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Between Two Worlds: a New Beginnings novel
Ida thought that moving herself and her infant daughter to Mukono would accomplish two 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 in order 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.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 16, 2021
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7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 2, 2021
Olson has done it again!
New Beginnings was one of my favorite reads of 2020 Well, Olson has done it again. Between Two Worlds picks up right where the first book ended and is definitely one of my favorite reads for 2021. Without giving away any spoilers, I will say I am dying here. These characters will always stay with me. And by the grace of God, Janet, if my man doesn’t make it to the finish line in book three, I may loose my mind! Do yourself a favor and read this series.
New Beginnings was one of my favorite reads of 2020 Well, Olson has done it again. Between Two Worlds picks up right where the first book ended and is definitely one of my favorite reads for 2021. Without giving away any spoilers, I will say I am dying here. These characters will always stay with me. And by the grace of God, Janet, if my man doesn’t make it to the finish line in book three, I may loose my mind! Do yourself a favor and read this series.
March 22, 2021
My interpretation of the Overarching Question: In young adult romance, which is more important: stability, or passion?
Read this book if you like: raw characters and events that are not watered-down to be “everyone’s favorite read.”
🔬 Review Categories (Spoiler Free:)
Romance:
Like the first book, this is a unique twist on Young Adult romance that is not often told, especially from a Point of View character like Ida’s. While I was unsure about the Ida and the young adult approach to romance in New Beginnings, BTW provided more depth and maturity to Ida’s lense. I got to see what hard topics the author really wants readers to approach and think about.
Favorite characters:
Lev. Just like in the Notebook, I always cheer for the friend-zoned, the underdog in certain situations, and the guy who does his best to be decent on all fronts.
Environments/How purposeful was each setting: True to the genre, YA focuses more on the people rather than the places or environment. This author’s style also seems to match this generic rule.
Unique to book one, this story was about two men in different places. Using the phone for videochat was key in some parts of the book, and key for one of the climatic parts of the book. This book didn’t keep their phone conversations dry for me, as they can often be in other books. Perhaps it was because of Ida’s daughter, Victoria, often being involved in those calls and the call topics.
However, since a lot of the environments are laid out in book one, book two did not spend a lot of time going over the details of what areas of Africa looked like, or Ida’s home town in the US.
Main Character:
It's easy to guess; Ida is more mature in book two. However, she has some of the same realistic flaws that make her brain tick a certain way. She is a very believable character. I feel as if I know Ida in person, despite her being a fictional character.
Love Interests:
Engen and Lev. It’s tough to talk about these characters without giving any spoilers, but I will do my best…so in this book, I saw some differences with Engen while Lev remained the same old and faithful. Lev is more levelheaded, although not all of his loved ones agree with Ida’s involvement in his life. However, Ida’s grandfather is a strong member of #teamlev, and Ida’s grandfather is important to her. However, Engen’s passion is fiery to the point of being cataclysmic towards others. To his defense, most of the people who love Engen are on board with his feelings for Ida and are rooting for them.
POV:
Took turns between Ida and Lev.
Climax/Big Reveal (no spoilers:)
There were a few big moments in this book and again, true to Janet Olson, this is a tough one to discuss without revealing too much. Here is what I will say…
This is one of those books that ties in well to each book, so the climax/big reveal depends a lot on the next book (cliffhanger? Perhaps.)
Praise:
Again, this is a writer who tells the story of the characters without watering down content. Looking forward to book three!
Read this book if you like: raw characters and events that are not watered-down to be “everyone’s favorite read.”
🔬 Review Categories (Spoiler Free:)
Romance:
Like the first book, this is a unique twist on Young Adult romance that is not often told, especially from a Point of View character like Ida’s. While I was unsure about the Ida and the young adult approach to romance in New Beginnings, BTW provided more depth and maturity to Ida’s lense. I got to see what hard topics the author really wants readers to approach and think about.
Favorite characters:
Lev. Just like in the Notebook, I always cheer for the friend-zoned, the underdog in certain situations, and the guy who does his best to be decent on all fronts.
Environments/How purposeful was each setting: True to the genre, YA focuses more on the people rather than the places or environment. This author’s style also seems to match this generic rule.
