A Fistful of Marigolds

Book excerpt: It’s the beginning of new school term in 1973 and Kathy Johnson needs a fresh start. Thirty, unmarried and an overworked teacher in a primary school on a run-down council estate, she is beginning to feel that life has passed her by. She needs to move on, but is still haunted by a tragic secret from her past. However, the disadvantaged people of Becklefield have problems of their own and it’s not long before Kathy is irresistibly, compassionately and sometimes unwillingly drawn into their tumultuous lives. A devastating fire; mice and marigolds, parental abuse and apathy, community poverty and passion, plus knights, castles, cub scouts and hilarious days out to the seaside all become entwined into yet another hectic school year. Kathy needs faith and hope to get through and perhaps with the help of the loving church community she can. Add to that a boy obsessed by Beethoven, a girl who finds hope through a love of flowers and the confusion of several children from the estate all sharing one father exquisitely wrapped up in two poignant love stories, one delightfully her own, and the heart-warming tale of Kathy’s life turns prejudices and assumptions upside down and tells just how it is in the chaotic neighbourhood surrounding an inner-city primary school. ''We are great admirers of Joyce Worsfold's writing. This book is filled with love, and we know that it will be enjoyed by many, many people.' Adrian and Bridget Plass 'If you enjoy a warm-hearted, life-affirming and penetrating read then 'A Fistful of Marigolds' is for you. Written in a lively, accessible and entertaining style, the story captures the joys, misfortunes, the pleasures and the heartbreaks of an inspirational teacher who clearly loved her work with children.' Gervase Phinn