I found this book left you wondering what has happened to AnnieLee throughout, with the suspense growing more intense the more you read, but I was was a bit disappointed with the ending, I expected more.
Saying that, I enjoyed the story and the intrigue throughout, just wanted a bigger ending

An interesting story about a girl who became a country and western singer but with a troubled last. A good read but I felt the ending was rushed and could have been expanded much more.

An entertaining read from a fabulous writing collaboration. The story followers a single-minded and talented young woman who is fleeing from her past. Will she achieve her potential and overcome the past she is trying to escape? The songs are a great addition too!
Thanks to NetGalley, the authors and publisher for this review copy.

An escapist read taking you into the life of country music. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book.

Don't think I have read a James Patterson book before, it was Dolly who was the draw for requesting this on NetGalley. The story overall was something and nothing. I liked the idea however it was a lot to cover in the story arc and not quite enough depth to the characters. I just did not connect with the book at all.

Thank you to Netgalley & publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a review.

I did really enioy this book but its not the book I thought I would be getting. Other reviews have said its 95% about AnnieLee rising to fame and 5% thriller and I agree with that.

An enjoyable book. The first half was very slow and had it not been for the teaser at the beginning I might have given up. Despite a somewhat unbelievable plot the characters were well written. Country music fans will love it.
This is an honest review of a complementary ARC.

Dolly Parton is well known for her storytelling through country music. The music icon has also been a huge advocate in encouraging children to read through her Imagination Library. So I was keen to read her debut novel, Run Rose Run.
AnnieLee has a big heart, big voice and big dreams. At 23 she has a troubled past that she’s left behind in search of a life as a country singer like her idol Ruthanna Ryder. But her past still haunts her. Will it hunt her down and catch up with her?
I liked the characterisation of Ruthanna, she’s feisty, strong and glamourous. She has a kind heart and a ton of experience in the music industry. Mentoring AnnieLee gives her a new sense of purpose.
I enjoyed reading about AnnieLees early performances. The quiet honky-tonk back street bars, just AnnieLee and a guitar, sat on stage telling a story through her songs. The lyrics are heart felt and meaningful.
Although this is a fiction story, I couldn’t help but wonder how much of Dolly’s own life is interwoven within AnnieLees story. For me, it felt like there was a lot more of Dolly’s voice coming through in this story than there was of James Patterson’s thriller writing.
If you’re a Dolly Parton fan and love country music, then I think you’ll enjoy this book. The story does delve behind the scenes of the country music industry. Sharing a glimpse into the challenges and pitfalls of starting out in this tough industry.

A good story from two icons. The writing really works and you hear each voice. A good engaging read. Emotional in parts.

If you ever wondered what a book written by Dolly Parton would be like then I’m sure you would have imagined this. Run Rose Run is a story about a young female C&W singer just starting out and imagining what it would be like to be a star. Rose has had a sad and cruel early life that is only hinted at but when she meets a retired but very successful country star she is taken under her wing. As Rose’s career blossoms her past is still chasing her and threatens to ruin her big break.
The story is littered with the lyrics of songs which will be released on album by Dolly to coincide with the book release. Although I found the story fairly predictable it was still a very enjoyable read.

I’m a fan of both Dolly Parton and James Patterson so I was looking forward to reading this book written by both. Sadly, I was disappointed.
It was, as I expected, about the Country Music scene and the rise to fame of a troubled young girl with an amazing talent. Did it sound like it could be Dolly’s story…..yes…..although I don’t know her story but there were certainly similarities to the young girl portrayed in the book and Dolly Parton………yes, she’s small, strong, feisty, attractive, determined, writes her own music, plays guitar, has an amazing voice………..ring any bells?. Whether the rest is fiction or not I don’t know.

I didn’t dislike the book, it kept me interested till the end. I’m not sure what part James Patterson played, maybe Dolly came up with the book idea and he wrote it but it didn’t seem up to his usual high standard of writing.. I will stick to books written by James Patterson on his own in future. I see that he has linked up with other celebrities to write books. In any case, I have given two stars for an ok story.

My thanks to the authors and to NetGalley for an advanced e.reader copy. This review is an honest reflection of the book from my perspective.

Well I don’t know where to start, this is a book that I’ve been so excited by, cried when it landed and devoured page after page.

I was unsure what to expect when I started this one, Patterson is an amazing author who has so many books I have loved. Dolly, is an absolute queen who I adore.

Run Rose Run is a book that has completely exceeded my expectations. I knew I was going to love it, but I have been AMAZED by this one. It has been a rollercoaster read which has been a joy. I’m gutted I cannot experience this for the first time again.

This is exciting and enthralling. You cannot tell that there are two authors because it’s flows perfectly well. The characters are mixed in this one, some you love and others you have mixed opinions of.

This is perfectly paced and leaves you intrigued and wanting more. This is unpredictable and has left me with “oh my gosh” moments on many occasions as I’ve read this one.

Dolly shines through in this one, the descriptions of Nashville, the talk of the music industry and pint sized Annie Lee. There is nothing to dislike about this book. I could ramble about all the wonderful things about this book all day- instead I’m going to say that this is a MUST FOR THE TBR!! Whether a Dolly fan or not, this is a fantastic book and one that is bound to be a bestseller.

Fabulous debut from this duo, both giants in their individual fields. Snappy prose, super tight plot, incredibly likable characters. And a week on from reading…those lyrics are still in my head. Deservedly a bestseller

I'm not surprised that this book has such a highly rated average as James Patterson is such a beloved author, and obviously Dolly Parton has her millions of fans too! Just down to plain fandom, and author biased I think this book will sell and be reviewed well.

However, I didn't overly enjoy this book.
I felt that it was just too long!
I disliked a lot of the characters, and it all just felt too 'dreamlike' and unrealistic - I struggled to relate.

Not for me!

Thank you to Penguin Books and Netgalley for my cooy of the book. The story is based on Rose, otherwise known as Annie Lee, and her journey to success in Nashville.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book with characters that made me care what happened to them. I rooted for Annie Lee all the way whilst learning her story and reasons for running. I thought it was great escapism into the world of Country music which I had not known much about.

Dolly's knowledges suines through and with added realism and tension from James co-writing.

All in all this was a story that flew along at pace and reminded me of the TV programme Nashville which I loved! The song lyrics at the end is a bonus and it's a nice touch to have Dolly's music to listen to alongside it.

I’m a huge Dolly lover so when I saw she had written a book with James Patterson, I was keen to give it a go. I really enjoyed the story of a girl trying to make it big in Nashville, with the help of a familiar sounding megastar. The characters were likeable and I was keen to find out what AnnieLee’s dark secret was, however I felt like the buildup to the reveal was more ‘thrilling’ than the revelation itself. Overall though, it was a good read and I’d recommend. Also love the extra Dolly touch of the accompanying album, it was great to listen to the songs that the characters in the book were writing and performing.

With the James Patterson co-writing projects, it is always hard for me to tell, what comes from whom in the cooperation.

In this case it is easy to tell: the songs are all Dolly, she even made them into a new album:-), the story is James. The songs are great, even in the book. The story is great too, but may be somewhat less so.

It is about Rose, a young girl, running from family problems to a new, better life. She tries her luck at singing for the public to make money and catch her break, she is fierce but good-hearted. Meeting all the kind people in Nashville - and some less kind from her past. Country music is not all glamorous and definitely not all people can make it to the top, the book emphasizes the team effort and the sponsorship it takes to get there. In the meantime, the book also tries to tackle some of the most brutal family issues: death, loss of a child, depression, family violence, selling and enslaving of young women - it felt too many topics for one book, too superfluous.

In a way the book felt too long, but also too short: the first part of the story about building her career is pretty detailed, could have been shorter. On the other hand, the climax of the story felt too short, too neatly tied up, too easily accomplished.

This is a good book. However, a better balance, less topics tackled, could have resulted in an even better book.

I was surprised at the collaboration between these two people but I love Dolly and James Patterson has produced some outstanding books so I gave it a whirl. More Dolly than James, I really enjoyed the storyline, I was transported to the country capital of the world, Nashville, and the characters were realistic and relatable. Look forward to reading Dolly’s next book.

Firstly I will start by pointing out that my sole reason for reading this book is my love of Dolly Parton. So I read all of AnnieLee’s narrative in Dolly’s voice. When I picked this up I obviously wasn’t expecting prize winning literature. I was expecting a thriller with a country music background….but it’s more a country music book with a minimal thriller background. It’s not ground breaking, there are no massive shocks or surprises, it’s an easy read, it takes you to Nashville and the back woods of Arkansas as AnnieLee tries to find her way as a country singer & escape her past with the help of a country music superstar and a handsome veteran.

Rose is on the run. She's always wanted to be a star so she's going to Nashville to claim her destiny. There's a darkness following her, ready to pounce and destroy what she wants to become....

I absolutely adored this book! Ms. Parton is a treasure and this book feels so authentic. You feel like you are getting an insight into what it must have been like for her to try and break into the country music industry. Although a work of fiction, Dolly's personality and sassiness comes across completely in this book and I know that Run, Rose, Run is going to be a massive hit with her fans! The combination of James Patterson and Dolly Parton is just perfection!

It's an emotional and gripping story and you will instantly fall in love with the characters (I visualised Dolly as both Ruthanna and Rose when I was reading this book). The dynamics between the characters was on point and I don't think you can help but feel protective of Rose when you get to see the darkness of her past and what it did to her (no spoilers.) Each of the characters are memorable and the story has stayed with me long after I finished reading the book which is always a sign to me of a great book.

The pace of the story is just perfect (Patterson's forte!) and there is plenty of excitement and tension throughout for the reader. I could not contain my excitement when I found out that Dolly has written a brand new album to accompany the book and I highly recommend you listening to the album when reading this glorious tear-inducing and heartwarming story.

Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for the arc. Run, Rose, Run is a 5 star read for me all day long! Terrific collaboration and a beautiful story. (Side note- I need to go visit Nashville!)