As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Tears, so many tears, I needed all the tissues. This was such an amazing read. It caught my attention from the beginning, and never let go. Tragedy struck this family, and all their lives changed. This is an amzing example of the true and genuine meaning of love and family.
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This fast-paced read wasn’t quite what I was expecting. While touching on many tough subjects (including a volatile mother-daughter relationship, protesting for a cause, and incompetent city officials), The Mothers Threat falls short of the expected thrill and suspense. The focus seemed to be mainly on Violet and Daisy’s barely veiled by love hostility toward one another rather than the impending threat posed by the protesters. There were definitely some moments where I questioned whether Violet would be able to remain professional in the face of her mother’s insensitive, selfish, criminal actions. The storyline also felt a bit disjointed, like some elements, such as the anarchists trashing the town, were thrown in without much reason behind it. Overall, a quick read that left me wanting more than what was there.
As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was such a good story. I was really captured from the beginning.
One phone call can change your entire life, and for Julie that call gives her the news of her brother and sister in laws passing but also that she was named guardian of her twin niece and nephew.
We watch as she learns to navigate parenthood and the bumps along the way that not only kids bring but life too since it doesn’t stop when tragedy happens.
I felt a connection with Julie early on and my heart broke for the kids and all they are working through. I wasn’t expecting a couple of the bombshells we encountered along the way but I felt they would help along their journey. Will be reading more from this author.
The Mother’s Threat: A compelling domestic thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love this author and this book was no exception. Violet started her own security company. Their first big client/project looks to be in jeopardy. The real question is can Violet separate family and work and survive the downfall?
Providing security for a company that is at the frontline of a protest that no one in town is taking seriously. Violet quickly discovers her mom is in town and helping with the protests! Will we see the downfall of what is remaining of their relationship?
This book contains crime, family drama and suspense. It was hard to put it down because I needed to know what was next.
As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
As Though You Were Mine is a sentimental true-to-life story. Julie donated her eggs to help her brother and sister-in-law be able to start a family. After a tragic accident, Julie becomes the guardian of her brother’s children. Is she meant to be a mom? The story is realistic and believable. The characters seem to be based on real people, making the story all the more emotional. I enjoyed Julie and how she developed through the story. She is someone that I would like to meet and become friends. Though there is a tragedy in the book, there is plenty of love and moments of happiness. It shows that even in what might be the worst situation, there is light. Though this was my first read from this author, I will watch for more by her.
Great characters with a flowing storyline. Fast pace read, the author draws you in and keeps you engaged to the end. Full of family drama, life challenges and lots of emotions. I really enjoyed reading this author’s books. I would recommend this author to anyone who likes to escape the afternoon away.The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Great characters with a flowing storyline. Fast pace read, the author draws you in and keeps you engaged to the end. Full of family drama, life challenges and lots of emotions. I really enjoyed reading this author’s books. I would recommend this author to anyone who likes to escape the afternoon away.
As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Have you ever let other people question you and your lifestyle to the point that you began to doubt or question yourself? This is what happens to our main character, Julie, when she becomes guardian to her niece and nephew after her brother and sister-in-law pass away from a car wreck. People question if Julie, who also happens to be the biological egg donor to the 4-year-old twins, is the right choice to raise them, especially since she had decided that she never wanted kids of her own. Her own upsetting failures with the twins along with her family’s talk make her wonder what her brother and his wife were thinking of picking her as guardian, so, of course, when Grant the sperm donor shows up to supposedly help with the twins, Julie is more than cautious. In the matter of days, her life, her job, and, in truth, a bit of her sanity all seem to be thrown in the air and she doesn’t know if she will ever be able to catch them all.
This is an emotional ride, to say the least! J. Marie Rundquist has written such an amazing book that will have you spiraling through more emotions than you even knew you had. Between her realistic characters and honest reactions to everyday life spinning out of control, she has impressively woven a book that should be on everyone’s to-read list.
As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A story to pull at your heartstrings. Julie a, young woman, has just received the shock of her life when she now becomes the guardian of her brother’s children. These children however come with a catch, 4 years ago Julie was asked to be an egg doner for her brother and sister-in-law. These turns of events have shaken Julie to the core. Julie, you see had never wanted children and now she has become instant “mom”. To add more fuel to the fire the sperm donor just shows up at Julie’s door one day. He’s handsome, unpredictable, unemployed and has a broken-down old truck everything Julie is not looking for after just having faced a life altering event. A truly gripping story of friends, family and the bond needed to survive.
