What a book! This story is a psychological thriller or suspense. Jacklyn Stone is a grieving widow. Her husband died eight months earlier, and she has struggled to get her feet under her and find a new normal. Her adult children Rose and Dusty have been helping her. Jacklyn has no reason to doubt when her son asks to be her power of attorney nor when he and her daughter ask her to stay a few days at a grief facility. She never dreamed the depth of Dusty’s deception or his greed. I was shocked and disgusted that Dusty could lie and trick everyone in order to take over Jacklyn’s money and life. What Jacklyn goes through is horrific to be completely sane and to be unwillingly admitted to a psychiatric hospital. I could hardly put the book down, because I had to know what happened to Jacklyn. I was so angry with Dusty and even a little with Rose. This book is worth the time and was well written!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecca Hillhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebecca Hill2023-02-25 12:28:352023-03-02 08:46:33Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Rebecca Hill
Shore Lodge is a wonderfully written Psychological Thriller that will grab your attention from the beginning and there’s no stopping until you finish. I found myself lost in the pages trying to figure out what was going to happen next. I had goosebumps and was on the edge of my seat throughout most of the story. This is a fairly new author to me and holy co I wasn’t prepared for what was hidden within these pages. Their style of writing along with characters that are relatable, fully developed, and raw with a slight edge made for one heck of a thrilling ride. Jacklyn is hit with grief after her husband’s death and is simply trying to get through each day. Her kids suggest a little getaway to a resort to help with her grief this is where the ultimate betrayal starts. Jacklyn finds herself fighting for her freedom while putting the pieces together. Will she get out or is she stuck there? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Daughenbaughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Daughenbaugh2023-02-23 05:41:222023-02-25 12:19:59Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
Jacklyn Stone, a strong devoted mother and wife, became saddened and distraught when her husband died. Everything she worked hard for has turned to chaos. She is pretty low and struggling to get her life back on track. When her adult children convince her to go on a vacation at Shore Lodge. Vacation? Shore Lodge? I smell a couple of rats (Dusty and Rose) who have deceived her in my opinion. Jacklyn is not on a vacation! No Spoilers Here! I love a well written Psychological Thriller and this author did not disappoint. Her story is fast paced and on point. The way she built her story up was incredible. The characters were so realistic, you had to remember this is just a story, or is it? This is truly an emotional story, a roller coaster of feelings will take over as you read this psychological thriller. I look forward to continuing this series. As well as seeing just where this author takes us.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Cindy Mayberryhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCindy Mayberry2023-02-21 09:23:142023-02-25 11:48:49Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Cindy Mayberry
Hands down one of THE BEST Psychological Thriller story I have read in a very long time. This gave me all the feels……..my heart palpitating, edge of my seat trying to figure out what comes next!!
When grief hits Jacklyn with her husbands death, she is trying to get through each day just to survive. When her two children, Dusty and Rose, recommend a retreat lodge to help Jacklyn with her grief, the ultimate betrayal happens. Greed and money is all it takes to commit Jacklyn to Shore Lodge…and it locks her down finding out it is a psychiatric facility, not just a retreat. When Jacklyn starts to slowly put the pieces together of this betrayal and fights for her freedom and life…will she succeed or just succumb to being a patient at Shore Lodge forever?
I have never disliked a character as much as I did Dusty in this book….wow…a piece of work is all I can say without giving any spoilers. I loved Jacklyn in this story, such a fighter as well as Buddy the beagle (my heart)….
If you are looking for a psychological thriller that totally engrosses you and a story you cannot put down….I HIGHLY recommend this book!!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorralei Hoernerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorralei Hoerner2023-02-19 22:02:132023-02-20 11:31:03Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
Shore Lodge is a well written book. This is a fast read. I really enjoyed this book. The events that took place was like a roller coaster ride. Can’t wait to read the next book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jessica Pritthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJessica Pritt2023-02-19 03:57:232023-02-20 11:21:50Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Oram Reviewed by Jessica Pritt
This book got me in my feels. Jacklyn, a recently widow, finds herself running away from a secured facility. I mean I use to joke with my parents that I would put them in a locked facility when they got older but I never actually thought I would do it. Dusty, (Jacklyn’s son) does some horrible things to his mother which include tricking her into going to Shore Lodge. Now she has another grown child (Rose) but she isn’t aware of what her brother’s doings. Unfortunately she is also tricked (at least I believe that) into thinking that Shore Lodge is exactly where her mother needs to be. I found this book very relatable and very sad at the same time.
