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Unclaimed Baggage
“Katie O’Rourke writes engaging, big-hearted stories about complicated families, navigating life, and finding love.”
2000: This is the year Jenna is supposed to graduate college, become independent, and find true happiness—whatever that looks like. But she is a people pleaser, and when her stepfather’s health deteriorates, she leaves school to help take care of him.
While she struggles to say goodbye to the only father figure she’s ever had, a family secret confirmed by a DNA test drops like a grenade into Jenna’s already complicated life. Amidst the fallout and at the worst possible time, she starts falling for a man who turns out to be the first person in her life who doesn’t want anything from her—only to be with her.
As grief and betrayal threaten to tear her family apart, Jenna must decide how to put her own needs first and allow good things into her life when they show up.
“A beautifully written, emotional novel about messy family relationships. O’Rourke’s characters are real and relatable. I couldn’t help but root for the protagonist, Jenna. The writing is engaging and hooked me from page one.”—Diane Barnes, Amazon Best-Selling Author of All We Could Still Have and The Mulligan Curse
"A complex, satisfying tale of families, secrets, mothers, and daughters. And fathers and daughters."—Jackie Fraser, author of The Beginning of Everything and The Bookshop of Second Chances
2000: This is the year Jenna is supposed to graduate college, become independent, and find true happiness—whatever that looks like. But she is a people pleaser, and when her stepfather’s health deteriorates, she leaves school to help take care of him.
While she struggles to say goodbye to the only father figure she’s ever had, a family secret confirmed by a DNA test drops like a grenade into Jenna’s already complicated life. Amidst the fallout and at the worst possible time, she starts falling for a man who turns out to be the first person in her life who doesn’t want anything from her—only to be with her.
As grief and betrayal threaten to tear her family apart, Jenna must decide how to put her own needs first and allow good things into her life when they show up.
“A beautifully written, emotional novel about messy family relationships. O’Rourke’s characters are real and relatable. I couldn’t help but root for the protagonist, Jenna. The writing is engaging and hooked me from page one.”—Diane Barnes, Amazon Best-Selling Author of All We Could Still Have and The Mulligan Curse
"A complex, satisfying tale of families, secrets, mothers, and daughters. And fathers and daughters."—Jackie Fraser, author of The Beginning of Everything and The Bookshop of Second Chances
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 8, 2025
1 person is currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Katie O'Rourke
7 books91 followersI was born and raised in New England, growing up along the seacoast of New Hampshire. I went to college in Massachusetts and graduated with a degree in gender and sexuality. I live in Tucson, Arizona where I am always writing my next book.
I'm a hybrid author. My debut novel, Monsoon Season, was traditionally published along with A Long Thaw, which I later rereleased on my own. Finding Charlie, was chosen for publication by KindleScout in 2015. I released my fourth novel, Blood & Water in 2017. Unclaimed Baggage, and the sequel, Reclaimed Baggage, are available now.. I write family sagas with overlapping characters, so they're all connected.
If you'd like to get updates about sales and new releases, please join my newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cPZnKH
I'm a hybrid author. My debut novel, Monsoon Season, was traditionally published along with A Long Thaw, which I later rereleased on my own. Finding Charlie, was chosen for publication by KindleScout in 2015. I released my fourth novel, Blood & Water in 2017. Unclaimed Baggage, and the sequel, Reclaimed Baggage, are available now.. I write family sagas with overlapping characters, so they're all connected.
If you'd like to get updates about sales and new releases, please join my newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cPZnKH
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 8, 2025
Unclaimed Baggage is a heartfelt, complicated family drama with a huge secret and a side of romance.
Jenna is about to graduate from college, but her stepfather, Bill, is dying. She’s always been close to him, and because her twin sister is unreliable and her mother is often traveling, Jenna decides to put college on hold and care for Bill. In his last days, Bill reveals a long-held secret that threatens to shake Jenna’s world. Can this family recover from the grief and betrayal?
Is it right to keep family secrets from adult children?
Do children have a right to know secrets that directly affect them?
While I don’t care for dysfunctional family drama, I’m here for complicated family/messy family drama! Haven’t most of us experienced complicated family drama?!
Jenna plays an important role in holding the family together. Jenna’s twin sister is a bit irresponsible and somewhat undependable, and her mom is mostly an absentee parent (and unlikeable in my opinion). Bill, Jenna’s stepfather, has raised Jenna and her sister as his own., and they adore him. In his last days, he reveals a huge secret to Jenna that will change their lives. Is he delusional, or should Jenna investigate his claim? Should she inform the family?
Jenna is an admirable character in many respects. She is close to obtaining her undergraduate degree, she is a loyal and compassionate friend, and she is a responsible daughter. Jenna puts her last semester of college on hold to come home and care for her stepfather in his last days. As she cares for her stepfather, she is the recipient of a confession…a huge family secret that will affect everyone. Jenna is responsible and thoughtful in the way she handles this information. Even though it’s difficult, Jenna deals with the secret in a mature way, manages to have a positive relationship with her unreliable sister, and confronts her secretive (and mostly absentee) mother in a mature way.
