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Charleston Harbor #1
Done: Sometimes there is nothing left to give...
Desi Stowe is a healthcare professional with a passion for writing. She is looking to take experiences from hospital hallways to aspiring author.
DONE is a contemporary fiction novel with a strong (albeit angsty) female protagonist. Themes include discovering who your true friends are, finding work/life balance, self-care for mental health, and the complications an ill-timed chance at romance can bring. The rating of the book is PG.
Vivian Ashmead is a highly successful employment recruiter and retention specialist, traveling the country and climbing the corporate ladder. Her life is going perfectly according to plan.
Until it isn’t.
Her latest assignment is consulting with hospitals to offset the loss of personnel since the pandemic. Vivian prides herself on being an expert in her field but is struggling to find her footing. How do you convince someone to return to their field when they leave for entirely justifiable reasons?
Vivian finds herself desperately clutching to her plans as they continue to unravel. The harder she tries to hold things together, the more they fall apart. To make matters worse, she disappoints the few people in her life who care about her.
In her mind, she hears a whisper leading her to a better life.
In her heart, she feels the ache of a longing unfulfilled.
What happens when you’ve poured everything into a career, and it’s still not enough?
What happens when there’s nothing left to give?
Sometimes you are just…
Done.
DONE is a contemporary fiction novel with a strong (albeit angsty) female protagonist. Themes include discovering who your true friends are, finding work/life balance, self-care for mental health, and the complications an ill-timed chance at romance can bring. The rating of the book is PG.
Vivian Ashmead is a highly successful employment recruiter and retention specialist, traveling the country and climbing the corporate ladder. Her life is going perfectly according to plan.
Until it isn’t.
Her latest assignment is consulting with hospitals to offset the loss of personnel since the pandemic. Vivian prides herself on being an expert in her field but is struggling to find her footing. How do you convince someone to return to their field when they leave for entirely justifiable reasons?
Vivian finds herself desperately clutching to her plans as they continue to unravel. The harder she tries to hold things together, the more they fall apart. To make matters worse, she disappoints the few people in her life who care about her.
In her mind, she hears a whisper leading her to a better life.
In her heart, she feels the ache of a longing unfulfilled.
What happens when you’ve poured everything into a career, and it’s still not enough?
What happens when there’s nothing left to give?
Sometimes you are just…
Done.
- GenresContemporary
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2024
6 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 21, 2024
This is a great book!
In this book, Viv is sent out to recruit nurses and other healthcare back to their positions, in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. She faces many struggles along the way and doesn't have much to make the nurses feel safe enough to come back to work. Along the way, she finds an unlikely set of friends, and learns not to be "Miss Workacholic"
At the end of the book, she's finally found her place.
I really liked this book and would recommend it to anyone that likes a friend-to-lovers romance, and strong women, however, I would like it more if there was some better editing, as I caught a few grammatical and spelling mistakes.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In this book, Viv is sent out to recruit nurses and other healthcare back to their positions, in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. She faces many struggles along the way and doesn't have much to make the nurses feel safe enough to come back to work. Along the way, she finds an unlikely set of friends, and learns not to be "Miss Workacholic"
At the end of the book, she's finally found her place.
I really liked this book and would recommend it to anyone that likes a friend-to-lovers romance, and strong women, however, I would like it more if there was some better editing, as I caught a few grammatical and spelling mistakes.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 1, 2025
This isn't my typical style of book but I enjoyed it! This book is a good mixture of romance with the struggles nurses in the American health system face. This is a great book and highly recommend reading this!
January 17, 2024
Done isn’t my usual literary fare, which veers more towards horror. But I guess what’s the difference between horror and the American healthcare system these days? 😂
Done combined romance, mental health struggles and an informative critique of our healthcare system. The pandemic has opened some eyes about how hard nursing must be, but this book is able to relate many of these burn out stories in a unique way to help the reader feel more empathetic toward healthcare workers. The bond between Vivian and her love interest rings true and is an enjoyable slow burn.
I received a free advance copy of Done in exchange for my honest review.
Done combined romance, mental health struggles and an informative critique of our healthcare system. The pandemic has opened some eyes about how hard nursing must be, but this book is able to relate many of these burn out stories in a unique way to help the reader feel more empathetic toward healthcare workers. The bond between Vivian and her love interest rings true and is an enjoyable slow burn.
I received a free advance copy of Done in exchange for my honest review.
August 20, 2024
Done (Charleston Harbor Book 1) by Desi Stowe
Read: August 2024
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
I received a copy of Done through BookSirens. Below you fill find my honest review.
