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Playgroups and Prosecco: The (Mis)adventures of a Single Mum
A hilarious and totally relatable book about the adventures of a single mum, for fans of Catastrophe and Motherland . Readers of Why Mummy Drinks , Unmumsy Mum and The Single Mum's Wish List will love this debut novel from parenting blogger Slummy Single Mummy. 'You'll end up warming to Frankie so much that you'll be wishing you could crack open a bottle of prosecco with her in real life!' MIKE GAYLE, bestselling author of The Man I Think I Know
________________________________ January 3rd
Jaffa Cakes - 7. Times I was forced to watch a small child do a dance involving a dusty piece of ribbon found under the sofa - 4. Inappropriate thoughts about Zac Efron - undisclosed. Single mum Frankie’s whole life revolves around her kids. But when your toddler has a more active social life, something has to change. Forget ‘me-time’, Frankie would settle for some adult conversation, and watching something other than the Disney channel. The local playgroup may be ruled by Instagram mums with perfect husbands but Frankie accidentally forms a splinter group of single parents. After all, Mummy really needs a playdate of her own. (Now pass the prosecco.) ________________________________ WHAT READERS ARE SAYING 'As a mum of three I could totally relate to this novel on so many levels' - Titian 'Hilarious - made me laugh out loud' - Dominique 'Lots of funny anecdotes parents will recognise!' - Claire 'With shades of Bridget Jones, Frankie stumbles through life as a single mum' - Ann 'A very funny and realistic look at motherhood' - Katrina
________________________________ January 3rd
Jaffa Cakes - 7. Times I was forced to watch a small child do a dance involving a dusty piece of ribbon found under the sofa - 4. Inappropriate thoughts about Zac Efron - undisclosed. Single mum Frankie’s whole life revolves around her kids. But when your toddler has a more active social life, something has to change. Forget ‘me-time’, Frankie would settle for some adult conversation, and watching something other than the Disney channel. The local playgroup may be ruled by Instagram mums with perfect husbands but Frankie accidentally forms a splinter group of single parents. After all, Mummy really needs a playdate of her own. (Now pass the prosecco.) ________________________________ WHAT READERS ARE SAYING 'As a mum of three I could totally relate to this novel on so many levels' - Titian 'Hilarious - made me laugh out loud' - Dominique 'Lots of funny anecdotes parents will recognise!' - Claire 'With shades of Bridget Jones, Frankie stumbles through life as a single mum' - Ann 'A very funny and realistic look at motherhood' - Katrina
400 pages, Paperback
Published May 2, 2019
17 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
May 15, 2019
Playgroups & Prosecco is a delicious funny book, that I highly recommend. I related to this story as I have two girls myself & im fully aware of the ups and downs girls can be like.
Frankie is thirty seven, with two girls & is divorced. Frankie is leading a single mothers life, with working and raising her two girls. She spends her time drinking Proseco, writing a diary and watching on Instagram about a family that has everything, making her feel worse about her own life. I related to Frankie watching about a family that has it all, as everyone likes to watch something, I like watching dynasty the rich family with the huge house, maid and butler. It appears Frankie is very unhappy with her lifestyle as she even watches a family in their house at the bottom of her garden. Sometimes someone else's life can seem much more interesting than your own. There's only one thing left for Frankie is to make a New Year plan to make her own life more interesting. Can Frankie pull this New Year plan off?
All I wish for now is book 2
Frankie is thirty seven, with two girls & is divorced. Frankie is leading a single mothers life, with working and raising her two girls. She spends her time drinking Proseco, writing a diary and watching on Instagram about a family that has everything, making her feel worse about her own life. I related to Frankie watching about a family that has it all, as everyone likes to watch something, I like watching dynasty the rich family with the huge house, maid and butler. It appears Frankie is very unhappy with her lifestyle as she even watches a family in their house at the bottom of her garden. Sometimes someone else's life can seem much more interesting than your own. There's only one thing left for Frankie is to make a New Year plan to make her own life more interesting. Can Frankie pull this New Year plan off?
All I wish for now is book 2
June 2, 2019
I really didn’t enjoy this book and unfortunately gave up after a hundred pages. I found it very boring and repetitive and unbelievable.
It’s a shame I’m sure others will find it funny and a good book but this one was just not for me.
It’s a shame I’m sure others will find it funny and a good book but this one was just not for me.
May 3, 2019
Now, this should be a new parent handbook because I remember motherhood being more like this than any book or leaflet that I had ever been given at the baby clinic. Set out like diary enteries written by Frankie, this is a hilarious account of her daily life, from playgroup gatherings to teen tantrums, Tinder dating, and best friends, it is all there warts and all.
Frankie is a brilliant character that had me proper laughing at situations, nodding along agreeing and at other times wishing I had thought of some of the things she did. Frankie is a Jaffa cake addict and lover of a glass or two of Prosecco when the going gets tough. She has a brilliant couple of mates that band together to face the ‘new age mums’ at playgroup that do everything by the book, from carrot sticks to no additives in their pre-schools snacks. It really is a clicky place of the know-alls and the no-ways!
I howled at outings with her and her children that could have got Oscars for their acting up scenes when they knew they had an audience. Still makes me giggle. If you want an uplifting read then this is a go to book. Oh my, I could have re-named everyone of these characters with people that I have known through life. That is what makes it so great. It is just so relatable to everyday life, mine and more than likely yours too.
I wish to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.
Frankie is a brilliant character that had me proper laughing at situations, nodding along agreeing and at other times wishing I had thought of some of the things she did. Frankie is a Jaffa cake addict and lover of a glass or two of Prosecco when the going gets tough. She has a brilliant couple of mates that band together to face the ‘new age mums’ at playgroup that do everything by the book, from carrot sticks to no additives in their pre-schools snacks. It really is a clicky place of the know-alls and the no-ways!
