I have never met a Courtney Walsh book I didn't love and this is such a lovely addition to her books! I loved the characters. The surprising and quirky setting. The fun theater lingo as Rosie directs Cinderella. And the beautiful ending. This book will make you believe in love, dreaming big, and second chances.

At the heart of this story are relationships. Courtney does such a beautiful job creating relatable and engaging characters. I love seeing how these characters start as strangers and quickly become as close as family. Rosie has had a hard few years and doesn't feel connected to those she loves most. She feels like she's failed in her career and isn't achieving her dreams. And then she comes to Wisconsin. I loved the ways she connects with her 3 besties (such a fantastic friend group!!), the residents and staff especially with Daisy, Dylan, Arthur and Bertie. Daisy is sunshine personified. I loved how quickly she accepts Rosie and supports her. Dylan is a harder person to connect with. I loved sees her let down her walls and let Rosie and others in. I loved the way Arthur pushes Rosie to be better and dream better. And I loved Bertie's no nonsense approach to life. I loved the banter and the snark and the love. Of course, seeing Rosie fall in love with Booker was so sweet.

I loved getting to know Rosie and Booker as they fall in love. Their Friday questions were so fun as they get to know each other and let each other in. They both had hard experiences in their pasts. But seeing them work through those tough emotions attached to sorrow, grief, and pain was beautiful. They both realize they can chase their dreams and find true happiness. They just fit together so well! I loved how Booker loves Rosie as she is -- quirky, silly, scared, talented, and passionate. Their love story was so beautiful to experience.

The ending was such a beautiful conclusion to a fantastic story. This story had so much to love. I laughed out loud. My jaw dropped. I couldn't see how the show could go on. I was sure I had figured out what Rosie would do, and then I was surprised again and again by what she actually does. While there are many twists and turns along the way, I loved where the characters ended up. I loved the hopeful, beautiful way the story ended. I finished this story feeling inspired to chase my dreams and embracing the moment. A wonderful novel that showcases the power of connection and the capacity within us all to change and dream big.

“It’s amazing what you discover if you hold the dream loosely.”

Rosie Waterman is a deep thinker and a deep feeler. She doesn’t know what to do with all of that, so she acts. It’s her career—attempted career. And it’s exactly what she does when she leaves behind her dream of acting in New York to visit her hometown and see her friends. She can’t let anyone know she’s a failure. If you are like me and are uncomfortable with the lying-because-you-are-embarrassed-about-your-life trope, keep reading. Rosie gets a summer job on the creative team for a production of Cinderella in upstate Wisconsin. She doesn’t do her homework and is in for a big surprise—starting with the Scott-Eastwood-Glen-Powell-looking man who meets her at the bus station.

Booker Hayes sees right through Rosie’s act, and he likes what he sees.

“Yep. I knew it,” he says.
“Knew what?”
“Kissing you would be amazing.”
I draw my eyes to his. “Oh…you’ve thought about it?
“Not a ton,” he says with a flirty shrug.
“Only every single day since I picked you up at the bus station.”

Rosie and Booker’s banter kept me laughing. Rosie’s transformation to finding her real self while helping others find their own made me cry. Several times. Mostly happy tears. This is not normal for me. In addition to the fun, delightful romance, my heart was stolen by a troubled teenage girl who just needed a place to belong and a grumpy old man who needed to be seen.

Courtney has written another fantastic feel-good story with a full cast of characters who make you feel a part of their community. I loved reading this with the knowledge that theatre is a big part of Courtney’s life. This book just makes you happy.

Thank you to Courtney Walsh and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Everything's Coming Up Rosie is available June 10th.

4.5 stars
This is a fun, entertaining, good story. I love Rosie’s growth from the start of the story to the end. The secondary characters are quirky and add so much to the story. They all brought something to the plot and Rosie that makes this story that much more special. The romance is sweet, tender, loving, special and a big part of what I enjoyed about this book. The ending was perfect for Booker and Rosie. The story’s message is powerful and a good reminder. The story is easy to read and get into.

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

What a delightful read. I laughed, I cried. I fell in love with the group of people Rosie met throughout the story. I loved her friend group and especially the conversation they had near the end. The romance was perfectly swoony, if a bit quick. I enjoyed Rosie's journey of allowing herself to open up and share her feelings with others and even with herself. I loved her conversations with many of the older people at the retirement community and how they helped her to grow and change. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

ARC Review

Everything's Coming Up Rosie by Courtney Walsh
Publication Date: June 10th, 2025.