Vivian, Vivian, Vivian…she had me shaking my head there for a bit. So much so that I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy the book. I had a feeling there would be some redemption or at least a good explanation for her laser focused, career driven, devoid of human connection life, so I refused to give up. That was a wise decision.
Vivian’s story begins as she’s winding up her latest assignment as an employment recruiter and retention specialist. She might have made a slightly unscrupulous play in order to secure a highly sought after employee for the company that contracted her. Now she’s dodging his call and heading home for a week of R&R and some down time with her sister.
Well, Vivian’s boss has other ideas and she gets the call not even 36 hours into being home that she has a new assignment, working with a hospital in Charleston, SC, that starts immediately. Medical recruiting is a new field for Vivian and she has a healthy dose of nerves and excitement for this new opportunity. She sees it as her final challenge to master in order to gain the title she covets and to obtaining a little more say in her day to day life.
Vivian is a planner, she has her life mapped out, she has goals and she is laser focused on them. But she doesn’t plan for Charleston and the people she meets to find their way into her heart. She doesn’t plan for her heart to begin to beat harder for the connections & sense of community she inadvertently builds while there than for all the plans she has made.
As I sank into this story, I knew without researching that Desi Stowe must work in healthcare. As a former paramedic (medically retired), I could empathize and fully embrace the highs, lows, trails, triumphs and the burnout so eloquently relayed through the nurses, therapists and administrative staff perspectives. No greater truth has been spoken than the depiction of what is like to be a day to day healthcare worker facing long hours, angry, sick, tired and belligerent patients. To face death, to face beratement, to face sexual harassment and to not feel like you can stand up for yourself during many of those incidents for fear of a patient complaint that you can’t prove or worse, the loss of the job you love because, once again, you can’t prove that the patient or family member harassed you or that administration would just assume brush it under the rug.
Vivian gets a firsthand account of what life is like for healthcare workers, she begins to really get in touch with her humanity and question if her moral compass has been compromised and which direction she wants to aim point that compass. She begins to shed the layers of armor she has worn for years and begins to feel a true sense of connection with some of the people she is working to secure as employees for the hospital.
Vivian has to make some major, potentially life changing decisions as she begins to navigate this new sense of identity. She wades through love, love & respect for herself, her new friends and someone who may just be The One.
You will not regret sinking into this story. It is rich with hard truths, raw emotion and the hard reality of life on the front lines of the medical field.
Read: August 2024
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
I received a copy of Done through BookSirens. Below you fill find my honest review.
Vivian, Vivian, Vivian…she had me shaking my head there for a bit. So much so that I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy the book. I had a feeling there would be some redemption or at least a good explanation for her laser focused, career driven, devoid of human connection life, so I refused to give up. That was a wise decision.
Vivian’s story begins as she’s winding up her latest assignment as an employment recruiter and retention specialist. She might have made a slightly unscrupulous play in order to secure a highly sought after employee for the company that contracted her. Now she’s dodging his call and heading home for a week of R&R and some down time with her sister.
Well, Vivian’s boss has other ideas and she gets the call not even 36 hours into being home that she has a new assignment, working with a hospital in Charleston, SC, that starts immediately. Medical recruiting is a new field for Vivian and she has a healthy dose of nerves and excitement for this new opportunity. She sees it as her final challenge to master in order to gain the title she covets and to obtaining a little more say in her day to day life.
Vivian is a planner, she has her life mapped out, she has goals and she is laser focused on them. But she doesn’t plan for Charleston and the people she meets to find their way into her heart. She doesn’t plan for her heart to begin to beat harder for the connections & sense of community she inadvertently builds while there than for all the plans she has made.
As I sank into this story, I knew without researching that Desi Stowe must work in healthcare. As a former paramedic (medically retired), I could empathize and fully embrace the highs, lows, trails, triumphs and the burnout so eloquently relayed through the nurses, therapists and administrative staff perspectives. No greater truth has been spoken than the depiction of what is like to be a day to day healthcare worker facing long hours, angry, sick, tired and belligerent patients. To face death, to face beratement, to face sexual harassment and to not feel like you can stand up for yourself during many of those incidents for fear of a patient complaint that you can’t prove or worse, the loss of the job you love because, once again, you can’t prove that the patient or family member harassed you or that administration would just assume brush it under the rug.
Vivian gets a firsthand account of what life is like for healthcare workers, she begins to really get in touch with her humanity and question if her moral compass has been compromised and which direction she wants to aim point that compass. She begins to shed the layers of armor she has worn for years and begins to feel a true sense of connection with some of the people she is working to secure as employees for the hospital.
