I truly enjoyed this book that had me laughing out loud. The rejected writers are a wonderful group of women. This was not all fun since their goal is to save the home of one of their members. Suzanne Kelman has captured small towns, wonderful friendships and even thrown in some romance. I will be reading more about the rejected writers adventures.

This was a great well written story. It pulled at my emotions from feeling sad to angry to confused to happy to laugh out loud!! I would recommend this book to anyone who appreciates cozy mystery with a big dash of humour! I will be reading more by this author. I thought I had left this review long ago but........

I really liked this story. I enjoyed the characters and the antics they get involved with. Very humorous!

This is a fun story that got my attention from the start. Why? First, I have rescue pets. Second, I love the theatre.

The basic story is that a group of friends, all unpublished writers, learn that the bank is about to foreclose on a friend’s home. Annie lives in her old family home where she houses rescue dogs on the property. The rejected writers decide to write and produce a theatrical production in order to help Annie raise the funds needed to avoid foreclosure.

The fun begins from the time this group starts planning the production: Who will write and direct? Who will perform? But there is more to this story than the efforts to produce the show. There is a touch of romance, a demanding pregnant daughter, and the uncertainty that they can pull off this venture.

This is not the place to find in-depth character studies or a discussion of serious theatre. It does deal with diverse relationships and how these women deal with them. I became comfortable with these ladies. It is hard to not smile or even laugh out loud when reading about the effort the ladies make to put on their production. I enjoyed the surprises that popped up in the plot and found that I was reluctant to stop turning the pages just because I wanted to read what would happen next.

*I received an advance copy of this book from the author and have voluntarily chosen to provide a review.

I loved this sequel to the Rejected Writers series. It was heartwarming and entertaining at the same time.

A worthy successor to The Rejected Writers Book Club. This follow-up is just as convoluted, wacky, and sheer fun as the first! The group is once again roped into one of Doris's schemes, possibly even more hare-brained than roadtripping to San Francisco in order to persuade a publisher to reject a book. In order to save Annie's farm, the Club are... putting on a show! (Yes, it goes about as well as you'd imagine.)
There's another plot which actually takes center stage, which is the relationship between Flora and Dan... which is on the rocks because of Dan's friend, the narcissistic Marcy.

I didn't think this was as good as the first book, lacking some of the heart of its predecessor. However, it was a really enjoyable read. It was really nice to see these characters again in all their quirky and flawed greatness.

If you loved the first book, read this one.

The Wonderful and entertainingRejected Writers Book Club is back!!! This book takes place several months after the first book, although I believe it could be read as a stand alone book, but I recommend the first one. These ladies are back with hilarious hijinks that will make you laugh out loud. They have decided in order to help Annie keep her farm from foreclosure that they are going to put on a musical!!. This book is a great and fun read. If you are in need of a laugh then check out the rejected writers club!!

"Rejected Writers Take the Stage" (Southlea Bay) by Suzanne Kelman


"Same Bat day, same Bat channel, same crazy bats; I thought" -- Janet


An enjoyable, laugh out loud novel that picks up several months after the first book in this series ends. The members of the Rejected Writers Club are quite colorful and full of character themselves. "They [are] an assortment of women of different ages all brought together by a common purpose: reading their awful manuscripts to each other."

While each woman is extremely unique, they bond over their rejected manuscripts and are led by the "head" of the "club," Doris. And she seems to always have a scheme or two up her sleeve as to how to "solve" a problem that has come to her attention. This time it is late mortgage payments of one of
the members that needs to be paid asap. All problems are of a dire and severe nature requiring secret meetings and a bunch of other shenanigans that make everyone love Doris, as she quickly drives them all crazy.

The second book in this series did not disappoint. While new characters were introduced, some past characters suddenly reappeared. And, once again, crisis was averted; there was some good news; and some very young and extremely new members initiated into the book club.

A novel not to be missed and any reader will fully enjoy!! I am looking forward to the next one in this series from Suzanne Kelman. A truly excellent read.

Rating: 4.8
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Buy Link "Rejected Writer's Take the Stage (Southlea Bay):
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Buy Link for "Rejected Writer's Club" (Southlea Bay):
http://amzn.to/2t81kDD



(Any links in this post may be affiliate links leading to a small commission for me at no cost to you).

This is a fun to read book. These women are prople I would gladly hang out with. I was a bit hesitant to read htis one because I didnt think anything could be as good as the first, I an glad to say this one is just as well written and just as enjoyable as the first.

This is the second Southlea Bay book, and honestly, I think you need to read the first book to really get a feel for the story, and I unfortunately read book 2 first.

The story pretty much jumps right in, with not a lot of background and we are introduced to the characters as though we already know them. It was a little difficult getting invested in the characters without the background information, which I’m sure was presented in the first book in this series.