I howled at outings with her and her children that could have got Oscars for their acting up scenes when they knew they had an audience. Still makes me giggle. If you want an uplifting read then this is a go to book. Oh my, I could have re-named everyone of these characters with people that I have known through life. That is what makes it so great. It is just so relatable to everyday life, mine and more than likely yours too.
I wish to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.
May 2, 2019
What an honest, down-to-earth read .. and SO FUNNY!
Since splitting with husband Ian, Frankie is on her own with toddler Jess and teenager Flo. It's hard to please everyone at the same time (never mind ALL the time) and this is her diary of 2018; the highs, the lows, the daily wine and jaffa cake count . . .
What a great read! There's no whitewashing here; Frankie isn't perfect but she is refreshingly honest and I suspect that deep down all mums can identify with 90% of her life. The sad, the funny and the downright cringeworthy moments are all here, and it is an introspective and intelligent read. I've loved every single thing about this one - her kids, her friends, her job, her search on Tinder and the interactions with the ex, as they work hard together to stay friends. And yes, that is possible!
This is a very easy read; easy to lift and lay - but why would you want to put it aside? Pulled in from the very first, I have laughed and cried along with Frankie and the predicaments she has been in, and I've been royally entertained. Such a fun read, definitely well worth a full five stars and a hearty recommendation! For a debut novel, it is awesome and I'm really looking forward to hearing more from Jo Middleton.
Since splitting with husband Ian, Frankie is on her own with toddler Jess and teenager Flo. It's hard to please everyone at the same time (never mind ALL the time) and this is her diary of 2018; the highs, the lows, the daily wine and jaffa cake count . . .
What a great read! There's no whitewashing here; Frankie isn't perfect but she is refreshingly honest and I suspect that deep down all mums can identify with 90% of her life. The sad, the funny and the downright cringeworthy moments are all here, and it is an introspective and intelligent read. I've loved every single thing about this one - her kids, her friends, her job, her search on Tinder and the interactions with the ex, as they work hard together to stay friends. And yes, that is possible!
This is a very easy read; easy to lift and lay - but why would you want to put it aside? Pulled in from the very first, I have laughed and cried along with Frankie and the predicaments she has been in, and I've been royally entertained. Such a fun read, definitely well worth a full five stars and a hearty recommendation! For a debut novel, it is awesome and I'm really looking forward to hearing more from Jo Middleton.
September 17, 2019
4 out of 5 stars
This is the adventures of a single mum in the diary style but with the twist it’s not based around romance. Frankie starts this diary entry feeling quite solitary as she has not long moved to Devon and recently split from her husband. She is so relatable as she has to fit her work around her children which so many of us have to do and the way she talks about that side is so great. When she starts to make friends you see her blossom and grow. Frankie two new best friends become her team and I loved that team so much. The bits of her dating are so hilarious and I love that it’s not the focus of the book. To me this is a real down to earth book on a single mum that all mums could relate to.
This is the adventures of a single mum in the diary style but with the twist it’s not based around romance. Frankie starts this diary entry feeling quite solitary as she has not long moved to Devon and recently split from her husband. She is so relatable as she has to fit her work around her children which so many of us have to do and the way she talks about that side is so great. When she starts to make friends you see her blossom and grow. Frankie two new best friends become her team and I loved that team so much. The bits of her dating are so hilarious and I love that it’s not the focus of the book. To me this is a real down to earth book on a single mum that all mums could relate to.
July 1, 2019
Playgroups and Prosecco was fun, lighthearted and an absolute joy to read. Full of the prattle of a single mother of two, the tales of wine, Jaffa cakes and amusing anecdotes kept me entertained with each turn of the page. There were so many laugh-out-loud moments and I adored Jo Middleton's writing style. The pacing was spot on - slow in parts but interspersed with incidents, then back to some everyday occurrences. Even the mundane parts were hilarious. Highly recommended and definitely worth five stars!
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Penguin Random House - Ebury Publishing via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Penguin Random House - Ebury Publishing via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
August 7, 2019
This is Jo first book and I loved it. I finished it and wished it had carried on. I was chuckling at quite a few bits.Flo & Jess reminded me of my friends two kids. Frankie was a breath of fresh air as she didn't go around bad mouthing all men. I loved Frankie's relationship with everyone and think everyone needs a Frankie in their life. She cares for people and is genuine and down to earth.i want to write more but don't want to spoil it. I hope Jo writes more
Thanks goes to net galley and the publishers for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks goes to net galley and the publishers for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2019
Hilarious and well written, made me laugh out loud!
May 11, 2019
3.5 Stars
Let's deal with elephant in the room first. This novel is clearly inspired by Helen Fielding's Bridget Jones's Diary, there is no getting away from it - the diary format, the little synopsis at the start of each entry detailing alcohol imbibed, jaffa cakes eaten etc.. The only real difference being that this heroine is divorced, has 2 children and definitely doesn't live in London. Replace big pants and a pole at the Fire Station with swimwear and a 3 Year Old in a changing room and voila you have Playgroups and Prosecco. There is the unfulfilling job, the dating struggles, honestly all the way through I kept seeing the parallels to Ms. Fielding's book (I've never seen the film because there's something about Renee Zellwegger that creeps me out).
That said it is a mildly amusing book - not laugh out loud funny but enough humour to raise a wry smile. Most of which, for this reader, was centred around the hiding of treat foods from the fruit of your loins. Admittedly I didn't go so far as hiding Elizabeth Shaw mints in packaging in the bathroom cabinet but if I'd thought of it I definitely would have done it.
It doesn't bode well when you can't remember the main character's name and I couldn't, I just had to whip the book out to remind myself she was called Frankie. Maybe this is because she narrates the whole story so her name doesn't crop up that often in the text. Maybe it is because it is now 3 days since I finished the book. Who knows? Let's just say I can't really remember any of the character names except for the awful Cassie from Busy Beavers Playgroup, not even the children - was the oldest Lily?