Vivian has to make some major, potentially life changing decisions as she begins to navigate this new sense of identity. She wades through love, love & respect for herself, her new friends and someone who may just be The One.
You will not regret sinking into this story. It is rich with hard truths, raw emotion and the hard reality of life on the front lines of the medical field.
July 12, 2024
Title: DONE
Author: Desi Stowe
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
“DONE” is a fantastic read. It gives you a glimpse of what a woman in a powerful career compromises in her personal life to maintain her position in a predominantly, male oriented business. It also gives a very accurate view into the struggle, post pandemic, of staffing in healthcare.
Vivian is a corporate recruiter. She is very good at what she does and will do ALMOST anything for the deal. Post pandemic, her company changes her focus to healthcare. She realizes very quickly that healthcare workers are overworked and under appreciated. Of course, she rises to the challenge. But, what she doesn’t expect, is the personal relationships she forms. She meets Eugene Spinner and is instantly aware of a connection that is bigger than finding a way to get him to come back to the hospital he has left. Her sister, Lily is thrilled that she has found someone she can connect with, and pushes her to explore her new found feelings. But, work has other plans. She leaves Charleston, and heads to her next assignment. Vivian continues to struggle to find balance between work and happiness. In an unexpected twist of events, she discovers that maybe it really is time to prioritize her personal happiness. But is it too late?
Desi Stowe has an amazing way of peaking your interest and hooking your heartstrings. You will find yourself, mentally advising Vivian of the choices she SHOULD make, and rooting for a happy ending.
Author: Desi Stowe
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
“DONE” is a fantastic read. It gives you a glimpse of what a woman in a powerful career compromises in her personal life to maintain her position in a predominantly, male oriented business. It also gives a very accurate view into the struggle, post pandemic, of staffing in healthcare.
Vivian is a corporate recruiter. She is very good at what she does and will do ALMOST anything for the deal. Post pandemic, her company changes her focus to healthcare. She realizes very quickly that healthcare workers are overworked and under appreciated. Of course, she rises to the challenge. But, what she doesn’t expect, is the personal relationships she forms. She meets Eugene Spinner and is instantly aware of a connection that is bigger than finding a way to get him to come back to the hospital he has left. Her sister, Lily is thrilled that she has found someone she can connect with, and pushes her to explore her new found feelings. But, work has other plans. She leaves Charleston, and heads to her next assignment. Vivian continues to struggle to find balance between work and happiness. In an unexpected twist of events, she discovers that maybe it really is time to prioritize her personal happiness. But is it too late?
Desi Stowe has an amazing way of peaking your interest and hooking your heartstrings. You will find yourself, mentally advising Vivian of the choices she SHOULD make, and rooting for a happy ending.
June 26, 2024
Title: Done
Author: Desi Stowe
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the post pandemic romance novel we didn't know we needed.
I absolutely loved this book. It is outside of my usual reach, and I'm so glad I found it. It's like Grey's Anatomy meets the Hallmark channel.
Viv is a successful career focused woman whose life gets turned upside down when her assignments get switched from the tech field to the healthcare industry. While trying to learn the ropes and the heart of it all, she discovers her own heart as well.
Watching a grown woman struggle with not feeling good enough, struggling to see herself as others do, and trying to pin down what version of "more" she wants in her life was incredibly relatable.
I deeply enjoyed Viv's journey and transformation. The supporting characters were also amazingly lovable and charming. This read will make you feel feels, but it's well worth the ride.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Desi Stowe
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the post pandemic romance novel we didn't know we needed.
I absolutely loved this book. It is outside of my usual reach, and I'm so glad I found it. It's like Grey's Anatomy meets the Hallmark channel.
Viv is a successful career focused woman whose life gets turned upside down when her assignments get switched from the tech field to the healthcare industry. While trying to learn the ropes and the heart of it all, she discovers her own heart as well.
Watching a grown woman struggle with not feeling good enough, struggling to see herself as others do, and trying to pin down what version of "more" she wants in her life was incredibly relatable.
I deeply enjoyed Viv's journey and transformation. The supporting characters were also amazingly lovable and charming. This read will make you feel feels, but it's well worth the ride.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 18, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! I typically go for the suspense/thriller genre so it takes a really good non-thriller to keep my attention…and this one definitely did! It was an easy read…not too long but also not too short. It held my attention. I was fascinated with the main character, Vivian, and in awe of her work ethic & multitasking abilities! I also loved that it really captured the struggles that people in healthcare face…some non-preventable but a lot of the struggles ARE preventable! Even though this was fiction, it really resonated with me how true each of these situations could truly be!
