"Do you remember how Grandma Edgewood always said that I had a remarkable gift of making a first impression? (Now that I think about it, I'm not sure whether she meant that as a positive thing.")
Armed with optimism and her own version of a Mary Poppins bag, Penelope heads across the pond to work for a family owned theatre. She loves her position and the people she meets. But when some seemingly random events halt her progress in bringing the theater back to life, she wonders if they are being sabotaged. Can she discover the truth?
This novel, primarily told in epistolary style, is the sequel to "Authentically Izzy." I recommend reading that one first. The characters are rather wonderful and do need the introduction.
Like all books by Pepper Basham, there is plenty of humor, romance, and unexpected faith. At first, my reaction to Penelope's enthusiasm was similar to Matthias (the hero of the book.) I wasn't too sure about her over-the-top persona. But I came to appreciate her joy. I did really enjoy this book and do recommend it!
I read this book through NetGalley. I wanted to read and review it. All opinions are my own.

This book lived up to this title! I never found a literal sunshine filled with positivity that is very likeable like Penelope did, everytime I continue to read this book it somehow makes me feel cheered up. A small town romance, sunshine x grumpy, and save a little community's place/institution done right!

I love the email and text exchange format part on this book. It makes me feel closer with the characters. Oh, and what a loveable characters they are! The people of Skymar and their love/dedication towards their theatres and gray family are so adorable.

A true ray of sunshine. This contemporary romance, told mainly through texts and emails, follows Penelope as she travels from America to Europe to intern at a failing theater. Her unfailingly positive attitude could be just what the Darling House Theatre needs to get back its spark. She also may bring some light back into the lives of the theater's owners, the Gray family... and maybe find true love along the way? There's definitely some magic to be found in Skymar.

This novel was utterly delightful! Penelope is such a fun protagonist. You can't help but smile at everything she does. I loved reading the correspondence between her and her siblings. Epistolary novels always appeal to me. The theater setting in a beautiful European inspired country is also a big plus. The romance is clean and sweet. I loved watching Penelope heal Matt's broken heart. I have not read the first book in this series, which follows Penelope's sister Izzy, but after reading this one, I will definitely be picking it up, as well as the next entry which gives her brother, Luke, a chance at romance. The mystery in this one was a bit obvious, but other than that, it's a perfect 10 for me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson--FICTION and NetGalley for the ARC of this novel. It definitely works better if you have read the first book in the series but is still as sweet and adorable as the first. I do enjoy the epistolary nature of the book and the character of Penelope just being so positive and showing that is not a weakness. Some of the plot points are pretty clearly telegraphed but I am not reading this for something to be totally new. It is a comfy read when you just want to relax under a blanket in front of a fire and veg. 3.5 stars.

DNF

I received this as an eARC, which is why I attempted Authentically Izzy, but I could not force my way through it. Maybe if Positively, Penelope wasn’t another epistolary novel, or if Penelope had stood out more in Authentically Izzy, I’d be more inclined to give this more effort, but I’m bowing out from this series.

Very sweet story of a girl named Penelope who goes across the world to intern at a theater house that needs to be revitalized. Her positive energy and vibes aren’t meant for everyone. The Gray family, owner of the Darling house theater, is going through their own grief and loss. Penelope works her way into their hearts and works to bring the Darling house back to life.

I was excited to read a book about theater because that's not a subject I normally read about. Objectively, the book has a cute story, but I found it hard to get into the. story because it was told through mostly texts and letters. I feel that I was told what happened instead of actually getting to be in the moment with the characters.

DNFed @ 20%

I really tried to give this one a shot. I normally love epistolary formats but I just could not find myself getting into this one, sadly. The characters were cute but overall I just was not motivated to read this one. I gave myself a month or two in between and attempted to pick it up again, but it was not for me.

I'm sure plenty will love this book, so worth a shot.

This book was SO. FUN. These characters just grab ahold of your heart, and the story and setting are just so immersive. Once you dive in, it is hard to pull your head back out! Once again, I loved the epistolary format, but I also loved that there was more split between traditional storytelling format and the emails/texts. I feel like the author really hit a sweet spot with this book!

Thank you to Just Read Tours and HarperCollins for providing me with an advance copy of the book. All thoughts expressed in this review reflect my honest opinion.