Some fairly decent situational set pieces are to be found in the book. The horrors of the six week summer holiday. The soft play centre that is something from a nightmare. The incessant need for a 3 year old to have your attention on them at ALL times. Despite the premise of the book being about a single mother I have to say Frankie's family sound pretty much perfect; the relationship between teenager and toddler is close and loving and there is no real friction with the divorced father. Frankie also seems to have really good support from him and soon makes friends with other mums. None of the isolation and claustrophobia that seems to be common for a lot of women in this situation and yet Frankie still seems to feel put upon rather than counting her blessings.
Moderately fun and, as it is written in diary form, with really short sections it is very easy to pick up and put down. You can read an entry or two whilst waiting for the kettle to boil. Nothing outstanding but it will raise a wry smile or two and is perfect reading for anyone who struggles to cram reading time in to their day.
THIS IS AN HONEST REVIEW OF A FREE COPY OF THE BOOK RECEIVED FROM READERS FIRST.
Let's deal with elephant in the room first. This novel is clearly inspired by Helen Fielding's Bridget Jones's Diary, there is no getting away from it - the diary format, the little synopsis at the start of each entry detailing alcohol imbibed, jaffa cakes eaten etc.. The only real difference being that this heroine is divorced, has 2 children and definitely doesn't live in London. Replace big pants and a pole at the Fire Station with swimwear and a 3 Year Old in a changing room and voila you have Playgroups and Prosecco. There is the unfulfilling job, the dating struggles, honestly all the way through I kept seeing the parallels to Ms. Fielding's book (I've never seen the film because there's something about Renee Zellwegger that creeps me out).
That said it is a mildly amusing book - not laugh out loud funny but enough humour to raise a wry smile. Most of which, for this reader, was centred around the hiding of treat foods from the fruit of your loins. Admittedly I didn't go so far as hiding Elizabeth Shaw mints in packaging in the bathroom cabinet but if I'd thought of it I definitely would have done it.
It doesn't bode well when you can't remember the main character's name and I couldn't, I just had to whip the book out to remind myself she was called Frankie. Maybe this is because she narrates the whole story so her name doesn't crop up that often in the text. Maybe it is because it is now 3 days since I finished the book. Who knows? Let's just say I can't really remember any of the character names except for the awful Cassie from Busy Beavers Playgroup, not even the children - was the oldest Lily?
Some fairly decent situational set pieces are to be found in the book. The horrors of the six week summer holiday. The soft play centre that is something from a nightmare. The incessant need for a 3 year old to have your attention on them at ALL times. Despite the premise of the book being about a single mother I have to say Frankie's family sound pretty much perfect; the relationship between teenager and toddler is close and loving and there is no real friction with the divorced father. Frankie also seems to have really good support from him and soon makes friends with other mums. None of the isolation and claustrophobia that seems to be common for a lot of women in this situation and yet Frankie still seems to feel put upon rather than counting her blessings.
Moderately fun and, as it is written in diary form, with really short sections it is very easy to pick up and put down. You can read an entry or two whilst waiting for the kettle to boil. Nothing outstanding but it will raise a wry smile or two and is perfect reading for anyone who struggles to cram reading time in to their day.
THIS IS AN HONEST REVIEW OF A FREE COPY OF THE BOOK RECEIVED FROM READERS FIRST.
October 24, 2021
3 stars.
I picked this one up on the back of several reads which I found quite difficult to follow in parts, many of them with unworldly premises and while I enjoyed most of them, they were hard work! So I was in the mood for something silly, that required very little thinking, as a relaxing weekend read. For that purpose this was perfect, it delivered all the silliness that I could have possibly wanted, but at the same time it didn’t blow me away.
The scene is set relatively close to the start, the book takes the format of a diary by Frankie, a divorced single mother of two, . A lot of her insecurity seems to stem from an Instagram account that she follows, though really, her kids Flo and Jess weren’t actually that bad.
The diary format worked well for the humour, although I suspect a lot of it was lost on me as I’ve never been married nor do I have children, therefore I guess there’s a lot to not relate to. There’s really not much by way of a storyline, there were little plotlines here and there but nothing really substantial built up during the course of the 300+ pages. Things do get a bit more intense during the middle bit, when , but that plotline is shut down almost as quickly as it came about. I was hoping that the author would expand on at least one of the plotlines, I really wanted , but even this bit was only touch-and-go throughout the book. I know the intention was to keep the book light, but that doesn’t mean that there can’t be meaningful storylines, I know plenty of chick-lit authors who successfully do both – that was unfortunately just not the case here.
For an easy weekend read I gave 3 stars, but there isn’t much that is memorable in this one and I fully expect to completely forget what it was about once I’ve read a couple more books.
I picked this one up on the back of several reads which I found quite difficult to follow in parts, many of them with unworldly premises and while I enjoyed most of them, they were hard work! So I was in the mood for something silly, that required very little thinking, as a relaxing weekend read. For that purpose this was perfect, it delivered all the silliness that I could have possibly wanted, but at the same time it didn’t blow me away.
The scene is set relatively close to the start, the book takes the format of a diary by Frankie, a divorced single mother of two, . A lot of her insecurity seems to stem from an Instagram account that she follows, though really, her kids Flo and Jess weren’t actually that bad.
The diary format worked well for the humour, although I suspect a lot of it was lost on me as I’ve never been married nor do I have children, therefore I guess there’s a lot to not relate to. There’s really not much by way of a storyline, there were little plotlines here and there but nothing really substantial built up during the course of the 300+ pages. Things do get a bit more intense during the middle bit, when , but that plotline is shut down almost as quickly as it came about. I was hoping that the author would expand on at least one of the plotlines, I really wanted , but even this bit was only touch-and-go throughout the book. I know the intention was to keep the book light, but that doesn’t mean that there can’t be meaningful storylines, I know plenty of chick-lit authors who successfully do both – that was unfortunately just not the case here.
For an easy weekend read I gave 3 stars, but there isn’t much that is memorable in this one and I fully expect to completely forget what it was about once I’ve read a couple more books.
