Positively, Penelope is the second book in the Skymar series following Authetically Izzy. Both stories are told through the texts and emails sent between Izzy, Penelope and Luke. Authentically Izzy was about Izzy finding love and now it's time for Penelope to find her prince charming.

The email exchanges between Izzy, Luke and Penelope are hilariously entertaining as they poke fun at each other. Each character really has their own quirky personality. Some of the quirks Penelope has is that she is afraid of sea monsters, loves Julie Andrews and references musicals. Penelope was a really fun character to follow along and relatable in some ways like her fear of things from the ocean-haha.

The romance kept me on the edge of my seat waiting for Penelope to come together with her prince charming. The theater element to the story and romance made it more worthwhile to read about. Every part of this book was sweet right up to the very end when they finally come together. There were definitely some surprise moments at the end you'll want to read!

Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for this ARC so I could review it!

The Edgewood siblings from Pepper Basham’s Authentically Izzy are back. You don’t have to have read Izzy’s story, though, to thoroughly enjoy Penelope’s story. She is an experience all her own.

Penelope wields her positivity and sunny disposition like a weapon. She doesn’t just live life, she lives to experience it. So she is utterly thrilled when is offered an internship as the marketing director of a small community theater rich in history. What she discovers when she arrives in the tiny island country of Skymar is that is will take more than some upgrades to her marketing plan to bring the Darling House theatre back to life. Penelope knows she is up to the challenge. She’s not about to let the historic theatre fade away.

Along the way Penelope will need to navigate her way through the complicated Darling family, the owners of the theatre who have been stuck in the past since the loss of the beloved matriarch. They include the reclusive grandfather who can’t seem to resist Penelope’s charm, the brothers Alec and Matt who are as different as can be and each appear to have an eye on Penelope, and Matt’s young daughter who desperately needs some of Penelope’s magic in her life.

The story is told as a series of emails and text messages. While it may seem confusing at first, I found the format actually provides a deeper look into the character’s personalities I felt I got to know them much better. Their true selves come out in the correspondence. Though at times Penelope may seem over the top, it’s easy to overlook that as she is just so much fun. It is her correspondence that lets us as readers know that is just Penelope, she is the way she appears, yet she’s not as flighty as she seems. She truly cares for others, but she has a serious side too , Later in the book when the format turns to a narrative, the story seemed to have so much more depth because we knew the characters so well. This is a great story with highly developed characters we can’t help but root for. We’d all do well to adopt some of Penelope’s attitude in our daily lives. Until then, read and enjoy the positivity and magic of Positively Penelope.

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious awesomeness! I adored this book! It was everything my romantic, musical loving heart could ever want. Pepper Basham delivers a delightful, magical, feel good, grumpy/sunshine romance with endearing characters, witty humor, all the favorite musical/pop culture references, and even a hint of mystery. Like with Authentically, Izzy I absolutely fell in love with Positively, Penelope.

Penelope Edgewood’s talents are put to the test when she accepts a 3 month internship in Skymar to revive the old Darling House Theater. Armed with a sunny disposition, creative solutions, a Mary Poppins bag full of amazing things, and the support of her lovable siblings/cousin, she begins tackling the theater’s problems. Soon her cheerful positivity and love for the theater affect everyone around her including her grumpy business manager Matt Gray. But, not everyone is happy with the changes Penelope’s making. Someone is out to sabotage her and the theater. It’s going to take Penelope’s unconditional love and know how to pull off a miracle and save the theater.

All the love for this book! I adored Penelope and Matthias! In Authentically, Izzy, Penelope came off as a bit naive and we didn’t get to see the full facet of her personality. In this story, she really shines and we see her depth and the true kindness she possesses. Penelope chooses joy and her example affects everyone around her. She’s a breath of fresh air and it was pure delight reading her story.