Unique to book one, this story was about two men in different places. Using the phone for videochat was key in some parts of the book, and key for one of the climatic parts of the book. This book didn’t keep their phone conversations dry for me, as they can often be in other books. Perhaps it was because of Ida’s daughter, Victoria, often being involved in those calls and the call topics.
However, since a lot of the environments are laid out in book one, book two did not spend a lot of time going over the details of what areas of Africa looked like, or Ida’s home town in the US.
Main Character:
It's easy to guess; Ida is more mature in book two. However, she has some of the same realistic flaws that make her brain tick a certain way. She is a very believable character. I feel as if I know Ida in person, despite her being a fictional character.
Love Interests:
Engen and Lev. It’s tough to talk about these characters without giving any spoilers, but I will do my best…so in this book, I saw some differences with Engen while Lev remained the same old and faithful. Lev is more levelheaded, although not all of his loved ones agree with Ida’s involvement in his life. However, Ida’s grandfather is a strong member of #teamlev, and Ida’s grandfather is important to her. However, Engen’s passion is fiery to the point of being cataclysmic towards others. To his defense, most of the people who love Engen are on board with his feelings for Ida and are rooting for them.
POV:
Took turns between Ida and Lev.
Climax/Big Reveal (no spoilers:)
There were a few big moments in this book and again, true to Janet Olson, this is a tough one to discuss without revealing too much. Here is what I will say…
This is one of those books that ties in well to each book, so the climax/big reveal depends a lot on the next book (cliffhanger? Perhaps.)
Praise:
Again, this is a writer who tells the story of the characters without watering down content. Looking forward to book three!
April 10, 2021
Wow! Just wow! The sequel to New Beginnings - Between Two Worlds - is brilliant. I absolutely loved it.
Between Two Worlds continues the story of Ida and picks up where New Beginnings left off. Ida has moved to Africa and is living Lev, to allow Engen the time and freedom to have the college/university experience that she believes he wants/deserves. While she is in Africa, Engen is brutally attacked and, of course, she has to rush halfway across the world to be by his bedside, because we all know where her heart really lies!
The behaviour of all three of the main characters reminds me that I am extremely grateful to be well and truly over my teenage years! Oh my goodness, why don't youngsters talk to each other and/or tell the truth about how they feel!?
It's difficult to say more without spoilering. Suffice it to say that Between Two Worlds is expertly written. The characters are authentic and the story is compelling. I can't wait for the final installment of this trilogy now. And I am now well and truly #teamengen.
Between Two Worlds continues the story of Ida and picks up where New Beginnings left off. Ida has moved to Africa and is living Lev, to allow Engen the time and freedom to have the college/university experience that she believes he wants/deserves. While she is in Africa, Engen is brutally attacked and, of course, she has to rush halfway across the world to be by his bedside, because we all know where her heart really lies!
The behaviour of all three of the main characters reminds me that I am extremely grateful to be well and truly over my teenage years! Oh my goodness, why don't youngsters talk to each other and/or tell the truth about how they feel!?
It's difficult to say more without spoilering. Suffice it to say that Between Two Worlds is expertly written. The characters are authentic and the story is compelling. I can't wait for the final installment of this trilogy now. And I am now well and truly #teamengen.
July 8, 2021
"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!
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!
April 14, 2021
Just stunning 🙌
These characters are in my heart and soul. Janet Olson has created such a wonderful story that I don’t think I’ll ever stop talking about it.
Continuing the love triangle of Ida, Engen and Lev it moves forward a few months and Ida is now back in Africa but a part of her will always be with Engen. It’s heartbreaking, exhilarating and nerve-wracking all at the same time.
Olson’s ability and skill to create dialogue that is complex and full of the characters’ deepest thoughts is outstanding and she does it in a way that allows the reader to understand the characters completely. Even though you will have your favourite when you read it, it is so hard not to feel emotion towards all three of the main characters.
This second book in the series also cranks the suspense up - this is edge of the seat exciting.
It’s rare that characters get under your skin quite as much as Olson’s do. My hat is well and truly off and flying in the air to this author.
I absolutely cannot wait for the final book.
These characters are in my heart and soul. Janet Olson has created such a wonderful story that I don’t think I’ll ever stop talking about it.