September 15, 2019
The protagonist of this book is Frankie, a single mom of two girls, one is fourteen and the second one is four. The book is written as a diary and covers one year of Frankie’s life, and it was an amazing book to read. The main thing why it is so good, is because it seems real and very relatable. Frankie seems like any mother, tired, annoyed, and in need of “Me” time. 😀 I really liked Frankie as a character, she is hilarious, slightly too much into alcohol, and very likeable.
The narrative is not one of those books, where the mother gets an adventure of her lifetime. This book is like a real diary, with ups and downs, looking for romance on Tinder, dealing with a teenager and a toddler, making great friendships with like-minded people, work problems, lack of social life etc. This book has some great turns, and I was looking forward to those exciting or funny parts because sometimes it felt that the plot was just plodding along. (Just like real life does… )
I liked the writing style of this book, it was creative and incredibly easy and pleasant to read. The chapters are short and sweet, and the pages just fly by. The setting of the book doesn’t change much, but it gives the warmth and cosines to the book. I would not recommend this book to parents who want/ are expecting children, it might put you off a little. :D I don’t like children, and after reading this book, I am even more convinced that I don’t fancy having them any time soon. 😀 (They are petrifying! )
So, to conclude, this book is filled with a great variety of funny and very relatable characters, and the plot sounds very real and petrifying at times, but amusing and absorbing nevertheless. This book is perfect for any parent, but I think, that single parent can relate to it best. But in general, if you are looking for a book to make you laugh out loud, this one is a must-read!
The narrative is not one of those books, where the mother gets an adventure of her lifetime. This book is like a real diary, with ups and downs, looking for romance on Tinder, dealing with a teenager and a toddler, making great friendships with like-minded people, work problems, lack of social life etc. This book has some great turns, and I was looking forward to those exciting or funny parts because sometimes it felt that the plot was just plodding along. (Just like real life does… )
I liked the writing style of this book, it was creative and incredibly easy and pleasant to read. The chapters are short and sweet, and the pages just fly by. The setting of the book doesn’t change much, but it gives the warmth and cosines to the book. I would not recommend this book to parents who want/ are expecting children, it might put you off a little. :D I don’t like children, and after reading this book, I am even more convinced that I don’t fancy having them any time soon. 😀 (They are petrifying! )
So, to conclude, this book is filled with a great variety of funny and very relatable characters, and the plot sounds very real and petrifying at times, but amusing and absorbing nevertheless. This book is perfect for any parent, but I think, that single parent can relate to it best. But in general, if you are looking for a book to make you laugh out loud, this one is a must-read!
April 30, 2019
This book should come with a note on the front cover saying to not read in public places because it will make you laugh out loud and people around you will give you weird, this-woman-is-crazy looks. That’s what happened to me… PLAYGROUPS & PROSECCO is such a fun and entertaining book and I think I laughed almost every page.
It’s the story of Frankie, 37 years-old, recently divorced, two daughters (one is a teenager, the other is a toddler), a job (and a boss) she hates but that works around her daughters’ school hours, and a great love for Jaffa Cakes and Prosecco. In her diary, Frankie narrates a year of adventures, from facing the mommy mafia at the Busy Beavers playground to stalking the perfect mother with the perfect life on Instagram, from disastrous encounters with men on Tinder to awkward and embarrassing situations in public places, often caused by her three-year-old daughter Jess, she doesn’t leave anything out.
20190424_135335 (1)I think that my favourite character is Jess, Frankie’s toddler. She has a knack to say the wrong thing at the wrong time, to get her mother in humiliating situations, and to test her patience. There was a particular scene involving Jess, Frankie, and a fountain in the park that had me with tears in my eyes from laughing.
Frankie is a fantastic character that you can’t help but like. She is honest, funny, intelligent, and genuine and I loved how she develops throughout the book. Her stories are relatable and written in a natural and entertaining writing style that hold the reader’s attention page after page. I liked that the novel doesn’t focus much on Frankie’s love life (aside from her Tinder dates that made me doubt about the future of mankind) and more on her friendships (I liked Sierra, Lou, and their WIB WhatsApp group), her family, and her work life (her hate for her boss Steve was another motive for laugh).
PLAYGROUPS & PROSECCO is an uplifting, engaging, hilarious, and brilliantly-written novel, an absolute page-turner. I highly recommend it!!!
It’s the story of Frankie, 37 years-old, recently divorced, two daughters (one is a teenager, the other is a toddler), a job (and a boss) she hates but that works around her daughters’ school hours, and a great love for Jaffa Cakes and Prosecco. In her diary, Frankie narrates a year of adventures, from facing the mommy mafia at the Busy Beavers playground to stalking the perfect mother with the perfect life on Instagram, from disastrous encounters with men on Tinder to awkward and embarrassing situations in public places, often caused by her three-year-old daughter Jess, she doesn’t leave anything out.
20190424_135335 (1)I think that my favourite character is Jess, Frankie’s toddler. She has a knack to say the wrong thing at the wrong time, to get her mother in humiliating situations, and to test her patience. There was a particular scene involving Jess, Frankie, and a fountain in the park that had me with tears in my eyes from laughing.
Frankie is a fantastic character that you can’t help but like. She is honest, funny, intelligent, and genuine and I loved how she develops throughout the book. Her stories are relatable and written in a natural and entertaining writing style that hold the reader’s attention page after page. I liked that the novel doesn’t focus much on Frankie’s love life (aside from her Tinder dates that made me doubt about the future of mankind) and more on her friendships (I liked Sierra, Lou, and their WIB WhatsApp group), her family, and her work life (her hate for her boss Steve was another motive for laugh).
PLAYGROUPS & PROSECCO is an uplifting, engaging, hilarious, and brilliantly-written novel, an absolute page-turner. I highly recommend it!!!
June 9, 2019
Made me laugh out loud!
