Becoming Olivia: A Small Town, Boy Next Door, Closed Door Romance

by Jen Atkinson

Olivia thought inheriting her grandmother’s house would be the biggest surprise of her summer. She was wrong.

Between discovering a secret journal tucked away in Amelia’s house and falling head over heels for Logan, her grandmother’s next-door neighbor, Olivia’s life is changing in ways she never could have imagined. For the first time, she’s beginning to see a future she actually wants, one that includes Logan and a life spent doing what she loves and chooses.

But the deeper Olivia dives into Amelia’s journal, the more she realizes her grandmother’s past is nothing like the story she grew up believing.

Long-buried secrets surface with every page she turns. Olivia must decide how much history she’s willing to uncover and whether knowing the truth is worth the pain that comes with it.

Though difficult, she can’t deny that as she discovers where she came from, she’s finally beginning to understand where she’s meant to be.

The conclusion and part two of an Amelia duology, a small-town, closed-door, contemporary romance.

Genres: Romance

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2026

Reviews

[Stephanie Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becoming Olivia by Jen Atkinson picks right up where Knowing Amelia left off. This makes sense as they were originally one book instead of the new, revised duology.

I confess, after finishing Knowing Amelia I was completely hooked and had to finish the story and see how everything was resolved. I knew a happily ever after, or at least a bittersweet infused HEA was waiting, so I may or may not have stayed up a wee bit late reading to the end.

There’s so much beauty between the pages of Becoming Olivia. Olivia has truly found herself, her place, and a bit of her confidence and learned to stand up for what she wants out of life. Including love. While she and Logan have a big of a turbulent time getting to solid ground, it’s not due to a lack of love.

On top of Olivia and Logan working towards an HEA, Amelia continues to unravel the mystery of her grandmother’s life, leading to a conclusion I definitely hadn’t anticipated, but was so heartwarming. I can’t wait to hear how everyone else is captivated by this beautiful story. Grab your copy today!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

[M. K. Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.25 stars: This is a sweet romance, the second in a series (definitely start with the first). It is a cute story overall, if you accept that some things won't be logical, such as how Olivia can just become a substitute teacher without applying or doing any training.

I was so intrigued and couldn't wait to see what would happen both with Amelia (the grandma) and Olivia (her granddaughter, who's reading her grandma's journals). The twist is honestly crazy! I also really wish we got to see more of the road trip vibe for Olivia and her boy (no spoilers), because that was all told and not shown. Ultimately, even with all her baggage, I still didn't understand why Amelia, as a grandma, would choose a passively distant estrangement from her extended family. Still, I was completely gripped by these characters and their stories.

Thank you to the author for the ARC; all opinions are my own.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book picks up right where Knowing Amelia left off, so if you have not yet read book one, you definitely need to do that first as each book is really just one half of the story that need to be read together to get the full story. And what a story it was. Book one definitely left me with questions that I was excited to see answered... and book two didn't disappoint in those answers in the slightest. There were some secrets and twists that I'd wondered about... and others that took me by surprise... and I loved every moment of it. The romance between Olivia and Logan was great, of course, but I also loved getting to know Amelia's story... one that was filled with heartbreaking moments and secrets that she kept even from those closest to her. It was a beautiful family of healing and love that will take you on a roller coaster of emotions... in the best way possible.

Becoming Olivia is a closed-door romance with kisses only and minimal minor language.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good conclusion to this duology!

This one jumps right in where book 1 left off. I really enjoyed the mystery aspect of this cute little romcom. I will say I guessed it from chapter 2 of book 1 so it wasn't a huge surprise for me. I also thought Olivia was a little clueless to not figure it out...

I enjoyed the friendships and family relationships that were more present in this one. The town and people were cute!

I will say I had a hard time connecting with Olivia more in this one, I thought she was emotionally immature and made real dumb choices. 😬 when she kept pushing Logan away I just couldn't look past that! 😅 I also thought she was a little too codependent on Logan for support and emotionally. She also was overly emotional and was crying about every little thing. Which again is not something I enjoy in a character (personal preference). Overall Olivia was not a character I really enjoyed which made the books a little harder to enjoy.

I have really enjoyed Jen's other books, but this one just wasn't a hit for me.

