Penelope in Retrograde

A Novel

By: Brooke Abrams

Narrated by: Eva Kaminsky

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.

Critic reviews

“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

So much fun!

This was such a fun and brilliant book. I will be recommending this to everyone!!

Great story and characters

Fun story with great characters. Kept me engaged and went by fast. I was actually sad for it to end

Loved it!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story is fun and the dialogue engaging. I laughed out loud numerous times. My eyes may have teared up just a little during some of the more tender family times. I highly recommend it!

The bond between family

How long it took the main character to be more self aware of her actions

Emotional Cavalcade!!

This book has got ALL the feels. I laughed out loud, I cried, I got frustrated with different characters...other than fear, I think I experienced every emotion. I wasn't sure I was going to like this book because of the frustration. I won't go into details because I don't want to give anything away. The magical thing this author has done is craft a story that just about anyone can relate to, in such a way that it feels real and raw. I also didn't see the ending coming, which was a delightful surprise. I highly recommend this book and I look forward to more from this author.

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...

What An Awesome Read!

I usually pay attention to where I am in the book I’m reading (listening to). This one caught me by surprise and I was very disappointed that the book was over!!!!

Retrograde cute

May have spoilers***

Enjoyable story and characters the main character Penelope was slightly annoying with overly indecisiveness and jokes.
Her family issues were overwhelming and I wanted to scream just speak up.. but that’s the purpose of her character I suppose. I felt emotional connection while reading/listening and that surprised me.
I enjoyed the story there were just some overdone parts that were too much or repetitive that caused me to feel like fillers or annoyed at book.