In this cute romcom, musical enthusiast Penelope Edgewood accepts a marketing internship on the fictional island of Skymar, where she attempts to revitalize the theater where she's working. In the process, she gets to know the dashing Gray brothers, Matt and Alec - and might just fall in love with one of them 😉

I think that this novel's weak point is its format. It's *mostly* a modern epistolary novel, with the story conveyed primarily through emails and text messages. I think this is a super hard format to pull off, and, unfortunately, I don't think that Basham quite manages to do so. I found the banter between Penelope and her family back at home to be more awkward/forced than witty, and I particularly noticed that Penelope over-explains memories for the reader's benefit - it made the conversations feel fake because the other characters wouldn't need such explicit details. This really drew me out of the story.

However, while the majority of the novel is conveyed through correspondence, every so often, the mode would change to third person POV. I had really mixed feelings about this. On one hand, I very much preferred these sections because the story flowed so much more naturally and it made for a much more enjoyable reading experience. That said, the back-and-forth between letters/texts and third person POV was very choppy and created inconsistency. I wish that the whole novel had just been written in third person.

I did enjoy the story itself - this is a quintessential example of Grumpy meets Sunshine, if you like that trope, and if you're someone who appreciates musical references, you'll really enjoy Penelope! I do recommend that you read the previous book in the series prior to picking this one up - I did not, and I think I would've enjoyed this more if I had, particularly the correspondence with Penelope's siblings.

Overall, this is a cute book with a funky format. If you struggle with epistolary novels (I generally actually like them), I don't particularly recommend this one because I think it's harder than most to get into. If you love the Grumpy/Sunshine trope or are a sucker for musical references, you might be able to see past that and just enjoy the story. Thank you again to Just Read Tours and to HarperCollins for the opportunity to read Positively, Penelope!

This is book two to the Authentically Izzy series in the fictional town of Skymar, featuring none other than sister, Penelope.

This is another epistolary story. (a novel in the form of letters…and/or texts/emails.) A unique format that gives You’ve Got Mail vibes. This story has an air of mystery to it as well with a secretive emailer.

This book contains all the things we love from a Pepper Basham book—humor, fun, mystery, charming characters, great banter, and (duh) kissing. 😏😉

This is a hit for fans of theater, Julie Andrews, princesses/fairytales, classic movie references, annnnd —>

Tropes:
Grumpy x sunshine
Small town
Single dad

You’ll find Penelope’s character to be adorable, sweet, fun, theatrical (think: Elle Woods meets Mary Poppins) and of course, positive. She’s sweet character to get behind.

Next up will be the charmingly hilarious and witty Luke Edgewood (brother to Izzy and Penelope).

POSITIVELY, PENELOPE is an epistolary novel that re-introduces the reader to Penelope. We got to know her pretty well in the first book, Authentically Izzy, but now we learn even more. Penelope travels to Skymar to work for three months at a historical theatre on the island. Penelope has experience in marketing and they are hoping she can come up with a plan to save the theatre. POSITIVELY PENELOPE is filled with twists and turns that will have you laughing out loud! When Penelope meets Matt her life changes no matter how grumpy he always seems to be. He is a single dad to Iris and isn’t interested in A relationship as he has had his heart broken in the past. That’s all I’m saying!

POSITIVELY, PENELOPE is exactly why I love Pepper Basham’s books. She always leaves me with a big smile on my face and screaming for more. That’s how wrapped up I get into her writing. Pepper has become one of my very favorite go to authors and I devour her books like a fine box of chocolates. I try to take my time and read slowly to make it last, but usually half way through I lose all control and flip the pages like a mad woman!! Penelope also loves to bake which made me love her that much more!

Pepper Basham has once again left me in tears and crying for more. I now know I will devour everything this awesome author writes and do it all easily with a smile on my face and tears in my eyes. I really loved POSITIVELY, PENELOPE Wow wow wow!! From the very first page I was emotionally invested in all of these wonderful people. Please, you have to give Pepper Basham a try! You won’t be sorry. I can’t wait to read more by one of my very favorite authors. I have made it a quest to catch up on the rest of her books because her writing is just that good. She makes her readers feel every emotion her characters are feeling to the point where you feel as if you are right there, struggling along with them. Now we have to patiently wait for Luke’s book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I didn’t realize this was part of a series going in, but it was not what I expected requesting a download of a romcom. It had some Christian undertones, which is fine but it would’ve been nice knowing going into it if a reader practices other religions.

This cover alone made me so excited to get an arc for this book! Once reading it, it did not disappoint. The storytelling in emails and text messages was different but I found myself really enjoying it. Penelope was a character I found myself really loving as I got more into the story. Her love for movies and romance really resonated with me! If you love a fun easy magical read, i’d recommend this book!

