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A review by wilybooklover
Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
Wow, what a gorgeous, gorgeous book. I've said many times that I really love books that are quiet and slow and character-driven, and this is the most perfect rendition of that. There are so many soft little domestic scenes that are just quietly romantic and intimate. Such a lovely heartwarming story full of growth and forgiveness.
One thing that really stood out to me while I was reading was the absolute total vulnerability that the characters were allowed to feel and showcase. It's quite rare to see in romance, especially in male characters, and I loved it. Georgie and Levi had such depth to them and were written with such care. Kate Clayborn has such a gift for writing characters that feel real. I personally found both characters very relatable — Georgie in all of her impulsive, chaotic mess and not knowing what she wants to do and Levi in his quiet, withdrawn introversion. The characters feel like complete opposites at first (the archetypal grumpy and sunshine) but as the story continues and they communicate with each other (such great communication in this) you begin to see that deep down they are very alike in their strength and softness and worldview. I saw one review compare Levi to Cash Wall from Against a Wall and I am so offended on Levi’s behalf. Cash was a petty bully mired in toxic masculinity and unwilling to take accountability for his actions (please excuse me while I take any chance I can to hate on him). Levi is basically the exact opposite of that, just shy and socially awkward. He categorically refuses to let others make excuses for his past behaviour. Oh, and he's a dog dad and it's just so CUTE.
One thing that really stood out to me while I was reading was the absolute total vulnerability that the characters were allowed to feel and showcase. It's quite rare to see in romance, especially in male characters, and I loved it. Georgie and Levi had such depth to them and were written with such care. Kate Clayborn has such a gift for writing characters that feel real. I personally found both characters very relatable — Georgie in all of her impulsive, chaotic mess and not knowing what she wants to do and Levi in his quiet, withdrawn introversion. The characters feel like complete opposites at first (the archetypal grumpy and sunshine) but as the story continues and they communicate with each other (such great communication in this) you begin to see that deep down they are very alike in their strength and softness and worldview. I saw one review compare Levi to Cash Wall from Against a Wall and I am so offended on Levi’s behalf. Cash was a petty bully mired in toxic masculinity and unwilling to take accountability for his actions (please excuse me while I take any chance I can to hate on him). Levi is basically the exact opposite of that, just shy and socially awkward. He categorically refuses to let others make excuses for his past behaviour. Oh, and he's a dog dad and it's just so CUTE.
Another thing I really loved about this was the portrayal of strong female friendship. The friendship plotline is one of the things I really disliked about Love Lettering, and I'm so pleased that wasn't the case here. Bel and Georgie are always there for each other, supporting and caring for one another in the most authentic way. The scene where Bel confesses that she hates small town living and Georgie is immediately supportive was so wonderful (and another great example of vulnerability in this book).
I also appreciated the lack of drama in the family plot. A lesser author would have created a lot of melodrama out of the situation but instead it felt calm, mature, and just well-suited to the characters.
I also appreciated the lack of drama in the family plot. A lesser author would have created a lot of melodrama out of the situation but instead it felt calm, mature, and just well-suited to the characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, and Abandonment
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, and Pregnancy
Minor: Addiction, Cancer, Chronic illness, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Terminal illness, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail