Everything’s Coming Up Rosie follows struggling actress Rosie Waterman as she navigates a life in New York that is less than successful. The constant rejection is wearing on her just as she is heading home to see her friends and family. All of whom believe she is living her dream in New York City. Everyone else in her life seems to be checking boxes and living out their dreams, Rosie just…isn’t. When she receives a job offer for the summer in Door County Wisconsin to direct a production of Cinderella, Rosie eagerly accepts. Once she arrives it becomes clear that “skimming” the job description may not have been sufficient. She is directing a musical but it’s at a small theater in a retirement community and everyone auditioning will be residents….. meaning they are old. Initially, Rosie is horrified and convinced she cannot do what she was hired to do but as she starts to open herself up to this place and these people, something amazing takes place inside her. Sometimes we are so blinded by what we have always wanted and we just cannot see that it isn’t serving us anymore. That maybe it’s time to consider letting go… or at least reframing our narrative. Now the questions is, who is she holding on to this dream for? It doesn’t hurt that the very cute physical therapist living onsite is single…

Well if that wasn’t the cutest thing I have read in a good long while… the narrator was good and I enjoyed her voices and accents. The reading was a little slower than I prefer so I turned the speed up to 1.25 which was perfect. This book made me feel literally all the things. I truly cannot say enough good things about the story and the writing. I adored all of the quirky characters. And will hear nothing against any of them, ever.

I laughed out loud, I teared up, and a smiled so much it was actually I little absurd. Just an all-around sweet, feel-good story. If you are looking for all the cozy, fuzzy, happy feelings, this book is for you. I am now convinced that I must read everything else I can by this author as soon as humanly possible.

Huge thank you to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for offering this audiobook for advanced review via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

“This is what’s holding you back, Rosie.”

There’s nothing better than reading a book with a very relatable main character. Rosie has big hopes and dreams, yet life has a way of creating hardships and detours on her way to achieving them, and admitting failure isn’t on her list of things to do. So…she pretends. Even with her closest friends. And in a moment of desperation, accepts a job for a Cinderella production without reading the fine lines and finds herself learning, stretching, growing, discovering her true self, and experiencing true friendship, trust, and love in the process. Who can relate to this?? I sure can and that made this insight all the sweeter.

Rosie’s character is so pliable and resilient. I adored her journey and admired her personality, but I especially loved watching her with this community. With all the feels of an incredible women’s fiction, mixed in with a gentle romance, and liberally sprinkled with the most magnificent group of friends, I devoured this story. Booker is a charming and winsome man who truly believes in Rosie and urges her, supports her, and cherishes her to fulfill her potential.

I loved everything about this book and it’s one I will ponder on frequently. The narrator is amazing and vividly portrayed this story. I loved her voice and presentation.

Content: mild romance

Everything’s NOT coming up rosie as our female main character realizes she’s stepped into a retirement community to host a version of Cinderella for…. ‘Old people’.
But wait what, Rosie cant do this, she’s an actor with a professional list of jobs under her belt.
Ok, maybe just some tv and some commercials but it WAS law and order, ok?!

But now she’s accepted a job as director in a retirement community that she doesn’t even remember applying for.

Cue: hot handyman. Also known as the physical therapist for the community. And the guy who seems to be able to keep up with the comebacks .

Rosie is in trouble. She has no interest in romance and she certainly doesn’t want to direct the “older thespians” in a play. But she can’t help thinking that the money pays too well and a certain side character may just turn into the main character of her life.

CUTEEEEEE.
Book cleanser
Easy read
Could be a YA romance but also for readers who like the curtains drawn on their 🌶️

Fav character: Arthur
Fav quote: “… I understand how being a part of something can change a person’s direction. It can change their life”

And yes, the narrator was perfect for this book

Courtney Walsh is truly one of my very favorite authors at the moment! How she keeps a book light hearted while also making me think deeper is really amazing and Everything’s Coming Up Rosie is no exception!

Fun, witty banter, and laugh out loud moments paired with just the right amount of emotion and inner-growth. Rosie has me reflecting on what it means to be fully known & loved while also being deeply invested in how her career & love story turn out. So much to root for in one book!

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was sweet and delightful and heartwarming. Exactly what I have come to expect from Walsh and what's needed to calm my anxious heart these days. I loved the small town setting, the quirky characters, the blossoming friendships and unexpected romance in this novel. But my favorite part was when Rosie finally decided to be real with herself and others and finally understood that when life doesn't turn out quite as planned out, it might be because what life is offering you is much better. I think the narrator did an excellent job bringing these characters to life. Theater kids will love this one!