The flip side of the coin is Matt or “Matthias.” This lovable grump has been through a lot in the past few years. Unfortunately, he’s temporarily lost his joy and mistakenly bans fairytales and princesses from his young daughter Iris’ life. Penelope brings back the magic with singing, baking, and watching “almost” princess movies like Tangled with Iris. When he sees the happiness she brings to not only his life but everyone around her, he begins to rethink his grumpy ways. I loved their romance with him teaching Penelope how to ride a bike, dancing in the theater, and his sacrifices.

Told mostly in epistolary form, I enjoyed reading the witty, heartfelt, sometimes snarky (Luke) emails and texts. All the Edgewood relatives’ personalities really shine and you can’t help loving them all. It was especially fun to see a new side to Luke and I can’t wait for his story! I thoroughly enjoyed new characters introduced like Grandpa Gray and Gwendolyn. I loved all the musical references and the quotes from Julie Andrews and Audrey Hepburn. I also loved the message of choosing joy. Even the villain has a story and manages to tug on your heartstrings.

You can’t help but smile while reading this story and I guarantee you’ll find yourself singing those amazing show tunes from Phantom of the Opera to My Fair Lady! Highest of recommendations for this exceptionally, practically perfect, clean romance! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given.

Positively, Penelope by Pepper Basham is book #2 in her Skymar series. This is my first book from her and I absolutely LOVED it! Have you ever read a book that you thought oh man this is going to be terrible? How will I ever make it through this one? That's how it was for me in the very beginning. I will warn you now. This book is mainly told in texts and e-mails back and forth between various people. It can be kinda confusing at first, but hang in there. I did and then the sun started shining and my whole world became Penelope's whole world. It needed up being the best book. Penelope has such a great outlook on life. She brings joy wherever she goes. I know I need to be like her. It was such a refreshing book and the end...OMS! I cried tears of joy, so yes there was an epilogue. I can't wait to read the next one. I'm going to go back and read Authentically Izzy. You do not need to read the first book to follow this one, but you do get to know about Izzy and Brodie throughout the 2nd book. Izzy is one of the people who Penelope texts and e-mails back and forth. So if you love a book about saving an old theater house, a lady who loves musicals and old movies and wears vintage clothing, and a grumpy man who isn't actually grumpy once you get to know him then this book is for you. Plus you get to meet said grumpy man's daughter and his sweet gramps too. I also really adored the relationship Penelope had with her brother, sister, and cousin. It was refreshing to see such a great family relationship. I really can't wait for Skymar #3. Counting down the days. I was given a copy of this book, but all opinions are my own.

I just finished Positively Penelope by Pepper Basham, the second book in her Skymar series. Oh. My. Word. Y’all. It was just as adorable and magical and…(using a Pepper word) fairytale-ish as book 1. I just adore her characters, Penelope and Matthias. If you have not started this series, you are so missing out. Now…I need book 3. Please hurry Pepper!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

This book, unfortunately, was not for me.

While I generally enjoy using different devices in books - emails, texts, letters, etc. this was not done in an effective way for me. It felt a bit too stream of conscious, and made it hard to get invested in the story and characters as much as I would have liked.

Positively, Penelope is the second book in the Skymar series by Pepper Basham. I HIGHLY recommend you read the first book, Authentically, Izzy before reading this one. Otherwise, you will get spoilers, miss a few things, but mostly, miss out on a great first book of the series.

"If you were able to learn how to wear that pink bunny suit from Legally Blonde on stage in front of a pastor and his entire youth group, I think you can do anything."

I loved getting to know Penelope through her adventures in Skymar. Penelope is hilarious and her propensity for not finishing a story (in text/email) makes her more so. She is an extremely positive Polly-Anna, casting out sunshine wherever she goes. She can be clueless at times, which also adds humor.

Just a few things that helped this story shine:

grumpy/sunshine
cute child
single dad
wonderful cast of characters
witty banter
plenty of LOL moments
nod to Classic movies

This story was hard to put down and it kept a smile on my face. There was so much to enjoy!

