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Julie Houston
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A Class Act: The start of a funny, fabulous series from Julie Houston (Beddingfield Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Julie Houston (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 485 ratings

The first in a series from bestselling author, Julie Houston!

'Warm and poignant, brimming with heart and humour and filled with characters I was rooting for. Loved this class act!’ Fiona Gibson

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.

Readers LOVE Julie Houston:

‘Julie Houston knows how to pluck the readers’ heartstrings . If ever anyone feels down, Julie’s books should be available on prescription... the perfect pick-me-up.’

‘If you are looking to indulge in a tale of Yorkshire and its fabulously feisty, independent women, then Julie’s latest offering should be your first choice. Packed with hopeless romanticism, witty banter and a satisfying ending, this is a splendid read which I heartily recommend.’

‘This was just what I needed to restart the reading bug and has left me wanting to get stuck into all of the books again, fab characters, great storylines and lots of “Will they, won’t they” situations. I buddy read this with a friend but we both ended up binge reading as you find yourself getting lost in the book and wanting to know what’s going to happen next.. I would easily recommend Julie to anyone looking for something to get them out of a book slump or just who wants a good book to get lost in!’

‘I love all of Julie Houston's novels and this one is a cracker. Great characters, a lovely setting and a very entertaining and gripping read. Highly recommended. Don't go on holiday without it!!’

Praise for Julie Houston:

'This is a gorgeous, warm-hearted read with a cast of characters that you can't help but root for. It's a beautiful depiction of the special bond between sisters - warts and all and I can't wait to see where we go next with the Allen family.' Freya Kennedy

‘There is too much to love about Julie’s latest book. This story of three sisters is funny, heart-warming and will keep you hooked to the final page.’ Carmen Reid

'Warm, funny and well written, with a page-turning plot, this book has everything! I loved it!' Katie Fforde

'Julie Houston at her best – heartfelt and hilarious' Sandy Barker

'Laugh-out-loud hilarious and heartwarming!' Mandy Baggot

'A tour de force of beautiful, funny and emotional storytelling' Fay Keenan

'A warm, funny story of sisters and the secrets they keep' Sheila O'Flanagan

'This book is an absolute gigglefest with characters you'll fall in love with!' Katie Ginger

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  1. Book 1 of 2
    Beddingfield
  2. Print length
    365 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Boldwood Books
  5. Publication date
    July 30, 2024
  6. File size
    2.5 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CWLN682G
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Boldwood Books (July 30, 2024)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 30, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.5 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 365 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 485 ratings

About the author

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Julie Houston

Julie Houston

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JULIE HOUSTON IS THE AUTHOR OF 15 NOVELS published by Boldwood and Head of Zeus/Aria:

GOODNESS, GRACE AND ME

THE ONE SAVING GRACE

LOOKING FOR LUCY

AN OFF-PISTE CHRISTMAS

A VILLAGE AFFAIR

COMING HOME TO HOLLY CLOSE FARM

SING ME A SECRET

A VILLAGE VACANCY

A FAMILY AFFAIR

A VILLAGE SECRET

THE VILLAGE VICAR

THE GIRLS OF HEATHERLY HALL

A WEDDING AT HEATHERLY HALL

A CLASS ACT

LESSONS IN LIFE (out May 2025)

Julie lives in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire where her novels are set. After University, where she studied Education and English Literature, she taught for many years as a junior school teacher. As a newly qualified teacher, broke and paying off her first mortgage, she would spend every long summer holiday working on different Kibbutzim in Israel. After teaching in the UK, she taught in Auckland for a year before coming back to this country. She now teaches just when the phone rings for cover. She has been a magistrate for the past twenty-five years. Julie is married with two grown up children. She runs and swims because she’s been told it’s good for her, but would really prefer a glass of wine, a sun lounger and a jolly good book. She hates skiing, gets sick on boats and wouldn’t go pot-holing or paddy diving if her life depended on it.

