Born in America, then moving to Liverpool; Emily seemed like a regular girl. That is until she meets The Beatles one day in her father's friends guitar shop. This artsy, auburn-red-headed girl will learn that life isn't always spot on and how to deal with love, death, friendship and to go against the grain. ***This is my story, yet I do not own The Beatles and do not claim to either. I doubt this ever happened and the lyrics/music goes to their rightful owners***

In which the illegitimate granddaughter of Beatle Paul McCartney finds herself in Liverpool in the early 1960s, falling hopelessly in love with John Lennon.

Hamburg, 1960. Willa and Elsie March are on the run, and they find safety at the Bambi Kino in the red light district of Hamburg with five cocky, sometimes maddening, usually drunk, and bloody talented boys--the Beatles. Willa has never met anyone quite like John Lennon. He's everything she didn't know she'd been missing. "I thought about John, about our interactions and our late-night chats. He was without a doubt intense, and most definitely moody. He made me feel so many things--confused, annoyed, relieved, comfortable, content, and bloody irritated--but not nervous." And there's more to Elsie's relationship with Paul McCartney than she's willing to admit. This is their story, full of trust, betrayal, secrets, love, lies, hope...and the Beatles. *** Achievements 2025 Grand Winner - Fanfiction Category (The Nano Watt Awards) 2025 Amby Awards - Favorite *** •Part One: 1960 (Chp 0 - Chp 17) Started: March 5, 2023 Completed: June 27, 2023 •Part Two: 1961 (Chp 18 - Chp 36) Started: Sept 24, 2023 Completed: June 16, 2024 •Part Three: 1962 (Chp 37 - Chp 53) Started: Sept 29, 2024 Completed: March 23, 2025 *** Thank you so much to the amazing @strange_daisies for creating the cover! *** [Just Like] Starting Over is a work of fiction. While many characters of the story bear the names of actual people, they and their actions have been imagined by the author. Some events depicted in this story are based on reality, but there are also many that have been modified or created purely by the author. I (obviously) do not own The Beatles, but I do own my original characters. *** Warnings: This is a mature story and as such there is swearing, shagging, violence, angst, drug references and use, death, and explicit adult situations. *** Comments, feedback, and votes are always very much appreciated. I will reply to you as quickly as I can! Thank you so much for reading! x ** [Just Like] Starting Over © NikSzabo (2023)

1950s, Liverpool - Celia Pooley has always disliked her classmate, John Lennon. He's arrogant. Obnoxious. A loudmouth. A prankster beyond belief- and for five years, she's had to put up with every irritating part of him. When sixteen-year-old Celia and John find themselves forced into each other's company, they slowly become drawn to each other in a way that seems to confuse them both and slowly but surely, their affection for each other flourishes and their lives begin to change in a way neither of them expected. 'Growing Up Beside You' follows Celia and John's life through their rebellious and adventurous rock n roll teenage years, to the hardships of young adulthood where the decision to follow their head or heart takes its toll on love. What does fate have in store for John and Celia and will the two of them always have each other, or will something or someone stand in the way? A coming-of-age, romance story, following the journey of new friendships, sorrows, first loves and all the joys and complications that come with it. ** FYI: •This is a SLOW BURN story. •The other Beatle lads will eventually appear but it will be much later on in the timeline! ** Beatle focus: John Year: 1957 onwards Genre: Romance, Bildungsroman Warnings: Bad Language, violence, explicit adult situations, angst. There are a few conscious changes to real life events and places in the timeline of this story which have been changed for narrative purposes. *I DO NOT take credit for the artwork. Image is not my own.* *This is a work of fiction. As such, it should not be read as a factual account of events or biography. While many characters bear the names of actual people- they and their actions and works have been imagined by me, the author, and posted here for entertainment purposes only.* I hope you enjoy it! Feedback, votes and comments are much appreciated! Peace and Love xo