You can't see it but I am grinning from ear to ear. Why? Because this book was so fun and sweet and charming. I laughed, I smiled, I swooned, and I fell in love with Alison and Adam.

If I was checking off the boxes of what made a great book for me, this book would result in a glut of checkmarks. First of all, it was funny, like a real-deal rom-com. Not only was there witty and humor filled banter, but there were quite a few slap-sticky moments, too. I love to laugh, and this book really delivered on that front.

But I also like to cry a bit, and Four Weekends and a Funeral had plenty of emotional depth. Both Adam and Alison were struggling with some form of survivor's guilt. Adam was mourning his best friend's death and his actions before the accident while Alison still grappled with residual guilt related to being a BRCA 1 carrier and her double mastectomy. There were these moments where they bared their souls that moved me to tears and made me want to reach out and hug them. It was moments like that where I was so grateful they had each other.

I really appreciate Palmer creating Alison and sharing something so personal with us. She opened this window and allowed me to understand a bit of what it is like for someone faced with the that diagnosis. As I am not BRCA 1 positive, I will never fully comprehend what it is like, but being inside Alison's head helped me gain a bit of understanding.

Laughed - check. Cried - check. And now, swoon. The romance was a good one. This was a slow fall into each other partially because of the situation. But once they were all in, it was a beautiful thing. Seriously, Adam may have been known for his grumpy ways but he was a total mushy doll. He was sweet to his sister, his nephew, and showed so much tenderness to Alison. It was all those little things that added up for me. I especially adored the way he wanted Alison just as she was. That was so vital for her given her dating history.

I would be remiss if I did not mention all the great supporting characters. First and foremost were Alison's ride-or-die friends. Both Maren and Chelsea were pretty fabulous in their own right, but my love for them was solidified by what amazing friends they were. They were an incredible source of support and strength for Alison. Both had pretty great families, too. Adam's nephew was darling and the way he and Adam interacted warmed my heart.

Overall, the humor, the characters, the romance, the pub quizzes -- it just all added up to a fantastic reading experience for me. As I mentioned, this book produced laughter and tears, but mostly it made me warm and fuzzy and left me brimming with happiness.

Thank you to NetGalley, PRH Audio, and Penguin Putnam for providing me with this book and audiobook for free in exchange for my review! @prhaudio #PRHAudio #PRHAudioInfluencer #Putnam

All opinions are my own.

This was a really cute book. It follows Alison and Adam who connect at the funeral of Alison's ex boyfriend, Sam, but multiple people in their friend circle think that Alison was still dating Sam at the time of his death. Initally, Adam and Alison do not like each other, but they are forced together for a project helping Sam's parents.

I loved the chemistry between Alison and Adam. Even though this book is set to be released during the summer months, it is actually set during the holiday season (Thanksgiving and Christmas). This might be a trend in the publishing world as I have seen a couple other holiday themed books released in the summer recently. With that being said, the holidays are more of a subplot of this book. I love the holiday season so this didn't turn me away at all.

This book is also special because the narrator Karissa Vacker, has admitted openly that she is a breast cancer survivor, so narrating this audiobook was especially meaningful for her. Alison is a carrier of the breast cancer gene (BRCA) and her mother had breast cancer, so that is a major part of the story. Karissa Vacker narrating this book is actualy a major reason I wanted to listen to the audiobook from PRH Audio, in addition to requesting the ebook on NetGalley. She has a very soft and soothing voice and I would pratically listen to her narrate anything.

Even though tragedy, grief and loss are major themes in this book, the book is still very positive and upbeat, and not entirely depressing. However, it is important to note that these topics are talked about a lot in the book, and so this book may be triggering for some. I have had extended family members go through breast cancer, and I would say that the topic is discussed in a very lovely, yet serious way in this novel, but this book may be hard for some to read due to the topic. It really is unfortunate that so many people have to go through this horrible disease, and Cancer Sucks!

I was also shocked to learn that this book was written by a debut author. Ellie Palmer seems like a well experienced writer with the way she writes, and definitely not a newbie in the publishing world. I can't wait to see what she writes next!

Overall, this is an emotionally beautiful book and I would say it will most likely included on my top books of 2024. I highly recommend you pick up this book on August 6th!


Many Thanks again to NetGalley, PRH Audio, and Putnam Books, for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review.

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This book was fantastic! It gave off major Emily Henry vibes. A wonderful debut novel about grief, friendship, and accepting the way life has panned out. I would 1000% recommend and will be reading from Ellie Palmer again.