Her 5th novel A VILLAGE AFFAIR was the seventh most downloaded novel of 2020 and her 7th novel SING ME A SECRET won the RNA Popular Romantic Fiction award in 2022

"GOODNESS, GRACE AND ME", "THE ONE SAVING GRACE" and "LOOKING FOR LUCY" ARE ALL NUMBER ONE BEST SELLERS IN HUMOUR BOTH HERE AND IN AUSTRALIA. "LOOKING FOR LUCY" hit the number #1 overall bestseller spot in Australia.

She is published by Boldwood and HeadOfZeus/Aria and represented by Anne Williams at KHLA Literary agency.

You can contact Julie via the contact page, on Twitter or on Facebook.

Reviews for Julie's latest book: A CLASS ACT

"If you have ever taught, or love being on the stage, or have ever fallen hopelessly head over heels in love, or been devastated in total heartbreak, then you will quickly become completely immersed in Julie Houston’s newest offering. Class Act leads the reader on a rollercoaster of emotions with relatable characters and an intriguing plot. Julie expresses all aspects of humanity in this well-paced tale, with a host of memorable characters and a great sense of place. I thoroughly enjoyed this book: in my opinion, her best yet."

"Julie Houston's trademark humour, pathos and unique Yorkshire voice are all so, so present in this book, and if this series shapes up as well as her previous novels, I know we're all in for such a treat. Wonderful, uplifting storytelling, superbly entertaining prose and a light touch that reveals a true gift for connecting with readers. Brilliant stuff!"

Reviews for the Heatherly Hall Series

“I love a Julie Houston book. I've read them all & this one tops the list for me.”

“Engaging, more than a touch chaotic, emotional at times, and extremely funny – this book really is the author at her wonderful best, one I thoroughly enjoyed, and the perfect conclusion to this excellent series.”

“If you are looking to indulge in a tale of Yorkshire and its fabulously feisty, independent women, then Julie’s latest offering should be your first choice. Packed with hopeless romanticism, witty banter and a satisfying ending, this is a splendid read which I heartily recommend.”

Reviews for A VILLAGE AFFAIR:

"Books like this are the reason I read and although they are rare they are always worth waiting for. I would give this book ten stars if I could." Netgalley Reviewer

"A simply brilliant book and must be read." Nicola C Netgalley reviewer

"This book is set to become one of my guilty pleasures, perfect to read wrapped in a duvet and drinking hot chocolate. Julie Houston delivers a novel that is absorbing, amusing, romantic and unpredictable. The ending, in particular, was something that I wasn't expecting." Netgalley reviewer

"Let me put it this way then, I envy all the readers who are yet to read this beautiful story. Remember that feeling you had, when you just finished your chocolate and your sister is yet to unwrap the cover? She is going to enjoy the sweet treat while you sit there sulking only because you finish it too soon. . . You get the drift. If there was a machine to wipe out specific memories, then I would have jumped at the chance so I can reread this book again and again and again without knowing what is to unfold." Finitha J Netgalley reviewer

REVIEWS FOR 'LOOKING FOR LUCY'

'A real page-turner. You'll laugh and cry, but not be able to put it down as Julie's trademark humour shines through from beginning to end' Cassam Book Blog

'This is one of those novels that makes you want to read "just one more chapter" before you turn out the light, and that chapter turns into several more ' Big Bertha, Amazon Top 500 Reviewer

'An absolutely brilliant read. This will definitely be a book to look out for and I, for one, will be recommending it at every opportunity' I Love Smart Books

" I can't even relate the biggest laugh I got from the whole thing without ruining the joke for everyone else, but it comes at the end of Chapter 16 and caused me to snort tea out of both nostrils" HAL AMAZON TOP 100 REVIEWER

"This book is definitely the 'hilarious, laugh out loud, romantic comedy' it's proclaimed to be with far too many favourite moments to list...but it is also far, far more. There are some really touching moments when life isn't quite so funny, friends aren't there to help out and everything is going horribly wrong...these moments and the central characters insecurities were portrayed with such realism and poignancy they had me avidly turning the pages to find out what happened next."BIG BERTHA AMAZON TOP 500 REVIEWER

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
485 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Didn't expect
    Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    To like this! Thought it was a gooey fall in love and all is well story...ick. But I was hooked with the move to Yorkshire - and fell in love with Robins family myself! MORE PLEASE....
    Helpful
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  • ValeriS29
    4.0 out of 5 stars On the Fence
    Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This book had me on the fence at the beginning and I almost sat it aside. I found Robyn a little annoying to tell you the truth. She was quick with the poor, pitiful me attitude and ran when confronted with anything difficult but was quick to judge Fabian’s own questionable decisions. The Robyn that grew in the second portion of the book showed remarkable growth despite the fact that she had to be forced and almost blackmailed into stepping up for her family. The ending wrapped up quickly and left several plots open to exploration in follow up books in the series. I’d really like to see Jess’ journey to be the next Top Chef!
    Helpful
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  • roshi yousefi tinney
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Enjoyed every minute of it. Couldn’t put it down till I was finished
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  • Romeo Mom
    5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful storyline but…
    Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2024
    Unsatisfactory ending! A (bit) ! rushed!
    Wrapped up in a bow too quickly and with little thought! The story line was very good for a rom-com meet cute!
    Helpful
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  • Annette Johnson
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good book
    Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2024
    Robyn heads home after suffering a fall and possibly the end of her dancing career. She’s offered a teaching position at a local school. It’s the last thing she wants but it might help keep her younger sister in school.
    This was a nice story with a lot going on. It did start a bit slow but did pick up. I did think it ended a little abruptly with several things left hanging.
    It’s a good beach read
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  • Rita Slayton
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved It!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2024
    Robyn's story is one of determination and resilience as she navigates societal intolerance and the complexities of her relationship with the wealthy Fabian Carrington. Her return to Yorkshire marks a pivotal shift, where she takes on the responsibility of her sister's welfare and joins the teaching staff at a local school. Through her journey, Beddingfield vividly portrays Robyn's proud personality and the warmth of her family dynamics, making this a compelling start to a new series.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Fay Jessop
    5.0 out of 5 stars A fabulous start to a new series from a brilliant storyteller!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 24, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    t's no secret that I've adored every single one of Julie Houston's books since the beginning, and 'A Class Act' is no exception. She brings characters and communities, in this case, the three Allen sisters, Robyn, Jess and fifteen year old Sorrel, beautifully to life, and we walk their contrasting journeys with them. And the swoonsome male leads, Fabian and Mason, are a fabulous complement to the women's lives!

    I can't wait, as ever, for the next instalment, as Julie Houston's trademark humour, pathos and unique Yorkshire voice are all so, so present in this book, and if this series shapes up as well as her previous novels, I know we're all in for such a treat. Wonderful, uplifting storytelling, superbly entertaining prose and a light touch that reveals a true gift for connecting with readers. Brilliant stuff!
    Report
  • Kindle Customer S Day
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Class Act
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 26, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A great read with lots of different characters and story lines. The way people are portrayed are very life like. I really felt in touch with the situations that were presented.
    Report
  • Mrs M
    5.0 out of 5 stars Soooooo enjoyable
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 11, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The best yet from Houston. Such a great story with relatable characters honestly couldn’t put it down. Really made me giggle in places. Really looking forward to the next in the series.
    Report
  • Chris Einarsen
    4.0 out of 5 stars A veritable tonic for a cold Australian winter
    Reviewed in Australia on August 16, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Another Julie Houston heart warming novel. It makes Yorkshire come alive and makes me want to return to England. I had great fun reading about your new "family".
    Report
  • Mrs. Marian R. Robb
    5.0 out of 5 stars So so enjoyable!!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 18, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Such a good read, stops you thinking of your own life for a little while, just puts you in a different setting and mindset although probably like me you are perfectly happy with your own life, Reading this book gives an insight and a good few belly laughs into another life...that's what it's all about, isn't it??
    Report

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