I was also rooting for Vivian as she struggled with work life balance & relationships of all kinds (boss, coworkers, family, friends & and a possible love interest!)
Overall I recommend it! Definitely a great read that makes you think but that you also get invested in from page one!
I was also rooting for Vivian as she struggled with work life balance & relationships of all kinds (boss, coworkers, family, friends & and a possible love interest!)
Overall I recommend it! Definitely a great read that makes you think but that you also get invested in from page one!
July 5, 2024
So this is definitely a new thing for me, I have never read it from a recruitment consultant point of view before.
I thought it worked really well and kept my interest.
It showed amazing character development. At first I disliked Viv, but you start to see why she is the way she is, how she realises she needs to change, and ultimately changing, becoming someone you could really like and respect.
I loved the support characters, especially Henrietta and Eugene.
Eugene I adored! I would have loved some scenes in his point of view, but the book flowed well without it. He was just so loveable, sweet and supportive.
The book focuses on the challenges of health care, making you truly realise how important the staff are and how poorly they are treated.
Definitely well worth a read and I would certainly read more from this author.
I thought it worked really well and kept my interest.
It showed amazing character development. At first I disliked Viv, but you start to see why she is the way she is, how she realises she needs to change, and ultimately changing, becoming someone you could really like and respect.
I loved the support characters, especially Henrietta and Eugene.
Eugene I adored! I would have loved some scenes in his point of view, but the book flowed well without it. He was just so loveable, sweet and supportive.
The book focuses on the challenges of health care, making you truly realise how important the staff are and how poorly they are treated.
Definitely well worth a read and I would certainly read more from this author.
December 11, 2023
Vivian Ashmead has a life and job she loves. She is a very successful recruiter and has made herself very well known. She has worked her way up the ladder and when the pandemic hits and she is sent to try and keep healthcare workers on the job she finds that this task is going to be tough.
We all felt the huge disruption in our lives as we lived day to day in the unknown world we were tossed into.
Reading this book made me reach deep into my mind to understand the different lives we all lived and why some could stay on the path they were on and why. Reading how Vivians’s life changed was so well written.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
We all felt the huge disruption in our lives as we lived day to day in the unknown world we were tossed into.
Reading this book made me reach deep into my mind to understand the different lives we all lived and why some could stay on the path they were on and why. Reading how Vivians’s life changed was so well written.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 15, 2024
I don't typically read books like this, but I'm glad I did. It's a quick read that really makes you think deeply about what some of our healthcare workers faced during and after the pandemic, mixed with an enjoyable storyline. But it's much more than just that. It's ultimately about a strong willed woman trying to find her place in life - both personally and professionally. Her story, thoughts and experiences are definitely relatable. I often found myself sympathizing with her situation or recognizing exactly what was happening to her, because it has happened to me. I like characters that are real world and women who stand their ground rather than bending to the pressures often placed upon them. This is a well written book that I definitely would recommend.
April 5, 2025
The themes of this book focus on the challenges of genuine friendships, maintaining a work-life balance, and the personal & professional struggles in a post-pandemic world. I loved the writing style as it flowed well and held my attention throughout.
The main character, Vivian, is written incredibly relatable as are most of the other characters. The author did not shy away from the issues of mental health and self-care, portraying them with sensitivity & great insight. I rooted for Vivian the entire time I was reading and appreciated the different aspects of her story, including her triumphs & setbacks.
"Done" offers a realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by those working in healthcare. It shines a light on issues such as staff burnout, low morale, the need for better pay & holiday compensation, improved security, and increased staffing. I was brought to tears by some of the employee stories as they mirrored my own as a nurse. The author’s depiction of these struggles adds such an important layer to the story.
Among all that you also have a love story in the making that isn’t the main focus but it sneaks up on you & gives yet another reason to cheer for Vivian! I highly recommend this book! 6⭐️
The main character, Vivian, is written incredibly relatable as are most of the other characters. The author did not shy away from the issues of mental health and self-care, portraying them with sensitivity & great insight. I rooted for Vivian the entire time I was reading and appreciated the different aspects of her story, including her triumphs & setbacks.
"Done" offers a realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by those working in healthcare. It shines a light on issues such as staff burnout, low morale, the need for better pay & holiday compensation, improved security, and increased staffing. I was brought to tears by some of the employee stories as they mirrored my own as a nurse. The author’s depiction of these struggles adds such an important layer to the story.
Among all that you also have a love story in the making that isn’t the main focus but it sneaks up on you & gives yet another reason to cheer for Vivian! I highly recommend this book! 6⭐️
August 4, 2025
A Great Debut Novel
Vivian Ashmead is an admitted workaholic who jets around the United States as a corporate consultant, first for technology companies, then later for healthcare organizations. She quickly learns navigating through hospital bureaucracies is much different than dealing with technology organizations. With the time she dedicates to her career, she has very little free time and no time to devote to building relationships in her life. Her job success is all she needs until she meets the people in healthcare who have a way of making her see life differently.
I really enjoyed this debut novel from Desi Stowe. It's a quick, easy read about life, love, and loss. I will most definitely read more of her books. Recommended.
Vivian Ashmead is an admitted workaholic who jets around the United States as a corporate consultant, first for technology companies, then later for healthcare organizations. She quickly learns navigating through hospital bureaucracies is much different than dealing with technology organizations. With the time she dedicates to her career, she has very little free time and no time to devote to building relationships in her life. Her job success is all she needs until she meets the people in healthcare who have a way of making her see life differently.
I really enjoyed this debut novel from Desi Stowe. It's a quick, easy read about life, love, and loss. I will most definitely read more of her books. Recommended.
January 3, 2024
This was an informative fiction book about the challenges facing healthcare workers in America. The story was told through the eyes of Vivian, a consultant, trying to recruit staff back into hospitals where they're most needed. I liked the character of Vivian and was rooting for her to accept the love and friendship that she constantly pushed away, thinking she was undeserving of it. I thought the story could have ended more succinctly as the ending was a bit drawn out, but other than that it was an interesting read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 20, 2024
The book follows the life of Vivian Ashmead, a recruitment and retention specialist whose life revolves entirely around her job. She has no time for friends, relationships, or even settling down in one place, she is living out of her suitcase in hopes of climbing the corporate ladder.
Being extremely successful and known for her tech recruitment skills, Vivian is given a fresh challenge: to recruit back the medical staff lost during the COVID scenarios. This new assignment exposes Vivian to the horrifying and unprofessional working atmosphere of medical staffs. On top of that, the corporate stress begins to influence her mental health, pushing her to her limits until she's DONE.
My thoughts
- For me, the biggest takeaway was : 'A person shouldn't be defined by his/her profession ' When it's gone, we should still have a sense of self, not emptiness.
- The author, being a Physical Therapist herself, shared professional insights without overwhelming jargon or facts, making the book a decent blend of fiction and factual intrigue.
- The budding love story of Vivian was a sweet and realistic touch, a refreshing break from my recent reads.
Being extremely successful and known for her tech recruitment skills, Vivian is given a fresh challenge: to recruit back the medical staff lost during the COVID scenarios. This new assignment exposes Vivian to the horrifying and unprofessional working atmosphere of medical staffs. On top of that, the corporate stress begins to influence her mental health, pushing her to her limits until she's DONE.
My thoughts
- For me, the biggest takeaway was : 'A person shouldn't be defined by his/her profession ' When it's gone, we should still have a sense of self, not emptiness.
- The author, being a Physical Therapist herself, shared professional insights without overwhelming jargon or facts, making the book a decent blend of fiction and factual intrigue.
- The budding love story of Vivian was a sweet and realistic touch, a refreshing break from my recent reads.
January 16, 2024
I quite enjoyed this debut ARC about Vivian, as an HR recruiter. My typical genre is thriller so the pacing in women’s fiction is a welcome change every so often.
It was both interesting and disheartening to read about how healthcare HR plays out ‘in real life’. Even though it’s fiction, I can well imagine there’s a fair bit of truth in what’s presented on the pages.
Great job by the author bringing the topic to the forefront in an engaging manner.
And to the ‘Philips’ of the world … I offer a single finger salute.
An enjoyable read and one I was happy to spend reading time on!
It was both interesting and disheartening to read about how healthcare HR plays out ‘in real life’. Even though it’s fiction, I can well imagine there’s a fair bit of truth in what’s presented on the pages.
Great job by the author bringing the topic to the forefront in an engaging manner.
And to the ‘Philips’ of the world … I offer a single finger salute.
An enjoyable read and one I was happy to spend reading time on!
April 15, 2025
Absolutely loved reading about Vivian’s struggles as a consultant battling to save a hospital from losing so many staff members.
Everyone in the healthcare system are undervalued, especially nurses!