This book got me in my feels. Jacklyn, a recently widow, finds herself running away from a secured facility. I mean I use to joke with my parents that I would put them in a locked facility when they got older but I never actually thought I would do it. Dusty, (Jacklyn’s son) does some horrible things to his mother which include tricking her into going to Shore Lodge. Now she has another grown child (Rose) but she isn’t aware of what her brother’s doings. Unfortunately she is also tricked (at least I believe that) into thinking that Shore Lodge is exactly where her mother needs to be. I found this book very relatable and very sad at the same time.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kirsten Berkebilehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKirsten Berkebile2023-02-18 17:58:552023-02-20 11:18:51Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Kirsten Berkebile
Yikes! This is a story that scares the crud out of me. I can easily see this happening. That being said…I Loved it! I have already recommended it to a few people. I easily felt empathy, anger, sadness and frustration. I was shocked at the behavior of a few of the characters and could feel the betrayal deep in my bones. The main lead impressed me with grit, determination and inner strength. I could not help but root for her with every page I turned.
This is a first time author for me. I immensely enjoyed this. The writing style kept me engaged and the story moved along at a good clip not getting caught up in unnecessary wording. Again…highly recommend!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lisa Helmickhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLisa Helmick2023-02-18 07:05:292023-02-20 11:13:14Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Lisa Helmick
A gripping psychological thriller that I found hard to put down, this is a real page turner of a novel. Newley widowed and grieving Jacklyn Stone is struggling to stay strong, having been left bewildered following her husband’s death. Although Jacklyn is usually independent, confident and manages her garden shop, she finds her life spiralling into chaos. When her son and daughter suggest going on a brief holiday to a remote retreat, where she can grieve and heal she reluctantly agrees. However, it’s not long until she realises that the so-called retreat is actually a psychiatric facility, and now she’s checked in she can’t check out. Reeling from the shocking betrayal of her children who seem determined to keep their mother locked up, Jacklyn fights hard to establish her mental stability. I was hooked from start to finish by the tragic storyline and atmospheric setting of this novel. I really felt for the main character, Jacklyn who was a great heroine and who I felt engaged with throughout the story. I was taken on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading this immersive novel. A great read and one which I definitely recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Gordonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Gordon2023-02-16 16:28:452023-02-20 09:22:04Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Jennifer Gordon
I’ve always been a fan of suspense/mystery/and thrillers. I’ve kinda lost interest in the last few years but lately I’ve been giving them a try again and now I remember why they’re so addicting! This was a good thriller. The only real issue I had with the book was the writing seems disconnected sometimes- which could be intentional for the book and I’m just a picky brat- but I’ve never read anything else by the author so I have nothing to compare it too. Other than that(l? Great. Loved the plot. Hated the characters. (In the best way!!) Some suspense/mystery/thrillers are predictable- but this one kept me guessing!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jade Thomsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJade Thomson2023-02-16 02:58:292023-02-20 09:19:46Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Jade Thomson
When I read the synopsis of this novel, I was intrigued. While for the most part I enjoyed this book, I struggled with finishing it. However, I did and while I found the ending to be tied up too neatly; I did enjoy how well-written the characters were. Although this book didn’t resonate with me, I would still recommend it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Diane Sennetthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDiane Sennett2023-02-15 10:27:082023-02-20 09:13:30Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Diane Sennett
This book had me on the edge of my seat from the very start! I was definitely impressed at how seamlessly the transitions from character to character were, with most chapters changing the point of view of the story one after the other. The story focuses on the story of Jacklyn after suddenly losing her husband at the beginning of the story, from what her experience is to what others around her can observe. Upon moving into Shore Lodge at the behest of her children, her life is thrown through a loophole, and I enjoyed watching her reactions to the events around her as she also learned to manage her own issues. I can’t wait to read more by this author!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kayla Kearneyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKayla Kearney2023-02-14 17:55:462023-02-20 09:09:17Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Kayla Kearney
