Penelope or Penny as her relatives call her is an upbeat, energized person who loves the theater and all things Julia Andrews and Audrey Hepburn. This North Carolina native has an internship in Skymarian working at the Darling House. Penelope is there to bring the theater back to life with her marketing strategies. She accomplishes so much and falls in love with the family that owns the theater. She not only helps to bring the theater back to life, but she brings back joy to this family. In the end, Penny gets her own fairy tale ending. The book uses emails and text messages as a way to tell much of the story from Penny's point of view. I highly recommend this book. Since it is clean and uplifting fiction with a little twist, it is suitable for any reader.

Positively Penelope is the second book in the Skymar series by Pepper Basham. It is unequivocally just as delightful and charming as the book that came before it. This story is mainly written in text correspondence between various characters and is humorous, heart-warming, quote-worthy and thought-provoking. It’s an absolute gem of a story and one that you won’t want to miss.

Penelope is an eternal optimist who eagerly takes a theater internship in Skymar with the purpose of updating and revitalizing the family-owned Darling House Theater. She is full of ideas and brimming with hope and good cheer. Penelope is a character in her own right: one-of-a-kind, creative, vivacious and unapologetically positive. She is also, however, realistic and inspiringly relatable. As she takes the village and the theater by storm, transforming all she meets with her youthful energy, she also finds an unexpected, romantic connection; one that she’s always dreamed of.

Through Penelope, the author encourages us to not lose hope, to never give up, and to always look for the good in any situation. Her example gently nudges us to see that good things can even come out of heartbreak. This story is truly unique, humorous, hopeful and inspiring. Positively Penelope is meaningfully memorable and a new favorite.

Charming and quirky. Heartwarming and funny. "Positively, Penelope" by Pepper Basham is a sheer delight from the opening number to the final curtain call!

With sparking effervescence, Basham combines nostalgic musical references, hilarious sibling banter, and a swoony grumpy / sunshine romance into an epistolary novel worthy of a standing ovation.

Practically perfect in every way, this loverly story is sure to make 'em laugh with an endearing cast of characters who feel like real people and true friends on the street where you live. I have confidence that once readers meet Penelope, Matthias, Izzy, and Luke, they'll read all night—in their own little corner, in their own little chair—and still beg for more!

If you're a theater kid at heart, "Positively, Penelope" is sure to be your cup of tea—with an extra spoonful of sugar!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own honest opinion.

What a delightful book! I really enjoyed this one! I started reading the book via an electronic copy but when it was released got my hands on the audio version. I loved it with the accents. Penelope was a fun character in Izzy’s story and I’m so glad she got her own. She has such a good attitude and positive spin on everything. She gets to use her skills to try and save a theater filled with history in Skymar. Not only that but the family that owns it needs some of her positivity and cheer as well. I enjoyed the continued banter between Penelope, Izzy and Luke. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views stated here are my own.

Positively, Penelope was one book I didn’t think I was going to love, but atlas, I’ve been proven wrong by Pepper Besham!

This was my first read from Pepper but it won’t be my last one! I throughly enjoyed this story that Pepper tells and I finished this book in less than 24hrs. It held my attention and had me flipping pages like no one’s business.

Positively Penelope was just as much fun as Authentically Izzy if not more! What more could we want than a handsome man with a sweet little girl on a beautiful island? Penelope (who loves all things vintage and princess!) literally brims with excitement and positivity as she starts her 3 month internship at an old theater on the island of Skymar. She immediately falls in love with the island and maybe even that certain handsome man!

I'm really looking forward to Luke's story coming in May 2024

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 1 August 2023

4 stars

You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.

This is a really cute contemporary romantic comedy about a ray of sunshine named Penelope and a grumpy theater owner named Matt. Penelope is working a paid internship after college to help save a century-old family-owned theater on the island of Skymar. The family has recently lost two of their matriarchs and are grieving their losses. Penelope is just the ray of sunshine and can-do attitude they need. But, will a new contemporary theater threaten their come-back?

