Positively , Penelope
By Pepper Basham
Pub Date: August 1, 2023
Thomas Nelson
Christian Fiction, Romance, Contemporary
I absolutely loved reading Authentically, Izzy last Fall. Please read that one first because it explains so much.
This is a great read also! Mystery, songs, bicycling, twirling, baked goods, and much more make this a book I’m happy to recommend. Delight from beginning till the end,
5 stars

With literature and theatre references abound, Positively Penelope is funny, endearing, and lovely. A true grump meets sunshine, single father romance takes place in the setting of saving a local theatre from closing down. Penelope keeps all sorts of magic tricks in her “Mary Poppins bag” but can she find a way to bring this grieving family back together, save the theatre, accept her dream job, and maybe still find true love?

I thoroughly enjoyed the premise, and the set up of the story. The first chunk of text is presented in email and text format. I enjoyed it at first, but I did think it went on a little too long. Like I thought maybe the entire book was going to be presented this way. But it was not. I like the perspective switch when the emails and texts ended as well. I thought it was clever, and I always love a dual POV story. This story has family baggage, loving and supportive siblings, small town charm, betrayal, love, and humor. An easy, fun read.

I absolutely adore this series! Positively Penelope is such a sweet story about second chances. I adore the characters (and loved the updates on characters from Authentically Izzy) and the setting and everything about this book. I also can’t wait for Luke to get his own book.

Positively Penelope was absolutely amazing! Penelope made my musical loving heart smile! A perfect read for anyone who loves Broadway, Julie Andrews and romance!

This book just made me so happy and I absolutely LOVED it! Authentically Izzy was one of my absolute favorite books from last year so I was highly anticipating the release of Positively Penelope… and it was so much fun!🥰

You know those books that are just fun to read? Well, this is one of those books. I loved the characters, the setting, the humor— all of it. I was basically smiling the entire time I read this book.💗

First of all, I absolutely LOVED these characters!
Penelope was just wonderful. She adores Julie Andrews and Audrey Hepburn, classic movies, theater, musicals, fairytales, and vintage things— and I completely loved her character! She was just such a fun character. I really just wanted to be besties with her and make sugar cookies and watch Audrey Hepburn movies all day.
And then we have Matthias. I loved both him and his adorable daughter Iris. He’s a very grumpy, cautious, and serious guy in the beginning but then Penelope comes along and flips his world upside down. The sunshine/grump trope in this book was the best!🥰 I adored Matt and Penelope together. The romance was seriously adorable. 💗
I loved getting glimpses of Izzy, Brodie, and Luke again! I love them all so much. Izzy and I are kindred spirits, and Luke is pretty much my favorite. He’s hilarious and made me laugh constantly. I really can’t wait for his book!

I felt like this book was the perfect mix as it was told through texts, emails, and third person. I especially enjoyed getting more third person narrative in this one! I do love these cousins’ text message/email conversations. My life would be 100% more fun if I could be on their group chat.😂

This book just made me so happy. I laughed out loud multiple times and was smiling pretty much the whole time I read it. But this book is more than just a story that will make you laugh and smile. It also has deep moments too and I loved that!

In conclusion, I loved this book! It was just so much fun to read! It was everything I hoped it would be and more. I am SO excited for the next book in this series!
If you love the sunshine/grump trope, theater, classic movies, and epistolary novels, I think you will love this one!☺️

*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.

My issue with this is that it was never mentioned that this was a christian romance. And I don't mind going out of my comfort zone but I need some warning before jumping into a book talking about Jesus so much. Now as a romance, it was fun, it was cute, the swoon factor was there and it was good. As to the mystery plot line, it was one of those that were pretty in your face and I guessed it almost immediately. So it was fun, a good in-between book before another big fantasy novel but not very memorable either. 3.5 stars

Thank you to the author and the publisher, Thomas Nelson FICTION, for sharing an ARC of this book with me.

This was such a fun and whimsical read. I enjoyed the writing style a lot with the letters, emails and texts.

