Everything's Coming Up Rosie by Courtney Walsh: Book Review

 **ARC received via Netgalley for consideration. All opinions are my own. 

The Book

Sometimes what you think you want and what you actually want turn out to be different things . . .

Rosie Waterman has one dream: to become a working actor. But lately, that hasn't been working out. When she loses her apartment and her job on the same day, she does what she always does--puts herself out there, ready to find the next big thing. But a trip home makes her realize that while she's been struggling to make this dream come true, all her friends have become real adults with careers and weddings and babies on the way. Rosie's been at this for years, and she has nothing to show for it. But how does she simply let go of her dream?

When she's offered a job as the director of a regional theatre's production of Cinderella, she jumps at the chance--even though she's only directed in college and the job is in Door County, Wisconsin, and not in New York. She has no other offers, and at least she'll be getting paid to do something theatrical. But when she arrives, she quickly realizes that the "regional theatre" is actually in a retirement community, and the "actors" are actually senior citizens with no acting experience whatsoever.

Working on the show presents new challenges, forcing Rosie to learn how to step up and be the leader this fledgling theatre troupe needs. The more time she spends with her new cast, the more she begins to rethink what it means to dream big, especially when that big dream hasn't turned out to be at all what she thought it would be. It's not at all what she expected, but could it be exactly what she needs?

The Author

Courtney Walsh is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of several low spice romance and contemporary women’s fiction novels. She is a Carol-award winner, Christy award finalist and seeker of happy endings.

More than anything, Courtney feels compelled to spread joy by writing light-hearted but poignant, character driven stories that provide a sweet, safe escape when life gets a little too heavy.

In addition to writing novels, she has written two craft books and several full-length musicals. Courtney lives in Illinois with her husband and three children, where she co-owns a performing arts studio and youth theatre with her business partner and best friend—her husband.

Book Review

Whether it's a full on romcom or books like this one that read a little more like women's fiction (while still delivering that romance and a HEA, of course), if Courtney Walsh writes it, it's undoubtedly going to be a must read for me. This one was absolutely no exception. Right away, I was drawn into Rosie's life... I think anyone who has ever felt like they weren't quite living up to their dreams and expectations is going to relate to this character (and if you happen to have theatre experience, even more so). As the story begins, Rosie is feeling her dreams of being a successful professional actor fading away with each letdown. And then she gets offered a job at a small regional theater... which was not quite what she expected, being at a retirement home and all... but it might be just what she needed. I loved seeing her growth throughout the story--- both in her confidence in herself and letting others in. Booker was such a great match for her and while her journey definitely took center stage (no pun intended), I just couldn't get enough of these two together. With moments that had me laughing out loud and others leaving me reaching for a tissue, this one took me on a beautiful emotional roller coaster, and I enjoyed every minute! 

Everything's Coming Up Rosie is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. 


You can purchase your copy here: https://amzn.to/4liZeMj