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Four Weekends and a Funeral
A tender, laugh-out-loud debut romance about a woman who ends up in over her head after a little white lie . . .
When thirty-year-old post-double-mastectomy BRCA 1 carrier and reluctant thrill-seeker Alison Mullally arrives at her ex-boyfriend Sam’s funeral to find that no one knows he dumped her, she agrees to play the grieving girlfriend for the sake of the family and pack up Sam’s apartment with his prickly best friend, Adam Berg. After all, it’ll only take four weekends . . .
But Adam doesn’t want Alison anywhere near him. Forced to spend long hours with the grump, and his monosyllabic demeanor, Alison decides she must put her people-pleasing abilities to the test. She will make him like her. And after awkward family affairs and packing up dilemmas, the two form a tenuous friendship . . . if “friendship” means incredible chemistry and tension between them. Can Alison come clean and finally embrace the life and love she's always wanted? Or will her little white lie get in the way of her new, unexpected romance?
When thirty-year-old post-double-mastectomy BRCA 1 carrier and reluctant thrill-seeker Alison Mullally arrives at her ex-boyfriend Sam’s funeral to find that no one knows he dumped her, she agrees to play the grieving girlfriend for the sake of the family and pack up Sam’s apartment with his prickly best friend, Adam Berg. After all, it’ll only take four weekends . . .
But Adam doesn’t want Alison anywhere near him. Forced to spend long hours with the grump, and his monosyllabic demeanor, Alison decides she must put her people-pleasing abilities to the test. She will make him like her. And after awkward family affairs and packing up dilemmas, the two form a tenuous friendship . . . if “friendship” means incredible chemistry and tension between them. Can Alison come clean and finally embrace the life and love she's always wanted? Or will her little white lie get in the way of her new, unexpected romance?
368 pages, Paperback
First published August 6, 2024
859 people are currently reading
47106 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Palmer
2 books723 followersEllie Palmer is a lifelong lover of love stories, a carrier of the BRCA1 mutation, and a prototypical Midwesterner who routinely apologizes to inanimate objects when she bumps into them. When she’s not writing romantic comedies featuring delightfully messy characters, she’s at home in Minnesota, eating breakfast food, watching too much reality television, and triple texting her husband about their son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,583 reviews
January 25, 2025
emily henry style writing and a grumpy x sunshine trope of course i gave it 5 stars
August 21, 2024
4⭐
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Setting ~ Minnesota
Publication date ~ August 6, 2024
Publisher ~ G.P. Putnam's Sons
Est Page Count ~ 368 (29 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 9 hours 40 minutes
Narrator ~ Karissa Vacker
POV ~ single 1st, present tense
Featuring ~ debut, dead friend, grumpy/sunshine, slow burn, no steamage
I was drawn to reading this book due to the fact that the main character carries the BRCA 1 mutation. I, like, our main character, Alison, and the author, Ellie, am a carrier, too. (See below for some BRCA facts I've added.)
Alison (30) & Adam team up to clear out their dead friend, Sam’s, house in order to take the burden off of his parents. Speaking of his parents, they think Alison was still Sam’s girlfriend when he died, but it turns out they have been broken up for weeks. She goes along with the ruse for quite a while to spare his mother’s feelings.
Being someone who understands all that Alison feels regarding her carrying the BRCA gene I felt that was well written and relatable. Her mother's character is relatable to me too since I have a daughter that could very well be positive, too. I don't think I'll be as overboard as she was, but time will tell how I'll react. It definitely gives you a new perspective on life when you get those positive results. She's already had a double mastectomy and is contemplating the removal of her fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus. I can’t say I was fully on board with what she thought she was expected to do with her life, but to each their own. While it does a good job of bringing awareness it’s not going to be fully relatable to all readers with its heavier topic since it takes up more of the book then the actual romance portion.
I do like a good grump and Adam fits the bill in that department. He does take a little bit to warm up to, but once you do he’s like a big teddy bear that wears flannel and can’t get enough coffee. With that said, though, I didn’t fully feel their connection honestly. Maybe since it was a super slow burner.
Alison's friends were great side characters to help keep her in check, even if she didn’t want to listen to their advice. I love the trivia competitions they went to. They really take their trivia seriously and it was fun to read.
Overall, I really enjoyed the good banter in this debut. I look forward to reading more from Ellie in the future.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
*************************************************************
I always like to provide some information on this topic when the opportunity presents itself.
I had a preventative double mastectomy, an oophorectomy and had my uterus, cervix and fallopian tubes removed back in 2019 in order to reduce my cancer risks significantly (a full guarantee of never getting cancer is not possible).
BRCA1 vs BRCA2
Both mutations increase the risk of ovarian cancer, as well as pancreatic cancer. A BRCA1 mutation can also increase the risk of cervical, uterine, and colon cancer, while BRCA2 can increase the likelihood of stomach, gallbladder, and bile duct cancer, plus melanoma.
For example, about 50 out of 100 women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation will get breast cancer by the time they turn 70 years old, compared to a probability of about 12% for the general population. In the general population, about 0.2–0.3% of people, or roughly 1 in 400, have a faulty BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. However, the prevalence of BRCA gene mutations varies by ethnic group. For example, about 2% of people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent have a harmful variant in one of these genes, and among Ashkenazi Jewish women and men, about 1 in 40 have a BRCA1/2 gene mutation.
There are presently no reliable diagnostic test for ovarian cancer. The two tests available are the CA-125 blood test, which detects a marker in the blood, raised levels of which are associated with ovarian cancer; and trans-vaginal ultrasound, which uses sound waves to build up a picture of the ovaries, including any suspicious lumps ~ are not reliable, they detect only a minority of cancers.
If you remove the ovaries of a woman with a BRCA1 mutation early enough, you can almost halve the risk of her developing breast cancer.
For women with a mutation, the evidence suggests that MRI scanning combined with mammograms can be over 80% reliable. That is, it detects cancers in 80% of cases, while mammograms alone detect only 23% of tumors.
The gene was discovered around 2000.