I appreciated the references to Mary Poppins, Julie Andrews, Grease, the Sound of Music, and more! There are so many quotes (like the one I shared above) that are hilarious, especially in context. I loved Positively, Penelope, and can't wait to read Luke's story in Loyally, Luke. It also makes me wonder if Josephine will get her own story, although she doesn't seem to be as much of a main character as Izzy, Penelope, and Luke. 🤔

Thank you to Justreads Publicity, Net Galley, and the author for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own. I had pre-ordered Positively, Penelope, but sadly it was not here before I needed this review to go out. However, it is one for the keeper shelf and I can't wait until my paperback copy arrives!

Penelope is thrilled at the chance to do an internship at a theatre in Skymar and is determined to do her best. But the theatre is approximately back in the Dark Ages as far as a web presence is concerned. Then there's 'Grumpy Grey' to reckon with, not to mention his charming brother who any woman should be glad to consider her knight - but whose charm somehow seems to fall a little flat. Throw in a possible mole at the theatre, and Penelope has plenty on her hands. Nevertheless, she is determined to conquer all obstacles in her own inimitable style. But when faced with a choice between an old dream and a new, which should she choose? And must choosing one meant the loss of the other?

Content warning: This is a book best read when alone, to avoid having to explain to others why you're laughing so much! I loved it from the very start, just like Izzy's story - but possibly this book even more? Penelope is a very not-me character, but she drew me into her life from page one and welcomed me. I loved the way Izzy and Luke supported her, helped her when she needed it, but avoided the (often well-intentioned) pushiness/nosiness that is so common in families (okay, so maybe Josephine doesn't escape it - but we don't see much of her). I also loved the way that we get shown the 'surface Penelope' with hints of her internal dialogue, but gradually get to see what she's really like inside - it was a great reminder that there's often more to people than shows on the surface. Excited by the hints of Luke getting his story next, and REALLY looking forward to it. A delightful book full of both laughter and heart. Highly recommended.

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

I found out Positively, Penelope is part of a series along with Authentically, Izzy. This time it follows other sister, Penelope as she travels to a small town to intern at a theatre company run by a family.

The same epistolary format is used in this story. It really tired me out somewhat so i was glad it also reverted to regular third person storytelling. This was a typical predictable grumpy-sunshine trope. There was a third party involved. There's also a cute kid. But overall, i still enjoyed it. There were heart eyes, giggly moments.

Despite its predictability, I'm still ok with this one. Just that i could make do with lesser of the email storytelling. But that's just me, really!

Penelope has traveled internationally to help use her background and education in theater to help save a family owned theater that has been around for generations but is now failing. This family has faced heartache and grief, but Penelope is determined to make a difference with her knowledge and her own brand of optimism.

Never have I felt more like the grump from a grumpy/sunshine trope than I did while reading this book, because Penelope is certainly on another sunshiney level. Positively, Penelope does a great take on the grumpy/sunshine trope. Penelope is very positive, to the point where others often do not take her seriously. Matt has seen quite a bit of heartache and has buried some of his passions regarding his family’s theater as well as the desire to laugh or smile with ease. At first, Penelope was a bit much for me to handle. But, like Matt and others throughout the story, she really did grow on me. It became more evident that she wasn’t blindly optimistic, as many had accused her of being. She had the plan and knew how to put it in place.

I had struggled to adjust to the mostly epistolary nature of book one in this series (Authentically, Izzy) until I read it in a physical format. However, I found it much easier to read Positively, Penelope, even as an e-book, now that I am used to this particular style. It definitely helps break up the narrative when there are emails and texts conveying conversations. Also, it helped keep me interested when there were some sneaky, underhanded things happening (kept vague so no spoilers!). I kind of guessed what was happening, but it still made for an interesting read. Hopefully that helps get you interested to read too! I am very interested in reading Luke’s book next.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I’m leaving an honest and voluntary review.

