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4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
When one of Rosie's best friends invites her to a baby shower, of course she's going. It feels so good for the young actress to reunite with them – her best friends have always been her biggest cheerleaders, accepting Rosie's quirky character, “weirdness and all”. Despite that clear support, Rosie can't bring herself to tell them the truth: her acting career is a complete failure and she's homeless to boot. The only thing that's she's successful at, is drunkenly sending job applications, desperately hoping for any acting gig. Right as she's about to tell her full-on grown-up friends the truth, an email comes in offering her a job to be the director of a regional theatre's production of Cinderella. OK, she has no real experience as a director, but this is a prospect, a proper paying job! Asking no questions, she hops on the bus to Wisconsin... Only to find herself at a retirement community with an acting “troupe” consisting of mostly inexperienced senior citizens. Welp.
Oh, Rosie. I can't help but to find our lead character and narrator utterly endearing. She is self-deprecating to a fault, while at other times she randomly bursts into song or an accented monologue. I wanted to hug her, boost up her confidence, while at other moments I sank into the couch and just legit cringed at the Theatre Kid of it all. Rosie is perfectly written: she clearly has the passion and the skill, but something is blocking her from achieving what she wants. It's not a straightforward journey for Rosie: identifying what holds you back is not an easy feat. But boy, she tries with all her might, and that's admirable.
A protagonist to genuinely root for is key for my reading enjoyment, but the feelgood factor is upped several notches by Everything's Coming Up Rosie's cast of lovable side characters. It is clear that the retirement community actually starts to feel like a home to our Rosie and it's largely due to the new people surrounding her: her found family.
Most notably, we meet cynical teenager Dylan, a young Aubrey Plaza type girl who is stuck living at the community. And there's Arthur, an even more cynical elderly man who knows the theatre building inside and out. His grumpily doled out wisdom gives Rosie the tough love shove she needs to move forward. Her connection with Arthur is reminiscent of the film The Holiday, particularly of Iris (Kate Winslet) and her bond with Arthur (Eli Wallach) – they even share the same name. Rosie's connection with Arthur is the heart of this story, and it deeply moved me. Other notable side characters include cottage roommate Daisy and Bertie, Booker's grandmother.
Ah yes. Let's talk about Booker. Booker Hayes. While Everything's Coming Up Rosie is definitely Women's Fiction, there is a truly charming romance subplot involving Rosie and the retirement community's resident Physical Therapist. Everything's Coming Up Rosie contains no spice, but is a perfect example of how a slow build-up and solid foundation (a deeper connection) is where the swoon is. Rosie herself even mentions the value of this at one point in the book. The romance story line co-exists beautifully next to Rosie's career plot line; Rosie's individual development keeps shining with the support of a good man. And Booker Hayes is the very definition of “one of the good ones”, a truly kind male romantic lead who deserves the world. Bonus points for his quick-on-the-draw banter. Rosie and the other characters are all hilarious in their own right, and I thoroughly enjoyed a bunch of lines in this book, so much so that I wrote them down for posterity.
Everything's Coming Up Rosie is a light-hearted, introspective book which I think will resonate with anyone who has a dream but feels blocked in some way. I found myself very much inspired when I finished it, the book's message hitting home with me. And it may have also made me feel just a little bit mushy in the BEST way.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for generously providing me with a copy of this book; all opinions expressed are honest, voluntary and 100% my own.
Listening or reading Courtney’s books are like a cozy warm hug. You know the characters are going to have some flaws but always have wonderful backstories and big hearts. The main character Rosie has big dreams but feels that she is failing when she isn’t reaching those goals. Her life changes when she mass applies to acting jobs and gets one! But…she didn’t read what the position is. After some research she learns she will be part of a creative team for a theater group in Wisconsin… and she is shocked to learn that the theater group is a retirement community. Following Rosie and the residents of the community throughout the book is so fun. It made me miss my grandparents, and maybe also move into this community (they have pickleball!) Jorjeana Marie was a wonderful narrator!
Thank you Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio and NetGalley. #EverythingsComingUpRosie #NetGalley
This was a sweet story and an ode to the magic of putting on a show in a community theater space. It made my heart happy to spend time with “theater people” again, and it made me long for an opportunity to be part of a show family again sometime. Read if you’re a theater person, or if you want to read a clean romance.
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I have read several books by Courtney Walsh and I think this one may be my new favorite! I fell in love with the story right from the start and didn’t want to stop reading or listening (I did this book as a mix of audio and kindle).
This story focuses on Rosie and her summer working as a director of a show for senior citizens- a piece of the job that she didn’t realize was a thing until she arrived. Once there she finds a loving community of adorable characters, including the charming Booker who is the physical therapist in the community. This story was adorable and really showed how it’s ok to work out of your comfort zone. The narrator for the audio did such a great job differentiating her voice between characters that it made it so easy to follow the different characters.
I absolutely loved everything about this story! The setting was surprising and quirky and the characters were so easy to fall in love with. I adored the growth that Rosie and Arthur had in their friendship.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishing and Zondervan Fiction Audio for my ARC and ALC copies of this book
This story focuses on Rosie and her summer working as a director of a show for senior citizens- a piece of the job that she didn’t realize was a thing until she arrived. Once there she finds a loving community of adorable characters, including the charming Booker who is the physical therapist in the community. This story was adorable and really showed how it’s ok to work out of your comfort zone. The narrator for the audio did such a great job differentiating her voice between characters that it made it so easy to follow the different characters.
