Playgroups and Prosecco – book review

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Ebury Press (Fiction) (2 May 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1529103363
• ISBN-13: 978-1529103366
• Product Dimensions: 12.6 x 2.5 x 19.8 cm

Playgroups and Prosecco by Jo Middleton

Jo Middleton is a lovely, funny blogger over on Slummy Single Mummy.

I’ve met her a couple of times now and she gifted me a copy of her book without any expectations of a review.

The book is available from many sources, including Amazon where you can get it in paperback, kindle and audiobook.

The Blurb

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.)

My Review

I like to read a wide genre of books and sometimes after indulging in too many dark crime or horror novels I like to relax with something guaranteed to make me smile again. Playgroups and Prosecco is one of those books.

I could relate to the playgroups where you could feel left out sitting in the corner and wondering why your kids had more friends than you. I was so pleased that the main character of this book, Frankie, managed to make a couple of good friends at the group.

Following Frankie’s life throughout the year with diary type entries we can relate to so much of the stuff she goes through

The story is really well written (I wouldn’t expect any less) and flows nicely. I love what Frankie and her friends get up to and even had to check out @simple_dorset-life on Instagram. Jo captures perfectly the life of a mum with a teen and a toddler, I’ve been in the same situation myself so I could relate. I’ve also been a single Mum with a good relationship with the ex husband, so again, relatable. What I have missed in life is the good relationship Frankie has with her playgroup buddies and that’s what brings all the fun. I’m glad I didn’t get the ending I was expecting, that was refreshing. I really enjoyed this book and I so hope that Jo decides to write another, I’ll pre-order it, promise!

Post contains affiliate links