I recently finished reading (listening to) Authentically, Izzy, book one of the Skymar series, and it was delightful. I was so excited to dive into Positively, Penelope after getting to know Penelope throughout the first book as she offered encouragement and positivity to her cousin, Izzy. I hoped that this book would live up to the fun and romantic atmosphere created in that first novel. Well, I was thrilled to find a story that I loved even more than the first!

Positively, Penelope was the perfect blend of epistolary and in person dialogue. The swoon factor was there in spades, with a grumpy and heartbroken single dad hero, a sweet daughter, and the delightful Penelope who was able to weave her uplifting spirit and love for all things theater into the entire Gray family.

I simply adored this story from start to finish and I must now wrap my mind around the fact that it will be so long until book three, Loyally, Luke, is released next year! It will be a very hard wait!

I believe that readers could pick up Positively, Penelope and enjoy it even if they haven’t read Authentically, Izzy. So, if you are really wanting to dive into this book without having read book one, go ahead, you should be fine. I, however, love reading book series in order when I can. I do think that it is fun to get to know Penelope, Luke, Izzy, and even Josephine through the emails and texts of Authentically, Izzy first. Then enjoy seeing Penelope get a truly swoon worthy happily ever after in this book.

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

Positively, Penelope is “practically perfect in every way.” I loved this delightful, uplifting book! It’s the second book in the Skymar series, and though it can be read as a stand-alone, I totally recommend reading Authentically, Izzy first. Since this story is told mainly in texts and emails, you’ll appreciate knowing what happens in Izzy’s book before you read Penelope’s. That way you won’t get spoilers from her book!

I flew through Positively, Penelope because I just could not stop reading! Penelope’s personality is lovely! She’s always trying to see the best in every situation and person. She loves the theater…especially musicals! Just reading her emails, texts, and dialogue uplifts you! I just completely adored her! I love her family, Izzy and Luke (and Josephine…she is in the book less than the others) with whom she emails and texts. Luke is so funny, and I’m so excited to read Loyally, Luke!

Positively, Penelope has clean, swoon-worthy romance, wonderful characters, laugh-out-loud humor, and an uplifting story. I give this much more than five stars and highly recommend it!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Positively, Penelope by Pepper Basham is the second book in the Skymar series. I did not know this before reading it but I do not feel like I missed anything. I will definitely have to read the first book since I truly enjoyed this one. The characters were so likable and I absolutely adored Penelope and Matt/Matthias. I cannot wait for the third book following Penelope's brother, Luke.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

An utterly delightful romantic comedy, with a determinedly optimistic heroine ready to tackle any challenge with faith, love, and pixie dust!


Penelope comes to Skymar to help a struggling local theater, and the burst of creativity and light that she brought to every situation. She is indefatigably positive, and I loved how she brings out the best in people inspiring them to hope again. Iris is so adorable! I loved the relationship between her and her siblings, as they communicate through text, email, and phone calls throughout the story. Luke is definitely still a favorite, and I'm interested to see how his story will play out as he is a man of few words.

This was such a fun read, filled with heart, a grumpy-sunshine romance, and great musical theater references. I loved Penelope's zest for life, and how she shares it with others. Matt is a man who has gone through a lot in the past few years, but he has a heart of gold and is an excellent father.

Overall, a completely enjoyable addition to the series with heartwarming new characters, and engaging plot, written by an author who knows her audience well. I loved the humor, excellent chemistry between Penelope and Matt. Highly recommend, and can't wait for Luke's story!

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

I like the idea of the story. There's some funny humour and cute moments. But I skipped so much....I really didn't like the way the book read, because of the many emails and text messages. I think I would've really liked the story if it had been written like a normal story. The email elements prevented me of connecting with the characters and I couldn't get in the story. It's probably just me, but for me it wasn't a succes. I'm sorry! But thank you for the opportunity to read it!!

