Positively, Penelope
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Pepper D. Basham

I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.

Synopsis: Penelope Edgewood is practically positive in every way, so when, fresh out of college, she is awarded a paid internship to help save a century-old theater on the island of Skymar, she jumps at the chance. After all, a crumbling theater needs the special touch of someone who reveres all things vintage and adores the stage.

Unfortunately, not everything is as it seems at Darling House Theatre. Finances are in shambles, the local theater group is disenchanted, and the two brothers, Matt and Alec Gray, can’t seem to see eye-to-eye about how to run their theatrical business. So, of course, it’s the perfect place for Penelope to shine her own personal brand of sunshine.

With a little help from GK, the person emailing her encouragement along the way, she puts all her heart into helping the Grays save Darling House. But between Matt’s ever-present skepticism, Alec’s tendency to treat Penelope a little too much like the “princess” she thinks she wants to be (until someone actually started treating her that way), a grandfather who is stuck in his grief, and a mysterious person stealing Penelope’s marketing ideas, she’s not sure her optimism is enough to make a happily-ever-after of her own story, let alone The Darling House’s.

Between an adorable little girl, a matchmaker, a sea monster or two, and a copious amount of musical references, can Penelope draw enough confidence from her faith, her family, and her adoration of all things Julie Andrews, to find the thief and save the theater . . . without getting her heart broken in the process?

My Thoughts: This book number two in the Skymar series. This is written as an epistolary novel, just like the first book in the series, “Authentically, Izzy,” focusing on emails, texts, chatting, and emails with some conversation mixed in. Not everyone will like this style of writing but it really works for this storyline. Penelope travels out of the county for an internship at the theatre, however, when she arrives, she sees that the theatre is in complete disarray, mainly because the two owners, also brothers, cannot agree on anything. As Penelope puts her heart and soul into saving the theatre, will it be enough? This follows the tropes of island living, grumpy v sunshine, and single dad.

Penelope is quirky, energetic, positive, and just infectious. Penelope is a fun character, easily liked, and more easily able to connect to. Mixed in to the romance is a bit of a mystery of who G.K. is. Matt is grumpy, a single dad, and has more grief than others, grief that he has not fully processed. The characters were well developed with depth, witty banter, chemistry, and creatively woven. The author’s writing style was complex, humorous at times, poignant at times, thought-provoking, and engaging. There is some faith interweaved with the grief that really grabs at your heart but then there is lighter banter that balances it out. So much singing and dancing, you could feel it through the pages. The author did an amazing job with detailing the island life of Skymar. It made me feel like I was there and definitely an island I would love to visit if it existed.

This novel is written differently than most in emails, chats, texts, and other communicative details, however, it is relatively easy to follow and know which voice is speaking. The conversations between the characters were the best. I loved the reference to the classic movies, some of which I grew up on. I highly recommend picking up this book.

Positively, Penelope by Pepper Basham is a fun rom com. I am a huge fan of this author’s books. She is a talented writer and writes the best Christian romance. Here characters in this book were wonderful and the plot was good as well. I found the epistolary format of this book challenging, and this made it really hard to get into this book. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

The second book in Pepper Basham's Skymar series, 'Positively, Penelope" is a delightful sweet romance. I adore this little island country, but even more I enjoy the sarcastic but supportive banter of the Edgewood siblings. The first book, "Authentically, Izzy" was also a fun and lighthearted read, and I'm very much looking forward to book 3 for Luke's story.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the complimentary digital review copy of this title.

Pepper writes the best stories! I always know that if Pepper wrote it, I’m pretty much guaranteed to love it. Penelope is no exception to that rule. This story is charming and delightful and positively perfect! Penelope is impossible not to love and Mathias is pretty wonderful too. I also loved that at least one scene in the book reminded me a bit of one of my favorite movies ever “Enchanted.” I also loved grumpy Luke and all his Rambo references. There is one character that I wanted to completely throttle but I am hoping that we get his story and redemption at some point…so fingers crossed for that!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and also purchased my own Audible copy. All thoughts are my own.

I am a FAN of Pepper Basham's writing before reading Positively Penelope. However, I find this novel difficult to follow and unengaging, so much so that I don't care to finish it. So, this one is a miss for me.

