Between Two Worlds

by Janet Olson

Ida thought that moving herself and her infant daughter to Mukono would accomplish two objectives: it would allow Engen to freely attend the college of his choice, and it would fulfill Mrs. M.'s insistence that Ida and Engen “separate to unite.” However, Ida's world is turned upside down when an unexpected visitor informs her that a horrible crime has been committed against Engen. Fearing that she will lose yet another friend without having the chance to say goodbye, Ida rushes home to Minnesota. Will the fact that Engen almost died cause Ida to tempt fate by brushing off Mrs. M.'s prediction?

Meanwhile, back in Mukono, Lev attempts to bond with baby Victoria to prove that he is indeed ready to be a father. Can he do this while simultaneously juggling his first year of college, and mollifying his cousin who feels entirely abandoned? Add to this the crippling jealousy Lev feels, knowing that Ida is at the bedside of a man who's in love with her, and Lev will be lucky if he makes it through the week with his sanity intact.

267 pages, Paperback

Published February 16, 2021

Reviews

[Sarah Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If there is one thing you will never have to worry about running out of, it's my desire for you." This is one of many quotes from Lev that will make me #TeamLev forever! In this second installment of New Beginnings the love triangle has all but disappeared as Ida's choice is pretty apparent from the beginning. But I won't give away which guy, you'll have to read it to find out! In the first book I was not a big fan of Engen. In this book I do feel he has grown a little and I can tolerate him. However, my feeling have changed a bit towards Ida. As much as I felt she handled things maturely in book one, I think the opposite in book 2. Olson does a phenomenal job writing this installment and showing how no matter how mature a teen thinks they are, they never truly mature until they experience more in life. Though I may not be a fan of Ida and how thoughtless she is of the hearts beating in Lev and Engen's chest, it rings true. It was nice to see a female portrayed as the thoughtless one for once. I think all too often the guys get stuck holding this bag and this story proves girls can be the same way.
My heart goes out for Lev our everyone else's. It is not often to find a guy his age who can be so responsible and caring. We all have our faults, as does Lev, but he is a standup guy! Not many would let so much slide and take such care for daughter that isn't theirs. I love how he thinks of her as his own and loves her as if sh was. The most heartbreaking line for me was when Lev says, "All you did was break her heart. I never did a thing to hurt her, yet it's you she wants." Unfortunately Lev, this is how the world works sometimes. But I will continue believing Lev will find that love the he deserves. Thank you Olson for writing something that shows how truly messy this world can be!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of Janet Olson’s first book “New Beginnings” will not be disappointed by “Between Two Worlds.” Olson doubles down on the romance and adds a heaping helping of suspense for the latest installment of Ida Denmark’s atypical life.

We find Ida navigating her world as a new mother and even more enmeshed in the love triangle between Engen and Lev, despite her best efforts. The characters are flawed, the relationships are messy and real…this is where Olson’s writing excels.

Olson shows us that sometimes what is best for your life is the hardest thing to do, and sometimes fate has other plans in store for us. Prepare yourself for one heck of a cliffhanger. I'm ready for the next installment now!

For the record, I am unabashedly #TeamEngen.