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The Retreat
The Retreat is a place to relax and reconnect.
Unless someone is there for revenge.
Celia Marsden is living proof that you can’t believe everything you see on the internet. While the renowned psychologist has a huge online following, her icy personality leaves most people with a bad taste in their mouth.
To boost her profile, Celia agrees to host a retreat at the serene Sand & Salt Resort. But tranquility quickly turns to terror when it becomes clear someone is gunning for the guests.
And Celia finds herself top of the suspect list.
Relationships are put to the test, hidden secrets come to light, and the Sand & Salt Resort becomes a battleground for illusion vs reality.
Unless someone is there for revenge.
Celia Marsden is living proof that you can’t believe everything you see on the internet. While the renowned psychologist has a huge online following, her icy personality leaves most people with a bad taste in their mouth.
To boost her profile, Celia agrees to host a retreat at the serene Sand & Salt Resort. But tranquility quickly turns to terror when it becomes clear someone is gunning for the guests.
And Celia finds herself top of the suspect list.
Relationships are put to the test, hidden secrets come to light, and the Sand & Salt Resort becomes a battleground for illusion vs reality.
234 pages
Published January 17, 2024
8 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
January 16, 2024
** Happy publication day **
You may have seen from comments or book chats that I'll generally steer clear of anything 'influencer' related in novels - it is so not for me as someone pretty anti-social media, but I am so glad and grateful I received an advanced copy of The Retreat! Absolutely loved it and portrayed 'influencers' as I'd expect = some laughs along the way (no shade, if it's your thing then good for you).
Celia Marsden, a renowned psychologist and 'influencer', hosts a retreat at Sand & Salt Resort for couples looking to better their relationship or newly singles seeking to learn to love themselves. But, things take a bad turn when someone torments the guests and things are going viral.
There is quite a bit I loved about this: Celia's attitude (I actually can't stand it, but it's so well depicted and Stephanie can write!), the banter of the hosts of the resort, and the relationships and personal development of the various other guests at the resort. On the latter, Stephanie's character development was fantastic - there are a number of characters and POVs, and I kept up more easily than usual.
The Retreat was intriguing throughout, a classic whodunit, with the added bonus of humour and a touch of romance.
This was a quick read at 234 pages and with fast paced writing. Honestly, amongst reading Iron Flame atm, I so appreciate authors not causing me to spend far too much time unnecessarily reading pretty pointless words.
Highly recommend checking this out!
⚠️ Please check TWs online ⚠️
Thank you to the author for my eARC in exchange for my honest review. Anticipated publication date: 17 Jan 2024
You may have seen from comments or book chats that I'll generally steer clear of anything 'influencer' related in novels - it is so not for me as someone pretty anti-social media, but I am so glad and grateful I received an advanced copy of The Retreat! Absolutely loved it and portrayed 'influencers' as I'd expect = some laughs along the way (no shade, if it's your thing then good for you).
Celia Marsden, a renowned psychologist and 'influencer', hosts a retreat at Sand & Salt Resort for couples looking to better their relationship or newly singles seeking to learn to love themselves. But, things take a bad turn when someone torments the guests and things are going viral.
There is quite a bit I loved about this: Celia's attitude (I actually can't stand it, but it's so well depicted and Stephanie can write!), the banter of the hosts of the resort, and the relationships and personal development of the various other guests at the resort. On the latter, Stephanie's character development was fantastic - there are a number of characters and POVs, and I kept up more easily than usual.
The Retreat was intriguing throughout, a classic whodunit, with the added bonus of humour and a touch of romance.
This was a quick read at 234 pages and with fast paced writing. Honestly, amongst reading Iron Flame atm, I so appreciate authors not causing me to spend far too much time unnecessarily reading pretty pointless words.
Highly recommend checking this out!
⚠️ Please check TWs online ⚠️
Thank you to the author for my eARC in exchange for my honest review. Anticipated publication date: 17 Jan 2024
January 4, 2024
A classic whodunnit with an influencer and a dash of romance is a great way to start off the year. I was riveted from start to finish. I enjoyed the setting of the resort, a glimpse of the life of an influencer, and the different points of view of the well-developed characters. I thought I knew the identity of the culprit, but was ultimately shocked at the reveal. This thriller is entertaining, original, and suspenseful. The pacing was perfect propelling the story to a satisfying conclusion. Thank you BookSirens for my copy. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
December 2, 2023
First of all thank you to the author for sending me an ARC of this book. I do love a good thriller and being an Australian author makes it all the more enjoyable.
Celia Marsden, famous psychologist turned author and influencer, is hosting a retreat in Bryon Bay in the hopes of reigniting her career. She will talk to couples having so troubles in their relationships and newly divorced singles. Of course things start to go wrong and she goes viral for all the wrong reasons.
Celia was a piece of work! she really was not a nice person. I liked the mix of characters, all so different and interesting that it was easy to keep them all straight. The setting in Byron Bay was lovely, I did laugh at the Hemsworth references 😅
This was a quick read, I read it in an evening. A great summer read.
Published January 17th. Get your pre orders in now.
Celia Marsden, famous psychologist turned author and influencer, is hosting a retreat in Bryon Bay in the hopes of reigniting her career. She will talk to couples having so troubles in their relationships and newly divorced singles. Of course things start to go wrong and she goes viral for all the wrong reasons.
Celia was a piece of work! she really was not a nice person. I liked the mix of characters, all so different and interesting that it was easy to keep them all straight. The setting in Byron Bay was lovely, I did laugh at the Hemsworth references 😅
This was a quick read, I read it in an evening. A great summer read.
Published January 17th. Get your pre orders in now.
January 14, 2024
Sometimes you have to give people a taste of their own medicine eh?
Imagine going to a resort for a bit of peace and tranquility then ending up dealing with terror as there is someone on the resort gunning for the guests! 😳
Well that's what exactly is happening in The Retreat. Celia Marsden a renowned psychologist turned influencer decides to host a couples retreat at the Sand and Salt resort to boost her following, but things start going awry when confidential things regarding the guests start being exposed and it looks like someone has it out for Celia herself.
The Retreat is one of those quick easy reads you reach for after you have read such a heavy book and just need a palate cleanser.
You will complete the book in hours as its so easy to get through, with a bunch of unlikeable characters and a good dose of ‘Whodunnit?’
I like mix media in my books and this book has it with excerpts, emails, and social media texts. The different POVs was also enjoyable and helped with suspecting and eliminating characters off my list.
