Posts

Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Heather Watson

Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller (The Millersville series)Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the firs book that I’ve read by Susan Specht Oram. I was on the edge of my seat reading this book. I couldn’t wait to see what the characters were going to do next. The story is well written and pulls you in. I can’t wait for her next story to see what she comes up with next.

View all my reviews

Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller (The Millersville series)Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Shore Lodge was a good book that kept me engaged. It is a story focusing on Jacklyn Stone, a widow trying to re-center after the loss of her husband. Like all deaths, she is feeling off kilter, but also was left with some shocking news. Her adult children convince her to go to a “retreat” to get some time to herself and try to get back on track. However, things are not what they seem. It is not a resort, but rather a psych facility and she has been admitted without her knowledge. The story continues as we see what her children are doing now that Mom is locked up, and Jacklyn’s fight to break out of Shore Lodge. The book is pretty messed up, but not gruesome, more just makes you think… because stuff like this probably happens more than we realize. I felt bad for her being tricked, and was rooting for her the whole time. I felt a little let down with the ending, and I am not entirely sure why. It wrapped up nicely, I just expected something bigger, I guess? The characters are good, and i like that we get to see into the personal life and thoughts of all of the Stone family, to give us a better picture of how things got to that point. I do plan to read the next book in the series.

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram Reviewed by May Leadstone

Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller (The Millersville series)Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This novel is not what I normally read due to easily triggered anxiety. However, I thought I would push my reading boundaries. Though within the first couple of chapters, the author had my hackles raised slowly! (Great for the psychological thriller aspect, not so good for my anxiety) The constantly turning story narrative kept the reader disjointed, which matches the main character, Jacklyn Stone, whose mental state was in disarray after the untimely loss of her husband of 37 years! All she wanted was to live with her husband and run the garden shop, but fate and an ungrateful child who believes they are owed more! The author hits on the paranoia of every parent and how their children will treat them when they are older!  The way Jacklyn’s children, Rose and Dusty, acted activated my anger and frustration with what Jacklyn experienced at this “retreat”! Yet, Jacklyn doesn’t go down without a fight and starts to regain herself back through this whole ordeal! I learned this genre is not for me, but this book was well written and assuredly a great product for those of suspense and thrills!

View all my reviews

Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Jennifer Reimer

Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller (The Millersville series)Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was filled with so much suspense I couldn’t put it down. It made me filled with so many emotions and all the feelings from curiosity, angry, anxiety, and enthralled. It was just a rollercoaster of a ride. This book was so well written it really made me wonder a few times if it was true or not, I had to keep reminding myself that even thou it was such an amazing read that it was also fictional. Once I started reading it, I could not put it down I had to know what was going on next with what was Jacklyn thinking and if the situation she was going thou was heartbreaking. This thrilling captivating mystery had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down.

View all my reviews

Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Ayla Phipps

Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller (The Millersville series)Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by Susan Specht Oram; the plot drew me in as I am a big fan of psychological thrillers on tv and movies but finally getting into them in books. The beginning, that is the title of the first chapter, it sets the plot for the entire book. Jacklyn and Albert were high school sweethearts the only thing they loved more than their family was gardening. Suddenly a heart attack takes Albert from her, after having a mental breakdown, her son takes it upon himself to “deal” with her. This book is from three perspectives, Jacklyn newly widowed, her daughter Rose and her son Dusty.
Living two hours away Rose isn’t around every day to see how out of it her mother has become. Dusty on the other hand has been there every day but dislikes the thought of having to move in with his mother or the burden of handling and relying on someone to come to the house to take care of her. Severely depressed after losing her husband Jacklyn is going through the motions, clinging to her shop schedule. Looking into everything after his passing she has discovered that he has given sixty-two thousand dollars to their son in recent years to help him get ahead on his dream but now she has no savings and must keep the shop to earn back what was given away. Meanwhile Carolyn, a valued employee that has worked for them for years is interested in buying the shop, but Jacklyn can’t just tell her she can’t afford to sale that she has no choice but to keep it. Dusty wants his mother sent away somewhere, where she is someone else’s problem to deal with, leading him to finding Shore Lodge, a psychiatric facility not far from where she already lives. Rose is against this but having a child and a parenting agreement with her ex-husband has no choice as she can’t move in with her mother to help. While Dusty agrees with Rose to try and get their mother to willingly agree to go, he informs her that he has power of attorney over their mothers medical and financial decisions and if needed he will use that to make sure she is in the Lodge.
Can Jacklyn prove her mental stability in time to save her home? Dusty loves to hold a grudge, but what does he hold against his mother? Rose only wants to help her mother but is this the right decision? The world the author builds is both beautiful and tragic. The characters are realistic in their actions, making you route for Jacklyn from page one that she will succeed. This book had me on the edge of my seat and holding my breath is several places and I can’t wait to read book two in the Millersville Series, The Thieves.