I loved this story by Pepper Basham, the characters and storyline were so fun!

I just reviewed Positively, Penelope by Pepper Basham. #PositivelyPenelope #NetGalley
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I love a book that references characters and actors from other stories and movies and Positively Penelope is brilliant at it! Especially old movies and actors!

Having said that, I didn't connect with the characters as much as I liked. I laughed and sympathize with her, just didn't connect. However I enjoyed the story (epistolary novels are my jam!) and I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

I was captivated and immediately engrossed by this delightfully entertaining narrative thanks to Penelope, a character I liked hanging out with. I enjoyed her family, the way they interact with one another, and the outside world is charming. Just as you enjoyed Authentically Izzy’s book-related knowledge, you’ll enjoy Penelope’s movie and theatrical trivia.

I appreciated how this novel was told through letters, texts, and emails. In this narrative, Penelope makes every attempt to keep the Darling House Theatre, open. Her efforts were admirable. By showcasing this local resource, she gives the town and the theater hope by identifying this local treasure.

Of course, the part where Penelope embarks on a mission to introduce princesses and fairy tales to Matthias’s small daughter Iris was fun and compelling. You will adore Penelope, her zeal for life, theater, and everything related to the Darling House Theater. If you enjoy Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, Sundays at Tiffany’s, and other classic film trivia, you will adore this story.

The significance of true love, as well as friendship, community, family, and belonging, are all explored in the novel. Along with joy, laughing, and sunshine, it also addresses bereavement. The third book in the series will introduce readers to Penelope’s brother, Luke, that has me intrigued. I liked the way the author drew me into this mystery, and I enjoyed the wonder and charm of this story. It was impossible to put this book down. It’s a fantastic getaway that your book group will adore.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

This book took a bit to get into but once I was in I couldn’t put it down. I found the email/text/chapter mix almost broke up the story too much and at one point I was wondering if the whole book was going to be just emails - this could have been an artefact of the digital ARC but I feel the issue would still have been their either way.

The main character is peppy and certainly positive through the book even in the face of adversity. Her ability to keep moving forward is what the entire book needed. She made it easy to cheer for her to get her happily ever after both professionally and romantically. The positivity was well done and didn’t get annoying.

The second half of this book is what made me round what I wanted to give 3.5 stars up to 4 instead of down to 3. The story picked right up and multiple plot lines developed for the main and side characters.

I thoroughly enjoyed this epistolary tale! Pepper Basham somehow always seems to write unique stories that make me both laugh and think, and her latest is no exception! This may be my favorite hero of hers yet: a single father jaded by his sorrow. Along with a beguiling little girl and a Julie-Andrews-loving lady who’s visiting their village in Europe, this book will not let you put it down.

Now let’s have Luke’s story next!

Pepper Basham infused some sort of special magic into this book, because it delighted me from the first page to the last.

Penelope is the best kind of sunshine heroine. Her joy isn't a naive optimism, but a conscious decision she's made to bring wonder and beauty to the world around her. I love her desire to see the best in people and how quick she is to forgive. It's beautiful to see the way she draws Matthias out of his grief and brings hope back into his life.

This book is about family and community, love and second chances. It's a grumpy/sunshine, friends-to-more romance. It truly is one you don't want to miss.

This may be my favorite book of the year. It's definitely become one of my all-time favorites. Shifting from quiet, reserved Izzy's POV in the first book to bold, vibrant Penelope's in book two was jarring at first. But, just as she does with everyone she encounters in the story, Penelope quickly won me over, embracing her role of leading lady.

You can not help but love her optimism and authenticity as she faces challenges head-on, always hopeful for a positive outcome. The character growth and romance (the absolute sweetest) unfolds at just the right pace, building towards a climax and finale worth waiting for.

I enjoyed meeting a fascinating new cast with the added bonus of getting to check in with favorite characters from the first book. This charming modern-day fairytale is the perfect blend of conflict, humor, amour and a heartwarming tale that will hold a special place with me for always.

