Now in My Bookbag: Waking Olivia, by Elizabeth O'Roark

This exceptional, contemporary novel has elements of romance, mystery, and suspense.

The main characters are complex and relatable. Olivia is both damsel in distress and a strong, fierce female. Will is both prince charming and a cynic to whom life has dealt a raw deal. They are perfectly poised to rescue each other.

The story is well thought out, and the prose is perfect for the plot. The inclusion of Olivia’s mysterious past, and the suspense that it brings, adds just the right amount of excitement to this great read. This is now one of my favorite contemporary books. It hugs the line, between college romance and adult romance, very well. 5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Unbelievable by Sherry Gammon (Port Fare Series Book #2)

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Although Lilah’s story in Unbelievable is much different than that of Maggie, from Unlovable, there is a thread that connects them together. It is not the fact that their stories include the same cast of characters. It lies in the fact that they share a need to be set free from the lives they have lived.

Gammon does a wonderful job balancing desperation, guilt, fear, resignation and longing as she tells Lilah’s story. Though I feel a bit less sympathy for this character, I am full of emotion from the book. The plot devices used by Gammon are very effective.

This is a book that is impossible to put down, so plan to read straight through. It is a moving story.

4 1/2 stars

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