*Grab the tissues*
The Mother’s Threat: A compelling domestic thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
A Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram is available now in eBook, Audio book, and Physical Book
⭐️⭐️⭐ Book Review
A Mother’s Threat introduces us to Violet Cleaveland who is working on opening her very own security business. When she takes on her first client she doesn’t realize her mother is going to be her biggest threat (hence the name of the novel). A Mother’s Threat, full of family drama, tackles quite a few hard topics: child abandonment, mental abuse, and manipulation. This was my first time reading a novel written by Specht Oram. It was a short, simple, to the point type of read. Almost too simple for me hence the 3 stars. I wish there would have been more back history of the relationship for Violet and Daisy. There were some brief snippets of why they had the relationship they had but not much to go off of. I understood the concept of the story but it didn’t seem like there was enough there to write a 230 page novel about. I did enjoy Specht Oram’s writing style. Her characters were down to earth and simple. Her story line flowed and kept the reader interested. At the end of the day, I would not hesitate to give this author another try in the near future.
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a supercharged read. The Rollercoaster this book had me on was a wild ride. I love the author and can always lose myself in one of her novels. As always the emotions and suspense were High and had me flipping pages to see the outcome! Another novel and not one complaint from me!
As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When Julie receives the news that her brother and his wife have passed away, her life is forever changed when she is told she has been named as guardian of his 4-year-old twins. Julie never saw herself in the maternal role. However, since she was the one who donated her eggs so her brother and his wife could have children, she can see why she was named guardian (even though she does not feel qualified…or ready).
Trying to take care of two children that have just lost their parents presents its own challenges. Add on the pressure of a family that is questioning her appointment, Julie wondering if she was the right choice herself, a boss that is not making life easier, and an ex that can’t seem to get the “ex” part (although Julie is not helping keep him away). But, when Grant (the sperm donor of the twins) shows up due to a sense of obligation, Julie’s life seems to get even more difficult.
This is a story that focuses on the relationships in our lives…whether familial, friendly, or romantic. There are strained relationships that must be fostered and mended, romantic relationships that need to be defined, and new relationships to be explored and built. I laughed and cried while reading this book. Julie is an amazing character that is really going through it….helping those around her heal while she is trying to heal herself. The author, through the use of detail and wonderful storytelling, brought these characters to life on the page and I felt like was in the room with them. A greatly written book that I enjoyed reading (with a box of tissues by my side).
As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book so much. The synopsis intrigued me, but I had never read this author before. I am a new fan! Julie Mercer becomes an instant mother to four year old twins when her brother and his wife die in a car accident. That, by itself, is a story. But to make things even more interesting, Julie donated her eggs for in vitro fertilization for the twins. But ultimately, all of that is just a backdrop for the story about complicated family relationships. I enjoyed Julie’s angst as a new mom, struggling to figure out how to parent, navigate child care, and the plethora of other issues facing parents today. Not only that, but there’s a bit of a love story thrown in. Great book, and I can’t wait to read more by this author!
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I finished this book in one reading stint. The need to know what was happening next kept me fully engrossed in the story. It follows our main character Violet who has started her own security company. A protest in town is the task at hand for her company and one of the leaders of the protest just happens to be her mother. The atmosphere and tension of the story that unfolds leaves you feeling like you are in the protest. This book has both the suspense and the family drama.
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Mother’s Threat
By: Susan Specht Oram
Susan Specht Oram has become one of my go to authors for thrillers. This one definitely was exactly what I love about her writing, it is entertaining, suspenseful, and full of twists and turns. The Mother’s Threat features a female main character named Violet Cleveland who was incredibly relatable. She was a woman who listened to what I call her “spidey senses”. Her parents definitely were an added part to the twists and turns in the story. They were definitely a distraction for Violet but I definitely related to her worry for them. Violet (and this whole story) was emotionally charged and I found that as a large part of what I loved about the story. It kept me reading and wondering how Violet was going to handle certain situations. There were many times where I thought I would have lost my cool only to see Violet continue to try to keep a calm head and her new business open and in tact. This book was legitimately so good and I definitely loved all the twists and turns in this story. Violet was the perfect main character and her parents were the perfect opposite to her. I definitely recommend this story for anyone who loves a good thriller or anyone who loves a good strong female lead with a complicated family.
As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was an emotional rollercoaster from the first page! On the first page Julie’s life is changed forever when her brother and sister-in-law are killed in a car accident. Their children are left in Julie’s care, Julie has never wanted children, but she learns to raise Lucy and Mikey through their collective grief and trauma. I loved this book even though it tore me to shreds!!
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Mother’s Threat is advertised as a standalone thriller, but I feel like the characters are crossover from one of the author’s previous books….The book followed over Violet over an intense couple of days. She has recently opened a small security agency, and has her first big job. There is rumor of a protest, that the local police and politicians have blown off, assuming it will be a small peaceful protest. Things escalate quickly, and Violet is thrown off guard when she realizes her mother is one of the leaders of the protest. Emotions get muddy when the mother daughter duo face off. Violet is struggling to seperate work and family when they have overlapped. While the book kept me very engaged, the ending was a little Meh for me. It was a little anticlimactic after such a series of events. I still enjoyed the book, and will read others by the author.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow what a story. This was a very emotional read for me, as someone who has been through fertility treatment and potentially having to use different ways of becoming a mother, I instantly felt a connection with the characters in this book. The synopsis spoke to me on so many levels and I knew I just needed to read it straight away. The author did an absolutely amazing job with the story, it was emotional, heartfelt, devastating and so much more. I definitely cried a lot whilst reading it. The topics were handled sensitively and with compassion. The characters were wonderful to read about, genuine, real and raw emotions that cam across so well.
Honestly, I am so glad that I picked up this book and would 100% recommend it to other readers.
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram. I have loved this series and this book is no exception. You can read each of these as a standalone but I always recommend reading them in order. This is the continuing story of Violet and her mom. Violet owns a security company in the small coastal town of Millersville, Washington. When she gets her first big client, Bettermed, she is so excited. They service the medical field and they are coming to MIllersville for a conference and Violets job is to keep it safe. The only problem is Violet’s mom. She is a peaceful (usually) environmentalist and is getting together a group to protest Bettermed. When this “peaceful” protest turns into much more Violet is worried she can’t handle it. She even calls in the local sheriff but he doesn’t believe that it is a big deal. Will Violet be able to keep everything safe for Bettermed or will the protesters win? Read this fast paced thriller to find out.
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I must say I did not see this coming. Violet Cleveland has a security business, one she is very happy to run. After all she has been through, you would think things couldn’t get any harder. Wrong! When your own family attacks, what is a person to do? The betrayal is so hard to imagine, as well as believable. Violet and her crew are pushed to the limit in this story. This author has once again brought forth strong independent characters. Added an unexpected host and kept me flipping the pages of this story. Forget sleep, forget snacking, forget the chocolates. If you are like me you will dive in and be stuck reading as this story has many events that will shock you. I. Really enjoyed reading this story. I hope you do too. No Spoilers!
Review@cinful
As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I recommend that you pick up this book and also a box of tissues. This book is so emotionally-wrenching (in a good way) that you will feel like you are experiencing life right along with Julie and the twins. I became so wrapped-up in this story that I did not want it to end. If you are looking for a book that will take you along for the ride and make you feel ALL the feels, then this is for you. A unique story of becoming a parent that you don’t have to actually be a parent to appreciate and love. A book has not made me feel so deeply such a range of emotions in a long time. I guarantee that you will fall in love with Julie, and the people who come in and out of her life, and will be recommending this book to everyone in yours.
As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As Though You Were Mine touches every emotion on the spectrum. Love, loss, joy, heartache, turmoil, and so much more.
Julie is figuring out how to grieve the loss of her brother while also learning how to parent his now orphaned children. Except, they’re her biological children, so this should be an easy transition due to biology and all. Never mind that the family dynamics Julie is accustomed to aren’t anything even resembling normal.
As though there wasn’t enough to deal with; enter Grant! He’s the kids’ uncle, and their biological father, or maybe he’s a Sperm Whale! Julie and Grant have to find a way to best care for the children who have lost everything while trying to figure out their own turmoiled lives.
As Though You Were Mine is deep, complex, and emotional. It is also a fantastic read that will have you up all hours of night reading. Go ahead and pick it up now!
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is an interesting and intriguing story. And for a Thriller, I thought it had an unusual but likeable focus on the characters and their relationships. It added a depth to the story that I don’t often see in this type of book. I thought the story itself was well written. It was dull of mystery and suspenseful and really knew how to keep the pages turning.
This book can ties in with a series but can easily be read as a standalone..this is a great story that I would recommend reading.
As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist. This is one of my favorite books I’ve read this year. Its soooo good, emotional but good. Its the story of Julie who doesn’t want kids ever and is completely happy with her life the way it is. When her brother and his wife discover they are infertile Julie decides to donate her eggs to her sister in law. When her brother and his wife are killed in a car accident and the twins are 4 years old she is given sole custody. Julies doesn’t know how to be an aunt and especially doesn’t know how to be a mom. As time goes on she is learning and growing closer to the twins, who both miss their mom and dad. Trying to work, take care of the kids and live a social life is a lot but Julie is actually doing it. Then Grant enters the picture. Grant is Julie’s sister in law’s brother and the biological father of the twins. He decides he wants custody so Julie is in for a custody battle on top of everything else. This is a moving, emotional read that will keep you flipping the pages late in the night.
