When life goes off track sometimes the only thing you can do is go back to where it all began...
Emmy Palmer is the star of Bragadon Forest, the biggest fantasy series on TV; adored by the public, living the life of glamour and luxury in London.
But when scandal strikes, Emmy must escape the city and return to her seaside hometown to lie low and wait for the storm to pass.
Emmy's agent decides it would be a good look to star in the community Christmas pantomime, but who else could be playing her leading man but her ex-boyfriend who she may or may not have ditched to move to London a decade ago...
As the show approaches, love and friendships blossom and the real question is - Will they? Won't they?
The brand new laugh-out-loud romantic comedy from top 10 bestseller Portia MacIntosh, guaranteed to put a smile on your face this winter.
Portia MacIntosh is the bestselling author of over 30 romantic comedy novels.
From disastrous dates to destination weddings, Portia’s romcoms are the perfect way to escape from day to day life, visiting sunny beaches in the summer and snowy villages at Christmas time. Whether it’s southern Italy or the Yorkshire coast, Portia’s stories are the holiday you’re craving, conveniently packed in between the pages.
Formerly a journalist, Portia has left the city, swapping the music biz for the moors, to live the (not so) quiet life with her husband and her dog in Yorkshire.
Emmy Palmer is a famous actress starring in the international hit Bragadon Forest (think: Game of Thrones) but when an unsavory rumor begins about her having an affair with a married showrunner she finds her character getting the boot. This upheaval forces her to leave London and back to the quaint village where her family resides. Upon returning she finds out that her favorite person in the world, her grandad, has passed away. She decides to purchase and renovate his house with the help of sexy handyman, Tel. He may drive her crazy but he sure is nice to look at.
Meanwhile, her best friends from school Kay and Billy convince her to be in their pantomime at a small crumbling down local theater. Agreeing to help them only too soon when she realizes that the love of her life, her longtime crush, Scott, is also to star. Will now be the time for them to finally be together as she has dreamed of all these years?
I was rooting for Emmy to find her happiness but something was lacking here just a bit. I love when I read a book and I instantly fall in love with the characters but that didn't happen here. Sure, I liked Emmy but I didn't love her. She was somewhat wishy washy and I just wanted her to toughen up a bit. The other characters weren't fleshed out enough to care about them. Tel was, without a doubt, my favorite part of this novel. Also I should mention that a lot of the British humor in this one flew right over my head which is obviously a *me* problem but I hate feeling like I'm missing the punchline.
While that all sounds negative, it shouldn't. This really was a cute, sweet, and uplifting story that I am glad to have read. I would gladly recommend this to rom-com lovers. 3.5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my copy.
Portia MacIntosh is one of my favourite authors and I always look forward to reading her newest book, knowing I can expect an entertaining storyline, unique characters and lots of funny observations.
When Emma Watson moved from a small town in Yorkshire to London and became an actress, she had to take a stage name of Emmy Palmer. She did make it big, landing a role in a fantasy TV show. Unfortunately, her character has just been axed off and there are some vicious rumours in tabloids. All of this is nothing compared to the sad news she gets from her. Emma’s wonderful grandfather passed away and her mother needs her more than ev
Emma’s aunts would like to sell their late father’s house straightaway, but Emma knows how much her mum would appreciate more time to say goodbye to it, so she offers to buy and renovate it with the help of a gorgeous neighbour. Then somehow she ends up taking up a role in the local Christmas pantomime with her ex-love interest (the one who got away) playing the Prince Charming… and the old game of Will They, Won’t they begins….
There is a very large cast of characters – family members, colleagues, old friendships, new acquaintances, aunt’s dates etc. Portia MacIntosh has a gift for creating unique (‘One of a kind!’) characters, although I would have prefered fewer and more streamlined storylines/subplots. Emma herself isn’t a cold, self-obsessed celebrity (although one of the characters says she can be a bit oblivious to what is going on with other people), she is very likeable, and it’s impossible not to wish her happiness and true love.