Continuing the love triangle of Ida, Engen and Lev it moves forward a few months and Ida is now back in Africa but a part of her will always be with Engen. It’s heartbreaking, exhilarating and nerve-wracking all at the same time.
Olson’s ability and skill to create dialogue that is complex and full of the characters’ deepest thoughts is outstanding and she does it in a way that allows the reader to understand the characters completely. Even though you will have your favourite when you read it, it is so hard not to feel emotion towards all three of the main characters.
This second book in the series also cranks the suspense up - this is edge of the seat exciting.
It’s rare that characters get under your skin quite as much as Olson’s do. My hat is well and truly off and flying in the air to this author.
I absolutely cannot wait for the final book.
June 29, 2021
We were so excited to receive Janet Olson’s second book Between Two Worlds! We absolutely loved the first one and couldn’t wait to dive right in to this one!
This time Ida and Victoria are back in Africa living with Lev. What Lev doesn’t know is that Ida continues to be in close contact with her true love and best friend Engen. When Engen becomes the victim of a horrible crime, Ida rushes back home to the U.S.A. to be by his side. This only complicates things for this love triangle!
Ida returns to Africa knowing who she has chosen…Engen or Lev…but the twist at the end!!!! Wowza! Can’t wait for book three!!! Make sure you check out our Amazon Storefront to purchase this book for yourself! 🌺🧜🏻♀️
This time Ida and Victoria are back in Africa living with Lev. What Lev doesn’t know is that Ida continues to be in close contact with her true love and best friend Engen. When Engen becomes the victim of a horrible crime, Ida rushes back home to the U.S.A. to be by his side. This only complicates things for this love triangle!
Ida returns to Africa knowing who she has chosen…Engen or Lev…but the twist at the end!!!! Wowza! Can’t wait for book three!!! Make sure you check out our Amazon Storefront to purchase this book for yourself! 🌺🧜🏻♀️
May 28, 2022
Between Two worlds follows on with the complexities surrounding Ida’s love life. What comes next is the Engen-Ida-Lev triangle which will keep you on your toes until the very end! We learn of various love/hate relationships others have with Ida ,and the narrative unfolds at an exciting pace through the points of view of two of the main characters. I liked how this provides the reader with two different lenses to view the situation from. Things become even more complex once baby Victoria arrives on the scene and then there are those in Minnesota and Uganda who are not so keen on a happy ending taking place! I recommend reading New Beginnings first, followed by this one, and make sure you are comfy with a few hours to spare for reading, as you will become too engrossed to do much else!
July 22, 2021
Not your average love triangle!
Between Two Worlds continues the story of Ida, Engen, and Lev in the New Beginnings series. Olson’s characters have sparked the heated Team Engen vs Team Lev debate and, as before, I’m hard pressed to pick a side. Ida is a complicated character who tends to break hearts, including her own. I’m not sure I could leave someone I loved as much as she loves Engen. But then, I’d also have a hard time not falling head over heels with someone as doting as Lev! Now add to this dilemma the fact that dangerous people are threatening them and things get even more complicated! This is not your average love triangle!
Between Two Worlds continues the story of Ida, Engen, and Lev in the New Beginnings series. Olson’s characters have sparked the heated Team Engen vs Team Lev debate and, as before, I’m hard pressed to pick a side. Ida is a complicated character who tends to break hearts, including her own. I’m not sure I could leave someone I loved as much as she loves Engen. But then, I’d also have a hard time not falling head over heels with someone as doting as Lev! Now add to this dilemma the fact that dangerous people are threatening them and things get even more complicated! This is not your average love triangle!
April 24, 2022
I always find that love triangles stress me out and Janet Olson's series is no exception... in a good way. I get so invested in her characters that at times I want to knock their heads and tell them to smarten up, but then I remember that they're teenagers, behaving as teenagers. They're dealing with "adult" feelings without the maturity to navigate them, and the author does a great job portraying that. They're also thrown into several life-altering situations, with other bombshell revelations that make this a great page turner.
I'm glad I have a copy of the next book to dive into, because that cliffhanger. *Wipes brow.*
I'm glad I have a copy of the next book to dive into, because that cliffhanger. *Wipes brow.*
March 1, 2021
I want you all to imagine me singing “Quit Playing Games With My Heart” during this review because that’s how I FEEL.
My goodness Janet, why do you do this to me??? My heart is too sensitive to read such an epic love triangle, especially one as well written and realistic as this one. And believe me, it’s realistic. You might not agree with the actions the characters take, and then you’re like, oh wait, I would’ve TOTALLY done that when I was 18. It’s stressful, and beautiful, and wonderful, and keeps you rooting for all the characters.
And now I will sit and wait for book three.
My goodness Janet, why do you do this to me??? My heart is too sensitive to read such an epic love triangle, especially one as well written and realistic as this one. And believe me, it’s realistic. You might not agree with the actions the characters take, and then you’re like, oh wait, I would’ve TOTALLY done that when I was 18. It’s stressful, and beautiful, and wonderful, and keeps you rooting for all the characters.
And now I will sit and wait for book three.
October 22, 2021
Riveting
The object of affection is central Between Two Worlds. One world holds a connection running so deep, it is the current beating hearts of lifelong best friends. And should provide for an existence of pure bliss, but outside interference and the mind continues to create obstacles.
The other world is a steady stream of devotion acting as a safety net for brokenness to heal. A devotion developed through years of desire for a certain someone believed to be the sole source of a life complete.
Added to the seeds of doubt planted, Janet Olson injects hope for true love’s victory. Which is keeping me tuned in.
The object of affection is central Between Two Worlds. One world holds a connection running so deep, it is the current beating hearts of lifelong best friends. And should provide for an existence of pure bliss, but outside interference and the mind continues to create obstacles.
The other world is a steady stream of devotion acting as a safety net for brokenness to heal. A devotion developed through years of desire for a certain someone believed to be the sole source of a life complete.
Added to the seeds of doubt planted, Janet Olson injects hope for true love’s victory. Which is keeping me tuned in.
December 31, 2021
Between Two Worlds picks back up with those characters we grew to love in Book 1, New Beginnings: Ida, Engen (#TeamEngen!!) & Lev.
Janet, as usual, has woven a story that pulls the reader in, with all the right elements of romance, action, drama & intrigue. Her characters are realistic and engaging and her settings are vivid and resonating. She knows all the right strings to pull to keep readers enthralled and wanting more! If you haven’t started this series, it’s a definite recommendation to add to your TBR. And with Book 3 already out, you’re in for a helluva ride!!
Janet, as usual, has woven a story that pulls the reader in, with all the right elements of romance, action, drama & intrigue. Her characters are realistic and engaging and her settings are vivid and resonating. She knows all the right strings to pull to keep readers enthralled and wanting more! If you haven’t started this series, it’s a definite recommendation to add to your TBR. And with Book 3 already out, you’re in for a helluva ride!!
May 3, 2021
A must read
This new series is off the chain. The author draws you in and had my attention from the get go. I could not put these books down. Once I bit into the first book Janet had me hook, line, and sinker. In the love triangle of the century who are u rooting for? #teamEngen
This new series is off the chain. The author draws you in and had my attention from the get go. I could not put these books down. Once I bit into the first book Janet had me hook, line, and sinker. In the love triangle of the century who are u rooting for? #teamEngen
March 9, 2021
In this follow up to Olson's first book, Ida is now a mother in new surroundings. She faces further dilemmas as she enters adulthood, and as a reader you feel for her at every step. I really enjoyed this book and would be interested to know what happens in Ida's future.
October 13, 2021
Even more addictive than the first book
Janet has a talent for building characters and intertwining their lives. I finished this in two gulps and can't wait for the third book!
Janet has a talent for building characters and intertwining their lives. I finished this in two gulps and can't wait for the third book!
August 28, 2021
Well she did it again!!!
I'm not even sure where to begin. I really enjoyed the first book by this amazing, talented and sweet author but this one drew me in even more. There was no end to all the twists and turns. The adventure, suspense and crazy events that continued to unfold. And omg that ending!!!! I can't wait for the next book by this extraordinary author.
If you are looking for something fast paced, with awesome friendships, unbreakable bonds, love triangles, coming of age, and is suspenseful and even dark at moments, then you will love this authors books. I haven't enjoyed reading new books so much in many years. This author knows how to create a great story, amazing relatable characters and relationships, the perfect pace and write a driven plot.
