Official Review: New Beginnings by Janet Olson

ElizaBeth Adams · Post by **ElizaBeth Adams** » 21 Apr 2020, 14:34

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "New Beginnings" by Janet Olson.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Love triangles!?! Almost everyone hates to be in one, but reading about one can be exquisitely entertaining. If you agree, then you may delight in this debut novel, New Beginnings, by Janet Olson. Ida's life has recently become drastically complicated. In a matter of months, her best friend, Janelle, dies in a motorcycle accident, following their mutual loss, her other best friend, Engen, distances himself from her, and she becomes pregnant from a one-night stand. Alarmed by her reckless behavior, Ida's parents decide to send her to Africa with a program called Youth of America Help a Nation (YAHN). Ida will ship out for six months and will deliver her baby overseas.

After Engen pummels some fans at a hockey game, his parents decide to send him to Africa as well. While there, Engen attempts to convince Ida of his undying love for her. Conversely, Ida is quickly falling for Lev, her boss at the orphanage. Ida also has some soul-searching to do. Will she keep the baby or give her up for adoption? Will serving at the orphanage help bring perspective to these teens' grief?

Reading New Beginnings was a positive experience. The novel's pace is proficient. Olson does an amazing job developing her characters and the relationships between them. I especially admired the dynamic between Ida and Engen. They began being best friends when they were young, and, consequently, they could read each other well. Their relationship boundaries confused both of them, and the resulting tension drove the plot forward. I admire how the YAHN program challenged the teens to look beyond their own problems and help others as a means to improve themselves and put their personal struggles in perspective. Even with the dramatic love triangle, the teens matured. This was my favorite part of the story.

The problems with this book were varying. The author unnecessarily hyphenated a plethora of words. I believe she was trying to break apart words that wouldn't completely fit on the same line. Unfortunately, after further editing, many hyphenated words landed in the middle of a line. This was my least favorite part. Also, a letter was placed below each chapter name. I assume these letters were originally placeholders. If they had been in alphabetical order, I would have thought they were used as an alternative to numbering the chapters. However, they weren't, and therefore, they were befuddling. Beyond these formatting quirks, I took issue with some of the plot. It didn't make sense that parents would send their teenage daughter to Africa to finish out her pregnancy. Also, after years of conversing with Ida's grandfather, Lev, fell in love with Ida before they ever met. Lev's "love-before-first-sight" seemed far-fetched. Finally, the story is set in the future. Aside from occasional references to different technology, the futuristic setting didn't have a strong impact and ended up being distracting.

I give this book three out of four stars. The novel could use more editing and re-formatting. Despite these flaws, this book was an entertaining and endearing read. I felt attached to the characters. I want to read future books, so I can discover the outcome of this love triangle, as the ending leaves some possibilities open. Readers should know the story contains some sex scenes, minor profanity, and underage drinking. I recommend this book to mature teenagers and adults who enjoy reading teenage love stories.

Moderator's note: These errors noted have since been fixed.

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New Beginnings
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Anon_Reviewer · Post by **Anon_Reviewer** » 22 Apr 2020, 02:16

Ida is one busy girl, if you know what I mean.

I've read my fair share of stories with a love triangle at the center, so I'll have to pass. I hope the author sorts out the editing because the book has potential. Thanks for the review.

Rachel_Emmanuel · Post by **Rachel_Emmanuel** » 22 Apr 2020, 07:25

I always experienced being in a love triangle. At times I felt i was being selfish and I just could not help it especially when i needed comfort as a single girl expecting a baby. So I understand Ida's plight. I hope to read the book soon. I sounds really enjoyable. Kudos to the reviewer.

arbina_muntaha · Post by **arbina_muntaha** » 22 Apr 2020, 07:53

A lovely review....honest and tempting.. Curious to read the book as per

FEislandqueen13 · Post by **FEislandqueen13** » 22 Apr 2020, 18:48

This isn't my cup of tea. I don't fancy love triangles but great review.

Magnify3 · Post by **Magnify3** » 23 Apr 2020, 03:08

I think the idea of sending a teenager to Africa to give birth just for the sake of a new beginning is a bit too much. However, I do see many Westerners come out to African countries for missions in search of new beginnings. Thanks for this review!

JKO · Post by **JKO** » 23 Apr 2020, 16:28

"Will she keep the baby or give her up for adoption? Will serving at the orphanage help bring perspective to these teens' grief? "
These are really interesting questions, which I am eager to know the answers to. I can't wait to read this one. Thanks for the review.

Kachi_Ejiogu+_ · Post by **Kachi_Ejiogu+_** » 23 Apr 2020, 18:57

My appetite is wet. Really. The presentation in this review is quite tempting regardless of the editing. But nice review by the way..

booksandmagicshop · Post by **booksandmagicshop** » 24 Apr 2020, 23:40

Love triangles majorly stress me out while reading, but somehow I always come back for more!! Definitely adding this to my bookshelf.

Splendour0606 · Post by **Splendour0606** » 12 May 2020, 09:23

Great review. Apart from the errors, this book sounds like a good read. Ida's experience was really disheartening but her love story is interesting. Well done on your review.

lawsondankyi · Post by **lawsondankyi** » 13 May 2020, 10:16

Very good book that should be developed further.
But l personally think Ida was not fully engaged according to her capabilities hence the errors. When she as well as Engen got better occupied with meaningful activities in Africa through YAHN, that was where they realised the right meaning of life. It also indicates that as one attends to the needs of others God provides.
On the other hand, it is usually unreal for parents to send their pregnant daughter overseas to start a new life.