DNF for me. I just couldn’t get into it. She was so boo me, my life sucks and I didn’t like that at all

Absolutely delightful story! I really lined up with this story. I loved the premise of dreams are good, but dreams can change and still be your dreams! I really enjoyed all the banter and old people comment gems! This author makes me feel and I love that in a good book! The narrator was lovely and nailed the part!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this story, all thoughts and opinions are my own!

This book was such a joy to read! The writing is strong, and the characters had me hooked from the very beginning—they felt like instant friends. I especially connected with Rosie and her pursuit of her dream. It’s so relatable, the way dreams evolve over time, and how sometimes you have to *create* the life you want, rather than waiting for it to happen.

The banter and chemistry between the characters were fantastic—natural, witty, and full of heart. I love a romance that builds slowly from friendship, and this one hit the mark. It felt real and satisfying in a way that quick-burn romances sometimes don’t.

As someone who has spent years in the arts industry, I found Rosie’s behind-the-scenes role as a show director incredibly appealing. The backstage conversations and insights into the production process were a treat—these days, being off the stage holds more charm for me, and this book captured that perfectly.

There were so many moments and quotes that resonated with me, from the sense of community to the wisdom shared by older characters. It’s a story that balances humour, heart, and personal growth in such a lovely way.

I just really loved this book—from the charming characters to the thoughtful romance and everything in between.

The audiobook narrator does an exceptional job of portraying a wide range of voices across different ages and genders, truly bringing the story to life for me.

Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for this ALC. This is my honest review.

Love this sweet and original story about Rosie, a woman struggling to get her acting career in musical theater going in NYC so she ends up accidentally finding herself directing a musical production of Rodger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. I love the journey of self discovery that Rosie goes on throughout the show and the sweet romance that corresponds.

Definitely a feel good and fantastic story!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for an advanced audiobook copy of this story. All opinions are my own.

A contemporary romance set in the theatre. I enjoyed the retirement community setting and MMC. It’s a friends-to-more romance. Rosie struggles with self-doubt and the feeling that life is not going in the direction she envisioned. I adored the audio performance of the narrator.
Fyi-Lord's name was taken in vain, some crass joking, and “weed” was mentioned.
Thank you, Tomas Nelson and NetGalley, for a complimentary audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Everything is Coming Up Rosie
by Courtney Walsh
Release Date: 6.10.25

Thank you Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the ALC and Thomas Nelson Fiction for an e-ARC of this title.

Rosie is at a point in her life where all of her friends from high school are becoming successful in all that they have set out to do, which she is single, childless, and struggling to find work in her acting field. Just when all hope appears to be lost, Rosie gets a job offer she doesn't remember anything about.

This is an inspiring, multi-generational, light hearted, humorous story about never quitting your dream, but simply reimagining it. Comparison is a dream killer that isn't always accurate. Many see the outside success while missing the internal struggles. Such a feel good story ☺️

I was worried that this story wouldn't be for me because I was never in the theater scene, but the greater message is what drew me in along with the unique cast of characters and I enjoyed it!

While overall I enjoyed this book. I had trouble with the first half. Rosie is wallowing in self-pity after failing to become a successful actress in NYC. She is lying to all of her friends and family about her misfortune and takes the first job she gets at retirement community. The move is super smart as it includes room and board, and the people are very nice and welcoming. But even this turn of events, she is embarrassed to admit to her friends. We don’t get to see why Rosie is the way she is until 50% through the book, when she opens up to Booker, the physical therapist who works at the retirement community. 60% until the end is almost like a different book; the pacing is great, Rosie is a bit more appreciative, she finally stops lying, and makes real connections with people.

Jorjeana Marie does an excellent job with the narration of this book. The audiobook is well done and fun to listen to. Definitely for the theater kids at heart as well as anyone that enjoys a down on their luck FMC trying to find her way.

Thank you Courtney Walsh, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio, and NetGalley for an advanced ARC/ALC of this book.

I was initially drawn to this book by its adorable cover, then realized I’ve read a few other titles by Courtney Walsh. She’s known for writing feel-good, low-spice, contemporary women’s fiction.

After years of chasing her acting dream, Rosie hits rock bottom and takes a directing job at a retirement community theater, which she doesn't know when she accepts the job. Surrounded by unlikely cast members (aka the residents), she’s forced to rethink what success really means. It’s not the path she planned, but it might be exactly what she needs.

The narrator is Jorjeana Marie and she does a fantastic job.

