I have only read one other Pepper Basham book and I see tons of good reviews about them. However, I don't think she is for me. There was nothing wrong with the book itself; it just didn't hold my interest. I did enjoy the many movie and musical references though!

BOOK: POSITIVELY, PENELOPE
AUTHOR: PENELOPE BASHAM
PUB DATE: 01AUG 2023
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REVIEW
hanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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WHAT I LIKED
1. Penelope’s positivity, sunshine-ness, the title I'd fitting
2. Penelope’s siblings and cousin, they were the best!
3. Matthias, I loved his character development and how he took care of his daughter, Iris and his care of The Darling House
4. The World of Skymar
5. The Darling House Theater growth and her workers
6. The Gray family except from Alec
7. The beautiful ending
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
1. The long chapters
2. The book was too much, 400 pages!
3. The first 30% of the book was in E-mails Penelope sent to her family and she and it really annoyed. I even stopped reading for a while
4.
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I liked this book and Penelope was an amazing character and you can't help but fall in love with the book. The reasons I gave it 3.5 stars was because of the things I didn't like

Positively, Penelope is the latest romance by Pepper Basham. Positively, Penelope is a sweet and clean romance about a young woman who goes to another country to help turn things around for a theater, and ends up falling in love with one of the owners. Will their love survive when the time comes for her to go back home? Read Positively, Penelope to find out.
Positively, Penelope was a sweet romance with the main character who loves all things fairy tales and musicals and always has a sunny outlook on life. I wished that there was a little bit less of text and email correspondence, more like it was toward the end of the story. I enjoyed reading this story, but it wasn’t my favorite by this author.

4 Stars
One Liner: Sweet and heartwarming (with some OTT elements)

Penelope Edgewood is more than a ray of sunshine. She’s the entire summer sun minus the sweaty heat. Positively keeps her going, though Penelope is no stranger to pain and heartbreak. Penelope has work cut out for her when she joins The Darling House, an old theatre on the island of Skymar. She is supposed to revive the theatre’s presence as a marketing intern.
Of course, Penelope being who she is, takes up more than her job. She decides the Grays (owners of the theatre) could do with some help; at least, grumpy Matt Gray and his dotty Iris need her sunshine. Someone is trying to cause trouble, so it’s up to her to sort everything out and maybe choose the right man to love in the process.
The story comes in emails and chat messages between different characters and third-person POV.

What I Like:
Though it is the second book in the series, it works as a standalone. I haven’t read the first book and had no issues understanding the character arcs or backstory. I could be missing some extra, but it doesn’t directly impact the plot. I got a clear picture of Izzy, Luke (easily my favorite), Penelope, and Josephine from their conversations.
Iris (7yo) is an absolute darling. This little girl with two dimples has a good presence in the book (though she doesn’t get many dialogues due to the chosen format). Still, I enjoyed the scenes with her.
The theatre’s scenes are cool. Despite not having much description, it’s easy to visualize the interiors and the characters’ love for the place. The fictional location is just as beautiful, with lakes, hills, flower valleys, waterfalls, and cute shops.
There’s a lot of baking in this one. Muffins, cookies, chocolate éclairs, strawberry tarts… you name it, we’ll probably find it here. Penelope is a great baker, which does work in her favor.
Despite the excess glitter, Penelope is a sweet FMC. She has many good traits and shows decent growth throughout the book. Given her age (23-24), she does act like a teen sometimes but displays emotional maturity when necessary. Her professional skills are noteworthy (maybe even better).
Matt is grumpy but not rude or excessively annoying. I was rooting for him from the beginning, and the gradual change in his character is well done. Even the dynamics between Penelope and Matt are enjoyable. There’s steady progress, which makes their relationship grow from being employee-employer to friends and something more, seem realistic and unhurried.
The book deals with grief in different forms. While Penelope celebrates her loved ones to express her grief, Matt goes into a shell, Grandpa Gray becomes a recluse, and Alec… you’ll have to read to find out. The themes are handled sensitively without feeling excessive or bland. ‘Faith’ is also just right (minimum, which is how I like it).

