unclaimed baggage was such an emotional, deeply relatable story about family, love, and learning to put yourself first. Jenna has always been a people pleaser, but when her stepfather—her only real father figure—falls ill, she makes the difficult decision to leave college and care for him. just as she’s trying to navigate this heartbreak, a DNA test drops a family secret that turns her entire world upside down. as she struggles with grief and betrayal, Jenna finds herself drawn to someone who, for the first time in her life, doesn’t expect anything from her—he just wants to be with her. but with everything falling apart, can she really allow herself to accept love and happiness?

my thoughts about this:
this book was so raw, real, and emotionally gripping. the way it explores family dynamics, identity, and self-worth feels incredibly authentic. Jenna’s struggles are messy, complicated, and, at times, painful, but that’s what makes her journey so compelling. the romance part is heartfelt and offers a much-needed balance to the heavier themes, giving readers hope even in the darkest moments. i thought it would take away from the plot but it was just perfection!

hi readers, yes you. if you love character-driven stories that pull at your heartstrings and make you think about what it really means to take care of yourself, this novel is a must-read. it's about finding strength in unexpected places and allowing yourself to embrace the good things in life—even when they arrive at the worst possible time.

thank you so much BooksGoSocial for a copy! this story really made me cry. i see this being made into a movie.

I just finished a great new book. Unclaimed Baggage by Katie O’Rourke was an entertaining book that will keep you turning pages.