Four Weekends and a Funeral by Ellie Palmer
on August 6, 2024
Genres: Fiction / Holidays, Fiction / Romance / Contemporary, Fiction / Romance / Romantic Comedy
Pages: 368
Format: Audiobook, Hardcover
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Ellie Palmer’s debut, Four Weekends and a Funeral, is a tender and witty romance that manages to be both heartfelt and laugh-out-loud funny.
Premise and Setup
The story follows Alison Mullally, a thirty-year-old BRCA 1 carrier and double mastectomy survivor, who finds herself in a truly awkward situation: at her ex-boyfriend Sam’s funeral, she realizes no one knows they had broken up. To spare his grieving family, Alison plays along as the devastated girlfriend. That decision ropes her into helping Sam’s best friend, Adam Berg, clean out Sam’s apartment so it can be sold. What’s supposed to take four weekends turns into a complicated mix of grief, lies, and unexpected sparks.
Characters and Dynamics
Alison is such a relatable heroine—funny, self-aware, and often caught between wanting to please others and being true to herself. Her chemistry with Adam is undeniable, though their interactions start with sharp edges. The animosity between them paired with the forced proximity setup creates delicious tension that gradually melts into something deeper. Watching them move from reluctant partners to something more had me hooked.
Themes and Tone
At its heart, this is a lighthearted romance, but Palmer doesn’t shy away from the heavier layers of grief, identity, and guilt. Both Alison and Adam carry their own burdens, and the process of cleaning out Sam’s apartment forces them to confront what they’ve been avoiding. Still, the novel leans into humor and charm, making it an easy, engaging read.
My Thoughts
I don’t know why I waited so long to pick this one up—I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The setup had me curious, but it was Alison and Adam’s interactions that kept me flipping the pages. The animosity, the banter, and the gradual softening between them were so much fun to watch unfold. This is very much a light, quick read that balances heart and humor beautifully.
Final Verdict
If you’re in the mood for a fun, lighthearted romance with just enough emotional depth to give the love story weight, Four Weekends and a Funeral is a perfect pick. Ellie Palmer delivers a charming debut full of awkward situations, forced proximity, and unexpected connection.
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