The way I see it, the book is mostly about figuring what matters the most -family (immediate and extended), real friends, home, kindness, small and large gestures that show that you care (and some of them were really impressive!). Recommended to anyone who enjoys a well-written, funny, and uplifting story.
Thank you to Rachel from Rachel’s Random Resources, NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the review copy, provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
This is a fun and entertaining story ... exactly what I expected! I've enjoyed a few books by Portia MacIntosh this year, and this one's no exception. The story takes place in December, so it's perfect for this time of year.
Emmy is an actress in London. She goes back home to Yorkshire for her grandfather's funeral, and decides to stay through Christmas. What ensues is an entertaining story full of quirky (mostly Emmy's family members) and endearing characters. Between a funeral, a wedding, and the community Christmas pantomime, there are lots of opportunities to get to know these characters. Overall, this is a heartwarming story about family and finding your way to where you belong.
If you're a fan of Sophie Kinsella's stories, I think you'll enjoy this author's books too.
Another fun romcom from Portia MacIntosh! Emmy has been killed off the popular fantasy show she was a lead on and now she has got herself caught up in a scandal. Needing to flee London and stat Emmy returns home to her small town. When she returns home she finds out her beloved grandfather has passed away and decides she’s going to purchase and renovate his home. This was just a fun uplifting story filled with so much fun banter and countless crazy antics. Emmy definitely has a complicated and colorful family! I also loved her friends and of course the Christmas production. The Romance was a definite “will they wont they“. Another fabulous book from one of my favorite authors!
*** Big thank you to Boldwood Books for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
Emmy Palmer is Princess Adelina in the popular fantasy series Bragadon Forrest. She lives in London and is adored by many in her role as Adelina. Life is going her way till scandal breaks. This happens at roughly the same time that the death of a much loved family member sees her back in the Yorkshire seaside town where she grew up Emmy is asked to take the lead in a Christmas pantomime. Despite her initial reservations she starts to warm to the role. But not everyone in the cast is happy to see Emmy taking the lead role. Prince Charming just happens to be her crush from years ago. Will they get together or not? Or will other events change plans? This is light and amusing in parts. Not laugh out loud funny though as the blurb claims, more mildly amusing. But some parts while aiming for funny come across as downright silly, at least to this reader. Also it is repetitive at times and took a while to get going. Despite those negatives it was an enjoyable enough read though I never reacted that well to the main characters with the exception of one who was lovely. Aunt Vee was over the top annoying. It’s the first book I have read by this author. Not sure I will read any more. Could be I am the wrong age group for this? Or it could be my last book was so good the next one was always going to struggle to keep hold of this reader fully. So, if you like rom com books maybe give it a go.
Off the record, it’s one of those places where everybody knows everything about everyone. No matter how quick you are to clean your dirty laundry, there will always be a gaggle of locals who remember the stink, and you can see the repulsion on their faces.
Mum and the aunties are talking funeral arrangements… It’s absolute mayhem. Honestly, there is just no defusing them, if I had a gun with two bullets my only option would be to shoot myself twice. The last woman standing would probably argue with herself.
Oh boy, is her face red. So red and puffed up it’s as though I can hear the blood boiling underneath her skin. The kids are just paralysed with fear, they know they’re in big trouble for this.
‘So, what do you do?’ I ask Mike, changing the subject, hopefully dispelling some of the awkwardness. ‘I make the little things count,’ he replies. ‘Mate,’ Karl interrupts. ‘ That is so cheesy. He’s a maths tutor for kids.’
‘Well, you know what they say, what doesn’t kill you makes me disappointed,’ I reply. I look at the watch I’m not actually wearing. ‘There’s a bus back to London in half an hour, why don’t you go lie under it?’
