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The Single Mums' Picnic Club
Pretty Little Book Reviews on The Little Bed & Breakfast by the Sea Katie thought she had the perfect family life by the sea – until her husband left her for another woman, abandoning her and their two children! She knows it’s finally time to move on but she’s unsure where to begin… Frankie is shocked when gorgeous dog-walker Alex asks her on a date! As a single mum with her own business she struggles to put herself first, but maybe she’s ready to follow her heart? George is used to raising her son on her own – but now he’s at nursery, her life feels empty. So when she meets Katie and Frankie at the beach, she realises that her talent for rustling up delicious picnics could be the perfect distraction! But of course, life isn’t always a beach and as secrets begin to surface the three women’s lives are about to be turned upside-down… A cosy and charming romance set at the English seaside, perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley and Caroline Roberts. “The whole book has you hooked from the first page and I just couldn't put it down” “ Loved it . I just wanted to keep reading it. The characters were fab. Great storyline. I'd recommend this book 100% ” “It is a joy to have read it. ” “It's uplifting and heart warming but also completely emotional ” “It's wonderfully written and I enjoyed every minute of it.” “a lovely heartwarming novel which will leave you feeling all warm and full of joy .”
385 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 8, 2018
42 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Joyce
23 books142 followersI'm a writer of romantic comedies who lives in Manchester with my husband and our two daughters. I've been scribbling down bits of stories for as long as I can remember, graduating from a pen to a typewriter and then an electronic typewriter. And I felt like the bee's knees typing on THAT. I now write my books on a laptop (which has a proper delete button and everything).
You can keep up to date with my books by subscribing to my newsletter. The newsletters are packed with book news, exclusive content and giveaways. Sign up here: https://mailchi.mp/310b4ee4365f/jenni...
You can keep in touch with me on Twitter and Instagram (both @writer_jenn) or by liking my Facebook page www.facebook.com/jenniferjoycewrites
You can keep up to date with my books by subscribing to my newsletter. The newsletters are packed with book news, exclusive content and giveaways. Sign up here: https://mailchi.mp/310b4ee4365f/jenni...
You can keep in touch with me on Twitter and Instagram (both @writer_jenn) or by liking my Facebook page www.facebook.com/jenniferjoycewrites
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 28, 2018
I can certainly see why this is being advertised as an uplifting summer read - it really is feel good fiction, with new friends, new romances, good food and picnics!
Told from three alternating focal points, we really get to know George, Katie and Frankie and their assorted children. They meet one cold day on the beach and all being single parents that are newish to Clifton on Sea they bonded and started to have weekly picnics.
Their children are all different ages and each of them is single for a different reason, and they are all positive they don't have the time nor energy for romance!
One of the comedic stars of this book has to be Jake, a loveable dog that keeps getting himself into scrapes and kept making me laugh and smile.
We also learn about the ladies families, and some of their pasts are far more serious in tone, understandably.,and gives a good rounded idea of who they are.
I loved the picnics, and the various theme ideas and assorted food on offer. George is one cooking dynamo.
All three mums are wonderful women and I really enjoyed getting to know them, and escaping into their lives for a few hours.
The Single Mums' Picnic Club is a great holiday read for the summer or at any time. It is a joy to have read it.
Thank you to Netgalley and HQ Digital for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Told from three alternating focal points, we really get to know George, Katie and Frankie and their assorted children. They meet one cold day on the beach and all being single parents that are newish to Clifton on Sea they bonded and started to have weekly picnics.
Their children are all different ages and each of them is single for a different reason, and they are all positive they don't have the time nor energy for romance!
One of the comedic stars of this book has to be Jake, a loveable dog that keeps getting himself into scrapes and kept making me laugh and smile.
We also learn about the ladies families, and some of their pasts are far more serious in tone, understandably.,and gives a good rounded idea of who they are.
I loved the picnics, and the various theme ideas and assorted food on offer. George is one cooking dynamo.
All three mums are wonderful women and I really enjoyed getting to know them, and escaping into their lives for a few hours.
The Single Mums' Picnic Club is a great holiday read for the summer or at any time. It is a joy to have read it.
Thank you to Netgalley and HQ Digital for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
June 5, 2018
4 stars
This was a very different genre from the past books of Jennifer Joyce that I've read. The author has a knack of making me snort laugh in her books, but this one was a bit on the serious side. Probably because it tried to combine three women, all single mums, either by choice or forced into by circumstance who after a chance meeting become great friends, build solidarity and work on something they are all passionate about. All this while navigating their personal problems and trying to do the best by their children.