What Could Have Been Better for Me:
The first quarter or more of the book is in an epistolary form with lengthy emails and messages between Penelope, Izzy, Luke, Josephine, and a few other characters. Then we suddenly have a third-person narration. Soon, the emails are fewer, and there’s an increase in direct narration. The count further reduces towards the end. In short, we have an uneven narrative device throughout the book. I wish it was streamlined.
The first quarter is super slow because of the various emails (with PS, PPS, PPS, and goPPPPS) that talk about everything and nothing at once. Let’s say it was interesting for a while and then got annoying. I liked it better once the third-person POV became a regular feature.
I’m not a fan of movies or musicals. Fortunately, I knew quite many references in the book, but it still feels a little too much (this won’t be an issue for most readers). I understand that’s Penelope’s character, but she is so much more than silly OTT antics. Her actual depth comes out in regular scenes.
Too much of anything is bad, and so is excess sunshine. This has a triple sunshine vs. grumpy trope, which does feel irritating at times. More so, if you, like me, are not going to be categorized as ‘sunshine’ in real life. (NGL, Genelia did this better in the Bommarillu movie)
The book is just too long. It could have been 80 pages shorter and still delivered the same story with the same impact.

To summarize, Positively, Penelope is a sweet and Hallmarkish romance with loads of positivity, musical references, and happy vibes. I did enjoy this book, though I have high hopes for Luke’s story (loved him in this one). Can’t wait to read it!
This is a clean romance with some kissing in the last quarter.
Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas Nelson, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley # PositivelyPenelope
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P.S.: The ARC’s formatting was beyond horrible and got my nerves. Publishers, please! ARCs for books that depend on good formatting need to have better readability.

I’ve been excited to read this story since I had to to finish reading Authentically Izzy (fabulous). Izzy was great and Penelope, even in her secondary role in that story, leapt from the pages. Here as the heroine in her own story, she doesn’t disappoint.

This time around, Izzy’s cousin Penelope travels to the Skymarian Islands to try and rejuvenate an historic theater. Unfortunately, a chance run in with one of her new bosses sets the tone of their relationship as frosty. But while she’s trying to win Matt Gray over, his younger brother Alec thinks Penelope should be treated like a princess. The romance of her dreams ensues.

Penelope’s cheerful attitude begins to work its magic on the island. However, just as things at the theater start turning around, Penelope’s secrets for success are somehow leaked to a rival company. And at the same time, Penelope starts to wonder if she really wants a fairytale relationship.

There are so many things to love about Positively Penelope. As ever with a book by Pepper Basham, the plot is very clever. This story is filled with musical theater references with a supporting cast of character hats. What’s not to love about that? The character development is touching and I cannot wait for the third trip to Skymar. Highly recommended. I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions are my own.

I knew when Pepper Basham decided to give Penelope her voice; I was positively in!

Pepper Basham delivers an unconventional romance novel full of gratitude, joy, sassiness and humour. At first, I was overwhelmed by Penelope's sheer optimism and the sunshine and rainbow approach, but as the pages turned, she grew on her. Her relationship with Izzy and Luke is such a delight to read, and it was wondering reuniting with Brodie! The plot was lovely, and it was great to teleport to the scenic beauty of Skymar. Matthias Grey is a formidable protagonist, full of pain but so much love. His dedication to the theatre, passion for dancing, and unyielding love for his daughter, Iris, were endearing. The blossoming romance between Penelope and Matthias tugged at my heartstrings. The twists and turns of the plot and the power of community shine throughout the read. The references to Gene Kelly and Audrey Hepburn were charming! I can't wait to read Luke's story.

Thank you, NetGalley & Thomas Nelson, for the opportunity to read this ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.

I’m completely in love with the Isle of Skymar, the Edgewood sibling group, and sweet, effervescent Penelope. The epistolary format (told mostly in texts and emails) really captures the dynamic between the siblings, down to the unfinished thoughts and lightning quick subject changes, and has some extra intrigue as we don’t know exactly who Penelope has been corresponding with from the Skymar theater troupe. Iris is precious, Matthias (and oh, what a cinnamon roll he is!) was charming, and we really get to know his heart. But truthfully, Penny steals the stage with her creativity and her depth despite (or perhaps because of) her bubbly personality. I listened partly on audiobook, and while I did not at first love the female narrator, listening to the story definitely brought another dimension to the story as a whole. I was very touched by the overarching themes of loving, grieving and choosing joy, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding Penelope’s internship in Skymar make this another very exciting , engaging, and lovable installment of the Skymarian series! I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

I never thought I'd fall so in love with epistolary novels but I am completely smitten!

This book is completely enchanting as well as addicting. I fell in love with the characters and the story.

The banter between the siblings and their inside jokes was pure fun and just made me smile.

Have you ever met a character you'd love to meet in person and have a cup of coffee with, Penelope is just that person.

I'm really looking forward to Grumpy Luke's story. If I know Pepper Basham like I believe I do I think Luke is in for quite the rude awakening.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson, Netgalley and the author for an ARC of this book. I am leaving this unbiased review voluntarily.