This took me a while to get into. It was slow in the beginning, but eventually, it did start to pick up. I felt that Rosie was a little immature for her age. She acted a little bit like a high schooler. This wasn't really a romance. It was more of a subplot, than the main focus. The main focus was Rosie finding herself and her journey of self-acceptance.

I loved the aspect of senior citizens playing characters in a play. It was really wholesome to see Rosie and the senior citizens come together to perform Cinderella.

Overall, I thought that this was a cute read, but it didn't stick with me like I wanted it to. This is my first book by the author, so I hope to give her books another chance.

Tropes:
- Small Town
- Friendships
- Found Family
- Personal Growth / Self Acceptance
- Contemporary Romance
- Clean Romance
- Theater & Music Production

Thank you to Netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Everything’s Coming Up Rosie is labeled as a romance. In my opinion, that is the wrong way to classify this novel. While romance is included, it isn’t the story’s primary focus. So, how would I classify it? What’s wrong with calling it a contemporary? It’s a fun read that focuses on self-discovery and personal growth.

The cast of characters in Everything’s Coming Up Rosie is a group of people I would love to be surrounded by daily. Connie flits from one thing to another without sharing all the needed information. Arthur is such a curmudgeon, with a heart of gold underneath it all. Rosie’s childhood friend group is the kind of friends we all deserve to have.

One thing I wish had been discussed a bit more was Rosie’s reaction when she learned who the theater group members were. Was it just because it wasn’t what she expected? Or is there more to the story?

I wish we had gotten to know Rosie’s mom more so that we could better understand their relationship. While Rosie opens up about her feelings, I’m not 100% sure she gets her healing arc.

Who do I think would enjoy reading Everything’s Coming Up Rosie? Do you enjoy reading books full of quirky characters? What about ones where the main character is on a journey of self-discovery? Or a book that makes you smile, laugh, and maybe even reconsider your personal life journey? If you answered yes to any of these questions, walk to your preferred bookstore and get the book. If you answered yes to all of these questions, then run! I promise, you won’t be disappointed.

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁:

Loved, loved, loved! This book is a heartfelt hug about finding yourself, rekindling your passion, embracing your weird and the evolution of reimagining your dreams. Life doesn’t always go as expected. It’s hard, it’s messy but it’s also beautiful, and just the way it’s meant to be. I loved the multi generation aspect of this book, and the lessons & guidance they gave the FMC. Such a great book with the best message.

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:

Rosie is moving home after 7 long years, she’s saying farewell to NYC. She gave it her best and she failed, having a career in theater was hard. Now it’s time to face the music and head home, but when she gets there all of her friends seemed to be thriving. So there was no way she could confide in them that her dream failed.

Then an offer letter came through her email for a summer role. It offered a god salary,onsite lodging with food, and started immediately. So she instantly said yes not realizing what she signed up for….

When she arrived, she soon realized she may be in over her head. She was directing a production of Cinderella but her cast was SENIORS! This role was to work at a retirement community and help them save their theater. She was a failure how was she suppose to be good at this.

But the residents and a handsome physical therapist will be by her side through it all. This summer will be a whirlwind full of fun, mud, chipmunks, show tunes, drama, romance, and personal growth.

𝙁𝙖𝙫 𝙌𝙪𝙤𝙩𝙚:

“Besides, I want to have all of my senses tonight.” “Why?”“Because if I only get you for the summer, I want to be fully present for all of

𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒍𝒍 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒅:

* Last Minute Summer Job in Door County, WI
* Resident Theater Director FMC
* Physical Therapist MMC
* He’s 33 & She’s 29
* Summer Romance w/ Time Limit
* She’s Working w/ Seniors at Retirement Community (Surprise!)
* Finding Yourself & Happiness Where You Are
* Multi Generational Friendships
* Found Family - Theater is a Community
* So Many LOL Moments
* Single POV Sweet Romance

💜🎭⭐️💜🎭⭐️💜🎭⭐️💜🎭⭐️💜

this review will contain spoilers. I loved this book. I loved thinking about how we can have our dreams and realize their are different ways to get there. Life is a journey and not everyone can take the same path. I loved the characters and I loved how good the friendships were. Despite her friends knowing something was wrong, they kept being supportive and then shared that their lives aren't perfect either. We all have something that is hard for us.

I plan to share this title on my instagram near the publication date. I am excited to share that courtney walsh is becoming an autobuy author for me. I have been so impressed with how deep her stories are.

I loved this book.