Consequently the laughs were less, but the story was deep. Especially that of Frankie. It took awhile for this book to kick off, I am not a fan of multiple POV books but you have three protagonists here and they were all smart, wonderful women.
Frankie's story and her past was deep and hence the emotions resonate more with me. George was the most realistic and her finding her passion was the most enjoyable. I ran a bit hot and cold with Katie, because hers is your typical scorned woman whose husband leaves behind the family because of an affair story. We've read many versions of this and Katie trying to empower herself was a hit and miss for me. Her love interest, made it a bit worthwhile there (you can guess the person before she realizes it) but it had some of the jokes of this book.
Frankie is the sort of go-getter whose life goes into a tailspin after the tragic past and her struggles to gain back control over her life, the health of her stubborn mother and her past made for an investing read. This entire book could have been about her and I would have still read it. George on the other hand is the oldest and she only has a bit of confidence issue which she easily overcomes over the course of the book. Her passion for picnics and catering and all things event planning was interesting to read.
The male characters unfortunately, didn't linger too much. They played the part and Jack was by far the most interesting for me. I liked Frankie's mother and the children at different age groups were all a delight to read.
This book is sort of good tribute to single, working mothers everywhere and the strongest point is the female solidarity and friendships. The book could have had more depth in terms of character building but overall it made for a pleasant read
Thank you Netgalley and HQ Digital for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily. This was my fourth book of this author
This was a very different genre from the past books of Jennifer Joyce that I've read. The author has a knack of making me snort laugh in her books, but this one was a bit on the serious side. Probably because it tried to combine three women, all single mums, either by choice or forced into by circumstance who after a chance meeting become great friends, build solidarity and work on something they are all passionate about. All this while navigating their personal problems and trying to do the best by their children.
Consequently the laughs were less, but the story was deep. Especially that of Frankie. It took awhile for this book to kick off, I am not a fan of multiple POV books but you have three protagonists here and they were all smart, wonderful women.
Frankie's story and her past was deep and hence the emotions resonate more with me. George was the most realistic and her finding her passion was the most enjoyable. I ran a bit hot and cold with Katie, because hers is your typical scorned woman whose husband leaves behind the family because of an affair story. We've read many versions of this and Katie trying to empower herself was a hit and miss for me. Her love interest, made it a bit worthwhile there (you can guess the person before she realizes it) but it had some of the jokes of this book.
Frankie is the sort of go-getter whose life goes into a tailspin after the tragic past and her struggles to gain back control over her life, the health of her stubborn mother and her past made for an investing read. This entire book could have been about her and I would have still read it. George on the other hand is the oldest and she only has a bit of confidence issue which she easily overcomes over the course of the book. Her passion for picnics and catering and all things event planning was interesting to read.
The male characters unfortunately, didn't linger too much. They played the part and Jack was by far the most interesting for me. I liked Frankie's mother and the children at different age groups were all a delight to read.
This book is sort of good tribute to single, working mothers everywhere and the strongest point is the female solidarity and friendships. The book could have had more depth in terms of character building but overall it made for a pleasant read
Thank you Netgalley and HQ Digital for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily. This was my fourth book of this author
June 2, 2018
I've always really enjoyed Jennifer's books and I loved the cover and the title to this one and she didn't disappoint me at all it was simply brilliant set at a beautiful seaside resort and has amazing characters and so true to life and full of friendship and romance and starting over again and of course amazing picnics as well. The whole book has you hooked from the first page and I just couldn't put it down as so good amazingly well written and highly recommend this book.
The book is based around three main women you have George who lost her husband and is bringing up her two year old twins by herself but they have gone to nursery and she is feeling lonely and wants to do something. You then have Frankie who I slept a single mother and struggles to let him go but one day while out on the seafront she bumps into a gorgeous man but she struggles to put herself first so what will she do when he asks her out. Then Kate thinks she is happy with her family but her husband leaves her for another woman and she's left with the two teenage children she needs to move on with her life but really can't. When Frankie is knocked over by a man while he's out walking her dogs both Kate and George are close by and help her and they become firm friends meeting up for picnics which George makes and they come to enjoy their time together and they suggest that George could make a business out of making picnics and the three ladies lives will be turned around forever will it be for the best or not. Will they all be able to move forward as well and find romance or is that a step to far for them to.
Worth far more than the five stars I gave it.
The book is based around three main women you have George who lost her husband and is bringing up her two year old twins by herself but they have gone to nursery and she is feeling lonely and wants to do something. You then have Frankie who I slept a single mother and struggles to let him go but one day while out on the seafront she bumps into a gorgeous man but she struggles to put herself first so what will she do when he asks her out. Then Kate thinks she is happy with her family but her husband leaves her for another woman and she's left with the two teenage children she needs to move on with her life but really can't. When Frankie is knocked over by a man while he's out walking her dogs both Kate and George are close by and help her and they become firm friends meeting up for picnics which George makes and they come to enjoy their time together and they suggest that George could make a business out of making picnics and the three ladies lives will be turned around forever will it be for the best or not. Will they all be able to move forward as well and find romance or is that a step to far for them to.
Worth far more than the five stars I gave it.
June 8, 2018
Three single mums meet by chance and George who loves catering for people suggests that they have a picnic at her beach hut. The picnics sound wonderful- a bit different from my quick dash round the supermarket sandwich aisle before a day out! I do love the ideas of picnics and own more than one wicker hamper and this book has encouraged me to unearth one and plan a lovely picnic of our own.
As they are all lonely they take it it turns to provide a picnic- unfortunately the other mum's are more like my attempt and they decide that George should take charge.
I love the friendships in the book and the way that they help each other through various challenges and disasters. I loved the descriptions of the places that they meet up, including the houses and the way the picnic club comes into being. I would absolutely love to live by the sea and be able to contact George to deliver my very own picnic along with gingham blankets and oodles of ginger beer like my very own Famous Five adventure.
As they are all lonely they take it it turns to provide a picnic- unfortunately the other mum's are more like my attempt and they decide that George should take charge.
I love the friendships in the book and the way that they help each other through various challenges and disasters. I loved the descriptions of the places that they meet up, including the houses and the way the picnic club comes into being. I would absolutely love to live by the sea and be able to contact George to deliver my very own picnic along with gingham blankets and oodles of ginger beer like my very own Famous Five adventure.
September 23, 2018
Three single Mums, single for very different reasons: George, Frankie and Katie are thrown together unexpectedly and they strike up a friendship over food!
Picnic's in particular.
George has the most passion for food and her picnics are second to none, made because she is lost when her son starts school. It is her skill and talent that leads all of these women to come up with a unique twist on their little club.
Katie still cannot understand why her husband left her with two teenage children. When he comes to pick up the children, the tension is thick and Katie just cannot bring herself to sever the ties to bring the marriage to an end. With the strength of these new friends and a helping hand from an unexpected source, Katie can move on.
Frankie is still dealing with the fact she has twins and no husband to help her, why did he have to die? To make their lives perfect she is doing everything she can but forgetting to look after herself in the process. That is until she meets Katie and George.
Told from the perspective of each of the main characters, we get to see the friendship develop and how being a single mother has defined them and how they try to break away from that definition and become their own person and identity again.
A book that explores strength of female friendship and the need for that interaction, the male characters are secondary to them all. Whilst at times it perhaps did not hold up with enough depth to some of the characters it was a good read, to while away a few hours.
Picnic's in particular.
George has the most passion for food and her picnics are second to none, made because she is lost when her son starts school. It is her skill and talent that leads all of these women to come up with a unique twist on their little club.
Katie still cannot understand why her husband left her with two teenage children. When he comes to pick up the children, the tension is thick and Katie just cannot bring herself to sever the ties to bring the marriage to an end. With the strength of these new friends and a helping hand from an unexpected source, Katie can move on.
Frankie is still dealing with the fact she has twins and no husband to help her, why did he have to die? To make their lives perfect she is doing everything she can but forgetting to look after herself in the process. That is until she meets Katie and George.
Told from the perspective of each of the main characters, we get to see the friendship develop and how being a single mother has defined them and how they try to break away from that definition and become their own person and identity again.
A book that explores strength of female friendship and the need for that interaction, the male characters are secondary to them all. Whilst at times it perhaps did not hold up with enough depth to some of the characters it was a good read, to while away a few hours.
June 8, 2018
It's not often I read to similar books back to back, but although my last two have the same sort of title, they are very different reads.
Katie, Frankie and George meet each other purely by chance; each finding themselves as single parents but for very different reasons and through no fault of their own. A friendship is struck from day one, and they each provide the others with the support and encouragement they need to deal with what life has thrown at them. It's wonderful to see them become stronger and forging forwards with self-assurance, spreading the net of friendship ever wider.
Jennifer Joyce writes fabulous rom-coms; she has a real insight into her characters and they are beautifully developed. The plot is entirely believable and, set in a seaside town, this is a light and entertaining story with some considerable depth to each woman, showing the flawed side of them as well as the face they show to the world. Exciting, funny and entirely plausible this is a genuinely entertaining novel, and one I have looked forward to and devoured with relish.
My thanks to publishers HQ Digital for approving my copy via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
Katie, Frankie and George meet each other purely by chance; each finding themselves as single parents but for very different reasons and through no fault of their own. A friendship is struck from day one, and they each provide the others with the support and encouragement they need to deal with what life has thrown at them. It's wonderful to see them become stronger and forging forwards with self-assurance, spreading the net of friendship ever wider.
Jennifer Joyce writes fabulous rom-coms; she has a real insight into her characters and they are beautifully developed. The plot is entirely believable and, set in a seaside town, this is a light and entertaining story with some considerable depth to each woman, showing the flawed side of them as well as the face they show to the world. Exciting, funny and entirely plausible this is a genuinely entertaining novel, and one I have looked forward to and devoured with relish.
My thanks to publishers HQ Digital for approving my copy via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
July 24, 2018
I have always enjoyed this author’s writing and TSMPC is no exception.
It is a little more melancholy at the start than her previous books, so took me a while to get into it. But once I did, it was light, friendly and warm. A supportive network is established and Frankie, Katie and George balance each other out well.
Add a couple of gorgeous neighbours and a brother plus a scoundrel of a dog called Jake and the story all comes together.
Perhaps it came together a little too neatly and perhaps it could have benefited more character insights beyond the female leads, but it’s a charming book and perfect for the beach.
4* a lovely read
It is a little more melancholy at the start than her previous books, so took me a while to get into it. But once I did, it was light, friendly and warm. A supportive network is established and Frankie, Katie and George balance each other out well.
Add a couple of gorgeous neighbours and a brother plus a scoundrel of a dog called Jake and the story all comes together.
Perhaps it came together a little too neatly and perhaps it could have benefited more character insights beyond the female leads, but it’s a charming book and perfect for the beach.
4* a lovely read
December 18, 2020
Genre: Romance
As the name suggests it is a story about 3 single moms, how they meet accidentally, bond through food , and change their life for better. But it’s also about single dad , an out of control naughty dog , dreams being brought into happy realities and many such sweet moments.
The single mums’ picnic club by Jennifer Joyce @writer_jen, a delightful and fun read is set in Clifton, a small sea side town in the North West of England. Thus the background of this story is filled with beautiful cliff views and beaches.
As the name suggests it is a story about 3 single moms, how they meet accidentally, bond through food , and change their life for better. But it’s also about single dad , an out of control naughty dog , dreams being brought into happy realities and many such sweet moments.
The single mums’ picnic club by Jennifer Joyce @writer_jen, a delightful and fun read is set in Clifton, a small sea side town in the North West of England. Thus the background of this story is filled with beautiful cliff views and beaches.
May 25, 2018
A lovely feel good romantic book perfect for chicklit and romance fans. This book is sure to put a smile on your face. Full of lots of funny moments, with characters you actually care about, cute little ones and big ones, a beautiful scenic back drop and a plot that will leaving you feeling good about yourself and life in general and wishing for the beautiful summer months ahead. Loved it.
July 23, 2018
Love loved this book sooo much! Jennifer Joyce is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. This is a great book about female friendship mixed with a little romance- my favorite kind of book. I'm lazy and I usually don't write reviews but this one was so good I felt I had to leave a little something. :)
June 12, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s a great summer read about picnics, seaside and friendships. I found myself daydreaming of long sunny days down by the beach with a picnic hamper by my side.
January 31, 2019
The story is set around three single mums and their efforts in making a better life for themselves. Well worth a read.
February 3, 2019
Nice story, would love to see a follow up book
April 25, 2019
Seaside fun
Not as good as some of the other books I have read by this author but still a good read.
Not as good as some of the other books I have read by this author but still a good read.
June 16, 2018
The story of three single mums who meet by chance and forge friendships. All three from different directions united by their relationships with their children and each other.
Fantastic book. I loved every minute and definitely an authors back list I will be reading as well as future books. The penny dropping moment was artfully played out and the story as a whole is entertaining and heart warming. Thank you for a fab read!
Fantastic book. I loved every minute and definitely an authors back list I will be reading as well as future books. The penny dropping moment was artfully played out and the story as a whole is entertaining and heart warming. Thank you for a fab read!
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July 11, 2018A light and lovely summer read! Three single mothers, each with a specific skill set, join together to form a new business offering picnics and other catering services. Romance, humour and yummy food make for an entertaining read.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews