Book Review: Practice Makes Perfect by Penny Parkes

The Blurb

The Practice at Larkford has suddenly been thrust under the spotlight – and its nomination as a ‘NHS Model Surgery’ is causing the team major headaches. Dr Holly Graham should be basking in the glow of her new romance with fellow doctor, Taffy – but she is worried that the team is prioritising plaudits over patients, and her favourite resident, the irreverent and entertaining Elsie, is facing a difficult diagnosis. Add to that the chaos of family life and the strain is starting to show.

Dr Dishy Dan Carter’s obsession with work is masking unhappiness elsewhere – he can’t persuade girlfriend Julia to settle down. It’s only as Julia’s mother comes to stay that he realizes what she has been hiding for so long. Alice Walker joins the team like a breath of fresh air and her assistance dog Coco quickly wins everyone round – which is just as well, because Coco and Alice will soon need some help of their own. Can they pull together and become the Dream Team that the NHS obviously thinks they are?

Out of Practice won the Romantic Comedy of the Year category of the RNA Awards.

My Review

My thanks to Simon & Schuster and the author for my review copy of this book.

What a delight it was to return to Larkford and to catch up with Holly, Taffy and the inhabitants of this cosy Cotswold village. Practice Makes Perfect is the second in the trilogy, with Out of Practice being the first - you can read my review here and then buy it here. You don't have to have read it before you read this one, but you'll probably find you want to read it anyway so you can find out everyone's back-story!

Life is going well for Holly and the other GPs at the local surgery, working together with no senior GP. Until, that is, someone on high decides its a good idea to put the spotlight on them as a model for the NHS, AND put a TV crew filming their every move... 

Penny Parkes writes with a true understanding of the chaos of family life. All the characters are written with love and care, making the reader feel as if they know them. There's lots going on for them: Glamorous octogenarian Elsie returns early from a cruise, causing concern, though she's still able to spout out her little gems of wisdom; there's a bet on to see if anyone can get the Major to go to the Surgery; and be prepared to feel sympathy for the frosty Julia, when we meet her mother. 

Then of course there is Holly and Taffy, now working and living together. But Taffy keeps mentioning the 'M' word, and Holly is still dealing with the fallout from her marriage to Milo.

The real highlight of the book for me was the introduction of new GP Alice and her assistance dog, Coco, who prove themselves to be quite an addition to the team. Alice is lovely, and her dog is a really very clever little thing.

Practice Makes Perfect is a joyful, lighthearted read; it's perfect escapism.

The book was published on 29th June 2017 by Simon & Schuster, and you can get your copy here.

Book Review: Out of Practice by Penny Parkes

Meet married mum of two and successful GP Holly Graham as she relocates her family to join the team at The Practice at Larkford, hoping to find the peaceful life she craves, despite the chaos that comes with her two year old twins and the troublesome state of her marriage. It will certainly be a challenge to keep her private and professional lives separate in such a tight-knit community.

Her colleagues have their own issues to contend with. The gorgeous Dr Dan Carter is struggling with to focus on work and the last thing he needs is any more stress; having his ambitious ex-girlfriend Dr Julia Channing working alongside him isn't really helping. Thankfully, the rather delectable Dr Taffy Jones is on hand to distract Holly from the escalating situation at home.

Feisty octogenarian and resident celebrity, Elsie Townsend, is Holly's favourite patient and saving grace. Elsie's inspirational Life Lessons come at the perfect moment, as The Practice is suddenly under threat of imminent closure and Holly rediscovers her voice and her priorities just in time …

I was lucky enough to be given a special proof edition by the publishers Simon & Schuster in exchange for an honest review.

Holly Graham is mother to adorable twins, wife to Magnificent *snigger* Milo and has the weight of the word on her shoulders when she takes on a new role as GP in the lovely village of Larksford.

Poor Holly's self-esteem is at an all time low. Her husband, Milo, constantly puts her down, and is confusing her with his erratic behaviour. One moment he is horrible and condescending; the next he blindsides her with his charm, and she wonders if she is going mad. She is determined to ride through the rough patch because she doesn't want to deny her two boys their father. But as time goes on, she wonders if they would all be better off without him.

Her friendship with Lizzie isn't much help. Lizzie is always badmouthing Milo, hating the way he treats Holly, but she is oblivious to the way she herself manipulates Holly.  She is constantly putting her friend down, belittling her and eroding Holly's self-esteem. Between Milo and Lizzie, it's surprising that Holly isn't a shivering wreck.

But then Holly makes such an impact at the doctor's surgery she works at. She makes so many new friends, including Doctors Dan and Taffy, and the irrepressible Elsie, always on hand to hand out her life lessons and advice – and the odd cocktail.

Out of Practice is a brilliant funny read, and very touching in parts. One of the twins, Ben, is quite sensitive, and seeing how he develops as Holly has some choices to make is lovely.

A great story of community and village life – just what the doctor ordered!

The Out of Practice ebook is out now, or you can pre-order the paperback here (other retailers are available!

Books, Fizz and Cake - Spring Bloggers Evening

Photo courtesy of @TeamBATC



Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Spring Blogger Evening at Books and The City in London. These events, led by the irrepressible whirlwind Sara-Jade Virtue, (I love this woman!) never fail to disappoint and last night was no exception.

We had the pleasure of meeting fabulous authors Juliet Ashton, Holly Hepburn (both of whom I adore and I'm lucky enough to have met before), Paige Toon (serious fan-girl moment!) and lovely debut authors Penny Parkes and Georgia Clark. They all read excerpts from their new novels, and OH MY GOD we got VIP proofs in our generous goody bags - I know! I love these events!

There was fizz, cheese straws and gorgeous cupcakes specially commissioned from Crumbs and Doilies, and chat about plot twists - quite tricky to do without spoilers! - with conniving cousins, tricky triplets, dishy doctors and bashful blacksmiths. Watch this space for reviews of these exciting new books - I just don't know which one to start with!

It was a great chance to catch up with great friends and meet online friends IRL. Writers and bloggers form such a sociable, friendly community. And they say being a writer is lonely - not a chance with this bunch!

Thanks again for a fabulous evening! Hopefully one day I will be one of those authors!

Me (centre) with blogger/author Annette (left) and Editor of fabulous books Clare (right)

Me again (left) with Author & heat Magazine's Book Reviews EditorIsabelle (right)