Jenna meets a wonderful man who is supportive, understanding, and patient. This sweet romance happens in the background while family dynamics take center stage.
Content Consideration: family secrets, grief, death of a parent
I warmly recommend Unclaimed Baggage for fans of complicated family drama and well-written women’s fiction.
Thanks @BookSirens for a complimentary eARC of #UnclaimedBaggage upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
Jenna is about to graduate from college, but her stepfather, Bill, is dying. She’s always been close to him, and because her twin sister is unreliable and her mother is often traveling, Jenna decides to put college on hold and care for Bill. In his last days, Bill reveals a long-held secret that threatens to shake Jenna’s world. Can this family recover from the grief and betrayal?
Is it right to keep family secrets from adult children?
Do children have a right to know secrets that directly affect them?
While I don’t care for dysfunctional family drama, I’m here for complicated family/messy family drama! Haven’t most of us experienced complicated family drama?!
Jenna plays an important role in holding the family together. Jenna’s twin sister is a bit irresponsible and somewhat undependable, and her mom is mostly an absentee parent (and unlikeable in my opinion). Bill, Jenna’s stepfather, has raised Jenna and her sister as his own., and they adore him. In his last days, he reveals a huge secret to Jenna that will change their lives. Is he delusional, or should Jenna investigate his claim? Should she inform the family?
Jenna is an admirable character in many respects. She is close to obtaining her undergraduate degree, she is a loyal and compassionate friend, and she is a responsible daughter. Jenna puts her last semester of college on hold to come home and care for her stepfather in his last days. As she cares for her stepfather, she is the recipient of a confession…a huge family secret that will affect everyone. Jenna is responsible and thoughtful in the way she handles this information. Even though it’s difficult, Jenna deals with the secret in a mature way, manages to have a positive relationship with her unreliable sister, and confronts her secretive (and mostly absentee) mother in a mature way.
Jenna meets a wonderful man who is supportive, understanding, and patient. This sweet romance happens in the background while family dynamics take center stage.
Content Consideration: family secrets, grief, death of a parent
I warmly recommend Unclaimed Baggage for fans of complicated family drama and well-written women’s fiction.
Thanks @BookSirens for a complimentary eARC of #UnclaimedBaggage upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
January 18, 2025
I love O'Rourke's writing. Which is why I received an ARC of this and am writing a review, which I was not obliged to do.
I first read this some years ago - Goodreads tells me 2017 - and really enjoyed it. Having subsequently read the sequel, it was interesting to go back and read it again.
I've never been to the US and for a long time (until the internet I guess?) my 'vision' of it, if you like, was completely created via books and films (oh, and music). Films mean I have a vague visual notion of various states, and books give me the 'feeling'. O'Rourke is from New England and she lives in Arizona. Some of her books are set in the desert but this one is colder and more northern. (I was thinking about this afterwards and I realise some of the book happens in the summer, and it's hot, but the winter section is the most vivid in my memory.) Her descriptions are great and I really enjoy the 'voice' of her writing, which is calm and precise, with beautiful clarity. Her characters are messy and awkward, but her writing is not.
I find books about families really fascinating. One knows from one's own experiences how complex families are, and this book is perhaps deceptively simple and straightforward.
Twins Jenna and Julie are twenty-one, and it's 2000. Jenna's at college and Julie's drifting. Their step-dad, Bill, is very ill, and their mother, Barbara, who works in sales, travels a lot. Jenna's roommate has a breakdown, Bill takes a turn for the worse, Jenna meets someone, Bill dies. (No spoilers.) In the process of dealing with these events other, longer-ago events come to light. How will the protagonists deal with them (or not deal with them)? Why does Barbara not get on with her own mother (you'll need to wait for the next book to find out) and if this failure bothers her (does it?), why can't she see what Jenna (and Julia) need from her?
O'Rourke says in the acknowledgements that when she originally wrote this Barbara was 'just a villain' but as she's got older herself Barbara is just a person, and like everyone, she does have reasons for her behaviour. I'm even older than Babs and twice as old as Jenna and Julia and I think the understanding that everyone behaves as they do because of events in their own life is something that comes on you gradually as you age. This doesn't mean no one is responsible for their actions. People make choices, and you don't have to repeat stuff. Generational trauma can be avoided, but it doesn't make for such interesting stories.
This is kind of an incoherant review. I always wish I could be snappier and more effective. I looked back at what I said when I read it before and will paraphrase that as it gets to the crux of things.
A complex, satisfying tale of families, secrets, mothers and daughters. And fathers and daughters.
PS This book contains an excellent example of the very typical real-life scenario of lots of characters with the same name, which you rarely get in fiction because it can be confusing.
I first read this some years ago - Goodreads tells me 2017 - and really enjoyed it. Having subsequently read the sequel, it was interesting to go back and read it again.
I've never been to the US and for a long time (until the internet I guess?) my 'vision' of it, if you like, was completely created via books and films (oh, and music). Films mean I have a vague visual notion of various states, and books give me the 'feeling'. O'Rourke is from New England and she lives in Arizona. Some of her books are set in the desert but this one is colder and more northern. (I was thinking about this afterwards and I realise some of the book happens in the summer, and it's hot, but the winter section is the most vivid in my memory.) Her descriptions are great and I really enjoy the 'voice' of her writing, which is calm and precise, with beautiful clarity. Her characters are messy and awkward, but her writing is not.
I find books about families really fascinating. One knows from one's own experiences how complex families are, and this book is perhaps deceptively simple and straightforward.
Twins Jenna and Julie are twenty-one, and it's 2000. Jenna's at college and Julie's drifting. Their step-dad, Bill, is very ill, and their mother, Barbara, who works in sales, travels a lot. Jenna's roommate has a breakdown, Bill takes a turn for the worse, Jenna meets someone, Bill dies. (No spoilers.) In the process of dealing with these events other, longer-ago events come to light. How will the protagonists deal with them (or not deal with them)? Why does Barbara not get on with her own mother (you'll need to wait for the next book to find out) and if this failure bothers her (does it?), why can't she see what Jenna (and Julia) need from her?
O'Rourke says in the acknowledgements that when she originally wrote this Barbara was 'just a villain' but as she's got older herself Barbara is just a person, and like everyone, she does have reasons for her behaviour. I'm even older than Babs and twice as old as Jenna and Julia and I think the understanding that everyone behaves as they do because of events in their own life is something that comes on you gradually as you age. This doesn't mean no one is responsible for their actions. People make choices, and you don't have to repeat stuff. Generational trauma can be avoided, but it doesn't make for such interesting stories.
This is kind of an incoherant review. I always wish I could be snappier and more effective. I looked back at what I said when I read it before and will paraphrase that as it gets to the crux of things.
A complex, satisfying tale of families, secrets, mothers and daughters. And fathers and daughters.
PS This book contains an excellent example of the very typical real-life scenario of lots of characters with the same name, which you rarely get in fiction because it can be confusing.
February 23, 2025
Many thanks to NetGalley and Type Eighteen Books for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.
4.25 stars
I can’t even remember what made me request this from NetGalley but I’m so glad I did. Jenna is 21 years old, and already one of those people many of us know, or are. She's the one who takes care, who shows up, who's dependable, reliable, responsible- and tired. When her beloved stepfather is dying, and her mother is traveling for work, unable to count on her twin sister she takes leave from college and moves home to care for him.
One review I read of this described it as "simple". And it is. And I think that's why I ended up loving this. Almost all of the things that bring the greatest joys and sorrows in life are every day, simple things that most of us experience: loss and grief, love, nurturing and being nurtured, people who "get you" and make you laugh, and being wildly disappointed by the people you love.
Is this a work of great literature? Perhaps not. But it's a work of real life. Never once did this story or these characters seem contrived or cliched. It's never cheesy and never melodramatic. And in the e-galley I read, O'Rourke packs a perfect story into 154 pages, which can't be easy to do.
A follow up, Reclaimed Baggage, about another character in this book is coming soon and I will eagerly anticipate it. I am really pulling for this author and can't wait to see what else she has coming.
4.25 stars
I can’t even remember what made me request this from NetGalley but I’m so glad I did. Jenna is 21 years old, and already one of those people many of us know, or are. She's the one who takes care, who shows up, who's dependable, reliable, responsible- and tired. When her beloved stepfather is dying, and her mother is traveling for work, unable to count on her twin sister she takes leave from college and moves home to care for him.
One review I read of this described it as "simple". And it is. And I think that's why I ended up loving this. Almost all of the things that bring the greatest joys and sorrows in life are every day, simple things that most of us experience: loss and grief, love, nurturing and being nurtured, people who "get you" and make you laugh, and being wildly disappointed by the people you love.
Is this a work of great literature? Perhaps not. But it's a work of real life. Never once did this story or these characters seem contrived or cliched. It's never cheesy and never melodramatic. And in the e-galley I read, O'Rourke packs a perfect story into 154 pages, which can't be easy to do.
A follow up, Reclaimed Baggage, about another character in this book is coming soon and I will eagerly anticipate it. I am really pulling for this author and can't wait to see what else she has coming.
April 19, 2025
First I want to thank Mary from Type Eighteen Books for a physical copy to read.
Jenna gets an emergency call from her twin sister Julie, that Bill, their stepdad is in the hospital. Julie doesn't want to take responsibility of tending for him in the hospital and guilts Jenna, even though she is in college. Their mom tends to take Julie's side, because she's going through a rough stage. But I guess school is unimportant to mom. So right here I already have issues with her mom and Julie. But that's ok, because it didn't kill the story, other than showing how irresponsible those two are. It does show how strong willed Jenna is. With this Jenna will have to drop out of college to tend for Bill. What the heck kind of mom sides with this. Anyway, Jenna and Bill get along great, Jenna gets her summertime job at Dunkin back, so she can support herself while there. Jenna also meets Sam. She has no time for a guy and makes this very clear. I truly admired Sam and so did Bill.