Looks like this book is the second in a series (the first of which I have not read) but it can be read as a standalone. Frankly, I am surprised I enjoyed this extremely clean and wholesome book as much as I did. I loved the banter between Penelope, Josephine, Luke and Izzy, which is fortunate because their correspondence with each other takes up most of the book.

I think certain heavy topics were glossed over a bit too much, but that's the vibe of the book - not too heavy.

This is a nice grumpy/sunshine single dad clean romance.

I really really really liked Authentically, Izzy- but let me tell you- I LOVED Positively Penelope! Penelope is definitely one of the most positive characters ever! She is fun, organized, adorable, and downright jolly 99% of the time, and reading her story was a blast! She was the perfect match to her hero, even though she took a while to realize it. It was a delight seeing Skymar and family interactions through her eyes. I thoroughly enjoyed all the musical references, though there were a few I didn’t recognize. The mystery was fitting, though I kind of had it figured out early on, but that didn’t bother me a bit! Mathias is a handsome, broody hero who needed someone just like Penelope to draw him back into the light. “A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down” as Mary Poppins says, and Penelope is that sweetness to everyone she encounters! I also enjoyed the themes of faith and trusting God. I can’t wait to read Luke’s story in book 3!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my review copy. These are my own thoughts; I was not required to write a positive review.

Pepper Basham’s Positively, Penelope is a whimsical, entertaining and enchanting romantic comedy I thoroughly enjoyed.

Penelope Edgewood is an eternal optimist who always looks on the bright side of life, so she is absolutely overjoyed when fresh out of college she is offered a paid internship to help save a centuries-old theatre. A lover of all things vintage and retro, this job is everything she has always wanted and so much more besides. However, when Penelope gets to the Darling House Theatre, she immediately realizes that she is going to have her work cut out for her. With finances in disarray, a demotivated theatrical community and warring brothers Alec and Matt Gray to contend with, Penelope is going to need all the optimism she can muster!

Determined to do whatever it takes to reverse the ailing fortunes of Darling House, Penelope refuses to balk at the plethora of challenges being thrown her way – even if they do seem rather insurmountable. Luckily for her, she is getting a much-needed confidence boost through GK, who emails her with some encouragement which she can certainly do with at the moment.

Can Penelope prove all her doubters wrong and make a success out of Darling House? Will she find the happy ending she deserves and heal from her broken heart? Or will her brand of postivity fail her just when she needed it most?

Pepper Basham’s Positively, Penelope is a first-class romantic comedy that is simply delightful. Witty, feel-good, emotional and so engrossing you will want to read it in a single sitting, Positively, Penelope touches the heart and tickles the funny bone and will have readers falling head over heels in love with Penelope and all the colorful characters that people this wonderful tale.

Pepper Basham’s Positively, Penelope sparkles with joy, magic and warmth and is a veritable treat for romantics everywhere.

*thank you Netgalley for the arc of this book!*

This was a cute, clean, romance. I love the character of Penelope. Her quirkiness and enthusiasm is fun to read and makes for such a loveable character. Luke is my favorite, though! I had several laugh out loud moments reading his interactions. I enjoyed the sweet romance between Penelope and Matt and her connection with his daughter.

All that being said, the story was not all that memorable or exciting and it will be one that I will easily forget. But, it did entertain me and I am planning on reading Luke's story once it is released! If you enjoy hallmark romance type movies, you will love this book!

This is a sequel to Authentically Izzy, which came out last year. It follows the same epistolary tale structure, consisting mostly of text messages and emails between siblings who are separated by distance, but still near in heart. And while this one follows the life of the youngest sister, Penelope, it's every bit as romantic and captivating as Izzy's story was even though these two sisters couldn't be more dissimilar. (Izzy is introverted, while Penelope is a theater nerd who draws people to her as easily as most beloved fairy tale princesses do.)

While their stories were different, the people, places and locations were the same (or at least similar). And the story was laugh-out-loud hilarious at times, and tender at others. I thoroughly enjoyed it! Pepper Basham is quickly becoming a new favorite author of mine.

If you like quirky characters, sibling banter, and romantic plot twists, I highly recommend checking out this story (after you read Authentically Izzy first--you'll get more out of it that way).

Thank you to Pepper Basham, Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for an advance review copy.

Dear Followers,

If you are in search of a five star read that will leave you with a smile on your face and song in your heart, then look no further than Positively, Penelope by Pepper Basham!!!

Penelope, a recent college graduate, has accepted a marketing internship in Skymar. Her main objective is to revive the historic Darling House theater. While once a thriving staple of the community, the Darling House is on the cusp of closure. While Penelope is the perfect person for the job, her jaded employer Matthiases, mistakes her positive outlook for having her head in the clouds. Will Penelope be able to save the Darling House and win over Matthiases in the process? Or will she be forced to return home before finishing the job?

