This is a delightful book! Familiar characters join some new ones in a story that is filled with love, romance and even a little mystery! I LOVE Matt! What a scrumptious man! The love story is so sweet! This is a book that I could read over and over!
I was provided a copy from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ( )

3.5 Stars

Let me start by saying if you have not yet read Authentically, Izzy by Pepper Basham, you will feel adrift at the beginning of Positively, Penelope. In the first half of Penelope’s story, there are a lot of references to conversations and situations that occurred in book one. And the text/email epistolary style doesn’t feel as jarring the second time around.

I’ve noticed that grumpy/sunshine seems to be the hot trope in romance right now, and Basham’s characters—especially Penelope—take that to an extreme. While Penelope is all about squeezing the joy out of life and looking at the bright side of things, Matt is doubtful and cautious (and has no clue what to make out of Penelope).

While the story was somewhat predictable (I figured out who was behind everything very early on, chapters before the culprit is revealed), this story is a more light-hearted romance with lots of humor and some moments of deeper conversation and revelation. And if you are a theater and classic movie fan, this story is for you.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own. ( )

Positively, Penelope is a positively delightful story written by one of my favorite authors, Pepper Basham. Like the first book in the series, this one is told mostly through emails and text messages. It was fun to have Penelope’s story after meeting her in Authentically, Izzy. I loved Penelope Edgewood’s perky, sunny personality her positive outlook on life, and the way she tried to see the good in people. Matthias Gray is also a wonderful character, especially after Penelope livens him up a little. Another of my favorite characters is Luke Edgewood. I enjoyed his witty, snarky attitude and his fun banter with his family members. I’m looking forward to his tale next.

Filled with musical references, humor, a bit of mystery, a budding romance, and a whole lot of charm, this book is a delight for those who enjoy contemporary romantic comedy. I would suggest reading this series in order so as to get all the background story.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.. ( )

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious awesomeness! I adored this book! It was everything my romantic, musical loving heart could ever want. Pepper Basham delivers a delightful, magical, feel good, grumpy/sunshine romance with endearing characters, witty humor, all the favorite musical/pop culture references, and even a hint of mystery. Like with Authentically, Izzy I absolutely fell in love with Positively, Penelope.

Penelope Edgewood’s talents are put to the test when she accepts a 3 month internship in Skymar to revive the old Darling House Theater. Armed with a sunny disposition, creative solutions, a Mary Poppins bag full of amazing things, and the support of her lovable siblings/cousin, she begins tackling the theater’s problems. Soon her cheerful positivity and love for the theater affect everyone around her including her grumpy business manager Matt Gray. But, not everyone is happy with the changes Penelope’s making. Someone is out to sabotage her and the theater. It’s going to take Penelope’s unconditional love and know how to pull off a miracle and save the theater.

All the love for this book! I adored Penelope and Matthias! In Authentically, Izzy, Penelope came off as a bit naive and we didn’t get to see the full facet of her personality. In this story, she really shines and we see her depth and the true kindness she possesses. Penelope chooses joy and her example affects everyone around her. She’s a breath of fresh air and it was pure delight reading her story.

The flip side of the coin is Matt or “Matthias.” This lovable grump has been through a lot in the past few years. Unfortunately, he’s temporarily lost his joy and mistakenly bans fairytales and princesses from his young daughter Iris’ life. Penelope brings back the magic with singing, baking, and watching “almost” princess movies like Tangled with Iris. When he sees the happiness she brings to not only his life but everyone around her, he begins to rethink his grumpy ways. I loved their romance with him teaching Penelope how to ride a bike, dancing in the theater, and his sacrifices.

Told mostly in epistolary form, I enjoyed reading the witty, heartfelt, sometimes snarky (Luke) emails and texts. All the Edgewood relatives’ personalities really shine and you can’t help loving them all. It was especially fun to see a new side to Luke and I can’t wait for his story! I thoroughly enjoyed new characters introduced like Grandpa Gray and Gwendolyn. I loved all the musical references and the quotes from Julie Andrews and Audrey Hepburn. I also loved the message of choosing joy. Even the villain has a story and manages to tug on your heartstrings.

You can’t help but smile while reading this story and I guarantee you’ll find yourself singing those amazing show tunes from Phantom of the Opera to My Fair Lady! Highest of recommendations for this exceptionally, practically perfect, clean romance! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given. ( )

"(The right woman) is going to make you want to linger and cause you to smile when you think of her. Like that feeling you get when you walk out on an empty stage after an excellent performance and you still FEEL the magic of it all whispering through the air. And you can't wait to perform again. Or see the performance again. Just to be there. It's like that."

Oh, the deliciousness of it all! Penelope the Sunshine and Matt the Grump are my favorite couple of 2023 so far. Told through a series of emails and texts with some interspersed third person narratives, this book will melt your heart, have you grinning from ear to ear, make you laugh out loud, and convince you to believe in fairy tales again. I felt like I was in Fiacla with Penelope and loved the breath of fresh air the beautiful island was. The banter amongst the cousins and siblings was hysterical and crazy but also unbelievably sweet and tender at times. I enjoyed learning about the business and marketing aspect of running a theater. The pop culture references were so much fun and I will never look at Julie Andrews, Audrey Hepburn, or Rambo the same way again.

Penelope's fresh, candid, optimistic and enthralling voice was absolutely delightful. Her "spoonful of sugar" attitude was perfectly balanced by Matt's stoic and solemn outlook and I loved how they learned to embrace their differences to create something beautiful from ashes. Though Matt only had a small third person voice in the storyline, his steadfast, loyal, tender, and still healing heart that Penelope saw totally won me over. And Luke - I am almost salivating for his story (which will come next); his snark and wit had me crying with every email and text!

If you are looking for an excellent clean romcom, look no further. You'll adore Penelope and Matt in Skymar. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Thomas Nelson and author; I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own. ( )