Thanks Jen and Happily Ever Readers service for this arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Remarks •
No spice - just kisses
No language
TW - manipulative relationship, loss of love one (past)

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh and this one ? Wow just simple without worrd. The story that was build here will be one I will forever remember. Oliva and Logan, you guys are absolutely amazing and I have love seeing the adventure you have gone through, everything that world had to being your way. When I tell you I have laughed, I have cried (a lot), and I have fallen in love with a story one from the past and one from the present. These two humans where definitely meant to find each other, we're meant to find the secrets Amelia had hidden and the future they both deserve to have with each other. The people Olivia met, the memories, the family she always hope for and so many more things that happen and I cant even put it into works. Jen writes stories to remember, stories thst will live rent free in your mind for a long long time . Make sure to add this ones to your tbr, you won't regret it♡

[Sarah Brake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good emotional conclusion of this duology! While I wish there was a little more to the end of the story, I loved how she was learning about her own family and grandmother and figuring out what she wanted in her own life!

[Aprilslibrary · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I loved this. Jen created characters that felt real and raw. This story is one that took you on a ride through a family’s life. It was beautiful and emotional. While also having lighthearted and funny moments. I loved following Olivia’s journey to discover not only herself, but her grandmother as well. The deep emotion of longing for someone you never got to know was easy to empathize with. This was so so beautiful.

*I was sent a copy of this book my the author. All my opinions are my own.

[Melissa Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 🌟
Continuing this story was so good! Loved the second half of Olivia's story. It was so healing for her and the twist near the end of the book just spoke to the heart so much ❤️ Such a cozy read!

[Michelle Houghton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes you see that right I started mid-morning and COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! If you have not read the first book Knowing Amelia then STOP you need to go read that first! This is one story in two books. It is epic. I loved the continuation of Olivia and Logan’s story, Olivia’s growth and the final chapters of her Grandmother, Amelia’s, journal and life story. The dialogue both internal and out loud is relatable and real. Just like the first book I feel like I am watching this story unfold rather than sitting on my couch reading it. There are twists you might have guessed at but there is no way you will predict it all.
The journal is masterfully woven into the book and the overlapping stories so well told. Atkinson has shown a true gift for story telling with this duo-logy. Make sure to read all author Jen Atkinson’s notes as her relationship to this book and this story is as important as the story itself.
Brava Jen Atkinson! All the stars.

[Sarah Shelton]

The conclusion of Jen’s contemporary romance duology brought about some hard realizations and secrets being uncovered. Olivia learns the truth of Amelia’s background, and it shifts the trajectory of her life. All the while, Logan and Olivia are falling hard and falling fast. This story was heartfelt and sad, but definitely had uplifting and healing moments for Olivia. You grow to appreciate all of Rendevous’s quirks and the people it brought into Olivia’s life. I enjoyed that punch too. 🤣 Anyway, make sure to check out both books for a great small town romance duology about finding yourself amidst discovering more about your past and how it shapes you! 🫶🏻

[jennie.and.books · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

What a beautiful finish of this beautiful story! I thought this was such a beautiful story all around! I'm obsessed!

[Kim Golding · Rating 5 out of 5]

“His arms slip around me, wrapping me up in a tight hug, and filling me with all kinds of lovely endorphins. And now I’ve got my exact favorite spot in Rendezvous: Logan’s embrace.”

Becoming Olivia is the second book in the Knowing Amelia duology, it picks up right where the first book ended so you’re definitely want to read that one first!
This book continues our journey of Olivia getting to know her deceased grandmother, Amelia, and the secrets that she kept via her journal that Olivia found after inheriting the house.

Oh my gosh I loved this book so much; even if I did get mad at Olivia more than once for pushing Logan away. 😏 Logan is the ultimate MMC and I loved his patience with Olivia and the way he supported her on her quest to find the truth about her family.

Favorite quotes:

“I might agree to anything when those hazel eyes are staring down at me. This man is dangerous.”

“…. his T-shirt hugs the contours of his arms and abs. He’s holding a book in his hands, reading. I turn into goo at the sight of him. Nothing and no one ever looked better. Logan and this scene might be my personalized aphrodisiac.”

“Logan laughs, pausing mid-hallway and drawing me in for a hug. I press my cheek to his chest and breathe him in. I’ve found my happy place.”

[Sharon the Librarian · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Between discovering a secret journal tucked away in Amelia’s house and falling head over heels for her grandmother’s next-door neighbor, Olivia’s life is changing in ways she never could have imagined. For the first time, she’s beginning to see a future she actually wants, one that includes Logan and a life spent doing what she loves and chooses.

Secrets, surprises, and summer love. Not all of them are good things, but they all point her toward her future. Will it be easy? Not even a little bit. Will the secrets be accepted when exposed or will it drive a bigger wedge between family members? Small town or big city?

