New Adult

Emma Lord has found the sweet spot! She captures the time in life when a person is on the cusp of becoming - becoming an adult, forging their own path, entering into relationships, and figuring themselves out.

Andie Rose lost her mother at a young age. Her dream has been to go to the college her mom did and follow in her footsteps. She didn't get in on her first try, but was allowed to transfer at the semester break. Her boyfriend Connor did get in on his first try and she is going to surprise him with her transfer.

The surprise is on her, when Connor transferred back home. She puts tremendous pressure on herself to earn ribbons from events the school holds. She wants to earn enough for herself and Connor. These ribbons earn entry into the choice of a secret society and she cannot find out which one her mother belonged to, until she enters one herself. These ribbon events are only offered the 2nd semester of freshman year.

Nothing at school is what she expected, but she quickly becomes friendly with her roommate Shay and their RA Milo. Shay and Milo work on a pirate radio program that was actually begun by Andie's mother back in the day. Andie ends up helping them with the program, doing her work study with Milo's family, going to these ribbon events, all while struggling to study and maintain a long distance relationship. After her mother died, she and her father drifted apart. While she is very close to her grandmothers, she doesn't feel like she can really talk to them about what is going on at college. Inevitably, she and Milo are drawn closer together.

Milo, Andie, Shay and other main characters tackle their issues and find manageable solutions with the help of each other and by having meaningful conversations. Did everything get tied up in a pretty bow - yes, but that doesn't mean this wasn't a lovely story worth reading.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC of this novel.

This book was absolutely adorable! I usually don't pick up romcoms because I tend to think they all blend together, this one was the exception! We follow our main character, Andie, who just transfered to her dream college and is ready to tackle the infamous ribbons competition, just like her mom before. But everything goes off plan as soon as she arrives and she has to come up with a new plan for her semester.
There is found family, friends to lover, queer romance, dysfunctional families, and all of these tropes are done so well!
I loved how the book was not focused on the romance part and more on the self development of Andie. It was funny and just a fun and quick read!
I would definetly recommend to anyone that loves college setting and a group of friend that would do anything for eachothers.
Thanks again to NetGalley and the publishers for this e-ARC!

I was a little nervous going into Begin Again by Emma Lord just because I haven’t had much luck with YA novels lately. I should have known better though because Emma Lord has always delivered wonderful reads for me and Begin Again was no exception.

First of all, it’s set on a college campus, which has become one of my favorite YA settings. I don’t know if it’s the nostalgia factor since I loved college so much or if it’s just that there aren’t that many YA books set on college campuses, but whatever the reason, the college setting put a smile on my face from the first page. Second, I also liked that the protagonist was coming in off cycle as a second semester Freshman transfer student, also something I don’t often see in YA novels and a scenario that presents its own unique set of challenges for the protagonist.

Speaking of the protagonist, I found Andie to be a likeable character with a very relatable journey. She has finally arrived at the college of her dreams, after failing to get in the first time she applied, and immediately goes searching for her boyfriend who also goes there. She’s hoping to surprise him because she didn’t tell him she had applied as a transfer student. Andie’s the one who ends up surprised though because guess what? Her boyfriend wanted to surprise her too and has transferred to the community college Andie had been attending.

The rest of the story focuses on Andie figuring out who she is and what her place is without having her identity and all of her choices intertwined with her boyfriend’s. I loved this journey for her and that she met so many wonderful friends along the way. Her new roommate, Shay; her R.A and maybe crush, Milo; and her stats tutor, Valeria; become the found family Andie didn’t even know she needed and they help her navigate so many of the challenges she faces as a new college student. I loved how they supported her and also got her out there having fun and truly embracing the college experience.

In addition to the coming of age/finding your path aspect of the story, there’s also a very moving subplot involving Andie’s connection to the college through her parents who both went there. Andie’s mom died several years ago and she’s still processing that grief, as well as dealing with an estranged father who basically ran away after Andie’s mom died, leaving her to live with her grandmothers. Attending this college allows Andie the opportunity to form an even deeper connection with her parents as she joins a secret society her mom and dad founded back when they were students. It also opens the door to help heal the rift between Andie and her dad and there are some very moving scenes between those two that choked me up a bit.

With its college setting, found family, empowering coming of age journey for the protagonist, and a slow burn super cute friends to lovers romance, Begin Again has all of the ingredients for a delightful read that will leave you with a smile on your face.

Begin Again is a cute YA novel following Andie’s journey of first time college life, friendships, & self discovery. There are lots of little side stories and adventures of every day college life. I was hooked in the beginning when Andie’s dorm roommate is a bookstagrammer. It was such a cute minor detail to the story that I really appreciated. As the story went one, more than once I had the feeling of why am I reading this. What I thought was the plot to the story ended up feeling like a side story. I think this book is great for anyone who has recently moved off to college for the first time. There were a lot of great morals and lessons to the book, but it wasn’t anything I needed to learn or take away. I feel like I would have loved this book if I were 19 again or closer to that age.

Thank you NetGallery & St. Martin Press for this ARC.

This book was really cute! To avoid spoiling anything, I’ll just say that I absolutely loved watching not only the main relationship develop, but also the friends’ relationship!
This book juggled both Andie’s lasting grief and her feelings of worth with her developing romance and friendships! I think anyone who has lost a piece of their heart can find themselves in Andie’s journey.
I also really wish that my college had the bizarre and fun traditions of Blue Ridge State!

Emma Lord has a skill for writing YA that will draw in all ages. This book is full of friendships, crushes, and laughs, but also tackles self-discovery and dealing with the loss of a parent. I found myself picturing my own college campus throughout reading this book, so it was a nice little trip down memory lane. My only minor frustration was with Andie believing she always knew what was best for everyone and could solve every problem before even beginning her psychology classes. I never felt like she was really humbled in this story. Milo was likeable all along, and I’m glad we also got to see into his life and struggles to understand him better. I don’t read YA very often, but Emma Lord is always an exception. This book is a cute read with mostly loveable characters, though also tackles some difficult subjects.

2.5 stars // This was a cute little romance set on a university campus. Girl goes to school because of her mom’s legacy on campus and doesn’t feel like she’s living up to it. Her boyfriend that she’s known since childhood is at a different school and feeling rocky. Falls for her goofy RA and everything is happily ever after (as always!).

Not my favorite but not bad either.

I feel so blessed to have gotten another of Lords Arcs. These books never fail to leave me feeling warm on the inside. If you love radio/podcasts in books this one is for you!! The friendships and family dynamics are always amazing.

5/5 ⭐
0/5 🌶️

Emma Lord never ceases to amaze me with her stories. Begin Again was a beautiful coming of age, young adult romance that had me laughing, crying and cheering Andie, Milo, Shay and Val on from beginning to end.

Andie is a planner and has had her dreams laid out since she was a kid. One hiccup won't stop her as evidenced by finally joining her boyfriend at Blue Ridge College as the only mid-year transfer student. However when she arrives she discovers that Connor transferred back to their local community college as they both tried to surprise one another. From there she has to brave this new world alone while trying to carve her own path from her mom's shadow. But what she finds is a set of forever friends and her way back to her dad.

I really loved this cast of characters. They were so easy to love and I couldn't help but get invested in their individual stories. Watching Milo and Andie fall for each other after a mutual friend-zoning was so cute and fun, the angst was perfect for a ya novel. I really loved watching Andie and her dad rediscover their relationship too, it had me in tears watching them open up and reminisce about her mom. There's a little twist in this one that I had an inkling of, but it still hit me hard when Andie discovered it.... But the way her friends rallied for her was so awesome.

I can't wait to see what Emma brings to us next.

Emma Lord writes the cutest YA romances and this one is no exception.
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Andie is heading off to the same college her parents attended. She has set high expectations and is feeling the pressure she’s placed on herself. Andie is a “fixer” and tries to help everyone around her all while trying to resolve her own past hurts. This coming of age book has it all; boyfriend drama, family drama, and friend drama. I personally would have preferred a bit more romance. 🥰
Although a sweet read, this book still covers heavy topics.

Thank you to netgalley and Wednesday books for the opportunity to read this book.

Thank you NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the ARC!

I adored this one. All of Emma Lord’s books are adorable but this is by far my favorite so far.

Andie was relatable, trying to do everything for everyone else instead of herself. Her new friends, Shay and Valeria were some of my favorite characters, and of course lovable, grumpy RA Milo and his coffee addiction spoke to my soul.

This story made me laugh and cry, and I haven’t gotten that from a YA book in a while. Highly recommend!

Begin Again is a story about Andie, a college freshman, attempting to meet the expectations she's. set for herself by following in her mother's footsteps while desperately needing to find out more about who she is on her own. Her journey of making friends at a new school while trying to accomplish her goals is so heartfelt and full of fun. It really did take me back to being in college and felt so authentic to how friendships can be formed there. I loved this cast of characters so much! This was a great read and I highly recommend it!

I absolutely Love Emma lord. This novel is no exception. I was so happy to receive this ARC🎉. It is just as good as her other books.

This book really pulls on your heartstrings. I couldn't help but feel for Andie who is following in her mothers foot steps. Or trying to. I was rooting for her to succeeded. She may have a few setbacks but can she accomplish all she needs to?

It's a lot to juggle, academia ribbons and friends. Not to mention her stint on the podcast. How can she do it all?

I really enjoyed seeing how Andie will bounce back from the set backs she encounters. I enjoyed going with her on her adventures and meeting new friends. Where will her relationship with Connor take her?

You must read this book if you want a feel good story! Thank you to netgalley and St martins press for this ARc

Okay, yes, it’s absolutely a Just Kiss Already! romance. Haha. I was waiting for it for what felt like ages– in a good way. I loved the close knit group of friends that forms around Andie and the way they need each other and see through each other’s masks. Also, I liked the relationship between Andie and her dad and how that unfolded. I probably cried more in those scenes than anywhere else.

