Thanks for the opportunity to read and review this book. I truly wanted to love Mel's first book and hoped to feel her humour and lovely personality come through but sadly I struggled with this one. The having it all and losing it all story line is old ground and it felt like nothing was new and fresh with this book. I struggled to connect with any character and found their personalities a bit flat making it a tricky read. I hope others love it but this one didn't float my boat. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read the ARC and all the best to Mel.

I am so sorry but I have really tried to get into this book - the premise is good but I found it hard to get into the characters heads. There are some comedy moments but I can't engage with the book

This had a few laughs but given that it's TV comedian and presenter Mel Giedroyc's debut novel I was expecting more. It's more of a nice, relaxed, happy ever after read. With four children, two lay-about brothers, a snobby mum, estranged parent-in-laws, a feisty grandma and a brainiac business partner, the Parker family provided an interestingly diverse array of characters. But sadly I found myself getting annoyed with most of the characters particularly Sally (and Amerjit) who were frustratingly wet and Frank unbelievably defeatist - thank goodness for tenacious eleven year old Mikey. The story is nice enough but took a while to get going and finished too soon as I wanted to know what the Parkers were going to do next.

A very rich family, with a lot of 1st world problems, like how to sack an unneeded nanny, have their idyllic lives ruined by, well ruin. Along their journey, they slowly realise their wealth and ‘happiness’ was mostly a sham, and through a complex unpredictable chain of events, and a degree of hardship, they all learn what actually matters.
Some very funny but clever writing, such as ‘Frank’s love for a barbie was so legendary in the City that certain colleagues had been known to call him Ken.’ I’d love to know if all the readers get the Australia reference, Cleo takes being uneducated to a whole new level - a low one! The story, at first sight, could appear to be simple and straightforward, but as you get towards the end, it gets more multilayered, unrequited lesbian lust, a transitioned relative, a very near miss affair, the tragic problems of the very rich - I still have zero sympathy for them! The final chapter might make your eyes leaky - though it could my allergies 😁

A thoroughly entertaining book which, although predictable in parts, had many twists and turns. The first part was a little slow and the characters a little too archetypal of those living the high life. In amongst all the glitz and glamour, chaos emerges and the various observations of the characters brilliant even if far fetched. The teenagers especially, glued to their phones oblivious to those around them. Whilst one didn't have a lot of sympathy for the characters they did produce a few chuckles as their lives got more weird. A fun read for lockdown times.

I was so excited to read this book, the first novel from funny lady Mel Giedroyc - I hoped it would be like her, warm, witty and full of laughs.

Sorry to say though that it just didn't do it for me. The story was okay - a kept woman who suddenly has to up her game as her family's finances fall apart and her husband just isn't up to it; the characters were okay - Sally, pampered housewife, Frank, the winning at life husband, two spoilt children; but it just didn't grip me. As their lifestyle crumbled around them I just wasn't that bothered.

I did read to the end, and yes it was amusing in parts, but there was nothing that really got me going.

I struggled with this - I almost gave up at about 30%, but I checked other reviews and saw it got better about halfway through. It did get better, but it still wasn't fantastic. It's hard to read a story where you don't like any of the characters and the plot is a typical trope - rich family loses everything and must struggle to find their way. It wasn't the worst book I've ever read but sadly I don't have a lot of positives. In the end I think others may enjoy this, but it's not one for me. Thankfully great granny Bronwen improved this for me and I was intrigued how it ended.

<i>Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review</i>

Sally Parker lives in the stockbroker belt in Surrey, she’s married to Frank a wealthy hedge fund manager. Frank is a generous alpha male, a tour de force, brimming with bonhomie and cheesy bon mot. Sally has her ‘life taken care of’ with a staff of many including the lugubrious housekeeper Paloma. Their three children are Stephen, currently eating himself to death, Cleo who has square eyes from watching so much reality tv and eleven year old Mikey turns plenty of good deals at school and is a regular chip of the old block. The smartest cookie in the house is Emily, Sally’s niece who has lived with them for years. When there’s a market crash the good life in Leatherhead grinds to a screeching halt and they learn exactly what ‘the best things are’.

This is a well written story with lively descriptions and wry, dry and gentle humour as you would expect from Mel Giedroyc. Although she pokes fun at the Parker household it’s always tongue in cheek and never in malice. Sally at first, is a purpose seeking shadow but she grows into herself as the book progresses and I love some of the things she comes out with especially to the local well heeled, beautifully coiffed, designer draped coven. All they need is a broom, cauldron and a guest appearance by Lady Macbeth as they drip their poison with a malicious smile and I dance with glee as Sally bish bash boshes right back at ‘em!!! The best drawn and strongest characters in my opinion are the children especially Cleo who is hilarious without realising it with her oblivious malapropisms! Some of the minor characters are good too such as Frank’s great granny Bronwen Llewelyn. I zipped through the first two thirds with many an accompanying titter, the occasional chortle and the odd unladylike snort. However, I feel it’s just a bit too long and so loses some of its snap, crackle and pop. As it reaches a conclusion it becomes a bit cliche and predictable as we know what the message is going to be even though it’s so true!