I really enjoyed the beginning of the book when I wrote my first impressions review, however I was concerned I would not be able to fully enjoy the book as I wasnt a parent. How wrong I was. From the beginning, this book had me laughing out loud at the hilarious and sometimes awkward stories which you could completely imagine happening in your own life. Although I dont always enjoy diary styled books, the layout of this reminded of Bridget Jones' Diary which I think is one of the reasons I loved it so much. I felt like I identified with the main character Frankie immediately. Her love of Jaffa Cakes and processco / G&Ts was something I could relate to. Although the style was similar to that of Helen Fieldings', I dont believe it was a copy cat version. This book had a host of amazing characters which I liked to read about. Unfortunately i noticed a couple of typos in the book which normally puts me off the book however I was enjoying the book so much it didnt really bother me. There were several times I had to read a sentence or two out loud to my boyfriend because I found it so funny (an incident with her youngest daughter and a fountain springs to mind...). I am not sure how much he appreciated this constant interruption, but I felt some of the writing had to be shared as it made me laugh so much.
The stories were hilarious but still believable and you can imagine a lot of them happening in your own lives. I hope this is not the last we hear from Frankie as I think she has more quirky stories to tell.
This is an excellent summer or holiday read. Yes i would class it as an easy read but that is in no way an insult. This is the type of book that will provide comfort and comic relief at the end of a stressful day
I really enjoyed the beginning of the book when I wrote my first impressions review, however I was concerned I would not be able to fully enjoy the book as I wasnt a parent. How wrong I was. From the beginning, this book had me laughing out loud at the hilarious and sometimes awkward stories which you could completely imagine happening in your own life. Although I dont always enjoy diary styled books, the layout of this reminded of Bridget Jones' Diary which I think is one of the reasons I loved it so much. I felt like I identified with the main character Frankie immediately. Her love of Jaffa Cakes and processco / G&Ts was something I could relate to. Although the style was similar to that of Helen Fieldings', I dont believe it was a copy cat version. This book had a host of amazing characters which I liked to read about. Unfortunately i noticed a couple of typos in the book which normally puts me off the book however I was enjoying the book so much it didnt really bother me. There were several times I had to read a sentence or two out loud to my boyfriend because I found it so funny (an incident with her youngest daughter and a fountain springs to mind...). I am not sure how much he appreciated this constant interruption, but I felt some of the writing had to be shared as it made me laugh so much.
The stories were hilarious but still believable and you can imagine a lot of them happening in your own lives. I hope this is not the last we hear from Frankie as I think she has more quirky stories to tell.
This is an excellent summer or holiday read. Yes i would class it as an easy read but that is in no way an insult. This is the type of book that will provide comfort and comic relief at the end of a stressful day
May 26, 2019
Hearwarming and Enjoyable
As this book is clearly intended for mothers, I will start this by saying that I am not a mother. I do, however, relate to and enjoy a number of things that Frankie says throughout the novel (mostly r.e. snacking and socialising) and know for a fact that my own mum will laugh out loud at the majority of this book when I give it to her to read.
This book is structured like a diary, chronicling almost every day of the life of Frankie, a single mother of two, in 2018. Whilst the repetition of events and jokes could have come across as tedious, it was actually very enjoyable to read about a regular life with believable and relatable plot points. The story was a very believable, year-long account of the life of a single mum, and it was fascinating to follow Frankie's amusing anecdotes.
Frankie herself is an incredibly relatable character. It's so refreshing to see a protagonist that is not constantly pretending to have everything in their life sorted out, and instead see the real struggles of someone in her position. I also particularly liked Flo's character, as I am only just past my own teenage years and definitely relate to her actions.
Overall, this book was a very easy, amusing and enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a laugh and an uplifting story, and am certainly happy to have gone along with Frankie's journey.
As this book is clearly intended for mothers, I will start this by saying that I am not a mother. I do, however, relate to and enjoy a number of things that Frankie says throughout the novel (mostly r.e. snacking and socialising) and know for a fact that my own mum will laugh out loud at the majority of this book when I give it to her to read.
This book is structured like a diary, chronicling almost every day of the life of Frankie, a single mother of two, in 2018. Whilst the repetition of events and jokes could have come across as tedious, it was actually very enjoyable to read about a regular life with believable and relatable plot points. The story was a very believable, year-long account of the life of a single mum, and it was fascinating to follow Frankie's amusing anecdotes.
Frankie herself is an incredibly relatable character. It's so refreshing to see a protagonist that is not constantly pretending to have everything in their life sorted out, and instead see the real struggles of someone in her position. I also particularly liked Flo's character, as I am only just past my own teenage years and definitely relate to her actions.
Overall, this book was a very easy, amusing and enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a laugh and an uplifting story, and am certainly happy to have gone along with Frankie's journey.
May 7, 2019
In this fun debut all about handling motherhood day by day through insightful diary entries from single mum, Frankie we see how she handles her teenage daughter Flo, lively three year old Jess and the tasks of playgroup, mother group meetings with her friends Louise and Sierra as well as the trials and tribulations of giving online dating a go, disasters and demands a plenty on the men's part!
She has to contend with useless ex Can getting in touch out of the blue, finding a job which fits around childcare but suits her too and fixing her friendship with Jess's dad her best friend after they ended their marriage mutually.
This book had some hilarious moments which were unbelievable but also down to earth moments which were truthful as I too as a kid did some of the play activities Jess does from soft play, learning to swim and the joys of Barbie and Lego playing too. The mum's were a cool group do I their best and Frankie was a realistic mum, they all have a biscuit habit and love wine, to me they do anyway!
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
She has to contend with useless ex Can getting in touch out of the blue, finding a job which fits around childcare but suits her too and fixing her friendship with Jess's dad her best friend after they ended their marriage mutually.
This book had some hilarious moments which were unbelievable but also down to earth moments which were truthful as I too as a kid did some of the play activities Jess does from soft play, learning to swim and the joys of Barbie and Lego playing too. The mum's were a cool group do I their best and Frankie was a realistic mum, they all have a biscuit habit and love wine, to me they do anyway!
