Anne's looking to gain tenure at a small liberal arts college in California, but her lack of publication is holding her back. Each rejection of her manuscript takes her further from her goal. When the college gains a new president, she's stunned to learn it's her ex-fiancé, whom she hasn't seen in years. Seeing him again hasn't been easy. Luckily she's been keeping company with Rick, the college's new writer in residence.

Despite her new romance, her personal life is a mess. She spends all her time working on her manuscript. Her father needs to move into a facility because he can no longer live by himself. She's still trying to impress him with news about her upcoming book. Anne's struggling with her sister, they don't have the best relationship. Her best friend, Larry, is secretly dating a married man who is an up and coming actor. Larry is freaking out and needs some hand holding. Anne's there for everyone, but when her world implodes, who will be there for her when the dust settles?

BY THE BOOK by Julia Sonneborn is a modern day adaptation of PERSUASION. This modern day Jane Austen retelling set against a small liberal arts college fits the story nicely with the slow burn of romance, the second chance love story, and with lots of secrets and drama. Anne's struggling to find her place in the world, both personally and professionally. She flounders occasionally, but in the end she finally understands where she belongs and with whom.