Once again, Courtney Walsh crushes a closed door, swoony, precious romance! I lovedddd Rosie and Booker and how he took care of her. I found myself giggling at that Rosie ended up at an old folks home. But then it helped her identify what she really wanted and needed in life…so good! Loved it! Thank you, NetGalley!

This was a sweet read with a bit of a slow start that picked up a bit more in the second half of the book. I really loved Booker, Arthur, and Daisy. Those 3 characters really helped to prop the story up. My daughter is 10 and loves theatre so I enjoyed that aspect as she’s super goofy like Rosie.

4.5 ⭐️ - Wow! I’m not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn’t this. I loved the tension, the character development, all of it was amazing!

Rosie is an actress living in New York. I was skeptical at first, but she is hilarious & witty!

Also, every character in this book had their place & made the book so magical.

I couldn’t put the book down & kept wanting to know what would happen next. It is a YA book so it is just kissing, but it definitely pulled all the heart strings.

Can we get a book #2 please?? I need more of these characters in my life.

Pub Date: Jun 10th, 2025

Thank you NetGalley, Courtney Walsh, & Thomas Nelson Fiction for this #gifted eARC!

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

Thank you to Netgalley for this arc. I really liked and enjoyed this story. It was everything I hoped it would be.

Everything I have come to love about Courtney Walsh!! She just knows how to write them! I fall in love with all the characters- the main and also all of her side characters!! There’s no reason not to read Courtney’s books. They’re lighthearted without being shallow, always so fun!

This was a sweet and clean read and everything you expect from a Courtney Walsh book! Relatable characters, charming extras, and the sweet feels.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction | Thomas Nelson for this book. ~I was given this book and made no commitments to leave my opinions, favorable or otherwise~

This book had the classic Courtney Walsh charm. It was sweet and light and clean. The main character is a struggling actress who finds herself in an unlikely job.

It wasn’t my favorite of her books. It felt slow to me and I had a hard time connecting with the characters. There didn’t seem to be much chemistry between the main characters. The book overall fell a little flat for me.

Content considerations: just kisses, no bad language, parental abandonment

Rosie is an aspiring actor. But everything is not going her way, and she is hesitant to tell her friends because it seems like they have it all together. Finally, she is offered a directing job. But when she arrives, she realizes that the job is within a senior living community. She is temped to quit but decides to stay and do the best with what she has been given.

Another 5 star read from Courtney Walsh! I’m not surprised! I really didn’t expect to love this one- I’m not into theater/ musicals at all but I loved sweet Rosie! Her journey of self-discovery was one for the books 🥁 🤭☺️ Booker 🙌 thank you for being a gentleman for being patient with Rosie & pursuing her! We love a MMC who is willing to peel back the layers/ jump the wall!!
The side characters made this story so phenomenal I don’t know where to start!!
Arthur is giving me a soft Severus Snape vibes (loved him!) seeing his and Rosie’s growing relationship and just encouraging each other to pursue life to the fullest was one of the best parts of this book. Daisy 🌼 I wish we got more of her!! Everyone deserves to have a Daisy in their life- a fierce friend and encourager! 💛 I’d love to see a book with Daisy in the future! Bertie!! Sweet & sassy Bertie! Some of the best quotes from this book was from this lovable grandma. Dylan- you never know the impact you have on including someone in the moment and when Rosie reached out to her my heart swelled and the ending with her- get your tissues!! You can change someone’s entire life in one interaction ☺️🩷

This book is just pure innocent gold! You should read it if you’re looking for encouragement, struggling to embrace life to the fullest or simply need an extra smile! 😊

I love Courtney Walsh’s books and this one was no exception. I don’t know anything about theatre, so it was fun getting a behind the scenes look at what goes on. Rosie is such a relatable character! I really enjoyed her journey…even though she frustrated me sometimes. The romance was sweet and I loved the friendships just as much! I appreciate this clean, fun romance!!

A cute, quirky rom-com perfect for lovers musicals and the theater! The characters are endearing, the romance is sweet and supportive, and the journey to believing in yourself was heartwarming.

Rosie went to NYC to follow her dream of becoming a Broadway star but her biggest accomplishment so far has been as a corpse on Law and Order. On a trip home, she realizes that while she has been off chasing her dream, her friends have become real adults with jobs, spouses and babies.