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
June 8, 2019
I loved this book and wanted it to just go on and on without end.
It is written in the he form of a diary that lasts the year. The main character is called Frankie and she is a single mum to two children, one is a teenager, the other still a tot and Frankie is trying to negotiate her life as well as her time around them which she is finding is not an easy task.
While sitting on the sofa eating Jaffa cakes and watching her daughter playing she realises that her daughter is having so much more fun and socialising more than she does, she doesn’t even have another adult to talk to. The playground is run by mums whose life is women with perfect husbands so she decides to set up a group of single mums.
The results are hilarious, watch where you are reading as you will be laughing out loud with it.
The story has been left in such a way that there could be a follow on book and I’m really hoping there is, Frankie is such a great character and want to know what happens the following year.
With definitely recommend reading it.
It is written in the he form of a diary that lasts the year. The main character is called Frankie and she is a single mum to two children, one is a teenager, the other still a tot and Frankie is trying to negotiate her life as well as her time around them which she is finding is not an easy task.
While sitting on the sofa eating Jaffa cakes and watching her daughter playing she realises that her daughter is having so much more fun and socialising more than she does, she doesn’t even have another adult to talk to. The playground is run by mums whose life is women with perfect husbands so she decides to set up a group of single mums.
The results are hilarious, watch where you are reading as you will be laughing out loud with it.
The story has been left in such a way that there could be a follow on book and I’m really hoping there is, Frankie is such a great character and want to know what happens the following year.
With definitely recommend reading it.
January 1, 2020
What a lovely cuddle of a book, well paced and easy to read. I read Playgroups and Prosecco really quickly and was rather sad when the chimes of midnight called the end to the book. I became rather attached to. Frankie, Lou and Siena and you end up wishing you could be part I’d their little gang, too. I hope the author considers continuing the story of these three lovely ladies,
Written in diary format the novel cronacles the ups and downs of Frankie’s life as she tries to negotiate life as a single mum, her relationship with her ex-husband, fellow mums, her work colleagues and love interests.
This book is completely relatable, whether you have children or not. Frankie reminisces about Halloween’s of the past where there were none of these fancy costumes in supermarkets and we had to get by with black bin bags with holes cut in them for heads and arms. This along with many other moments made me laugh out loud. Not a book to be read on public transport if you’re selfcomcious, but definitely for you if you’re loooking for an escapist, but relatable read. Joyful!
December 21, 2018
Playgroups and Prosecco is a lighthearted book filled with amusing anecdotes, wine, and lots of Jaffa cakes. It’s written in the form of a diary, making it easy to read a bit here and there without losing the plot. Anyone who is a mom, or especially a single parent, will be able to relate to the main character, Frankie.
Frankie is a strong, independent woman. She isn’t afraid to speak her mind and tell hard truths. She makes some great, very supportive friends as she muddles her way through single parenting and dating again.
This was my first book by Jo Middleton l. I found the book difficult to get into; the first half especially kept losing my interest. The second half was more interesting, but the ending felt incomplete. As a blog or Facebook statuses, these stories and anecdotes could be funny, but all in one book it became a tad tedious. I will say that the every day events were very realistic though. The poop incident was my favorite.
Frankie is a strong, independent woman. She isn’t afraid to speak her mind and tell hard truths. She makes some great, very supportive friends as she muddles her way through single parenting and dating again.
This was my first book by Jo Middleton l. I found the book difficult to get into; the first half especially kept losing my interest. The second half was more interesting, but the ending felt incomplete. As a blog or Facebook statuses, these stories and anecdotes could be funny, but all in one book it became a tad tedious. I will say that the every day events were very realistic though. The poop incident was my favorite.
April 14, 2019
It's not easy being a working, single mum, and to top it off, deal with the issues of a teen, as well as a preschool daughter. Oh and manage daycare cliques as well as find love... Or is it?
In this fantastic read, we meet Frankie who is all of the above and follow her over a year filled with Jaffa Cakes, Prosecco, Tinder, toilet happenings and Mooncups...
A hilarious diary style book that had been rooting for Frankie throughout. For the record, I'd have thrown a stapler at Steve, her boss, scrolled longingly through the Insta account of @simple_dorset_life, and embraced my new friends, Lou and Sierra too.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants a light-hearted read, with maximum enjoyment!
Think of it as Adrian Mole for the Middle Aged, or Dork Diaries for grown ups!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Random House and Ebury Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
In this fantastic read, we meet Frankie who is all of the above and follow her over a year filled with Jaffa Cakes, Prosecco, Tinder, toilet happenings and Mooncups...
A hilarious diary style book that had been rooting for Frankie throughout. For the record, I'd have thrown a stapler at Steve, her boss, scrolled longingly through the Insta account of @simple_dorset_life, and embraced my new friends, Lou and Sierra too.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants a light-hearted read, with maximum enjoyment!
Think of it as Adrian Mole for the Middle Aged, or Dork Diaries for grown ups!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Random House and Ebury Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 3, 2019
Reading Playgroups and Prosecco is like reading a modern day Bridget Jones- if Bridget had written a diary when her child was 3 years old, had had a divorce and had to contend with a teenage daughter.
I still dislike the cover of this book however, the yellow text mixed with the muted blue/green is just not attractive or eye catching. I would have much preferred a more pastel aesthetic which is more common with this style of book. Think a Fiona Gibson cover style.
Set out like a diary, you truly connect with Frankie and she is just so relatable. Any mum would be able to relate to her utter disbelief yet longing to be an Instagram mummy- that said, you definitely do not need to have children to enjoy this book. It's easy to read and Jo Middleton is hilarious. I haven't read her blog but finishing this book makes me want to check it out.
Although all opinions are my own in this review I would like to thank Ebury Press and Readers First for an advance publication copy.