Thank you to the author for personally sending me a gifted copy of this book 💕
Imagine going to a resort for a bit of peace and tranquility then ending up dealing with terror as there is someone on the resort gunning for the guests! 😳
Well that's what exactly is happening in The Retreat. Celia Marsden a renowned psychologist turned influencer decides to host a couples retreat at the Sand and Salt resort to boost her following, but things start going awry when confidential things regarding the guests start being exposed and it looks like someone has it out for Celia herself.
The Retreat is one of those quick easy reads you reach for after you have read such a heavy book and just need a palate cleanser.
You will complete the book in hours as its so easy to get through, with a bunch of unlikeable characters and a good dose of ‘Whodunnit?’
I like mix media in my books and this book has it with excerpts, emails, and social media texts. The different POVs was also enjoyable and helped with suspecting and eliminating characters off my list.
Thank you to the author for personally sending me a gifted copy of this book 💕
September 27, 2024
Big thanks to Stephanie for gifting us a copy to read and review.
The Retreat is fast paced, hooking and laced with suspense, thrills and tension.
Celia Marsden is a psychologist, social media influencer, successful author and an ice queen.
Hoping to boost her popularity she hosts a retreat.
Things don’t go to plan and she ends up going viral for all the wrong reasons.
To top that off, someone is causing trouble amongst the guests.
Now in a messy situation and with the help of her publicist, Celia needs to rectify the problem.
But someone is out for revenge…..
A murder mystery style thriller set in a fictional resort.
Told from multiple perspectives this engaging plot gives many suspects and as it unfolds you will get a surprise.
A very unlikeable lead and mixed with an agreeable cast it makes for a good storyline.
Enjoyable plot, a great twist, an uneasy atmosphere and a satisfying ending.
The Retreat is fast paced, hooking and laced with suspense, thrills and tension.
Celia Marsden is a psychologist, social media influencer, successful author and an ice queen.
Hoping to boost her popularity she hosts a retreat.
Things don’t go to plan and she ends up going viral for all the wrong reasons.
To top that off, someone is causing trouble amongst the guests.
Now in a messy situation and with the help of her publicist, Celia needs to rectify the problem.
But someone is out for revenge…..
A murder mystery style thriller set in a fictional resort.
Told from multiple perspectives this engaging plot gives many suspects and as it unfolds you will get a surprise.
A very unlikeable lead and mixed with an agreeable cast it makes for a good storyline.
Enjoyable plot, a great twist, an uneasy atmosphere and a satisfying ending.
January 17, 2024
What a fantastic story! An intriguing whodunnit style thriller set in beautiful Byron Bay. Social media sensation psychologist Celia Marsden is hosting a retreat for couples and newly single people seeking to improve themselves and their relationships.
Told from multiple POV, the narrative unfolds to reveal all is not as it seems. Celia especially.
As the twists kept coming, I began to suspect quite a few people and then couldn't put the book down!
Thank you so much to the author for gifting me this book for an honest review - I highly recommend it.
Told from multiple POV, the narrative unfolds to reveal all is not as it seems. Celia especially.
As the twists kept coming, I began to suspect quite a few people and then couldn't put the book down!
Thank you so much to the author for gifting me this book for an honest review - I highly recommend it.
January 11, 2024
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
The Retreat
I love thrillers and this new release by Aussie author Stephanie Hazeltine will have you zipping through it in no time at all. Stephanie’s style of writing is easy to devour.
Celia Marsden is a couples therapist turned social media influencer who has written a book, she’s also a nasty human and totally unlikeable. Celia is hosting a luxury retreat near Byron Bay to help couples and recently divorced singles and also to raise her public profile.
As unsettling events begin to occur, you’re left wondering who is the culprit. Somebody is out for evil revenge!
I loved the setting and the various character’s POV, an entertaining and fabulous summer suspense read.
Publication Date 17 January 2024
Publisher Hazeltine Publishing
Thank you so much Stephanie Hazeltine for sending me a copy of your book to read, I’m so grateful.
The Retreat
I love thrillers and this new release by Aussie author Stephanie Hazeltine will have you zipping through it in no time at all. Stephanie’s style of writing is easy to devour.
Celia Marsden is a couples therapist turned social media influencer who has written a book, she’s also a nasty human and totally unlikeable. Celia is hosting a luxury retreat near Byron Bay to help couples and recently divorced singles and also to raise her public profile.
As unsettling events begin to occur, you’re left wondering who is the culprit. Somebody is out for evil revenge!
I loved the setting and the various character’s POV, an entertaining and fabulous summer suspense read.
Publication Date 17 January 2024
Publisher Hazeltine Publishing
Thank you so much Stephanie Hazeltine for sending me a copy of your book to read, I’m so grateful.
May 2, 2025
⚠️Review⚠️
3.75🌟
📖Book: 30/78
📚 Title:
The Retreat
✍️Author:
Stephanie Hazeltine
📄Pages: 234
💫Genre:
Fiction•Psychological Thriller
••••••••••••••••••••••••
📝Synopsis 📝
Celia is a psychologist turned mega social influencer. She is hosting a retreat but little do her followers & attendees know that her life is a facade. Someone begins breaking into the guests rooms, and she becomes a suspect.
💭My Thoughts 💭
This was a fast cozy read with many POV’s…thank goodness because the main character was an intolerable @$$. Even though it was predictable, I still enjoyed hearing the story behind the other characters. The setting was also good and added to the plot. This is a great book to read if you’re looking for a quick poolside read.
3.75🌟
📖Book: 30/78
📚 Title:
The Retreat
✍️Author:
Stephanie Hazeltine
📄Pages: 234
💫Genre:
Fiction•Psychological Thriller
••••••••••••••••••••••••
📝Synopsis 📝
Celia is a psychologist turned mega social influencer. She is hosting a retreat but little do her followers & attendees know that her life is a facade. Someone begins breaking into the guests rooms, and she becomes a suspect.
💭My Thoughts 💭
This was a fast cozy read with many POV’s…thank goodness because the main character was an intolerable @$$. Even though it was predictable, I still enjoyed hearing the story behind the other characters. The setting was also good and added to the plot. This is a great book to read if you’re looking for a quick poolside read.
