BOOK BY: Pepper Basham
Positively, Penelope is a fun follow up to Authentically, Izzy (and supercalifragilisticexpialadociously fun!).
This story picks up where the first book left off, bringing readers back to the fictional island of Skymar, where Penelope starts her internship at a small, flailing theatre in the marketing department. Of course, Penelope brings all of her exuberance to the position. It creates a fun contrast to her manager, suitably dubbed, Grumpy Gray. There’s plenty of princesses, fairytales, and theatrics for those who can relate to Penelope’s dream of happily-ever-afters. And there’s plenty of mystery as someone is out to steal Penelope’s ideas and destroy her work in restoring the community theatre. Add in a love interest or two, a quirky group of theatre friends, and you’ve got the perfect summer read.
The cast of characters are just as charming, but more plentiful, than in the first book. I couldn’t help but fall in love with Grandpa Gray – a man who loved deeply, and the inspiration for Penelope’s secret project at the theatre. There are fishermen, townspeople, theatre people, royalty, and family members who make up Penelope’s world. It’s definitely not your ordinary contemporary romance!
Partly epistolary, partly narrative, this story is a must-read for those days when you need a pick-me-up.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.