I loved this book! It was a fun mix of all the best romance tropes while also not being the same as any other book. The characters and story were funny, but there were also more serious and thoughtful moments. I also felt right at home with all the Minnesota references! So glad I was able to get a sneak peek at this one and I can't wait to read more!

This was a fast-paced book that kept my attention. A super cute Rom-com where you were rooting for the main characters. I enjoyed this one.

I absolutely loved this book! It was the perfect 3 in 1 execution of forced proximity, grumpy meets sunshine and enemies to lovers. For anybody that loves either of these tropes, this is the book for you!

Alison is such an endearing main character, and I found myself cheering her on throughout the book! I loved the message that Palmer was sending through Alison on the lesson of accepting yourself and embracing who you are. And Adam….well, he’s pretty much the perfect book boyfriend!

Overall, this was a terrific story with unforgettable main characters, entertaining supportive characters, and a special nod to the good ‘ol 90’s rom-coms. The amazing message this book gives us on who we allow ourselves to be, survivors guilt, and honoring memories after death makes this a story I’ll be rereading time and again in the future.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this book and that it showed how different forms of loss/grief can affect people differently. It was a slower romance but I liked that the main characters and their friends all pushed each other to be better versions of themselves. Also, as a fellow Minnesotan, I enjoyed the references!

Thank you to netgalley, the publisher and everyone involved in this lovely book. It was such a cute, funny romance story. It made me laugh many times. The only reason I am giving it 3.5 stars is because towards the middle/end it was a little slow paced. I found it hard to get through some chapters. But overall it was a cute romance story. I enjoyed it. I’m so happy Ali and Adam got their happy ending.

Great job, Ellie :)

The title of this debut romance by Ellie Palmer piqued my interest immediately and it did not disappoint!

We start "Four Weekends and a Funeral" at 30-year old Ali's ex-boyfriend's (Sam) funeral only to find out that no one knows he broke up with her. At the request of a family member, Ali agrees to put on the face of the grieving girlfriend. ("Fake dating" trope, but not in the traditional sense that we're used to.) Following the funeral, Ali finds herself with Sam's broody best friend, Adam, to pack up his belongings and get his apartment ready to list. But... a lot can happen in just four weekends.

This forced proximity, grump vs. sunshine romance is unlike any other that I've read. It's a sweet story with some serious topics as the FMC is a 30-year old post-mastectomy BRCA 1 gene carrier who is grieving the loss of her ex-boyfriend while navigating the emotions of her life-changing surgery/prognosis. MMC, Adam, is grieving the loss of his best friend and things left unsaid. There's an invisible string that seems to be pulling them together, but would Adam be betraying his (dead) best friend by dating his (ex-) girlfriend?

Ellie Palmer hit it out of the park with her debut romance, "Four Weekends and a Funeral" and I can't wait to read more from her in the future.

Alison finds herself back at current girlfriend status when she attends her ex-boyfriend's funeral. As a perpetual people pleaser, she agrees to pretend to still be Sam's girlfriend for the sake of his family. Which spirals into agreeing to help clear out his apartment with his best friend, who's a bit of a grump. They're now stuck with each other for the next four weekends.

What a refreshing and delightful read! I absolutely loved the humor of this book! This book is for people who find humor in uncomfortable and serious situations (funerals, breast cancer prevention) and don't shy away from a good nipple joke. The characters were ordinary and nerdy in the best way possible, and their growth through the story felt realistic. I could have done with a little more spice after the build up, but that's totally just a personal preference. I'm so glad I already pre-ordered a physical copy of this book!

This was adorable. Absolutely wonderful and funny and- ugh.

While technically not a five-star read, I had so much fun and enjoyed (almost) every second that I believe it deserves to be rounded up the half point it would otherwise be missing. The banter between the characters was hilarious and rom-com coded in the best way- but not in a cringey or meh sort of way.