As a new author she's already hit the most important part of a great story, the story itself and the characters in it.
Many authors fall short in this area. They over describe things and forget that dialog, relationships and plot are more important. You want to get to know every character not just the one telling the story and most times the best way to do that is through the dialog. You also want to have moments that shock and surprise you. As well as happy and sad moments when it fits. And she does it all.
I'm excited to see how much she grows in the coming years. Can't wait for the next in her series as the ending really had me begging for more.
A Job more then well done!!!
I'm not even sure where to begin. I really enjoyed the first book by this amazing, talented and sweet author but this one drew me in even more. There was no end to all the twists and turns. The adventure, suspense and crazy events that continued to unfold. And omg that ending!!!! I can't wait for the next book by this extraordinary author.
If you are looking for something fast paced, with awesome friendships, unbreakable bonds, love triangles, coming of age, and is suspenseful and even dark at moments, then you will love this authors books. I haven't enjoyed reading new books so much in many years. This author knows how to create a great story, amazing relatable characters and relationships, the perfect pace and write a driven plot.
As a new author she's already hit the most important part of a great story, the story itself and the characters in it.
Many authors fall short in this area. They over describe things and forget that dialog, relationships and plot are more important. You want to get to know every character not just the one telling the story and most times the best way to do that is through the dialog. You also want to have moments that shock and surprise you. As well as happy and sad moments when it fits. And she does it all.
I'm excited to see how much she grows in the coming years. Can't wait for the next in her series as the ending really had me begging for more.
A Job more then well done!!!
January 9, 2022
Boom two is brilliantly written and beautifully broken...
I am a straight-up Ida fan. I loved her in book one, she’s cynical, tough, and determined to do things her way. In book book two Ida is a teenage mom trying to find her way in the world. The story of her love for and friendship with Engen is captivating, I want them to be together so badly, yet Ida is still trying to figure out where things stand with Lev. This book is the middle piece of the puzzle that lets us see into some of Ida’s history with Engen and brings the story together. The connection they share is enchanting and the ending left my jaw on the floor. It isn’t over for these two and let it be known that Engen outdoor burn the world down for Ida. As he should. I highly recommend this book and it is an absolute MUST READ!!!
I am a straight-up Ida fan. I loved her in book one, she’s cynical, tough, and determined to do things her way. In book book two Ida is a teenage mom trying to find her way in the world. The story of her love for and friendship with Engen is captivating, I want them to be together so badly, yet Ida is still trying to figure out where things stand with Lev. This book is the middle piece of the puzzle that lets us see into some of Ida’s history with Engen and brings the story together. The connection they share is enchanting and the ending left my jaw on the floor. It isn’t over for these two and let it be known that Engen outdoor burn the world down for Ida. As he should. I highly recommend this book and it is an absolute MUST READ!!!
March 10, 2021
Wow … this is a corker!
After New Beginnings, which was one of my favourite reads of 2020, I was compelled to catch up with the evolving story of Ida’s love life. Wow … this is a corker!
What a little heart-breaker this girl Ida is. While some are fighting for her love, Ida is resented by others with their own agendas. Between Two Worlds continues the Engen-Ida-Lev triangle, and is beautifully told through the eyes of two of the three main characters. As their story unfolds, we now have the added dimension of baby Victoria in the mix, as well as some bad dudes in both Minnesota and Uganda who wish to destroy any cosy love match. You need to read New Beginnings first, but then fasten your seat-belt for this one, and enjoy the ride. You won’t regret it.
After New Beginnings, which was one of my favourite reads of 2020, I was compelled to catch up with the evolving story of Ida’s love life. Wow … this is a corker!
What a little heart-breaker this girl Ida is. While some are fighting for her love, Ida is resented by others with their own agendas. Between Two Worlds continues the Engen-Ida-Lev triangle, and is beautifully told through the eyes of two of the three main characters. As their story unfolds, we now have the added dimension of baby Victoria in the mix, as well as some bad dudes in both Minnesota and Uganda who wish to destroy any cosy love match. You need to read New Beginnings first, but then fasten your seat-belt for this one, and enjoy the ride. You won’t regret it.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews