About Jeanie Smith
Jeanie K. Smith is a romantic comedy author and theater professional with over 20 years of experience directing productions, coaching actors, and developing characters for the stage. A longtime journalist and former theater critic for Palo Alto Weekly and TalkinBroadway.com, Jeanie brings her expertise in dialogue, character voice, and authentic storytelling to contemporary romance fiction. Her IT background adds genuine understanding of online gaming culture and digital connection—essential elements in her fiction.
Her debut novel, Juliette on the Verge, follows a late-40s divorcée navigating the hilarious, heartbreaking world of modern dating—from online gaming flirtations to disastrous coffee dates—as she learns that discovering who you are matters more than finding "the one."
With sharp wit reminiscent of Bridget Jones's Diary and the emotional depth of Emily Henry, Jeanie writes romantic comedies that make you laugh out loud and cry in the best way. She holds a PhD in Drama/Theater.
Fearless, Funny, Finding Herself...
At 48, middle school teacher Juliette is six months past her divorce and finally ready to reclaim her life. Her cheating ex-husband shattered her marriage and confidence, leaving her depressed and isolated while her daughter Phoebe backpacks through Europe. But armed with a new wardrobe, her theater-actress best friend's wicked encouragement, and a determination to rediscover joy, Juliette dives into the hilarious chaos of modern dating—from online gaming flirtations to an absurd parade of real-world disasters.
There's the married man who "forgot" to mention his wife, the moocher with an accomplice, and enough awkward encounters to fill a dating memoir. Between the misadventures and missteps, Juliette navigates deeper questions: Who is she beyond "Max's wife" or "Phoebe's mom"? What does she really want from love—and from herself?
Two men break through the noise: Colin, a handsome Scottish cabinet maker whose soft lips and genuine warmth create an instant, electric connection—until Juliette discovers he's seeing someone else. And Geoffrey, the seemingly perfect music teacher colleague who checks every box—on paper. Through soul-searching and sharp-witted banter with friends who refuse to let her settle, Juliette learns to spot red flags, trust her instincts, and stop trying to be someone she's not.
But when past and present collide in an unexpected confrontation, she must finally decide: play it safe, or risk her heart on what she really wants?