December 8, 2023
ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴇᴛʀᴇᴀᴛ
-ꜱᴛᴇᴘʜᴀɴɪᴇ ʜᴀᴢʟᴇᴛɪɴᴇ
Just finished reading "The Retreat" by Stephanie Hazeltine, and I couldn't wait to share my thoughts on this intriguing psychological thriller set against the backdrop of the Sand & Salt Resort in Australia.
First off, Hazeltine's writing style deserves a shoutout. Despite tackling heavy topics like psychology, social media, influencers, and assault, the narrative flows seamlessly, making it an easy and engaging read. The plot, setting, and characters are meticulously crafted, showcasing Hazeltine's storytelling prowess.
Now, let's talk about the characters. Celia Marsden, the protagonist, is a couple's psychologist turned influencer, hosting a retreat to boost her social media presence and, of course, make some quick cash. I have to admit; I didn't particularly like Celia. However, that's a testament to Hazeltine's skill—creating a complex character with layers that elicit strong emotions.
The story takes a gripping turn when guests begin to see the real Celia, as opposed to her curated online persona. The dynamics between the characters become increasingly tense as someone starts harassing the guests with deeply personal information. The revelation of the guilty party was mind-blowing—I definitely did not see that coming.
The multiple perspectives add depth to the narrative, although at times, I felt there were too many for a book of this length. The excerpts from Celia's book, social media conversations, and articles sprinkled throughout, while intriguing, occasionally felt out of place.
Despite these minor quibbles, "The Retreat" is a solid, enjoyable read. The setting at Sand & Salt Resort provides a perfect backdrop for the suspenseful events unfolding. While I wished for a bit more substance, especially with the main characters, the book serves as an excellent palate cleanser between more intense thrillers.
I received a copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Kudos to Stephanie Hazeltine for crafting a psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the end! 🌟 #TheRetreat #BookReview #PsychologicalThriller
-ꜱᴛᴇᴘʜᴀɴɪᴇ ʜᴀᴢʟᴇᴛɪɴᴇ
Just finished reading "The Retreat" by Stephanie Hazeltine, and I couldn't wait to share my thoughts on this intriguing psychological thriller set against the backdrop of the Sand & Salt Resort in Australia.
First off, Hazeltine's writing style deserves a shoutout. Despite tackling heavy topics like psychology, social media, influencers, and assault, the narrative flows seamlessly, making it an easy and engaging read. The plot, setting, and characters are meticulously crafted, showcasing Hazeltine's storytelling prowess.
Now, let's talk about the characters. Celia Marsden, the protagonist, is a couple's psychologist turned influencer, hosting a retreat to boost her social media presence and, of course, make some quick cash. I have to admit; I didn't particularly like Celia. However, that's a testament to Hazeltine's skill—creating a complex character with layers that elicit strong emotions.
The story takes a gripping turn when guests begin to see the real Celia, as opposed to her curated online persona. The dynamics between the characters become increasingly tense as someone starts harassing the guests with deeply personal information. The revelation of the guilty party was mind-blowing—I definitely did not see that coming.
The multiple perspectives add depth to the narrative, although at times, I felt there were too many for a book of this length. The excerpts from Celia's book, social media conversations, and articles sprinkled throughout, while intriguing, occasionally felt out of place.
Despite these minor quibbles, "The Retreat" is a solid, enjoyable read. The setting at Sand & Salt Resort provides a perfect backdrop for the suspenseful events unfolding. While I wished for a bit more substance, especially with the main characters, the book serves as an excellent palate cleanser between more intense thrillers.
I received a copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Kudos to Stephanie Hazeltine for crafting a psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the end! 🌟 #TheRetreat #BookReview #PsychologicalThriller
January 2, 2024
Well, I ended 2023 with a great read! Thanks to the author for sending me an advance copy of this book. Mark your calendars – this is out 17 January 2024.
I binged this book just before the end of the year. This had a little of everything – I laughed, I gasped, I turned page after page to try to get to the end and find out who was terrorizing the guests in the resort.
The psychologist, turned writer, turned influencer was despicable! The guests, well, most of them were devious, shallow and creepy. Everyone became a suspect in my mind until the very end when the final twist is revealed.
What I liked about this book? I liked the multiple POVs, and there were many, because it allowed each character to be fully explored and well tied in to the story. I liked the premise of the story – the influencer who has built a following based on helping couples mend their relationships, but who doesn’t care about anyone but herself. She wants to use the retreat to boost her popularity but anything that can go wrong, goes wrong, and her mishaps go viral.
I thought the story was relevant and relatable to society today. I enjoyed and laughed with Nadia and her insecurities and her overprotective mother and the references to social media. There was even a little romance weaved in.
If you want to read a fun, light thriller/mystery, whodunit then pick this up. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I binged this book just before the end of the year. This had a little of everything – I laughed, I gasped, I turned page after page to try to get to the end and find out who was terrorizing the guests in the resort.
The psychologist, turned writer, turned influencer was despicable! The guests, well, most of them were devious, shallow and creepy. Everyone became a suspect in my mind until the very end when the final twist is revealed.
What I liked about this book? I liked the multiple POVs, and there were many, because it allowed each character to be fully explored and well tied in to the story. I liked the premise of the story – the influencer who has built a following based on helping couples mend their relationships, but who doesn’t care about anyone but herself. She wants to use the retreat to boost her popularity but anything that can go wrong, goes wrong, and her mishaps go viral.
I thought the story was relevant and relatable to society today. I enjoyed and laughed with Nadia and her insecurities and her overprotective mother and the references to social media. There was even a little romance weaved in.
If you want to read a fun, light thriller/mystery, whodunit then pick this up. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
December 11, 2023
I really enjoyed the author's writing style. At first, it read like a romance, then came the twists. I thought I knew til the end who did what haha, boy I was so wrong. I really enjoyed this book.
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.
December 3, 2023
A Captivating Weekend Escape - 4 Stars
Stephanie Hazeltine's "The Retreat" seamlessly blends elements of thriller and women's fiction, making for a captivating read that I devoured in just a few hours. Against the stunning backdrop of Byron Bay, Australia, Celia Marsden hosts a retreat designed for couples and singles seeking self-improvement. What starts as a promising weekend of relaxation takes a darker turn as secrets unravel and relationships face unexpected challenges.
The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, a strategy that allows readers to delve deeply into the lives of a select group of characters. Unlike some novels that overwhelm with too many viewpoints, Hazeltine masterfully crafts each character's lens, providing a comprehensive understanding of their motivations for attending the retreat.
While not a high-octane thriller, the plot successfully maintains an air of suspense, keeping readers engaged as they attempt to unravel the mystery behind the unsettling events at the retreat. Hazeltine skillfully balances suspense with character development, leading to unexpected twists that defy initial expectations.
The picturesque setting of Byron Bay, though briefly mentioned, could have been leveraged more effectively to enhance the overall atmosphere. A deeper exploration of the surroundings would have added an extra layer to the narrative, transforming the setting into a more prominent element.
Character dynamics range from endearing to challenging, with Celia Marsden emerging as a complex figure embodying both resilience and unlikability. The author adeptly navigates the intricacies of character relationships, allowing even the less appealing personalities to contribute meaningfully to the overall narrative.
A notable strength of the book lies in the well-executed revelation of the assailant. The unexpected twists in the second part of the book provided a satisfying resolution to the mysteries surrounding the characters.
In conclusion, "The Retreat" by Stephanie Hazeltine is an engaging read that expertly balances suspense and character exploration. While the utilization of the setting could have been more pronounced, the novel concludes with a gratifying resolution to the characters' story arcs. I extend my gratitude to the author for providing an advance copy, and this review reflects my genuine thoughts and opinions.
Stephanie Hazeltine's "The Retreat" seamlessly blends elements of thriller and women's fiction, making for a captivating read that I devoured in just a few hours. Against the stunning backdrop of Byron Bay, Australia, Celia Marsden hosts a retreat designed for couples and singles seeking self-improvement. What starts as a promising weekend of relaxation takes a darker turn as secrets unravel and relationships face unexpected challenges.
The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, a strategy that allows readers to delve deeply into the lives of a select group of characters. Unlike some novels that overwhelm with too many viewpoints, Hazeltine masterfully crafts each character's lens, providing a comprehensive understanding of their motivations for attending the retreat.
While not a high-octane thriller, the plot successfully maintains an air of suspense, keeping readers engaged as they attempt to unravel the mystery behind the unsettling events at the retreat. Hazeltine skillfully balances suspense with character development, leading to unexpected twists that defy initial expectations.
The picturesque setting of Byron Bay, though briefly mentioned, could have been leveraged more effectively to enhance the overall atmosphere. A deeper exploration of the surroundings would have added an extra layer to the narrative, transforming the setting into a more prominent element.
Character dynamics range from endearing to challenging, with Celia Marsden emerging as a complex figure embodying both resilience and unlikability. The author adeptly navigates the intricacies of character relationships, allowing even the less appealing personalities to contribute meaningfully to the overall narrative.
A notable strength of the book lies in the well-executed revelation of the assailant. The unexpected twists in the second part of the book provided a satisfying resolution to the mysteries surrounding the characters.
In conclusion, "The Retreat" by Stephanie Hazeltine is an engaging read that expertly balances suspense and character exploration. While the utilization of the setting could have been more pronounced, the novel concludes with a gratifying resolution to the characters' story arcs. I extend my gratitude to the author for providing an advance copy, and this review reflects my genuine thoughts and opinions.
November 30, 2023
After recently reading a few "heavy" books and ones that required immense concentration, I would firstly just like to say that this one was such a breath of fresh air!
At just over 200 pages, The Retreat makes for such a quick and easy read. I appreciated that this was a thriller with quick, precise and easy to follow character introductions and then got right into the story.
Off the top of my head, this is probably one of, if not, the first book I have read that is set in Australia. Being Australian myself, I loved seeing some of the lingo throughout, as well as the addition to some well known Australian brands/companies (shoutout to Dan Murphy's).
Synopsis
To help boost her online presence, acclaimed psychologist and author turned "influencer," Celia Marsden, hosts a retreat at Sand & Salt resort in Byron Bay for couples looking to improve their relationships and newly singles who are hoping to help better and love themselves.
However, things take a bad turn when it is clear someone here is tormenting the guests, which begins to leave everyone feeling rather unsettled and unsure on who they can and cannot trust.
Who is to blame? And why are they doing this?
My thoughts
As I mentioned briefly above, given the page count, this was such a quick and easy read (no really - I read this in only a few hours...).
I feel that the pacing was perfect throughout and I loved how shady 95% of these characters were!
This story is told from a few different POV's, which at first, I was worried would make it tricky for me to follow along, but nope! Stephanie has done an incredible job with how well she has written this book and each character. She made it all so very easy to differentiate the characters from one another.
My onlyyyyy "critique" I guess you could say is that I just wish there was a little bit more at the end, as it felt slightly unfinished.
However, this didn't at all deter me from enjoying this book overall!
I highly recommend checking out The Retreat, particularly if you are after a quick, easy to follow story with some shady characters, as well as a touch of romance and humour throughout!
Thank you so much to the author Stephanie Hazeltine for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review ♥
At just over 200 pages, The Retreat makes for such a quick and easy read. I appreciated that this was a thriller with quick, precise and easy to follow character introductions and then got right into the story.
Off the top of my head, this is probably one of, if not, the first book I have read that is set in Australia. Being Australian myself, I loved seeing some of the lingo throughout, as well as the addition to some well known Australian brands/companies (shoutout to Dan Murphy's).
Synopsis
To help boost her online presence, acclaimed psychologist and author turned "influencer," Celia Marsden, hosts a retreat at Sand & Salt resort in Byron Bay for couples looking to improve their relationships and newly singles who are hoping to help better and love themselves.
However, things take a bad turn when it is clear someone here is tormenting the guests, which begins to leave everyone feeling rather unsettled and unsure on who they can and cannot trust.
Who is to blame? And why are they doing this?
My thoughts
As I mentioned briefly above, given the page count, this was such a quick and easy read (no really - I read this in only a few hours...).
I feel that the pacing was perfect throughout and I loved how shady 95% of these characters were!
This story is told from a few different POV's, which at first, I was worried would make it tricky for me to follow along, but nope! Stephanie has done an incredible job with how well she has written this book and each character. She made it all so very easy to differentiate the characters from one another.
My onlyyyyy "critique" I guess you could say is that I just wish there was a little bit more at the end, as it felt slightly unfinished.
However, this didn't at all deter me from enjoying this book overall!
I highly recommend checking out The Retreat, particularly if you are after a quick, easy to follow story with some shady characters, as well as a touch of romance and humour throughout!
Thank you so much to the author Stephanie Hazeltine for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review ♥
December 8, 2023
I am grateful for the opportunity to Arc read this book. It truly kept me engaged, page turning, and I finished it in 1 sitting!
Celia is a psychologist (couples therapy) turned author turned influencer who has no patience to actually help couples anymore.
Sand and salt is a resort that needs more exposure so when Molly the desperate manager tries to secure her position by reaching out to Celia’s manager offering to host the retreat. Celia is forced to agree and treat couples and recently divorced singles while she promotes her book again as it’s been a while since it debuted.
Weird things start happening at the resort. Someone wants revenge and they aren’t going bc to stop until they get it….
Twisty, spicy, thrilling, suspenseful, and exciting must read.
Pre-order this book now it’s release date is January 17th!
Celia is a psychologist (couples therapy) turned author turned influencer who has no patience to actually help couples anymore.
Sand and salt is a resort that needs more exposure so when Molly the desperate manager tries to secure her position by reaching out to Celia’s manager offering to host the retreat. Celia is forced to agree and treat couples and recently divorced singles while she promotes her book again as it’s been a while since it debuted.
Weird things start happening at the resort. Someone wants revenge and they aren’t going bc to stop until they get it….
Twisty, spicy, thrilling, suspenseful, and exciting must read.
Pre-order this book now it’s release date is January 17th!
July 9, 2024
i was hoping for so much more from this book. the premise i found really interesting. i think the main downfall was that the characters were very one note and we saw no growth in any of them. i will say i didn’t think the ‘murderer’ was who it was going to be. it seemed like there were 3 obvious suspects for me. and you spend most of the book with the characters you’re suspecting and then this character comes on out of the blue and does it. like huhh. i’m not disappointed because it was a fine read, but it could have been so much better
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2023
ARC review:
The Retreat is a short (54K word) mystery novel set in Byron Bay. The story is told from multiple perspectives of people involved in a luxury retreat for couples and recently divorced singles hosted by psychologist-turned-author-turned-influencer Celia Marsden. As unsettling events mount up, tensions build and it’s clear who’s to blame - or is it? Villains become victims and everyone has a motive (but no one has an alibi).
This is fast-paced, easy reading good for anyone wanting a mystery that’s lighter on the angst. A great read for an afternoon at the beach. If you’re looking for gritty and grisly, this is not the book for you.
The Retreat is a short (54K word) mystery novel set in Byron Bay. The story is told from multiple perspectives of people involved in a luxury retreat for couples and recently divorced singles hosted by psychologist-turned-author-turned-influencer Celia Marsden. As unsettling events mount up, tensions build and it’s clear who’s to blame - or is it? Villains become victims and everyone has a motive (but no one has an alibi).
This is fast-paced, easy reading good for anyone wanting a mystery that’s lighter on the angst. A great read for an afternoon at the beach. If you’re looking for gritty and grisly, this is not the book for you.
December 4, 2023
This is a fun "whodunit" that centers around Celia Marsden, who is a psychologist turned social media influencer after the book she writes gains her huge publicity. As part of a publicity ploy, Marsden agrees to host a retreat at a resort for couples and singles who are looking for help either with their marriage or getting over a marriage. What Marsden doesn't realize is that not everyone attending the retreat is a fan of the advice she gave in her book. A bit cheesy and over the top, but a fun easy read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 30, 2024
So different to what I usually read but good!! A little bit predictable, would have loved a big twist, but really enjoyable.
January 4, 2024
The Retreat
4⭐️
First of all, a massive thank you to Stephanie Hazeltine for sending me an advance copy of ‘The Retreat’ for my honest review, I can honestly say that I loved it.
As soon as Stephanie sent me the blurb for ‘The Retreat’ I knew that it was going to be right up my alley. A gripping page turner that flowed perfectly. I love a book by an Australian author and it being such a well written mystery/thriller was an absolute bonus.
Celia was an absolute piece of work and very unlikeable but it all added to the story. A book that keeps you guessing until the very end.
4⭐️
First of all, a massive thank you to Stephanie Hazeltine for sending me an advance copy of ‘The Retreat’ for my honest review, I can honestly say that I loved it.
As soon as Stephanie sent me the blurb for ‘The Retreat’ I knew that it was going to be right up my alley. A gripping page turner that flowed perfectly. I love a book by an Australian author and it being such a well written mystery/thriller was an absolute bonus.
Celia was an absolute piece of work and very unlikeable but it all added to the story. A book that keeps you guessing until the very end.
February 8, 2024
The Retreat was a light, quick, and easy read. The writing style, which included multiple POV’s, kept me engaged. Many of the characters were unlikeable; however, I would venture to say that it was by design. While the book kept my interest, I felt like the ending was anticlimactic, and I was left feeling like the story was unfinished. I would have liked to have seen more twists and turns and more in depth character development. There was definitely more potential here. Overall, this was an enjoyable read, and I would certainly read this author’s future work.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to BookSirens, Stephanie Hazeltine, and Hazeltine Publishing.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to BookSirens, Stephanie Hazeltine, and Hazeltine Publishing.
February 6, 2024
Boring
Not one of those books that you can't put down. The story was pointless and a waste of time. I do not recommend.
Not one of those books that you can't put down. The story was pointless and a waste of time. I do not recommend.
January 17, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
The plot: A popular psychologist Celia Marsden wrote the sensational book - "A Loveless Marriage" -and gained a huge following. But that was quite some time ago, and now Celia needs a popularity booster. So she agrees to host a retreat for married/divorced people at the Sand & Salt Resort to help them solve their problems. Instead, someone starts targeting the participants and the retreat turns out to be a reputational disaster. What will Celia do to make things right? Well, you have no idea!
Everything starts pretty well, Celia conducts the sessions, the guests get to know each other, some of them closer than others, and the resort manager Molly is excited to get good publicity for the hotel. But then it all goes downhill quickly when one of the guests has her room broken into and is left a note that hints at something personal for her. She confronts Celia at breakfast, accusing her of leaving the note, and the news spread on social media like wildfire.
Now Celia is a train wreck and an arrogant and selfish one at that. Instead of talking it out like a professional, she closes up and refuses to communicate with the guests. When the boiling point comes, she has to call her assistant Megan to come and help her. And boy she does.
What I liked about this book:
1. it is well-written. The pages fly by quickly, the writing style is pleasant and easy to follow.