This is a really well-written and intriguing story that is full of twists and turns from start to finish. This is one of those books that truly feels like it could go any way, at any time. I thought the author did a great job of pulling you into the story and making you want to see how it would all play out. I thought the dynamic between all the characters was really well done. They all played their part perfectly and fit into the overall story with ease. This is the first book that I have read by this author but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought the book was easy to get into and it kept my attention from the first page to the last. I am looking forward to reading more of this author in the future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2023-02-13 15:55:182023-02-15 22:39:31Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Kerry Baker
This book is described as a psychological thriller and that is exactly what this author created. Initially the story starts with a sad story regarding the main character, Jacklyn Stone, losing her true love, her husband of many years, her rock. She deals with the aftermath of his passing that most of us would struggle with if put into this situation, including the fact that she finds that her husband made a number of questionable decisions related to their financing. Due to this fact, she will be unable to sell their business since she will be forced to recoup the money taken from their savings.
While Jacklyn is riddled with grief, which is expected, she finds that she sometimes struggles to remember things like the placement of her keys, her last name, etc. Her two children, a son named Dusty and a daughter named Rose, are very concerned for her well being. Therefore, they decide to look into a medical facility that could assist their mom in the grieving process and help her deal with latest struggles.
When Dusty and Rose present her with the opportunity to stay at a nice retreat that helps grieving widows/widowers, Jacklyn is not immediately receptive. After a bit of convincing and assurance that she will only stay a few days, she agrees to a few days of extra rest and relaxation. This is when readers learn of the Shore Lodge, where nothing is quite what it seems. Quickly Jacklyn realizes that her children were not very forthcoming or truthful with the details surrounding her stay and she finds herself in a scary and dangerous situation.
Readers will commiserate with Jacklyn and her situation. Anyone dealing with an abrupt change in circumstances could understand why such an aggressive response should be expected in this situation due to the overwhelming feelings of helplessness. Thankfully the main character is stronger than even she expected and has a lot of fight left in her as she deals with the heartbreaking betrayal and struggle for control over her life again. All she wants is to return to her own home and continue to own/run her impressive and successful garden store.
I enjoyed this book from the get go and it made me internally question what I would do if I were ever in this situation. I think readers will enjoy this book as well while trying to determine how this story will end with so many twists and turns.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Darlahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDarla2023-02-12 20:30:342023-02-13 09:18:24Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Darla Yocom
While Jacklyn’s story is fiction, I truly believe situations like this happen to people, and that is a terrifying thought. The author did a great job showing Jacklyn’s thoughts and how easy it would be to give into despair. Her moments of questioning her own sanity were heartbreaking. I wish there were more consequences for the perpetrators, but that is also probably true to life as it is likely difficult to prove people are admitted unnecessarily.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katrinahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatrina2023-02-12 17:08:342023-02-13 09:17:15Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Katrina Evanochko
This thriller cleverly tackles a serious topic – elder abuse. The story focuses on a woman taken to an institution by her kids and left there with no way out and hardly anyone to believe in her sanity. The author does a masterful job of entrenching the reader in the hopelessness of her plight, and you cannot help but keep reading to see if everything turns out alright. The most heartbreaking thing for me was the fact that her son surrendered her dog to a shelter… my pets are my world and I would never forgive someone who did such a thing. There were aspects of realism, fantasy, and drama. Definitely recommend!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katie stapletonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie stapleton2023-02-11 23:33:062023-02-13 09:14:12Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by katie stapleton
This book was a super easy read and EVERY page was riveting! I found myself getting spooked by the imagery from the author! I felt like I was right there at Shore Lodge with her fighting for my own freedom! This story was one that while reading I felt like the author was able to make the story quite realistic. I was surprised at the ending! This was a GREAT GREAT book to read. I look forward to reading more thrillers from this author and others like her!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Phillipshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Phillips2023-02-11 14:10:572023-02-13 09:09:57Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Ashley McMillon
