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THE BRAND NEW BESTSELLER FROM THE AUTHOR OF OUT OF PRACTICELove and laughter with the residents of Larkford is exactly what the doctor ordered!  Dr Alice Walker has become accomplished at presenting a façade to the world – to anyone watching, she is the epitome of style, composure and professionalism. But perhaps it was to be expected that the cracks might begin to show at some point. Thankfully Grace is on hand to offer both friendship and support when it’s needed most.   Meanwhile, Dr Holly Graham has her hands full both professionally and personally. Planning a wedding with Taffy Jones is challenging enough, even before some surprising news changes everything. At least beloved Larkford resident, Elsie, still has a few tricks left up her sleeve!  Dr Dan Carter, on the other hand, has decided to throw himself into his career – the best antidote he’s found to unrequited love. When tragedy strikes in the heart of Larkford, Dan makes it his mission to help the community.Praise for Penny Parkes ‘A wonderful setting, characters you care about, a page-turning plot, laugh-out-loud funny. I loved it’ Katie Fforde 'Delightfully warm' Jo Thomas Penny Parkes' first novel, Out of Practice, won the RNA's ROMANTIC COMEDY OF THE YEAR AWARD in 2017.

488 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 22, 2018

52 people are currently reading
221 people want to read

About the author

Penny Parkes

7 books121 followers
Penny 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

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5 stars
323 (54%)
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200 (33%)
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55 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Rachel Gilbey.
3,369 reviews571 followers
March 23, 2018
From the moment I started Best Practice I felt as though I was amongst old friends, as I returned to Larkford and the wonderful array of characters there. This is an incredibly well paced book and you are thrown into the action almost from the start, and there is plenty going on with every chapter.

Due to the large number of characters, most of who since it is the third book, now feel like I know them well, there are many many storylines thread amongst this book, while at the heart of it is a campaign to save some services from being completely shut down amongst rural medical facilities.

I am delighted that we got to see a lot more of Dr. Alice Walker who made her debut in Practice Makes Perfect, as she starts to become a vital member of The Practice, and we learn far more about what makes her tick as a person.

Elsie is as always one of my favourite characters, and even I was surprised at the new depths of friendship and kindness she was able to display in this story. Then there are doctors Holly and Taffy, who are a fabulous couple and there were instances involving them that had me welling up with tears, I as was absorbed with their story.

There are a whole range of medical conditions and issues mentioned and discussed in this book, as well as themes of friendship, community spirit, love and just generally its a book that gives off a feel good vibe.

I was so enthralled to be back within the door of The Practice that, I honestly can't comment either way as to whether it works as a standalone book. I will say that the whole series so far has been fabulous, and that I found this one the fastest of the three to read so far, presumably as I am getting used to the writing style and characters.

I am already thoroughly looking forward to and hoping for more books set around this fabulous cast of characters, especially after having just read that ending, and I want to see how they all move forwards from there.

If you are looking for an action packed book filled with both laughs and tears, then look no further than Best Practice.

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Profile Image for Alba.
515 reviews103 followers
July 14, 2018
Originally posted on: http://www.albainbookland.com/2018/07...

And we are back in Larkford with my favourite doctors! I really enjoyed the first two books in this series and was really looking forward to catching up with Holly and all the gang, especially after one of the main character, TV star doctor Julia, left the practice at the end of the previous book.

As in the previous books, Best Practice, is packed with drama. It starts already with a village fête gone wrong and a little girl fighting for her life and from there, things keep happening non-stop. Penny Parkes definitely have some shocking surprises in store for us! Also, in this story we get to know a lot more about Alice, the newest member of the practice team and she turns out to be a very interesting character. I really enjoyed learning about her past and how it has affected her current life.

As usual though, the star of the show is Elsie. I think I should re-read all the books and note down all her pieces of life advice. She is a very wise woman with a huge heart. I love her bantering with Holly and how she always gets away with everything she wants.

Another highlight of the story are the more romantic storylines. I was really happy how these turned out and might have shade a tear or two during some of the more emotional scenes.

Once again, Penny Parkes has created a delightful story. I consider these characters good friends by now and I cannot wait for the next installment to see how they are doing after the latest events. If you haven't discovered Larkford yet, you are missing out!
Profile Image for Nicola Clough.
879 reviews43 followers
February 27, 2019
I love this series so so much and certainly this book didn’t let me down at all full of laughs and friendship and romance and community spirit and supporting each other. Shows how you can put a face on and act like everything is ok and how you have to learn to be honest. A really gripping book and you just want to keep going with it as so many twists and turns. Brilliant from the first page.
Dr Alice is able to act as if everything in life is perfect and nice but cracks start to appear and will she be able to open up and move forward. Dr Holly is looking forward to her marriage with Taffy and she’s trying to plan it and then she makes a discovery that will change everything will they be happy or not. They have to start changing plans and decide to start with to delay the wedding but when taffy wakes up one morning and says they will get married that day will it go ahead and what will everyone think. Dan after an accident in the village and things not happening in the way they should wants to change this and can he manage to do this and pull everyone together. Grace is also on hand to help out and support people and will everyone be happy or not in the end.
A brilliant read and worth far more than five stars.
Profile Image for Agi.
1,682 reviews105 followers
June 25, 2018

