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Shaken
WINNER OF THE 2025 LITERARY SILVER BOOK AWARD
FINALIST FOR THE 2024 WISHING SHELF BOOK AWARDS
When Sally unexpectedly becomes a mother at twenty, she tries her best to build a stable life for her son, Morgan. But the sleepless nights, overwhelming isolation, and relentless cries wear her down until she breaks, and in a moment of desperation, she does the she shakes her baby. Consumed by guilt and fear, Sally buries her actions beneath a facade of normalcy, but the cracks are beginning to show.
Enter Alyssa, the teenage babysitter, who is left in charge the night after the incident. As Morgan's condition deteriorates, Sally's partner, Charles, grows increasingly concerned. A series of alarming doctors' visits spiral into a nightmare when authorities are alerted and fingers start pointing at Alyssa. Will Sally come forward and risk losing everything, or will she try to maintain the illusion of being a perfect mother—even if it means someone else takes the blame?
Shaken explores the intense, often unspoken, struggles of new motherhood and the complexities of human fallibility, raising an unsettling Does one irreversible mistake define you forever?
Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Lisa Jewell, and Freida McFadden.
FINALIST FOR THE 2024 WISHING SHELF BOOK AWARDS
When Sally unexpectedly becomes a mother at twenty, she tries her best to build a stable life for her son, Morgan. But the sleepless nights, overwhelming isolation, and relentless cries wear her down until she breaks, and in a moment of desperation, she does the she shakes her baby. Consumed by guilt and fear, Sally buries her actions beneath a facade of normalcy, but the cracks are beginning to show.
Enter Alyssa, the teenage babysitter, who is left in charge the night after the incident. As Morgan's condition deteriorates, Sally's partner, Charles, grows increasingly concerned. A series of alarming doctors' visits spiral into a nightmare when authorities are alerted and fingers start pointing at Alyssa. Will Sally come forward and risk losing everything, or will she try to maintain the illusion of being a perfect mother—even if it means someone else takes the blame?
Shaken explores the intense, often unspoken, struggles of new motherhood and the complexities of human fallibility, raising an unsettling Does one irreversible mistake define you forever?
Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Lisa Jewell, and Freida McFadden.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 18, 2025
16 people are currently reading
4679 people want to read
About the author
Jill Amber Chafin
1 book47 followersJill Amber Chafin's work has appeared in The Personal Story Publishing Project and Motherfigure, and has been honored as a Finalist for the Penelope Niven Creative Nonfiction Award, Honorable Mention in the New Millennium Writing Awards, and Third Place winner in the anthology America’s Next Author. Shaken is her debut novel and has recently been selected as a finalist for The Wishing Shelf Book Awards.
Jill lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, with her husband and two children, where she works as a freelance writer, editor, and circus arts instructor.
Jill lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, with her husband and two children, where she works as a freelance writer, editor, and circus arts instructor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
December 23, 2024
So, so good!! I had the pleasure of getting an ARC of this book, and I absolutely devoured it! One of the fastest reads I’ve ever done! The character development was great, and the story just kept you wanting more. Great first novel!!
January 7, 2025
This quick-paced psychological thriller pulled me in from the beginning. I appreciated the situation as a mom myself and remember the frustration that comes along as a new mom. I had a colicky baby & it was so hard to not understand a constantly crying child when you’re at your wits end, hormonal and overtired. I think sadly this scenario could easily happen to so many moms & glad Chafin brought this tough topic to life with Sally & Morgan. The short chapters & fast-paced story made this incredibly difficult to put down. I found myself wondering what was going to happen and longing to get back to my book each day (and stayed up well into the night annoying my husband with the light on to keep going). I will say I didn’t particularly love any of the characters and I wish I had liked one of them, but equally they were all their own worst enemy. It definitely showed that we never know how one will act when faced with this situation. Truly a great read with a few well-placed twists I didn’t find predictable. Very good character development- I feel like I really got to know each of the characters. I can’t wait to read another book by this author. This was a great read on the complexities of motherhood and how one moment can change everything.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
June 12, 2025
I literally could not put this book down. I was sneaking reading sessions in while driving to a family funeral in OH this week, while my kids showered in the hotel, and late into the night after services.
I won’t spoil anything, but the twists at the end of the book had ME a bit shaken, myself. I am left with lots of questions, but in a good way—enough loose ends were tied up to keep the reader from feeling let down, but there were enough left in place to leave room for the reader to continue to ponder what happened long after finishing the last page.
As a former child welfare social worker, I felt that Jill handled the Flynn character decently—better than most, but some of the language around and description of the social worker’s work with the family could have been tweaked for accuracy.
I am looking forward to reading more writing by Jill Amber Chafin.