Pubilcate date- June 10, 2025
#EverythingsComingUpRosie #NetGalley

Everything’s Coming Up Rosie is a heartfelt, charming delight from start to finish. Courtesy Walsh has crafted a wholesome, feel-good romance that’s as uplifting as it is emotionally resonant. I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook edition, and it added an extra layer of warmth and immersion to an already enchanting story.

Rosie is a wonderfully relatable protagonist—endearing, imperfect, and deeply human. Her journey of self-discovery is filled with humor, heart, and the kind of quiet resilience that makes you want to cheer her on every step of the way. The romance is slow-building and incredibly sweet, grounded in friendship, mutual respect, and authentic emotional growth. It’s the kind of love story that feels real, not rushed—refreshingly wholesome while still tugging at all the right heartstrings.

The narrator does a fantastic job capturing the tone of the story—light and humorous in some moments, tender and heartfelt in others. It’s a well-produced audiobook that enhances the overall experience.

Overall, Everything’s Coming Up Rosie is a lovely, uplifting read that reminded me of the power of starting over, embracing who you truly are, and finding love in unexpected places. Perfect for fans of cozy, character-driven romances with depth and charm.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review.

“Sometimes I find fiction easier than reality. Easier to escape into someone else’s story, than to face everything on my own."

I think that this book did a lot of things well! It hits home pretty hard and I love that Rosie has big feelings too.

In the first third of the book, I was unsure this was going to be a good fit for me. I did not find Rosie to be very endearing and I found some of the interactions a little bit unreal — not like how people normally would ever behave. So some of the banter felts disjointed or forced and Rosie seemed to behave more like a meme than a person. But I think that toned down a bit as time went on. And it was easier to have compassion for her behavior/interactions once we got to see more of her dimension.

Rosie demonstrated major growth in the book. I can truly appreciate a character that, upon receiving new information/experiences, adapts. Sometimes she was a little slow on the uptake but it was lovely to watch her figure out how to build community and have vulnerability in her relationships.

This book has a strong focus of community and self-reflection, with a sprinkle of romantic interest.

Audiobook wise - the performance was really good and Rosie’s voice was clear and distinct. I think Jorjeana Marie did a great job voicing different accents and making each character have their own tones. A couple of the voices were a little shrill for me lol. Overall it was pretty impressive and added immense production value to have so much personality put into each character’s dialogue and I loved being able to see this extra dimension of it through the audiobook.

This was a really cute closed door romance. Rosie is likable, and she doesn’t realize how well she is doing, until she is willing to open up to her friends. Booker is wonderful, and I wish there was more of him!

Rosie is a successful NYC actress...or so that's what she wants everyone to think she is. She is an actress but she hasn't had many upcoming opportunities lately. Her friends are either married, pregnant, or have amazing jobs. Except for Rosie. She is still trying to figure out this thing called life and how to make it. Rosie has a job opportunity that she applied for and she got the job as a director at a regional theatre for the theatre's production of "Cinderella"...at least that's what she thinks she is getting herself into. When Rosie arrives at the "regional theatre" she realizes that she is at a retirement community and that her "actors" and "actresses" will be senior citizens. She has a huge challenge on her hands? Will she accept the challenge or will she run from it?

I absolutely LOVED this book! Especially on audio! Jorjeana does a wonderful job telling the story! I felt like I was on stage with her when she was describing everything that was happening! I love Courtney Walsh's books! She is such an amazing author! Thank you to Thomas Nelson for this ALC in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you to the author, narrator, publisher and Net Galley for providing a free e-audio version of this title in exchange for my review.

Books like this are usually fun and enjoyable for me. Lighthearted, quick reads or listens. They tend to go pretty quickly. Sadly, not this one. This was a struggle to get through, and as it was an audio, I couldn't skim. I never really cared for the Main Character, Rosie, or her attitude. By the end of the book, her life view has changed a bit, which is enjoyable, but was "too little, too late" for me this time around. The book was slow for over 50% of the book. For me. Maybe a younger reader would enjoy it more.

2.5 stars rounded up to 3 for the ending.

This book was so cute! It was light-hearted and innocent. I loved it! The setting was probably my favorite part of the story; a retirement community full of lively septuagenarians! How could it not be a good story?! Rosie was a great main character who followed her dreams. By the end of the book, she realized that our dreams can change or the path to the dream can change and that's ok!

I'm so sad to say this was a dnf for me. I normally love Courtney Walsh's books but, as a primarily audiobook reader, this didn't keep my attention. I'd take this review with a grain of salt because the narrator often makes or breaks an audiobook for me. I'd like to eventually try this one again in a physical format.