From the first page of "Best Practice" I had a feeling that I'm back with my old friends - it was as if there was nothing between me reading this third instalment in The Larkford series and the two previous books. We are actually immediately thrown into the medical action and it really never stops. Theoretically this book can be read as a stand - alone but I personally think there is too much background to be missed if you jump straight and direct into "Best Practice" without reading the two previous stories.

It was really a great feeling to be able to follow the characters and to see how they moved forwards after the story finished in "Practice Makes Perfect". There is a large number of characters in this novel but the old ones that we've already got to know and like are also there. The brilliant couple Holly and Taffy who are so tender and so brilliant around each other, and I really, really love their relationship. Is the big wedding really what they need? Dr Dan Carter, Taffy's companion in so many silly games is distracted and has to face up a new challenge - the practice manager Grace. The big enigma Dr. Alice Walker, who joined the practice in the previous book is also there, and her plot was probably the one that I've read the most enthusiastically. She has to deal with her own health issues and there is this big question about her assistance dog, Coco. And let's not forget Elsie, who this time showed the most gentle and tender side to her. All those stories were weaving seamlessly and effortlessly into one another.

I must be in a minority here but what bothered me so much was that there run so many parallel stories that I couldn't find the main one. There were so many, many characters in this book, coming to the practice with their health problems, and while they were interesting I just couldn't shake off the feeling that they're drawing us away from the main plot. I think I get where the author was coming from here, emphasize the significance and importance of health service but on the other hand I was never sure if, and which, of those could be a turning point for the plot. Don't get me wrong here, pretty please, I guess thanks to all the accidents and incidents the pace of the book was truly well paced but it is probably why I didn't feel as much a part of the characters'' lives and I just wanted more of the main plot - this about the rural medicinal facilities being shut down and the campaign going to keep them open.

It is truly a book that introduces us to many, many medical conditions and accidents and while it is obvious that the author truly knows what she's writing about, it is all written in such an accessible way. This novelk links many issues and topics together. It touches upon love, friendship, patchwork families and heath. It is full of depth and this lovely, overwhelming feeling of kindness and support. Even though it is also about really serious stuff, there is this feel - good vibe to it and tons of heart.
"Best Practice" is a story that ticks many boxes for being a perfect summer read. There is humour and a lot of funny moments, there are plenty of poignant moments that will make you go weak at your knees and go "awwww", it looks much, much deeper under the surface of politics, money, men in black suits to show what's really important when it comes to deal with ill people. This, as well as this lovely, brilliantly captured sense of community and really well developed characters, must be ones of the strongest points of this novel. The author has also in a great way weaved the romance aspect and romantic sparkles that added lightness and were like a breath of fresh air. Truly recommended!

Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
255 reviews
February 23, 2018
I loved this back, 3rd in the series, loved this book and finished it in one sitting
889 reviews4 followers
September 13, 2020
Another fantastic book in this great series. Really lovely like the others. Will be hard to end this series once the next book is finished.
Profile Image for Joanne D'Arcy.
756 reviews60 followers
March 8, 2018
I have been with the Doctors of this Larkford practice since the beginning and I have been lucky enough to get another appointment with them all.

Dr Holly Graham was the new girl on the block but is now firmly settled in and has struck up a wonderful relationship with fellow doctor Taffy Jones. It looks like their lives are about to change forever though and maybe a large wedding is not what they need?

Taffy's sidekick for so long has been Dr Dan Carter, forever challenging each other to silly games and pranks to betting on what ailments patients may suffer from. Dan needs to face up to one challenge - his feelings for practice manager Grace. However, Grace has other ideas.

Dr Alice Walker is still feeling very much the new girl, she is a good doctor but she has to also deal with her own health issues and her assistance dog Coco looks like he may be required elsewhere. So how will Alice spend her time and will she let anyone get close to her.

However underneath the black humour, there lies a massive caring heart in the Larkford Practice. With local rural facilities threatened due to politics, men in suits and people with no heart, the doctors along with the residents set to make a difference and raise some money.

I have said in previous reviews about the strong sense of community reflected in this series of novels and that is paramount in this novel. There is a common cause that draws everyone out and we get to see some of the more eccentric residents, such as Elsie who features in all the books. If you want a mad bad lady aging disgracefully then Elsie is your woman!