When she meets Eugene, everything changes. He’s a physical therapist who is wanted back at the hospital but due to his old manager, he refused. When that manager, Chloe, puts in her resignation, Viv is able to get him the job as manager.
Everyone in the healthcare system are undervalued, especially nurses!
When she meets Eugene, everything changes. He’s a physical therapist who is wanted back at the hospital but due to his old manager, he refused. When that manager, Chloe, puts in her resignation, Viv is able to get him the job as manager.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2025
Captivating
Desi Stowe draws you in this captivating story from the first page.
Vivian a recruitment and retention expert navigates the crisis in the health care system. Her journey will relate to many who try to juggle the everyday life of work, family, friends and finding love.
I can't wait to read the next novel in this series.
Desi Stowe draws you in this captivating story from the first page.
Vivian a recruitment and retention expert navigates the crisis in the health care system. Her journey will relate to many who try to juggle the everyday life of work, family, friends and finding love.
I can't wait to read the next novel in this series.
January 17, 2024
Desi Stowe’s novel Done is one of the most engaging debut novels that I have ever read.
The book is exceptionally well written and the characters well developed. The fact that Ms. Stowe is in the healthcare industry is a great advantage as she is able to describe specific scenes that gives her readers a better understanding of the struggles and situations that those in the healthcare field have to deal with.
The main character, Vivian, a strong willed and hard working woman is perfectly portrayed. She shows us what we are capable of if we do not give up. Vivian also knew when it was time to make a changes.
This book is a must read. I recommend that everyone read this book. I look forward to reading other books that Ms. Stowe is planning on writing.
January 4, 2025
Stowe writes a captivating story about an overachieving businesswoman who finds herself in the middle of the post-pandemic healthcare crisis. I found the intimate knowledge the author has of the healthcare sector to be invaluable for the story. I’m anxious to read the sequel.
February 3, 2024
A wonderful heartwarming exploration of the balance between work and personal life. A character driven story that explores the burnout problem within the healthcare industry... with a potential romance?
January 15, 2024
I just finished Done and was so proud; I haven’t finished a book in years. It was an easy and enjoyable read. I truly recommend it.
January 30, 2024
The characters were memorable and the dialogue was especially fun to read. It was an enjoyable read with interesting insight into challenges within the healthcare industry.
February 5, 2024
It took me only a few days to finish Done by Desi Stowe. This book was hard to put down. The lifelike scenarios made it easy to relate to. The healthcare field is difficult and I can totally see why a consultant is needed. I am so glad I was able to read this as an ARC. I would recommend this book.
February 2, 2024
I absolutely loved the book and a new author to me but well written
April 1, 2024
"Done" takes us on a journey through the life of a highly accomplished employment recruiter and retention specialist. Vivian Ashmead is a force to be reckoned with in the corporate world, with a career trajectory that is nothing short of impressive. However, as Desi Stowe skillfully portrays, even the most successful individuals are not immune to the challenges and curveballs that life can throw their way.
In my 20s and 30s I was in a similar situation with my career and I did my best to balance my career and family life, so I totally could relate to what Vivian went through.
Throughout the book, Desi's writing is both engaging and thought-provoking. She skillfully weaves together Vivian's professional successes and personal struggles, creating a story that is both relatable and inspiring. I really loved Vivian's character and found myself rooting for her as she navigated the challenges that came her way, and ultimately discovered what truly matters most in life.
Desi's portrayal of Vivian's journey is both poignant and empowering, making this book a must-read for anyone who has ever struggled to find harmony between their career and personal life.
I've been telling everyone I know about this book, it's a book that will stick with you long after reading it!
In my 20s and 30s I was in a similar situation with my career and I did my best to balance my career and family life, so I totally could relate to what Vivian went through.
Throughout the book, Desi's writing is both engaging and thought-provoking. She skillfully weaves together Vivian's professional successes and personal struggles, creating a story that is both relatable and inspiring. I really loved Vivian's character and found myself rooting for her as she navigated the challenges that came her way, and ultimately discovered what truly matters most in life.
Desi's portrayal of Vivian's journey is both poignant and empowering, making this book a must-read for anyone who has ever struggled to find harmony between their career and personal life.
I've been telling everyone I know about this book, it's a book that will stick with you long after reading it!
February 1, 2025
First this book gave me a better insight on what it is truly like to be in the medical field. I give props to everyone who purses a career in this field.
Ok now to the rest of my review ! This story follows a strong willed lady named vivi. She is like many of us in the world a crippling people pleaser and a workaholic. She finds it so easy to pour more from her couple than is even capable of. This is her journey of finding her confidence and self worth in many categories of life. There comes point in your life where you can no longer let people walk over you. You’re only given one life are you gonna make it worth living or watch go by without even truly living ? Read along to see her career and how she may or may not over come the obstacles of what is to come. This book was inspiring and a great reminder to make of life what you want.
Ok now to the rest of my review ! This story follows a strong willed lady named vivi. She is like many of us in the world a crippling people pleaser and a workaholic. She finds it so easy to pour more from her couple than is even capable of. This is her journey of finding her confidence and self worth in many categories of life. There comes point in your life where you can no longer let people walk over you. You’re only given one life are you gonna make it worth living or watch go by without even truly living ? Read along to see her career and how she may or may not over come the obstacles of what is to come. This book was inspiring and a great reminder to make of life what you want.
March 27, 2024
This is first time Dragon Feeder, Desi Stowe’s Premier Novel, “Done”. It is a funny, sweet, exasperatingly dark (at times) first novel. You won’t want to miss it. This is the story of Vivian Ashmead, a Personnel Consultant and her journey into the world of Healthcare. She’s one of those people who help companies get back valued employees, recruit new people and try to bring the workplace culture into a place where people want to stay. There’s just one problem. It’s an extremely hard job to do when you cannot offer more money or benefits.
I must admit, I didn’t really like Vivian at first. She seemed a bit pompous about Healthcare workers. I have lots of healthcare workers in my family. I am happy to say that changed. Vivian is an overworked workaholic who has no time for friends, family or fun – not even fun for herself. She’s determined to work to get a promotion that has been dangled in front of her like a carrot to a horse.
I don’t do spoilers so I’ll dig in to telling you what I liked! Vivian slowly won me over. She’s brash and good at her job, but she suddenly finds she may very well have a heart.
Vivian’s older sister, Lily, who loves Viv and just wants to see her happy. I also like the people she meets on this journey: Henrietta, Eugene and Mary. Healthcare workers who are caring, funny and sweet people who have been abused by the system but love their patients. You’ll love them, too!
If, like me you or someone you love is or was a workaholic, if you know someone who is in a job that has become a bummer, someone in Healthcare, is burnt out or anyone who likes a slow burn romance this is for you!
I really loved this book. I ended up cheering Viv on and I was sad when I reached the last page because I was going to miss these people.
I must admit, I didn’t really like Vivian at first. She seemed a bit pompous about Healthcare workers. I have lots of healthcare workers in my family. I am happy to say that changed. Vivian is an overworked workaholic who has no time for friends, family or fun – not even fun for herself. She’s determined to work to get a promotion that has been dangled in front of her like a carrot to a horse.
I don’t do spoilers so I’ll dig in to telling you what I liked! Vivian slowly won me over. She’s brash and good at her job, but she suddenly finds she may very well have a heart.
Vivian’s older sister, Lily, who loves Viv and just wants to see her happy. I also like the people she meets on this journey: Henrietta, Eugene and Mary. Healthcare workers who are caring, funny and sweet people who have been abused by the system but love their patients. You’ll love them, too!
If, like me you or someone you love is or was a workaholic, if you know someone who is in a job that has become a bummer, someone in Healthcare, is burnt out or anyone who likes a slow burn romance this is for you!
I really loved this book. I ended up cheering Viv on and I was sad when I reached the last page because I was going to miss these people.
April 9, 2024
“Done” is a compelling debut novel focusing primarily on the current state of America’s healthcare industry voiced by an extremely neurotic woman tasked with rehiring nurses by the hospitals for which they used to work and creating better working environments so that essential personnel no longer want to leave. As clearly demonstrated by the author Desi Stowe, a healthcare professional herself, healthcare workers are a critically necessary part of society; yet, like teachers, they often are woefully underpaid and undervalued by employers who focus only on their “bottom line.” They increasingly face hostile, dangerous working environments and sexual harassment, becoming more so since the Pandemic.
I read this relatively short novel, comprising less than 250 pages, in approximately 24 hours. The fact that it centers around the protagonist’s undeniable magnetic attraction to a male physical therapist whom she rehired for a client hospital and his clear desire for her helped compel me to finish quickly. I just “knew” they would be together in the end, and I was determined to prove myself correct. The one small detraction for me was the protagonist’s low opinion of herself and constant self-deprecation in her mind; these self-undermining thoughts in her head belie her outward accomplishments, success, and praise. The writing and plot arc are terrific, as are the well defined characters. There are a couple of surprising turns in the plot which propel the novel’s ending.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Ms. Stowe’s arresting debut and look forward to more stories by this talented author. I was given a free advanced copy of “Done” by BookSirens and Ms. Stowe. My review is entirely VOLUNTARY.
I read this relatively short novel, comprising less than 250 pages, in approximately 24 hours. The fact that it centers around the protagonist’s undeniable magnetic attraction to a male physical therapist whom she rehired for a client hospital and his clear desire for her helped compel me to finish quickly. I just “knew” they would be together in the end, and I was determined to prove myself correct. The one small detraction for me was the protagonist’s low opinion of herself and constant self-deprecation in her mind; these self-undermining thoughts in her head belie her outward accomplishments, success, and praise. The writing and plot arc are terrific, as are the well defined characters. There are a couple of surprising turns in the plot which propel the novel’s ending.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Ms. Stowe’s arresting debut and look forward to more stories by this talented author. I was given a free advanced copy of “Done” by BookSirens and Ms. Stowe. My review is entirely VOLUNTARY.
April 7, 2024
BLURB
The book follows the life of Vivian Ashmead, a recruitment and retention specialist whose life revolves entirely around her job. She has no time for friends, relationships, or even settling down in one place, she is living out of her suitcase in hopes of climbing the corporate ladder.
Being extremely successful and known for her tech recruitment skills, Vivian is given a fresh challenge: to recruit back the medical staff lost during the COVID scenarios. This new assignment exposes Vivian to the horrifying and unprofessional working atmosphere of medical staffs. On top of that, the corporate stress begins to influence her mental health, pushing her to her limits until she's DONE.
My thoughts
- For me, the biggest takeaway was : 'A person shouldn't be defined by his/her profession ' When it's gone, we should still have a sense of self, not emptiness.
- The author, being a Physical Therapist herself, shared professional insights without overwhelming jargon or facts, making the book a decent blend of fiction and factual intrigue.
- The budding love story of Vivian was a sweet and realistic touch, a refreshing break from my recent reads.
~Juna🤍
The book follows the life of Vivian Ashmead, a recruitment and retention specialist whose life revolves entirely around her job. She has no time for friends, relationships, or even settling down in one place, she is living out of her suitcase in hopes of climbing the corporate ladder.
Being extremely successful and known for her tech recruitment skills, Vivian is given a fresh challenge: to recruit back the medical staff lost during the COVID scenarios. This new assignment exposes Vivian to the horrifying and unprofessional working atmosphere of medical staffs. On top of that, the corporate stress begins to influence her mental health, pushing her to her limits until she's DONE.
My thoughts
- For me, the biggest takeaway was : 'A person shouldn't be defined by his/her profession ' When it's gone, we should still have a sense of self, not emptiness.
- The author, being a Physical Therapist herself, shared professional insights without overwhelming jargon or facts, making the book a decent blend of fiction and factual intrigue.
- The budding love story of Vivian was a sweet and realistic touch, a refreshing break from my recent reads.
~Juna🤍
December 9, 2023
Desi Stowe, Done (2024), 245 p
A debut story dedicated to healthcare workers whose service is unnoticed by others. For Vivian, all that matters is having enough financial means to not live paycheck to paycheck. Traveling and work are her top priorities. This motivates her as an employee of WindyCity. Feminists could relate to her, as Vivian is not interested in meeting Mr. Right and settling down. Honestly, this is very inspiring for me as a feminist as well. This debut novel of Desi Stowe gives me a glimpse of different perspectives as to why people would want to resign from working in healthcare. Vivian’s work entails bringing all the former workers back to Charleston Hospital. Everyone has a different background that Vivian needs to address and negotiate with. Still, as she meets another former employee, the more she realizes that the more hopeless her case becomes. Indeed, perspective plays a vital role in each character’s life.
A debut story dedicated to healthcare workers whose service is unnoticed by others. For Vivian, all that matters is having enough financial means to not live paycheck to paycheck. Traveling and work are her top priorities. This motivates her as an employee of WindyCity. Feminists could relate to her, as Vivian is not interested in meeting Mr. Right and settling down. Honestly, this is very inspiring for me as a feminist as well. This debut novel of Desi Stowe gives me a glimpse of different perspectives as to why people would want to resign from working in healthcare. Vivian’s work entails bringing all the former workers back to Charleston Hospital. Everyone has a different background that Vivian needs to address and negotiate with. Still, as she meets another former employee, the more she realizes that the more hopeless her case becomes. Indeed, perspective plays a vital role in each character’s life.
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