Charlie in Progress: A Small Town Women's Fiction Novel

by Rachel Del Grosso

Genres: Coming Of Age, Womens Fiction

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2026

About the author

Rachel Del Grosso was born in Ontario, Canada. She began writing at a young age, but has since learned to write in complete sentences. She writes fiction about imperfect marriages, messy friendships, and complicated families. She lives in Las Vegas with her husband and son.

Reviews

[Wildrose Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Charlie in Progress” by Rachel Del Grosso 📚❤️ @authorracheldelgrosso
📘 Format: e-Book
📚 Pub Date: 04.14.26
⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars

“Charlie in Progress” by Rachel Del Grosso is an encouraging and inspiring narrative about a young woman, Charlotte (who prefers to be called Charlie), who was not given much love, acceptance or support during her lifetime from her family of origin, and her journey in finding her own way in life.

Along the way, Charlie becomes empowered and she chooses to surround herself with family and friends that are compassionate and caring. Throughout the storyline I was cheering for Charlie, and I was so invested in her story that I read it in just over a day! I loved how realistically her dilemma and her emotions were portrayed. She faces some significantly challenging circumstances, and she ultimately rises to the challenge.

“Charlie in Progress” is a deeply moving, powerful story of personal growth and reclaiming one’s own sense of self-worth, despite coming from a dysfunctional family. I highly recommend “Charlie in Progress” by Rachel Del Grosso.

I now want to go back to the first book in this series, “Harriet in Waiting”, to learn more about these characters that have captured my heart.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Rachel Del Grosso, and BooksGoSocial for access to this Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.

#CharlieInProgress
#Rachel Del Grosso
#NetGalley
#BooksGoSocial

[Wendy Haller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I miss Charlie already.

With an overbearing mother, an older love interest, and a job she genuinely enjoys—but is constantly told isn’t “enough”—Charlie is caught in that all-too-familiar space of trying to become who she’s meant to be while the world insists she should be something else.

As a twentysomething, she’s navigating the pressure of expectations set by parents who never seem satisfied, no matter what she does. What makes Charlie so compelling is how real her struggle feels—the quiet frustration, the self-doubt, and the longing to define success on her own terms.

She leans on the steady friendship of her former sister-in-law, a slowly mending relationship with her older brother, and a career that, while dismissed by others, brings her genuine fulfillment.

What begins as a story about not measuring up evolves into something deeper: a journey of self-acceptance and learning to stand firm in what she wants for her future.

Charlie’s story is honest, relatable, and hard to let go of.

[Rekha Jindal]

Charlie In Progress

 

Review:

I would rate the novel as4 out of 5 as the author Rachel has dawn a very emotional and heart throbbing feelings of the women who suffered after their marriage life .

 

 

 

  The novel set in the small coastal city of La Jolla, California, and can be read as a standalone

Charlie lived with her mother Evelyene and father William and elder brother Alex , Alex got divorced from her ex wife .so he was not happy in his life ,struggling hard day to day .charlie also was very sad in her life as her marriage life was not at all good boring pain by marrying  ,a men who only married just for the sake of his own welfare took never care just annoyed person. She living in a rented house at Windansea Beach .got twins born baby .At the age of twenty seven,charlie was humilated by her husband decided to live away from her husband wanted to stay at a guest house of her sister in law there also her husband came and tortured her and finally she came back to her brother home Alex who got divorced with her ex-wife  was alalways plays tricks with her sister so that sister would leave the home so the brother never let her sister to eat the chips and snatched

away the chips packet while she are .so always playing tantrums and make message of the situation and that leads to conflict so she chooses to stay with  the roommates but she can’t afford the price of the roommate for two person so she thought pet to be a roommate .In this way she lived in a rented home away from her parent and brother .so husband was also not living with her . Later she got the job at men showroom where she was working as a sales women. to earn some money for her for living and satisfy her need .she met a very good colleague Sawyer who works with her and both of them lived in the rent ed spending time together at work and home .she was now living her life happily

The women was not at all free from her responsibility as Two twins children responsibilities were bothering on her shoulder so she cant call these children to stay with them as there was a shortage of space and she used to visit her children to met them and the mother of Charlie was kind to her daughter and Love her as much as she could

She always support and entertain her daughter and she doesn’t wanted her daughter lo bore such a pain of life and wanted toget somehow relief from the situation which her daughter was jungling out with her husband so she wanted her daughter to live with her husband so she always took in charge of her daughter and one day  she called her at home for lunch the whole family including her husband .Alex and her wife Harriet were also invited by her mother at home .The main reason for the invitation was to stabilize their life decision firmly so that Charlie could take right decision for her right partner because no mother can see he daughter in remorse..she tried to talk at a dinner table along with her father what she finally wanted to do in her life .As Charlie decision was final so she doesn’t wanted her husband to be the part of the life .She thought marriage not important for her but the career which she chooses and was determined and happy in her life .

The writer hadShown the very satirical and emotional part of the women .when her husband left  her she doesnt have any choices no home furher to live struggling hard  and the parent were suffering and cant able to come out of the dreadful situation which her daughter was facing with two children liv and Grayson. The writer has drawn the attention of the readers towards two men one Sawyer Nice boy was a roommate and colleague always helps her and tried to make herself calm and get rid of the problem of her life whereas the another person came to be known as playboy who played tried and drawn the girl towards her and girl also got attracted and infatuated towards the men aged 47 years whose wife died two years before started dating with the men and the men took advantage of the girl innocence and trapped her in the love environment which he created for the girl and the girl also started loving the men and lured by him and finally the girl suffered as the men only wanted girl for the timepass .she doesn’t have any Love for her but as the men was alone so he need some companion to fulfi the gap of his life so she makes friendship and love with the girl and cheated her and the girl was pregnant .so when she announced the news the men didn’t accept the girl any more and finally left her hopeless and she felt more burden in her life as the life has turned with more pain ,agony ,sadness and restlessness .the life became totally endless and bare.

 

 

 

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlie Young is an almost-30, high end retail worker, sleeping on her golden child brother’s couch. Her parents are distant unless they’re reminding her she isn’t living up to her potential. One day at work she meets an older man, he’s stable, kind, and sees her more than anyone she’s ever met in her life. Her confidence begins to grow as she starts to think about her future and what she wants out of life. Until she realizes something in her belly is starting to grow. With grown children and baggage full of regrets of his own, Michael pulls away completely.
Covered in snack dust, and with too little money in the bank, how will Charlie raise a baby alone?

This book was a surprising delight. It feels grounded and real as we get to know Charlie and her dysfunctional family. Many of us can relate to her story, feeling not enough and too much, being a people pleaser who never gets the validation they need, feeling lost and without a purpose. We walk with her as she navigates her parents and their expectations of perfection for their children without ever seeing the people they are and the burdens they carry. She often feels out of place, merely a visitor, keeping up a certain appearance with people who should make her feel like home. She delves into many questions about her future, what being a parent means, and how to accept someone else with love and tenderness, when she’s never been loved that way.

As she opens up to people in her life and rediscover family bonds, we see many heartfelt moments. I particularly loved the female bonding and empowerment that comes from her ex-sister-in-law and her coworker helping her take control of her own life and see that she deserves love and help from those around her- unconditionally. She’s worthy.


Tropes:found family, age-gap romance, reluctant motherhood, wounded but funny

Number of Times I Wanted to Throw the Book Across the Room: 2

Did the Book Pass the “One More Chapter” Test?: Absolutely, I couldn’t put it down.

Number of Emotional Roller Coasters: Start to end.

Perfect snack pairing: A flat white latte and almond croissant

Character I Would Most Like to Have a Drink With: Sawyer, she’s a real girl’s girl.

Quote that perfectly sums it up: “She was becoming someone else, someone braver and louder, and the only thing more terrifying than that was how lonely it felt to grow when no one else came with you.”

Level of spice: 2/5, a couple of open door but lightly described scenes.


Thank you to NetGalley and Rachel Del Grosso for the opportunity to review this ARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie in Progress is a wonderfully sharp, tender, and bitingly funny look at what happens when life refuses to follow the script you’ve been pretending to read from. Charlie Young has always been someone else’s supporting character—her brother’s shadow, her parents’ afterthought, the fun distraction in a man’s life but never the one he chooses. And then she gets pregnant. Accidentally. With a man who made her feel safe right up until he made it clear he didn’t want the responsibility that came with her.

What follows is a beautifully messy journey of self‑discovery. Back in her childhood home, wedged between a mother who disapproves on instinct and a father who’s barely present, Charlie is forced to confront the version of herself she’s been performing for years. The book captures that feeling of being both too old and too young for an identity crisis with such raw honesty that it’s impossible not to root for her.

Between the secret morning sickness, the quiet panic of not knowing whether she even wants to be a mother, and the slow realisation that she’s actually brilliant at her job, Charlie begins to see the shape of a life she might finally claim as her own. The humour is sharp, the emotional beats land with real weight, and the writing never shies away from the complicated truth of growing up late.

What makes the novel shine is how deeply human it feels. Charlie’s voice is messy, self‑aware, and painfully relatable, and watching her step out of the supporting role she’s been assigned is both cathartic and quietly triumphant.

Charlie in Progress is a heartfelt, funny, and beautifully observed story about family dysfunction, unexpected beginnings, and the courage it takes to finally take yourself seriously. A perfect read for anyone who’s ever felt stuck in the wings, waiting for permission to step into their own life.

With thanks to Rachel Del Grosso, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Nisha Joshi (swamped, will review whenever possible) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy Publication Day!

Charlie In Progress was a surprise read - I went in with zero expectations and came out feeling overwhelmed (in a good way).

The Story:

Charlie Young is at a loose end. She is putting up at her brother's place. Her relationship with her parents is non-existent. Her sister-in-law has just banished her from her own place. And her work is nothing to talk of, though she loves it.

Amid all this, Charlie meets Michael and starts to fall for him, even though they have a huge age difference. When she accidently falls pregnant, however, Michael behaves in a way that Charlie doesn't expect. How will she manage the pregnancy now? Will she even go ahead with it? Will her family finally step up?

Note: Charlie in Progress is the sequel of Harriet in Waiting, but can be read as a standalone.

My Thoughts:

This coming-of-age story was something I was not expecting. It was written in a way that can touch your heart but also seem believable. The way Charlie tackled all her life issues with calmness and patience was something I feel I need to learn in my own life.

There were some contrived parts - showdowns that seemed a bit cinematic (real-world showdowns usually do not happen this way), but the satisfaction I got from them was immense so I am willing to forgive them. The final confrontation between Charlie and Michael was amazing. I could see Charlie's character arc clearly there and her growth brought tears to my eyes.

If you like gentle coming-of-age books, this should be on your list.

4 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC.

[Karen Axnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel continues the story first established in “Harriet in Waiting,” which I thoroughly enjoyed (5 Stars). The protagonist now is Charlie (Harriet’s sister-in-law) who has had a rough childhood living in the shadow of her successful brother compounded by the fact that she was the product of an accidental, unwanted pregnancy that derailed her mother’s career. Neither parent provided nurturing and her father was a silent observer to her mother’s manipulation and emotional abuse. Now in her late twenties, all Charlie longs for is to be seen and respected for being her own person instead of the failed version of her mother’s expectations.

As life often does, an unexpected event changes the trajectory of Charlie’s life. Observing her transformation is inspiring and thought-provoking as she establishes her new reality with insight and a touch of humor.

This is a highly enjoyable read that kept me engaged and rooting for Charlie’s reclamation of her self-worth and her agency. She establishes clear boundaries, accepts support from appropriate people, and develops confidence in her ability to meet challenges. The novel culminates in a satisfying conclusion that left me wanting to spend more time in Charlie’s world.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

[KATIE MEYERS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel Del Grosso’s Charlie in Progress is a heartfelt women’s fiction novel that explores self-discovery, emotional healing, and the complexities of starting over in a small-town setting. With a relatable protagonist in Charlie, the story captures the quiet but powerful journey of rebuilding one’s life while confronting personal expectations and unresolved emotions.

The novel’s strength lies in its emotional authenticity. Charlie feels like a real, grounded character navigating change, uncertainty, and growth in a way that many readers will recognize. Del Grosso carefully balances introspective moments with everyday life in a small town, allowing the story to unfold at a natural and engaging pace.

Themes of identity, resilience, and personal transformation are woven throughout the narrative, making it more than just a character study, it becomes a reflection on what it means to move forward when life doesn’t go as planned. The supporting environment of small-town life adds warmth and realism to Charlie’s journey.

Overall, Charlie in Progress is a thoughtful and emotionally resonant women’s fiction novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven stories centered on growth, healing, and second chances.

[Shawna Briseno · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I requested this book from Netgalley, I was intrigued by the description. I did not know that it's the second in a series. I'm not sure it matters much if you read them out of order but still, that's good information to have.

