Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn

Georgie, Levi, and Hank, his large dog, connect in their Virginia hometown after her parents ask Levi to house and plant sit for them. Georgie’s job as a personal assistant in Hollywood abruptly ends when her boss Nadia decides to retreat to the desert. Georgie comes home to help her friend Bel, who has just moved from Washington, D. C. to a large house nearby with her husband Harry and needs help organizing the house before their baby arrives. Georgie finds the notebook she and Bel made in 8^th grade with their plans to take on high school and hopes it will help her reinvent herself. Bel has always been a high achiever, but Georgie has drifted along, skipping college to take the first job that interested her, then eventually becoming a successful PA. The notebook had a lot of fun plans that the teens somehow never completed, such as dancing at a local bar. Bel and Levi agree to help Georgie complete some of her teenage plans, which leads to some funny scenes. Levi’s dog Hank is also entertaining, as well as endearing.

Levi owns a small local business, but is estranged from his wealthy family, although he misses his brother Evan and sister Olivia. He was the family black sheep, and still has some issues to work through. Georgie’s parents are more easygoing free spirits, and love Georgie without giving her a lot of guidance, except after she has an argument with Levi. Of course, Levi and Georgie reconnect, leading to a charming ending. This tender romance is a compelling read, though this is definitely not a rom-com.

Readalike authors include Lucy Score, Emily Henry, Jen DeLuca, and Jennifer Crusie.

Brenda