Things start to happen and with Bill's condition, it does tend to make some things he says and does questionable.
There's plenty of family character in there and they're easy to follow in the story. I tended to like them all except mom and Julie. A strong 4 star and I recommend reading it. I am looking forward for an opportunity to reading Reclaimed Baggage which comes out in May.
Jenna gets an emergency call from her twin sister Julie, that Bill, their stepdad is in the hospital. Julie doesn't want to take responsibility of tending for him in the hospital and guilts Jenna, even though she is in college. Their mom tends to take Julie's side, because she's going through a rough stage. But I guess school is unimportant to mom. So right here I already have issues with her mom and Julie. But that's ok, because it didn't kill the story, other than showing how irresponsible those two are. It does show how strong willed Jenna is. With this Jenna will have to drop out of college to tend for Bill. What the heck kind of mom sides with this. Anyway, Jenna and Bill get along great, Jenna gets her summertime job at Dunkin back, so she can support herself while there. Jenna also meets Sam. She has no time for a guy and makes this very clear. I truly admired Sam and so did Bill.
Things start to happen and with Bill's condition, it does tend to make some things he says and does questionable.
There's plenty of family character in there and they're easy to follow in the story. I tended to like them all except mom and Julie. A strong 4 star and I recommend reading it. I am looking forward for an opportunity to reading Reclaimed Baggage which comes out in May.
February 7, 2025
I suppose it’s possible I didn’t truly know what to expect from this. I’ve never read a book from Katie O’Rourke and was able to get this arc from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was…heavy but very real. It felt like finding the simple things in life and learning to love yourself and put yourself first. It wasn’t overly anything, just very mundane life in this story. I didn’t love it personally but it wasn’t awful. Just…simple.
This book was…heavy but very real. It felt like finding the simple things in life and learning to love yourself and put yourself first. It wasn’t overly anything, just very mundane life in this story. I didn’t love it personally but it wasn’t awful. Just…simple.
February 8, 2025
This is the first have read from O’Rourke. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book was a lot of emotional “baggage” and hit you like a ton of bricks with deep feeling right out of the gate. Start to finish, the story was very raw and real.
How many horrible people does one person need in their life? Jenna takes punch after gut wrenching punch from the people she loves. The way they speak to her is just disgusting. It made it difficult for me to want to keep reading this book. Especially Liam’s self centeredness. “You’ve abandoned me” “your dad’s always sick” From someone who watched their own father slip away slowly, this made me sick. I almost stopped reading after that comment. I get that it set the tone for his character, but I did not care for him at all. And don’t get me started on her mother. Who keeps a secret like that and then thinks it’s no bid deal? The mother’s character infuriated me at too many points in this story.
Poor Sam. At 25% in, I get Jenna has a lot going on, but Sam seems like a great guy and she is just not someone I would want to be around. Jenna has her own self doubts from how she was raised by an unloving mother, but it’s all just a lot.
This book was just a lot in a small amount of pages.
This book was a lot of emotional “baggage” and hit you like a ton of bricks with deep feeling right out of the gate. Start to finish, the story was very raw and real.
How many horrible people does one person need in their life? Jenna takes punch after gut wrenching punch from the people she loves. The way they speak to her is just disgusting. It made it difficult for me to want to keep reading this book. Especially Liam’s self centeredness. “You’ve abandoned me” “your dad’s always sick” From someone who watched their own father slip away slowly, this made me sick. I almost stopped reading after that comment. I get that it set the tone for his character, but I did not care for him at all. And don’t get me started on her mother. Who keeps a secret like that and then thinks it’s no bid deal? The mother’s character infuriated me at too many points in this story.
Poor Sam. At 25% in, I get Jenna has a lot going on, but Sam seems like a great guy and she is just not someone I would want to be around. Jenna has her own self doubts from how she was raised by an unloving mother, but it’s all just a lot.
This book was just a lot in a small amount of pages.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2025
Many thanks to Discovery and Type Eighteen Books for an advanced e-copy in exchange for an honest review (original review can be found here).
Jenna is the type of person who would rather allow all her coworkers to mistakenly think she’s pregnant than correct a stranger who asks her when she’s due. She allows her anxious, depressed (gay) best friend to sleep in her bed for weeks because she doesn’t want to cause him emotional distress. Even though her sister, Julie, is unemployed and lives at home (never mind that her mother is a perfectly able-bodied adult), she reluctantly leaves college and moves home to care for her dying stepfather.
As the book progresses, we see Jenna’s sense of self and boundaries develop. She meets Sam, who doesn’t use her to meet his own needs. He loves her without asking her to change and allows the relationship to move at her own pace, emotionally and physically. Above all, he allows her to be fully herself—messy family and all.
As she’s navigating all these dynamics, Jenna learns a family secret that makes these complicated relationships downright opaque and must figure out how this unexpected revelation fits into everything else she’s trying to hold together.
