Member Reviews
Second in its series, Saving The Good News Gazette is a charmiing, quirky and optimitic story. Despite being second in the series, it stands alone well. Zoe, founder and editor of The Good News Gazette, is in her early thirties, a single mother of nine year-old Charlie and perpetually on the verge of going broke. With one of the paper’s major advertisers oulling out, she and her co-worker Ollie end up taking on freelancework to keep themselves afloat. When Zoe is asked to head up a team to rescue the derelict local cinema and restore it to its former glory she finds juggling her life and her relationship with boyfriend Sam a constant challenge. Zoe is a beautifully crafted and relateavle character that I really felt for at times. I also admired her resilience and her ability to find the positives. Multi-millionaire Daniel Lewis is another character that I warmed to. Despite his millions, despite Zoe’s suspicion of his motives and despite Sam’s outright dislike for him, Daniel is a character with hidden depths. The simmering sexual tension between him and Zoe helped to drive what was an entertaining and enjoyable story. I’d definitely read more from this new-to-me author.
Charming, heartwarming and romantic, readers will be bowled over by Jessie Wells’ latest novel, Saving the Good News Gazette.
Single mum Zoe has just been hit with a massive blow: her biggest advertising account has just cancelled their contract putting her beloved Good News Gazette in jeopardy. Zoe might be feeling disappointed at this shocking turn of events, but she refuses to give in. She is willing to do whatever it takes not to see Westholme’s favourite feel-good news source go under and there is simply nothing she will not do to make sure her newspaper has a future.
Salvation comes in the unlikely form of millionaire developer Daniel Lewis. The two strike a deal whereby Zoe will help mount a campaign on his behalf to rescue the Art Deco cinema from destruction while he helps her find advertisers for her paper. It’s a plan that seems foolproof, but not everybody is happy to see the two of them working together – mainly Zoe’s boyfriend Sam who isn’t too thrilled about this arrangement!
With life seeming intent to keep throwing one obstacle after another her way, will Zoe and her paper have the future they have always wanted? Or is heartbreak and disappointment in store for Zoe and her son Charlie?
A feel-good read sprinkled with humour, warmth, pathos and emotion, Jessie Wells’ Saving the Good News Gazette is a lovely tale that will put a spring in your step and a smile on your face. A terrific page-turner about community, belonging and making your dreams a reality, Jessica Redland and Sarah Morgan fans will love Jessie Wells’ Saving the Good News Gazette.
Unfortunately, after multiple attempts I have been unable to get into this. I found the story very slow and the characters hard to like and cause of that it was hard to root for them / find them relatable. I have chosen to DNF. I apologize.
The follow-up to one of the sweetest community tales ever told is just as sweet and I can’t get enough of this town and its cast of characters. Heartwarming and uplifting, I hope there is lots more to come!
After the first part, I knew I have to read that one as well!
The first book is great., The power of small community, the idea of new type of gazette (with good news only) and small town vibes make me feel I can also be a part of something unexpected, a bigger picture.
And then... we have "saving", so the reality hit.
This part is more realistic and maybe because of that I like it even more.
This was such a fun read. I just loved everything from cover to cover. I would 10/10 reccomend to everyone
I love that we are back visiting the Good New Gazette, it feels like seeing old friends again and it's equally great to check in on Zoe again.
This is the sequel to The Good News Gazette and though you can read them as stand-alones, I would recommend you read them in order.
It's the perfect solution when your days are a little dark and grey and you need some fun and heart-warming sunshine, it's comforting and joyful and just so good!!
Though as fun and light-hearted as this book is, I think it felt a little heavier than the first, but that makes the story and the themes more real and relatable and less fairy-tale which I did like.
I'm both loving and hating that it was left on a bit of a cliffhanger, great news that there have to be more books (woo-hoo!!) and bad news we have to wait (noooo!!) I am looking forward to whats to come next.
I'm accidentally read this one, not realising it was the second in a series. I will be going back too read the first though and I cannot wait to find out what happens in book 3. A cosy and fun read
I like Zoe, she’s an interesting character, stronger and more independent than she thinks. When vandals destroy a project again, she steps up to solve the problem, not relying on any man to help her.
A nice read, a bit predictable, but enjoyable nevertheless. Pity about the cliffhanger at the end - it seemed a bit contrived.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book for review.
This is the second book in Jessie Wells "The Good News Gazette" series, but the first I have read. I so look forward to reading the first book in this series as well, and I hope this series continues with more books! Jessie Well's writing is full of heart, and the storytelling and characters jump right off of the page.
Zoe and Daniel agree to work together so solve both of their problems. Zoe needs help keeping her newspaper afloat after their biggest advertiser needs to cancel advertisements, and Daniel needs help with saving the community loved Art Deco cinema.