My Review:
I revel in this author’s wry wit and cunningly amusing yet insightful observations. Her writing style is pleasantly familiar and easy to fall into with amusing characters that are also a bit edgy and more than a bit quirky. Written from a first-person POV, the comedy rolls through every scene while laced with clever perceptions and inner musings that pull at the feels.
During an extended trip home, the character of Emmy was secretly dealing with personal and career displacement during a “what now?” life transition and was hit with every type of family drama including grief for her beloved grandfather, unabashed cougar aunties, snarky and surly step-siblings, and manipulation to share the shine of her fame. She also found time to reconnect with her nerd friends and an unresolved crush from high school while participating in a fund-raiser one-night only comedic production of Cinderella, which sounded brilliant. I would have loved to attend but had to settle for adoring the cleverly crafted storylines this skilled and wily wordsmith wove together for a highly satisfying and contented sigh provoking conclusion.
Emma has had a really rough ride, killed off the Fantasy TV series Bragadon Forrest, where she was a main character for 6 seasons, then came the scandalous rumour as to why she was kicked out, then finding out her Grandpa has passed away all in less than 24hours. Things just couldn't get any worse for her.
So she packs a bag and returns home to Marram Bay, to help her Mum and Aunts prepare his funeral, and to lick her wounds whilst she rides out the media storm and figure out what's next in store for her acting career.
But as they say everything happens for a reason, and what lies ahead for Emma is a renovation, a Christmas Panto....oh and did I mention a possible love interest with her Hunky neighbour 😏
Will They, Won't They? Is a Feel-good Romance, with an Endearing Bunch of Characters, Plenty of witty humour and a dash of Christmas Sparkle. I'm a Big Fan of Portia's books and once again she has ticked every box!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources and Boldwood Books for my copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
I’ve now read seven Portia MacIntosh books in the last couple of years and I can say without fear of being wrong that she’s one of the best in the rom-com genre. I’ve yet to find one of her books I don’t like. Her stories always bring a smile to my face and I’ve come to a point where I just pick them without even reading the synopsis first.
Meet Emmy (lia Clarke) Palmer, an actress on a huge fantasy tv show who’ve just been killed (her character, I mean!) Jobless and with her name across the tabloids after a scandal, she flees to her hometown to lie low. There she reunites with some old friends who ask for her help in the Christmas pantomime where she will star alongside her ex-crush. Will the old flame ignite again?
I loved Emmy’s character. I liked that she was down to earth despite being a big star and how she helped everyone, even those she didn’t have a great relationship with.
Her family included some hilarious characters like her auntie Vee, and I liked the different dynamics she had with each of them.
The group of actors in the panto was also a diverse one and I wouldn’t have minded seeing a bit more about some of them. As usual, the love interest was quite dreamy. Just two words: THE WINDOW! Marry me right now!
There were a couple of incidents that could have been a bit more developed, the talk with her dad about their history and the one with the cast party (it felt a bit out of left field with several characters showing a completely different face all of a sudden).
I loved going back to Marram Bay. It’s such a gorgeous setting and I adore the sense of community that is always breathed there.
A super enjoyable read with lots of funny, hilarious and also, heartfelt moments. With Will They, Won’t They? Portia MacIntosh confirmed herself as one of my favorite authors.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
So when I saw this one was about an Emmy, who came from a seaside town, who was going to do a Christmas panto I thought it was all too familiar and had to read immediately. It was my life, tick tick tick. And when the book has a bereavement early on too I was like woahh. However, I do think that very first chapter is like nothing I've ever read before. I had no idea where it was going and it was shocking. The rest of the story was nothing like my life. It was sweet, poignant, cheeky, fun, surprising. The rest of the panto cast also made for some really entertaining reading. Lots packed in and words bounced off the page into life. Adorable, loved it.
the way nothing makes sense in this, I just read 300 pages and I can't even elaborate a review wasn't this supposed to be a second chance romance? I can only think of how it's so weird that her family wouldn't tell her her grandpa died and she had TO CALL and ask about him so they told her the news, and then he's buried and she's just walking with a 50 year old guy for fun????? Nothing romantic just to pass time???? MAKE IT MAKE SENSE. And then when I thought the writer would give something good with Scott and Emmy because he was her crush before and they could have reconnected then NOTHING MAKES SENSE, AGAIN.