View all my reviews

My Inner Critic by Christine Bernard – Review by Ashley Westerman

My Inner CriticMy Inner Critic by Christine Bernard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was such a relatable story for me. I really enjoyed it and most parts made me feel like I was reading my own thoughts and life. This really got me thinking about myself and others and the struggles we all face. I can’t wait to see what else this author offers. It was a great read and I highly recommend.

View all my reviews

Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Angela Renee Diaz

Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller (The Millersville series)Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jacklyn is now a widow. She ends up finding out her husband knew of his health issues. She is struggling to do anything. Her two children are concerned for her well being and send her away to get rest and relaxation. Jacklyn doesn’t want to go. She soon realizes she’s stuck in a psychiatric ward.

View all my reviews

Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Christen Ware

Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller (The Millersville series)Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Good story with multiple POV and time perspectives that is full of suspense and thrill. It takes a hot second to get adjusted to how this story is delivered, but constitutes swiftly once you get your footing. Shocking secrets and the turns of this story take both the characters and the reader through enough to warrant a much needed breath after. Overall, good read with a fast and sharp read.

View all my reviews

Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Felicia Bates

Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller (The Millersville series)Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Shore Lodge is the first book I’ve ever read by this author but I will definitely be reading more. I read this book pretty quickly because I needed to know what was going to happen to Jackie. I kept setting myself up for a particular twist to happen because I couldn’t believe children could be that cruel to a parent. That being said, this book definitely had characters you love to hate. Overall, I really did enjoy the book. I felt that Jackie was an excellent main character and she was most definitely underestimated more than once. If you like books that keep you on edge and quicken your pulse, definitely give Shore Lodge a go.

View all my reviews

Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Nicole Thompson

Undoubtedly, Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram is one of the greatest Psychological Thriller novels I have read in a very long time. I was overwhelmed with intense feelings – my heart racing, my body tense, waiting to see what would happen next. The protagonist, Jacklyn Stone, tragically loses her husband and finds that he has left her with a mountain of debt, unable to liquidate their business. Her children then take her to a retreat that poses a great threat to her, leaving Jacklyn with the task of tapping into her inner courage to retake her life and go home. Filled with gripping twists and turns, this thriller will have readers contemplating how they would fare in such a similar predicament.

Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Amanda Swindle

Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller (The Millersville series)Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jacklyn Stone lost her husband eight months ago and she is having a hard time getting back to a normal life. Added to that, anything that can go wrong, does. With all that has happened, Jacklyn depends heavily on her two adult children (Dusty and Rose) to help her get back on track and past everything. No red flags were raised when Dusty asks to take over her power of attorney over her finances and health, nor when both of her children talks her into signing into Shore Lodge in order to rest and grieve. Seems innocent enough, right? Not so much, it soon comes to light that her children have alterior motives. Greed and money come into play, and Jacklyn finds out that Shore Lodge is not a retreat to cope and heal, but a psychiatric facility. What starts out as seemingly caring and innocent, turns out to be betrayal and deceit….from her own children. This is a very dark and twisted psychological thriller, and absolutely had me wanting to shake some sense into her children, and give her a much needed hug. 5 out of 5 stars, and highly recommended.

Reviewed By @zoltrixes

View all my reviews

Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by La Toya Lewis

Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller (The Millersville series)Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram is a very intriguing story of a recently widowed woman and her fight to reclaim her life. Watching Jacklyn Stone fight for her life that her son Dusty Stone, has so cruelly stolen from her is absolutely heartbreaking. You experience all of her feelings of anguish and betrayal. Despite all that she has been through, Jacklyn proves to be stronger than even she thought she could be. The story is beautifully crafted and keeps you on a rollercoaster of emotions. The characters are also well-written. Dusty is vile and Jacklyn is inspiring. This story pulls you in and keeps you hooked. This is a great psychological thriller.

