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The Larkford Series #1.5
Swept Away
Married mum of two and successful GP Holly Graham moved to Larkford hoping to find the peaceful life she craved. Instead she found chaos and intrigue, but also a tight-knit community full of wonderful characters who helped her through difficult times.
Swept Away is a short story based around a large country medical practice in Larkford that also features in Penny Parkes' novels Out of Practice and Practice Makes Perfect. The Surgery at Larkford proves to be a hotbed of rivalry, resentment and romance - and that's just the doctors.
Swept Away is a short story based around a large country medical practice in Larkford that also features in Penny Parkes' novels Out of Practice and Practice Makes Perfect. The Surgery at Larkford proves to be a hotbed of rivalry, resentment and romance - and that's just the doctors.
41 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 9, 2017
About the author
Penny Parkes
7 books123 followersPenny Parkes survived a Convent education largely thanks to a ready supply of inappropriate novels and her passion for writing and languages.
She studied International Management in Bath and Germany, before gaining experience with the BBC. She then set up an independent Film Location Agency and spent many happy years organising shoots for film, television and advertising - thereby ensuring that she was never short of travel opportunities, freelance writing projects or entertaining anecdotes.
Penny now lives in the Cotswolds with her husband, two children and a geriatric spaniel. She will often be found plotting epic train journeys through the Alps, baking gluten-free goodies or attempting to prove that you can, in fact, teach an old dog new tricks.
OUT OF PRACTICE is her first novel and the first in the Larkford Series
She studied International Management in Bath and Germany, before gaining experience with the BBC. She then set up an independent Film Location Agency and spent many happy years organising shoots for film, television and advertising - thereby ensuring that she was never short of travel opportunities, freelance writing projects or entertaining anecdotes.
Penny now lives in the Cotswolds with her husband, two children and a geriatric spaniel. She will often be found plotting epic train journeys through the Alps, baking gluten-free goodies or attempting to prove that you can, in fact, teach an old dog new tricks.
OUT OF PRACTICE is her first novel and the first in the Larkford Series
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 8, 2018
Spotted this free kindle book and thought I'd give it a go.
At first I felt I had started reading in the middle of a book, as the author assumes you already know the characters. It turned out to be quite a sweet short story. Although I fancied a change, I have to admit it makes me certain that I prefer historical fiction.
At first I felt I had started reading in the middle of a book, as the author assumes you already know the characters. It turned out to be quite a sweet short story. Although I fancied a change, I have to admit it makes me certain that I prefer historical fiction.
April 11, 2017
"Harmless fun"
It was difficult to find anything to like or dislike about this book. I recognised all the characters, and the setting could be a mile up the road from where I live. Easy to read, it will pass a lunch hour sat in the sunshine.
It was difficult to find anything to like or dislike about this book. I recognised all the characters, and the setting could be a mile up the road from where I live. Easy to read, it will pass a lunch hour sat in the sunshine.
September 3, 2018
Fab short story about the residents of larkford.
May 23, 2023
Nice small book. But very interesting. I specially enjoyed the first story. About valentine's day.
May 7, 2017
A very enjoyable short story which is currently free to download on Amazon UK. I haven't yet read Out of Practice which introduces these characters but now having read this it makes me want to bump it up the reading pile. A very easy read (and this is a compliment, not a criticism) about villagers pulling together in difficult times. Elsie sounds a delight and also I'd love to know more about the relationship between Holly and Taffy.
March 13, 2017
A very short story shame it wasn't longer really but good to go back to the Drs. They are out celebrating a 21st birthday and they get a phone call to say the water is coming down so they go to see people who are at risk and can they help them and make sure they are ok. Well worth reading but wish was longer.
July 29, 2017
I came across this book through my Kindle as it was free but was surprised by the quality of the writing and how quickly I got to know the characters. I'm usually a fan of crime novels by Agatha Christie, Lynda La Plante, Colin Dexter and Ann Cleeves but I will be seeking out the other books in the Larkford series.
August 30, 2017
I picked this Novella as I have just purchased two of this Authors' other books, so was interested in a quick look at the writing style. The story was very short and didn't give too much insight into the main characters, just them dealing with the drama here. It was light and easy to read so I'm sure I will enjoy the others I have.
October 4, 2018
Doctors delight
An inoffensive light read. A little sort in length, but assume characters will develop with each book. Not really my cup of tea but pleasant enough to while away an hour or two.
An inoffensive light read. A little sort in length, but assume characters will develop with each book. Not really my cup of tea but pleasant enough to while away an hour or two.
January 10, 2020
Short but not sweet
Pity i did not look before downloading. Too short, not enough to get decent character knowledge or what they are about
Pity i did not look before downloading. Too short, not enough to get decent character knowledge or what they are about
June 4, 2026
Swept Away is a short story which at time of writing is still free to download. I downloaded a copy because the cover appealed to me and I thought a short story would help me decide whether The Larkford Series would appeal to me or not.
I would say Swept Away is an enjoyable, quick read, however, not having read the first book in The Larkford Series, I wasn't familiar with any of the characters and I felt I would have liked to have known more about Cassie Holland in particular.
More a hook to direct the reader's attention another book than a standalone story, The Larkford Series has now been added to my wish list.