************************************************************
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Setting ~ Minnesota
Publication date ~ August 6, 2024
Publisher ~ G.P. Putnam's Sons
Est Page Count ~ 368 (29 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 9 hours 40 minutes
Narrator ~ Karissa Vacker
POV ~ single 1st, present tense
Featuring ~ debut, dead friend, grumpy/sunshine, slow burn, no steamage
I was drawn to reading this book due to the fact that the main character carries the BRCA 1 mutation. I, like, our main character, Alison, and the author, Ellie, am a carrier, too. (See below for some BRCA facts I've added.)
Alison (30) & Adam team up to clear out their dead friend, Sam’s, house in order to take the burden off of his parents. Speaking of his parents, they think Alison was still Sam’s girlfriend when he died, but it turns out they have been broken up for weeks. She goes along with the ruse for quite a while to spare his mother’s feelings.
Being someone who understands all that Alison feels regarding her carrying the BRCA gene I felt that was well written and relatable. Her mother's character is relatable to me too since I have a daughter that could very well be positive, too. I don't think I'll be as overboard as she was, but time will tell how I'll react. It definitely gives you a new perspective on life when you get those positive results. She's already had a double mastectomy and is contemplating the removal of her fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus. I can’t say I was fully on board with what she thought she was expected to do with her life, but to each their own. While it does a good job of bringing awareness it’s not going to be fully relatable to all readers with its heavier topic since it takes up more of the book then the actual romance portion.
I do like a good grump and Adam fits the bill in that department. He does take a little bit to warm up to, but once you do he’s like a big teddy bear that wears flannel and can’t get enough coffee. With that said, though, I didn’t fully feel their connection honestly. Maybe since it was a super slow burner.
Alison's friends were great side characters to help keep her in check, even if she didn’t want to listen to their advice. I love the trivia competitions they went to. They really take their trivia seriously and it was fun to read.
Overall, I really enjoyed the good banter in this debut. I look forward to reading more from Ellie in the future.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
*************************************************************
I always like to provide some information on this topic when the opportunity presents itself.
I had a preventative double mastectomy, an oophorectomy and had my uterus, cervix and fallopian tubes removed back in 2019 in order to reduce my cancer risks significantly (a full guarantee of never getting cancer is not possible).
BRCA1 vs BRCA2
Both mutations increase the risk of ovarian cancer, as well as pancreatic cancer. A BRCA1 mutation can also increase the risk of cervical, uterine, and colon cancer, while BRCA2 can increase the likelihood of stomach, gallbladder, and bile duct cancer, plus melanoma.
For example, about 50 out of 100 women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation will get breast cancer by the time they turn 70 years old, compared to a probability of about 12% for the general population. In the general population, about 0.2–0.3% of people, or roughly 1 in 400, have a faulty BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. However, the prevalence of BRCA gene mutations varies by ethnic group. For example, about 2% of people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent have a harmful variant in one of these genes, and among Ashkenazi Jewish women and men, about 1 in 40 have a BRCA1/2 gene mutation.
There are presently no reliable diagnostic test for ovarian cancer. The two tests available are the CA-125 blood test, which detects a marker in the blood, raised levels of which are associated with ovarian cancer; and trans-vaginal ultrasound, which uses sound waves to build up a picture of the ovaries, including any suspicious lumps ~ are not reliable, they detect only a minority of cancers.
If you remove the ovaries of a woman with a BRCA1 mutation early enough, you can almost halve the risk of her developing breast cancer.
For women with a mutation, the evidence suggests that MRI scanning combined with mammograms can be over 80% reliable. That is, it detects cancers in 80% of cases, while mammograms alone detect only 23% of tumors.
The gene was discovered around 2000.
************************************************************
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
November 7, 2024
This book is a highly creative, sexy, and entertaining execution of enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and grumpy-meets-sunshine tropes. In this rom-com world, thirty-year-old Allison Mullally finds herself in one of the most awkward situations: pretending to be in a relationship with a dead guy! Sam, her adventurous and thrill-seeking ex-boyfriend, dumped her six weeks ago because of their vast differences. Throughout their short relationship, Allison pretended to be happy, prioritizing Sam's needs, even participating in extreme sports activities she despised.
Now, she's attending Sam's funeral in unstylish and uncomfortable clothes, only to discover that Sam's family believes they were still dating at the time of his death. Sam's sister requests her to continue the charade, as the family insisted on Sam settling down when he was alive. Allison reluctantly agrees, thinking she can fake-date a dead guy for the sake of his grieving family. However, her commitment takes an unexpected turn when she is forced to team up with Adam, Sam's uptight, grumpy, and frustrating best friend, to pack up Sam’s belongings in his apartment for four weekends.
Despite initial reservations, Allison finds herself drawn to Adam. Their witty banter and blooming intimacy spark a natural friendship between them. As their chemistry hits the roof, and tensions rise, they realize they need to come clean and give their relationship a chance. However, Allison must confront her own insecurities and decide if she's brave enough to risk her heart.
The book boasts amazing supporting characters, with a special emphasis on the fantastic girl power of Mara and Chelsea. Unlike some romances where secondary characters feel forced, these characters add depth and atmosphere to the story. The witty banter and palpable chemistry between Adam and Allison make for a highly entertaining read. The book expertly balances emotional chapters related to family relationships, providing different perspectives on various situations.
In conclusion, I had an amazing time reading this book and wholeheartedly recommend it to die-hard rom-com lovers.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam/ G. P. Putnam’s Sons for providing me with a digital reviewer copy of this entertaining book in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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Now, she's attending Sam's funeral in unstylish and uncomfortable clothes, only to discover that Sam's family believes they were still dating at the time of his death. Sam's sister requests her to continue the charade, as the family insisted on Sam settling down when he was alive. Allison reluctantly agrees, thinking she can fake-date a dead guy for the sake of his grieving family. However, her commitment takes an unexpected turn when she is forced to team up with Adam, Sam's uptight, grumpy, and frustrating best friend, to pack up Sam’s belongings in his apartment for four weekends.
Despite initial reservations, Allison finds herself drawn to Adam. Their witty banter and blooming intimacy spark a natural friendship between them. As their chemistry hits the roof, and tensions rise, they realize they need to come clean and give their relationship a chance. However, Allison must confront her own insecurities and decide if she's brave enough to risk her heart.
