As a former regional journalist, Saving The Good News Gazette by Jessie Wells called to me.
The glory days of local print newspapers now seem sadly behind us - thanks Internet! - although a big part of me still hopes for a revival (if vinyl records can do it...).
To come across a story about someone trying to save a newspaper was all that was needed for me to say 'yes please'.
I'm very glad I did.
I hadn’t realised that this was the second in a series but it can still be read as a standalone (although, if you’re like me, you will want to go back and read the first).
There are so many elements to this well-written, well-balanced story. It’s not just about the newspaper (although that’s engaging and authentic in itself), it’s about saving a local cinema, saving the community and, at its heart, saving Zoe herself.
She’s a talented hardworking single mum who likes cake a little bit too much (don’t we all).
The chemistry between her and Daniel shines a light on what is lacking from her relationship with Sam.
Something I was also not expecting was that it ends on a cliffhanger but I’ve enjoyed imagining where the next story will go (and look forward to reading it).

A lovely read and the second in a series. Can’t wait for the third book to find out what happens next! Highly recommended.

Saving the Good News Gazette is the second novel in a series by Jessie Wells and I was not aware of this until I began reading the novel but it works perfectly well was a standalone. This is a light-hearted and uplifting story about a community coming together to save their local cinema after it is threatened with demolition. The group is lead by Zoe, from the Good News Gazette, along with businessman Daniel and representatives of other local business from the 'Parade'. Zoe and Daniel have some history from the previous novel and this soon causes difficulties for Zoe in her relationship with Sam. Once the couple begin to face tensions and stress, Zoe has to decide on what she wants from the relationship.
I cannot say too much without giving away the plotline but suffice to say that this is a fun and uplifting story that is suitable for any time of the year.

I had not realised this was a second in a series till I started it.You can read alone. It was really good. I love the face book messages at the end of each chapter - they are brilliant . A good story about saving the local cinema.Zoe is a strong character. I love the slimming club. It is a good read bit disappointed with the end but it means there will definitely be third and I can’t wait to read it . Good love element . The newspaper Zoe writes with her friend Ollie is funny and sad. The joys of a local paper.

I enjoyed this follow up but felt a tad frustrated when it did not end as I expected! I could be waiting some time to see if what I suspect should happen does!

Zoe is still working on the Good News Gazette with Ollie but with the loss of advertisers the future of the publication is in doubt. Saving the local cinema becomes her next project and means that she is working with Daniel again. This brings its tensions as again she misjudges his intentions and motives.

Meanwhile her relationship with Sam is under strain and Zoe has to decide on what she wants from the relationship.

The book is left with Zoe announcing a complete change in direction and flooding on its way.

I like the characters and enjoyed their development - just why do I have to wait again???

Saving the Good News Gazette is book two in this series by Jessie Wells. I so enjoyed the first book I knew I wanted to continue the story.
Zoe Taylor is at it once again helping to save an old former cinema in Westholme. She’s a single mom to Charlie and a journalist, who runs the Good News Gazette, a local newspaper that only has positive local community stories. She’ll be working again with developer Daniel Lewis. They have a somewhat love hate relationship.
The cinema project has its ups and downs. Meanwhile the Good News Gazette is losing advertisers and Zoe and her partner Ollie are struggling to keep it afloat. Zoe’s old boss is offering her a job in London at what seems to be perfect timing. But Zoe’s boyfriend Sam wants to move their relationship along while something seems to be happening between Zoe and Daniel. There will be lots of decisions and choices to make.
Great characters and storytelling make this another wonderful story. It ends with a bit of a cliffhanger and now I can’t wait to see what’s up next for Zoe Taylor.
Thank you to Harper Collins, One More Chapter and Netgalley for this early readers copy in exchange for my honest review.

Lovely holiday read, feel good factor and characters you can emphasise with.

You do have to suspend your belief a little in the turnaround for the renovation but that aside, enjoyed it!

This was a great catch up with Zoe and the brilliant mix of characters in Westholme which has seen an upturn since the last book but is still troubled by the Orchard Estate boys. Zoe’s own life isn’t going quite so great though as she’s struggling to fund the Good News Gazette due to losing advertisers and she’s reluctant to commit further to her boyfriend Sam. This had a good new twist with a mission to save an old cinema with Daniel seeming more of a good guy in this. This has some real ups and downs but overall is very heartwarming however it does end on quite a cliffhanger.

Zoe wants to save her paper. Zoe is a fun quirky character who keeps this story moving quickly. Along with other realistic characters, this makes for a quick read. This talented author has given us an afternoon of enjoyment as we read about Zoe and her life. This book was sent to me electronically by Netgalley for review. Thanks to the author and the publisher. I like this protagonist. This is the second book I have read about the Good News Gazette, actually another character in the novel. The. Newspaper comes alive…saving it is important. Enjoy…