It was fabulous returning to this family and the island of Skymar. I even come to love the side characters. I wouldn't mind a story on the other brother or sister from this book or for the sister of Brody from book #1. Pepper Basham creates characters you can really connect with, emphatize, understand even when not agreeing completely. Yes, even the villian in the end. The familial relationships and dynamics were wonderfully shown.
I enjoyed the nods to all the classic films. I loved the escapades Penny got herself into. She also had a bit of magic in her like a Mary Poppins yet she wasn't cheesy or cliche in anyway. I found the characters written as authentic which added to the flow and enjoyment of the story.
I appreciated the realistic challenges to their romance between the two main characters. I wouldn't classify this as a complete love triangle story. There is one brother who really sees her and this is more of a finding yourself and slowburn romance. I simply loved Penny's birthday outing scene/chapter. You just wanted them to be together but didn't know how. This was a great part of the plot. It was done well and really held this reader's attention. The ending was sweet with a grand yet simple gesture. A perfect ending for the character Penny. I really can hardly wait for Luke's story. He really is a great character. The sister Josephine Martin had even improved from book #1. I found her to be likeable when with the last one not so much. This was a pleasure to read and I reccomend the audiobook as well. The accents are fantastic.

3.75 stars! This was really cute. I loved the small town feel and adventures. Penelope was a very likable character. I loved the ending. Not to give anything away, but it wasn’t your traditional girl follows guy. I thought the premise of Penelope getting hired to help save a small theater and bring it back to life. I’m thinking book 3 will follow her brother Luke.

"Positively, Penelope" by Pepper Basham is a delightful romance novel that enchants readers with its heartwarming story. The book's endearing characters and charming setting come together to create a tale of love and growth. Pepper Basham's writing skillfully captures the emotions and nuances of relationships, making "Positively, Penelope" a feel-good read that leaves a smile on your face. This novel is a perfect choice for anyone who enjoys a sweet and uplifting romance that reminds us of the power of love and second chances.

This was a super cute, fun, and fast read. With much of the book written as texts and emails, I read this in less than a day. It made this theater nerd's heart happy.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance digital ARC. All opinions are my own.

A cute clean Christian love story that felt a little cheesy at times, but was otherwise a sweet story. I’m not sure it was particularly memorable for me… but not every book is going to be a five star and that’s ok.

Penelope or Penny as her relatives call her is an upbeat, energized person who loves the theater and all things Julia Andrews and Audrey Hepburn. This North Carolina native has an internship in Skymarian working at the Darling House. Penelope is there to bring the theater back to life with her marketing strategies. She accomplishes so much and falls in love with the family that owns the theater. She not only helps to bring the theater back to life, but she brings back joy to this family. In the end, Penny gets her own fairy tale ending. The book uses emails and text messages as a way to tell much of the story from Penny's point of view. I highly recommend this book. Since it is clean and uplifting fiction with a little twist, it is suitable for any reader.

Positively Penelope is the second book in the Skymar series by Pepper Basham. It is unequivocally just as delightful and charming as the book that came before it. This story is mainly written in text correspondence between various characters and is humorous, heart-warming, quote-worthy and thought-provoking. It’s an absolute gem of a story and one that you won’t want to miss.

Penelope is an eternal optimist who eagerly takes a theater internship in Skymar with the purpose of updating and revitalizing the family-owned Darling House Theater. She is full of ideas and brimming with hope and good cheer. Penelope is a character in her own right: one-of-a-kind, creative, vivacious and unapologetically positive. She is also, however, realistic and inspiringly relatable. As she takes the village and the theater by storm, transforming all she meets with her youthful energy, she also finds an unexpected, romantic connection; one that she’s always dreamed of.

Through Penelope, the author encourages us to not lose hope, to never give up, and to always look for the good in any situation. Her example gently nudges us to see that good things can even come out of heartbreak. This story is truly unique, humorous, hopeful and inspiring. Positively Penelope is meaningfully memorable and a new favorite.

Charming and quirky. Heartwarming and funny. "Positively, Penelope" by Pepper Basham is a sheer delight from the opening number to the final curtain call!

With sparking effervescence, Basham combines nostalgic musical references, hilarious sibling banter, and a swoony grumpy / sunshine romance into an epistolary novel worthy of a standing ovation.

