dream of West End stardom. And along with her role dancing in the latest hot musical, she’s being wined and dined by an equally hot man – the wildly successful and well-connected Fabian Carrington. But one slip up and her dreams are shattered, and Robyn has to hobble back to the Yorkshire village of Beddingfield, and the life she hoped she’d escaped.

Moving back into her mum’s house with her recalcitrant teenage sister Sorrel, next door to her older sister Jess who’s fed up with picking up the slack, is not how Robyn pictured her year. But there’s more to come. Sorrel needs a new school, and the school needs a new drama teacher. Despite having vowed never to teach again, Robyn knows she has to support her sister.

So together Sorrel and Robyn vow to take on St Mede’s – home to jokers, tearaways and trouble-makers, but with a hidden heartbeat ready to be inspired. And who knows, the kids might have something to teach Robyn about life too…

Welcome to the village of Beddingfield and the first book in bestseller Julie Houston’s new series set in Yorkshire. Funny, fabulous, heart-warming and hilarious, you’ll never forget the Allen sisters and their one-of-a-kind community. Perfect for fans of Jo Bartlett, Cathy Bramley and Philippa Ashley.

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I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review

From the moment I encountered Robyn, I was captivated by her relentless determination to excel in everything she undertook. Her understandable cynicism, particularly when faced with the uber-wealthy Fabian Carrington, added depth to her character. Robyn was fiercely proud of her heritage, yet acutely aware of the intolerance that still pervades society, making her constantly mindful of others’ reactions.

Fabian epitomized the quintessential leading man—wealthy, successful, and strikingly handsome. Most importantly, he seemed utterly enchanted by Robyn. However, his inability to control his family’s behavior posed significant challenges for her.

The narrative takes an intriguing turn when the story shifts from London to Robyn’s family home in Yorkshire. It quickly becomes apparent that Robyn’s presence is vital at home, and Yorkshire holds a special place in the author’s heart. Robyn steps up to manage her younger sister’s welfare, even joining the teaching staff at her new school. I found myself rooting for the drama team at St. Mede’s school, hoping for their triumph.

Beddingfield skillfully introduces us to Robyn’s family, offering a clear understanding of her proud and resilient personality. Her unconventional childhood and the similar path she left for her sister are vividly portrayed. The more time spent with them, the more evident the family dynamic becomes, radiating warmth and understanding.

This is a remarkable story and a brilliant start to a new series. The characters are intricately drawn, and Beddingfield’s storytelling resonates with honesty and a commitment to integrity. Without giving away any spoilers, I highly recommend this delightful book.

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