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agilani's review
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.75
books_w_bex's review against another edition
3.0
When Alison's ex-boyfriend suddenly passes away, no one really knows they had already broken up. She maintains the ruse at the request of the deceased's sister and ends up clearing out the ex's apartment with his best friend Adam. After a few weekends of working together, it becomes pretty clear that there's a spark between them, made complicated by a whole host of factors including both of them running from their true selves, the complexities of losing one of their friends, and living in separate cities.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:
dana_reads_books13's review
4.0
Thank you to the publisher for a free Netgalley.
I found this to just be super fun and cute. I enjoyed this one immensely. I am not a huge romance reader, but this is what I needed at this moment. I loved that miscommunication was not a trope in this book, as I truly hate that.
Though this had some predictability, I enjoyed both characters and secondary characters a lot. Which made this easier to enjoy!
Great debut novel!
I found this to just be super fun and cute. I enjoyed this one immensely. I am not a huge romance reader, but this is what I needed at this moment. I loved that miscommunication was not a trope in this book, as I truly hate that.
Though this had some predictability, I enjoyed both characters and secondary characters a lot. Which made this easier to enjoy!
Great debut novel!
sikensmanicpixiegf's review
4.0
Oh how enjoyable this book was! Palmer's characters exuded charm, their undeniable chemistry leaping off the page, and her writing crackling with electricity.
Adam initially brought to mind Nick from New Girl, in the most delightful way possible. While he may come across as a bit rough around the edges, it only adds to his appeal as the story progresses. The gradual warming up to Alison adds a special touch to their blossoming romance. Their witty banter is truly amusing, with moments that had me laughing out loud, feeling completely natural. The palpable chemistry and simmering sexual tension had me completely captivated. The scarf scene felt straight out of Pride and Prejudice, filled with subtle gestures that had me blushing.
I found Alison to be a captivating main character. While the theme of self-acceptance through her character may seem cliché at times, her endearing nature makes it all the more relatable. I found myself rooting for her throughout the book, appreciating the powerful message Palmer conveys about embracing one's true self. This heartfelt romantic comedy also delves into important themes of grief and survivor's guilt, particularly related to breast cancer. Amidst the lighthearted moments, the serious ones are handled with sensitivity and care. The discussions about the BRCA1 gene mutation, a hereditary predisposition to breast cancer, between Alison, her mother, and sister felt organic and significant in the context of the romance. I was truly invested in Alison's journey, and seeing Adam support her endeared me to their relationship even more.
The supporting characters are equally endearing. Mara and Chelsea shine as fantastic best friends, their dynamic adding depth to the story. The portrayal of female friendships, filled with warmth and empowerment, was heartwarming. The absence of unnecessary drama among the friends, coupled with their ability to make me laugh, made their bond even more enjoyable.
The conclusion was nothing short of perfect, leaving me with a fluttering heart throughout the entire book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!
Adam initially brought to mind Nick from New Girl, in the most delightful way possible. While he may come across as a bit rough around the edges, it only adds to his appeal as the story progresses. The gradual warming up to Alison adds a special touch to their blossoming romance. Their witty banter is truly amusing, with moments that had me laughing out loud, feeling completely natural. The palpable chemistry and simmering sexual tension had me completely captivated. The scarf scene felt straight out of Pride and Prejudice, filled with subtle gestures that had me blushing.
I found Alison to be a captivating main character. While the theme of self-acceptance through her character may seem cliché at times, her endearing nature makes it all the more relatable. I found myself rooting for her throughout the book, appreciating the powerful message Palmer conveys about embracing one's true self. This heartfelt romantic comedy also delves into important themes of grief and survivor's guilt, particularly related to breast cancer. Amidst the lighthearted moments, the serious ones are handled with sensitivity and care. The discussions about the BRCA1 gene mutation, a hereditary predisposition to breast cancer, between Alison, her mother, and sister felt organic and significant in the context of the romance. I was truly invested in Alison's journey, and seeing Adam support her endeared me to their relationship even more.
