Penelope in Retrograde

A Novel

De: Brooke Abrams

Narrado por: Eva Kaminsky

Duración: 7 h y 46 m

Resumen del Editor

In this witty and heartfelt debut from author Brooke Abrams, a romance writer with a passion for astrology reluctantly travels home for Thanksgiving to make amends with her estranged family…and possibly manifest her own happily ever after.

Romance writer Penelope Banks can write the perfect love story, but when it comes to family, all she’s got is a rough draft. Penny shelved the idea of fitting in with her high-achieving family years ago, but when her new business venture—a romance bookstore—is at risk of closing before its doors have opened, she’s forced to ask for help from the one place she never expected. Home.

Penny’s prepared for the usual Thanksgiving lineup: her perfect sister, meddling nana, matchmaking mother, and workaholic father. The guest she didn’t anticipate? Her ex-husband, Smith. After an awkward rideshare with Smith leaves Penny questioning why the romance in her life exists only in her novels, Penny adds some fiction to reality and turns her father’s colleague into the perfect fake boyfriend.

With only four days to mend damaged relationships, and her bookstore’s future at stake, all the stars must align for Penny to finally write a happily ever after for herself and her family.

©2023 Brooke Abrams (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Rounded out by a quirky cast…the book will leave readers with a real sense of the family dynamics at play here. Abrams' writing shows a lot of promise.”—Booklist (starred review)

“An ex-husband, a fake boyfriend, and a snarky, weed-growing grandma are just a few of the guests at the Banks’s family Thanksgiving that make Brooke Abrams’s debut unputdownable. Penelope in Retrograde will make you laugh a lot, cry a little, and want to call your dysfunctional family to tell them you’ll be home for the next holiday. Spice Girl’s Honor.”—Ali Brady, author of The Beach Trap

“Penelope in Retrograde sucked me in from the very first page! Abrams’s voice is a standout—she had me laughing on one page and tearing up on the next. With sparkling wit and characters I want to be best friends with, Abrams has crafted a story that cuts right to the heart of what it means to be a family, and she does it beautifully. This book is perfect for anyone who has ever struggled to find their place. Abrams has penned a brilliant debut, and I can’t wait to see what she does next!”—Falon Ballard, author of Just My Type

Entitled

Had enough of two people who both want everything their way, entitled brats. Not rom/com at all.

Not so much...

...at first. I had a hard time with the first 2-3 chapters but the book picked up from there for me. Its set in one of my favorite places to vacation so there is a little added attraction. If it weren't for a few of the better characters and the wonderful narrator I probably wouldn't have finished. Too much poor little rich girl/family problems.

The performance was excellent

Great story great performance! definitely a five-star. An all around good fun listen.

And I need one more word...

Witty, Heartbreaking and Heartwarming!!

This book was so good!!!!
I laughed, huffed, cried and swooned. And it left me feeling warm all over.

Penelope is such a relatable character. There were times I felt outraged for her with her family and ex-husband. But Penelope and her family learn, they all have to adjust their judgment and Penelope has to learn to let them in.

This was such a satisfying read. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys RomComs, Contemporary Romance, Family Dynamics and Romance old and new!! The writing is terrific, the characters so vivid and interesting, and the plot flowed smoothly and was never dull.

The narrator did a wonderful job of capturing the characters!!

Enjoyed it very much!

Very fun and funny. I totally related to the characters. It was quite an entertaining book which I highly recommend.

I loved this book!

The performance was wonderful and the story was so well written. I laughed in parts, cried in parts and totally enjoyed the entire book!

SO SO SO GOOD

I did not want to stop listening! This story is written beautifully, and I immediately had to order a copy for my permanent library.

MFC is a little immature

Overall I liked this story a lot. It's a square peg in a round hole family dynamic, but even at 30+ Penelope still is immature and a bit selfish until the very end with a family medical emergency. I ended up fast forwarding through some of the angsty scenes, but I liked the ending of a mature woman taking what she wants.

4 stars

Penelope in Retrograde by Brooke Abrams has so many moments that made me laugh out, which I was not expecting! I almost started crying as well, which is a rare occurrence. I did deduct a star as it's a romance with not one romantic scene (even though Penny brags about writing amazing scenes in her books multiple times). Also, I didn't like how self-centered and selfish both sisters are (Phoebe more than Penny, imo) at their age.

Eva Kaminsky gives strong Amy McFadden vibes, which I enjoyed.

Such a pleasant surprise

I thoroughly enjoyed this and listened to it way too fast. Yes, it’s a rom com but of the most delightful sort. I can’t remember what prompted me to get this book but I’m so glad I did.