Susan has woven threads of deceit and lies, suspense and danger in this thriller. Where tensions run high and the fear is palpable. The characters are fully realised and well developed to the point that you feel so much compassion for some and some you hate so strongly that it is a testament to Susan’s writing that evoke such strong emotions. It’s so easy to get lost in this fast-paced thriller that soon the pages are flying by because you are so engrossed on wanting to find out what is next. Imagine your whole life has just been ripped apart and you are trying to grieve only to find that there have been lies and deceit behind your back. Then imagine those who are more interested in themselves and greed who decide to lock you away and there is no one to help you. Imagine a place where many go but never leave…….. I am now going to go back to read other works by this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2023-02-09 23:12:572023-02-13 08:46:47Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Jenni Bishop
This book blew me away. I was sweating, anxiety through the roof at moments and just enthralled. I cannot even explain this book, there are no words honestly. A rollercoaster ride I’m still processing. Susan gave me a run for my money and she is a literary genius, from concept to character to delivery, this book is insanely phenomenal. Read it now!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00April McCoyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngApril McCoy2023-02-08 01:08:432023-02-08 12:37:49Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by April McCoy
Shore Lodge is the first book in The Millersville Series by Susan Specht Oram. It is the first book by this author that I have read, but after finishing this, I can honestly say that it won’t be the last. I was drawn to the book by the intriguing, yet somewhat eerie cover. It held the promise of a gripping psychological thriller- so who was I to pass up the chance for a gripping read. The story certainly lived up to expectations, keeping me engrossed in the developments the whole way through to the end. Jacklyn Stone is left reeling after the sudden death of her husband and everything that came with his passing. She is lost in her grief, as most people would be after losing their spouse and friend of 33 years. She struggles with keeping up with daily tasks, let along running her business, as the stress of it all wears heavy on her. She has two grown children, who worry about her welfare, prompting her son to suggest taking a break away from it all, and even going so far as recommending a retreat on a small island for her to unwind and decompress for a few days. Jacklyn decides to go- only to discover that things are not as they seem when she gets there. And so the tension mounts, discoveries are made, agendas are revealed, as the stakes get higher. Looking forward to seeing what Susan Specht Oram does next. Happy Reading…
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2023-02-07 23:36:232023-02-08 12:37:29Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller (The Millersville Series Book #1) by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Angela Hayes
Written in first person point of view with each chapter from a different character. This helps add depth and strength to the story. Nothing is as it was with Jacklyn. This psychological thriller had me guessing what was real and what wasn’t. The plot keeps you on the edge of your seat. I couldn’t put the book down! I love stories that are set in my home of the Pacific Northwest!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Brandy Vaughnhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBrandy Vaughn2023-02-07 23:00:262023-02-08 12:36:57Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Brandy Vaughn
Wow!!! Such a twisted story that hits a little too close to home! Shore Lodge was exceptional! Well worth the read. The author keeps you on the edge of your seat. I had a definite I knew it moment, but that didn’t stop me from reading. Once I started I didn’t stop, it’s that good! Jacklyn grieving over her deceased husband gets tricked into becoming a patient at a psychiatric facility. She’s resilient and will stop at nothing to get out. Calculating and smart that those around her underestimate her every move. As you continue to read you start to wonder if there was an ulterior motive. I know I did! Should we trust that her children made the right choice? Will her son Dusty take advantage of her power of attorney? Does Jacklyn succeed? That’s just a few questions that were definitely answered, among the many that came up. The author has you rooting for Jacklyn to succeed. The author has you hoping her kids, Dusty and Rose come to their senses and realize they’ve done wrong by their mom. You want a dark twisted psychological thriller, this book is absolutely for you. While you’re reading this I’m going to look into other books by this author, because I’m confident in saying I found a new favorite!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Beverly Place-Finniehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBeverly Place-Finnie2023-02-07 22:06:052023-02-08 12:36:08Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Beverly Finnie