I would say Swept Away is an enjoyable, quick read, however, not having read the first book in The Larkford Series, I wasn't familiar with any of the characters and I felt I would have liked to have known more about Cassie Holland in particular.
More a hook to direct the reader's attention another book than a standalone story, The Larkford Series has now been added to my wish list.
August 14, 2018
This short is well written and showcases some interesting characters such as Elsie. Unfortunately, due to length, these characters are only touched upon, but there is more to this series to get your teeth into.
I like books that rally community and friendships, but they can be a bit samey samey. I think the neighbours and friends will be the defining feature for the rest of this series.
This book is free from Amazon at the time of this review.
I like books that rally community and friendships, but they can be a bit samey samey. I think the neighbours and friends will be the defining feature for the rest of this series.
This book is free from Amazon at the time of this review.
April 28, 2020
Saw this on kindle bookshop for free and thought it would be a cute romance short story as the cover really looked and felt that way. I know I shouldn't judge a book by its cover but the cover should state somewhere it is part of a series. Since I haven't read the story, I didn't know any of these characters and you are chucked in thr deep end. The story itself was fine but definitely not for me. And the way it was advertised on kindle didn't help at all.
April 6, 2023
Great read
This was a good little story about a small community doctor and her partner, both in life and work. They are helping to celebrate one of the resident’s fourth 21st birthday when the storm makes the river break it’s banks and start to flood the village.
This was a fantastic story and the preview of the first chapter of another book in the series was a great read too. I will be looking out for Penny Parke’s books as they seem like a great light read.
This was a good little story about a small community doctor and her partner, both in life and work. They are helping to celebrate one of the resident’s fourth 21st birthday when the storm makes the river break it’s banks and start to flood the village.
This was a fantastic story and the preview of the first chapter of another book in the series was a great read too. I will be looking out for Penny Parke’s books as they seem like a great light read.
January 1, 2021
The story had only just got started when it had already finished. The characters are believable if slightly movie like in their lack of flaws. It's a short read which does leave you wanting more but has nothing in it to really engage you. If you have space in your reading schedule for a little something fun and heart warming then it's worth the time it will take to read.
August 24, 2017
Floods and Fun
This was a nice cosy story and I liked the characters Holly and Taffy. A special birthday party and St. Valentine's Night fun, culminating in an exciting rescue made it an entertaining book.
This was a nice cosy story and I liked the characters Holly and Taffy. A special birthday party and St. Valentine's Night fun, culminating in an exciting rescue made it an entertaining book.
December 15, 2019
Brilliant
Absolutely love the story line and all the characters. Very easy reading and dont want to stop. Love that real life issues are mentioned and it gave me more respect for GP,s and what they have to cope with daily.
Absolutely love the story line and all the characters. Very easy reading and dont want to stop. Love that real life issues are mentioned and it gave me more respect for GP,s and what they have to cope with daily.
January 29, 2021
Great mini book
Enjoyed this book even though i read it out of sequence. It filled in the gapes from the rest of the series. It was a very good read glad I've read all the series now. Would love to have another book to the series to follow Dr dan and Grace
Enjoyed this book even though i read it out of sequence. It filled in the gapes from the rest of the series. It was a very good read glad I've read all the series now. Would love to have another book to the series to follow Dr dan and Grace
April 26, 2023
A fourth twenty-first party with Hollywood style on valentines day. What happens when the weather has other ideas? A beautiful story of a village pulling together and making things as well as can be! Community spirit which reminds people of the Blitz.
August 4, 2017
A very enjoyable short story I must say. After just finishing Out of Practice, this was just the small tale I needed to keep the characters going.
October 13, 2017
Terrible!
October 18, 2017
Great story.
Having read the first book, it was fantastic to catch up with some of the characters. Now I know that the book I buy next month will be the next book in the series
Having read the first book, it was fantastic to catch up with some of the characters. Now I know that the book I buy next month will be the next book in the series
October 18, 2017
Very enjoyable
For a short story it certainly manages to contain a lot of activity. Floods, big birthday party and eight new babies, including one Hunan.
For a short story it certainly manages to contain a lot of activity. Floods, big birthday party and eight new babies, including one Hunan.
November 25, 2017
Good Read
A good read a nice book a good story every day things and not to fanciful. Life and messy bits.
A good read a nice book a good story every day things and not to fanciful. Life and messy bits.
December 7, 2017
I was looking for a short lighthearted read and found this. Just enough to enjoy over a cup of tea. A lovely entertaining read.
December 18, 2017
A refreshing story
I choose the 5 stars as I found the book and more so the story obviously. Refreshing and light, I will definitely buy from this author again
I choose the 5 stars as I found the book and more so the story obviously. Refreshing and light, I will definitely buy from this author again
December 27, 2017
If you like soppy short stories, then this is for you. Personally, I found it cringeworthy! Simply not my cup of tea.
August 22, 2018
Lovely short little story if you want something quick and easy to read.
September 22, 2018
Good short story
Good short story. Looking forward to reading more about Holly and Taffy in other books. Love the strong community setting
Good short story. Looking forward to reading more about Holly and Taffy in other books. Love the strong community setting
March 12, 2019
The book was free for download on amazon uk and is a lovely short read; however I feel one needs to read the first book in the Larkford series to get to know the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews