Begin Again follows Andie Rose, an intrepid college student who is thrilled to finally be at her mom’s alma mater. To her dismay, her boyfriend has transferred schools and the stats class she needs for her major is super difficult. With the help of her roommate, her tutor, and her RA, can Andie get her plan back on track? Or will she choose to create a different plan- maybe even a better one? 

I devoured Begin Again! Andie Rose is a charming character with lots of empathy and determination. She is always focused on helping as many people as she can. I think Andie is someone who many readers will relate to, as she has grown up finding immense satisfaction in helping others but then also must learn to choose to make herself a priority. The writing is friendly, filled with humor, and feels as relaxing as rewatching an old episode of Gilmore Girls. Andie has to balance the memory of her mom and familiar friends with the new adventure of being at Blue Ridge State and meeting people she couldn’t have predicted. I especially loved the found family and beautiful friendships between Andie, Milo, Shay and Val.

I love Emma Lord’s writing; it is fun and lighthearted but then manages to sneak in a deeper meaning along the way. As a former barista, I loved how Milo created a blend called Eternal Darkness and then Andie accidentally decaffeinated the campus! Begin Again is filled with tons of fun, joyful moments along with reflections on grief and loss. Andie has to come to terms with her memories of her mom, grief about the time stolen from them, and how she will choose what is best for her future without her mom there to help.  

Begin Again is the perfect book for readers who enjoy sunshine/grump pairings, slow burn romance, and fans of Gilmore Girls (season three). Thank you to Emma Lord, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.