2. the characters. All of them have a backstory, which we are given in the beginning, distinct personalities, and all of them invoke different emotions throughout the book. The peculiar thing about this story is that the main character Celia is not likable at all, especially since she is a psychologist - a certain type of behavior is expected of her. But the way she acts makes you think that maybe she should have pursued another career path (read till the end and you’ll see why).
3. the story. An interesting setting, fast-paced development, lots of intrigues, and the main mystery in the end - all of these make a great story.
4. I liked that the author included additional materials - like the excerpts from Celia's book, news articles, blog posts about the retreat, and even a book review. This made the reading experience so much more enriched and enjoyable.
All in all, it was an excellent thriller. It is the third book I read from this author, and what I like the most is that all her books are different, and the writing gets better every time. I enjoyed this story about Celia, although I might not have liked her as a person, still it was captivating to follow her on this retreat. The only thing unclear for me is the ending - will there be a second book or what? This cliffhanger in the end has me guessing. If you are a fan of exciting and well-written stories, for sure check out this book - you would not be able to put it down, because Celia's disastrous retreat will keep you intrigued and on your toes.
The plot: A popular psychologist Celia Marsden wrote the sensational book - "A Loveless Marriage" -and gained a huge following. But that was quite some time ago, and now Celia needs a popularity booster. So she agrees to host a retreat for married/divorced people at the Sand & Salt Resort to help them solve their problems. Instead, someone starts targeting the participants and the retreat turns out to be a reputational disaster. What will Celia do to make things right? Well, you have no idea!
Everything starts pretty well, Celia conducts the sessions, the guests get to know each other, some of them closer than others, and the resort manager Molly is excited to get good publicity for the hotel. But then it all goes downhill quickly when one of the guests has her room broken into and is left a note that hints at something personal for her. She confronts Celia at breakfast, accusing her of leaving the note, and the news spread on social media like wildfire.
Now Celia is a train wreck and an arrogant and selfish one at that. Instead of talking it out like a professional, she closes up and refuses to communicate with the guests. When the boiling point comes, she has to call her assistant Megan to come and help her. And boy she does.
What I liked about this book:
1. it is well-written. The pages fly by quickly, the writing style is pleasant and easy to follow.
2. the characters. All of them have a backstory, which we are given in the beginning, distinct personalities, and all of them invoke different emotions throughout the book. The peculiar thing about this story is that the main character Celia is not likable at all, especially since she is a psychologist - a certain type of behavior is expected of her. But the way she acts makes you think that maybe she should have pursued another career path (read till the end and you’ll see why).
3. the story. An interesting setting, fast-paced development, lots of intrigues, and the main mystery in the end - all of these make a great story.
4. I liked that the author included additional materials - like the excerpts from Celia's book, news articles, blog posts about the retreat, and even a book review. This made the reading experience so much more enriched and enjoyable.
All in all, it was an excellent thriller. It is the third book I read from this author, and what I like the most is that all her books are different, and the writing gets better every time. I enjoyed this story about Celia, although I might not have liked her as a person, still it was captivating to follow her on this retreat. The only thing unclear for me is the ending - will there be a second book or what? This cliffhanger in the end has me guessing. If you are a fan of exciting and well-written stories, for sure check out this book - you would not be able to put it down, because Celia's disastrous retreat will keep you intrigued and on your toes.
November 29, 2023
Thank you to BookSirens and author, Stephanie Hazeltine, for an ARC of The Retreat.
The Retreat takes place at Sand & Salt Resort in Australia and focuses on characters attending/hosting a retreat led by a psychologist turned author/influencer, Celia Marsden. The guests are either couples or recently divorced singles. The agenda includes therapy sessions with Celia herself, book readings, meals, drinks, and a beautiful relaxing atmosphere.
Things take a turn when guests start to see the REAL Celia (vs her social media persona) and someone starts harassing the guests anonymously with very private information.
This was an enjoyable light read. A good choice for a beach read. I was hoping for more thrills and suspense, but regardless, I looked forward to picking up the book and reading more.
This is told though multiple POVs, which I like. Although, I would prefer if they were in 3rd person instead of all being 1st person. There were also excerpts from Celia’s book, social media conversations, articles sprinkled in between some chapters. They felt random and some completely out of place (for example: in the middle of the book there is an article announcing the retreat and what to expect while on the retreat. This is well after the reader already knows what the agenda and vibe is. It would have made more sense in the beginning of the book.)
While I enjoy multiple POVs, there were too many for such a short book. Overall I think this would be better as a longer book. With more substance/time with the main characters I would have rated higher.
I really liked the premise and the writing and would recommend people read this book if they are looking for a quick read or palate cleanser between more intense thrillers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
The Retreat takes place at Sand & Salt Resort in Australia and focuses on characters attending/hosting a retreat led by a psychologist turned author/influencer, Celia Marsden. The guests are either couples or recently divorced singles. The agenda includes therapy sessions with Celia herself, book readings, meals, drinks, and a beautiful relaxing atmosphere.
Things take a turn when guests start to see the REAL Celia (vs her social media persona) and someone starts harassing the guests anonymously with very private information.
This was an enjoyable light read. A good choice for a beach read. I was hoping for more thrills and suspense, but regardless, I looked forward to picking up the book and reading more.
This is told though multiple POVs, which I like. Although, I would prefer if they were in 3rd person instead of all being 1st person. There were also excerpts from Celia’s book, social media conversations, articles sprinkled in between some chapters. They felt random and some completely out of place (for example: in the middle of the book there is an article announcing the retreat and what to expect while on the retreat. This is well after the reader already knows what the agenda and vibe is. It would have made more sense in the beginning of the book.)
While I enjoy multiple POVs, there were too many for such a short book. Overall I think this would be better as a longer book. With more substance/time with the main characters I would have rated higher.
I really liked the premise and the writing and would recommend people read this book if they are looking for a quick read or palate cleanser between more intense thrillers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
December 15, 2023
On first look I didn't think this was the type of book I would like, but as I had nothing on my reading list and it was by an Australian author I thought I'd give it a try. Pleasant surprise, I quite enjoyed this 'lighter read'. Plenty of surprises and nasties but very 'toned down' on the many darker books out there.
The book is written in the style where each chapter has a character narrating in the 'first person'. I have struck this style before and don't mind it at all.
I thought this would be just a paper 'soapy' but it's a lot more.
The main character Celia, is an 'influencer'. I thought that would put me right off but clearly the writer shares my general dislike of 'influencers', as Celia turns out to be quite a nasty piece of work. She sets up a couples and separated persons retreat at Byron Bay to further her successful novel and raise her profile, as well as make money.
