Positively, Penelope is a fun follow up to Authentically, Izzy (and supercalifragilisticexpialadociously fun!).

This story picks up where the first book left off, bringing readers back to the fictional island of Skymar, where Penelope starts her internship at a small, flailing theatre in the marketing department. Of course, Penelope brings all of her exuberance to the position. It creates a fun contrast to her manager, suitably dubbed, Grumpy Gray. There's plenty of princesses, fairytales, and theatrics for those who can relate to Penelope's dream of happily-ever-afters. And there's plenty of mystery as someone is out to steal Penelope's ideas and destroy her work in restoring the community theatre. Add in a love interest or two, a quirky group of theatre friends, and you've got the perfect summer read.

The cast of characters are just as charming, but more plentiful, than in the first book. I couldn't help but fall in love with Grandpa Gray - a man who loved deeply, and the inspiration for Penelope's secret project at the theatre. There are fishermen, townspeople, theatre people, royalty, and family members who make up Penelope's world. It's definitely not your ordinary contemporary romance!

Partly epistolary, partly narrative, this story is a must-read for those days when you need a pick-me-up.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Did you love Authentically, Izzy? If so you are going to love Positively, Penelope! Penelope is like a shot of everything you love best. She blows into a room and you can't help but be sucked in by her personality and presence. She is convinced a fairy tale ending is right around the corner for her--just waiting to be snapped up. And so she heads to Skymar for a chance to "save" the Darling Theater! She's fresh from college with a degree in marketing and theater and dives in headfirst to every situation she is presented with.

As we used to say...she's a rush! LOL!
She eats, sleeps, breathes theater and especially musical theater! i ADORED all her theater references and knew everything she mentioned...turns out I'm also a major musical buff. ;)

But oh dear Matthias. He's such a wonderful balance for Penelope. And little Iris just captured my heart!

Like Authentically, Izzy, this book is 90% epistolary--mostly in emails with scattered texts. But then you get to chapters of regular 3rd person to sort of even everything out. I personally LOVE how it was done because it helps capture the feeling of family among Penelope, Izzy, Josephine, and Luke.

Now that Luke has plans to work in Skymar...and is HIGHLY against anything remotely princess...well, knowing there are two unmarried princesses in the royal family--I just see a romance with royalty coming up. ;)

4 gleaming stars. Highly recommend.

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

'Positively, Penelope' is a sweet romance story about Penelope as she takes an internship in Skymar. She leaves her family behind, and she works for a theater company that needs help. She finds that she is working with the Gray family which includes Matt and Alec Gray, who are brothers, and their reclusive grandfather. She must work with them to save the theater company, and along the way, she finds love.

I liked the character of Penelope from the first book in the series 'Authentically, Izzy', and I was excited to read her love story. I find it difficult to connect with this story because I keep comparing it to that book. Because of the email and text format, it was very similar to the first book. The theme of the story and the ending were very similar to the first book, and it was very formulaic. I was hoping for more fun and more surprises.

Overall, this is a sweet story about finding yourself, second chances, and choosing love.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for an ARC of this book.

Positively, Penelope is an absolutely charming book! This heartwarming romcom is told mostly through emails and texts, a format that I adore! Penelope and Matt are the stars here—she is joyful, fairy-tale-believing, oftentimes singing; he is serious and guarded. She has been hired to help his family’s struggling theater, and it was a delight to watch Penelope work ver magic with not only the theater, but also with Matt! Watching their romance unfold was romantic and inspirational and fun!! The setting of this book is unique, the characters are (mostly) enchanting, and I loved every moment.

