Positively Penelope + Giveaway

Told mostly through letters, texts, and email, this contemporary romance will charm its way into hearts as Penelope rescues a theater and discovers her true self in the process.

Penelope Edgewood is practically positive in every way, so when, fresh out of college, she is awarded a paid internship to help save a century-old theater on the island of Skymar, she jumps at the chance. After all, a crumbling theater needs the special touch of someone who reveres all things vintage and adores the stage.

Unfortunately, not everything is as it seems at Darling House Theatre. Finances are in shambles, the local theater group is disenchanted, and the two brothers, Matt and Alec Gray, can’t seem to see eye-to-eye about how to run their theatrical business. So, of course, it’s the perfect place for Penelope to shine her own personal brand of sunshine.

With a little help from GK, the person emailing her encouragement along the way, she puts all her heart into helping the Grays save Darling House. But between Matt’s ever-present skepticism, Alec’s tendency to treat Penelope a little too much like the “princess” she thinks she wants to be (until someone actually started treating her that way), a grandfather who is stuck in his grief, and a mysterious person stealing Penelope’s marketing ideas, she’s not sure her optimism is enough to make a happily-ever-after of her own story, let alone The Darling House’s.

Between an adorable little girl, a matchmaker, a sea monster or two, and a copious amount of musical references, can Penelope draw enough confidence from her faith, her family, and her adoration of all things Julie Andrews, to find the thief and save the theater . . . without getting her heart broken in the process?

My Review:

Fun and flirty with a cinematic flare, Penelope is practically perfect in every way as she exudes positivity where ever she goes. She’s the radiant sunshine to a certain gentleman’s eternal grumpiness so if that’s a fave trope you’ll definitely enjoy this rom/com.

But, be aware, this is an epistolary novel with a good chunk of the storytelling told through emails and texts. I know this style isn’t popular with some readers but I’ve adored epistolary novels since I read Daddy Long Legs in my tweens. And Pepper Basham does it so well! Love the balance between the texts/emails from Penelope, Izzy, Luke and Josephine. She keeps the plot moving even though we’re hearing about things through their correspondence. And then, when things heat up in a certain way, the author intersperses ‘live’ scenes and it’s all done brilliantly!

I do feel like it would be best to read Authentically Izzy before diving into this second book so you can get to know these cousins/brother/sisters and their family dynamics before experiencing the…exuberance that is Penelope. 🙂 Because she’s…well, more than a breath of fresh air…more like a tornado of positivity accompanied by a tsunami of movie references to fit every occasion. Especially if you’re a Julie Andrews or Audrey Hepburn movie history buff! Not to mention Gene Kelly! And like all good musical heroines, she’s apt to break out into song and or dance at any moment which makes things interesting.

And then there’s the romance. Had me a wee bit nervous at first because there’s a kinda, sorta love triangle brewing only it’s not the full blown angsty kind and it’s pretty clear from the start who Penelope is going to end up with. So, mildly anxiety inducing for the LT shy reader. 🙂

But, oh my, when the romance gets going in the right direction! Be still my heart! Clear your fainting couches and have the smelling salts handy because…swoonworthy Scottish hero scenes ahead!

And then there’s Luke (Penelope’s brother.) He stole my heart in book one and this book reminded me why and now I’m clamouring to read his story. His emails and texts are snort-laugh out loud funny. I’m happy to share that Loyally Luke will release in May! Soooo excited!

I listened to the audible edition of Positively Penelope and was thrilled by the narration. Christopher Ashman, Hazel Beattie and Julie Rogers are amazing performers! Really brought these characters to life and made the listening so much fun. Highly recommend the audio edition!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Positively Penelope , leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday January 13 2024.

28 thoughts on “Positively Penelope + Giveaway”

    1. I was worried about how the audio book would work as well. It’s fantastic though and having three narrators helps, I think. They did read the contact info: like To and From in the emails and @soandso for the texts but it wasn’t tedious at all. Having the different narrators helped and the addresses were straightforward, not full of numbers and symbols so that helped too. Everything just seemed to flow. Good luck, Stephanie!

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  4. “Positively Penelope” sounds absolutely fabulous and a book I just know I am going to love. If I wasn’t taken before, after the mention of all those actors from long ago, I was totally was for sure! Personally, I think books written in this style are a fun break from the “norm”. And one has to admit that you just can’t go wrong with books by this author.

    Thank you for the chance to win a copy!
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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  7. Oh but this sounds so good to me. I am truly intrigued by the format. I haven’t read too many with this format and would love to try. Penelope sounds like a very cool lady.

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  8. This is definitely on my TBR list….I Love Pepper Basham’s books and she is one of my favorite authors…thank you for your review Kav…angieadams306(at)gmail(dot)com

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  9. I really enjoyed The Mistletoe Countess so count me in on this one, Kav. If I win, I’ll have to read Authentically Izzy first 🙂

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

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  12. I’ve read “Authentically, Izzy”—-devoured, loved and wasn’t ready to move from after the end—-so YES I need read this one!! And then there’s Luke, which I’ve been wanting to know since book one….Pepper is such an expert when it comes to anything she writes. I adore her & her characters 😉💖

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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      1. It’s a case of this book (plus many more) that got away from me….I’m resolved to keeping up with at least one author & Pepper is one of them 🙂

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