I still dislike the cover of this book however, the yellow text mixed with the muted blue/green is just not attractive or eye catching. I would have much preferred a more pastel aesthetic which is more common with this style of book. Think a Fiona Gibson cover style.
Set out like a diary, you truly connect with Frankie and she is just so relatable. Any mum would be able to relate to her utter disbelief yet longing to be an Instagram mummy- that said, you definitely do not need to have children to enjoy this book. It's easy to read and Jo Middleton is hilarious. I haven't read her blog but finishing this book makes me want to check it out.
Although all opinions are my own in this review I would like to thank Ebury Press and Readers First for an advance publication copy.
May 5, 2019
Any book that makes my life suddenly feel happy and gives me a chuckle or a laugh aloud gets a ten out of ten from me.
This is one of those books.
The author has decided that she can write her story best in a diary form a day at a time.
This took a bit of getting used to as it seems to crop all the information and substance of the story, but it manages to do so without leaving anything out.
Teenage Flo and play group age Jess equate to my own family experiences so I found the way they behave very easy to relate too.
I learnt a lot too on how the modern woman in this busy world really feels and how they conduct themselves just to keep going.
I was really pleased to now be able to understand the meaning of some of the more modern words and phrases.
The honest comments from Jess to others about "mum" are so hilarious and true to life.
This is a really good book to lift your spirits along with your prosecco and jaffa cakes!
This is one of those books.
The author has decided that she can write her story best in a diary form a day at a time.
This took a bit of getting used to as it seems to crop all the information and substance of the story, but it manages to do so without leaving anything out.
Teenage Flo and play group age Jess equate to my own family experiences so I found the way they behave very easy to relate too.
I learnt a lot too on how the modern woman in this busy world really feels and how they conduct themselves just to keep going.
I was really pleased to now be able to understand the meaning of some of the more modern words and phrases.
The honest comments from Jess to others about "mum" are so hilarious and true to life.
This is a really good book to lift your spirits along with your prosecco and jaffa cakes!
May 6, 2019
This book, written in diary style is a humorous look at the everyday, Jo Middleton has turned the ordinary into a wonderful laugh out loud read. The diary chronicles a year in the life of, Jaffa Cake and Prosecco fuelled, single mum Frankie as she copes with a part time job, a toddler and a teenager. Faced with the mums at playgroup who appear to lead perfect Instagram lives, she forms a splinter group because after all playgroup is not just for the toddlers social life but for mummy's too. Communicating with her mum friends on WhatsApp, Frankie struggles with an Ex husband, tackles a teenager and takes a foray into Tinder dating all with comical results.
I really loved this book, as a mum I found some of the stories easy to relate to, and it gave me the 'been there, done that' feeling. It is written with such insight and fun, I really enjoyed it and was a bit sad when I got to the end! Hoping there is a part two!
I really loved this book, as a mum I found some of the stories easy to relate to, and it gave me the 'been there, done that' feeling. It is written with such insight and fun, I really enjoyed it and was a bit sad when I got to the end! Hoping there is a part two!
May 6, 2019
Playgroups and Prosecco feels like you're reading through a blog. The writing flows easily, making reading light and pleasant. It's probably not the type of book that would fall into my favourites, but Jo Middleton made it extremely funny and managed to get a few good laughs out of me (effortless). The main theme itself is actual and the struggles of a divorcee mom, trying to balance her new lifestyle and the modern world demands, is described accurately. My preview copy had a few typing errors, but hopefully the next editions will have these fixed.
A tribute to single parents, a kind of 'desperate housewives' daily struggles and a toast to books that don't need a happy ever after. Because in real life, you do come across plenty of sad looking faced guys holding a fish on Tinder. And the happiest ending is to finding your place and know that friends are the real purpose to happy living.
A tribute to single parents, a kind of 'desperate housewives' daily struggles and a toast to books that don't need a happy ever after. Because in real life, you do come across plenty of sad looking faced guys holding a fish on Tinder. And the happiest ending is to finding your place and know that friends are the real purpose to happy living.
March 27, 2021
Playgroups & Prosecco? Yes please, but make it a vodka.
You need to be drinking Prosecco when you read this book, it is after all in the title! Do you think it carries across into reviews?
It was what I was expecting, a cheerful read but a predictable one as well.
Choosing to structure it like a diary I am once again thrust into the comparison such as Ann Frank and school assignments such as writing a ‘summer/holiday diary’. I think this trope let the book down in my opinion it's overworked and doesn’t capture my attention.
I found it hard to get fully invested in these pages but overall I did enjoy the majority of the book, once I had committed to it.
A book for mums/parents who want someone to be struggling (maybe like they are?), it does have relatable moments and themes, especially as our protagonist's children are 14 and 4 a wide age gap can only lead to funny ups and downs.
3 Stars
You need to be drinking Prosecco when you read this book, it is after all in the title! Do you think it carries across into reviews?
It was what I was expecting, a cheerful read but a predictable one as well.
Choosing to structure it like a diary I am once again thrust into the comparison such as Ann Frank and school assignments such as writing a ‘summer/holiday diary’. I think this trope let the book down in my opinion it's overworked and doesn’t capture my attention.
I found it hard to get fully invested in these pages but overall I did enjoy the majority of the book, once I had committed to it.
A book for mums/parents who want someone to be struggling (maybe like they are?), it does have relatable moments and themes, especially as our protagonist's children are 14 and 4 a wide age gap can only lead to funny ups and downs.
3 Stars
May 5, 2019
So I confess that, at first, I wasn't really that fussed by this book. I felt that it was trying to hard to be the new Bridget Jones' Diary (and when you emulate a book that was so popular you're setting yourself up for a fall).
However, almost despite myself, the further I read the more I enjoyed Frankie's dairy of 2018.
Any Mummy (single or not) will recognise the playgroup scenarios, the annoying behaviour of 3 year olds and the general laughability of men on Tinder. That's why this book works so well. We can see real life in it. Sure some may be a little exaggerated but much of it is true life, warts and all.