There was a good balance between Andie’s past, her connections at home, and the things going on with her in the present as she formed new connections at college. Some of the big scenes didn’t surprise me at all, but I never picked up this book expecting big surprises, so I was totally okay with that.

I really liked the way the romance unfolded and the tension between Andie and Milo. I loved the bagel shop, Milo’s family, the chicken coops and outdoor tours and all of those background things that added so much to the story.

All in all, BEGIN AGAIN was a super fun read. I enjoyed the romance and the fresh, fun college campus radio show setting.

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This review will post to my blog on 1/25/23.

Just when I needed a reminder why I love YA, this book came along! It was my first Emma Lord and it won't be my last. It was super refreshing that the characters were in college, not high school. Begin Again is as much a romance as it is a found family, and I LOVE a good found family story. I saw a lot of my college friend group in Andie's which made it all the more nostalgic to read. Andie and Milo were so cute as they grew together and found themselves at college.

If you need a feel good, YA verging on NA rom-com, please pick this up! Thank you NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the opportunity to read this early.

This is my first Emma Lord book and I have no shame in saying this is the *perfect* YA read. I had started her last release, You Have a Match, but it was a little too close to home and I needed to put it down. I’m so glad I didn’t let that deter me from requesting this book!

This is a clean college romance with found family, healing, and friendship. The level of pining, insecurity, and ambition made me recall just how fragile those first few moments of the adult experience are; but also how sweet and tender they can be. Emma Lord did a masterful job of describing the freshman experience, taking us on that rollercoaster of a journey with some very loveable and relatable characters.

Summary:
Andie Rose has finally made it to Blue Ridge State as a freshman transfer student from her local community college. This has been The Plan, despite not being admitted the first time around. Once she arrives, she meets a colorful cast of students that quickly worm their way into her heart - and faces some painful truths from her past.

A huge Thank You to The author, The publisher and NetGalley for providing the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This is the cutest romance EVER!
I fell in love from the very first page!

Begin Again is a moving coming of age story about a college age girl who is grappling with finding her own voice and identity in life, as she tries to walk in the footsteps of her late mother, always seeming to help others with their problems, always giving them sage advice, but somehow unable to help herself. The story captures her angst as she tries to let go of her past while trying to be her own person as well as learning to not only forgive others, but to forgive herself.

Andie Rose has worked very hard to transfer to Blue Ridge State College. Her boyfriend since she was a child goes there, but more important than that, her late mother graduated from there and certainly left her mark. But when she arrives, she discovers her boyfriend no longer there having transferred back to a college back home. With no friends, and the inability to do any type of math, she is at first frazzled. She also feels a sense of anxiety always trying to be the best at everything, feeling that is what her mother would expect. But even with her mother’s absence her life has been filled with love. She lives with both her grandmothers and her father is there for her as much as he can be, which sometimes Andie feels is not quite enough.

As she settles in meeting her new roommate, Shay and her RA, Milo she begins to feel as if she has found a home. And as always, she tries to fix everybody. But being the best at everything can be exhausting and add to that the pressure of work, sliding grades, an unhappy relationship, perhaps a crush and trying to be as good as her mother was, well, she finds herself in what seems like an unfixable situation.

Sometimes it really does take a village, but in order for that kind of help, you must accept what is given. In Andie’s case and with the assistance of her family and friends and a whole lot of love, she finds herself realizing its ok to let go of the past and begin again.

A heartwarming, funny, uplifting story of loss, love and finding one’s way through life’s most difficult struggles.

Thank you #NetGalley #WednesdayBooks #EmmaLord #BeginAgain for the advanced copy.

As an avid Emma Lord fan and current community college student majoring in Psychology, this book was an instant favorite from the first page. This book gives all the warm fuzzy slow-burn feelings, and wraps you up in a big hug. I felt myself rooting for all of the characters throughout the book (aside from one nasty boy who will not be named) and leaves you wanting more from them after the final page. There were so many unique and fun ideas, such as the ribbon scavenger hunt and outside work-study programs, that made me want to participate in them too!

I was able to see a lot of myself in Andie, and I appreciate the fact that her personality and quirks were celebrated, rather than other characters trying to change who she is. Our "fix-it" people need more positive recognition in books, and I think it's important that Andie was able to go through so much self-growth but didn't change who she is.

One of the only criticisms I have for this book is the faux cuss words. For me, it's hard to get behind food as swear words, as I find it more annoying than endearing. That being said, it is really the only issue I was able to find in this book, and it's more personal preference than an actual issue.

I am so ready to transfer to Blue Ridge State and get myself to Bagelopolis, because I need to drink a cup of Eternal Darkness!!

A huge thank you to Wednesday Books, Emma Lord, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Emma steals a little piece of my heart every time she write a book. This one kept that tradition alive! The setting, the characters, the story...this one has it all. Thank you for the opportunity to read this one.