I throughly enjoyed this book. I hadn't read this author before and although at times it made me very sad, it was a good story on the whole. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
I was provided an eARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review: All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Emmy Palmer is the female lead on a hit fantasy series, until a scandal hits and she’s killed off. At the same time, tragedy hits her family and her grandfather has passed away. Emmy returns from London to her childhood home to escape the drama and reconnect with her family. While home, she also reconnects with old friends… and even old crushes. The local theater is in danger of going under, so Emmy agrees to star in a show to raise money. Her co-star? Just so happens to be her childhood crush. Growing up, there were many times they nearly got together. Will they finally end up together a decade later?
This overall was a very cute story, but I felt like it fell pretty flat overall. The plot dragged through most of the story and there were times where I felt like there was no real purpose with the plot lines. For example, there’s one plot line with a character and Emmy that just completely is ignored for majority of the book, until the very end. There’s a few scenes about it and then poof nothing more until the story needs to be wrapped up.
Reading this supposed rom-com ARC I was actually wondering whether it was a romance at all. The first third of the book is about Emmy's acting career and the scandal she had got caught in, and her family's bereavement.
The career crisis, which should have had the paparazzi hot on her heels, forces her to leave London behind and go back home to her family home in Yorkshire. Strangely,there are no paparazzi, only fans who want to take selfies with Emmy.
Anyway, she meets two guys and for some time it is not quite clear which one she might be interested in - and that is where I lost interest in the book.
This could have been a great rom-com if the plot had been tidied up a bit.
DNF @ 48%. I thought this was going to be a cute, Christmas romance, but my expectations were obviously off. This was very women's fiction-ish. Which isn't a bad thing, it just wasn't what I wanted when I picked up the book. I also didn't really care for the main character. I put this down to try something else and have had no desire to pick it back up, so I'm calling it.
Another book for you to consider in the lead-up to Christmas in a couple of months, I went for this book by MacIntosh as I have always been entertained by her writing. This time, the writer turns her hand to Christmas fiction and I think she almost perfectly pulls it off. In my opinion, I would have liked all the parallel story-lines developed a bit more – probably leading to a rather lengthy read!
Emmy’s character seems to have it all when we first meet her. Except that she has been killed off from a very popular television show. Despite living a seemingly glamourous life, it soon becomes clear that Emmy feels like something is missing. Therefore, when the opportunity arises to return home to Yorkshire, Emmy uses this as time for well-needed ‘R and R’, even if it does lead to her being signed up to the local Christmas panto! But, Emmy is desperate and with a scandal printed in the newspapers haunting her, Emmy soon finds herself reunited with old flames, new faces and dramatic competition.
It’s a light-hearted story for the most part, although the grief that Emmy experiences was quite poignant at the beginning of the story. Yet, this thankfully does not dominate the narrative and I found MacIntosh’s writing entertaining, especially surrounding Emmy’s family. There is a lot of wit and comedy, such as describing Emmy’s manicure from one of her aunts, and I think this added to the whole festive vibe.
To be honest, I could not quite predict what the happy ever after would be. There is obviously Emmy’s old flame, Scott, who Emmy is acting next to for the pantomime. However, she also makes close friends with her neighbour, Tel, who is very hands-on and practical when it comes to fixing up the theatre for the performance, and also renovating Emmy’s new home.