I am sure there is plenty that could be written about the Larkford community, new characters introduced in this novel, mean that perhaps there is room for another book. An enjoyable read which contains real issues affecting local GP's across the country that we can see reflected in today's newspapers. That doesn't make the book in anyway a political one, just a book with strong writing, characters and a good cause!
431 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2018
Brilliant

I have enjoyed all three books so much. Very entertaining and feel good, I was quite emotional reading the third. Highly recommended
Profile Image for booksofallkinds.
1,021 reviews175 followers
August 17, 2018
Oh, how I wish I lived in Larkford! When I settled down to read BEST PRACTICE by Penny Parkes I knew within the first few pages that this was a story that I would fall in love with and I was so right.

In the close-knit community of Larkford, the doctor's practice plays an essential role for everyone who lives there. And the gang who work there are doing so much more for the area than just stamping their card, as they are a group who really care about those they come in contact with and yearn to give the best possible care to all of their patients and friends no matter what. But that doesn't mean that they don't have their own problems or baggage to deal with at the same time and sometimes asking for help can be the hardest thing to do.
Can Alice really give up her beloved furry friend when he helps her in so many ways to deal with the secrets she hides? And how can Holly explain to Elsie, who is like family to her, that an extravagant wedding just isn't for her especially now with her latest news? And when someone he cares deeply for is in danger will it force Dan to take a leap of faith and risk it all for love?
When the health service they provide is threatened by suits in urban centres intent on shutting them down, will the community of Larkford join together to make themselves heard? You can bet on it!

While the setting of Larkford in this novel is beautifully described, it is the community and the residents which really make it come alive for the reader. The characters in this story will capture your heart as you battle alongside them for what they believe in, and as you become privy to their own insecurities and doubts, your heart will swell with love for them. Of course, love and friendship play a huge part in this wonderful tale but there is also the message of support for the NHS and the amazing work that they do. With cutbacks and its horrific consequences shown in this story, this will make you stop and think about it, and may even fire you up enough to make your own peaceful protests like some of the characters in this book.

BEST PRACTICE by Penny Parkes is the third book in the Larkford series and while it can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend the complete series so far - there is just so much on offer in these books so you won't regret it!
​There are laughter and tears, friendship and pain, and a sense of belonging and home all set amongst the pages of this truly magnificent story and I cannot wait for more from Penny Parkes.
Profile Image for Amanda.
380 reviews18 followers
July 17, 2018
Really enjoyed a return visit to Larkford full of familiar characters that you want to befriend. I'd like to think that GPs are that dedicated these days but I'm not sure whether some of the funding issues are realistic. I had a feeling the Air Ambulance was a charity, not NHS based. Despite that, a very enjoyable book and I can't wait for the next instalment.
Profile Image for Petra Quelch.
Author 1 book8 followers
December 30, 2018
I can’t believe that I have already finished reading Best Practice.
I want more of Larkford crew!!!
The third book in the Larkford series, Best Practice, is pure perfection when it comes to fiction stories.
I know it is only the beginning of the year but Best Practice is a very strong contender for my book of the year 2018 because it makes me feel all the things that reader should experience while reading a book.
I love coming back to Larkford, my dream destination. The essence of belonging and lovable community is so tangible that I feel entirely wrapped up in characters fictional lives.
There are so many characters that I would love to write about, and it is so great to see that they are all on the same level of importance, their stories are weaving beautifully into one other, and the result is one extraordinary and joyous read!
I really enjoy following Dr Alice Walker’s story in more detail and learning about her day-to-day battle with diabetes.
I’ve always been very fond of Dr Graham, Dr Taffy and their beautiful love story as well as our dearest character Elsie and the way she can the showcase her multitasking talents. Elsie without a doubt made herself absolutely indispensable when it comes to Holly and her family and most probably the whole Larkford community.
And I can’t go without mentioning Dr Carter and his (not very well) hidden feelings towards the inspiring Grace.
As well as all the romantic fizzes and picturesque village life, the author so carefully weaved into the story the importance of rural health care and the impact it can have on the community and their lives.
Luckily, Lankford has the best team of doctors on hands to offer both personal and professional advice and care.
Penny Parkes series just gets better and better, and I can NOT wait for another instalment in this series.
Profile Image for Jenny L.
777 reviews5 followers
August 7, 2018
This would have been a more enjoyable and fulfilling read if I had read the previous two in the series. It was a light read - happy people with blessed lives and happy ever after (quite incredibly so for every person in the story......), but all seemed a bit light and superficial. As I say, nice lives, in a perfect setting etc etc.
172 reviews
April 6, 2020
In these difficult times this was a perfect story for forgetting what was happening in the world outside my house. I have not read any of the previous books but that did not really matter as I could pick up some of what had happened in the past in the story.

