Hi y’all!

Happy Summer! I hope you are enjoying slower days and warmer weather. I’m more of a fall gal myself, but it’s nice to have a more relaxed schedule through the first days of summer.

I am so excited to share my ARC review of Everything’s Coming Up Rosie by Courtney Walsh! I have never met a Courtney Walsh book I didn’t love and this is such a lovely addition to her books! I loved the characters. The surprising and quirky setting. The fun theater lingo as Rosie directs Cinderella. And the beautiful ending. This book will make you believe in love, dreaming big, and second chances.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the author/publisher via Netgalley.
All opinions are my own.
This book releases TODAY June 10th, 2025!

Book Summary: “Sometimes what you think you want and what you actually want turn out to be different things . . . Rosie Waterman has one 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?”

At the heart of this story are relationships. Courtney does such a beautiful job creating relatable and engaging characters. I love seeing how these characters start as strangers and quickly become as close as family. Rosie has had a hard few years and doesn’t feel connected to those she loves most. She feels like she’s failed in her career and isn’t achieving her dreams. And then she comes to Wisconsin. I loved the ways she connects with her 3 besties (such a fantastic friend group!!), the residents and staff especially with Daisy, Dylan, Arthur and Bertie. Daisy is sunshine personified. I loved how quickly she accepts Rosie and supports her. Dylan is a harder person to connect with. I loved sees her let down her walls and let Rosie and others in. I loved the way Arthur pushes Rosie to be better and dream better. And I loved Bertie’s no nonsense approach to life. I loved the banter and the snark and the love. Of course, seeing Rosie fall in love with Booker was so sweet.

I loved getting to know Rosie and Booker as they fall in love. Their Friday questions were so fun as they get to know each other and let each other in. They both had hard experiences in their pasts. But seeing them work through those tough emotions attached to sorrow, grief, and pain was beautiful. They both realize they can chase their dreams and find true happiness. They just fit together so well! I loved how Booker loves Rosie as she is — quirky, silly, scared, talented, and passionate. Their love story was so beautiful to experience.

The ending was such a beautiful conclusion to a fantastic story. This story had so much to love. I laughed out loud. My jaw dropped. I couldn’t see how the show could go on. I was sure I had figured out what Rosie would do, and then I was surprised again and again by what she actually does. While there are many twists and turns along the way, I loved where the characters ended up. I loved the hopeful, beautiful way the story ended. I finished this story feeling inspired to chase my dreams and embracing the moment.

A wonderful novel that showcases the power of connection and the capacity within us all to change and dream big. Highly recommend!

What are your favorite contemporary novels?
Any Courtney Walsh fans? Which are your favorite Courtney novels?