The supporting characters are equally endearing. Mara and Chelsea shine as fantastic best friends, their dynamic adding depth to the story. The portrayal of female friendships, filled with warmth and empowerment, was heartwarming. The absence of unnecessary drama among the friends, coupled with their ability to make me laugh, made their bond even more enjoyable.
The conclusion was nothing short of perfect, leaving me with a fluttering heart throughout the entire book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!
rsbrack's review
5.0
What a wonderful book!! Forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine, and a fake relationship status (?) tropes. I’m also a sucker for a MMC described as Harrison Ford-like. This has some heavy topics but the author does a great job handling the serious themes with great banter and funny moments.
I received an ARC from netgalley and the publisher.
I received an ARC from netgalley and the publisher.
abby2207's review against another edition
4.25
The premise of this book was so unique. I really liked the way it tackled grief and showed it not as something that can be resolved and tied up with a bow at the end. Alison and Adam were SO SWEET together, and I loved seeing their relationship progress. I also haven’t read a book with mastectomy rep, so that was really cool. Alison and Adam’s characters both felt very real and relatable. The ending felt a bit rushed, and I would’ve loved to see more of Alison and Adam’s steady relationship. The friendships in this book were amazing too; you just have to love Mara and Chelsea. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Cancer and Infertility
Minor: Sexual content
halloitsalex's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
coveredbychristine's review against another edition
5.0
Four Weekends and a Funeral, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
This debut novel by Ellie Palmer is by far one of my favorite reads for 2024. There I said it, can you just go pre-order the book now, so we can discuss it further because this book is worthy of deeper conversations and shared tears over? What?? Tell you more?? Finnnneee, but you better order or request this book from your library, got it?!
Four Weekends and a Funeral snatches you from the first page as we sit with Alison’s thoughts about attending Sam, her ex-boyfriend’s, funeral. Why is she here? How did this even happen? Does she correct people when they acknowledge her as Sam’s girlfriend (even though he broke up with her six weeks prior?!) Oh the While You Were Sleeping dilemma! Plus her people pleasing self now has volunteered to help clean out Sam’s condo with the aid of his super duper grump best friend, Adam.
Honestly, the friendship and chemistry between Alison and Adam was my favorite. Palmer is a true craftsman at her art of creating romance without open door explicit scenes. She would totally make Elizabeth Barrett Browning proud! She creates a sweet romantic narrative that causes those little butterflies to happen when Ali and Adam interact with each other and it just hooks you the way our favorite rom com movies do to our helpless heartstrings. The green scarf scene, y'all swoon worthy!
Palmer also creates a memorable cast of secondary characters who hold a special place in the novel. There was not one character that felt out of place or just filler for the sake of the plot. I think 2024 is a year of showcasing the true gift of best friends and I hope that never ends! Chelsea and Mara are Alison’s Best Friends for Life and their quirky friendship truly shines in this story.
I am a lover of a noteworthy epilogue and this book delivers! I still am amazed that this is Palmer’s debut novel, I know she is going to be one to look out for in the future. Four Weekends and a Funeral signed, sealed, and delivered all my favs of the romance genre while also adding witty banter and sensitivity when our characters were faced with some hard subjects like breast cancer and grief.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Ellie Palmer, and Penguin Group Putnam/ G. P. Putnam’s Sons for providing me with a digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
This debut novel by Ellie Palmer is by far one of my favorite reads for 2024. There I said it, can you just go pre-order the book now, so we can discuss it further because this book is worthy of deeper conversations and shared tears over? What?? Tell you more?? Finnnneee, but you better order or request this book from your library, got it?!
Four Weekends and a Funeral snatches you from the first page as we sit with Alison’s thoughts about attending Sam, her ex-boyfriend’s, funeral. Why is she here? How did this even happen? Does she correct people when they acknowledge her as Sam’s girlfriend (even though he broke up with her six weeks prior?!) Oh the While You Were Sleeping dilemma! Plus her people pleasing self now has volunteered to help clean out Sam’s condo with the aid of his super duper grump best friend, Adam.