Unclaimed Baggage is highly character-driven, which I loved. Reading the novel felt like taking a journey with Jenna as she learns to recognize her needs and begin carving out space for herself. I would have liked a little more character development for Sam and Julie, but their impact on Jenna’s growth still felt believable. There were four characters named Bill, which I think caused unnecessary confusion once or twice.
I enjoyed many things about this book, but two in particular stood out to me as especially well done. First, its depiction of grief is really impressive given the book’s length. O’Rourke adeptly captures both the ache of anticipatory grief and the fog that accompanies the stab of acute grief following loss. Second, I really appreciate the thoughtful representation of a secondary character’s OCD. I was pleasantly surprised with the sensitivity O’Rourke has shown in representing OCD as something lived with rather than performed for dramatic effect. The character’s compulsions are handled in a grounded, compassionate way—not sensationalized or reduced to a cliché.
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking for an emotionally sensitive, character-driven novel with strong themes of complex family relationships, loss, mental health, and learning to choose oneself.
TW: grief, illness, death, infidelity
Jenna is the type of person who would rather allow all her coworkers to mistakenly think she’s pregnant than correct a stranger who asks her when she’s due. She allows her anxious, depressed (gay) best friend to sleep in her bed for weeks because she doesn’t want to cause him emotional distress. Even though her sister, Julie, is unemployed and lives at home (never mind that her mother is a perfectly able-bodied adult), she reluctantly leaves college and moves home to care for her dying stepfather.
As the book progresses, we see Jenna’s sense of self and boundaries develop. She meets Sam, who doesn’t use her to meet his own needs. He loves her without asking her to change and allows the relationship to move at her own pace, emotionally and physically. Above all, he allows her to be fully herself—messy family and all.
As she’s navigating all these dynamics, Jenna learns a family secret that makes these complicated relationships downright opaque and must figure out how this unexpected revelation fits into everything else she’s trying to hold together.
Unclaimed Baggage is highly character-driven, which I loved. Reading the novel felt like taking a journey with Jenna as she learns to recognize her needs and begin carving out space for herself. I would have liked a little more character development for Sam and Julie, but their impact on Jenna’s growth still felt believable. There were four characters named Bill, which I think caused unnecessary confusion once or twice.
I enjoyed many things about this book, but two in particular stood out to me as especially well done. First, its depiction of grief is really impressive given the book’s length. O’Rourke adeptly captures both the ache of anticipatory grief and the fog that accompanies the stab of acute grief following loss. Second, I really appreciate the thoughtful representation of a secondary character’s OCD. I was pleasantly surprised with the sensitivity O’Rourke has shown in representing OCD as something lived with rather than performed for dramatic effect. The character’s compulsions are handled in a grounded, compassionate way—not sensationalized or reduced to a cliché.
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking for an emotionally sensitive, character-driven novel with strong themes of complex family relationships, loss, mental health, and learning to choose oneself.
TW: grief, illness, death, infidelity
February 5, 2025
this was a 3 hour read—i'm on a reading marathon don't mind me.
unclaimed baggage was such an emotional, deeply relatable story about family, love, and learning to put yourself first. Jenna has always been a people pleaser, but when her stepfather—her only real father figure—falls ill, she makes the difficult decision to leave college and care for him. just as she’s trying to navigate this heartbreak, a DNA test drops a family secret that turns her entire world upside down. as she struggles with grief and betrayal, Jenna finds herself drawn to someone who, for the first time in her life, doesn’t expect anything from her—he just wants to be with her. but with everything falling apart, can she really allow herself to accept love and happiness?
my thoughts about this:
this book was so raw, real, and emotionally gripping. the way it explores family dynamics, identity, and self-worth feels incredibly authentic. Jenna’s struggles are messy, complicated, and, at times, painful, but that’s what makes her journey so compelling. the romance part is heartfelt and offers a much-needed balance to the heavier themes, giving readers hope even in the darkest moments. i thought it would take away from the plot but it was just perfection!
hi readers, yes you. if you love character-driven stories that pull at your heartstrings and make you think about what it really means to take care of yourself, this novel is a must-read. it's about finding strength in unexpected places and allowing yourself to embrace the good things in life—even when they arrive at the worst possible time.
thank you so much BooksGoSocial for a copy! this story really made me cry. i see this being made into a movie.
4 ⭐️✨
unclaimed baggage was such an emotional, deeply relatable story about family, love, and learning to put yourself first. Jenna has always been a people pleaser, but when her stepfather—her only real father figure—falls ill, she makes the difficult decision to leave college and care for him. just as she’s trying to navigate this heartbreak, a DNA test drops a family secret that turns her entire world upside down. as she struggles with grief and betrayal, Jenna finds herself drawn to someone who, for the first time in her life, doesn’t expect anything from her—he just wants to be with her. but with everything falling apart, can she really allow herself to accept love and happiness?
my thoughts about this:
this book was so raw, real, and emotionally gripping. the way it explores family dynamics, identity, and self-worth feels incredibly authentic. Jenna’s struggles are messy, complicated, and, at times, painful, but that’s what makes her journey so compelling. the romance part is heartfelt and offers a much-needed balance to the heavier themes, giving readers hope even in the darkest moments. i thought it would take away from the plot but it was just perfection!
hi readers, yes you. if you love character-driven stories that pull at your heartstrings and make you think about what it really means to take care of yourself, this novel is a must-read. it's about finding strength in unexpected places and allowing yourself to embrace the good things in life—even when they arrive at the worst possible time.
thank you so much BooksGoSocial for a copy! this story really made me cry. i see this being made into a movie.
4 ⭐️✨
February 13, 2025
This book is beautifully written and touching, the story of a young woman trying to break free of her need to take care of everyone in her complicated family without creating a new mess. Jenna is in her last year of college, on the verge of independence, when her beloved stepfather ends up in the hospital while her mother is on a business trip. Her twin sister is no help, so Jenna takes a leave from school to move back home. Hints about secrets from the past add to her confusion and grief. In the midst of this chaos, she meets Sam, a kind man who would be too good to be true if not for secrets of his own.
I appreciated the portrayal of a messy blended family that is still strong and loving. The story normalizes a variety of common mental health challenges that characters face and seek treatment for without that taking over the book. I also liked that Jenna and Sam’s story provides romantic relief without being the main plot. The author does a good and funny job with something you’re not supposed to do: give multiple characters the same name. What could have been wildly confusing was handled with grace and clarity. The central secret was dramatic but still believable.
Recommended for readers seeking a family story of love, conflict, and grace.
I received an advance reader ebook from the author.
I appreciated the portrayal of a messy blended family that is still strong and loving. The story normalizes a variety of common mental health challenges that characters face and seek treatment for without that taking over the book. I also liked that Jenna and Sam’s story provides romantic relief without being the main plot. The author does a good and funny job with something you’re not supposed to do: give multiple characters the same name. What could have been wildly confusing was handled with grace and clarity. The central secret was dramatic but still believable.
Recommended for readers seeking a family story of love, conflict, and grace.
I received an advance reader ebook from the author.
March 14, 2025
Jenna was a hard character to read, mainly because she felt so real and relatable. The book starts by showing her as a 'kindhearted' doormat that everyone seemed to love to use. Even Jenna's twin, Julie, capitalised on the fact.
When Jenna and Julie's stepfather, Bill, become severely ill, Jenna drops out of school. Fortunately, there are some kind people in the world. Amidst the drama, another straw blows in. Would it be the one that broke the camel's back?
I am aware that this is the book related to Reclaimed baggage, and it is in a different point of view to offer readers a more complete view of the story. But while the story had solid realistic characters, it wasn't enough. It was hard watching Jenna struggle through, came through the other end without changing much. The only thing that Jenna got was a shiny spine after everything .
Even the big reveal didn't get a large reaction like I expected. The conflicts could be fiery. The tension throughout the book was the same: never too tight, never too loose. I just felt that, if the stakes were that high, some explosions should happen.
It was a well-written and poignant story, but it would benefit from some harsher reactions from some characters.
When Jenna and Julie's stepfather, Bill, become severely ill, Jenna drops out of school. Fortunately, there are some kind people in the world. Amidst the drama, another straw blows in. Would it be the one that broke the camel's back?
I am aware that this is the book related to Reclaimed baggage, and it is in a different point of view to offer readers a more complete view of the story. But while the story had solid realistic characters, it wasn't enough. It was hard watching Jenna struggle through, came through the other end without changing much. The only thing that Jenna got was a shiny spine after everything .
Even the big reveal didn't get a large reaction like I expected. The conflicts could be fiery. The tension throughout the book was the same: never too tight, never too loose. I just felt that, if the stakes were that high, some explosions should happen.
It was a well-written and poignant story, but it would benefit from some harsher reactions from some characters.
March 11, 2025
A family emergency entices Jenna to leave college her senior year to help care for her dying stepfather. She willingly makes this sacrifice to help out her mother and her twin sister who are also caregivers, but the brunt of Bill’s care falls to Jenna. As Bill gets sicker, he sometimes isn’t rational, and then one day, he says something to Jenna that rocks her world. This family has a secret, and secrets have a way of becoming known, even if it takes years. This character-driven novel is quite interesting. Jenna, the main protagonist, is a kind, thoughtful people-pleaser. Her mother? Not so much. Her sister is a rather needy character, putting her wants before others. Bill is a sweet and devoted husband as well as a loving and patient dad with all his children. As serious as this novel is, there is still a bit a humor in it, especially with the way Jenna meets her soon-to-be boyfriend Sam. The novel addresses the concepts of grief and betrayal and also forgiveness with care and consideration. This well-written novel is one you will not want to rush through; rather, you will want to savor each page.
April 11, 2025
There is something about this book, some quality that made me want to keep on reading and reading. I slid into is and a couple of days later it was done. The back of the book says it's set in 2000, although I think some of it takes place after 9/11. Anyway, it's set in the early naughties, but not in the way that some authors do it, constantly referring to music or fashion. That's not the point. the relationships are the point.
