This copy of “Playgroups and Prosecco” was sent to me for purposes of review.
I am so excited to be part of the Playgroups and Prosecco Blogger Book Tour. Playgroups and Prosecco: The (Mis)Adventures of a Single Mum is the debut novel from Jo Middleton, also known as parenting blogger, Slummy Single Mummy. In all honesty as soon as I heard that @MummyBlogger was writing a novel, I pre ordered it at the earliest opportunity therefore I was delighted to be offered the chance to preview this much anticipated book and get to read it a couple of weeks earlier! Read on for my review of Playgroups and Prosecco:
Playgroups and Prosecco – a Debut Novel by Jo Middleton
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.)
Playgroups and Prosecco Book Review
Playgroups and Prosecco is written in a diary format, “Adrian Mole” and “Bridget Jones Diary” style with a hint of the parenting comedy, Motherland. I began reading the first few pages slowly as I got to know Frankie, her daughters and the other characters in this book. By January 5th I was heavily invested and whizzing through unable to put it down. One perk of book reviewing is being able to convince myself (not to mention Dave and the kids!) that I’m working as I gulp prosecco and greedily binge on the book in question.
Playgroups and Prosecco is such a relatable read I found myself nodding along at so many of the thoughts and experiences Frankie has. Jo Middleton perfectly captures the funny quirks of parenting and the sidesplitting misunderstandings that kids often encounter. As for the scenarios that I’m not going to endure, such as her dating endeavours on Tinder, well they were an interesting eyeopener!
Frankie is a warm, likeable character. Knowing she’s winging it like the rest of us (I think we all are really, aren’t we?) made me feel so much better about the (many) imperfections in my own parenting and life. I love the way her imagination just runs away with her just like mine (and I’m sure others?) does constantly but this is not always touched upon in other books.
In addition to the observational humour there are a number of gripping story-lines running throughout the book. There are also twists, turns and surprises along the way. I really hope that there is a sequel as I want to catch up with Frankie again! This book would also make a very watchable sit com!
After a long, tiring day of parenting and working this book is a tonic. I had so many laugh out loud moments, the bikini bottomless scene had me in stitches as it is just the sort of thing myself or my sisters would do! The “poo in the fountain” scene is something my kids would have done (and did very similar in their younger days). Oh they joys of parenting!
One word of warning is this book will make you want to drink and eat snacks (in particular Jaffa Cakes if you’re partial to them.) I’d advise you to stock up and allow yourself to indulge while you enjoy this read- life is hard, you deserve it! My personal snacks of choice were plain crisps, vegan chocolate (if I took a quiz to determine which character I’m most like in the book I think I’d be equal parts Frankie, Sierra and Louise!) and Prosecco. Usually I’m more of a Cava girl but I’d decided I needed to feature the Italian sparkling wine in my review photograph in homage to the book title. The only problem was I kept forgetting to take the said photograph before finishing the bottle of wine. Consequently a few bottles of Prosecco had to be consumed for the purposes of this review. Hiccup. I’m sure Frankie would approve.
This book is not just for single mums, it’s not just for mums, it’s not just for women. It’s for anyone able to appreciate the funny side of life, I highly recommend!
About the Author
Jo Middleton has been blogging at SLUMMY SINGLE MUMMY since 2009. She has two daughters and lives in Somerset. You can find her on twitter, instagram or at www.slummysinglemummy.com.
Where to buy Playgroups and Prosecco
Playgroups and Prosecco is currently available on Kindle for a bargain 99p. The paperback copy will be released on 2nd May. Pre-order your paperback copy of Playgroups and Prosecco here. Playgroups and Prosecco will then be available at all good book shops. Look out for local launch events and you might even be able to get hold of a signed copy!
Win a Copy of Playgroups and Prosecco
To be in with a chance to win a copy of Playgroups and Prosecco please enter the Rafflecopter below. Remember to read the terms and conditions. Good luck!
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Read the previous review by Boo, Roo and Tigger Too. Look out for the next review on the Blog Tour tomorrow (Wednesday) at Mummy’s Waisted.
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We were sent this book for purposes of review- thank you Penguin Random House.
Followed the authors blog for many years – the book promises to be a fab read !
Looks like a really great read xx
It sounds like a great read! I love reading!
this sounds like such a great read
Sounds like a fun read.
As a single mum (albeit with a boyfriend now) I think I’d really relate & find it funny!
This looks like an interesting commentary on contemporary lives and attitudes xx
This sounds like a fun read which doesn’t sugarcoat motherhood!
looks like a fab read
Id really relate this and it looks like a brilliant read!! Xx
It sounds like a good read.
It sounds like it will be quite a fun book to read
Because I like the diary format books that you mention at the beginning of your review.
It sounds good.