I loved this book! I recently finished reading Authentically, Izzy. When I saw that the 2nd book in the series was being released soon, I was thrilled! Positively, Penelope was a beautiful read. I loved Penelope in Authentically, Izzy, but this novel brought her true character more to light. Penelope is genuinely sweet, energetic, and full of wonderful ideas to help save the theater where she is interning. She touches the lives of everyone she meets. Pepper Basham is an awesome writer and does a phenomenal job of bringing the characters and settings to life. Overall, I enjoyed this book very much and I can't wait for Loyally Luke to be released.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

Positively, Penelope is told, at least in part, in epistolary format. While this authorial choice does work well to acclimate us to Penelope’s voice very quickly, I found it a huge letdown in a romance novel. I felt, rather than closer to Penelope, more removed. I wasn’t experiencing her first days on the island with her….but after her. In the end, it was the utter distance and removal that made me unable to finish. I couldn’t even care that I didn’t finish because I never knew Penelope well enough to invest in her story. Giving it two stars because the writing itself was fine.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ebook ARC. All thoughts are mine alone.

Charming, delightful, and magical in every way! I absolutely ADORED this book!!

Penelope is hired as an intern to help turn around the struggling Darling Theater owned by the Gray family. Her insightful plans quickly begin to change things and her positivity and optimism make a deep impression on the Gray family, most especially on single father Matt and his daughter Iris.

Matt has closed himself off from the world to avoid getting his heart broken again but even his grumpy wall cannot stand when faced with Penelope's sunshine. He finds himself falling for her but when she returns home at the end of her internship, he is sure to have his heart broken again.

What to love:
Grumpy/sunshine romance
Dual POV
Single dad
Movie and musical theatre references
Sabrina-esque vibes
Bike riding lessons
Grandpa Gray
The parade
Dancing the waltz
Masquerade ball
Hero to the rescue
The first kiss!!!!!!!
Sibling text threads

The first 25% of this book is in epistolary format, meaning that it is told only through texts, emails, and letters. After that point, there are still some texts and emails but it is also told from the dual POV of Matt and Penelope.

I enjoyed the beginning, especially the sibling text threads, but also appreciated when we had the regular POV as well. It was balanced very well!

I am pretty sure I had a goofy grin on my face through this entire book. The characters, the setting, the stars-in-your-eyes romance, even the little mystery sideplot, I loved it ALL.

If you are a fan of Hallmark movies, the theatre, broody and wounded heroes, or even just a charming romance full of pixie dust and fairytales, then you absolutely need to read this book. This gets a very enthusiastic 5 stars from me and I cannot wait for Luke's story!

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

I enjoy ANYTHING written by Pepper Basham (I’m sure even her grocery lists are entertaining!). But seeing this was the second book in a series, I decided to read the first book (Authentically Izzy) before diving into this one. I immediately fell for Isabelle and Brodie - it was so easy to identify with that creative but uncertain librarian and her Skymar pen pal. But her over-the-top cousin Penelope?! I was sure this second book couldn’t have the same comfortable flow. Was I ever wrong! Such a classic romance! I love the difference in age and heart-experience between Penny-girl and Matthias. The healing balm she brings to all the Gray family AND their vintage theater is almost magical. More than once I found my eyes misting up. I recommend YouTube for a making your own sound track as you read. Now I can’t wait for the third book in this series!

This book was super cute and the author is extremely talented. This story is told in an email and texting format with the main character Penelope’s siblings. Penelope is super cheerful, positive, and you can see the Mary Poppins correlations sprinkled throughout. If you read authentically Izzie, you’ll be reintroduced to characters but this book can stand alone on its own. I just super enjoyed the authors character creativity and cheer in this story.

Penelope's story was everything that I'd hope for and more!!! I fell in love with her bubbly and vibrant personality when I listened to the audiobook of Authentically, Izzy! These Edgewood siblings and cousin are the best! Izzy Edgewood, Penelope Edgewood and Luke Egdewood! They are so much fun and kept me laughing with their antics, big brother vibes, sibling inside jokes, love and support, guidance and protection, best friends and a whole lot more!

I loved the combination of letters, emails and texts in this mostly epistolary type novel. There are several scenes that are not in epistolary form and have the characters in person having dialogue. I loved having both. Each form brings out different aspects of the characters' personalities and thoughts and feelings.

Penelope was so much fun! She's just darling and has a larger than life personality! She's cheerful and caring about others. And her musical theater and theater knowledge is the best!!! I'm a huge theater fan and this just made me smile the whole way through! I've been in several musicals but haven't been in one for a few years due to life and schedules but reading this has me wanting to dive back in and enjoy being a part of a show! And all of the Julie Andrews and Gene Kelly and Audrey Hepburn references just had me grinning! They're some of my favorites!!!

As she steps into her role to help save the Gray family's Darling House Theater through her marketing skills and just all around amazingness, she runs into a few bumps and might catch a few bruises. But never fear she's super and finds ways to glow and radiate sunshine!

But there are two Gray brothers, Matt and Alec, whom she has to work with and navigate daily. Add in a cute little girl, some hilarious moments of embarrassment, a mole, witty banter, pitter patters of the heart, a big surprise, a job offer, family, friends, a bicycle, baking, princesses, costumes, a parade, a nefarious rival, dancing, hats, skirts, glitter, rain, a Princess, a ball, sea monsters, deception, and love...and you have a charmingly delightful book that you won't want to set down!

And can I just throw out that there I'm extremely excited for Luke's book!!! *Insert squeal* Seriously, his personality and dry humor crack me up. When the author announced that his book is happening and did a cover reveal, I was one happy reader!!!

If you haven't had the chance to read Authentically Izzy, which is the first book, do yourself a favor and read it! You have plenty of time to do so before Penelope's story releases! A perfect summer read!!!

Content: Clean. Some kisses but nothing further!

I received a copy from the publisher, Thomas Nelson-Fiction, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

Like the book before this one in the series (Authentically, Izzy), this novel mostly tells the story through emails and texts. So many wonderful words come to mind after just finishing this novel yesterday. Humor, heart, lightness, tenderness, the appreciation for sibling relationships. Fans of the theater and classic musicals will rejoice over the delightful references peppered throughout the pages. This is an inspy rom-com that’s sure to bring loads of smiles and happy sighs. I’m SO EXCITED for Luke’s story next!

I enjoyed returning to this series with Penelope's story! She is such a fun, hopeful character. I connected with her immediately! This book has fun references to musicals and is in a delightful setting.

This book is sweet and fun. This author always delivers a good story!!
Penelope is definitely a positive, spunky girl, who sees joy and possibility in everything, and encourages those around her to see things in a better light.
Humor, clean romance - (kissing), and a few drama situations.
I loved the many references to plays and musicals, especially to Julie Andrews - who I adore.
This book is written in a format of mostly emails and texts, with some narration later on. It really took me a while to get through that. I did not personally like it, but tried to not let that keep me from enjoying a sweet story.
I can recommend this book if that type of format wouldn't bother you, and especially if you like clean sweet romance, a strong female main character with spunk, musical theater references, and an interesting story line.
I received an ARC from NetGalley, but am not required to leave a good review.
All opinions stated here are my own.

I adored Authentically, Izzy. I was ready to dive straight into her newest book.

Positively, Penelope by Pepper Basham was so quirky, fun and delightful.
I absolutely loved this book. It hooked me and kept me turning pages until I was done. The character development was strong, and the premise was amazing.
The story of Penelope and Matt was enchanting and adorable!
Basham is a master at storytelling who draws the reader right into the story.

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

Thank You NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

“Positively Penelope” was such an exuberant, warm, and comfy read! I had loved Authentically Izzy and was so excited to see more from Pepper D. Basham and the world she created.I loved the epistolary style. It made it seem all the more relatable and down-to-earth. The theatrical and fairytale-ish qualities added to the magic and charm. I enjoyed getting to return to the world of Skymar and the Edgewood siblings. This book reads like a love letter to the Theater (and Julie Andrews), and I adored every reference and line. I liked all the tropes woven into this book: slow burn, gentle grumpy/sunshine, workplace romance, love triangle with brothers, traveler in a foreign land, single dad, grandpa matchmaker, etc. So many wonderful things to love about this book! And what a sweet, uplifting romance! We need more books like this to bring a little light into the world. I have already preordered my physical copy!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. My gratitude to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley!