The book boasts amazing supporting characters, with a special emphasis on the fantastic girl power of Mara and Chelsea. Unlike some romances where secondary characters feel forced, these characters add depth and atmosphere to the story. The witty banter and palpable chemistry between Adam and Allison make for a highly entertaining read. The book expertly balances emotional chapters related to family relationships, providing different perspectives on various situations.
In conclusion, I had an amazing time reading this book and wholeheartedly recommend it to die-hard rom-com lovers.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam/ G. P. Putnam’s Sons for providing me with a digital reviewer copy of this entertaining book in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
July 3, 2024
...sigh
first half of this was so good and enjoyable (banter, fun writing, great character dynamics), and then the third act conflict hit and ruined everything. this book just really loses momentum once the two characters get together, and then it's like treading water until we hit the dreaded third act conflict, which really strained credulity. the problem in this case is that the characters' conflicts are so defined and obvious, like something straight out of a novel outline (Alison's conflict will be that she's Forcing Herself to Be Adventurous, and Adam's will be that he's Not Bold Enough to Progress in His Life). and you can tell that these conflicts lack complexity because they become increasingly repetitive throughout the story, with characters just saying the same things in slightly different ways. the last third of this was such a disappointment for me--it's like the book built me up in the beginning just to sorely let me down in the end 😔
a good romance needs to not just be able to build tension effectively, but also to resolve tension effectively. this novel did the first well and the second poorly, the result being a super promising and enjoyable story feeling, by its end, lackluster and disappointing.
first half of this was so good and enjoyable (banter, fun writing, great character dynamics), and then the third act conflict hit and ruined everything. this book just really loses momentum once the two characters get together, and then it's like treading water until we hit the dreaded third act conflict, which really strained credulity. the problem in this case is that the characters' conflicts are so defined and obvious, like something straight out of a novel outline (Alison's conflict will be that she's Forcing Herself to Be Adventurous, and Adam's will be that he's Not Bold Enough to Progress in His Life). and you can tell that these conflicts lack complexity because they become increasingly repetitive throughout the story, with characters just saying the same things in slightly different ways. the last third of this was such a disappointment for me--it's like the book built me up in the beginning just to sorely let me down in the end 😔
a good romance needs to not just be able to build tension effectively, but also to resolve tension effectively. this novel did the first well and the second poorly, the result being a super promising and enjoyable story feeling, by its end, lackluster and disappointing.
January 26, 2025
DNF’d @ 70%
I expected more from this book. The storyline was intriguing - Allison attends her ex Sam’s funeral, where she finds out nobody knows they broke up so she had to play the role of the grieving girlfriend. In playing this role, she volunteers to pack up his apartment with Adam, Sam’s best friend.
The dynamic between Adam and Allison is lowkey nonexistent. They have no chemistry, it just isn’t there. At this point in the book, they’ve already gotten together and it’s still up in the air about if it’s gonna lead anywhere. The issue lies in the fact that these two have ZERO chemistry. I was not rooting for them, in fact i was rooting against them.
Adam has no personality, whatsoever. It’s like the author just gave him a name and told us he’s Sam’s best friend, but we never really see anything more past that. And Allison is just overall unlikeable.
I tried to push through but found that I no longer care to see how this ends 😬
I expected more from this book. The storyline was intriguing - Allison attends her ex Sam’s funeral, where she finds out nobody knows they broke up so she had to play the role of the grieving girlfriend. In playing this role, she volunteers to pack up his apartment with Adam, Sam’s best friend.
The dynamic between Adam and Allison is lowkey nonexistent. They have no chemistry, it just isn’t there. At this point in the book, they’ve already gotten together and it’s still up in the air about if it’s gonna lead anywhere. The issue lies in the fact that these two have ZERO chemistry. I was not rooting for them, in fact i was rooting against them.
Adam has no personality, whatsoever. It’s like the author just gave him a name and told us he’s Sam’s best friend, but we never really see anything more past that. And Allison is just overall unlikeable.
I tried to push through but found that I no longer care to see how this ends 😬
July 16, 2025
nothing makes me more feral than a love interest possessively drinking out of the main character's cup to demonstrate What Is Up™ to another potential suitor
i loved this SO MUCH!!!!! the months long 5 star drought is over!!!!!
i loved this SO MUCH!!!!! the months long 5 star drought is over!!!!!
March 7, 2024
okay but how did Sam die
August 6, 2024
it’s a no for me
April 6, 2025
4.5⭐️
I need more books like this injected into my veins because this really did give me life!! Such a sucker for raw+ tender and emotional romances with elements of grief! Then the plot of this?! So juicy, I truly could not put it down for a moment! She spends four weekends packing up her ex boyfriend’s apartment who passed away with his best friend. The tension was so THICK and I was indeed unwell during so many parts!
This book also made me realize that I froth at the mouth over the “are you jealous” micro trope
AHHHHH so so so good!!
Can’t wait for Ellie’s next release!
I need more books like this injected into my veins because this really did give me life!! Such a sucker for raw+ tender and emotional romances with elements of grief! Then the plot of this?! So juicy, I truly could not put it down for a moment! She spends four weekends packing up her ex boyfriend’s apartment who passed away with his best friend. The tension was so THICK and I was indeed unwell during so many parts!
This book also made me realize that I froth at the mouth over the “are you jealous” micro trope
AHHHHH so so so good!!
Can’t wait for Ellie’s next release!
August 10, 2024
PERFECTION. NO NOTES. INFINITY STARS. PLEASE READ THIS.
August 7, 2024
A solid audiobook listen while I took my neighborhood walks. Loved the first half but the second half lost the pacing for me. I don’t think there was enough meat for me in the plot to really feel all the feelings.
August 15, 2024
Wow. I ADORED this.
"Thirty-year-old post-double-mastectomy BRCA 1 carrier and reluctant thrill-seeker Alison Mullally arrives at her ex-boyfriend Sam’s funeral to find that no one knows he dumped her, she agrees to play the grieving girlfriend for the sake of the family and pack up Sam’s apartment with his prickly best friend, Adam Berg. After all, it’ll only take four weekends . . .
But Adam doesn’t want Alison anywhere near him. Forced to spend long hours with the grump, and his monosyllabic demeanor, Alison decides she must put her people-pleasing abilities to the test. She will make him like her. And after awkward family affairs and packing up dilemmas, the two form a tenuous friendship . . . if “friendship” means incredible chemistry and tension between them. Can Alison come clean and finally embrace the life and love she's always wanted? Or will her little white lie get in the way of her new, unexpected romance?"
I love this story concept (what a great first line!) and it is so well done -- writing that you immediately get lost in, witty banter, and THE swooniest romance. Like, truly, Adam Berg is the STANDARD. I was kicking my feel and giggling like a SCHOOLGIRL.
But seriously, I think this is a masterclass story with rich characters and a relatability that elicits a tenderness that I won't soon forget. Beautiful representation and thoughtful in its consideration of who we allow ourselves to be, survivor guilt, and honoring memories after loss. It's effortlessly funny and the romance is natural and genuine. I can't wait to re-read this and recommend it to everyone I know.
Read for:
-MAJOR JACK CALLAGHAN FURNITURE MAKER LEANING ENERGY!!!
-a young Harrison Ford LI
-expressions of love through Girl Scout Cookies
-cutthroat bar trivia
-chaotic elementary school concerts
-nicknames you and your friends have for strangers
-sexy magic of Henleys
-"I would never object to being Laura Dern."
-conversations about survivor guilt
-justice for early Christmas music listeners
-ruthless world of overnight parking
-discussion of Hallmark movie plots
-"They can't force me to sit in front of Panda Express while Bruno Mars happens to me."
-A MAN WHO PAYS ATTENTION
-Sexual tension while faucet-fixing
-millennial personal pan pizza energy
-men who build forts for children & leave sandwiches to come check on you
-"Why can't I look at your lips?" !!!
-Forearms, of course
-intimate late night phone calls
-important conversations with family
-"You Billy Crystaled me."
-"I imagine your every detail. Constantly."
-A hand in the pocket spin! (very TALBILB energy!)
-"I knew from the moment I saw you."
-accepting that you're not an adrenaline junkie/hardcore hiker and THAT'S OKAY
-visibility for middle school girls who wrote sad poetry in gel pen
-a cat named Colonel Corduroy
-deserving your life and not needing to prove why
Thank you to G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. FOUR WEEKENDS AND A FUNERAL is out 8/6/24.
"Thirty-year-old post-double-mastectomy BRCA 1 carrier and reluctant thrill-seeker Alison Mullally arrives at her ex-boyfriend Sam’s funeral to find that no one knows he dumped her, she agrees to play the grieving girlfriend for the sake of the family and pack up Sam’s apartment with his prickly best friend, Adam Berg. After all, it’ll only take four weekends . . .
But Adam doesn’t want Alison anywhere near him. Forced to spend long hours with the grump, and his monosyllabic demeanor, Alison decides she must put her people-pleasing abilities to the test. She will make him like her. And after awkward family affairs and packing up dilemmas, the two form a tenuous friendship . . . if “friendship” means incredible chemistry and tension between them. Can Alison come clean and finally embrace the life and love she's always wanted? Or will her little white lie get in the way of her new, unexpected romance?"
I love this story concept (what a great first line!) and it is so well done -- writing that you immediately get lost in, witty banter, and THE swooniest romance. Like, truly, Adam Berg is the STANDARD. I was kicking my feel and giggling like a SCHOOLGIRL.
But seriously, I think this is a masterclass story with rich characters and a relatability that elicits a tenderness that I won't soon forget. Beautiful representation and thoughtful in its consideration of who we allow ourselves to be, survivor guilt, and honoring memories after loss. It's effortlessly funny and the romance is natural and genuine. I can't wait to re-read this and recommend it to everyone I know.
Read for:
-MAJOR JACK CALLAGHAN FURNITURE MAKER LEANING ENERGY!!!
-a young Harrison Ford LI
-expressions of love through Girl Scout Cookies
-cutthroat bar trivia
-chaotic elementary school concerts
-nicknames you and your friends have for strangers
-sexy magic of Henleys
-"I would never object to being Laura Dern."
-conversations about survivor guilt
-justice for early Christmas music listeners
-ruthless world of overnight parking
-discussion of Hallmark movie plots
-"They can't force me to sit in front of Panda Express while Bruno Mars happens to me."
-A MAN WHO PAYS ATTENTION
-Sexual tension while faucet-fixing
-millennial personal pan pizza energy
-men who build forts for children & leave sandwiches to come check on you
-"Why can't I look at your lips?" !!!
-Forearms, of course
-intimate late night phone calls
-important conversations with family
-"You Billy Crystaled me."
-"I imagine your every detail. Constantly."
-A hand in the pocket spin! (very TALBILB energy!)
-"I knew from the moment I saw you."
-accepting that you're not an adrenaline junkie/hardcore hiker and THAT'S OKAY
-visibility for middle school girls who wrote sad poetry in gel pen
-a cat named Colonel Corduroy
-deserving your life and not needing to prove why
Thank you to G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. FOUR WEEKENDS AND A FUNERAL is out 8/6/24.
October 19, 2023
Four Weekends and a Funeral has got to be one of my favorite romances I’ve read in 2023. Palmer’s characters are so charming, their chemistry is undeniable, and her writing is electric.
Adam reminded me of Nick from New Girl at first, in the best ways possible oh my gosh. He comes off as a bit of a brute, but I think it adds to his charm as the story develops. The fact that he warms up to Alison makes their budding romance feel even more special. Their banter is down right hilarious, there are some laugh out loud moments and it all felt so natural. The chemistry and sexual tension had me in a CHOKEHOLD. THE SCARF SCENE is so Pride and Prejudice hand flex coded… those little moments legit had me blushing
I loved Alison as a main character. The lesson of accepting oneself through her might have felt cliche at times, but she’s so endearing that you can’t help but understand where her self deprivation is coming from. I cheered her on throughout the book and was so happy about the main message Palmer is sending to people about embracing who you really are. Heck yes!! Not only is this a heartfelt romantic comedy but it had a lot of important sentiments about grief and survivors guilt (specifically, breast cancer). I thought through all the silly moments, the serious ones were also handled with lot of tender love and care. Alison’s relationship with her mom and sister and how they discussed the BRCA1 gene mutation (a pre disposition for breast cancer that is inherited) was an important discussion that didn’t feel forced or out of place in this romance. I was rooting for Alison SO. HARD. and the fact that Adam was too made me love the two of them together so much.
All the side characters are so lovable. Mara and Chelsea are fantastic best friends and I loved their dynamic. The female friendships showcased warmed my heart, especially because they all embraced each other’s distinct personalities and empowered one another. There wasn’t any unnecessary drama between the three of them and they made me LAUGH. I loved their friend group!
The ending was literally perfect. I had butterflies throughout the last 5 or 10% - I was absolutely EATING it up. Ellie Palmer is an author I’m definitely going to be looking out for from now on. I feel like I could go on and on about how much I enjoyed this book.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Putnam for the arc in exchange for my honest review!! PLEASE GO READ THIS BOOK - it comes out 8/6/24, and it is THE PERFECT ROM COM. I couldn’t have asked for anything better!!
—-
RTC but this book is so fucking good I want to punch a wall oh my god
Adam reminded me of Nick from New Girl at first, in the best ways possible oh my gosh. He comes off as a bit of a brute, but I think it adds to his charm as the story develops. The fact that he warms up to Alison makes their budding romance feel even more special. Their banter is down right hilarious, there are some laugh out loud moments and it all felt so natural. The chemistry and sexual tension had me in a CHOKEHOLD. THE SCARF SCENE is so Pride and Prejudice hand flex coded… those little moments legit had me blushing
I loved Alison as a main character. The lesson of accepting oneself through her might have felt cliche at times, but she’s so endearing that you can’t help but understand where her self deprivation is coming from. I cheered her on throughout the book and was so happy about the main message Palmer is sending to people about embracing who you really are. Heck yes!! Not only is this a heartfelt romantic comedy but it had a lot of important sentiments about grief and survivors guilt (specifically, breast cancer). I thought through all the silly moments, the serious ones were also handled with lot of tender love and care. Alison’s relationship with her mom and sister and how they discussed the BRCA1 gene mutation (a pre disposition for breast cancer that is inherited) was an important discussion that didn’t feel forced or out of place in this romance. I was rooting for Alison SO. HARD. and the fact that Adam was too made me love the two of them together so much.
All the side characters are so lovable. Mara and Chelsea are fantastic best friends and I loved their dynamic. The female friendships showcased warmed my heart, especially because they all embraced each other’s distinct personalities and empowered one another. There wasn’t any unnecessary drama between the three of them and they made me LAUGH. I loved their friend group!
The ending was literally perfect. I had butterflies throughout the last 5 or 10% - I was absolutely EATING it up. Ellie Palmer is an author I’m definitely going to be looking out for from now on. I feel like I could go on and on about how much I enjoyed this book.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Putnam for the arc in exchange for my honest review!! PLEASE GO READ THIS BOOK - it comes out 8/6/24, and it is THE PERFECT ROM COM. I couldn’t have asked for anything better!!
—-
RTC but this book is so fucking good I want to punch a wall oh my god
December 7, 2024
This is such a true 2.5-star read. If I were to tally up the things I liked and disliked and weighted each item I'm pretty sure it would be an even list.
The overall premise is DELICIOUS. So strange and a little dark and somehow still silly and fun. Alison had a fairly casual summer fling with Sam, but he dumped her by labor day. They were just starting to be friends a couple of months later when he unexpectedly died. At his funeral, she discovers that he didn't exactly tell his friends and family they broke up, and that he also led his family, who were anxious to see him settled down, to believe they were much more serious than they had been. She finds herself playing the part of grieving, bereaved partner, and to try and lighten his parent's load, she also agrees to help Sam's best friend, Adam, clear out and fix up his apartment to sell. So begins an unbelievably odd, guilty, weirdly sexy forced proximity scenario. This is the stuff romcom dreams are made of. I saw someone say that the scarf scene is so Darcy hand-flex coded and they're right and it's scrumptious.
Adam is great. Alison is great. The banter and tension are great. The relationship progression is great. The side characters are great. The whole book is almost really great.
Alison's medical struggles are... kind of a lot, to be honest. Informing readers about the BRCA 1 gene seems to be almost the point of the story, with a romcom going on unrelatedly in the background. It's kind of Alison's defining feature. It's at odds tonally with the plot and would've been better suited to contemporary fiction or women's fiction rather than a romcom in my opinion. It's also a personal pet peeve of mine when a writer allows something they're personally struggling with to overtake their story - while writers (and readers!) do and should use fiction as a way to work through their personal experiences, there is a point at which it is obvious that whatever the character is going through is just a mirrored version of the author's own struggles and it takes me out of the story. Write a memoir instead.
I couldn't really connect with how survivor's guilt played out for Alison. She basically feels that since she "escaped" cancer by having a preventative mastectomy (obviously flawed but that's not the problem), she owes it to the universe to be spontaneous and adventurous. She reads a lot of (pathetic) Eat, Pray, Love-esque self help books about empowered women self-actualizing in nature and decides that only people who hike deserve to live? And I'm not paraphrasing or exaggerating, she like... says that to a therapist. And it's not an epiphany about her backwards thinking, she says it like it's a truth self-evident that everyone obviously agrees with. So even though she hates the outdoors, she spends most of the book forcing herself to be miserable every second of her free time in order to "earn" her life, at the expense of her relationships (no one else enjoys hiking, she keeps hanging out with this creepy dude who wants to bang her and plans a 2 week backpacking trip with him. It's weird and gross).
And I can accept parts of this, to a degree. Undergoing a near-death experience and major life changes and turning to adventurous hobbies to cope and try to live life to the fullest kind of works. The extent to which she explicitly believes it's the only way she can possibly deserve life doesn't. That's fucking weird. It's also so fundamentally... selfish? Like if you feel guilty that you get to live while so many others don't, wouldn't you devote your attention to helping others? Rather than... hiking? A random activity that you hate with every fiber of your being? Make it make sense.
Overall, I wanted to enjoy this more than I did. I want to be able to recommend it. I think some people will absolutely love this. I just wasn't one of them, unfortunately.
The overall premise is DELICIOUS. So strange and a little dark and somehow still silly and fun. Alison had a fairly casual summer fling with Sam, but he dumped her by labor day. They were just starting to be friends a couple of months later when he unexpectedly died. At his funeral, she discovers that he didn't exactly tell his friends and family they broke up, and that he also led his family, who were anxious to see him settled down, to believe they were much more serious than they had been. She finds herself playing the part of grieving, bereaved partner, and to try and lighten his parent's load, she also agrees to help Sam's best friend, Adam, clear out and fix up his apartment to sell. So begins an unbelievably odd, guilty, weirdly sexy forced proximity scenario. This is the stuff romcom dreams are made of. I saw someone say that the scarf scene is so Darcy hand-flex coded and they're right and it's scrumptious.
Adam is great. Alison is great. The banter and tension are great. The relationship progression is great. The side characters are great. The whole book is almost really great.
Alison's medical struggles are... kind of a lot, to be honest. Informing readers about the BRCA 1 gene seems to be almost the point of the story, with a romcom going on unrelatedly in the background. It's kind of Alison's defining feature. It's at odds tonally with the plot and would've been better suited to contemporary fiction or women's fiction rather than a romcom in my opinion. It's also a personal pet peeve of mine when a writer allows something they're personally struggling with to overtake their story - while writers (and readers!) do and should use fiction as a way to work through their personal experiences, there is a point at which it is obvious that whatever the character is going through is just a mirrored version of the author's own struggles and it takes me out of the story. Write a memoir instead.
I couldn't really connect with how survivor's guilt played out for Alison. She basically feels that since she "escaped" cancer by having a preventative mastectomy (obviously flawed but that's not the problem), she owes it to the universe to be spontaneous and adventurous. She reads a lot of (pathetic) Eat, Pray, Love-esque self help books about empowered women self-actualizing in nature and decides that only people who hike deserve to live? And I'm not paraphrasing or exaggerating, she like... says that to a therapist. And it's not an epiphany about her backwards thinking, she says it like it's a truth self-evident that everyone obviously agrees with. So even though she hates the outdoors, she spends most of the book forcing herself to be miserable every second of her free time in order to "earn" her life, at the expense of her relationships (no one else enjoys hiking, she keeps hanging out with this creepy dude who wants to bang her and plans a 2 week backpacking trip with him. It's weird and gross).
And I can accept parts of this, to a degree. Undergoing a near-death experience and major life changes and turning to adventurous hobbies to cope and try to live life to the fullest kind of works. The extent to which she explicitly believes it's the only way she can possibly deserve life doesn't. That's fucking weird. It's also so fundamentally... selfish? Like if you feel guilty that you get to live while so many others don't, wouldn't you devote your attention to helping others? Rather than... hiking? A random activity that you hate with every fiber of your being? Make it make sense.
Overall, I wanted to enjoy this more than I did. I want to be able to recommend it. I think some people will absolutely love this. I just wasn't one of them, unfortunately.
dnf
July 16, 2024This is a bit of a challenging review to write because there were some aspects of this book that I really liked and others that I struggled with. I really liked the premise of the book overall, but unfortunately did choose not to finish it. While I absolutely appreciate the incorporation of Alison's experience with having a double-mastectomy BRCA1 and subsequent cancer screenings after, it added a layer of heaviness to the story that I was not expecting. I knew this was a component when I picked this up, but I didn't anticipate how much it would play a part in the story. As someone dealing with their own health issues, I was hoping that this experience of hers might add a layer of comfort and representation to the novel, but ultimately, I found that I just didn't have the capacity for it. Although this was an aspect of the book that I struggled with and what led me to not finish the book, I absolutely believe that this story line would be a strength for some readers. I imagine that Alison's experience with being a BRCA1 carrier would likely provide a level of complexity that some readers would enjoy and maybe even feel seen reading.
This is definitely a book that I could see myself coming back to but, for now--this isn't the right time for this one.
Thank you so much to the publisher and to NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This is definitely a book that I could see myself coming back to but, for now--this isn't the right time for this one.
Thank you so much to the publisher and to NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2024
This was an unexpected smash hit for me, I loved it! Ok maybe not totally unexpected, @allysbookshoparoundthecorner recommended it to me and her taste is 🤌🏻💋 This was heartfelt, adorable and with authentic characters and so much heart. Karissa Vacker remains one of my faves she’s incredible!
August 11, 2024
A closed-door romance with one-dimensional characters, it had just enough angst to keep things interesting, but when it came to the ending, it felt like the story hit the fast-forward button.
April 15, 2025
update: read this again in like 24 hours. such a solid romance
isn't that the dream? A man who is handy?
isn't that the dream? A man who is handy?
January 6, 2025
** One of my Top 20 of 2024 Picks on www.JeevesReads.com! **
The BEST kind of surprise, this grabbed my attention from the first few pages and never let go. I'm truly impressed by how deftly this debut author navigated a storyline that contains such heavy elements, while also infusing it with so much humor, sexual tension, and SWOONS. The forbidden aspect dialed the tension up another notch - these two had palpable chemistry. It's technically closed door, but you can feel the heat. And even though we didn't get the hero's perspective, it was easy to see that he was GONE for his girl. I loved the little breadcrumbs that showed the deeper connection, all while enjoying that instant friction. Peeling back the layers of this stubborn grump was so much fun, and he really is the perfect match for our strong and resilient heroine. She's gone through a lot in her life and is still grappling with some of the changes, so watching the hero be quietly supportive and loving was immensely satisfying. The story touches on too many heavy topics to be a good fit for every reader, but it handles those topics very well. I loved it!
Please note that breast cancer is central to the story, so be kind to yourself if that's a trigger for you. The story follows Alison, a woman who briefly dated a wild, adventurous man shortly before he passed away. Alison recently underwent preventative cancer treatment, and that's made her feel like she needs to do more with her life - even if being adventurous is the last thing this homebody wants to do. While attending her ex's funeral, Alison discovers that he never told his family that they broke up. They all believe she's his grieving girlfriend, and Alison doesn't have the heart to correct them. In fact, she soon finds herself volunteering to help clean out her ex's place, and that's how Alison ends up spending four weekends with her ex's best friend. Adam is even grumpier and more set in his ways in person (they'd only met via group chat in the past), but there's something about him that is oddly appealing. As the two box up their mutual friend's belongings, they discover a connection that neither anticipated.
I really wasn't sure what to expect from this debut, but I loved the freshness of the blurb. Complex love stories can be some of the most impactful, and that was definitely the case here. Both characters are grieving a loss in different ways, which influences their every interaction. Adam believes that he’s falling for his best friend’s girl, and that causes some angst and friction. I also loved the representation of a heroine who has undergone a double mastectomy and is still grappling with her BRCA mutation diagnosis. It’s not something I’ve ever seen represented in a romance book before, and it adds a richness to the story. Adam is such a big, grumbly man, but he is nothing but kind and supportive when it counts. You could feel his love throughout. I also loved that the story is genuinely funny at times. Maybe not a true rom com, but the lightness provides such a great contrast to the heavier elements. It’s pretty stellar for a debut, and I’m excited to see what’s next from the author.
The BEST kind of surprise, this grabbed my attention from the first few pages and never let go. I'm truly impressed by how deftly this debut author navigated a storyline that contains such heavy elements, while also infusing it with so much humor, sexual tension, and SWOONS. The forbidden aspect dialed the tension up another notch - these two had palpable chemistry. It's technically closed door, but you can feel the heat. And even though we didn't get the hero's perspective, it was easy to see that he was GONE for his girl. I loved the little breadcrumbs that showed the deeper connection, all while enjoying that instant friction. Peeling back the layers of this stubborn grump was so much fun, and he really is the perfect match for our strong and resilient heroine. She's gone through a lot in her life and is still grappling with some of the changes, so watching the hero be quietly supportive and loving was immensely satisfying. The story touches on too many heavy topics to be a good fit for every reader, but it handles those topics very well. I loved it!
Please note that breast cancer is central to the story, so be kind to yourself if that's a trigger for you. The story follows Alison, a woman who briefly dated a wild, adventurous man shortly before he passed away. Alison recently underwent preventative cancer treatment, and that's made her feel like she needs to do more with her life - even if being adventurous is the last thing this homebody wants to do. While attending her ex's funeral, Alison discovers that he never told his family that they broke up. They all believe she's his grieving girlfriend, and Alison doesn't have the heart to correct them. In fact, she soon finds herself volunteering to help clean out her ex's place, and that's how Alison ends up spending four weekends with her ex's best friend. Adam is even grumpier and more set in his ways in person (they'd only met via group chat in the past), but there's something about him that is oddly appealing. As the two box up their mutual friend's belongings, they discover a connection that neither anticipated.
I really wasn't sure what to expect from this debut, but I loved the freshness of the blurb. Complex love stories can be some of the most impactful, and that was definitely the case here. Both characters are grieving a loss in different ways, which influences their every interaction. Adam believes that he’s falling for his best friend’s girl, and that causes some angst and friction. I also loved the representation of a heroine who has undergone a double mastectomy and is still grappling with her BRCA mutation diagnosis. It’s not something I’ve ever seen represented in a romance book before, and it adds a richness to the story. Adam is such a big, grumbly man, but he is nothing but kind and supportive when it counts. You could feel his love throughout. I also loved that the story is genuinely funny at times. Maybe not a true rom com, but the lightness provides such a great contrast to the heavier elements. It’s pretty stellar for a debut, and I’m excited to see what’s next from the author.
July 22, 2024
4.5⭐️
Lots of laughing, a little crying, a ton of killer banter, and the right amount of palpable chemistry!
Ellie Palmer knocked it out of the park for her debut novel! 👏🏻
If you love your romcoms with a side of trauma and self discovery (al la Abby Jimenez) you will love Four Weekends and a Funeral!
I might have stayed up till 1:30 in the morning devouring this book and I am not mad about it - it was well worth the sleepless night!
What I loved...
- top tier banter and palpable chemistry
- laugh out loud funny, Allison is hilarious
- all-star supporting cast (I need a Chelsea and Patrick book asap)
- characters that feel real
- non-romantic plot and self-discovery was A++ and almost stole the show in the second half of the book.
- BRCA representation and meaningful exploration of the topic
- grumpy, rugged, family oriented MC
What I didn't love...
- 3rd act breakup (although its a needed one)
- Timeline felt a little rushed, I would have liked if they held off on the bonking a little longer and spent more of the book getting to know each other. It went from lust to dropping the L-bomb way too fast
Thank you NetGalley and Putnam Books for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
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p.s.
Not until the 15% mark did I realize the title of this is four WEEKENDS and a funeral and not four WEDDINGS and a funeral. I was wondering when they were gonna go to weddings together… 😂😂😂
Lots of laughing, a little crying, a ton of killer banter, and the right amount of palpable chemistry!
Ellie Palmer knocked it out of the park for her debut novel! 👏🏻
If you love your romcoms with a side of trauma and self discovery (al la Abby Jimenez) you will love Four Weekends and a Funeral!
I might have stayed up till 1:30 in the morning devouring this book and I am not mad about it - it was well worth the sleepless night!
What I loved...
- top tier banter and palpable chemistry
- laugh out loud funny, Allison is hilarious
- all-star supporting cast (I need a Chelsea and Patrick book asap)
- characters that feel real
- non-romantic plot and self-discovery was A++ and almost stole the show in the second half of the book.
- BRCA representation and meaningful exploration of the topic
- grumpy, rugged, family oriented MC
What I didn't love...
- 3rd act breakup (although its a needed one)
- Timeline felt a little rushed, I would have liked if they held off on the bonking a little longer and spent more of the book getting to know each other. It went from lust to dropping the L-bomb way too fast
Thank you NetGalley and Putnam Books for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
follow me on TikTok
p.s.
Not until the 15% mark did I realize the title of this is four WEEKENDS and a funeral and not four WEDDINGS and a funeral. I was wondering when they were gonna go to weddings together… 😂😂😂
November 9, 2024
This book was a delight to read, it was full of killer banter, lots of laughs & chemistry. The narration was FANTASTIC! The story follows Alison, a woman who briefly dated a wild, adventurous man (Sam) shortly before he passed away. Alison recently underwent preventative cancer treatment, and that's made her feel like she needs to do more with her life - even if being adventurous is the last thing she wants to do. While attending her ex's funeral, Alison discovers that he never told his family that they broke up. They all believe she's his grieving girlfriend, and Alison doesn't have the heart to correct them. In fact, she soon finds herself volunteering to help clean out her ex's place, and that's how Alison ends up spending four weekends with her ex's best friend. Adam is even grumpier and more set in his ways in person but there's something about him that is appealing.to Allison. As the two box up their mutual friend's belongings, they discover a connection that neither anticipated.
What I wasn’t a fan of. 3rd act breakup Went from lust to dropping the L-bomb WAY too fast
What I wasn’t a fan of. 3rd act breakup Went from lust to dropping the L-bomb WAY too fast
August 7, 2024
this was sososo perfect. easily my favorite romance i’ve read this year and i really had some big contenders. it was so heartwarming in its exploration of self love and acceptance, and i seriously adored everybody. this had the best side characters i’ve read in a very long time.
and ofc adam. adam adam adam. the absolute MAN you are. the sweetest most wonderful book boyfie. wym he’s gonna stop in the middle of a fight to ask you if your shoes are ok bc the ground is icy and you could fall and then proceed to help you walk down the stairs before continuing to argue??? whew. i’m sat.
and ofc adam. adam adam adam. the absolute MAN you are. the sweetest most wonderful book boyfie. wym he’s gonna stop in the middle of a fight to ask you if your shoes are ok bc the ground is icy and you could fall and then proceed to help you walk down the stairs before continuing to argue??? whew. i’m sat.
October 7, 2024
I’m free at last! This and a novel love story nearly put me in a reading slump with how boring they were. 🙄😩
August 10, 2024
This is me on my virtual knees begging you to read this delightful and heartwarming debut romance. I loved it!!
A favorite of my many kindle highlights:
“You don’t need to prove you deserve your life to me or anyone. You deserve it, because everyone does. When they die or get sick or have to get a mastectomy, it’s not because they deserve it. It’s not fair, and it’s random. There’s nothing we can do other than live how we want to live.”
I don’t realize I’m crying until I rub my eyes with my hand, and they come away wet. “I hate hiking,” I blurt. “I want to like it, but there are so many bugs.” My voice is so pathetically weepy, my mom can’t help but laugh at me.
A favorite of my many kindle highlights:
“You don’t need to prove you deserve your life to me or anyone. You deserve it, because everyone does. When they die or get sick or have to get a mastectomy, it’s not because they deserve it. It’s not fair, and it’s random. There’s nothing we can do other than live how we want to live.”
I don’t realize I’m crying until I rub my eyes with my hand, and they come away wet. “I hate hiking,” I blurt. “I want to like it, but there are so many bugs.” My voice is so pathetically weepy, my mom can’t help but laugh at me.
October 8, 2024
cheer to the Minnesota girlies who probably also felt super randomly represented in this book as well as the casual mention of the impact the Pizza Hut book-it system had on us as kids. as someone who has also cried on the floor of the LL Bean in the mall of America, I related strongly. however I do wish I could also have my entire life be fixed after deciding to finally go back to therapy
December 17, 2024
I really enjoyed this one. I loved the characters and the plot. It was pretty predictable what was going to happen or how the characters would be intertwined but I still enjoyed it nonetheless.
I am not a huge romance reader but this book had me smiling and cheering on the main characters. It was a beautiful love story with plenty of lessons about losing someone close, friendship , and love.
I am not a huge romance reader but this book had me smiling and cheering on the main characters. It was a beautiful love story with plenty of lessons about losing someone close, friendship , and love.
September 7, 2024
I recently finished Four Weekends and a Funeral, and I cannot stop thinking about the story and the characters, Allison and Adam. This debut novel by Ellie Palmer is outstanding! I appreciate Ellie's vulnerability and sharing her personal experience as a post-double-mastectomy BRCA 1 carrier through Allison's story. The whole premise was so unique and handled with so much care. I also didn't know this book was based in the Twin Cities and Duluth (both places I have lived). I love my home state, so I'm grateful to have another book take place here. This book will be one of my favorite books of 2024. I can already tell!
Please read this book if you like:
-Books set in Minnesota
-Grumpy/sunshine
-Forced proximity
-Trivia nights
-Overcoming health scares/breast cancer awareness
-Deep conversation & emotions
-Rom-coms with many laugh-out-loud moments!
Please read this book if you like:
-Books set in Minnesota
-Grumpy/sunshine
-Forced proximity
-Trivia nights
-Overcoming health scares/breast cancer awareness
-Deep conversation & emotions
-Rom-coms with many laugh-out-loud moments!
July 8, 2024
DNFd at 20%. Flat one dimensional characters. I couldn’t find myself being interested in or caring at all what was happening to them or where the story was going. It’s not engaging the reader at all and reads like someone talking at you instead of to you. Too much telling you the story and not enough showing you.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my review.
December 31, 2024
the whole premise of the fmc’s ex’s family not knowing they broke up WAY before he died is unbelievable, especially if someone is close to their family, but i did appreciate the breast cancer conversation/awareness as a daughter of a breast cancer survivor
June 12, 2025
I really enjoyed listening to this this book. it resonated with me because I had a double mastectomy like the main character. Like her I didn’t realize until many years later that I was allowed to and encouraged to mourn the loss of my breasts. they are a big part of a woman’s sexuality.
the rest of the story was a romance and it was well written and the audio was entertaining and easy to follow the characters
anyone who likes romances would like it
the rest of the story was a romance and it was well written and the audio was entertaining and easy to follow the characters
anyone who likes romances would like it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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