The plot revolves mostly around Flora and Annie, however the story is narrated by Janet in first person at some points, and a third person narrator at other times. I’m really not sure why, but assume that this was something that was presented in the first book as well?

I liked Flora’s character, she had a lot of self-confidence issues, but managed to overcome them. Plus she ultimately stood up for herself with Dan. Dan, however was an idiot and I thought Flora could do a lot better, but maybe there’s something in book one that is redeeming for Dan.

Annie kind of reminds me of myself and the way that I handle situations. She not necessarily a strong character, but she’s very relatable. I have some issues with Janet, though I adored the rest of the book club characters, even Dolores. They were kooky and weird and a lot of fun. Don’t get me started on Marcy, but she is one of the villains of this story, so hating her was supposed to happen.

The story overall was fun, and I think if I had read the first book, I would have enjoyed it more. I plan to read the first book now and learn all the back story I missed!

One of the most ridiculous, fun and wholly unrealistic stories I have read in a long time, that surprises readers with an unexpected depth of emotion and solidarity when one of the members of this little club is in trouble. Not to put too fine a point on it, but at one point or another, each of the many characters in this book has their moment of crisis: some simple, others not so, but the varying strengths and quirks in this group show the power of speaking a thought into the universe.

See, the women of Southlea Bay are, at least in this group, a bunch of rejected writers: writers who demand and celebrate each rejection with panache and style, taking no notice of the fact that (at least from what I saw here) there isn’t a truly original or workable idea to be found. Oh that’s not to say that they are terrible, but particularly with the building of the ‘script” for the benefit to help save one of their member’s farm and house, the near full on rip off of The Wizard of Oz, and the justifications that make it different are as cringe-worthy as they are utterly ridiculous and funny.

Not knowing what to expect from my first encounter, there was plenty of information and references explaining the first in the series, and the character of Janet – the outwardly most ‘normal’ of the bunch, with her inability to say “no” and a husband who just laughs at her frustrations and concerns…. Herding Cats comes to mind, clearly and completely appropriate. With everything you shouldn’t do to create a play, a retiring and rather ‘out of her time’ lead actress meant to sing her way through the moments, a stalwart and never take no ringleader and plenty of soft moments where the concern for Annie and her farm strike every character, it was hard to put down and harder to not wonder what will happen next. These ladies of the Rejected Writers club are funny, caring, accepting and above all wholly committed to their group, their friendships and their town.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” http://wp.me/p3OmRo-93E/” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

I liked this more than the first book (and you can read it as a standalone.). This one is funny without being silly. The bottom line, for me, was that this group of women support one another. This time they're trying to save Annie's farm. The "lets put on a show" aspect- with people who can't sing and have no concept of how difficult this might be- is a good way to show them banding together. I think we'd all like to have friends like Doris, Janet, Flora and (even with her "issues") Stacey. Try this for a feel good read. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

A well crafted humorous novel. This is a heart warming story with quirky characters, a tender romance, and scenes that will make you laugh your socks off. You will love these ladies.

The women of the Rejected Writers Book Club are back! The writers gather in a club where they collect the rejection letters that they receive from publishers. In the first novel, they go on a mission to get a rejection letter from a publisher who accepted them. In this story, one of the members, Annie, is facing foreclosure on her house. She owns a farm where she boards dogs. The leader of the Book Club, Doris, comes up with a plan to put on a play to raise money for Annie. They each pitch in to write a portion of the play called The Merlin of Ooze. Janet works in a library, and she is given the job of director. She also has a daughter who is pregnant with twins, who comes to visit her. Meanwhile, Flora met her new boyfriend, Dan, on their last adventure. But he doesn't live in town, so they have a long distance relationship. He surprises Flora with a visit to Southlea Bay, but he brings more than himself. And of course, with the ladies of the Rejected Writers Book Club, nothing goes as planned!

I loved this sequel! I was so excited when I heard about it. This one was a little different because it didn't focus as much on writing. Since the characters were introduced in the last novel, their lives could be explored more deeply in this novel. 

I really like the titles of the chapters. Each one is named after a funny image or metaphor in the chapter. 

One aspect that was a little confusing was the narration. Sometimes Janet narrated, if she was present in the scene. But if she wasn't there, it was a third person narration. There were also a couple of consistency issues, like someone being introduced twice in a chapter. 

I love how these stories have an open ending, leaving the possibility for a sequel. I hope the Rejected Writer's Book Club goes on another adventure soon!

This review will be posted on my blog on June 10, 2017.