PS: Positively, Penelope is the second book in the Skymar series. It features everyone’s favorite glass is half-full cousin, Penelope Edgewood. I must admit that I was a little apprehensive going into this book because I connected so much with bookish Izzy from Authenticall, Izzy and have limited knowledge of musical theater. Luckily, Pepper Basham wrote a book that is not only accessible, but enjoyable for musical theater novices such as myself.

PPS: I highly recommend reading if you are fans of clean romances that are written in an epistolary format, and feature the grumpy-sunshine trope.

PPPS: Special thanks to Pepper Basham, Thomas Nelson, and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest feedback!

“Sometimes a girl just wants to be rescued now and again. Why is that so wrong?”

This story is one of the most charming and adorably sweet books I’ve read. I couldn’t get enough of Penelope’s “spoonful of sugar” personality, full of bright, vivid optimism and “Grumpy Gray’s” grumpy, cloudy demeanor, which he has good reason to possess.

“Sunshine and sugar have to be one of the best happiness combos in the world. And tea. And chocolate.” Penelope can brighten any corner of the room, or of the world, for that matter. I loved watching her take off across the ocean for a wonderful internship opportunity and see the magic she sprinkled around, the changes she made, and the lives she touched. But I especially loved watching her delve into new emotional territory.

Basham does a phenomenal job of engaging the reader and dropped me right into a beautiful story of love and healing, all through letters, emails, and messages, with several moments of in-person exchanges that completely melted me.

This is the perfect story for those who love grumpy-sunshine, Julie Andrews, theater, magic, single parent romance, and Audrey Hepburn, with a lovely setting in Skymar.

Positively Penelope is a delight in every way!

Content: mild romance

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I am getting used to Pepper Basham's style of writing but I would recommend people start with Authentically Izzy . The book follows Penelope who is an optimist that works as a marketing intern at a theater. The theater is not what she was she was expecting as it is gloomy as the owners have experienced loss in their life. Not only does it focus on her adventure to save the theater but also a little competition , two brothers vying for her heart and finding her voice. It's quite an enjoyable read.

Positively, Penelope was my first book by Pepper Basham. Told mainly through emails, letters and text messages, this book had a different method to the usual romcom but I was all for it. I enjoyed listening to the audio while simultaneously reading along to the book. I'm keen to read the backlist of this series and can't wait for the next book in the series.

Positively Penelope is an absolutely charming "modern" epistolary novel. Follow along with Penelope's adventures through text messages and emails to save a theatre, the bits that makeup living life together, and even some romance. Witty and charming, this book is an enjoyable read perfect for curling up with a fav drink to sip. I anticipate this book to be especially enjoyed by those who follow friends on social media.

thank you Netgalley for this arc for an honest review.

"Prepare to be charmed by the delightful romcom 'Positively Penelope' by Pepper Basham. With a unique storytelling format through emails and texts, Basham weaves a heartwarming tale of love and self-discovery. Penelope's joyful and fairy-tale-believing personality shines as she works her magic not only on the struggling theater but also on the guarded and serious Matt. Their romance unfolds in a truly captivating and inspirational way, leaving readers with a warm and fuzzy feeling. Set in a unique backdrop, 'Positively Penelope' combines enchanting characters with a touch of whimsy, creating a truly delightful reading experience. This book is a must-read for fans of romantic, feel-good stories!"

Just when I thought I couldn’t love a book family more, along came Positively, Penelope. I absolutely loved Authentically, Izzy and this book is even better! Penelope’s character really stood out in the first book so I couldn’t wait to read her story.

Penelope is a ray of sunshine that we all need in our lives. She does everything with joy, is prepared for anything, loves big, and enjoys making others happy. Oh and did I mention she carries a huge “Mary Poppins bag” and loves hats and shoes?

This story is full of twist, hiccups, princesses, fairytales, tons of Julie Andrews and Gene Kelly references, family banter, friendship, and love. The first half of the story is told mostly through emails, texts, and occasional phone calls between the family members which are so fun. It really makes you feel like part of the family.

This book also has quite the troupe combo that includes a jaded grumpy hero & sunshine heroine,
single dad with an amazing little girl, workplace forced proximity, a bit of an age gap, he falls first, and of course a love triangle. Oh and that ending. Be still my heart!

I would definitely recommend this series to everyone and I can’t wait for the next book so we can see how Luke’s story develops.

I was provided a copy of the book from the author/publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.