Well done! I loved your novel and hope it’s the first of many. Having moved to Iowa and learning more about human trafficking, I found this book fascinating and I was riveted to the end. Your passion for writing and compassion for people is evident, and I can’t wait to read your next book! I used Audible, and Brittany’s narration was excellent.
Thank you, Colleen! I’m glad I kept your attention, and I hope you’ll continue to learn more about human trafficking! Brittany did a fabulous job reading the book. I’m very happy with how it turned out 🙂
Ms. Olsen, I just finished “The Girl Before” and absolutely could not put it down. i finished it at 7:30 this morning – up all night. You have an amazing talent for telling a story without drowning it in flowery description gunk. I am from Minnesota and so I was thrilled to read something by a neighbor! Ha. what is next and when will it be out? Gotta read more of your work.
Rena!we have someone in common…Mari Schneider Weindorf is one of me best best friends from high school. I am sitting with her right now. So what you say? Well….I own a bookstore! In hudson wisconsin. It is basically a suburb of the Twin Cities. I would love to have you come for a book signing sometime either at our store or partner with an area library. I would love to help you with contacts if you want any for area stores I’m sure the publicity Dept is doing a good job for you but still…if you need anything twin cities…..p.s. Mari is your mom’s cousin. Hope to hear from you sometime. Sue Roegge Chapter2books
I would love to come do an event up in the Twin Cities area! You can email me at the address on this page if you’d like to set something up 🙂 And hello to Mari!
Just listened to you book debut novel and I must say how disappointed I was- that you didn’t have any more books out. I listened to it on audiobook and besides the awesome narration, the writing was WONDERFUL! I actually listened to it during dinner last night, I couldn’t put it down. Took my husband a good 15 minutes before he realized what I was doing…..gotta love Bluetooth headphones!! I can’t wait for your next book, most definitely a fan.
Hello Rena
I live in Auckland New Zealand. I am about to write a review on your book for my library:
“This book is superbly written. It is full of emotion that draws you in and holds you unrelentingly page after page. The depth of characterization is brilliant. I will not forget this book.”
For as long as I can remember I have loved to read – I can not imagine a world without books – thank you for “The Girl Before”.
Shirley
What a fantastic book! I read it in one day! I couldn’t put down! Hope you write another book very soon. I will recommend this book to my friends and relatives.
Dear Rena
I loved you book and just couldn’t put it down till it was finished
When can we expect your next ?
Do you recommend any other books with a similar story
Hi Natasha! Thank you so much for your comment. I’m glad you enjoyed the book. My next one will be out sometime next year. Keep an eye on this site for more information coming later this year 🙂
Rena,
My book group just finished The Girl Before. We (including social workers, public health professionals, and a therapist) were all taken with the story. Please tell us how you came to write the book. You seem to have an in-depth knowledge of human trafficking. Do you have clients such as Clara in your practice? We’d love to know more.
Thank you and keep on writing!
Becky R.
Averill Park, N.Y.
Hi Becky,
I’m so glad you and your book club enjoyed the book. I came to write the book after learning about human trafficking happening here in the US, and wanting to do something about it. As for my knowledge, it was a lot of research, going to speakers, reading survivor testimonies, and using my own knowledge of trauma to create a full and believable world with complex characters. I don’t have clients like Clara in my practice, but I feel more equipped to identify them should they cross my threshold now. Thanks for reading!
My God, what an incredible book The Girl Before is. I just couldn’t put it down. Absolutely stunning. Congratulations on such a masterful, heartbreaking classic.
Hey Ms. Olsen, I really like your book and I’m thinking of using it for my school book project. I’m just wondering if you grew up in America (I know you live in Des Moines, I’m actually only two hours away from you which is pretty rad). I just need confirmation so I can use it for my American Lit class.
The Girl Before is amazing. I cried through the last half of it. I can’t wait for your next story. Where can I sign up for a newsletter or announcement?
Rena,
It’s been a long time since I’ve been surprised at the end of a book, but your book With You Always, had my jaw drop at the end. I was on the edge of my seat reading both your books. My question is, when can I expect the next book?? I can’t wait!!
Rena Olsen 
Well done! I loved your novel and hope it’s the first of many. Having moved to Iowa and learning more about human trafficking, I found this book fascinating and I was riveted to the end. Your passion for writing and compassion for people is evident, and I can’t wait to read your next book! I used Audible, and Brittany’s narration was excellent.
Thank you, Colleen! I’m glad I kept your attention, and I hope you’ll continue to learn more about human trafficking! Brittany did a fabulous job reading the book. I’m very happy with how it turned out 🙂
Ms. Olsen, I just finished “The Girl Before” and absolutely could not put it down. i finished it at 7:30 this morning – up all night. You have an amazing talent for telling a story without drowning it in flowery description gunk. I am from Minnesota and so I was thrilled to read something by a neighbor! Ha. what is next and when will it be out? Gotta read more of your work.