Honestly, the friendship and chemistry between Alison and Adam was my favorite. Palmer is a true craftsman at her art of creating romance without open door explicit scenes. She would totally make Elizabeth Barrett Browning proud! She creates a sweet romantic narrative that causes those little butterflies to happen when Ali and Adam interact with each other and it just hooks you the way our favorite rom com movies do to our helpless heartstrings. The green scarf scene, y'all swoon worthy!
Palmer also creates a memorable cast of secondary characters who hold a special place in the novel. There was not one character that felt out of place or just filler for the sake of the plot. I think 2024 is a year of showcasing the true gift of best friends and I hope that never ends! Chelsea and Mara are Alison’s Best Friends for Life and their quirky friendship truly shines in this story.
I am a lover of a noteworthy epilogue and this book delivers! I still am amazed that this is Palmer’s debut novel, I know she is going to be one to look out for in the future. Four Weekends and a Funeral signed, sealed, and delivered all my favs of the romance genre while also adding witty banter and sensitivity when our characters were faced with some hard subjects like breast cancer and grief.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Ellie Palmer, and Penguin Group Putnam/ G. P. Putnam’s Sons for providing me with a digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
toastyghosty13's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
i received this as an ARC from NetGalley.
this was a modern romance about a woman, Alison, who lives in minnesota and finds out her ex boyfriend has died. upon arriving at his funeral, she quickly realizes he never told anyone that he broke up with her, and so they all assume she is still currently his girlfriend. she meets his attractive harrison ford-esque best friend, and they are subsequently stuck together each weekend emptying out their late friends condo so it can be put back on the market.
this was pretty run of the mill modern romance, although i did like how it took place in the midwest. the first 50% of the book was a bit boring for me, but the premise was there and unique. i also mainly read fantasy so i feel like i have some bias there when it comes to this genre. about 50% of the way through, the 2 main characters get together for the first time. it felt a little bit rushed to me to suddenly have this man so worried about Ali but maybe that’s because i read the 2nd half of this book in 1 4hr sitting.
some things that i noted:
this was a modern romance about a woman, Alison, who lives in minnesota and finds out her ex boyfriend has died. upon arriving at his funeral, she quickly realizes he never told anyone that he broke up with her, and so they all assume she is still currently his girlfriend. she meets his attractive harrison ford-esque best friend, and they are subsequently stuck together each weekend emptying out their late friends condo so it can be put back on the market.
this was pretty run of the mill modern romance, although i did like how it took place in the midwest. the first 50% of the book was a bit boring for me, but the premise was there and unique. i also mainly read fantasy so i feel like i have some bias there when it comes to this genre. about 50% of the way through,
some things that i noted:
the new years text from the future thing was my immediate prediction of what would happen as soon as adam mentioned how sam wanted to set him up with a girl that would be perfect for him at a NYE party - too much “our foreheads touched” idk that’s cringe to me but subjective
- wasn’t smut like i thought it was going to be, very much behind closed doors/only talking about the make outs. my anticipation is based on what i hear about other modern romances and the ~3 books i have read (icebreaker series, butcher & blackbird)
i found the main conflict of people getting mad at Ali for trying to do things that “weren’t really her” to be a bit annoying and stupid. who cares if it’s not in character for her to sign up for an ultramarathon or take a hiking/camping trip through patagonia?? let her live her life and discover that she hates that on her own. i could understand if it’s an intervention because she is financially unstable or something health related but it really just boiled down to adam and her friends disliking that it wasn’t who she is at her core. people can discover likes and dislikes throughout their lives, felt kind of like a baseless conflict. i was expecting much more conflict from her pretending to be sam’s current gf
still was pretty cute, i would probably recommend to my friends who enjoy modern romances.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer and Death
bethany6788's review against another edition
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0