Captivating read. This one is full of tragedy, heartbreaking and triumph. This book will grab you by your feels and will not let you go to the end. I enjoyed the twist and turns and could not put it down. It is a fast pace read and you will be hooked on this thriller. Recommend to those who like suspense and thrillers. Looking forward to reading more by this author. Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Captivating read. This one is full of tragedy, heartbreaking and triumph. This book will grab you by your feels and will not let you go to the end. I enjoyed the twist and turns and could not put it down. It is a fast pace read and you will be hooked on this thriller. Recommend to those who like suspense and thrillers. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ninahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNina2023-02-07 21:04:362023-02-08 12:35:44Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Nina Maes
This is such an amazing Thriller! Once I started I could not put it down. Every page had more twists and turns that kept me hooked. Everytime I thought I had it all figured out, I was wrong. This book kept me up until 2 am and I have no complaints. I may be tired but it was so worth it. The betrayal in this was absolutely palpable. Jacklyn’s husband has passed away and she is falling apart. The grief is causing her to forget things that she needs to do. Her son talks her into going to a wellness retreat. However, before she goes she signs over a power of attorney. She thinks this wellness retreat is the best idea ever, until she realizes it is actually a psychiatric hospital. One that she cannot leave. Will she ever get back to her own house and her pet dog? This is one you definitely do not want to miss!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-02-07 16:52:562023-02-08 12:32:44Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Christine Baranek
I know that there are real people out there like Dusty, but I hope I am not raising them. Jacklyn worked hard her whole life building a legacy at her gardening store, alongside her husband. When her husband dies, she finds herself lost and unsure how to move forward. Her son quickly takes advantage of her and she finds herself in a situation where she must fight for her life. I felt that, while the premise of the story was well thought out and interesting, it felt disjointed at times. Almost like parts of the story were skipped and all of a sudden something else was happening. In my opinion, there could have been a little bit more development at the beginning to help understand how things broke down. Dusty was a horrible person, but Jacklyn must have trusted him previous to this and we don’t have that background to understand. We also don’t have any background on her children’s relationship with each other and I think that would have been helpful to understand why the daughter went along with everything. I did enjoy the story, and I really liked Jacklyn’s character. She is a tough lady. I hope I have half the grit she has.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tammy woodhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTammy wood2023-02-07 12:46:162023-02-08 12:30:18Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Tammy Wood
Very good psychological thriller, with some great twists. A wonderful quick read, you won’t want to put down. Susan Specht Oram does a superb job, the characters are so well written as with the whole book, detailed so well that I, felt like I knew them. I really felt for Jackie. Makes me nervous as I am getting older. Do you really trust those you love to take care of you?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Toni Sellershttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngToni Sellers2023-02-06 21:25:092023-02-08 12:25:44Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Toni Sellers
Jacklyn Stone is struggling to overcome the sudden death of her husband. She is trying to wade her way through the grieving process but feels overwhelmed by the myriad of emotions that she is experiencing. After losing the love of her life Jacklyn feels lost and lonely without him and often feels extreme guilt over having not been able to save her husband. At other times she feels anger over the secrets that her husband kept hidden from her during their marriage.
Jacklyn is usually strong and outgoing but now she struggles to keep herself going and chooses to stay home reading instead. Normally a competent business woman Jacklyn now finds her once thriving business starting to flounder. She feels as though she is losing a grip on her life and in the midst of her grief starts to make small mistakes. Her son, Dusty, and her daughter, Rose, are concerned about their mom’s mental health so they offer to take her on a mini vacation to a retreat where she can relax and heal.
Jacklyn is hesitant to go to the retreat but once she sees the beautiful surroundings she feels as though this might be just what she needed to heal. However, once inside Shore Lodge she soon discovers that there is something far more sinister at work. Jacklyn soon discovers that it is actually a psychiatric facility and that she has no hope of ever leaving. Her children have not only lied to her, but they have abandoned her and had her committed. Cut off from the outside world Jacklyn struggles to maintain her sanity and find a way to escape from the facility.