There are many interesting characters in the book, most pretty believable. I have read a number of quite 'dark novels' recently and although this one is suspenseful with sneaky little plot twists it keep it a little lighter (no spoilers). Doesn't mean you won't be sitting there thinking 'Who dune it' or 'Whose doing it'.
My only worry is a number of very Australian references to people and Australian TV shows. I found them very amusing but wonder if the humor could be lost on overseas readers.
I would have thought this would not have been 'my style of book' but I thoroughly enjoyed it and appreciate the author giving me the chance to read it.
If you like a bit of a 'soapy' style story but unexpected surprises this is definitely a book for you. I did work out 'Who done it' but I guess you get it right sometimes.
I have written this review freely with no outside pressure or Influences (sorry just had to add that)!
Good read!
The book is written in the style where each chapter has a character narrating in the 'first person'. I have struck this style before and don't mind it at all.
I thought this would be just a paper 'soapy' but it's a lot more.
The main character Celia, is an 'influencer'. I thought that would put me right off but clearly the writer shares my general dislike of 'influencers', as Celia turns out to be quite a nasty piece of work. She sets up a couples and separated persons retreat at Byron Bay to further her successful novel and raise her profile, as well as make money.
There are many interesting characters in the book, most pretty believable. I have read a number of quite 'dark novels' recently and although this one is suspenseful with sneaky little plot twists it keep it a little lighter (no spoilers). Doesn't mean you won't be sitting there thinking 'Who dune it' or 'Whose doing it'.
My only worry is a number of very Australian references to people and Australian TV shows. I found them very amusing but wonder if the humor could be lost on overseas readers.
I would have thought this would not have been 'my style of book' but I thoroughly enjoyed it and appreciate the author giving me the chance to read it.
If you like a bit of a 'soapy' style story but unexpected surprises this is definitely a book for you. I did work out 'Who done it' but I guess you get it right sometimes.
I have written this review freely with no outside pressure or Influences (sorry just had to add that)!
Good read!
January 17, 2024
When I think of retreats, I think of being calm, doing some journaling, working on some personal development and enjoying the scenery.
If struggling with marriage or learning to be happier as a single, who better to learn from than an expert, right?
In this case, wrong.
The retreat is hosted by a psychologist with a massive online following. However, her real personality could use a makeover and her "practice" of counseling really needs brushed up on.
To make matters worse, someone is breaking into the guest rooms and messing with their stuff, and sometimes leaving very personal gifts or notes.
The therapist is suspect number one. Can the guests confirm or find the killer before things get worse?
****
I found this to be more of a low-stakes, cozy, beach read.
There was a lot working for it: written in multiple POV so the reader gets takes from every angle along with articles hyping the psychologist. Great character development, description, pacing and rise in tension. I really had to guess who was committing the crimes.
My favorite part though?
I loved how much I hated the influencer. I won't call her a psychologist as I don't feel she deserves that title. She was so hyped up on herself and so mean to everyone around her. Including her best friend who helped her multiple times. She believes everyone is beneath her.
I usually don't enjoy these types of characters as I don't associate with them in real life. However, I enjoyed seeing what she was going to do to tick me off next. Her character seemed real, and I really anticipated seeing her get her just deserts.
I received a free copy of this book and I am leaving my thoughts on this book voluntarily.
If struggling with marriage or learning to be happier as a single, who better to learn from than an expert, right?
In this case, wrong.
The retreat is hosted by a psychologist with a massive online following. However, her real personality could use a makeover and her "practice" of counseling really needs brushed up on.
To make matters worse, someone is breaking into the guest rooms and messing with their stuff, and sometimes leaving very personal gifts or notes.
The therapist is suspect number one. Can the guests confirm or find the killer before things get worse?
****
I found this to be more of a low-stakes, cozy, beach read.
There was a lot working for it: written in multiple POV so the reader gets takes from every angle along with articles hyping the psychologist. Great character development, description, pacing and rise in tension. I really had to guess who was committing the crimes.
My favorite part though?
I loved how much I hated the influencer. I won't call her a psychologist as I don't feel she deserves that title. She was so hyped up on herself and so mean to everyone around her. Including her best friend who helped her multiple times. She believes everyone is beneath her.
I usually don't enjoy these types of characters as I don't associate with them in real life. However, I enjoyed seeing what she was going to do to tick me off next. Her character seemed real, and I really anticipated seeing her get her just deserts.
I received a free copy of this book and I am leaving my thoughts on this book voluntarily.
December 2, 2023
Stephanie Hazeltine. Hazeltine Publishing, $ 3.30 (235p) ASIN B0CN6SLVW6
Stephanie Hazeltine invites us to a spicy exclusive novella instead of a collection (Anyone But Him). In this anticipated novel, couples and divorcees are part of a romantic therapy service. Celia Marsden is a psychologist who became a famous Instagram influencer after writing and publishing “Loveless Marriage.” Molly signs up for the therapy service offered by Celia to put Sand & Salt Resort on the map and make it famous. Nadia is a divorcee and has been encouraged by her mother to take a break at the same resort where Celia and Kitty will be staying. To make things more complicated for her, Nadia must get Celia’s autograph, which her mother has requested. Married couple Jocelyn and Andy decide to ask for Celia's help. Jocelyn’s mother has been invading their lives, asking for one thing—a baby, which is yet to be a part of their lives as a married couple. To make things more convenient as a divorcee, Nadia is welcomed by a fellow hot divorcee named Tanner. This romantic therapy service and Celia's clean reputation are soon threatened by a note from Jocelyn. Celia is the only one to blame for exposing their secret; she claims her innocence, but no one believes her. Not even her best friend, Kitty, is there to show support. This fuels the anger and hostility that Celia feels. She accuses Kitty of framing her, and several years of pent-up anger gets released. All of them gather around except for Celia, who suddenly gets assaulted. But who did it when everyone had an alibi? Fans of Harper’s Island (Ari Schlossberg) are invited as guests in this new book from Stephanie Hazeltine. (Jan.)