Another fun book with the email dialogue along with in person happenings. Penelope has taken an intern job in the Skymar Islands, but a different place than the last book. She’s totally in her element and spreading sunshine wherever she goes and to whomever she meets. We meet the Gray family, Alec, Matt, Gwynne and Grandpa, as well as a few others. Josephine still doesn’t understand how her siblings can just go so far away. Izzy is still in the US, and Penelope is only interning though. Izzy is her supportive self and Luke is his sarcastic self. Her first impression of Matt isn’t great, but she loves his daughter, Iris. Alec is gone a lot, but does try and spend some time with her when he’s home. She bonds well with Grandpa and learns a lot from him of the history of the theater she’s to bring back to life. Page turning story and a total delight. Looking forward to the 3rd book. I do wonder how Luke’s text messages will come across when it’s hit turn to write.
A complimentary copy was provided by Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

This caught my eye when I was in the mood for a romantic read.

The last book that I read by this author was a historical romance, whereas this one was a contemporary romance. So it felt different, but I still found it very charming. It made me smile from the first few pages. I liked the protagonist and identified with her. The writing style was interesting, as part of the story is told through text messages and emails. It was a cheerful, pleasant romantic read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

Penelope is a ray of sunshine. She takes puts the music in musical. But Penelope has just flown away from her home nest. And the adventures awaiting may not be quite what she was expecting. There's 2 brothers, an old theater, a job opportunity (or 2), a little girl who wants to be a princess, and grandpa. But Penelope is determined and makes the choice to be positive throughout.

I loved the musical and book references. I loved the letter writing. I loved how this all came together!

"She's not like anyone I've ever met before. She sort of attaches herself to people and then convinces them of things they don't realize they're going to agree to until it's too late."

"Has she bewitched you body and soul?"

"Story is the key to what we bring to the stage, how we present ourselves online, and even how we engage with one another. We all have stories, but in our hearts, we all LOVE stories..."

This is a delightful book! Familiar characters join some new ones in a story that is filled with love, romance and even a little mystery! I LOVE Matt! What a scrumptious man! The love story is so sweet! This is a book that I could read over and over!
I was provided a copy from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Pepper Basham has done it again! Positively, Penelope is the PERFECT sequel to Authentically Izzy! The only thing that might be better?…….when Luke gets his own story!!!!
Where do I begin? Pepper does a wonderful job of mixing in the Appalachian culture, Rambo movie quotes, and musical theater. Three things that normally wouldn’t go together, blend seamlessly.
I honestly didn’t think I would like Penelope as much as I did! I felt she was childish and lived in fairy tale dream land. But I was wrong! Penelope’s relationship with Matthias had me smiling from the beginning! As usual, the kissing moments were worth the wait!
I’m calling it now….this story has the BEST first kiss moment out of all of Pepper’s other stories!

If you loved Authentically Izzy, then you will absolutely adore Positively, Penelope! Even though it’s a sequel it can totally be read as a stand alone. But why would you?

I highly recommend this to anyone who loves a good contemporary romance!

I received an early copy of this book via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are mine and given freely!

I absolutely adored this book! Positively, Penelope is a sequel of sorts to Authentically, Izzy, following Izzy’s beloved cousin, Penelope. Now, I loved Izzy because I related to her as the person I am, but I love Penelope because she represents the person I’ve always wanted to be! She’s endlessly positive, sings and dances at random, picks her skirts based on twirl factor (something I’ve done myself in the past), and has a God given gift for loving and encouraging people. How can you not love her?

I’ll admit, I guessed the “mole” pretty early on, but I don’t think the mystery was as important as the other factors of the book.

I absolutely adored Penelope’s relationship to Matthias and Iris. So sweet. And her relationship to Grandpa Gray was heartwarming to say the least. And the romance was swoon worthy.

I also appreciated watching how Penelope came to figure out and accept what God had for her future, even if it wasn’t what she originally thought.

I cannot say enough good things about this book. Just read it, Y’all!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for providing me with a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.