The more time they spend together, they start to develop feelings for one another. With romance, heart, a community who works together, moving moments, and so much more, this book kept me turning the pages to see what was going to happen next.
I recommend this book!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and One More Chapter for the ARC of this book, it is incredible! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Fun, quirky but not too outstanding in my opinion. This book could’ve used with a bit better pacing and maybe relying less on tropes.
I really enjoyed reading this one!! It was a fast and easy read and exactly what I needed. I really enjoyed the different characters in this one.
"Saving the Good News Gazette" by Jessie Wells is a heartwarming story of community, resilience, and the power of unity. Wells' writing is a poignant tribute to the importance of local journalism and the human connections it fosters. As the characters rally to rescue their cherished newspaper, readers are immersed in a tale that underscores the value of preserving traditions, celebrating diversity, and finding hope in times of adversity. This novel is an inspiring reminder that small towns can have big hearts, making it a feel-good and meaningful read.
A delightful and uplifting story, with identifiable characters.
Many thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.
Jessie Wells’ “Saving the Good News Gazette” is a heartwarming journey into the charming town of Westholme, where community spirit, acts of kindness, and the challenges of life intertwine to create a tapestry of memorable moments. Even as a standalone read, the book effortlessly draws you into its world, making you feel right at home amidst its vibrant cast of characters.
Zoe Taylor, with her unwavering determination and genuine heart, stands at the center of this tale. As she grapples with the potential downfall of her beloved Good News Gazette, her partnership with the enigmatic millionaire developer, Daniel Lewis, adds layers of complexity to her life. The stakes are high, not just for the Gazette but for the very essence of Westholme, as they rally together to save a cherished Art Deco cinema.
Wells’ writing is both evocative and engaging, effortlessly blending humor with poignant moments that tug at the heartstrings. The quirky residents of Westholme, each with their unique stories, add depth and color to the narrative. From the humorous octopus incident to the more somber undertones that touch on real-life challenges, the book strikes a perfect balance, making readers oscillate between laughter and tears.
The romance subplot, with its twists and turns, adds another dimension to the story. While Sam’s character might leave some readers wanting more, the budding relationship between Zoe and Daniel is both tantalizing and endearing.
One of the standout features of this book is the community of Westholme itself. The way the residents come together, whether it’s for the Gazette or the cinema, is a testament to the power of community spirit and the bonds that tie people together.
In conclusion, “Saving the Good News Gazette” is more than just a story; it’s an experience. An experience of love, resilience, community, and the undying hope that even in the face of adversity, good news can prevail. Jessie Wells has crafted a tale that is both uplifting and deeply touching, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a dose of warmth and inspiration.
Zoe is desperate to save the good news gazette, but will Daniel help or destroy her? Well written, very enjoyable 2nd book in the series
Saving the Good News Gazette is the second book in the series by Jessie Wells.
From beginning to end, I felt as though this novel was being written about my home town! So many similarities, especially the Facebook posts at the end of each chapter!! I imagined that Zoe Taylor was the friend I’ve yet to meet! I really was engrossed throughout.
A light-hearted must read
Unfortunately this one was not for me. I DNFd after 10% through. The comments about weight bothered me and I just was not into the story. Kind of a bummer but that’s okay! Onto the next.
Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was really looking forward to visiting Zoe, Sam, Charlie, and everyone in Westholme after seeing how good news was able to turn around a community and bring joy into so many people's lives. Starting off this book, I was saddened to see that things weren't as rosy as we left off in the last book and the Good News Gazette is teetering on closing up shop. Things aren't going well for Zoe and Sam as they are growing further apart and Zoe's attraction to Daniel throws a wretch into everything as they work together to bring back the community movie theater.
Interspersed in the love triangle of Zoe, Sam, and Daniel is the subplot about Zoe needing to decide if she'll stay in Westholme or move back to London to pursue her career with her former boss. This book had a ton of "will they, won't they" energy and just as you think it's going to wrap up in a neat bow, it's a cliffhanger! I did not expect that and as I was turning the pages to see if she was going to stay with Daniel, there was nothing more to read! I hope the author comes out with the third book soon because I want to know what happens next!
I read the first in this series and really enjoyed is, so I was pleased to see that Zoe was back for more!
I feel that I enjoyed it a little less that the first and was frustrated by the ending. It won't put me off reading the next one and I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment.
I had a local indpendent cinema in mind when reading this and that helped to conjure up the images of what it would have been like to be a part of this project as a member of the community.
I'd thoroughly recommend this book. It could be read alone but I would advise the reader to seek out the first installment if you want to be able to take full advantage of the references to the previous happenings in this delightful community.
Thank you to the publishers and Net Galley for the ARC to review. Opinions are all my own.