And this is where my criticism of the book lies: I think MacIntosh spreads the story a little too thinly for my liking. I would have liked to have seen more from Emmy’s agent and the fall-out from Emmy’s dramatic newspaper headlines. In addition, I think there could have been a little more focus on the theatre: not necessarily the rehearsals, but further scenes there and even a focus on Felix. Emmy’s family are a big focus on the story but, with so many members, I think characters like Gracie, Emmy’s sister, were overlooked a bit too much. Finally, the house renovations seem to occur effortlessly and it felt like Emmy was quite comfortable with stripping everything out of her late Grandad’s home. Consequently, I think each of these areas could have been focused on a bit more, although this likely would have impacted the pace and made it too heavy for a Christmas story.
Despite my rather minor misgivings, I still enjoyed this story and think it is a lovely book to read before Christmas. With a panto to perform, this is perfect for December! Add in a bit of love, family and merriment, this will have your heart being warmed at such a cosy time of year. There are plenty of chuckles to be had as you watch Emmy navigate her way through dramatic politics and her own romantic feelings. I still really like this author and cannot wait to see what comes next.
With thanks to Boldwood Books, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book has one of the best opening scenes and is a great introduction to our main character, Emmy Palmer, who is an actress, right now beheaded in one of her last scenes. Emmy was immediately likeable and the more I read about her and got to know her, the more I liked her. The family dynamics are truly interesting and very colourful and take care of humorous, but also more serious and poignant moments. The group of characters is colourful and very different, adding so much fun and cringy moments to the story, especially the sex – obsessed Aunt.
There was a moment or two, somewhere in the middle of the book, when I had a feeling it doesn’t really know what exactly it wants to focus on – there were suddenly thousand love affairs possible, the estranged father on the scene again, there was the panto taking place and while there was all the time something happening, I had a feeling that the plot is staying in place.
I loved, loved, loved the panto moments, especially the behind – the – scenes ones. Absolutely hilarious, especially the interaction between the actors and the petty plays to get a better role. “Will They, Won’t They?” is a typical Portia McIntosh’s novel – uplifting, with a feel – good factor and with a quirky, self – confident heroine, filled with a bit of Christmas spirit, lots of humour and brilliant one – liners, just what I’ve expected – and wanted – from this book and this author. It’s a great and warm story about family and friends, kindness and finding your own place.
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
The storyline was okay. I was not captivated by any of the characters, but Tel seemed cool. I wish there had been more about Emmy and Gracie. Emmy helps her sister out and the part where they hang out seems very rushed, whereas some other insignificant incidents on the pantomime set have more description. Also, a lot of people she loves or cares about came together to bombard her with accusations and she just moved right past it? That does not seem normal at all.
Trigger Warnings: Death of a loved one Thank you NetGalley, author Portia Maclntosh, and Boldwood Books publishing for giving me a free arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 5 stars Will They Won't They? is a story about Emmy, a famous actress, who returns home after the unexpected loss of her Grandfather after moving to London to pursue her acting career. When her acting career comes to a sudden halt due to an alleged affair with a married man, Emmy finds it is the perfect time to step back from acting and return to the life before. This book had such a great beginning and held strong throughout the entire book. The author did a wonderful job developing Emmy as a relatable character, not in terms of her career, but in the way people might suffer the loss of a loved one and some set backs in our professional lives. Emmy under went all the believable feelings one has when dealing with the loss of a loved one. I liked the support system Emmy had in order to help her deal with not only the grieving parts of her life, but also the aftermath of her acting career taking a hit. The setting was a wonderful place to spend some time. The writing and pacing really allowed the reader to get to know the characters without dragging out with unnecessary details. The chemistry and romance between the two main characters was believable and had a great match up of wits and banter. I loved the ending and felt it was well satisfying! I would recommend this book to those who are looking for a story that is perfect for a night in or traveling! I can't wait for the next new release by this author!