I really liked Penelope and her ability to smile in the face of loss, setbacks and people who dismiss her abilities due to her youth. Matt is the perfect grumpy guy with a soft squishy heart. His daughter is so adorable and it's no wonder Penelope instantly bonds with her. The "mystery" of the sabotage was not such a mystery, but it was heartbreaking to read how it played out. I loved the epistolary nature of much of the book - it's always a favorite writing technique of mine. Penelope's family, especially Luke, added depth and humor to the book. I still need to read the first book in the series that focuses on Penelope's cousin Izzy, called Authentically Izzy, and look forward to Luke's book, called Loyally, Luke which comes out May 1, 2024. If you like sweet, upbeat, romantic comedies, definitely check this book out.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from TLC Book Tours and Thomas Nelson. All opinions are my own.

Another five star read from Pepper Basham. This author is quickly becoming one of my favorites.

A sweet romance that includes Penelope the beloved cousin of Izzy from the previous book. Penelope is trying to help a failing theater and finds love. These books are stand alone but definitely enjoyed reading them together.

I laughed out loud so many times. I can’t wait to read Luke’s story.

Thank you netgalley and publisher for allowing me to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was a fantastic continuation of the story world created in Authentically, Izzy, and while I maybe enjoyed Izzy's story a little more than this one, I thought this one was better written as the transitions between epistolary and narrative were more smooth and less jolting. I'm so looking forward to Luke's story! Absolutely cannot wait, and I think it's going to be my very, very favorite!

I received a complimentary electronic copy of this book from NetGalley.

I honestly didn't expect to love Positively, Penelope as much as I loved Authentically, Izzy. But Pepper has outdone herself. Positively, Penelope was positively delightful!

When the heroine carries a Mary Poppins bag and channels her inner Maria von Trapp, you know you're in for a treat. Penelope is one of those perpetually positive people who are not always understood by others. But when she lands on Skymar to help save the Darling Theater, her belief in the healing power of cookies and dancing will endear her to the hearts of the entire Darling family. 

But will she find a leading man who is worth giving up her home and family for? Or is it possible that "some of the best characters played the secondary roles"?

If you love musicals, Julie Andrews, or good clean romance with a bit of intrigue, then don't miss this new release in the Skymar series by Pepper Basham.

DNF @ 25%. Is this entire book epistolary?! I cannot imagine reading a physical copy of an over 400 page book that's filled with a majority of emails. This book feels extraordinarily juvenile and over-the-top so far, and I am having an exceedingly difficult time getting into it. I am not drawn in by the characters, or the Skymar setting, or Penelope's overtly sunshiny disposition (and I usually LOVE sunshine characters). This book is not for me.

Thank you to NetGalley, Pepper Basham, and Thomas Nelson for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for my review.

I highly recommend Pepper Basham’s Positively Penelope to anyone who enjoys a wonderful faith filled romance with a happy ending. A reader who loves the theater will delight in the community theater setting and Penelope’s love of all things drama. This book can be read as a standalone but reading Authentically Izzy first will enhance the reader’s understanding of the characters and setting. I eagerly await the next book in the series. Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

This book!!! Dying! I loved every single word! The characters, the theatre, the music, the romance! Perfection! I loved this book! Enjoy and read the first on

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

Positively, Penelope by Pepper Basham is the second novel featuring the Edgewood family and it is positively entertaining. I love the Edgewoods. As in Authentically Izzy, a good portion of Positively, Penelope is relayed through emails and text messages. I enjoy the witty banter exchanged between the family members and you get a real feel for the personalities of the characters and how much they all love each other. Penelope is a modern-day Merry Poppins for sure. She’s vivacious, loving, and always sees the silver lining. Matt Gray lives up to his name at first. His life is gray except for his daughter Iris. Grumpy Gray as Penelope nicknames him blossoms as the story unfolds and it’s such a beautiful thing to see. There’s a bit of a mystery because someone is trying to sabotage the success of the Gray’s theater. There’s plenty of romance, always a little kissing, and a positive faith message. All the things you expect from Pepper Basham. While I received an advance reader copy from Thomas Nelson through Netgalley, I also purchased the paperback to add to my every-growing Pepper Basham collection.

Short review:
Read this book for a light heart, laughs, and a touch of mystery.

Long review:
I had so much fun reading this book! I had gotten Authentically, Izzy at Baker Bookhouse when I was there for the Fiction Readers Summit, and while reading that and talking to Vickie about it, she told me I HAD to read Positively, Penelope, so of course I preordered it AND requested it from Net Galley. Now I REALLY need Luke's story to be released (Pepper, could you get on that, please?)!

I'm not a bubbly, sunshiny girl (I would definitely be the grump in any relationship), so I wasn't sure how Penelope would rub me, but I loved her! I loved Matt, Iris, Gwynn, Grandpa Gray...the whole cast is just delightful.

And Luke. Oh, Luke. What a wonderful big brother he is. If I had an older brother, I would definitely want him to be Luke.

I have no good way to end this except that I just loved this book!

~I received a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~

I received an early read from the publisher and this was a book that I was looking forward to reading since I enjoyed Authentically Izzy.
It was a great book and was humourous. Enjoyed it by Pepper Basham

The story line was good and the characters were enjoyable. However, I wasn't a huge fan of such a large portion of the story being told through emails and texts. This is just personal preference and does not take away from the quality of the storyline.

Positively, Penelope is a positively delightful story written by one of my favorite authors, Pepper Basham. Like the first book in the series, this one is told mostly through emails and text messages. It was fun to have Penelope’s story after meeting her in Authentically, Izzy. I loved Penelope Edgewood’s perky, sunny personality her positive outlook on life, and the way she tried to see the good in people. Matthias Gray is also a wonderful character, especially after Penelope livens him up a little. Another of my favorite characters is Luke Edgewood. I enjoyed his witty, snarky attitude and his fun banter with his family members. I’m looking forward to his tale next.

Filled with musical references, humor, a bit of mystery, a budding romance, and a whole lot of charm, this book is a delight for those who enjoy contemporary romantic comedy. I would suggest reading this series in order so as to get all the background story.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All opinions are my own..

Sunshine in book format!
I love how Penelope's positivity spreads throughout the book! She is such a fun character! I also loved the hint of mystery and intrigue and the magic of Skymar that is displayed throughout the book.
The story starts out as emails and texts between characters and then about halfway through the book changes into a more typical story. The formats used worked well for the story.
This was a sweet romance, I'd rate it G/PG for kissing. I love Pepper Basham's books and this was another great addition! I can't wait for Luke's story!

Positively, Penelope is a delightful sequel to Authentically Izzy and written in the same form of much of it through correspondence between siblings and cousin in texts and emails. It is a perfect romcom for all readers, especially those who like grumpy/sunshine trope.
Penelope, cousin of Izzy, decides to do a theater intern in Skymar, a small island community. The Darling House Theater is failing after the owner and her daughter passed away. The Gray family's grief from loss is so great that the theater may need to close due to bankruptcy as they can't manage it well. Penelope arrives at the theater as intern and her cheery disposition catches the attention of brothers, broody Matt and flirt Alec Gray. Soon, Penelope has the Gray family and town ready to turn the business around for the community. Unfortunately, another theater seems to find out about all their marketing plans and takes them as their own.
I enjoy epistolary novels and this one didn't disappoint, though, there's not as much written in letters as previous story. Positively Penelope is a fun read and I look forward to the next in the series, Loyally Luke. (I do hope their sister Josephine is in the book more, I missed her "advice")
I received a complimentary copy of Positively, Penelope through NetGalley and Thomas Nelson but all opinions are my own.