Charlie is floundering in life. Or at least, that's the opinion of her emotionally detached parents. She's currently living with her brother and his two kids and has a job she claims to love selling high end fashion. She knows she has family issues to deal with but seems to be fairly satisfied with her life. Until the day Michael enters the store. She immediately feels something and is not much bothered by the significant age difference. Everything is going well, at least according to Charlie's admittedly low standards. And then her parents are involved in a car accident. When they need someone to move in and care for them, of course it's Charlie. Her brother's job is much more demanding and he does have two teenagers to care for. Charlie knows it's going to be hard, but she couldn't have imagined how bad it would be. Will she find the strength to finally confront her parents and deal with her emotional issues? Good story, quick to read.

[Kate Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed seeing Charlie, who was introduced in book 1 of the Lost and Found series, get her own story in this novel. We were introduced to her previously as the hapless sister-in-law who moves in with Harriet. In CHARLIE IN PROGRESS, Charlie is still floundering--at least according to her meddling parents. She has a job but no real ambitions to ascend any corporate ladders or pursue a more prestigious path. She's never quite felt accepted by her parents, especially her mother, and has always felt they favored her older brother Alex.

Now, she's facing an unexpected pregnancy and a two-decades-older father-to-be who's not interested in doing the parenting gig again.

Charlie's journey will resonate with so many readers who have felt directionless and without the support they want from the people who should love them the most. I loved seeing her come into her own in this book.

[Zekari97 · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Thanks for NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review**

A solid 3.5 Stars read

I LOVED the writing style when the prose flowed effortlessly that it didn't feel like it's a 3rd person POV, the sisterhood between Charlie the MC and the other females was so precious and had me either grinning or tearing up at some poin and the highlight is definitely the character development that Charlie went through and how she emerged after all that she's been through.

If there's one thing that slightly deterd my enjoyment it'd be how I didn't know that there were other installments regarding the other characters like Hariet, which I'm looking forward to reading more about, and the slightly slower pacing in the last quarter.

[Carolanne Barry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, the autjor and the publisher for this ARC.
Charlie in Progress by Rachel Del Grasso is such a heartfelt and unexpectedly funny coming-of-age story that balances humour with some deeper emotional themes. From the very beginning, Charlie was exceptionally self-aware and a little chaotic but completely endearing.
I really loved the female characters and their relationships, which added layers of warmth and a feeling of sisterhood.
At its heart, this is a story about childhood trauma and what it means to recover and rebuild. The book handles these themes with care, showing both the difficulty and the hope that comes with healing.

[Valerie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
Following on in the series, this story is clearly 'owned' by Charlie - she goes through an experience of her own while called upon to support her family. I found her reactions fascinating, and was rooting for things to work out for her.
This is another book of perceptive, credible storytelling about how a young woman copes with what life throws at her. Maybe I'm 'getting into' the family but I enjoyed this second in series much more than Harriet's story.

[LaBibliodeCaro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charlie in Progress is an interesting, reflective novel about a young woman dealing with childhood trauma and unresolved mother issues. She's at a crossroad in her life, she doesn't know where she's going, and quite frankly, this is reflected in the novel whose slow pace can sometimes be a bit frustrating. I wasn't sure where it would be taking me. But the uneven pace doesn't take away anything from the writing style that is very polished, but never posh. The characters gain more weight as you progress. It's not really a light read, but it's emotional and poignant. I wasn't sure how it would all come down to, but it was a rather satisfying and realistic ending.

[Cam (_camreadsbooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

NetGalley ARC!

This was a sweet coming of age story about sisterhood and choosing yourself. It handles all topics with care!

Only weird thing is I know someone with the main characters first and last name😻

It was fun but I probably won’t find myself thinking about it again.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie is stuck. In a job she kind of likes (though her mother insists she has the potential for much more). On her brother’s pull-up couch, while he deals with a separation and two teenage gremlins. With parents for whom she was always an afterthought, never the first choice. In relationships that have no future.

Then she meets someone who might just sweep her off her feet. When she ends up pregnant, back in her childhood bedroom, taking care of the parents who never cared for her, Charlie is forced to reimagine her future.

This is a compelling story about finding yourself and breaking the cycle, being brave to choose something different.

Thank you to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for providing an eARC to review!