I received a digital ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review. I have always enjoyed the romantic, light-hearted style from Portia MacIntosh and this book fits well into her style of writing. I often find that I happen upon one of her books, in my TBR (currently threatening to engulf me) when I’ve recently read something that either emotionally or psychologically drained me. This time was no different, and I went from a 3 boxes of tissues read, to this cute tale. It was just the tonic! Emmy is a fun character, and it’s hard not to feel for her as her life is hit with shocks on both the personal and professional front. She stoically handles her return to her childhood home of Marram Bay, setting for other books from this author, and finds herself falling back into long forgotten friendships and crushes. Can she find happiness with a community theatre group? As usual, this is an ensemble story, and there’s a terrific cast. For me, the standout characters would have to be, cheeky builder Tel and the outrageous Auntie Vee. She was a laugh and minute and suitably embarrassing. I particularly enjoyed Emmy’s determination to help Felix reconcile with his lost love. This sweet thread was a lovely addition, and perfectly highlighted Emmy’s kind nature. Whilst this isn’t my favourite book from Portia MacIntosh’s catalogue, it’s a real contender for a top feel-good tale. Escape to Marram Bay, hop over to Hope Island, if the tide is willing, and relax with a mismatched theatre troupe.
It's rare that a book actually makes me laugh but this one did. I only knocked a star off because I was hoping a book about a theatre group putting on a Christmas panto would be more Christmas-y overall.
This is a Hallmark Christmas movie but worse — take out your brain and put it aside for this book. Everything that can go wrong with professional handwringer Emma Watson (Emmy Palmer's the stage name) has gone wrong and everyone secretly hates her but after one disastrous party everyone realises they're being twats?
Look, part of why I'm so bloody disappointed is the summary. And the title. When you decide to call a book WTWT the expectation is that the book will be about the heroine and the, you know, guy who could've been hers for a decade. The summary backs it up. It even calls the guy the ex-boyfriend, though there was ZERO indication of that being the case in the book.
AND THEN SOME RANDOM BARGES IN OUT OF NOWHERE AND THAT'S WHO SHE ENDS UP WITH. Not the guy we've been set up to expect a happy ending with. Terry/Tel the infuriatingly happy man. HONESTLY.
Everyone's being SO AWFUL IN THIS. and then over the last 1/6th it's all good again.
What a great character Emmy is, her exit scene from the fantasy show she is a star of is a rather memorable opening to the book, and seemed to be the tip of the iceberg as to who she really is.
There are all manner of interesting family dynamics at play, and I loved her auntie Vee who was hilarious and kept trying to get the pair of them into all sorts of situations.
Then there is her estranged father, half siblings she feels she barely knows, an older sister who she doesn't seem to have the easiest of dynamics with. Not to mention her old friends and old crush when she returns to Marram Bay for a bit.
For fans of Portia MacIntosh you may be like me rather happy to see Marram Bay as the setting for most of this book, especially given it's a fabulous location at Christmas, and this book is set in the run up to Christmas, complete with a panto.
I'd have loved it even more had we had snippets from the panto script, as I love a good panto - oh yes I do!!
Although it is a familiar setting, it is a completely standalone book, so if you are new to this fabulous author then please don't worry.
This was a joy to read, it kept me entertained at all times, and I really liked the character of Tel, who kept seeming to crop up around the place, and the interactions between him and Emmy are fabulous.
This is such an enjoyable read and another hit from the always funny Portia MacIntosh.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
I love Portia MacIntosh, and even though this hasn't been my favourite one, it's still a laugh out loud, enjoyable and entertaining read. I loved the fact that is wasn't just a rom-com, but also delved into family relationships and finding your true self. I thought the timing was a bit strange, everything happens in the time of a few weeks and I found it difficult to believe that so many things could be organized and set in place so quickly. But that might just be my OCD self speaking. The writing is so good, simple and effective, it draws you into the story, it's a pleasure to read!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
The Blurb : When life goes off track sometimes the only thing you can do is go back to where it all began... Emmy Palmer is the star of Bragadon Forest, the biggest fantasy series on TV, adored by the public, living the life of glamour and luxury in London. But when scandal strikes, Emmy must escape the city and return to her seaside hometown to lie low and wait for the storm to pass. Emmy's agent decides it would be a good look to star in the community Christmas pantomime, but who else could be playing her leading man but her ex-boyfriend who she may or may not have ditched to move to London a decade ago... As the show approaches, love and friendships blossom and the real question is - Will they? Won't they?