Sometimes finding out where you came from helps you decide where you’re going. This beautiful story might be confusing if you’re Olivia- but as a reader, it’s gold. It’s tender, it’s gentle, and it makes you realize that you don’t need to settle. There are good and kind people out there, and that’s who you want to surround yourself with.

"Logan in a bookstore with a first-edition classic- it's like my very own custom -made romance novel."

I received an e-arc from the author for my honest opinion.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

what an absolutely BEAUTIFUL ending to this story!

I really enjoyed book 1, and worried going into book 2 that the story might not have enough places to go to fill a whole second book, but I WAS WRONG.

This was emotional, loving, sweet, heartbreaking and just absolutely everything I didn’t even realize i wanted and needed from this book.

Again, I love the letters and diary entries from Amelia. It was such a good touch and added so much to the duology overall. I was SOBBBINNNGG with Liv when she got to the end of the journal - IYKYK. It was a beautiful ending to the story and just wrapped it all up in such a perfect way. AND WHEN THEY WERE IN THE BACK YARD? Sobbed but also my heart was SO FULL (again IYKYK).

Jen’s writing NEVER doesn’t work for me. She’s definitely a favorite author and I would recommend immediately reading this duology. Such a different vibe than her usual work, but beautifully done and would absolutely love to read more in this realm from her as well.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is truly a part two; it picks up right where 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗮 left off. Olivia is deep into her grandmother Amelia’s journal, and big things are being revealed. As for Olivia, she is still working on finding her footing. Breaking away from her old life has not been easy, but the people in the little town of Rendezvous have become like family.
She couldn’t have found a more perfect neighbor in Logan, and yep, it looks like he is becoming so much more!

Jen caught me by surprise with a twist at the end that made this feel-good story even more heartwarming. This one gets high marks for the warm and fuzzies.

Thank you @authorjenatkinson and @happilyeverreaders.services for this gifted eBook. #knowingamelia #becomingolivia

[Shauna · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

The Brief: As Olivia continues to read her grandmother’s journal she uncovers more heartbreak and more answers. And more love.

The Debrief: I’m not sure what to say that won’t spoil it so I’ll just dump:

✍🏻don’t be mean
✍🏻friends are the best
✍🏻always eat the ice cream
✍🏻don’t date losers
✍🏻humans are resilient
✍🏻have a little faith
✍🏻love is forever

The Rhyme: Logan will patiently support Olivia as she untangles her grandmother’s words. When the truth is discovered will love begin and heal the years of all she’s known and heard?

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Amelia Duology and picks up right where book one left off.

So many emotions while reading this book. In Knowing Amelia, Olivia finds and starts to read Amelia's journal. Secrets are revealed and we get an insight to Amelia's life road. There were moments where my heart just broke for the person she was and the situations that changed her. There are some turns that I saw coming, but still wasn't prepared for. Still, after finishing the book, my heart tugs for Amelia, Burt, Seth, and Jonathan.

One theme that we can take from the duology is that we can't always control the situations in our lives, and there are going to be hurts and the loss of people that will stick with us no matter what. However, we can still find a path of happiness - even if it isn't one we would have chosen if given a choice.

Logan is still a walking green flag and I love how his and Olivia's relationship grows. There were a couple of times that I wanted to shake Olivia because of her insecurities, but I loved how patient Logan was.

I enjoyed that Olivia was able to blossom in the small town of Rendezvous. That while everyone tends to know everyone else business, she was able to find the space that allowed her to figure out what she truly wanted in her life.

This book does give a HEA, even if it is a little bitter sweet. It is a reminder that life doesn't always go the way we want and that we shouldn't waste the time we have because we never know when things will change.

I enjoyed this book and know it will be living rent free in my mind for a while.

I received an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Quotes:
"Then again, maybe crazy just runs in the family."

"...the best things in life will always take effort."

"Maybe I do want competition. Because I want to be chosen. I want Logan to have all the options in the world and to still choose me."

"I choose him. Hands down."

"You love him. Don't waste the time you have."

"Life doesn't always turn out the way we'd like."

"Knowing what I want doesn't make me young and impulsive."

"And I won't let anyone stop me from living the life meant for me."

[Tanya · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I knew Becoming Olivia was going to be emotional, but I was NOT prepared for just how deeply this one would hit me. I cried. More than once. This was such a beautiful conclusion to Olivia’s story, and everything that began in Knowing Amelia finally came together in a way that felt incredibly touching and earned.

What I loved most was watching Olivia truly begin to become herself. In the first book, she was only starting to question the life everyone else had planned for her. Here, she starts choosing what she wants—her future, her career, her relationships, and the kind of woman she wants to be. There was something so satisfying about watching her stop simply following a path and begin creating one of her own.