I won’t spoil anything, but the twists at the end of the book had ME a bit shaken, myself. I am left with lots of questions, but in a good way—enough loose ends were tied up to keep the reader from feeling let down, but there were enough left in place to leave room for the reader to continue to ponder what happened long after finishing the last page.
As a former child welfare social worker, I felt that Jill handled the Flynn character decently—better than most, but some of the language around and description of the social worker’s work with the family could have been tweaked for accuracy.
I am looking forward to reading more writing by Jill Amber Chafin.
December 24, 2024
First book I have read by this author and WOW! I was hooked until the last page. I do wish they would have took the ending further, I felt like it ended with a question of what came next with Sally and Morgan.
January 16, 2025
**Releasing on March 18. I read this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity!**
I accidentally deleted my original review, so I have to rewrite it 😭
TLDR: read the second to last paragraph for a summary of my thoughts :)
I absolutely loved Shaken. This is a multi-POV thriller revolving around a 21-year-old mother (Sally) to a one year old boy (Morgan) who is overtaken with exhaustion after numerous sleepless nights and overwhelming isolation (despite living with her boyfriend/Morgan’s father, Charles) and, in a moment of desperation, shakes her baby. She doesn’t even remember doing it, but her once screeching, screaming baby suddenly grew quiet and lethargic, and hasn’t been the same since. With the gripping fear of losing everything, she first acts as if everything is normal, then grows increasingly desperate as Morgan’s condition deteriorates.
You can truly feel the terror and panic that Sally goes through in the realization and aftermath of her shaking her child. Given the situation that she is in and the lack of empathy from her partner Charles, I greatly empathize with the delicate state of mind she was in at the time. As time goes on and the other characters try to figure out what’s wrong with Morgan and who hurt him, the wrong person gets accused (not a spoiler!!!) and I became very frustrated. But honestly, what’s a thriller without a false accusation??
This was a suspenseful story that explores the often taboo subjects of shaken baby syndrome, the isolation of motherhood, and the postpartum state of mind. The multiple POVs were a great way to explore the thought process not only of Sally as she grows increasingly desperate to escape her mistakes, but the other characters as well as they try to figure out what happened to Morgan, as well as their analysis of Sally’s erratic behavior. Great writing, a great story, and a thought-provoking message behind it. I loved it all!
As a side note, I think the description’s comparison to Freida McFadden is false - I was much more invested in this book than I ever was in one of Freida’s books 😂 the writing is much better, in my opinion.
I accidentally deleted my original review, so I have to rewrite it 😭
TLDR: read the second to last paragraph for a summary of my thoughts :)
I absolutely loved Shaken. This is a multi-POV thriller revolving around a 21-year-old mother (Sally) to a one year old boy (Morgan) who is overtaken with exhaustion after numerous sleepless nights and overwhelming isolation (despite living with her boyfriend/Morgan’s father, Charles) and, in a moment of desperation, shakes her baby. She doesn’t even remember doing it, but her once screeching, screaming baby suddenly grew quiet and lethargic, and hasn’t been the same since. With the gripping fear of losing everything, she first acts as if everything is normal, then grows increasingly desperate as Morgan’s condition deteriorates.
You can truly feel the terror and panic that Sally goes through in the realization and aftermath of her shaking her child. Given the situation that she is in and the lack of empathy from her partner Charles, I greatly empathize with the delicate state of mind she was in at the time. As time goes on and the other characters try to figure out what’s wrong with Morgan and who hurt him, the wrong person gets accused (not a spoiler!!!) and I became very frustrated. But honestly, what’s a thriller without a false accusation??
This was a suspenseful story that explores the often taboo subjects of shaken baby syndrome, the isolation of motherhood, and the postpartum state of mind. The multiple POVs were a great way to explore the thought process not only of Sally as she grows increasingly desperate to escape her mistakes, but the other characters as well as they try to figure out what happened to Morgan, as well as their analysis of Sally’s erratic behavior. Great writing, a great story, and a thought-provoking message behind it. I loved it all!
As a side note, I think the description’s comparison to Freida McFadden is false - I was much more invested in this book than I ever was in one of Freida’s books 😂 the writing is much better, in my opinion.
December 28, 2024
*ARC Reader*
I want to start this review by saying that I've worked within the medical field for 4 years, and for nearly a year my job was caring for medically fragile children, some of which had Shaken Baby Syndrome.
This book was so well done, so well written, and such an emotional roller coaster.
She did a phenomenonal job getting the medical portion, signs/symptoms, all the way down to the Child Life Specialists that are in pediatric wards, correctly, and with such respectful accuracy, that even though the book's tone was dark, I found myself kicking my feet in excitement because, finally, someone got it right! I cannot say this enough, it was so good.