Overall. It’s a fun, enjoyable well written read and a nice piece of escapism, so needed at this time.

With thanks to NetGalley and Headline for the arc for an honest review.

This is the story of Frank and Sally, their children and their niece, who live in palatial style in Surrey. The prologue hints at the fact that the whole artificial edifice is about to crumble to dust. The drama revolves around the way in which the family handle their change of circumstances and the reactions of staff and friends. At times the narrative gets rather too farcical and over the top. The characters are a real mixed bag, with plenty to hate/despise and a few to love.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this book.

Sally and Frank Parker have it all until they lose it all! They have led almost separate lives but need to work together as a family to sort their mess out.

As soon as I saw the author's name I knew I had to read this book. It's a nice, relaxed paced read. A few laugh out loud moments although I was expecting more humour. But that was just because I am aware the author is a comedian and not down to a bad book. I enjoyed the storyline and it's the perfect beach read.

So I went on a @netgalley requesting spree again despite saying that I was so over it!! I saw this book by Mel Giedroyc and as I have always loved her on TV I thought why not? I have purely read Christmas themed books since November so I guess it was time to have a change.

This is Mel Giedroyc's debut novel and is about Sally & Frank Parker. Frank is a successful businessman and he family live in a luxurious home seemingly having it all. Unfortunately Frank loses everything on the same day he finds out he has narcolepsy which leads to some very dramatic changes to the Parker lifestyle.

It took me ages to get into the book. The first few chapters seemed really slow and "wordy" and the story just seemed to takes ages to get going, but as I perservered I found myself wanting to find out what happens. As I said I really like Mel, shes always funny on TV alongside Sue Perkins so I expected a lot of humour from this one and I wasnt disappointed, there were some really funny moments in the book. I found some of the characters a bit one dimensonal and stereotypical, and Frank Parker was really annoying and I was quite glad when he went bankrupt! The saving grace was Mikey, the 11 year old daughter who seems to save the family and be pretty much the most sensible one. I also liked the dog groomer who has a crush on Sally and is always there to help her!

All in all I found the book enjoyable, if not a bit predictable. I have given it a rather generous 4 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Read and reviewed in exchange for a free copy from NetGalley. I was keen to read this as I enjoy Mel Giedroyc in other media, so was interested to see her work as an author. However, I wish I'd enjoyed this book more than I actually did. The story was engaging (albeit slow starting with a lot of description) but I found the characters all very unlikeable. That said, I would like to see further books from Mel.

I love Mel Giedroyc and hoped for a fun, uplifting read packed with her trademark humour. And this is almost what was delivered!

This is the story of a wealthy family, the Parkers, who live in the lap of luxury in their enormous house. The kids are in private school, the family have a fleet of ride-on lawnmowers and all the designer clothes they could want. The father of the family , Frank, is a city big-shot whose charm and influence have earned him power, money and lots of high=society clients.

In the midst of all this, mum Sally is a bit lost and directionless. However, when Frank loses his business in an economic crash, she finds that she has to step up to the mark and get her family back on track.

There was lots that I enjoyed about this book - the characters are engaging and well-drawn, especially the children and Frank's business partner, Amerjit, who I particularly liked. The plot itself is lively in places - I especially liked the scenes once the family had to start using their own resourcefulness as it felt much more relatable. As I'd hoped, there are some funny bits in the book too.

However, it didn't wholly hit the spot in the way I'd hoped. I think it was difficult to really relate to a very wealthy family when the 'struggles' were to do with living in a pool house and cutting back on their organic farm shopping. Obviously real destitution and hardship wouldn't have been funny, but I did find it hard to care about some of the characters. Frank, in particular, was pretty awful and I didn't really buy the back-story of the parents' romance for this reason.

Overall, I'd say that there was plenty to like here if you don't mind the fairly slow pacing and the issues relating to some of the main characters; maybe their cosy Leatherhead life won't be so far from your own and you might find it easier to understand them than I did. It is a cheery and uplifting read, it is quite funny and it is worth a read.

3.5 stars.

How the other half live, I really enjoyed this insight into the world of McMansions and staff and warmed to the characters who were true to life and just likeable enough. I will be looking for other books by Mel Giedroyc, thanks NetGalley!