An adorable sequel to Authentically, Izzie featuring her younger much more extroverted sister. I loved the musical references sprinkled throughout. The dynamic between her and her love interest was made of similar stuff to that between Maria and Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music. It's a fun read, though I did spend a little longer than I would've liked waiting for her to figure out the bad guy was the bad guy.

The characters are endearing overall, many of whom the reader would already be familiar with if they read the previous novel. Penelope did come across as a little younger than her age but the story addresses this.

The theology included felt a little tacked on. The book seems to feel the need to speak repeatedly of Christian values but immediately steps away to avoid being preachy. It feels like they could've left it out entirely, with perhaps just a reference to the character going to church if they wanted us to know she's a Christian.

If you're looking for a sweet escape in the form of romance this is a good choice. It is epistolary, told primarily through emails, which I love as well.

Pepper Basham is one of my new favorite authors. The book, Positively, Penelope is wonderful. I recommend everyone should read this book.

**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**

This book had me laughing, swooning, fangirling, sighing, smiling, and even falling in love.

If I was an extrovert, Penelope and I would be twins. (Except for her red hair and my bookish tendencies which are more akin to Penelope's cousin, Izzy.) I already loved Penelope in the first book - "Authentically, Izzy" - so reading her own story was incredibly entertaining. I mean who doesn't want to wear cloche hats and walk around with a Mary Poppins bag? She could have been the main character in a thriller and I would probably still read it because she is so fun. Also, Penelope starring in a thriller, @pepperbasham, I think you've got a story idea right there.

Then, I met Matthias Gray and... well, you know me...

*Anna adding Matthias to already infinite list of fictional crushes.*

Matt's inner dialogue was so sweet and the way he fought his feelings for Penelope made my heart throb. Their relationship was almost slow-burn and their chemistry... *chefs kiss*. I've always liked grumpy/sunshine romances but this book solidifies my love for the trope.

I also loved getting to read about their deepest fears, and how they see themselves and the world. They teach each other lessons that help them to grow as individuals. The character development was really well done, and yet it's not super heavy or intense so that it still feels lighthearted. It was the perfect balance.

I can't wait till March to read the final book in the Skymar trilogy, "Loyally, Luke". Is there any way you can move the release date Pepper? Pleading emoji.

Although, I'd recommend reading "Authentically, Izzy" first, don't miss out on Positively, Penelope! It will keep you smiling for days.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This story is absolutely delightful! I really enjoyed the first book in this series and Positively, Penelope is great addition. As we travel once again to Skymar, we meet new characters and welcome back old ones. The characters are fun, funny, and very likeable. I really enjoy the family dynamics, on both sides of this story. It portrays quite well how different families can be, and yet how similar they can be as well. Matt is such a fun protagonist! He is misunderstood to those who aren't close to him, yet I loved how Penelope could see straight to his heart. So sweet! Lastly, the icing on this cake are the many classic movie references. I love ALL things Julie Andrews, so that part of the story was a definite draw! All in all, a totally enjoyable read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

THE EASIEST 5 STARS FOR A CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE !!!!!!

Seriously, I don't remember the last time, I enjoyed every single second of a contemporary romance. Positively Penelope was positively perfect in every way:
- real characters with real dreams, relationship issues, family dynamics, doubts, fears, and joys
- the romance was PERFECTLY paced with a deliciously satisfying conclusion (AND NO THIRD ACT BREAK UP, hallelujah)
- The theater/musicals love seeped in every page. Not just the shows, but the community aspect as well
- I loved the family dynamics of Penelope and her siblings and the Gray family
- Laugh out loud moments often!
- the texts between Penelope and her siblings made me realize how much I appreciate my siblings as well <3
- I really appreciated Penelope's inner dialogue about her dreams for her future and her feelings for Matt. Both were honored and both were upheld!
- I expected the villain's identity, but it was still heartbreaking all the same. I'm glad the resolution was full of hope for them!

So excited for Pepper's next book, about Luke ;)

Title: Positively Penelope

Author: Pepper Basham


Ch: 23


Pg: 416


Series: Skymar # 2


Genre: Christian fiction rom com


Rating: 4.5 stars


Publisher: Thomas Nelson


Positively Penelope is the second book in the Skymar series. And I enjoyed it just as much as I did Accidentally Izzy. In this one Penelope comes into her own. And the reader gets to see her grow even more than she did in the first book. I enjoyed getting to see more of the island of Skymar. And of course, Matt and Isis help to make the story. And I’ve also found that the single dad troupe is starting to grow on me.



I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.