The book is set around a doctors practice in a village where everyone is very close and at times also intrusive. Holly Graham is trying to work as a doctor along with looking after twins and her partner Taffy. Dr Dan Carter has his eye on someone close to him but is too afraid to make a move as he thinks that he is not good enough for her. Dr Alice Walker has a secret and will not let anyone in. She has type 1 diabetes which ruled her life until she got an assistance dog to help her. She likes her dogs trainer but thinks that nobody would want her because of her illness.

A feel-good story. The only criticism I would have is around the descriptions about diabetes. Having family members with this disease I would have liked less onus to be put on how awful the disease can be and maybe include something around the new innovations that are becoming available to help patients monitor their blood etc.
Profile Image for Simona.
613 reviews123 followers
June 18, 2018
*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Everyone said it’s like reading up with old friends, reading this book, because it’s book three of a series. For me it was a little different, because I haven’t read the previous books of the series.
I guess that’s why it took me a while to get into it.

I really warmed up with all the characters quickly though and started enjoying the story. The characters are really wonderful, all special in their own way and together they build a strong community. I loved reading about each and every one of them. Penny Parkes created this great world around them and captured it all beautifully.

Sometimes I got a bit overwhelmed by all the characters, but the more I got to know them, the more I loved them. The book has a great mixture of friendship, love, medical stuff and just fantastic scenes and moments.

Penny Parkes is a very talented author with a fabulous and unique style. The book is full of laughs and cries, just adorable!!!

4.5/5
Profile Image for Colin Bell.
1,074 reviews13 followers
September 13, 2018
This book didn't grab me in quite the same way as the first two, I'm not sure why though. It certainly is well worth reading, however there are many threads interweaving which made it more complicated to follow and also less humour to balance the grittier parts. I am still looking forward to the next one in the series.
Profile Image for Joanne Scott .
109 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2018
Well I have no doubt In my mind that Penny is a great Author but the first 2 books in this series disappointed me, but this one certainly made up for the other them.There was so much going on in this book it was just bursting with excitement and I am so glad I stuck with it to finish the series. This book was by far the best! #MrsCsHonestBookReviews #Bookstagram #BookReview #Goodreads
Profile Image for Novelle Novels.
1,652 reviews51 followers
December 14, 2018
Love, love, love this book. This series of books is amazing as although it has quite a few main characters each book focuses on different ones and their individual stories but also bringing in new people. I love reading Holly’s journey the most but I’ve loved learning more about Alice. The way the author brings it all together is so special
9 reviews
April 28, 2018
Another lovely trip to Larkford

Yet again another lovely trip to Larkford to catch up with its residents and the goings on building on character developments from the last books by Penny Parks. A really lovely read, I hope that there will be another book in this series
258 reviews
February 23, 2019
Took longer to get into than the othets but after a few chapters it was back to being another amazing PP book. Twists and turns whilst provding insight into very reao matters which arent always discussed in real life.
605 reviews9 followers
March 31, 2020
Just finished reading the 3rd book in the Practice.

A very good read, emotional, funny and entertaining. Best thing for self isolating in Coronavirus times. Good job I bought all 4 books. Thank you for writing them, I have loved them xx
Profile Image for Gemma Baxter.
28 reviews
April 2, 2020
Nice easy read , bit predictable and cheesy with perfect close village community and all doctors getting on so well and forming relationships and supporting one another. Liked Alice's character , all in all nice relaxing read.
112 reviews
August 23, 2022
I liked the book especially when it started with the village fete and all the twists and turns about country side practices and the local health authorities to ending up with a wedding and the of course the twins being born
773 reviews
March 3, 2018
Another delightful instalment about the good people of Larkford. Having read the previous books it was like meeting up with old friends, full of warmth and compassion.
Profile Image for Emma.
141 reviews3 followers
March 18, 2018
Full review to follow. This is another brilliant installment in the fabulous Larkford series.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Dewfall.
515 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2018
Found it a bit hard going but could just be life right now enjoyed catching up with everyone
Profile Image for Jo Fountain.
76 reviews1 follower
April 11, 2018
Loved it

I have loved all 3 Larkford books and the short story too. I do hope there will be more !
Profile Image for Sam Rae.
277 reviews1 follower
February 15, 2019
Didn't realise when I started it that other books preceded it. Think I must've missed a lot about individual characters which would have made more sense with the storyline.
Profile Image for Ava Pk.
10 reviews
June 6, 2019
Such a heart warning series and some easy chick lit. Hope there is more to come.
Profile Image for Bernadette Firth.
56 reviews2 followers
June 30, 2019
Great read

Loved this book great story and full of fun, made me as to read more. Love v the whole series of books.😊
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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