View all my reviews

Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Rebecca Hill

Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller (The Millersville series)Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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!

View all my reviews

My Inner Critic by Christine Bernard – Review by Sandra (Crandomblog)

My Inner CriticMy Inner Critic by Christine Bernard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I first heard about this book, it reminded me very strongly of myself so I quickly snagged it up. I loved the fact that I could relate to the main character so much. I like that the story was so open and honest, and the speed of the story was very comfortable for me. The only reason I didn’t straight up love it was it was told from first person point of view, which has never been a favorite of mine. The fact the main character was so relatable did make the first person writing easier to read and more relatable. I was also sick when I read this and I intend on re-reading it when I am feeling a little bit better.

View all my reviews

My Inner Critic by Christine Bernard – Review by Rayne East

My Inner CriticMy Inner Critic by Christine Bernard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kindred spirit

What an awesome read. This had me devouring every word as I related very closely with Emily. The author really understood the daily struggle someone with anxiety faces and at several times I thought she was writing about me. Aging can make people realise things about themselves and others with so much more clarity. Such a beautiful ending, I even shed a tear. This book is not to be missed. Highly recommend!

View all my reviews

My Inner Critic by Christine Bernard – Review by Angela Renee Diaz

My Inner CriticMy Inner Critic by Christine Bernard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a very relatable book. I have some similarities towards Emily. This book is highly recommended by me so people will know they not alone. That there feelings our validated. Give this book a try you won’t be disappointed.

View all my reviews

My Inner Critic by Christine Bernard – Review by Shannen Kern

My Inner CriticMy Inner Critic by Christine Bernard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I found this book to be incredibly relatable and felt like I was walking along Emily through the story. She’s an introvert who feels awkward, never finding her place to fit into. I think we have all been at the place in our life where we don’t answer “How are you” with a genuine answer, but a smile and avoid any real emotion. Emily feels like she doesn’t fit in and has been on a long road to self-love. I’ve never read anything by this author before, but I’m so glad I picked this one up. I recommend it highly and am looking forward to other adventures from Christine Bernard!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

My Inner Critic by Christine Bernard – Review by Jennifer Gordon

My Inner CriticMy Inner Critic by Christine Bernard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an emotional and inspirational story which is part truth and part fiction, as the blurb says, “this is the author’s own journey, told through a made-up world”. The storyline is about an introvert living in an extroverted world, and the main character, thirty eight year old Emily Parker still feels as awkward and anxious as she did at eighteen. However, as a young adult other people accepted this, and even reassured her that it was an expected part of growing up, and things would improve. For Emily though her insecurities have only gotten worse, and she now feels she has to hide her feelings and put on a fake smile for everyone.
She has gotten used to making excuses and avoiding situations, but when this doesn’t work she then spends more time trying not to make a fool of herself, that she never actually enjoys herself. Emily is now familiar with her ‘inner critic’, the ever present and getting louder voice telling her she doesn’t fit in, and making her worry way too much. The author writes so honestly and sensitively about real issues that many women feel, that reading this book makes you feel like your not alone. It definitely took me on an emotional rollercoaster, but it was worth it for the uplifting message that comes across in the skilful writing.

View all my reviews

My Inner Critic by Christine Bernard – Review by Tausha Treadway

My Inner CriticMy Inner Critic by Christine Bernard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My Inner Critic by Christine Bernard. If ever I could relate to a book its this one. I felt every word! This is a wonderful story of Emily who is 38 and never been married. She suffers from a high functioning form of anxiety. The anxiety effects every part of her life from work, to relationships to her own view of things. Emily feels like everyone is put above her in every facet of her life. With all of her friends getting married, having kids and settling down Emily feels like she’s been left behind. Blake is newly divorced and but eager to pick back up his friendship with Emily. Blake actually has developed feelings for Emily and keeps dropping subtle hints but of course she doesn’t see them. He loves Emily for herself and doesn’t care about her faults. Will Emily finally open her eyes to love and try to accept that some people truly love her. Read this fun book to find out!

View all my reviews

Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller (The Millersville series)Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram

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.