It also avoids an cliched romantic ending, just giving a hint of potential partnerships to come.
Overall a funny, feel good book - I just wish it had left out the slightly tedious Jaffa cake count.
However, almost despite myself, the further I read the more I enjoyed Frankie's dairy of 2018.
Any Mummy (single or not) will recognise the playgroup scenarios, the annoying behaviour of 3 year olds and the general laughability of men on Tinder. That's why this book works so well. We can see real life in it. Sure some may be a little exaggerated but much of it is true life, warts and all.
It also avoids an cliched romantic ending, just giving a hint of potential partnerships to come.
Overall a funny, feel good book - I just wish it had left out the slightly tedious Jaffa cake count.
May 10, 2019
All the fun!
A wild story of Frankie, a single mother of two kids. She split from her husband a year ago amicably and has since found her life to be a little on the dull side, devoid of adult fun and grown-up hobbies.
She plans to start her year with a diary, but knows that her life is pretty uneventful. But still, she keeps at it, and how wrong she turns out to be! Her adventures often are mundane but those that aren't, are fairly on the wild side! From chatting with men on Tinder, to clashing with judgemental mothers at her daughter's Playgroup!
Funny and carefree, this book definitely has a universal kind of humour and doesn't require you to 'relate's to it, in order to enjoy it.
I recommend to fans of Catherine Alliot and the Moriarty sisters. While this isn't so 'serious', it has all the same drama and humour!
I received this book for review consideration.
A wild story of Frankie, a single mother of two kids. She split from her husband a year ago amicably and has since found her life to be a little on the dull side, devoid of adult fun and grown-up hobbies.
She plans to start her year with a diary, but knows that her life is pretty uneventful. But still, she keeps at it, and how wrong she turns out to be! Her adventures often are mundane but those that aren't, are fairly on the wild side! From chatting with men on Tinder, to clashing with judgemental mothers at her daughter's Playgroup!
Funny and carefree, this book definitely has a universal kind of humour and doesn't require you to 'relate's to it, in order to enjoy it.
I recommend to fans of Catherine Alliot and the Moriarty sisters. While this isn't so 'serious', it has all the same drama and humour!
I received this book for review consideration.
April 15, 2024
I’m so disappointed with this one… it had so much promise, so much to say, in a new and funny way… middle aged freshly divorced single mom of two girls in Dorset suburbia… all the mom shame and the mom guilt and everything made the main character very relatable and I actually burst out laughing quite a few times, but the whole book just felt like disparate diary entries (hint, the book is written in a diary format) and much like real daily lives - it got repetitive and boring quite quickly.
Reading the acknowledgments, I can see the author was initially the writer of a successful blog, which she then turned into this book. And that makes so much sense. I can imagine reading that blog on a regular basis to check on my online very removed fellow mom friend. Small doses every other day or so. Otherwise it’s just… meh!
Reading the acknowledgments, I can see the author was initially the writer of a successful blog, which she then turned into this book. And that makes so much sense. I can imagine reading that blog on a regular basis to check on my online very removed fellow mom friend. Small doses every other day or so. Otherwise it’s just… meh!
April 6, 2019
Thank you to the publisher for this advanced copy to review via NetGalley.
I absolutely loved Playgroups and Prosecco - I identified with Frankie perhaps a bit too much if I'm honest. I laughed so hard I had tears rolling down my face several times and seriously, people with kids around High School Musical Days - of course we Googled how old he was haha.
I loved the diary layout, and how varied the entries were. Frankie's friends Sierra and Louise were spot on and made me remember my toddler days with #2 fondly. I also think the fact that I have both a 14yo and an almost 3yo really struck a chord with me too.
All in all, I absolutely loved this book and would definitely read more from this author and I'd love a Frankie follow-up?!
I absolutely loved Playgroups and Prosecco - I identified with Frankie perhaps a bit too much if I'm honest. I laughed so hard I had tears rolling down my face several times and seriously, people with kids around High School Musical Days - of course we Googled how old he was haha.
I loved the diary layout, and how varied the entries were. Frankie's friends Sierra and Louise were spot on and made me remember my toddler days with #2 fondly. I also think the fact that I have both a 14yo and an almost 3yo really struck a chord with me too.
All in all, I absolutely loved this book and would definitely read more from this author and I'd love a Frankie follow-up?!
May 5, 2019
I was given a copy of this in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley
Frankie is a single mum writing a journal of her year. She goes through some major life decisions and begins to learn about herself, her children and how to live the life she wants to live.
This was such a funny and very real book. It's so easy to relate to much of what happens to Frankie. So many parents feel the way she does, I know I certainly have. The story is written in a diary format which I really liked. The story was strong and so very real. It also made me laugh many times. A brilliant, funny light read. The scene with the fountain was hilarious and loved the ending. It finished the story so perfectly too.
Frankie is a single mum writing a journal of her year. She goes through some major life decisions and begins to learn about herself, her children and how to live the life she wants to live.
This was such a funny and very real book. It's so easy to relate to much of what happens to Frankie. So many parents feel the way she does, I know I certainly have. The story is written in a diary format which I really liked. The story was strong and so very real. It also made me laugh many times. A brilliant, funny light read. The scene with the fountain was hilarious and loved the ending. It finished the story so perfectly too.
May 8, 2019
A year in the life of a single mum, well apart from the fact I don't have kids I felt that the dating parts were so accurate and could have been my experiences. On line dating is a minefield! I laughed out loud many times, especially at Jess's exploits, everyone needs a three year old in their life to bring them back to earth. We've all had to put up with the mean girls in our lives and I loved the fruit shoots incident. I can thoroughly recommend this to anyone who feels a little bit isolated, we can all find friends and humour in the most unlikely situations. I love the name of the book shop, the description of it alone makes me want to go there and add in the book club and I'm sold. This is a well thought out book and a great read.
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