REJECTED WRITERS TAKE THE STAGE by Suzanne Kelman is another amusing adventure for the crazy women of Rejected Writers club. This time they are trying to find a way to save Annie's farm from foreclosure by staging a musical. These women act with as much enthusiasm and skill as they write so there is a lot of opportunities for laughter in this novel. I also love how this group epitomizes the modern village that women rely on. They hold each other up, they hold each other accountable, they support, they laugh, they cry, they explain. And they do it with gusto at all hours of the day and night. The women and men in this novel are well developed, memorable, and witty. A very enjoyable read to kick off the summer season!

I received an ARC of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Rejected Writers Take the Stage is the second book in Suzanne Kelman' s Southlea Bay series. Doris Newberry has summoned the Rejected Writers book club members with an urgent plea. This time it is for sweet group member Annie, who has turned her family farm into a home for rescue dogs as well as for dog boarding. With a slump in the economy, Annie has gotten behind $20,000 in mortgage payments and the bank is threatening to foreclose.

Doris is determined the group will rally and save Annie's home. And how else to do so but put on a show. Janet Johnson, the main voice of the story, is determined to just say no to whatever is asked of her, but when the question comes in such a fashion as to make no actually an agreement, she finds herself as director of this ragtag group. Throw in an unexpected visit from her very pregnant daughter, Stacy, and a vamp attempting to move in on sweet Flora's boyfriend, and the stage is set for high comedy and low drama. Will all their thespian efforts be enough to save the farm, or will there be another answer?



I thoroughly enjoyed this laugh-out-loud funny tale. Warm insights, wacky occurrences, and wonderful characters are found in every chapter. I look forward to further adventures in Southlea Bay and I do recommend this book.

What a hoot! I laughed so hard at times while reading that tears literally flowed. Kelman has created characters and dialogue and situations that are truly hilarious.

But the book is not all laughs. There are some serious times too. In fact, the concern for the women in the Rejected Writers Book Club this time is saving the family farm of one of their members. Behind in her mortgage, the bank is hoovering over Annie, threatening possession. Doris' answer is to put on a benefit, a musical production. And that is when the fun begins.

There is also a little romance in the book. The growing relationship between Dan and Flora hits a roadblock when that conniving Marcy latches on to Dan. How can one man be so clueless about the wiles of a woman on the prowl?

All of those elements combine to form a well crafted humorous novel. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about how the women in the club came together to help Annie. It's a heart warming story with quirky characters, a tender romance, and scenes that will make you laugh your socks off. A plus for me is that it takes place on the island of which I am a native and still reside. I can hardly wait for the next in the series.

This is the second novel in this series but reads very well on its own. You can read my review of the Rejected Writers Book Club here.

My rating: 5/5 stars.

Suzanne Kelman is the author of the Rejected Writers Book Club series and an award-winning screenwriter. Born and raised in the United Kingdom, she now lives in Washington State on her own version of Southlea Bay with her husband and son. You can find out more at http://www.suzannekelmanauthor.com/.

Lake Union Publishing, 286 pages.

I received a complimentary egally of this book from the author. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Rejected Writers Take the Stage is a story that will take you through a wonderful rollercoaster of emotion.~ Laugh out loud funny, heart rending, hopeful and clearly through the whole book: what lengths truly good friends will go through to help each other.

Janet, Doris, and Annie are back! Cute, quirky, characters, fun plot line. This is a series that will brighten your day!

I started this book I prepared for another madcap caper by the ladies in the Rejected Writers Book Club and I was not wrong. It starts off much like the previous novel with Librarian Janet Johnson getting roped into another startling adventure by alpha book club leader Doris. However, this caper is for a very good cause. Book club member Annie, who runs a kennel for dogs without homes on her family farm, is behind on mortgage payments and has to come up with a large sum of money quickly or her farm will go into foreclosure. Doris and the other ladies of the book club are determined to hold a theatrical fundraiser to help her come up with the sum of money needed. Janet gets hoodwinked into directing a hilarious musical production. As you can imagine with this zany cast of characters this production does not go smoothly, but it is fun entertainment and great reading.

I like this cast of characters a lot. Although everyone seems to be afraid of Doris, she has a big heart and is always helping out others, even if she is bulldozing over them while doing so. I enjoyed the continuation of the love story started in the first book between Flora and Dan, but did get a little frustrated that Flora continued to have such little self esteem when facing the very annoying Marcy who was also vying for Dans love, when it was really clear that he only had eyes for Flora. Janet, as the straight man in this group of crazies, seems to have finally accepted her role and even as she grumbles to her husband about all of the silly things she has to do, you can see that being a part of this group has allowed her to have fun and that was something she needed in her life. Fun.

If you like women’s fiction with a crazy cast of characters then this is the book for you. Read the first in the series called The Rejected Writers Book Club as it will explain a lot of back story and I think you will enjoy this book more for having read it. I did enjoy the adventure a bit more in the first book but this was a solid follow up. ❤️❤️❤️❣️

I was given an ARC of this book through NetGalley for my honest review, and yep, I was honest.