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Mother’s Threat was interesting and the 4th book in this Millersville Series. I’ve read them all, and nothing beats the first one but this was a close 2nd. Each book is different, though based in the same town. They can be read in succession or as a standalone novel.
This book brings Violet and her mom head to head. Violet has booked her first client and she’s excited. When one starts a new business it’s sometimes hard to get off the ground. She’s contracted to protect Bettermed while they are having a nationwide conference. One problem: her mother and a bunch of other people who want to save the planet and go after corporate juggernauts are coming to protest and cause trouble. Second problem, the police chief and mayor don’t think it’s a threat. That all reports are false. Third problem: there’s 100s more than they expected and they are wreaking havoc on this coastal town.
What does Violet and her team do?
Will her mom be a problem that prevents Violet from seeing everything clearly?
Those questions and so many more as you navigate this novel. This author is a wonderful writer and keeps your mind going throughout. Edge of your seat type writing. It’s well worth it, so check not just this book out but all of them!!
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3 Stars
The Mother’s Threat is a tense standalone by Susan Specht Oram. This story weaves a tale of complex family dynamics, drama, tension, challenges, emotion, and more.
Violet Cleveland has a lot riding on the outcome of an important security contract that gets more challenging as the hours go by. She certainly never expected that her own mother would pose a threat to her safety and the success of her mission – and we get a front-row seat as it all goes down. When the tension mounts and agendas are revealed, the stakes get much higher.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Susan Specht Oram!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Another fantastic book from this author…I loved this story right from the start. Fast paced, suspense, intrigue, secrets, crime drama that had me at the edge of my seat of what will happen next…
Violet Cleveland is owner and head of a security business that she is proud to start up. When Violet is approached to be security for a big corporation and their big meeting will take place right in their small town, but this meeting is also bringing out people whom oppose to this meeting. Talks about protests coming..but the Violet’s surprise the ring leader is her own mother, Daisy. Violet wants to not only protect her client but the town as well and lets the mayor and chief of police in on what may happen only to get ignored multiple times. Daisy brings mayhem at every corner and Violet desperately tries to stay ahead that no one is hurt. Will Violet be able to protect her client like she promise or will Daisy and her followers protests turn an ugly corner?
This is a fantastic read and I highly recommend. The characters are fantastic and I loved how strong Violet was even when her own mother took advantage of her….and the relationship they had.
Can I just say I also loved the bar owners in this story as well…….made me smile…..
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Violet’s new company has been tasked with protecting a company in town with protestors heading their way. One big problem arises…Violet’s mother, Daisy, is one of the lead protesters. Enjoyable book that made me think about bye mother/daughter relationship.
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 stars
The Mother’s Threat is another psychological drama from Susan. It is a standalone book so there is no need to worry about missing out from a previous storyline.
This story is about a woman that is trying to build her life and her ever dramatic relationship with her unstable mother is complex to say the least. The twisty tale is driven by the rocky road mother/daughter relationship.
There were many times throughout that I wanted to do away with the vile woman who was supposed to love and care for her daughter. So, to say I had a hard time connecting with this woman was an understatement.
Susan also includes contentious themes within the driving of the story.
This emotionally charged tale is full of pain, frustration, heartbreak, betrayal and a lot more as one woman is ignored whilst trying to stop an all-out war.
If you like a story that is a fast-paced quick read thriller with lots of action, protests, threats and some intense moments this book may just be for you.
Reviewed by @jennadb
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I picked up “The Mother’s Threat” because I have read other books from Susan Specht Oram and have enjoyed them. Like all of her books, the cover gives little away, which I appreciate, with simply a chain link fence, which makes me question- whom or what is being kept in? Or out?
We soon find out the main character, Violet, is a recurring character from the book Shore Lodge, whom has set up her own security service company she set up to try to right the wrongs done to her as well as fellow employees. All goes well until her mother comes to town as part of a huge environmental anti-government protest movement in the quaint town of Millersville. Throughout the book, I appreciated how both of the main characters learn to forgive and move on, as well as grow their mother/daughter relationship- to an extent. I thought the ending was highly predictable, but this book was still worth reading to discover how Violet solves her maternal issues.
The most memorable part of the book was the tension and atmosphere created by the author- I really felt like I was in the middle of a protest, at times. The vivid descriptions of the actions of the protestors, the police, and Violet’s company were highly realistic and fearful, as they were, what would happen next.