Rosie is down on her luck. She's having a tough time making it as an actress. She's auditioned over and over, and she gets only small parts, or parts in shows that close quickly, like the last major role she had. She's behind in her rent - in a place where she has no friends, only roommates. Rosie has wonderful friends from her earlier years and she is happy to have a get together with them, but they are all "making it." She is considering moving back to her partially-estranged mother's. That's when an offer comes in to be a creative director at a regional theater. Only it's not really what she was hoping it would be once she gets there.

The book changes tone several times. At first, Rosie feels desperation and perhaps envy. Then she's elated to have a job, stunned when she learns what it is. But this part of the book is so funny, I was laughing out loud and giggling to myself. Then she starts to dig deep and she exudes confidence, building up her team, even if she's not exactly feeling it herself. Struggles, disaster, and the beginning of love. But is this what she really, really wants for herself? She questions her motivation and her goals, ultimately making the decision that is right for herself.

I so enjoyed this book. I had both the e-book and the audio. The narrator was perfect for this book. Her emotions were spot on. Be sure to read the author's note. It's an interesting look into her background, some of which is part of Rosie.

Courtney Walsh has quickly become one of my favourite and go-to authors for fun, light, swoon-worthy romance.

The Book:

Rosie Waterman is living the dream as a theatre actress in New York - well, not quite. Living in New York, yes. Living the dream, not so much. Struggling to secure roles and pay her rent, she avoids telling her best friends what her life is really like in New York. But she is saved when she receives an offer to be a part of theatre production team in Wisconsin.
Rosie heads to Wisconsin and discovers that the theatre is actually in a retirement community and she'll be directing a play with senior citizens - Not her dream either, but she wins over some of the more prickly seniors, befriends a teen visiting her grandparent, and has a summer fling with the retirement community's physical therapist, Booker.
Throughout all of this (and with the help of some of her new friends), Rosie learns a lot about herself and what is truly important to her.

My Thoughts:
Another cute romance from Courtney Walsh. This book has a great cast of feisty, older characters (something I love!) and all the swoon without the spice. I am a reader who does read books with spicy scenes (and sometimes they're a bit much for my tastes), but I never notice that Courtney's book don't have spicy scenes. In other words, I never feel like there's anything missing from the romance aspect of the story. I also really loved how direct & honest Booker was with Rosie about how he feels - It was really refreshing.

I really love the cover of this book, I was instantly drawn to it. It did take me a little bit to get into this book, but it turned into such a wonderful story. I found it to be inspirational and just heart warming.

I always know that if Courtney Walsh writes a book, I’m going to want to read it. I was so excited to get an early copy of Everything’s Coming Up Rosie and it was adorable!!

This was the cute story of Rosie, she’s down on her luck and her acting career is not going as planned. When she gets a job offer at Sunset Hills directing the play Cinderella, she’s excited to see things turning around. Little does she know, she’s directing a play at a retirement home with a bunch of senior citizens. She also has no idea how her life is about to change for the better and meet the most incredible people and the man of her dreams!

This book had the sweetest, slow-burn love story between Rosie and Booker, but I felt like this book was more about Rosie finding and learning to love herself! The growth that she made in all areas of her life were profound and just made me so happy! Booker was just the icing on the cake!

A few things to love about this adorable book.

🤍 Rosie & Booker
🎭 An actress
👨🏻‍⚕️ A physical therapist
🎉 A fresh start
😆 Fun banter
👫🏻 Friends to more
🔥 Slow burn
⛳️ The golf cart fiasco
❤️‍🩹 Found family
👵🏼 A meddling grandma

A few (of many) quotes to love:

“I stare at it a beat too long, then slowly slip my hand in his. He squeezes it and all I can think is that Connie was right. I’m gooey on the inside, and I don’t want to let go. Ever.”

“I’m usually better at hiding my feelings. It’s like this place—or that man—has cast a spell on me, one that makes me super obvious and plows right through all my defenses.”

“By all accounts, Booker seems normal, but I bet those cult leaders seemed normal too. That’s how they brainwash their members. By being handsome and charming. And Booker is definitely both of those things.”

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A thousand stars!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

THIS BOOK IS AMAZING. 😍😍😍

I’ve been a big Courtney Walsh fan for several years and adore her! Her writing is charming and endearing while also deeply meaningful. She knows how to tell a good story!

To know Courtney is to know her passion for theatre—and this was a love letter to the theatre! How cool is that?!

Rosie was… herself! She’s quirky yet endearing, a proficient actor who struggles with vulnerability, feeling like a failure but actually incredibly brave. She was real and nuanced, and I loved her for it. Fans of Penelope Edgewood from Pepper Basham’s Positively Penelope will be enchanted by this heroine!!

I laughed till it hurt so many times. In fact, I read part of this in the waiting room at the doctors and was silently shaking in hysterics. 😂 That’s why I can’t read in public—my facial expressions are too pronounced. But I couldn’t put the book down!

And then I had to swipe away some tears because for all the giggles, matchmaking seniors, mishaps, hilarious side characters, and swoony adorable romance (I’m Booker & Rosie’s biggest fan 🙌🏻🙌🏻), there was real depth to the book. Arthur’s wisdom and wisecracks made him a favourite, and Rosie’s journey of discovering how dreams change and adapt—a new dream isn’t a failure, it’s a learning curve—hit me hard. 🥹

This might be my new top favourite Courtney Walsh book! 🤭

*Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

Courtney Walsh did it again! She is an automatic read for me, and this did not disappoint. The rom-com was so fun to read, and doesn’t have the spice that most do…so it’s great for pretty much anyone. This is a wholesome story of overcoming your fears / challenges, working hard for things, and self-discovery, especially when faced with unexpected challenges.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

This was the perfect summer read! I love Courtney Walsh and her sweet, fun romances. This one had it all...great heroine (Rosie), swoony book boyfriend (Booker), quirky cast of senior citizens (and one teenager!) and great supportive friends. This book made me so giddy... It is one of those books that make you smile and giggle out loud. The banter was great not only between the romantic leads, but within the whole community. So much snark and I loved every minute! And the ending was chef kiss...:)

5 stars

The premise for this book is so good, and any chance I have to read something with a cast of quirky elderly characters is an opportunity I’m going to take. I really enjoyed this and felt that it got better as it went.

Rosie is trying to make a career in acting and not finding much success, not being honest with anyone in her life about how it’s going, and finds herself accidentally in the role of director of a musical in a retirement community. As she navigates her new role she starts to be more honest with people as well as herself, and finds love along the way.

This definitely veered more towards women’s fiction than romance, but that didn’t bother me too much. I felt like the plot of trying to make the show work as well as trying to figure out her next steps in her career were enough to keep the book interesting, and the romance was a fun little extra. That being said I still would have liked to see more of her relationship with Booker and I think there was time and space to do that. The book is fairly short, so why not add more to make us a little more invested? I would have even loved more interactions with the other characters and rehearsals for the musical to be included. I guess it’s not a terrible thing when my only complaints are that I just wanted more!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Everything's Coming Up Rosie was a sweet story about a dreams, finding yourself and learning to lean into hard parts of life. Through quirky and comical situations, I fell in love with Rosie, Booker and all the residents at Sunset Hills. As Rosie learns to embrace her emotions and vulnerability and to trust, you can't help but root for her and every other character in this story. I loved each and every quirky friend that Rosie encountered and her relationship with Booker was just the sweetest! Loved everything about this story!

==
This book was a cute read overall. Full disclosure, it took me a little while to get through it. I didn't quite connect with the main character or her hobbies, which slowed me down a bit.

That said, there were definitely some hilarious and heartwarming supporting characters that kept me engaged. Arthur was a real standout for me. I loved his growth throughout the story and his wise insights.


3.5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC. I voluntarily read and gave an honest review.

Everything's Coming Up Rosie is a charming and irresistible story that shows you're never to old follow your dreams. Rosie is stuck and tired of feeling like she's failing at her broadway dreams. When she gets an offer to direct a production of Cinderella, she jumps at the chance to prove she can do it. There's a catch- when she get's there she realizes that this particular production is for a retirement community. Rosie throws herself into the production and learns about herself in the process. I loved this story! The side characters were wonderful and the chemistry was great.

I absolutely adored this book!

Courtney Walsh has become a must read author for me with her ability to create loveable characters, swoony romance, and well-crafted and engaging storylines.

I loved Rosie and her journey of self discovery, and the sweet romance between Booker and Rosie was delightfully swoony. However, what made this story truly shine was the cast of endearingly colorful side characters. The whole ensemble brought a smile to my face. This book was a joy to read from beginning to end.

I had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook after reading this and it did not disappoint!

The narrator truly brought this story to life. Her delivery was emotive and engaging, her pacing was spot on, and I found myself able to get lost in the story while listening.

I highly recommend this book in either format!

*Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC and to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction Audio for the ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.