This book was a roller coaster ride of emotions for me. I felt great empathy for Jacklyn and my heart broke for her to see what her children did to her. She was grieving the loss of her husband of 37 years and rather than show compassion her children had her committed to a psychiatric facility. Then being spoken to and treated as though she was crazy by the staff made me cringe and I wanted to scream at them for mistreating Jacklyn.
Dusty seemed kind and caring initially and at first glance he seems to have his mom’s best interests at heart. It does not take long to realize that all he cares about is himself and his own gain. Dusty made me so angry that he took advantage of his mom like that when she was experiencing such loss and trauma. He was the epitome of evil and is clearly a narcissist who could not see beyond his own selfish needs with no thought to how it effected others. I could not fathom ever doing such horrible things to my own mother or being so cruel and heartless. Rose seemed as though she was just too wrapped up in her own life and her pursuit of a career to find time for her mom. It was easier to let someone else take charge so she could do her own thing. In time, it seems that Rose does care for her mom and wants to help her. Whether Rose felt guilty and changed her mind about having her mom committed, or she had a change of heart, is the question.
This book was intense from start to finish and will have you questioning who you truly trust! A must read for anyone looking for a psychological thriller.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2023-02-06 13:36:212023-02-08 12:22:08Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
After the death of her husband Albert, Jacklyn has had a tough time. When her kids talk her into a couple of days at Shore Lodge to relax, she decides she could use the break. But behind the Lodge’s doors are sinister secrets and Jacklyn is about to discover that losing her husband was the least of her worries. I could not put this book down. The characters were incredibly written and the story just pulled me in, especially the relationship between Jacklyn and her son Dusty.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Allenhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Allen2023-02-06 08:56:012023-02-06 09:07:52Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram-Review by Jennifer Allen
This book brought out all kinds of emotions for me! I have never been so curious, angry, supportive and so invested in a plot like this before! It was a rollercoaster from the start! A real page turner, you needed to keep reading to find out what would happen next. I could not put this book down till I finished it! A very captivating mystery thriller that kept you on the edge of your seat and wanting more! I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a different mystery book that has you feeling for the characters and cheering them on to reach their ultimate goal! I really enjoyed this book and hope to read more from this author soon!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Noor Jivrajhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNoor Jivraj2023-02-05 21:17:052023-02-08 12:18:50Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Noor Jivraj
Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram. This book was so good. I devoured in 2 nights. Its the story of Jacklyn Stone who has just lost her husband of 37 years. She is still reeling from his death and struggling to get her life back on track. She has a business that is struggling to keep a float and her finances are not adding up. Learning that her husband has given a huge portion of their nest egg to their son for a business she knew nothing about shakes her even more. Her daughter is concerned but has her own life and isn’t as concerned as their son Dusty who eventually talks her into signing a power of attorney to him. He talks her into going to a “lodge” for some rest and relaxation and she finally gives in. She does not want to go but decides maybe it will do her good. When she gets there she realizes that its a psychiatric ward and she can’t leave until they release her. While trying to find out if her kids knew about this or were tricked as well she decides the only way to get out of this horrible place is to escape. Will she be able to get out and survive? Read this fast paced thriller to find out!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tausha Treadwayhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTausha Treadway2023-02-05 21:06:112023-02-08 12:18:44Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Tausha Treadway
When your child(ren) turn against you and do what they think is in your best interest. What a page turner this one turned out to be.
When Dusty and Rose con their mother Jacklyn into going to a facility under false pretenses Jacklyn’s will to live and come out of all the grief she’s been under wins out.
Jacklyn puts herself in some rough situations in what turns out to be a secure psychiatric facility in order to get back to her home and cut her children off. She does it with grit and determination and comes out a survivor. She takes her life back and then some!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Devon N Pulliamhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDevon N Pulliam2023-02-05 20:25:262023-02-08 12:18:04Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Devon Pulliam
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