She's offered a job to direct a regional production of Cinderella... in Wisconsin. She accepts the position even though its not in New York because at least she'd be getting paid for something theatrical (even though she hasn't directed in years). It's not like she has any other offers rolling in.

When she arrives, she quickly realizes that the "regional theater" is actually a retirement community and the "actors" are senior citizens with zero acting experience. This presents new challenges for Rosie but shows her what it really means to "dream big".

This story was sweet and fun, and I liked the themes of personal growth, believing in yourself, and following your dreams. It was a great book to read to cleanse the palate after a psychological thriller!

Thank you to Courtney Walsh, NetGalley, and Thomas Nelson for the ARC. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The sweetest, feel-good story. Not just about romance, but life and the people that make it matter.

I loved the journey of Rosie. It may have happened in a way that few (if any) take, but it was so relatable and beautiful. I think every human has had moments of wondering if they are a failure (and the only one to be failing). I think everyone has experienced the pain of isolation in some way. And to see represented on a page the beauty of community and how honest vulnerability matters? *chefs kiss* and all the feels.

And Arthur? Probably the best side character. Although this book is packed full of excellent characters.

So many good quotes too. This might be a book I have to have a physical copy of, just so I can always have it on hand.

I laughed out loud, cried, and was left thinking about my own life in unexpected ways for a “rom-com.” I also felt that compared to most other writings in this genre, Courtney Walsh is actually a strong writer and story teller, not just putting something quick on a page because rom-coms sell.

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

3.5 stars

While this wasn't my favorite romance, I still think it was a cute, quirky rom-com that anyone who loves musicals and the theater world will love! The characters are sweet and endearing.

Courtney Walsh truly earns her title as the queen of writing characters who are older in age. Her knack for capturing the unique voices and quirks of these characters had me giggling throughout—every dialogue felt so accurate, it was as if I was eavesdropping on real conversations.

The story also weaves in one of the most adorable love stories I’ve ever read, adding a delightful twist to the narrative. This unexpected yet heartwarming romance makes the journey all the more engaging.

Courtney Walsh’s quirky characters just make her books so relatable! This book had me laughing out loud and getting emotional by the end! It was a cute story but the best part was growth of the surprise relationship between Rosie and Arthur! Made my heart swell!

That was the worst courtney Walsh book I’ve read 😭 like truly I gave it 2 stars only because I love her and there were parts here and there that were decent but that’s it haha so many names to keep track of and so many theatre references which makes sense and I love/know theatre but even too many references for me

This is such a heartwarming story about our main character Rosie who is doubting her self a lot and worries about her future.
She’s kept a lot of the difficulties in her career and personal life from her family & friends and has now chosen to be more honest with herself, her family and friends.

There is a romance subplot which showed a healthy and supporting relationship. I also loved the hometown friendships!

I loved the musical/theater aspect in the book, I’ve never read anything like this before.

My favorite quote: ‘’that’s part of the adventure. If everything was good all the time, you wouldn’t appreciate any of it. It’s the hard stuff that makes the good stuff so much sweeter.’’

I think we can all relate to Rosie in some point of this story. Reading about her journey, growth and the positive change when you have to walk a different path than expected was really enjoyable.

This was the first book I read by Courtney Walsh, I’ve heard a lot of positive things about her other books so I will definitely give them a try as well!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I love all book titles by Courtney Walsh! She is an author that has a special way to connect with her readers and create books that you just can't put down. I love the development of the characters and how her books are not graphic or triggering at all. All you are Graced with is quirkiness, romance elements you with all the swoony feels and just a balance of life and the opportunities that manifest itself over time. Thank you Courtney Walsh for your books and for Netgalley that has provided this ARC.

Courtney Walsh writes the book equivalent of Hallmark movies - saccharine, a swoony man, and so filled with light. Her love of theatre is evident in every page, and Rosie makes a compelling heroine in her growth as a person and professional. She is messy and raw but also downright funny (and as a former theatre kid, I loved all of her references). Every side character sparkled, especially Arthur and Dylan, and Booker made a perfect love interest.

Please note that this IS a spice-free romance, with only kissing, which is part of why I describe it as Hallmark-esque. What it lacks in spice, it makes up for in heart.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for an eARC in exchange for my honest review. This is my second Walsh book, and I can't wait to read more!