The characters had issues, but they worked through them independently, and I loved it. This book was impossible to put down and the pacing felt right, and I'm looking forward to seeing what else comes from Palmer.

thank you Netgalley for the free ARC

After Alison’s ex boyfriend dies, she keeps up the ruse to help his grieving family, not expecting to fall for his best friend. This concept was such a unique take on the “fake dating” trope. Adam is, first and foremost, such a dynamic, well-written “grump” MMC. His and Alison’s banter and texting made me giggle out loud during my lunch break. Alison, throughout the novel, struggles with her mastectomy and her diagnosis, which makes her question herself - should she be this adventurous, outdoorsy person, even if she doesn’t like it? I think it was nice to see Alison struggle with physical health and also her mental health, dealing with who she was as a person and how her cancer scare affected her and her relationships. I almost wish more of Adam’s grief was shown, because we get small snippets, but it felt like we didn’t get to see as much of Adam’s grieving as I’d expect, although it makes sense while he’s happy with Alison. This book has fabulous twists on multiple tropes, tons of trivia, witty references, and fun writing. Congrats to Palmer for her debut novel, and I’m looking forward to reading many more!

This book had such a unique premise, and that's precisely where its charm lies. Allison shows up at her ex-boyfriend's funeral. Except his family doesn't know they're exes, and his sister asks her to keep it that way. So, she does, and then she gets dragged into cleaning out her ex's apartment with his best friend. As you can infer, things just go from there. What I loved about this was that it was grief and regret in a real way, but also in a different way. There was also the exploration of Allison's identity after having a double mastectomy - There was more to her story, and I loved how this was woven into Allison's emotional journey. Even with the feels, this also had humor and fun. I love a book with characters I am rooting for so hard, and that was so much this. Thanks to NetGalley for the look at this August 2024 release. Also, an extra shoutout to this book's incredible title - It's part of the reason I couldn't wait to read!

Alison and Adam’s story was so sweet! The plot felt fresh and characters had growth. I loved their story!

Four Weekends and Funeral was such a delightful read. I was first drawn in by the outstanding premise. Alison attends her ex-boyfriend Sam's funeral and someone introduces her as Sam's girlfriend. She clarifies "ex girlfriend" and the guy goes "obviously." And by the time she's realized the mistake, the conversation has moved on.

Sam's grieving parents ask her to go through Sam's things with his best friend, Adam, because they can't bear to do it. Alison and Adam spend the next four weekends clearing out Sam's apartment and getting to know each other.

Alison is a BRCA 1 carrier and after her double-mastectomy, feels like she's been given a new lease on life and attempts to seek out an adventurous life even though it goes against all her instincts.

I adored both Alison and Adam, as well as the endearing and hilarious side characters, was hot and bothered by that first kiss scene (damn you Uncle Ricky for interrupting!), and was gutted by the quiet, reflective moments about what it means to dream and strive and be true to yourself. I was drawn in by the premise of this book but stayed for the banter and chemistry and the exploration of what defines a life well lived.

Easy five stars from me! So excited for you to read Ellie's debut and can't wait for what's next!

This has been one of my recent faves! The title caught my eye (as I'm a sucker for covers AND kitschy titles) and the synopsis had me curious. It could have gone one of two ways, as many books can/do. What followed was both a "fun" romance story and a deep process of healing and self-acceptance by multiple characters that had me hooked. There is a fine line between "unique" and "crazy" with storylines and this DID walk that line a bit, but it wound up on the right side for me!

This book pulled me in from the very first chapter! As a people pleaser, the premise of the story was relatable in an outlandish way. Rather than telling me how the characters felt, the author made me feel each emotion and become invested instantly in their story. Fate, friendship and true love wrapped wrapped up into a fun and easy read. I give this book five stars!

if emily henry’s beach read + funny story had a baby, it would be this book.

this is a tale of finding yourself and finding love while grieving the life you thought you should or would have had. the characters in this book are everything (!!!) to me. they are so realistic and raw, and I loved the angst that was always flowing in the background of this book.

adam and alison are struggling after a sudden loss, and their proximity to one another leads to much confusion (and tension). should you be falling for your dead ex boyfriend’s best friend while everyone still labels you as “his?” probably not, but life always likes to throw curveballs!

this story just felt so raw, real, and incredibly unique while also being reminiscent of the stories I love.

Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for an ARC of Four Weekends and a Funeral in exchange for my honest opinions.

When I learned I had been selected to read this book, I honestly had forgotten what it was about. So when I began reading, I went in blind... and in a way I'm glad I did. First, I was DELIGHTED to realize the book was set in Minnesota. As a Minnesota native myself, I enjoyed every reference and I could tell that the author truly knew the state well. I found it very easy to get into the story and wanted to keep turning the pages.

I also enjoyed that this was a romantic novel, but with a refreshed plot. There was some serious matter in the books (FMC is a post-double-mastectomy BRCA 1 carrier) but it was truly done so respectfully and well and gave real insight to the feelings of a woman who navigates feeling like she cheated cancer yet sacrificed a part of her body to do so. As a woman I found this a powerful story.

I liked the FMC and MMC interactions and I liked that when things went askew - they worked on themselves first instead of just the blame game or needing each other to fix everything.

A genuine good book with a new to me author. I will gladly read other books as Ellie Palmer writes them (and hopefully keeps some Minnesota ties like author Abby Jimenez does!)

4.4 out of 5!
Spice: 2 out of 5

This rom-com is the perfect blend of everything! The characters were super likeable, the banter was great, the love story was on point. I could see myself reading a part two about these characters!
This was just the book I needed right now. I smiled and laughed through a lot if it. I felt my heartstrings tugged at a few times.
Looking forward to future releases from Ellie Palmer!

Thank you @elliepalmerwrites, @putnambooks, and @netgalley for the opportunity to review this ARC!

#netgalley #FourWeekendsAndaFuneral

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
pub date: august 6. 2024

@elliepalmerwrites knocked this out of the park! The only disappointing thing is that this is book is her debut so I don’t have a back catalog to devour.

I loved the characters in this one. Alison is a mess, but in a very relatable way. As a post double mastectomy BRCA1 carrier she feels she needs to make every moment of her life *big*. Adam is a grumpy carpenter who lives his life too small.

EXCEPTIONAL banter
The supporting cast of Alison’s friends (also, is this going to be a series??? I would love to see Chelsea and Patrick next!) were just enough to help move the plot without making it a character soup.

I liked it. Go read it.

Thank you @elliepalmerwrites, @putnambooks, and @netgalley for the opportunity to review this ARC! Looking forward to seeing more from Ellie Palmer in the future!

This book had everything I want in a romance book. Ali shows up at her ex boyfriend Sam’s funeral to find out no one else knows he broke up with her. His family takes comfort in knowing he found love before passing, so Sam’s sister tells Ali to just go with it and not tell anyone that Sam dumped her. Ali sticks around after the funeral to help with a few things including packing up Sam’s place with his grumpy friend Alex. This book has a couple of your usual romance tropes but what makes it different is that the female main character has the BRCA gene. I thought it added depth to this book and even romance because true partnership is being able to be vulnerable. When are we more vulnerable than when talking about our health. Having someone to go through the highs and lows of life is what love is all about.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Four Weekends and a Funeral follows Alison who attends her ex-boyfriend's funeral only to find out that his family still thought they were together when he'd passed away. She agrees to play the grieving girlfriend for the sake of his family and offers to help pack up his apartment on their behalf with the help of his grumpy best friend, Adam over the course of four weekends. Over the course of the four weeks, Alison and Adam's relationship goes from tense and awkward to the start of a friendship, which eventually transforms into romance.

The book and storyline started out fairly strong, but for the most part it dragged on for me and I had to push myself to get through it. There were some cute moments throughout but as the story progressed it was a bit hard for me to keep interest. I had a hard time with the FMC and her demeanor as well. Her and Sam had only broken up 6 weeks before his death and her reaction seemed a bit nonchalant and not as grief-stricken as I think someone fresh off a breakup that they didn't initiate should seem. That and the fact that in just 4 weekends, Adam and Alison could go from monosyllabic conversation to declaring their love for each other over the course of packing up an apartment of someone who should have meant a significant deal to each of them was a bit off-putting as well. All in all, I didn't love this one but I also didn't dislike it, and I think many readers will find it enjoyable!

I do think this is a great debut novel for this particular author and she absolutely has a talent for writing. I look forward to seeing what else she releases in the future.