Thank you, Kathleen! I was actually born in Minnesota, so it’s like home to me too. No release date on the next book yet, but more is coming!
Rena!we have someone in common…Mari Schneider Weindorf is one of me best best friends from high school. I am sitting with her right now. So what you say? Well….I own a bookstore! In hudson wisconsin. It is basically a suburb of the Twin Cities. I would love to have you come for a book signing sometime either at our store or partner with an area library. I would love to help you with contacts if you want any for area stores I’m sure the publicity Dept is doing a good job for you but still…if you need anything twin cities…..p.s. Mari is your mom’s cousin. Hope to hear from you sometime. Sue Roegge Chapter2books
I would love to come do an event up in the Twin Cities area! You can email me at the address on this page if you’d like to set something up 🙂 And hello to Mari!
Just listened to you book debut novel and I must say how disappointed I was- that you didn’t have any more books out. I listened to it on audiobook and besides the awesome narration, the writing was WONDERFUL! I actually listened to it during dinner last night, I couldn’t put it down. Took my husband a good 15 minutes before he realized what I was doing…..gotta love Bluetooth headphones!! I can’t wait for your next book, most definitely a fan.
Thank you, Michelle! I’m so glad you enjoyed the book. (Brittany did a fabulous job on the narration, right?) More to come!
Hello Rena
I live in Auckland New Zealand. I am about to write a review on your book for my library:
“This book is superbly written. It is full of emotion that draws you in and holds you unrelentingly page after page. The depth of characterization is brilliant. I will not forget this book.”
For as long as I can remember I have loved to read – I can not imagine a world without books – thank you for “The Girl Before”.
Shirley
Thank you, Shirley! I’m so glad the book left an impression 🙂
What a fantastic book! I read it in one day! I couldn’t put down! Hope you write another book very soon. I will recommend this book to my friends and relatives.
Thank you so much, Angela! I’m glad you enjoyed Clara’s story 🙂
I just finished your book. Thank you. It was poignant, compelling and so very well-written. You have a gift. Please continue writing.
Thank you so much, Abigail!
Dear Rena
I loved you book and just couldn’t put it down till it was finished
When can we expect your next ?
Do you recommend any other books with a similar story
Hi Natasha! Thank you so much for your comment. I’m glad you enjoyed the book. My next one will be out sometime next year. Keep an eye on this site for more information coming later this year 🙂
Rena,
My book group just finished The Girl Before. We (including social workers, public health professionals, and a therapist) were all taken with the story. Please tell us how you came to write the book. You seem to have an in-depth knowledge of human trafficking. Do you have clients such as Clara in your practice? We’d love to know more.
Thank you and keep on writing!
Becky R.
Averill Park, N.Y.
Hi Becky,
I’m so glad you and your book club enjoyed the book. I came to write the book after learning about human trafficking happening here in the US, and wanting to do something about it. As for my knowledge, it was a lot of research, going to speakers, reading survivor testimonies, and using my own knowledge of trauma to create a full and believable world with complex characters. I don’t have clients like Clara in my practice, but I feel more equipped to identify them should they cross my threshold now. Thanks for reading!
My God, what an incredible book The Girl Before is. I just couldn’t put it down. Absolutely stunning. Congratulations on such a masterful, heartbreaking classic.
Thank you so much, Martin. I’m glad you enjoyed the book!
Hey Ms. Olsen, I really like your book and I’m thinking of using it for my school book project. I’m just wondering if you grew up in America (I know you live in Des Moines, I’m actually only two hours away from you which is pretty rad). I just need confirmation so I can use it for my American Lit class.
I did grow up in America! Minnesota, New York, and Iowa. Hope this reply isn’t too late for you to use!
The Girl Before is amazing. I cried through the last half of it. I can’t wait for your next story. Where can I sign up for a newsletter or announcement?
Hi Laura. I don’t have a newsletter but if you keep your eye on my facebook page, I update that! My next book comes out tomorrow, August 7!
And it is awesome. Couldn’t put it down. Am headed to get The Girl Before next week at The Rochester Library.
I just finished ‘With You Always.’ It was amazing! I read it in a day. Now I need to check the library for ‘The Girl Before.’
Hope you found it!
Rena,
It’s been a long time since I’ve been surprised at the end of a book, but your book With You Always, had my jaw drop at the end. I was on the edge of my seat reading both your books. My question is, when can I expect the next book?? I can’t wait!!
Thanks!