Book Review: Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

When her famous screenwriter boss decides to make big changes in her own life and step away from the limelight, personal assistant Georgie Mulcahy finds herself unemployed and unsure of what she wants to do next, Georgie decides to head home to the small town of Darentville, Virginia, where her parents still reside, to take some time for herself and make plans for her future . Georgie is more that a little surprised to find that she has a temporary housemate. It appears Georgie's father forgot to inform her that while they are away, they have invited Levi Fanning (who was also unaware of Georgie's plans to visit) to housesit while Levi’s house is undergoing some repair. Levi (the older brother of Georgie's teenage crush) was known as a troublemaker in his youth and is a loner, estranged from his influential family, running his own business. Needless to say, Georgie and Levi are opposites but as the story progresses we see how these two very different people bring about positive changes in each other's lives, ultimately bringing them closer together. Georgie’s best friend from school Bel also just moved back with her husband and is expecting her first child. While going through some old boxes they find their “friend-fic” diary from their high school years where Georgie had jotted down a wish list of high school adventures - some dreamy fictional stuff and some she had hoped to experience. Encouraged by Bel she decides to follow through on some of those adventures in an attempt to rediscover herself and fill in the blanks for what she wants to do with the rest of her life. Initially Bel and later Levi, help her go through her list and what follows is a beautiful journey of love, friendship and self-acceptance.

The narrative is shared from PoVs of Georgie and Levi in alternating chapters. I loved Georgie! She is so real and relatable. Quirky and sweet, she is a good friend, a loving daughter and someone who is always willing to lend a helping hand. But underneath she suffers from insecurity and confusion about what her next step should be and is more than a tad hard on herself. The author’s portrayal of Georgie and Bel’s friendship is grounded in reality. Even the most enduring of friendships go through ups and downs and moments of resentment and envy along with a deep level of understanding and love for one another. Georgie’s journey is one of self-discovery and more importantly self-acceptance, becoming comfortable with who she is and doing what makes her happy with the love and support of her family and friends. Not everyone has to have lofty ambitions to be happy and Georgie’s realization that she was happy being just the way she is and all she needed was the space to be herself is a beautiful message that this story offers. Levi is an admirable character and I liked how the author gives us insight into his character and his family dynamic without reverting to melodrama. Touching upon themes of loneliness, isolation, family, friendship, love and kindness, this is a story that will strike a chord in your heart.

With a perfect dose of humor, wisdom and insight and an endearing cast of characters, Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn is an emotional, heartwarming and feel-good read that will leave you with a smile on your face.

Many thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.