2022 pandemic read. Free copy from someplace or other. Worth the money I paid for it. Writing this later-- can't really remember the plot or if I finished it. My apologies to the author. ( )

Standing Outside The Fire. Ok, so possibly *too* on point or perhaps even a little cliche with the title of the review there, since Talley explicitly brings that song in late in the book with one character explaining to another that this is exactly what has been happening. But I *love* that song, it is easily one of my all-time favorites. :)

Anyway, on the book itself: Very fun, but also very deep. The two main characters - Olivia and Chase - are dealing with similar events in their worlds, neither of them realizing at first just how similar they are even if their perspectives on the events in question are very different. Along the way, many, many hijinx are had, including one very scared and borderline feral kitty cat. It is hard to note a particular trigger warning that is relevant enough to probably mention (even though I am not a fan of the practice generally, it is that significant here - though off screen, discussed by the characters as past events). So I'll note that it ties into #MeToo and leave it at that. Truly a very balanced book about taking control of your own life and being open to possibilities that don't seem obvious at first, and a very fun read. Very much recommended. ( )

Chase is the stereotypical grown up and messed up child actor. Olivia is the hired life coach. The novel takes place at that pivotal moment when a person actually wants help. The twist is that Olivia has her own demons that need to be dealt with, so the reader gets two life changes for one. Taking control of the hard and hurtful things in ones past is never easy, but the rewards are worth it. ( )

To “adult” is a colloquial verb meaning taking responsibility for one’s own life. In this book, romance-book author Talley tells the story of fictional celebrity character Chase London and her therapist Olivia Han. Chase was a famous child actress who has, as she reached adulthood, gotten in highly publicized trouble with drinking, drugs, and men. To prepare her for an acting assignment, Olivia attempts to teach her how to take responsibility in a life-coaching program called Square One.

To pursue the program away from the bright lights, they journey from urban Hollywood to rural Cotter’s Creek in Northern California. Fortunately, Chase adapts to the program well and learns basic life skills like cleaning, laundry, and grocery shopping – all for herself. Through conversations with Olivia, she confronts defining moments in her life story and begins to find out who she is. During this time, Olivia also has to confront some of her own life and family issues, and the tables are turned as therapist becomes subject. Adulting works both ways as women learn sisterhood and healthy lifestyles.

Given Talley as an author, this book would not be full without some romance. Chase gets to know her neighbor in Cotter’s Creak, and they spend much time together. Olivia also has an ex who plays a leading role in the story along with Chase’s actor-friend Spencer. This book should not be categorized as a pure romance – it’s main theme is women taking responsibility for their own lives. Nonetheless, romances play a significant role in the story. Talley, who has won awards for her writings in the genre of romance, weaves together multiple themes nicely in a more sophisticated tale.

This book will find an audience especially among women who like romances that also address other life stories. The tale of getting one’s life in order (i.e., adulting) transcends gender, however. I honestly would have liked this theme to have been even stronger in the book, and the romance, less expansive. As titled, this book has the potential to appeal to all types of people who want to take charge of their lives. Child actresses aren’t the only ones whose parents have pushed them down a particular professional path. For leading characters Chase and Olivia, romance plays a leading role in that story. Adulting, however, has many more facets than one’s love life. Regardless, Talley provides a light and constructive tale that stands to provide fodder for entertainment and personal growth in the coming years. ( )