I’ve got to be honest and tell you that I found the first half of the book depressing. Once things started moving, I enjoyed it, but not as much as I’d hoped to as I think Mel is such a lovely, warm-hearted funny lady and I expected to be laughing more.
Sally is feisty and has a lot to cope with: a wet husband, horrible ‘friends’, out of control children, a dreadful mother-in-law and a nasty housekeeper, and now no money and the prospect of becoming homeless.
She does brilliantly and the last part of the book brings my rating up to 4 stars

This book is a slow burner leading to a high brow comedy that would make a brilliant film or sitcom. The Parker family are a chaotic loveable bunch with a comical uncle and runaway teens. The storyline just verging on believable but a fun read

This book is everything I would have expected from the wonderful Mel Giedroyc. Funny and touching, this is the story of a family that has everything and how losing it all leads them to discover that the best things in life are free, as Janet Jackson put it so well.
Sally and Frank were childhood sweethearts and met when Frank was just a poor labourer. Having built up a vast wealth it would seem they had everything, except happiness.
This is beautifully written, with well developed characters. You’ll find yourself rooting for them and chuckling at their antics.
A lovely, lighthearted read.

No matter how tough life gets, you just have to keep moving through it. That's the essence of this new novel from Mel Giedroyc!

It centres around a couple of high flying, ridiculously wealthy hedge fund managers in London. They have the fancy houses, hold the charity events, live in the exclusive neighbourhoods. We learn about their families and all of those who benefit from and are dependent on their wealth. Sally Parker is the main character, she is the wife of Frank, one of the founding members of the hedge fund.

During a market crash, they lose everything literally overnight. Sally has always struggled with the wealthy lifestyle, the fake friends, the competition over material possessions. She is clearly losing her grip and when they actually lose everything, rather than making it worse, it seems to wake her up and push her forward to take ownership of her life more.

An enjoyable read, quite predictable twists and turns but some funny parts and a good demonstration of how different people deal with challenging times.

This book is released in the UK on 1st April 2021.

Thank you to @netgalley and @headline for the opportunity to review.

#libraryatsevern #bookworm #book #reading
#bookstagramuk #londonreader #bookreviewfeature #bookreview #bibliophile
#bookstagrammers #readersofinstagram #reader #igreads #thebestthings #bookblogger #goodreads #bookshelf #bookreviewer #bookshelf #headlinebooks #melgiedroyc #netgalley #lockdownreads #stayhomeandread #bookstragram#bookstagrammer #mentalhealth #kindness

The Parkers have got it all; a huge house, plenty of money, staff to do everything for them until the stock market goes into melt down and the hedge-fund goes right down the toilet bowl. The moneys gone, the house was rented, the staff pack their bags, Sally’s dynamo of a husband can’t seem to stay awake long enough to fix things but the kids are all right, aren’t they?
Things fall apart but were they really all that good to begin with? Geidroyc has a strong narrative voice and I felt like she was reading this into my ear, it’s very gentle even when very serious things are happening. It’s a very human story, I liked that there were no real villains nobody gets blamed for things going wrong but everyone is fallible, nobody is perfect it doesn’t mean they can’t fix their mistakes or learn from what they’ve done or not done. Geidroyc pokes gentle fun at all her characters and there’s an affection for them all that runs through the entire book. It takes a while to get going and is perhaps left a little too soon (I have no idea how the Parkers plan to get back on top but I dont think they know either) but I was left with the warm fuzzys at the end and the feeling that things would be alright, they’d get though it together those plucky Parkers!

The Best Things by Mel Giedroyd tells us about the seemingly perfect lives of the Parker family – Sally and Frank with their children, Stephen, Chloe, Emily (their adopted niece) and Michela (Mikey). Due to Frank’s highly successful business, the family live in a palatial residence in Surrey, surrounded by all manner of gadgets, technology and staff to cater to their needs. Life is good and if she ever feels stressed, then Sally will make a ‘mental note’ to deal with the issue later – presumably after spending several hours de-stressing at her favourite salon.

The family are living together but their lives are separate – each one obsessed with their own interests and having little time or capacity for the rest of their family. Life is about to take a sudden downturn on the day of Frank’s big BBQ. Sally has been drifting along in her little bubble for some time and as she struggles to cope with the increasing pressure of ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ (or in this case the Daly-Joneses), we see the façade of perfection being to slide. Coinciding with the failure of Frank’s business empire, their slippery slide to the bottom is only beginning.

This should be such a fun, story but I struggled to like several of the minor characters as I felt that they were rather one-dimensional and left as stereotypes when it would have been so easy to flesh out people such as Paloma (instead of being such a busybody, sneaky housekeeper) and have given her a greater role to play in Sally’s life. Still, there are plenty of laugh out loud moments in the story and this is where Giedroyd’s strength shows. References such as the names of the lawnmowers, Frank being nicknamed Ken due to his love of BBQ’s, shopping at Lidl, and Frank’s trip to hospital (literally asking the staff if they know who he is) are genuinely brilliant and I would to see more of these moments in the story.

A fun and light read for an afternoon.