Many questions were raised, some were answered and some were not. While writing this review I found out there is a sequel coming, that will tell more of the story. I can't wait.
This is the second book in a row that I have read featuring families and drama and secrets, in a women's fiction way not a suspense way. (The other is Roadside Sisters: A Novel) they pair well together, with each author addressing similar themes in a different way.
Thanks to NetGally and the publisher for a free eArc in exchange for an honest review.
Many questions were raised, some were answered and some were not. While writing this review I found out there is a sequel coming, that will tell more of the story. I can't wait.
This is the second book in a row that I have read featuring families and drama and secrets, in a women's fiction way not a suspense way. (The other is Roadside Sisters: A Novel) they pair well together, with each author addressing similar themes in a different way.
Thanks to NetGally and the publisher for a free eArc in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2025
Unclaimed Baggage was a quick read, family drama/saga where all characters are realistically flawed.
The story centers around twin, Jenna, who is at a crux in her life - a 21 year old college senior uncertain concerning numerous life aspects. She many times feels as if she is simply flailing.
The story begins as Jenna is summoned home to help take care of her ailing step-father. After her return to home, Jenna discovers secrets that will forever change her life.
I was excited to read that Katie O'Rourke will be following this work up with a sequel entitled Reclaimed Baggage that will be the story of the mother in this story and told from her point of view. Barbara, the mom, was the antagonist in this story, and I feel her story is one that needs to be told. I will definitely be looking for it as it nears its publication date.
If you enjoy family sagas with complex characters whose actions revolve around relationships and their emotions, look for Unclaimed Baggage when it hits shelves April 8th. Thank you, Book Sirens, for the opportunity to preview this ARC.
The story centers around twin, Jenna, who is at a crux in her life - a 21 year old college senior uncertain concerning numerous life aspects. She many times feels as if she is simply flailing.
The story begins as Jenna is summoned home to help take care of her ailing step-father. After her return to home, Jenna discovers secrets that will forever change her life.
I was excited to read that Katie O'Rourke will be following this work up with a sequel entitled Reclaimed Baggage that will be the story of the mother in this story and told from her point of view. Barbara, the mom, was the antagonist in this story, and I feel her story is one that needs to be told. I will definitely be looking for it as it nears its publication date.
If you enjoy family sagas with complex characters whose actions revolve around relationships and their emotions, look for Unclaimed Baggage when it hits shelves April 8th. Thank you, Book Sirens, for the opportunity to preview this ARC.
April 12, 2025
I have read several of O’Rourke’s books. I find her writing speaks to my soul. There’s a poetic connection that sets her style apart from other authors I have read. I want to – and intend to – read every book she writes. She’s that good.
Unclaimed Baggage is the story of Jenna, a college student who leaves school to care for her ailing stepfather. As the story progresses, Jenna deals with the other relationships in her life, always putting others before herself. The book captivates the reader as we become witnesses to the way she resolves the issues in her life.
I very rarely read a book more than once, but this book and several others of hers I have previously read are on my TBR list for the second time – they’re that good. She is truly one of my favorite authors, and I can’t wait for the sequel to Unclaimed Baggage to be released.
Unclaimed Baggage is the story of Jenna, a college student who leaves school to care for her ailing stepfather. As the story progresses, Jenna deals with the other relationships in her life, always putting others before herself. The book captivates the reader as we become witnesses to the way she resolves the issues in her life.
I very rarely read a book more than once, but this book and several others of hers I have previously read are on my TBR list for the second time – they’re that good. She is truly one of my favorite authors, and I can’t wait for the sequel to Unclaimed Baggage to be released.
January 10, 2026
Unclaimed Baggage is a thoughtful, emotionally resonant novel about grief, family loyalty, and the quiet courage it takes to choose oneself. Katie O’Rourke writes with restraint and empathy, creating characters who feel deeply real rather than engineered for drama.
Jenna’s journey derailed by caregiving, complicated by a life-altering family secret, and softened by an unexpected, steady love unfolds with honesty and care. The revelations are painful but earned, and the emotional stakes remain intimate and believable throughout.
This is a beautifully written story about messy families, unspoken truths, and learning to accept good things when they finally arrive. A rewarding read for fans of character-driven, emotionally nuanced fiction.
Jenna’s journey derailed by caregiving, complicated by a life-altering family secret, and softened by an unexpected, steady love unfolds with honesty and care. The revelations are painful but earned, and the emotional stakes remain intimate and believable throughout.
This is a beautifully written story about messy families, unspoken truths, and learning to accept good things when they finally arrive. A rewarding read for fans of character-driven, emotionally nuanced fiction.
January 17, 2025
A novel about a big, messy family with its share of secrets, joys, and misunderstandings. Jenna is a relatable character, a "good girl" who steps in to care for her stepdad when her mother can't be what they all want her to be. When Jenna starts having feelings for someone who seems to appreciate her true self, it seems almost too good to be true. Like a lot of us, she has to convince herself to prioritize self-care, to leave the troubles of childhood behind to find a path that makes her happy and fulfilled. An entertaining read, and I definitely want to read more about these characters in the next book.