What I liked:
- The premise: A guy, Sam, dies without telling his friends and family he’d broken up with his girlfriend, Alison. Not wanting to hurt the family, she doesn’t correct them when she realizes, at the funeral, that his family thinks she’s The Grieving Girlfiend, and the ruse spirals out of control as she agrees to help the family clear out his place. Adam, his best friend (a grump who does NOT like Alison for some reason) also insists on helping with the clear out.
- The FMC has had a double mastectomy after discovering she has BRCA (the gene making it likely for her to have breast cancer). Obviously personal to the author, with interesting storytelling implications
- The rabidly obsessed with pub quiz friend who everyone fondly humors

What I didn’t like
- Alison’s Eat, Pray, Loveing response to her being BRCA positive. The survivors guilt part was good storytelling, but her insistence that appreciating life meant she had to become someone who loved intense hiking and extreme adventure got old.
- Adam not hearing when Alison says she’s not hung up on Sam and breaking up with her over it.
- Not one but two moms with serious listening issues
- That one overly handsy “friend” who really could have disappeared after one scene.

I enjoyed this while I was reading it, but it didn’t really stick with me.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group/GP Putnam’s Sons for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I went into this with extremely low expectations and honestly a little nervous about the BRCA gene story thread in this book. But I found a romance that made sense. Alison and Adam's proximity and what we think is hate to lovers is so good. It's handled well with the grumpiness that we want, but without the "these people are jerks". We as the reader can see the sparks before any one else and it had me cheering them on through the story. The side characters are so good. The trivia was super fun. I immediately texted my friend for her to but this on her TBR.

Super awkward and tragic set-up here when Alison shows up to her ex-boyfriend’s funeral and his family thinks that they were still very recently dating. The ex-boyfriend’s sister insists on keeping up the ruse because it might help the family deal with their grief and all, and then she ends up volunteering to pack up his condo. Also on the job is Adam, the ex-boyfriend’s grumpy best friend who’s trying to make his own amends towards his deceased friend. As Alison and Adam spend every weekend together, they inevitably get closer together, but it’s all sorts of guilt-ridden since Adam thinks that he’s falling for his fresh-in-the-grave buddy’s girlfriend. Alison has her own hang-ups about living life to the fullest after having a preventative mastectomy due to her risk of breast cancer, even though she’d probably be happier as a cozy homebody. This was cute and funny and the relationship build-up was so good!

This book was such an enjoyable read. Unique and cute love story. The banter and wit was so so good. The BrCA1 perspective was actually so enlightening. I just loved the characters and story

Outstanding debut novel by Ellie Palmer! I will definitely be watching for what she does next.

I loved this book! It’s up there with my favorites of 2024, for many reasons. The FMC Alison was so funny and I genuinely laughed aloud to much of the witty banter between her and her friends. The character arc of her navigating who we are vs. who we want to bb is so relatable. The MMC is also the perfect sensitive grumpy book boyfriend! I fell in love him along side Ali. The way their story unfolds really gripped my heart throughout the book.

The most powerful and unique element of this book was the topic of Ali’s experience grappling with the emotional aftermath after electing to get a prophylactic mastectomy. I also have the BRCA gene mutation and have been dragging my feet on making a decision about how to proceed. Ali’s story gave me a much needed peek into the future of life post-operation. It gave me courage to make an appointment with my health team to discuss surgery. So to say this book changed my life (possibly saved my life) is not hyperbolic!

My only tiny criticism is that the ending seemed a bit rushed, but overall Four Weekends and a Funeral is a hilarious, beautifully complex story! I am so excited to see what Ellie Palmer writes next!

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Four Weekends and a Funeral by Ellie Palmer
Narrator: Karissa Vacker
Rating: 4.5 stars
Steam: Closed Door
Pub date: 8/6

Thank you so much to Putnam Books for my physical copy and PRH Audio for my complimentary audiobook.

This book is a delightful debut romance that’s both funny and heartfelt. The story kicks off with Alison Mullally, a 30-year-old woman who’s recently had a double mastectomy, finding herself pretending to be the grieving girlfriend at her ex-boyfriend Sam’s funeral. The catch? No one knows they had broken up, and now she’s stuck packing up his apartment with his grumpy best friend, Adam.

I adored this book! The relationship between Alison and Adam starts off rocky, but as they spend more time together, the chemistry between them is undeniable. Adam, who seems cold and distant at first, starts to show his softer side, and their banter is hilarious and sweet. I laughed out loud quite a few times listening to the audiobook. The tension between them is palpable, and you can’t help but root for them to get together.
Palmer does a fantastic job of tackling serious topics, like Alison’s experience as a BRCA 1 carrier and her decisions around her health. The book handles these issues with sensitivity and realism, making Alison’s journey feel authentic and relatable.

