thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy. I really enjoyed this and will be getting copies for my shop.

I'm a sucker for a lighthearted read, and this did not disappoint. I'd definitely read it again - I loved that this book left me waiting for more - I'll definitely be looking at more from this author!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a wonderful, lighthearted book!

I love it when a book leaves you wanting more and Saving the Good News Gazette did just that. Packed with humorous scenes and a community that pulls together, it makes for a charming and uplifting story.

Zoe and Daniel get to spend together in their attempt at bringing the old cinema back to life. Daniel is a total sweetheart and I am rooting for him and Zoe to eventually wind up together. They have great chemistry, he's obviously mad about her plus he has that big swanky house.


Zoe and her group of friends and volunteers provide a lot of comic relief throughout this story making it a quick, enjoyable read. I'm itching to see what happens next as it ended in a little bit of a cliffhanger.

Saving the Good News Gazette is the sequel to The Good News Gazette. I read and loved it as a standalone novel but I will definitely be picking up the next one in the series. I can't wait.

This was a funny story, very light-hearted and interesting. A new author for me and one I'd look for again. This was like a breath of fresh air and I really enjoyed it. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

After starting to read this I remembered reading this first book in this series so it made it easier to follow the characters.. This can be a standalone read but it would be just a little harder to get into this book. I really enjoyed this and am hoping for more in the future. Giving 5 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC

I really enjoyed this light hearted read. Great characters and lovely descriptions of the neighbours. Highly recommended.

Having not read the first book in this series, I found this book kind of hard to follow. I loved the idea of the story line and I am looking forward to going back and reading the first book so I can better understand this one.

It’s one year later and Zoe is still having her ups and downs; being a single mum to Charlie and finding the time to run the Good News Gazette while making time for her boyfriend Sam.

But when her main advertisers are pulling out she needs to find other ways to keep it going, asking for the help of Daniel Lewis does not go down well with everyone and in exchange, she must help him save the Art Deco cinema.

I had not realised this novel was going to be part of a series, so after reading the first and seeing the title for the sequel I had to jump on board. It was great to be back with Zoe and the characters in Westholme.

Wells writes a novel with smaller narratives intertwined into the bigger novel, which will be leaving you satisfied until the end. This novel is implied to have a another instalment and I look forward to continuing Zoe’s journey with her.

How lovely to be back at Westholme – the small businesses in the saved shopping centre now thriving, the acts of kindness in a community that recovered its beating heart providing so many heartwarming stories for Zoe’s Good News Gazette. The lads from the Orchard Estate are still a brooding and destructive presence though – and there will always be the cynics, sharing their views on the community’s Facebook pages (wonderfully shared at the end of each chapter…).

A year on, Zoe is still muddling through – living on her uppers, being the best mother she can be to young Charlie, trying to find time for her relationship with Sam (which has rather lost its sparkle), always being there for her friends and family, never going to be a star at Slim City (although she’s doing really well… at times anyway…). But the Good News Gazette is struggling – the big advertisers are withdrawing their support (times are hard for everyone…), and it looks like their days might be numbered. Enter Daniel – the millionaire developer she won over in the last book – with an offer of help in securing advertising income if she’s willing to work with him to save and reopen a local Art Deco cinema. She’s still not sure if she entirely trusts him, and being close to him makes her heart beat uncomfortably faster – but she really doesn’t want to accept the offer of a magazine job in London, and trying to save the Gazette really has to be worth a try, doesn’t it?

If this is your first visit, you’ll very quickly feel every bit as at home in Westholme as I did – there’s a large cast of characters, many a touch quirky, every single one quite wonderfully drawn, and there will be so many you’ll really take to your heart. And none more so than Zoe herself – she’s so easy to identify with, and when she hurts you find yourself aching with her, although she’ll also provide plenty of moments to laugh about along the way. I was with her every step of the way with her efforts to rescue the cinema – the negotiations with the “committee” over the fine detail, her slightly uneasy partnership with Daniel, the major setbacks that broke her heart (and mine), and the way the community pulled together to try to save the day. I want to tell you all about the small detail – there are even some Hollywood touches too, that were so thoroughly lovely – but I’d really rather let you read it for yourself, and experience the same heartbreak and joy at every fresh twist and turn.

There are multiple sub plots and minor stories too, some light, others dealing sensitively with some more serious issues – with the author in complete control of her often emotional content, tangling and teasing out the different threads with absolute confidence and total aplomb. The humour is simply wonderful – sometimes gentle, sometimes unashamed slapstick, and then there were the wonderful moments when I wasn’t quite sure whether my tears were laughter or another of those moments that pierced me to the heart. I really must mention the octopus incident (you weren’t expecting that, were you?) – completely unforgettable, both extremely funny and really touching – but I’ll leave it there! The romance? I was rather disappointed in Sam – I think you might be too – but the developing relationship with Daniel really was absolutely everything I wanted it to be. And the writing was just superb – the author’s real affection for her characters really shines through, and that makes the whole story so heartwarming and quite wonderfully uplifting.

I must tell you though – although the main story reaches its wholly satisfying conclusion, the book ends with a real humdinger of a “to be continued”. That’s not so unusual these days – and I honestly couldn’t have been more delighted really, as it means that the story isn’t over. For as long as the author chooses to write books about Westholme and Zoe’s adventures, I’ll be blissfully happy to read them and tell everyone how wonderful they are. Once more, this will be one of my books of the year – and I couldn’t recommend it more highly.

(Review also copied to Amazon UK, but link not yet available)

I really enjoyed the first book so I jumped at the chance to read the sequel. Set in a small town plagued by deprivation, Zoe runs a newspaper that only writes good news stories. With the paper under threat we see Zoe taking on new challenges in both her personal and professional life. The book is lighthearted and uplifting, focusing on friendship, family and community spirit. Zoe is a single mother and is fiercely independent, but also stubborn and often blunders into situations without really thinking. She's very loyal and caring and often takes on too much. In this book we hear more about her adversary turned (reluctant) business ally Daniel than we do about her boyfriend Sam, which is telling. I liked the story about saving the cinema and the paper but it feels a bit rushed in places. Overall I enjoyed reading the book but the timeline felt a little rushed and I found the ending rather abrupt. It was quite 'busy' and I would have preferred to have fewer strands of the story with more development of main ones; for example I think it would have been good to hear more about Beth and about the gang. 3.5 stars

A very entertaining read. The second in this series, but easily a wonderful stand alone. The characters feel like I know them and have heard their arguments so many times, yet I like them so keep coming back to see if the results will be better this time. But this time, will Zoe have to choose between the two men in her life? Can she really save her newspaper? I dont know about you, but when the next book comes out, I'll be reading it too!

I thought it would be impossible to top the first book in this series so I was pleasantly surprised when I found myself enjoying this one even more than the first! Zoe's Good News Gazette is in trouble and may be no more but she is determined to bring it back to life. With a bit of a love triangle between Zoe, Sam and Daniel I really didn't know who to cheer for or what the outcome would be. A fun filled and joyous novel that comes to life and is guaranteed to get you out of a reading slump. I was a bit disappointed that it ends on a cliffhanger but it has made me more eager to read the next book. A superbly crafted novel with a host of likeable characters!

The second in a series, this continues Zoe's tale
Working to ensure The Good New Gazette doesn't fail.
She's also a single Mum and loves cakes
Fighting for good causes she'll do all that it takes!

This time it is the Art Deco Cinema that needs rescuing
But back involved with Daniel Lewis that will Zoe bring.
If she helps with the campaign for the cinema he will
Endeavour to help her contact advertisers, her paper to fill.

With Zoe's relationship with Sam proving unsteady
Moving in with him she certainly isn't ready.
When her ex boss also calls with a new job offer, too,
Zoe is left wondering just what she should do.

Get ready for mischief, mayhem and more
As teen rebels try to even the score.
The paper's problems and wondering who to trust
And cake temptations - to avoid try she must!

A great sequel with drama and fun when you've time to spend.
Though I dislike the "To be continued" at the end.
It means I can't wait to read the next one now,
But I'll have to wait till it is released somehow!

A great sense of community, working together and more
Along with possible romances, a fun read to explore.
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

This book is the second book in the series, I recommend reading the previous book first. This book is set a year after the first one. Things are not going so well at the Good News Gazette.
This was a good read, although there was a lot going on in this book. I still enjoyed reading it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.

Absolutely loved reading this book, beautifully written, you get so lost within the story and characters along the way, the author did an amazing job portraying individual characters and role they had, would highly recommend

I received an E-ARC with a request for my honest review.

This is the second book in the Good News Gazette series and follows Zoe Taylor as after establishing the Good News Gazette is finding it hard to find enough advertising to keep the paper running.

When she hears about a plan to save and renovate an unused cinema, she sees a good opportunity to not only save the paper but bring the community back together again with another project.

The only trouble is that the project is run by the millionaire developer Daniel, so she must put their past differences aside and decide if it is still a challenge she wants to accept.

Will the Good News Gazette be saved? Will Daniel being back in the picture affect Zoe’s current relationship?

I love this series as it has such an uplifting feel as the community come together in such an amazing way. Of course, there are some ups and downs throughout which make you wonder if they will succeed.

Although the storyline of the Good News Gazette and the cinema project are the main parts of the story, there is also a romantic comedy theme too with a who will she choose added to keep you guessing.

The only issue I had was that it ends on a cliff hanger, but it has just left me wanting more and I can’t wait to see what is next in store for Zoe.

Overall, an uplifting and romantic read where the community come together to save a cinema and the Good News Gazette.

In Saving the Good News Gazette we return to the town of Westholme a year after the events of the first book in the series. Protagonist Zoe, is still running her local good-news paper, but with the loss of a major client is suddenly struggling to make ends meet. A job spearheading the restoration of the local cinema comes with complications - her nemesis Daniel, with whom she butted heads in the Good News Gazette, and who has a compilicated past with her partner.

I enjoyed this book, but I feel there was a LOT in here. We had the main storylines of the flailing newspaper, the cinema restoration, and the love triangle between Sam, Zoe and Daniel. Beneath that we had Slim City, the Orchard Estate Gang, Beth's mental health crisis, the film crew, etc, all of which, while they did assist the main cinema restoration storyline, did seem to muddy the waters a little as they each were given equal levels of importance.

Having said that, there were some really interesting themes at play here in these 'lesser' storylines - mental health and postnatal depression; weightshaming and the culture of "thin"; gender roles; age and usefulness. And of course the main theme throughout the entire book was the power of community.

I did really enjoy this book, and I'll be keeping my eyes out for the next installment, because I want to know what happens next!

~Many thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~

"Saving the Good News Gazette" by Jessie Wells is a heartwarming and captivating tale of resilience, second chances, and the power of hope. The story follows Zoe Taylor, a single mother and the owner of the Good News Gazette, a cherished feel-good news source in Westholme. When her most significant advertising account pulls out, Zoe's beloved newspaper faces an uncertain future, putting her under immense pressure to find a solution.

Determined to save her paper, Zoe makes a daring deal with Daniel Lewis, a millionaire developer. In exchange for her help in finding advertisers, Daniel agrees to support Zoe in her campaign to save the beloved Art Deco cinema from destruction. As they work together, Zoe can't help but notice a deeper connection forming between them, even though her boyfriend Sam is not supportive of her new business partnership.

Jessie Wells skillfully weaves together the threads of Zoe's personal and professional life, creating a narrative that tugs at the heartstrings. Zoe's struggle to balance her responsibilities as a mother, business owner, and her own desires is beautifully portrayed, making her a relatable and sympathetic protagonist. The bond between Zoe and her son Charlie adds an endearing layer to the story, as their love and support for each other are unwavering.

The author's portrayal of the town of Westholme is vivid and charming, creating a cozy backdrop for the unfolding drama. The reader is drawn into the community's dynamics, making the stakes feel even higher for Zoe and the fate of her newspaper.

"Saving the Good News Gazette" explores themes of friendship, forgiveness, and the courage to embrace change. As Zoe faces tough decisions about her future, she grapples with conflicting emotions, making her journey of self-discovery all the more compelling.

The novel's pacing is well-balanced, with the right mix of heartwarming moments, emotional challenges, and unexpected twists. Jessie Wells's writing style is engaging, and the dialogue flows naturally, making the characters come to life.

Overall, "Saving the Good News Gazette" is a delightful and touching read that leaves readers rooting for Zoe's success and happiness. It reminds us that sometimes, the path to finding oneself and true happiness may be uncertain and challenging, but with determination and the support of loved ones, it is possible to overcome any obstacle.

If you're looking for a heartwarming story that will lift your spirits and leave you with a smile, "Saving the Good News Gazette" is the perfect choice. Jessie Wells has created a tale that will resonate with readers of all ages, and it's a book that you won't want to put down until the very last page.

I wish I knew this was a series. It was a light book and I enjoyed getting to know the gang. It's a nice easy book to read to pick up your mood.