It is a truth universally acknowledged that people in possession of rare illnesses rarely see themselves represented in media. Hopefully Jane Austen will allow the borrowing of Pride and Prejudice’s opening to introduce a new novel that breaks that rule. The Chemistry Test is Georgina Frankie’s debut coming-of-age romance novel. The book follows Penelope “Penny” Steele, a college freshman in England with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and its common comorbidities, including a severe case of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Cameron Taylor, also known as “Cam,” is, like Penny, a biochemistry student. He is grieving his grandmother and wrestling with depression. Both characters are so worried about how others see them that they often misread each other’s intentions. Using this, Frankie creates a tender, believable arc about learning to be vulnerable and to go after what you want in life, even if it’s hard.
Penny arrives at university with a new wheelchair, renewed independence, and her characteristic optimism and determination. Her first meeting with Cam—at a doctor’s office, naturally—sets the tone: funny, awkward, and warm. They collide (literally, Penny’s tire introduces itself to Cam’s foot) and immediately make assumptions about each other. The first set of assumptions are a joke—they play “Make Up a Life for a Stranger” about each other. However, the pattern continues and fuels most of the novel’s tension and tenderness. Told through alternating perspectives—a smart choice by Frankie—the story allows readers to see how Penny and Cam justify their choices and misunderstand each other due to their own insecurities.
Don’t Assume Too Much
Penny assumes that Cam is embarrassed to be seen with a girl in a wheelchair, while Cam thinks that Penny has everything figured out, particularly regarding academics. Both of them fear how the world perceives them. Both try to fight against it but are unable to allow themselves to be vulnerable and share the struggles that make them human. Their hesitancy makes their growing closeness feel earned. It takes courage to hold out a hurting heart and to believe someone else will handle it with care.
After the chance meeting at the doctor’s office, Penny is introduced to Cam again when he is assigned as her student mentor. Cam, who introduces himself as “C.J.” to mark a fresh start from his struggles the previous year, is dealing with unresolved grief for his grandmother. “Gran” was the person who showed Cam that his dyslexia—a trait they shared—didn’t have to stand in the way of his acting career. His mental health arc is quieter than Penny’s arc of acceptance, but it is also written with care, especially as he balances school, depression, fostering kittens, and a small role on an American HBO series.
EDS in a Romance Plot
Frankie’s portrayal of EDS is refreshing in romance, a genre that has often overlooked people who don’t look and act a certain way. Penny isn’t “overcoming” her disability; she’s living with it. She is an ambulatory wheelchair user, manages a plethora of symptoms, and choreographs her life around her body’s needs. At times, the depiction is idealized—perfect accommodations, instant support from peers and family, and minimal accessibility challenges. However, Frankie balances the fantasy with heartbreakingly real moments: a separated classroom desk as an accommodation, causing Penny to burn with embarrassment; a POTS episode she fervently wishes away while meeting a new friend; the awkward hospital bed in her dorm room; and the familiar instinct to downplay symptoms. These scenes feel real and validate anyone with lived experience.
Penny’s biggest fear is that someone like Cam couldn’t really want someone like her. The novel gently dismantles the belief that disabled people are burdens, showing instead that they are fully capable of love, exciting lives, and meaningful relationships.
But It Ends Happily, Right?
Frankie’s dialogue is natural, and the supporting characters provide warmth and humor without stealing focus. The book ends with a “happily for now,” reinforced by a brief epilogue set two years later. The book’s core message is one that cannot be overstated: everyone deserves to be loved for who they are.
For a debut written while Frankie was homeless, The Chemistry Test is remarkably warm and uplifting. This novel is best suited for young adults starting at age 13 (parental review recommended), as well as anyone who could use a bit of Penny’s signature sunshine in their lives. As Frankie said in a recent interview with Chronic Pain Partners, she hopes readers learn that “there’s more to people than meets the eye… and we all have the power to make life a little bit better by being open-minded and empathetic.” The book delivers exactly that message—with heart, humor, and hope.
Book Details
The Chemistry Test by Georgina Frankie
Published by Montlake Romance, copyright 2025
Available at Amazon US and Amazon UK, (free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers), Barnes and Noble US, Target US, TGJones UK, Powell’s Books US, Bookshop.org, or ask your local bookstore to order it for you.
Kate Schultz
November 2025
