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At the Captain's Table

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At the Captain's Table

By: Gervase Phinn
Narrated by: Gervase Phinn
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Sail away with the delightful new novel from Gervase Phinn, best-selling author of The School at the Top of the Dale.

A summer cruise should be just the ticket for a few weeks of luxury and relaxation—but for the passengers and crew of the Empress of the Ocean, the sights of the Mediterranean are nothing compared to the excitement on board....

For bickering couple Albert and Maureen, the trip might prove a much-needed escape—or the final straw. Elegant Frances de la Mare is determined to hobnob with the right kind of people—but her penthouse suite proves lonelier than she ever imagined. Meanwhile, precocious 12-year-old Oliver discovers that guidebooks don't teach you everything, sparks fly when the port lecturer finds himself upstaged by a popular author, dancers Bruce and Babs can't keep in step, and cruise expert Neville just wants someone to speak to.

But as unlikely friendships are forged, feuds bubble in the laundry room, and everyone jostles for a seat at the captain's table, they might find all their plans going overboard....

Warm, funny and uplifting, this is the perfect escapist story for fans of Gervase Phinn's Yorkshire novels, as well as listeners of Celia Imrie, Alan Titchmarsh and Maeve Haran.

©2022 Gervase Phinn (P)2022 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
Friendship Genre Fiction Literature & Fiction Fiction Feel-Good Funny Witty Comedy
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Critic reviews

"[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriott, and every bit as endearing." (Alan Titchmarsh, best-selling author)

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It seems a long time ago now since I listened to and enjoyed Gervase Phinn's series about the life of a school inspector in Yorkshire. When I came across this book, I was confident that I would enjoy it. Can you describe an audiobook as "a page turner"? If so then this is one and like some of the passengers I was very sorry when the cruise came to an end.

I did find the narration a little bit stilted almost staccato in places, perhaps just me being pernickety. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Yorkshire humour and 'feel good' all the way.

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Loved every moment made me giggle. Love the way it is written and read great story

Happy story

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This was such a great listen. I genuinely feel like I have been on this cruise with these passengers. The whole book is full of great characters.

I highly recommend this audio book. . Gervase is such a talented author who brings out so much warmth in his novels. And he reads his own words in such unique manner.

Thoroughly enjoyed this.

Thank you.

A fantastic listen.

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Gervase is marvellously insightful into human personality; and develops his narrative with empathy, wisdom and humour. The narrative makes us think about how people behave, their ignorance, frailties, sensitivities and kindness - and all so readable; always set in an environment that we can recognise.

Heartwarming, insightful and humorous.

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I like the narration, the story and all the characters. The witticism and down to earth story line. Would listen to this book again and again! Just brilliant!

Funny, heartwarming and true to life

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