And then there is Amelia’s journal. Oh, my heart. Every new piece of her story added another layer to the woman Olivia thought she knew, and some of those revelations absolutely wrecked me. There is something incredibly bittersweet about finally understanding someone after they are gone, especially when their story helps you understand yourself in return.

I also loved Olivia and Logan, but for me this story became about so much more than the romance. It was about family, forgiveness, regret, grief, and the ways love can echo through generations. Jen Atkinson gave these characters room to hurt, heal, and grow without losing the quiet sweetness that made me fall in love with them in the first place.

Becoming Olivia was heartfelt, beautiful, and genuinely moving. I closed this book feeling like I had said goodbye to people I actually knew, and yes... I cried right along with Olivia. Sometimes learning where you came from is exactly what you need to finally become who you were always meant to be.

Thanks to Jen Atkinson for gifting me an eARC of It’s Becoming Olivia. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Soft and Sinister · Rating 4 out of 5]

I preferred this book in the series, but it's just because I'd rather follow the MC's story and don't generally love going back in time, however I did love that Jen Atkinson published it in two books - it made the reading experience more enjoyable.
The story:
This book starts where the previous book ended and we get a lot more answers than the previous story. Olivia is still figuring out what she wants, if she wants to stay in town and trying to rebuild the relationships that were damaged in the first book but also not allowing everyone to walk over her.
What stuck with me:
Our MMC, Logan was such a sweetheart - he was there for Amelia through this tough time and always showed up when she needed him.
What surprised me:
Usually I don't like the story just from the FMC point of view but this book was really an easy read.
What frustrated me:
Still the insta-love after her breakup, I wasn't a fan...
What I would tell another reader
You have to read the first book to even have a clue of what is happening in the second book as this is the 2nd part of the duology. If you like a small town, insta-love romance then this book needs to be added to your tbr.
Thank you Jen Atkinson and Happily Ever Readers for this arc in return for an honest review.

[Jenny x Carolena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becoming Olivia picks up right where Finding Amelia left off, and WOW, was I not prepared for everything this second book had in store! This is definitely a duology you'll want to read in order because there's so much that carries over from the first book. I loved continuing to discover Amelia's story through her journal, even if some of what she experienced absolutely broke my heart. The grief, the struggles, and everything she endured were so emotional to read about.

Olivia is still trying to figure out who she is and what she wants for her future, and I enjoyed following that journey while seeing how things continued to unfold with Logan. But that ending?! OH MY GOSH. I was NOT expecting some of those revelations! My jaw dropped, tears were shed, and my heart broke more than once. There were definitely moments when I just wanted to yell at certain characters! What an emotional conclusion to this duology!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[LESLIE J (mrsj_readsbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Jen Atkinson for my complimentary eARC of Becoming Olivia. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Becoming Olivia picks up immediately after Knowing Amelia. I am so glad I had it downloaded and ready to go after that ending of Book 1.

Olivia's self discovery journey continues while she is finding out more about her Grandmother's life. This story surprised me with its diverse range of emotions. I was so invested in Ameila's tragic story, while at the same time wanting to shake some sense into Olivia. I had to keep reminding myself she is young and processing so many emotions. She is privy to so many secrets and must process the ramifications of her Grandmother's life.

This series should most definitely be read in order. Have a box of tissues handy along with a carton of Chunky Monkey.
It is quite the roller coaster of emotions. Yet oh so satisfying.

[Amy · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

Olivia is making a new life for herself as she uncovers the secrets her grandmother has written in a hidden journal. Logan supports Olivia as she tries to sort through her family secrets, new job, and her feelings for Logan.

What I loved:
🖊️ Olivia- perfectly imperfect. She’s relatable and you want to cheer her on.
🖊️Logan- he’s honest with his feelings and supportive
🖊️The new friends Olivia makes
🖊️Quirky small town antics
🖊️The family mystery
🖊️The chemistry between Logan and Amelia

This was such a sweet book. The second book following Olivia and Amelia. I loved the family aspects and the messiness of family. There’s so much love even in the turmoil. The instant connection between Logan and Olivia still continues in this second book. You will be turning pages as fast as you can to see the mystery unfold.

[Simone Gremillion · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

The second book in the Amelia Sequential Duology and we get to see more secrets revealed about Olivia’s grandmother as well as Olivia growing into who she wants to be instead of her parents choice.

Learning more about how her grandmother got to the small town of Rendezvous, Olivia starts to love the place herself. She starts to see what she loves to do and what career path she wants to take.