This book feels like a continuation of the first book, Authentically Izzy, and was a four star for me until the last part of the story when suspense kicks up a notch and ends on such a sweet note that I decided on five stars. It is told in the same format as the first one with of lots of emails and texts, in the epistolary form. We see the same humor and wit between siblings/cousins, Penelope, Izzy, Luke, and sometimes Josie. What fun they have with banter and teasing, all interspersed with love! Penelope is doing an internship in Skymar, home of Izzy's boyfriend, Brodie, following her college completion. Sunny personality Penelope meets grumpy Matt Gray at the airport, but things get better the more that the two are together. She makes a special bond with Matt's sweet little daughter, Iris. She is working with the Gray family to revitalize their theatre, The Darling House and finds such history and special love in the artifacts and memories. She does a wonderful job and wins the hearts of the family and community. Filled with movie quotes and references, this is another fun and uplifting read. I am looking forward to reading Luke's story.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.

Be prepared to dive into a world that radiates positivity, love, joy, and happiness, and is full of twists and turns with laugh-out-loud vibes and so many amazing references to movies and music.
It's sweet and fun such as our beloved Penelope.
It's a grumpy X sunshine
Single dad
An epistolary novel with a lot of banter and zero spice.
Penelope travels to Skymar for 3 months to become an intern at a historical theater on the island which is in desperate need of savings. There she meets Matt Gray the theater manager a grumpy single dad who had lost his belief in love and magic.
Together they will save the theater and Penelope might just be the key to his happiness again.

I loved the Skymar books. The 1st one was pure joy and now Penelope's story did not disappoint.
Everything was perfect from A to Z and I highly recommend you pre-order this book
You Will LOVE IT 😉

Thanks to @NetGalley and the Publisher for granting me an ARC of #PositivelyPenelope in exchange for my honest review.
Xoxo

Positively Penelope is a second in a series but could be enjoyed stand alone or out of order. I know many readers will adore the characters and their banter, presented in email and text messages though I found some of the messaging confusing, especially posts traded on a group where the people had agreed to remain anonymous. There are also sections of narration and dialogue but the segue way between the writing styles felt awkward to me. I enjoyed the story but found it just as predictable as I suspected in the opening chapters as when I reached the end. But this is a cute story where the main character is so likeable that the reader will be charmed as well. Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for an early copy to read and review. This book will release on August 1, 2023.

My head was spinning as I read this book, and I never was able to get into the rhythm of the story told through messages, all in a snappy narrative. The sibling relationship between Izzy, Penelope and Luke is fun, but their random commentary sidebars were distracting from my attempts to visualize Penelope's setting. Hopping between texts and emails (often without the story finished- a habit of Penelope's) was jarring and made it difficult to keep everything straight. I enjoyed Penelope's effervescent personality, which bubbled off the pages. She compares herself to Mary Poppins and Maria VonTrapp, and I would concur, with the addition of about twenty Red Bulls. She has plenty of witty opinions on the world and people around her, but I had difficulty connecting to her or any of the characters because of the reading whiplash I experienced from the format. I would recommend this book to fans of Gilmore Girls, it definitely reminds me of Lorelei's fast-talking quirky conversations.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

What a delightfully fun read! I loved it so much! It was just as good as the first book, Authentically, Izzy. This could be read as a standalone, but I'd still recommend starting with Izzy just because it's so good.

I literally laughed out loud numerous times and had a smile on my face for the majority of the book. It's such a feel-good romance, but it has a lot of depth and heart, too. It wasn't just fluff, and I loved that.

This was full of wonderful and likable characters. I loved Penelope's positivity and joyfulness. It was contagious! I also loved her tenacity and determination to help The Darling House. I instantly fell for Matthias. Yeah, he was a grump, but he was such an endearing one! And despite that grumpiness, he was such a stand-up guy. A gentleman with a surprisingly great sense of humor. I also loved the secondary characters too. Grandpa Gray, Iris, and Gwynn—the list could go on and on.

If you're looking for a laugh-out-loud, heartwarming, and sweet romance, grab a copy of this book. You won't be disappointed.

I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.