March 17, 2025
This is one of those books that made me laugh and cry. It’s a story about Jenna and her complicated dysfunctional family and how her role in the family was to fix everything. She’s in college when she hears that her step-father is dying and her twin sister and mother are not stepping up to help, so she runs right over to rescue everyone at a big cost to her own well being.
I related to a lot of this, so I give thumbs up to the author because she got so much right with all the issues her characters are navigating. Good little mystery too. I’ll need to find another book by her because it was that good.
I related to a lot of this, so I give thumbs up to the author because she got so much right with all the issues her characters are navigating. Good little mystery too. I’ll need to find another book by her because it was that good.
November 18, 2025
Unclaimed Baggage by Katie O’Rourke is one of those stories that sneaks up on you gently and ends up staying with you long after you’re done. The characters feel real in that imperfect, vulnerable way that makes you want to root for them from page one. The writing is warm, honest, and beautifully observant the kind of storytelling that feels effortless even though you know it isn’t.
It’s a quiet book, but it hits deep. If you love stories about connection, healing, and the emotional threads people carry with them, this is a gem worth picking up.
It’s a quiet book, but it hits deep. If you love stories about connection, healing, and the emotional threads people carry with them, this is a gem worth picking up.
February 12, 2025
Really enjoyed this story about twins Jenna and Julie and their older brother. Jenna's step dad's health has gone down hill, her mother travel and her sister is very undependable so Jenna drops out of college to come home and take care of him.. She gets her job back at the donut shop. Follow Jenna as she meets a new guy, her best friend Liam comes back to town to see her and her step dad tells her something she needs to investigate. A VERY GOOD READ.
February 20, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive a review copy of this book
I thought that this was cute story about finding yourself, doing what makes you happy and learning to prioritise yourself. There were some parts in the beginning that felt a bit dragging with more details than necessary and some things repeated a few too many time, however as I got closer to the end of the book I found myself flying through the chapters to finish it. An excellent quick read for travelling or a relaxing weekend.
I thought that this was cute story about finding yourself, doing what makes you happy and learning to prioritise yourself. There were some parts in the beginning that felt a bit dragging with more details than necessary and some things repeated a few too many time, however as I got closer to the end of the book I found myself flying through the chapters to finish it. An excellent quick read for travelling or a relaxing weekend.
July 8, 2025
This book was soo good! Jenna was a student in college that had to put her life on hold to take care of her sick Dad. Jenna moved home and battled a lot of internal fights and fights with her family because the care of her sick step father, basically fell on her shoulders. Along the way a lot of family secrets were unveiled.. I highly recommend this book and I will be definitely reading more by this author.
February 13, 2025
I didn’t know what to expect from this book as I’ve not read anything by the author before but I found myself immediately drawn in. The writing was on the simpler side, but that made this a quick and easy read. And I found myself rooting for the MC, through all her trials and tribulations.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
March 15, 2025
This is a story of complex family relationships. I really felt for Jenna, as she put up with so much from everyone around her who just treated her terribly. I really couldn't stand the first half of the book, but the second half was redeeming, and I ended up enjoying it.
Thank you to Type Eighteen Books and Katie O'rourke for providing me a free copy.
Thank you to Type Eighteen Books and Katie O'rourke for providing me a free copy.
March 4, 2025
A family story with both love and loss. Not my typical genre, but the characters and storylines are relatable. Read this in one sitting on a road trip so definitely a fast, enjoyable read.
March 27, 2025
Jenna is a college student when she decided to take a leave of absence from school to go help take care of her sick step dad. He is dying from heart issues and finds that she’s the only one really around. Her mom is away alot for work and her sister is still living the no responsibility life. Her step dad starts telling her things that make her second guess what she’s known her whole life and unfortunately she can’t ask him more about it. While she tries to figure out the next steps in her life and how to handle the changes in her family she also met a guy she starts falling for. He is the rock she needed at the exact right time.
I enjoyed this book but not as much as what I thought. I thought I would connect with it on the loss aspect but there wasn’t enough to make me feel pulled in and really sad. I also wish there was more with the boyfriend. I really enjoyed reading about Jenna’s life in this struggling situation.
I enjoyed this book but not as much as what I thought. I thought I would connect with it on the loss aspect but there wasn’t enough to make me feel pulled in and really sad. I also wish there was more with the boyfriend. I really enjoyed reading about Jenna’s life in this struggling situation.
May 21, 2025
Thank you to Type Eighteen Books and Katie O'Rourke for the ARC.
I had a really good time reading this. I really enjoyed how it dealt with the topic of grief and finding yourself during that grieving process while also trying to have your own life. I really enjoyed Jenna's character growth through out the novel, but I think my favorite character was Norman, but mostly could be because he's a dog.
I had a really good time reading this. I really enjoyed how it dealt with the topic of grief and finding yourself during that grieving process while also trying to have your own life. I really enjoyed Jenna's character growth through out the novel, but I think my favorite character was Norman, but mostly could be because he's a dog.
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