She is also learning that she needs to allow others to make their own choices as well and stop trying to decide for them, just like her parents did for her and her ex-boyfriend. Trusting others hasn’t come easy but she is beginning to see how, especially with Logan, the guy next-door.

Her biggest discovery has her needing to speak with her father again and allowing him to make some choices as well.

#arcread #rerelease #smalltown #closeddoorcontemporaryromance #duology

**I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kaci Bonar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought about how I wanted to start this review and I didn’t think, “get tissues and hold on tight,” wasn’t probably the most appropriate thing to say, truthful but not enough information given.  So please grab tissues when reading this because if this normally non-emotional reader got choked up, anything can happen.

Olivia continues to navigate her new life in Rendezvous, Wyoming and her life in California is becoming blurry!  We see Olivia become who she wants to be and even if her patience is put to some major tests, she still comes out better for it.  I love this self-exploration, while drawing on the past to comfort and validate some of what she’s feeling! 

The journal entries aren’t as easy to read in this book but are extremely necessary!  Life wasn’t easy during that time and the fact that Amelia sought comfort and peace by writing was huge!  Sometimes we just need to let it all out!  I loved when we saw where Logan’s family came into play in the story!  He seemed to enjoy that as well!

Logan is no stranger to hardship and fighting for what he what he deems important in life and isn’t afraid to stand by Olivia as she discovers this new side of herself!  He truly is the best and helped make this story as wonderful as it is!  He is the calm voice of reason, whether Liv needs a pep talk for substituting or to explore a used bookstore!  Or to drive you to the hospital during a rainstorm!

I want to say so much more but at the end of the day, this duology is sequential for a reason, neither story is complete without the other!  If you want a pair of books that will have you swooning, scowling, and possibly sobbing but leave you overall feeling complete and like you’re a better person, please read these!  These books were exactly what I needed, even if I didn’t realize it at first!  Maybe somewhere subconsciously I wasn’t meant to read the original so I could appreciate these even more!  All the love to Jen for these books and the beautiful stories that unfolded!

[MAndy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The groundwork was laid so well with "Knowing Amelia," and it picked up perfectly in this second half of the duo. Olivia truly becomes her own person in this story, and watching it unfold was beautiful. There were hard moments, but there was also laughter and the reward that comes from standing up for oneself. (And maybe some smoochey rewards too. 🤭) Everyone needs a crew that supports and encourages them in the hard times, and Olivia is surrounded by one of the best. This duology is a wonderful story, and I'm so glad I got the chance to read it! You definitely need to go check it out!

[Megan | Reads Alotl Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second story in geology and it is fantastic. I was likely to see Jen the weekend that I was finishing this book and I was just blown away. The continuation from knowing Amelia and going into Olivia’s story is heartwarming and powerful.

As Olivia tries to learn more and become her true self, we find a lot more of her family history that affects her life. My heart was breaking with her so many times and I was hoping my predictions were wrong. This is a deeply touching and moving story and I absolutely love Olivia and Logan’s friendship.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Becoming Olivia picks up right where Knowing Olivia ends - continuing the unravelling mystery of her grandmother’s life, leading to a conclusion I saw coming but was so heartwarming. Amelia's story is one of heartbreak and secrets. This duology is a story of healing and love that will take you on a roller coaster of emotions. Make sure to read all of Jen’s notes as her relationship to this book and this story is as important as the story itself.

[Karen B · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book of a heartfelt duology of self-discovery featuring a sweet, tender closed-door romance.
With a new perception of her past and a new trajectory of her future that might possibly include a love with her new neighbor, Logan, Olivia continued to unearth long-buried secrets from her grandmother’s journal. The transformation into becoming a confident and independent woman was motivational and beautiful.
Thanks to the author for the eARC

[Desiree Zito · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an adorable, cozy small-town Romance. The mystery surrounding Amelia’s storyline was so fun to follow. I was clinging to the journal entries. Overall, I loved this Duology! Logan was a sweet, charismatic MMC, and the self-discovery journey that Olivia went through was inspiring. It was so much fun to read how these characters came into themselves throughout the story line. And it was a fun adventure to discover all of Amelia’s hidden secrets.

Mood: Cozy
Spice: Only Kisses

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make sure to read Knowing Amelia first or this book won’t make any sense. Like I mentioned in the other book review, it’s hard to find words. It was such a beautiful journey watching Olivia’s self discovery while learning about her grandmother. Prepare to feel all the feels and cry along with her. And I can’t forget about Logan, who is the most patient and kind hearted soul. Everyone needs a Logan in their life.