I have mixed opinions about this book. It starts with Poppy putting her head in the sand after discovering that her accountant ran off with her money, and now the IRS wants years of back taxes and more. On top of that, she is trying to figure out how to send her daughter to nursing school, find a new job, and is struggling to make it through the day. Enter Three, a former lover from around 18 years ago that she runs into at the airport. Is he the answer to her money issues? He can get her a job in the wardrobe division of a movie being shot in California. Poppy just has to get there from Wisconsin. With all of her other money issues, she decides to drive. And what an adventure that is. But the real adventure is on the set of this movie. Apparently, "must-hires" are looked down on by the rest of the crew because this person is usually not qualified for the job. There are quite a few conflicts with other crew members, making up this story's crux.

At first, I didn't like Poppy's character. She came across as wishy-washy and perhaps a bit incompetent. I know many business owners don't always pay attention to the financial details, but to not be aware of IRS notices and such? However, as the story came to a close, I had a little more respect for her as she found her strength and learned that she doesn't have to make everyone happy all the time. That it is ok to look out for yourself first.

I do have a small gripe about the whole IRS situation. While it wasn't a good place to be, the fact that the author had the IRS agents telling Poppy that they would take all of her money and she would have absolutely nothing to live on was incorrect. If a person has no money for rent, utilities, groceries, etc., they would be unable to repay the IRS at any time because they would be homeless and have no way to help support themselves. This may be fiction, but I feel like situations like this should be represented correctly. That said, do not ignore IRS notices!

That said, if you can look past some of the inaccuracies throughout the book, you will find a quirky cast of characters that learn more about themselves in the space of a week. They create new friendships and learn that they do not have to do everything on their own.

We give this book 4 paws up.

The latest title from Ann Garvin is full of mishaps, fun, honesty, and enough intrigue to keep you hooked. Garvin does a masterful job of writing the mix of funny and sad that's baked into middle life, particularly for women who are watching their children leave the nest. I loved the story of Poppy Lively - watching her choose her self over the one that got away is a joy.

A cute comeback story. Poppy has lost everything. Except for the IRS. They are still hanging on for their share of the bottom line. Which is zero. With virtually no skills or money, she takes a job she has no experience with as a costumer in Hollywood.

While she flounders in her position, she has made one friend and uncovered some seriously shady dealings.

While the comeback premise isn’t new, this had the making of a good story. But the execution made it a very slow read.

NetGalley/ Lake Union, August 01, 2023

I really liked the base storyline of this book with Poppy and her epic comeback story. I do think things got a bit distracting with Three and some of the development. There were choppy writing parts but overall I did like it and I think this will be a fun one to read this summer.