“Positively Penelope” was such an exuberant, warm and comfy read! I loved the epistolary style, it made it seem all the more relatable and down-to-earth. The theatrical and fairytale-ish qualities added to the magic and charm. And what a sweet, uplifting romance! We need more books like this to bring a little light into the world.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. My gratitude to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley!

Positively, Penelope was positively an absolute delight! I enjoyed getting to return to the world of Skymar and the Edgewood siblings. This book reads like a love letter to the Theater (and Julie Andrews) and I adored every reference and line. I liked all the tropes woven into this book: slow burn, gentle grumpy/sunshine, workplace romance, love triangle with brothers, traveler in a foreign land, single dad, grandpa matchmaker, etc. So many wonderful things to love about this book!

I was really intrigued at the idea of reading an epistolary novel, since I’ve enjoyed that format in lots of classics (and in the teen writing of the early 2000s!). Positively, Penelope, though, was a bit too cutesy and silly for my taste. I’m sure different readers will love it for exactly that reason, though.

Well this just about broke the Swoon Scale™️. Oh my word, did Ms. Basham just give everything here.

Will you check out this trope combo:
Jaded grumpy hero/Optimism avalanche sunshine heroine
Single dad (just the right amount of cute child presence)
Workplace forced proximity with lots of competence
Bit of an age gap
He falls first and a smidge of grovel
The only acceptable kind of quasi-love triangle: the Clear Winner love triangle
And of course, predominant presence of wonderful bantery written communications.

Much like with the first book, even as an epistolary fan, it took me a minute to settle in, and, especially in this story, I was wondering how the written communication format would work to keep us invested in this scenario (our grump meet-cute was told not shown *miffed*). But, never fear, a third person dual POV enters just when we need it, and it’s all systems go, so effective. Really applaud all the pacing/format choices and by that third act when Grumpy Gray is already all in and we have reveals, rescues, declarations, grand gestures and reunions, I repeat, optimum swoonage.

Because this is the kind of life-affirming swoony romance progression where you can see exactly where it’s going, love to see it coming and rejoice when it so-satisfyingly arrives. Isn’t that the heart-tinglingly steady predictability us romance readers yearn for? But then it also exceeds your expectations as you’re bombarded left and right with a very special brand of grump-goes-Gene-Kelly charm in a dreamy Northern European landscape. I’m serious, friends, we have a brokenhearted accountant/dance teacher hero with impressive eyebrows on our hands, ok?

And Penelope is all gotta-love-her, generally oblivious, charming chaos, with her often-rambling, incomplete narrative emails, her dreamy outlook, but with all the creativity and know-how to back it up. She literally barrels into this theater family and community’s life and learns you can have both what you dream and what you need, looking fabulous and quoting Audrey Hepburn as you achieve it.

The Edgewoods are everything and more. Luke’s up, I’m so ready.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.

Content notes: kissing only, unresolved grief, mention of infidelity and familial abandonment.

Positively Penelope by Pepper D. Basham is the sequel to Authentically Izzy. It is a charming story about Izzy's cousin Penelope. She has just graduated college and goes to Skymar to help restore an old theater. When she arrives she finds their finances in shambles as well as a lot of work needed on the theater. Penelope dives into the work with enthusiasm. She loves all things Julie Andrews such as Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music. There are many references to songs and dances by Gene Kelly. She, meets Matt, a single dad with an adorable daughter, Iris. Although this is a fun and upbeat book, someone is trying to steal ideas that only Penelope and the members of The Darling House theater troup know about. This book has it all!! Comedy, romance, mystery and a surprise ending!! It's magically delicious!! It will be published August 1,2023 but it can be pre-ordered now!! I thank the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. I loved the feel good vibes and give it 5 stars!! I was under no obligation to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.