I absolutely loved everything about this story! The setting was surprising and quirky and the characters were so easy to fall in love with. I adored the growth that Rosie and Arthur had in their friendship.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishing and Zondervan Fiction Audio for my ARC and ALC copies of this book
I received an advance copy for review. This was an exceptional meet cute that will hit you in all your feels. I loved the aspect of the retirement community and the relationships among the younger folk and their friends. I also really enjoyed the discovery of love, and how it feels to find that home just right for you.
hopeful
reflective
This is a fun, entertaining, good story. I love Rosie’s growth from the start of the story to the end. The secondary characters are quirky and add so much to the story. They all brought something to the plot and Rosie that makes this story that much more special. The romance is sweet, tender, loving, special and a big part of what I enjoyed about this book. The ending was perfect for Booker and Rosie. The story’s message is powerful and a good reminder. The story is easy to read and get into.
I enjoyed the audio version of the book and the narrator.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I enjoyed the audio version of the book and the narrator.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁:
Loved, loved, loved! This book is a heartfelt hug about finding yourself, rekindling your passion, embracing your weird and the evolution of reimagining your dreams. Life doesn’t always go as expected. It’s hard, it’s messy but it’s also beautiful, and just the way it’s meant to be. I loved the multi generation aspect of this book, and the lessons & guidance they gave the FMC. Such a great book with the best message.
𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:
Rosie is moving home after 7 long years, she’s saying farewell to NYC. She gave it her best and she failed, having a career in theater was hard. Now it’s time to face the music and head home, but when she gets there all of her friends seemed to be thriving. So there was no way she could confide in them that her dream failed.
Then an offer letter came through her email for a summer role. It offered a god salary,onsite lodging with food, and started immediately. So she instantly said yes not realizing what she signed up for….
When she arrived, she soon realized she may be in over her head. She was directing a production of Cinderella but her cast was SENIORS! This role was to work at a retirement community and help them save their theater. She was a failure how was she suppose to be good at this.
But the residents and a handsome physical therapist will be by her side through it all. This summer will be a whirlwind full of fun, mud, chipmunks, show tunes, drama, romance, and personal growth.
𝙁𝙖𝙫 𝙌𝙪𝙤𝙩𝙚:
“Besides, I want to have all of my senses tonight.” “Why?”“Because if I only get you for the summer, I want to be fully present for all of
𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒍𝒍 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒅:
- Last Minute Summer Job in Door County, WI
- Resident Theater Director FMC
- Physical Therapist MMC
- He’s 33 & She’s 29
- Summer Romance w/ Time Limit
- She’s Working w/ Seniors at Retirement Community (Surprise!)
- Finding Yourself & Happiness Where You Are
- Multi Generational Friendships
- Found Family - Theater is a Community
- So Many LOL Moments
- Single POV Sweet Romance
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Everything’s Coming Up Rosie by Courtney Walsh -
Adorable. Heartwarming. Uplifting in all the right ways.
I adored Rosie—her quirks, her heart, her hope. The romance? Pure delight. This book was like a cozy hug with a sprinkle of sunshine. Perfect for fans of feel-good stories that leave you smiling.
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
A thousand stars!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
THIS BOOK IS AMAZING. 😍😍😍
I’ve been a big Courtney Walsh fan for several years and adore her! Her writing is charming and endearing while also deeply meaningful. She knows how to tell a good story!
To know Courtney is to know her passion for theatre—and this was a love letter to the theatre! How cool is that?!
Rosie was… herself! She’s quirky yet endearing, a proficient actor who struggles with vulnerability, feeling like a failure but actually incredibly brave. She was real and nuanced, and I loved her for it. Fans of Penelope Edgewood from Pepper Basham’s Positively Penelope will be enchanted by this heroine!!
I laughed till it hurt so many times. In fact, I read part of this in the waiting room at the doctors and was silently shaking in hysterics. 😂 That’s why I can’t read in public—my facial expressions are too pronounced. But I couldn’t put the book down!
And then I had to swipe away some tears because for all the giggles, matchmaking seniors, mishaps, hilarious side characters, and swoony adorable romance (I’m Booker & Rosie’s biggest fan 🙌🏻🙌🏻), there was real depth to the book. Arthur’s wisdom and wisecracks made him a favourite, and Rosie’s journey of discovering how dreams change and adapt—a new dream isn’t a failure, it’s a learning curve—hit me hard. 🥹
This might be my new top favourite Courtney Walsh book! 🤭
*Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
THIS BOOK IS AMAZING. 😍😍😍
I’ve been a big Courtney Walsh fan for several years and adore her! Her writing is charming and endearing while also deeply meaningful. She knows how to tell a good story!
To know Courtney is to know her passion for theatre—and this was a love letter to the theatre! How cool is that?!
Rosie was… herself! She’s quirky yet endearing, a proficient actor who struggles with vulnerability, feeling like a failure but actually incredibly brave. She was real and nuanced, and I loved her for it. Fans of Penelope Edgewood from Pepper Basham’s Positively Penelope will be enchanted by this heroine!!
I laughed till it hurt so many times. In fact, I read part of this in the waiting room at the doctors and was silently shaking in hysterics. 😂 That’s why I can’t read in public—my facial expressions are too pronounced. But I couldn’t put the book down!
And then I had to swipe away some tears because for all the giggles, matchmaking seniors, mishaps, hilarious side characters, and swoony adorable romance (I’m Booker & Rosie’s biggest fan 🙌🏻🙌🏻), there was real depth to the book. Arthur’s wisdom and wisecracks made him a favourite, and Rosie’s journey of discovering how dreams change and adapt—a new dream isn’t a failure, it’s a learning curve—hit me hard. 🥹
This might be my new top favourite Courtney Walsh book! 🤭
*Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.