Begin Again is the kind of book that feels like a warm hug. Emma Lord has such a gift for writing characters who are messy, funny, and completely lovable. Andie’s journey of figuring out who she is outside of other people’s expectations really hit home for me.

The college setting felt so real and brought back all those feelings of starting over and trying to find your place. The friendships were just as important as the romance, which I really appreciated. And speaking of romance, Andie and Milo had such a sweet, slow build that felt natural and worth rooting for.

What stood out most was the way the story balances humor and heart. It’s light when it needs to be but still digs into deeper emotions in an authentic way. This book is perfect if you’re looking for something hopeful, funny, and full of charm. I finished it with a big smile and that lovely feeling that everything might just work out after all.

This is a cute story about a college student who transfers to the college where she really wants to be. There’s some really convenient coincidences but overall, this is a heartwarming book with a liar liar pants on fire villain.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the friendships forged. I loved that Andie, the MC, puts her foot down and says “no, I’m staying here - this is my dream” (not literally). The traditions of family, and following in your parents footsteps for a deeper reason, the college traditions, and the fun of it all. There was so much to adore about this book.

But what I can’t look past, as a higher education professional. The thing that really irks me more than just about anything in fiction, whether it be novel, movie, tv show, whatever - is the violation of FERPA. Admissions and application documents become part of the student record once a student enrolls in a college. There is a blatant violation of FERPA law in this book that drives me bonkers and lowered my rating. I know it’s a fictional story and it’s not real. But it’s a personal pet peeve. Otherwise - I very much enjoyed this book.

Emma Lord beautifully captures how it feels to be a young adult entering a new phase of life in this coming of age novel. It was so cute but also deals with more serious themes of loss, complex family relationships, defining your identity and first love. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Andie’s confidence and self-awareness grow throughout the book! Definitely recommend for a sweet, YA coming of age story,

I did not finish this novel. I made it about halfway through before it was added to my DNF list and it is very rare that I do this. I read a lot of mystery and thrillers and was very excited to get back into the romance trope. I solely picked this book because the title reminded me of one of my favorite songs from Taylor Swift and sadly, the book landed flat. I do not believe that Emma Lord is a bad writer but this book was not the one for me. It took awhile to get to the halfway point of the book and I kept getting bored all over again. I even spoke to some of my friends since its release and the story is just very basic and flat to the readers. I am going to give Emma another try with a different book of hers but this one was not meant for people who love to read and enjoy comprehension and a good storyline.

I loved this college YA style romance. It was a fun and quick read. Wholesome. Book focused a lot of friendship, family and grief. There were so many side characters that I also really enjoyed. There is romance, but its clear this book offers more than just that.

Nothing less than I would’ve expected from Emma! Truly a marvel. I laughed, I cried, I took breaks to have Taylor swift dance parties. (You know, the normal Emma Lord reading experience.) Gave me a small pang of missing college but an appreciation for the friend group I still bave! I love Milo and I am too similar to Andie to have an objective opinion.

4 stars!
Fun campus romcom read.

Relatable characters with emotional depth. Andie’s journey of self-discovery feels authentic, and the found-family dynamics make for a heartwarming read. The side characters, particularly her new friends at Blue Ridge, add so much charm to the story.

The only reason this isn’t a full five stars for me is that the pacing felt a bit uneven at times—certain conflicts resolved a little too quickly, and I wanted more depth in some relationships. Still, Begin Again is a delightful coming-of-age novel about growth, love, and learning that it’s okay to rewrite your own story. Fans of Emma Lord’s previous books (or anyone who loves sweet, uplifting YA contemporary novels) will definitely enjoy this one!

Begin Again by Emma Lord is a story about a girl that goes off to college and thinks her boyfriend will be there with her. But he isn't. She does end up learning more about her parents and herself though. This was a cute story, but not really one that I'll remember. Thanks to NetGalley for the free digital review copy. All opinions are my own.

I wanted to take some time to really mull over this book. This story has a little bit of everything. the main character Andie is in college. She goes through a lot, just like any of us. The way this book handles grief really struck me. We all handle grief differently and I really like how Andie used that grief to find herself and her calling. This is not my first Emma Lord book and it certainly will not be my last. Emma Lord's writing just keeps getting better and better with each new novel!

*Thanks to Netgalley for a chance to read and review this title. My opinions are my own*

Emma Lord has been an auto-read author for me for a few years now, and Begin Again did not disappoint. I loved the found family aspect of the friends Andie made once she got to Blue Ridge State, and I loved seeing the relationship with her Dad develop. Relationships are front and center in this story, and as always, Emma Lord wrote characters that were so charming and lovable. Watching Andie start to prioritize herself and her well-being was great, but I do think it went on a little too long, hence the 4 star review instead of 5 stars. Overall, a very sweet read with great characters that you come to love,

Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the digital ARC.

I really enjoyed this one! I don't think Emma Lord knows how to write a bad book. I did find out the boyfriend twist early on, though which does not impact my rating, as I'm not the target audience. I really loved Milo, he felt like Jess from Gilmore Girls, a bit. I do think at times, Andie came across immature, and I'm not sure if it was due to the traumas of her life, or just the character, which was a bit difficult at times.

Begin Again by Emma Lord is an absolute delight, filled with heartwarming moments and relatable characters. Andie’s journey of self-discovery at Blue Ridge State is both inspiring and entertaining, with plenty of laughs along the way. The friendships she forms and the challenges she overcomes make this book a truly engaging read. If you’re looking for a feel-good story about new beginnings and finding your voice, this book is a must-read! 📚💖

I'm officially obsessed with everything Emma Lord writes. Not only does she make me crave ridiculous food combinations (I've never tried cookie dough cream cheese but now I want to!) but she creates this contemporary worlds I want to sink into. Can I go back to college and attend Blue Ridge state? I'm having nostalgia for a place I've never been. Her characters are always perfectly crafted and the romance swoon-worthy and sweet. I can't wait to read so much more from Emma.

This book was just fine for me. I have enjoy another book by the author so I was excited and maybe expecting a little more. I just was never able to get fully invested in the relationship or the story. It was just okay for me, I might recommend if you like others from Emma Lord.

Thank you NetGalley for the review copy of Begin Again by Emma Lord.

Emma Lord has been a go-to author for me for sweet YA romances since I read Tweet Cute. She knows how to write young people falling in love without focusing too heavily on the angst and instead on the complexities of emotions. I loved the characters created in Andi and Milo. I loved watching Andi discover herself outside her relationship.

The ending was a bit rushed for me, but I really enjoyed my time with this book. I would recommend this book to anyone who would vibe with updated versions of 90s teen rom-coms I grew up loving.

3.5 Stars

Everything Emma Lord writes is amazing and yet again I loved this book and the characters and I can’t wait for more of her work!

Emma lord is one of my favorite YA authors. so I was super excited when I got an advanced copy of begin again. It was so cute and I enjoyed every minute of reading this.
Andie rose went through so much growth and that’s something I really like in ya books. When the characters are better people at the end. Her 2 grandmas were my characters. They should have been in the book more. They loved Ryan Reynolds’s and watched the proposal a lot, which I do too.

I didn't enjoy this at first. I found Andie annoying. Connor is a twat. He'd do really well on a modern dating app.

This is my first Emma Lord book, and I am very excited to read more! I love a good YA romance,and this was no exception! This is about a girl who transfers schools to be with her boyfriend - just for him to transfer out. This throws her into a journey of self discovery with new friends, and maybe a new romance as well! This made me miss college so much - which I was not expecting!

I was given an advanced reader's copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own