Stephanie Hazeltine invites us to a spicy exclusive novella instead of a collection (Anyone But Him). In this anticipated novel, couples and divorcees are part of a romantic therapy service. Celia Marsden is a psychologist who became a famous Instagram influencer after writing and publishing “Loveless Marriage.” Molly signs up for the therapy service offered by Celia to put Sand & Salt Resort on the map and make it famous. Nadia is a divorcee and has been encouraged by her mother to take a break at the same resort where Celia and Kitty will be staying. To make things more complicated for her, Nadia must get Celia’s autograph, which her mother has requested. Married couple Jocelyn and Andy decide to ask for Celia's help. Jocelyn’s mother has been invading their lives, asking for one thing—a baby, which is yet to be a part of their lives as a married couple. To make things more convenient as a divorcee, Nadia is welcomed by a fellow hot divorcee named Tanner. This romantic therapy service and Celia's clean reputation are soon threatened by a note from Jocelyn. Celia is the only one to blame for exposing their secret; she claims her innocence, but no one believes her. Not even her best friend, Kitty, is there to show support. This fuels the anger and hostility that Celia feels. She accuses Kitty of framing her, and several years of pent-up anger gets released. All of them gather around except for Celia, who suddenly gets assaulted. But who did it when everyone had an alibi? Fans of Harper’s Island (Ari Schlossberg) are invited as guests in this new book from Stephanie Hazeltine. (Jan.)
December 10, 2023
Set in the picturesque Byron Bay, The Retreat focuses on well known psychologist turned influencer Celia and her guests who are at different stages of marital woes. Some are recently divorced while others are trying to make it work but they all attend The Retreat at Sand & Salt to try and improve their lives. Instead their privacy is violated and they are left questioning their safety.
The story is filled with twists and turns as the mystery develops and evolves throughout. It is multifaceted and the reader is left wondering who the bad guys really are.
It was refreshing to read a crime fiction novel set in Australia and somewhere so well known as Byron Bay. I could imagine the setting perfectly.
Told through a mix of POV accounts and mixed media excerpts the reader learns just who Celia Marsden is and what kind of person she really is. And the very end will leave you wondering exactly who the villain really is.
I enjoyed reading from the majority of the women in the story from guests to Celia and the police Detective investigating the mystery. I also enjoyed that there was some happy endings and not so happy endings and the contrast in the book was really validating to the story.
The story is filled with twists and turns as the mystery develops and evolves throughout. It is multifaceted and the reader is left wondering who the bad guys really are.
It was refreshing to read a crime fiction novel set in Australia and somewhere so well known as Byron Bay. I could imagine the setting perfectly.
Told through a mix of POV accounts and mixed media excerpts the reader learns just who Celia Marsden is and what kind of person she really is. And the very end will leave you wondering exactly who the villain really is.
I enjoyed reading from the majority of the women in the story from guests to Celia and the police Detective investigating the mystery. I also enjoyed that there was some happy endings and not so happy endings and the contrast in the book was really validating to the story.
December 21, 2023
Celia Marsden is living proof that you can't believe everything you see on the internet. While the renowned psychologist has a huge online following, her icy personality leaves most people with a bad taste in their mouth. To boost her profile, Celia agrees to host a retreat at the serene Sand and Salt Resort. But tranquillity quickly turns to terror when it becomes clear someone is gunning for the guests. And Celia finds herself top of the suspect list.
I was gifted this book by the author, and I'm so happy she picked me to read her book.
Set in Australia. This story covers - social media, assault, psychology, and influencers. This is a well-written book. I loved the author's writing style. It also has a cleverly crafted plot, the setting is awesome, and the characters are well-developed. I was cleverly led down a path where I thought I knew where this story was going, how wrong was I, a twist would come along and knock me off the well-beaten track. What starts off as a relaxing weekend soon turns, and everything is not what it seemed. The story is told from multiple points of view. This is a dark and suspenseful read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Many thanks to the author Stephanie Hazeltine.
I was gifted this book by the author, and I'm so happy she picked me to read her book.
Set in Australia. This story covers - social media, assault, psychology, and influencers. This is a well-written book. I loved the author's writing style. It also has a cleverly crafted plot, the setting is awesome, and the characters are well-developed. I was cleverly led down a path where I thought I knew where this story was going, how wrong was I, a twist would come along and knock me off the well-beaten track. What starts off as a relaxing weekend soon turns, and everything is not what it seemed. The story is told from multiple points of view. This is a dark and suspenseful read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Many thanks to the author Stephanie Hazeltine.
November 24, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this quick suspenseful read. Right from the prologue I was hooked, and I think seeing how the retreat was going to "end" and then jumping back to the start so we can see the events unfold was great. Although we know from the prologue that something will happen to Celia, we then go straight into Celia's POV of her arriving at the retreat, and I'll be honest I did NOT like her. But that's completely intentional, she's meant to be an unlikable character, making it really hard to try and figure out who might not like her later on. I loved having so many different POVs throughout the book too. Although the were quite a few different ones it didn't get confusing because everyone had their own stories and no two POVs were similar enough that you could confuse the characters.
I don't want to give away anything spoilery but it took me a long time to work out what I think happened and who was involved. I did figure it out a bit before you were told, but there were still some twists coming that I wasn't expecting at all! The short chapters made it super fast-paced and I raced through it, eager to see more of the drama unfold! I loved Stephanie's writing style too, making it an easy read and I'll definitely be picking up more of her books!
I don't want to give away anything spoilery but it took me a long time to work out what I think happened and who was involved. I did figure it out a bit before you were told, but there were still some twists coming that I wasn't expecting at all! The short chapters made it super fast-paced and I raced through it, eager to see more of the drama unfold! I loved Stephanie's writing style too, making it an easy read and I'll definitely be picking up more of her books!
November 28, 2023
The Retreat is an easy read. Even though some of the material deals with pretty heavy topics, such as psychology, social media, influencers, and assault, Stephanie Hazeltine's writing style makes it all manageable and easy to digest. Her plot, setting and characters are well written. I have to say though, that I absolutely hated the protagonist. This has nothing to do with the author's writing style. Celia Marsden is just not a likeable person. Celia, a couple's psychologist, and best-selling author turned influencer, hosts a retreat in an effort to boost her social media footprint, and of course make easy money. Her guests at first all appear enamored with her. However, some of her opinions in her book, as well as her abrasive personality soon make them loose their fangirl, starry eyed opinion of her. Disturbing incidents occur and the guests blame her, while she points the finger at one of them. Discovering the guilty person made my eyes pop! Didn't see that coming, and the ending seemed unfinished. A good read. Thanks to BookSirens and the author for this ARC.
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.
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