Practically perfect in every way, this loverly story is sure to make 'em laugh with an endearing cast of characters who feel like real people and true friends on the street where you live. I have confidence that once readers meet Penelope, Matthias, Izzy, and Luke, they'll read all night—in their own little corner, in their own little chair—and still beg for more!

If you're a theater kid at heart, "Positively, Penelope" is sure to be your cup of tea—with an extra spoonful of sugar!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own honest opinion.

What a delightful book! I really enjoyed this one! I started reading the book via an electronic copy but when it was released got my hands on the audio version. I loved it with the accents. Penelope was a fun character in Izzy’s story and I’m so glad she got her own. She has such a good attitude and positive spin on everything. She gets to use her skills to try and save a theater filled with history in Skymar. Not only that but the family that owns it needs some of her positivity and cheer as well. I enjoyed the continued banter between Penelope, Izzy and Luke. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views stated here are my own.

Positively, Penelope was one book I didn’t think I was going to love, but atlas, I’ve been proven wrong by Pepper Besham!

This was my first read from Pepper but it won’t be my last one! I throughly enjoyed this story that Pepper tells and I finished this book in less than 24hrs. It held my attention and had me flipping pages like no one’s business.

Positively Penelope was just as much fun as Authentically Izzy if not more! What more could we want than a handsome man with a sweet little girl on a beautiful island? Penelope (who loves all things vintage and princess!) literally brims with excitement and positivity as she starts her 3 month internship at an old theater on the island of Skymar. She immediately falls in love with the island and maybe even that certain handsome man!

I'm really looking forward to Luke's story coming in May 2024

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 1 August 2023

4 stars

You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.

This is a really cute contemporary romantic comedy about a ray of sunshine named Penelope and a grumpy theater owner named Matt. Penelope is working a paid internship after college to help save a century-old family-owned theater on the island of Skymar. The family has recently lost two of their matriarchs and are grieving their losses. Penelope is just the ray of sunshine and can-do attitude they need. But, will a new contemporary theater threaten their come-back?

I really liked Penelope and her ability to smile in the face of loss, setbacks and people who dismiss her abilities due to her youth. Matt is the perfect grumpy guy with a soft squishy heart. His daughter is so adorable and it's no wonder Penelope instantly bonds with her. The "mystery" of the sabotage was not such a mystery, but it was heartbreaking to read how it played out. I loved the epistolary nature of much of the book - it's always a favorite writing technique of mine. Penelope's family, especially Luke, added depth and humor to the book. I still need to read the first book in the series that focuses on Penelope's cousin Izzy, called Authentically Izzy, and look forward to Luke's book, called Loyally, Luke which comes out May 1, 2024. If you like sweet, upbeat, romantic comedies, definitely check this book out.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from TLC Book Tours and Thomas Nelson. All opinions are my own.

Another five star read from Pepper Basham. This author is quickly becoming one of my favorites.

A sweet romance that includes Penelope the beloved cousin of Izzy from the previous book. Penelope is trying to help a failing theater and finds love. These books are stand alone but definitely enjoyed reading them together.

I laughed out loud so many times. I can’t wait to read Luke’s story.

Thank you netgalley and publisher for allowing me to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was a fantastic continuation of the story world created in Authentically, Izzy, and while I maybe enjoyed Izzy's story a little more than this one, I thought this one was better written as the transitions between epistolary and narrative were more smooth and less jolting. I'm so looking forward to Luke's story! Absolutely cannot wait, and I think it's going to be my very, very favorite!

I received a complimentary electronic copy of this book from NetGalley.

I honestly didn't expect to love Positively, Penelope as much as I loved Authentically, Izzy. But Pepper has outdone herself. Positively, Penelope was positively delightful!

When the heroine carries a Mary Poppins bag and channels her inner Maria von Trapp, you know you're in for a treat. Penelope is one of those perpetually positive people who are not always understood by others. But when she lands on Skymar to help save the Darling Theater, her belief in the healing power of cookies and dancing will endear her to the hearts of the entire Darling family. 

But will she find a leading man who is worth giving up her home and family for? Or is it possible that "some of the best characters played the secondary roles"?

If you love musicals, Julie Andrews, or good clean romance with a bit of intrigue, then don't miss this new release in the Skymar series by Pepper Basham.