View all my reviews

My Inner Critic by Christine Bernard – Review by Kerry Carr

My Inner CriticMy Inner Critic by Christine Bernard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I found this a really interesting read. I liked who the author found the courage to tell her story even through a fictional world. Her story is one of self discovery and finding self love which is very powerful. It was also emotional to read about her struggles with anxiety and how that has bothered her all of her life not just in childhood. I found that really reassuring as a person who also struggles with anxiety. It allowed me to feel like I wasn’t abnormal for still being this way into adulthood.
I found this story very emotional in parts due to being able to relate to it perfectly. Sometimes it was like the author was talking about me and my life.
The author’s writing is beautiful and the story is written in a very open and honest way which I loved. Even though fictional characters and storyline the author’s struggles and journey shone through. It was an inspirational read. And I found it comforting to know that I wasn’t the only one still struggling with anxiety even though I’m an adult.

View all my reviews

Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller (The Millersville series)Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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.

Review@cinful

View all my reviews

My Inner Critic by Christine Bernard – Review by Julie Johnson

My Inner CriticMy Inner Critic by Christine Bernard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An introspective read by an extroverted introvert…

Emily is a high functioning person with anxiety. It impacts every aspect of her life from work, friends, and relationships. Maybe that’s why she’s 38 and still single. Or maybe she truly hasn’t found “the one” just yet. She frets over things that haven’t happened yet but also won’t back down from a challenge even though her inner self is screaming to run.

This book is very relatable on so many levels. Emily’s life isn’t much different from mine or many other women that I know. The fact that this author has sprinkled a mixture of truth of her own story into the telling of Emily’s story makes this a much more inspiring read. While this is a work of fiction, there is a lot of truth and lessons that can be taken from this narrative.

View all my reviews

My Inner Critic by Christine Bernard – Review by Kerry Baker

My Inner CriticMy Inner Critic by Christine Bernard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book give such a raw and honest look at the author and her inner thoughts. But it also goes much further than that. It forces the reader to take a look at themselves too, taking you on the journey the authors goes through. Even if you don’t relate to every one of the struggles portrayed in this book, every person will relate to at least one of them.
The emotions are present throughout this book too. You experience them all as you read through this story and each one is effective and powerful. From the description I thought I would enjoy this book, I just didn’t expect to enjoy it quite as much as I did. This is definitely one everyone should add to their list!

View all my reviews

Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller (The Millersville series)Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

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!!!

View all my reviews

Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Kirsten Berkebile

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.

Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller (The Millersville series)Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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.

View all my reviews

Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Lisa Helmick

Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller (The Millersville series)Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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!

View all my reviews

My Inner Critic by Christine Bernard – Review by Beverly Finnie

My Inner CriticMy Inner Critic by Christine Bernard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My Inner Critic was phenomenal. Not that I don’t have a love/hate relationship towards it. But that’s not because of what the author wrote but because it made me evaluate myself in comparison to the character. As someone who lives with High Functioning Anxiety this book hit extremely close to home. I also realized that everything that drove me crazy about the character, I do myself. Though it may be a fictionalized version of the author’s story, it’s very accurate to anyone who lives with this.
Emily lives in a world where everyone’s own happiness is put above hers. Also that she sees none of the positive traits in herself that others see. Going through the motions of life, when fear/anxiety don’t get in the way is how she exists. Unfortunately she’s also at that point in life, that those closest to her are moving on. Getting married, starting families, and drifting apart, leaving her single and alone. Or is she?
Blake is single and free. Not thrilled about getting divorced but so happy to start back up The Friday Night Club with Emily. He cares for her, and he keeps dropping signs that she’s missing. She doesn’t realize he would drop anything for her. That’s Blake’s job to figure out how to navigate the field, all the while she’s trying to find herself.
Everything the author brings you is so spot on! You may go through everything the author presents to you as well, don’t use it as a trigger. Use it as a way to learn something about yourself. I feel like everyone should read this book!

@placexba
View all my reviews

My Inner Critic by Christine Bernard – Review by Christen Ware

My Inner CriticMy Inner Critic by Christine Bernard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Relatable fictional story that plays off a real pet of the author, and it done very well. Using a story as a guide through this “made-up world” the reader is quick to empathize and relate more than usual. Using such a heavy topic and spinning it to come across as lighthearted while still hitting home is something of wonder. Bernard’s writing was fictional but felt so personal, it was like having a look at her (and sometimes my own) inner monologue. A good read!

View all my reviews

Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller (The Millersville series)Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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.

View all my reviews