My Thoughts : Having loved all of Portia MacIntosh’s books, I knew this one wouldnt disappoint. We meet Emmy Palmer, who was until recently an actress on a tv fantasy show, Bragadon Forest. Her character was just killed off and with a scandal in the newspaper, and hearing the news of her Grandad’s passing, Emmy has to get away and decides to go home to Marram Bay. Soon enough Emmy is roped into staring in the local Theatre’s Pantomine. Her agent thinks it would be good for her and a way to raise money for the Theatre to stop closure. But Emmy has to star along side Scott, who is her blast from the past crush. Can they reconnect or are things better left in the past!?. I did like the vast array of support characters, although at times hard to keep up with who was who, but one of my favourites was builder Tel. Reading a book by Portia MacIntosh always makes me smile, not only do her covers stand out with their brightness and beautiful pictures, Portia always manages to captivate her audience with her words. I am already waiting on the next release.
✨ REVIEW ✨ Will They, Won’t They by Portia Macintosh.
There are so many things I loved about this book so let’s not waste any time.
✨ The references. So many references that spoke to me as not o my a 30 something year old woman but also as a northerner! My favourite reference has to be that of Emmy having nails that would rival Tania Turner! I had a good laugh as I remembered how batshit crazy that show was!!
✨ Emmy. I really identified with Emmy which at some points was quite terrifying as it’s almost like Portia had written about me. Obviously not the famous actress parts but the real stuff!
✨ Tel and the window... that’s all I’m saying, no spoilers here but 💙 swoon!
The main thing I loved was the story itself, it was wholesome, hilarious and had me hooked right from the opening chapter!
Thank you to Boldworld books and Portia Macintosh! I can’t wait to join you on the blog tour!
Emmy Palmer is an actress of Bragadon Forest, the biggest fantasy series produced in London. She is succesful and live a nice life till to tragedies happen. She move to her childhood town for get on her feet again. She buy a new house, she act in a play, she get new friends and meet some old ones. She has a large family couse her parents are divorced and had new kids. As succesful she was so she is also unhappy with what comes out of her new life. But therenis always a way if there is a will.
I loved her after I get to know her character. She wanted always to do good but in all her success she was also not succesful. But fortunately not all went wrong. She had to find her happinies and she had found her purpouse of life. Just wonderful.
Thank to Netgalley.com and Bodwoold books for an arc copy in echange of an honest review.
Emmy Palmer, a national celebrity, goes home to her small town and gets involved in a local theater production. This is a typical Portia MacIntosh book where the main character finds herself in zany and uncomfortable situations. Emmy doesn’t take herself too seriously and finds herself enjoying being back at home. She finds herself being caught naked with her ex-crush’s dad (and later her best friend), beheaded on her soap opera, receiving constant snark from her siblings and many other comical situations. But the book also has plot and isn’t spicy. Very good read!
Did I read a Christmas book in September? Absolutely! And I feel zero shame 😂 I will say though that other than the pantomime that this book wasn't heavy on the Christmas side of things.
Judging by the cover, you would be forgiven for thinking that this is just a cute romance. While there is romance, the MC, Emmy, also deals with loss, grief, a crazy but loving family, rekindling childhood friendships, making new friends, and most importantly, finding her way in the world after life has thrown her a curve ball.
While at times I found the pace to be a little slow, I still wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to anyone looking for a funny and (mostly) lighthearted read.
Thank you @rachelsrandomresources for including me on this tour and the complimentary eARC.