What really stands out is how Alison and Adam connect on a deeper level, especially as Alison navigates her new body and the insecurities that come with it. Adam is the perfect book boyfriend, handling every situation perfectly, even the third-act conflict.

This was just a joy to read. The audiobook, narrated by Karissa Vacker, is fabulous. She is one of my favorite narrators and she captures the characters’ emotions perfectly here. This book is a fantastic debut, and I can’t wait to see what Palmer comes up with next!

I absolutely loved this book! Through tender moments, witty banter, and plenty of swoon — author Ellie Palmer examines themes of grief, love, and self-discovery in her debut novel.

Palmer blends humor with heavy topics, delivering a heartfelt love story between characters moving through grief. I loved the growth of the characters over the course of the story, and I truly felt connected to their journeys. This was an easy five star read for me.

What to expect:
❤️ Grumpy x Sunshine
🎄Christmas, holiday season
❓Trivia nights with friends
❄️ the Midwest {Minnesota}
🚂 Trains, public transit lover
💝 BRCA1 carrier
🪑 Hot carpenter

I was hoping from the cover that this would be a rom com, but it’s a heavier read and slower paced than I was expecting.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Title: Four Weekends and a Funeral
Author: Ellie Palmer
ISBN: 059371430X
Retail Price: $18.99
Pages: 368
Publication date: August 6, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Read📕: Kindle
Rating🌟: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice🥵:🌶️🌶️
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, forced proximity and grumpy x sunshine
Language: PG

I was drawn to this book because the main character is a 30 year old woman who is a carrier of the BRCA 1 mutation. I have this mutation and have completed a hysterectomy- Oophorectory with removal of uterus, cervix and fallopian tubal in 2022 at the age of 28 and the possibility of a double Mastectomy. I did this to reduce my risk to cancers.

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK. I LOVE ELLIE PALMER. I love she is bringing this mutation to the surface. Allison is pretending to be in a relationship with a DEAD GUY! Sam her ex boyfriend dumped her six weeks prior due to their differences. They had a short relationship but durning said relationship he was a thrill seeker with participating in extreme actives, Allison pretends to be happy and puts Sams needs first even going in on this actives.


NOW: She is at Sam's funeral to find out Sam's family thinking they were still dating at his time of death. Sam's sister asks her to continue to pretend. Sam's family was insisted on him settling down while he was still alive. Allison agrees to continue to fake date a dead guy for his family. Her commitment takes a huge turn when she has to team up with Adam. Sam's grumpy best friend while packing up sam's belongings in his apartment for four weekends.

Allison is slowly drawn in to Adam. they have the BEST banter everything is such a natural friendship. They have exceptional chemistry and when they realize they need to come clean so they can actually try to give their relationship a chance. But she has to face her insecurites and if she can be brave enough for her own heart. Their relationship had me in a chokehold. LAUGHING OUT LOUD. I was blushing while reading, Major major butterflies. I felt connected to Allisons story with my personal story with the BRCA 1 Mutation.

I will absolutely be purchasing this book. It is incredible. I think this might be a top book of 2024 for me.

Thank you to the publisher, Ellie Palmer & netGalley for Advance Copy Read (ACR) IN EXCHANGE FOR MY HONEST REVIEW🤍

I loved how this story was equal parts funny and thoughtful. Between the witty banter, the rising tension and the vulnerable moments, I was nonstop rooting for Adam and Alison. The BRCA gene representation and the deep exploration of this topic was handled with care as it mirrored the author’s own journey and feelings.

I absolutely loved this book! Ellie's writing is captivating and full of wit and heart; there were so many lines I highlighted just because I loved how they were written.

I fell head over heels for Alison and Adam - their journey together was so believable. And I really enjoyed Mara and Chelsea and the trivia.

I have a lot of health anxiety, and normally have a hard time reading books where a health issue is a focus - however, I appreciated not being blind-sided by anything, and that aspect of things didn't negatively impact the reading experience (quite the opposite!). I feel like, sometimes, authors will use a health issue as a tragic event that almost feels manipulative, but that was definitely not the case with Four Weekends and a Funeral. It was so relevant to the. plot here, and to Alison as a character, that it didn't feel like it could have been any other way. I appreciated the author's care and vulnerability here.

An easy 5 stars, and I cannot wait to read whatever Ellie writes next.

Thank you NetGalley and Putnam (via the best Happy to Meet Cute podcast!) for the ARC.

Handled some deeper topics while keeping it lighthearted. Slow start, but the romance picked up after a bit and was worth investing in.

Thanks to @bookedwiththeemilys @elliepalmerwrites @putnam books for the #gifted copy of this book.

Summary: Alison Mullally, thirty years old and a post-double-mastectomy BRCA 1 carrier, arrives at her ex-boyfriend Sam's funeral only to find out that no one knows they ended months ago. She reluctantly agrees to play the role of his girlfriend to help the family pack up Sam's apartment. The only problem is that she has to pack with Sam's grumpy best friend, Adam Berg. The only saving grace: It should only take four weekends...

Thoughts: What a debut!! This book pulled at all my heartstrings... It had me laughing but also close to tears. The banter between Adam and Alison was fantastic and made me laugh out loud a few times. I loved the forced proximity of having to clean out Sam's apartment together, even though their reasons to help were very different. Their relationship progressed at such a natural pace that it felt real, especially since Alison was not still hung up on feelings for Sam. Adam was so swoon-worthy with the small things he did for Alison. The grand gesture at the end... well it was worth it!!

There were times when it was hard for me to hear all of Alison's guilt over "cheating" cancer through her preventive surgeries. It took her a long while to figure out how thankful she should be for the opportunity she was given. I've watched several family members with breast cancer who had to endure different treatments, that I'm sure would have been grateful to have the opportunity to prevent it. I'm so grateful that Alison finally realized (through the help of therapy) that she could be grateful without feeling guilty for the path she was able to take.

Forced proximity brings fated mates Alison and Adam together after the death of Adam's best friend and Alison's ex-boyfriend Sam. Tasked with cleaning out Sam's condo, these two spend the weekends together, which could be the start of something big between them.

Four Weekends and a Funeral is a story of loss, love, and self-discovery. It covers these important topics while revolving around a FMC who has recently had a double mastectomy and reconstruction following a BRCA diagnosis. I was so surprised to see that again so soon in a book after reading Just Playing House! I'm so glad authors are broaching tough subjects like these in Romance!

This was a cute book overall, I'm thankful I had the opportunity to read it on @netgalley

Points for a clever and absolutely fitting title. Alison Mullally attends her ex-boyfriend Sam’s funeral. (Oddly it is never revealed how he dies.) Once there she is greeted as his current girlfriend as seemingly his friends and parents didn’t know they had broken up. Being a people pleaser she offers to help his grieving parents by cleaning out his condo. Sam’s friend Adam Berg offers to help as well saying it should take a few weekends. She’s never met Adam as he lives a couple hours away and was the friend that always canceled or didn’t come to town for Sam’s party’s and activities.

Kind of like Abby Jimenez the author has more going on than just romance. There is a whole side story on Alison being a BRCA1 carrier and she has recently completed a double mastectomy while only being 30. She grieves the loss of her breast and yet feels guilty that she gets a pass from actually having cancer like her mother. The whole thing brings a more serious tone to the story. To lighten it up, she has two wonderful best friends who get some of the best lines in the book. Adam has some issues of his own that he needs to deal with. But one thing is for sure they are attracted to each other.

This is a bit on the heavy side but still has humor and character growth. It fades to black or is off the page when things heat up between the pair. I enjoyed the story more than I expected just based on the blurb. It is well worth the time I spent reading the book.

Short synopsis: Attending the funeral of her recently ex boyfriend Sam, Alison doesn’t correct anyone when they think they were still dating before his death. Meeting his best friend Adam for the first time, the two agree to work together to clean Sam’s house to sell.

My thoughts: This book was an easy five stars from me! So much heart, tender moments, swoony scenes, movement through grief and growth, and hilarious banter.

I’m currently obsessing over Adam and Alison! I loved their banter as they fixed up the house together and grew in their friendship. I also adored the friend group and their trivia nights, they were so loving and supportive and called Alison out when she needed it.

There is so much growth in this book, from Alison deciding medically what her journey looks like, to the steps she’s going to take to find her own happiness.

Read if you love:
- Breast cancer survivor stories
- Trivia nights
- Christmas music
- Great friend groups
- Grumpy sunshine

This was such a fun debut! I found Alison very relatable - endless people pleasing, nerdiness, love of Christmas, difficulty to enjoy hiking and the outdoors, I could go on. Adam was a really sweet and supportive love interest. One of my favorite parts about their relationship was how much they supported each other’s goals and interests!

The two best friends were also great. I loved their discussions and inside jokes - they felt very real, and I would love to go to trivia with them! I also appreciated the representation of BRCA1 carriers, and the exploration of how the diagnosis impacted Alison physically, socially, and emotionally.

Of course, the Minnesota setting was also a great time. I haven’t read too many books set here, so it was really fun to read about places I’m familiar with and some local culture.

Overall, this was a great debut romance and I can’t wait to see what Ellie Palmer comes up with next!