It was paced excellently, she wove in the multi-perspective view seamlessly, it was a somewhat woven timeline, but not disorientingly so.
Each character was so distinct from each other, I could lay the book down once my lunchbreak was done, and pick it back up hours later and know exactly who I was with.
The dark themes within the book: to confess the truth, to lie? To stay, to run? Is it wrong to lie to protect someone if the consequences don't change, regardless of what the truth is?
The best part, (but also the worst part) is that the answers aren't tied up in a perfect bow in the end.
There are still hanging questions that the author allowed the reader to decide, because truthfully, in these characters' situations, there is no right answer. You're left in their shoes in the end.
Melancholy, aching, and wishing you could turn back the pages and just change *one* thing, because that *one* thing could've made all the difference.
I want to start this review by saying that I've worked within the medical field for 4 years, and for nearly a year my job was caring for medically fragile children, some of which had Shaken Baby Syndrome.
This book was so well done, so well written, and such an emotional roller coaster.
She did a phenomenonal job getting the medical portion, signs/symptoms, all the way down to the Child Life Specialists that are in pediatric wards, correctly, and with such respectful accuracy, that even though the book's tone was dark, I found myself kicking my feet in excitement because, finally, someone got it right! I cannot say this enough, it was so good.
It was paced excellently, she wove in the multi-perspective view seamlessly, it was a somewhat woven timeline, but not disorientingly so.
Each character was so distinct from each other, I could lay the book down once my lunchbreak was done, and pick it back up hours later and know exactly who I was with.
The dark themes within the book: to confess the truth, to lie? To stay, to run? Is it wrong to lie to protect someone if the consequences don't change, regardless of what the truth is?
The best part, (but also the worst part) is that the answers aren't tied up in a perfect bow in the end.
There are still hanging questions that the author allowed the reader to decide, because truthfully, in these characters' situations, there is no right answer. You're left in their shoes in the end.
Melancholy, aching, and wishing you could turn back the pages and just change *one* thing, because that *one* thing could've made all the difference.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2025
Shaken follows exhausted mum Sally who does the unthinkable. She loses control and shakes her baby. When Morgan starts to appear unwell Sally refuses to accept she could be the cause. After all, it was after the babysitter looked after him when they noticed he was unwell...
This was a page-turner. The author did a great job of developing the characters. Sally was understandable in her feelings of being overwhelmed but she was also utterly unlikeable at times! As a social worker who has worked in child protection, the author portrayed the potential abuse and the reactions of the parents in a really believable way. I don't want to give too much away but I thought Sally's actions although horrifying, were portrayed accurately.
This is set in the USA so some of the processes are different from the UK. But the book felt well researched. This was really refreshing. I also thought she did a great job at showing all the emotions the main characters were going through being under such scrutiny.
The book was well written, the plot was thought out, made sense and was utterly gripping.
Huge thanks to the author, Love Books Tours and the publisher for providing a copy of the book to review.
This was a page-turner. The author did a great job of developing the characters. Sally was understandable in her feelings of being overwhelmed but she was also utterly unlikeable at times! As a social worker who has worked in child protection, the author portrayed the potential abuse and the reactions of the parents in a really believable way. I don't want to give too much away but I thought Sally's actions although horrifying, were portrayed accurately.
This is set in the USA so some of the processes are different from the UK. But the book felt well researched. This was really refreshing. I also thought she did a great job at showing all the emotions the main characters were going through being under such scrutiny.
The book was well written, the plot was thought out, made sense and was utterly gripping.
Huge thanks to the author, Love Books Tours and the publisher for providing a copy of the book to review.
March 23, 2025
Sometimes you finish a book and you just say “dang”. Thats how I feel with this one. This is definitely one I will think about for a long time and I find myself wishing it was a book club choice because I want to talk about it with somebody.
This is not an easy book to read. The subject matter of child abuse is very very hard. It was a struggle to feel much sympathy for the responsible adult here.
The ending was unsatisfying to me and that hampered my rating a bit. The author made a choice I didn’t think was necessary but also several things were left unexplained. Maybe I needed it to tie up more neatly.
This isn’t a thriller in the traditional sense in that you know what happened from early in the book. But it is still very interesting watching how that choice unfolds from that point.
The book got to a point where you could not stop reading because you needed to see what happened.
This was my first book by this author but I look forward to reading more of her work.
Probably 3.5 stars rounded up.
This is not an easy book to read. The subject matter of child abuse is very very hard. It was a struggle to feel much sympathy for the responsible adult here.
The ending was unsatisfying to me and that hampered my rating a bit. The author made a choice I didn’t think was necessary but also several things were left unexplained. Maybe I needed it to tie up more neatly.
This isn’t a thriller in the traditional sense in that you know what happened from early in the book. But it is still very interesting watching how that choice unfolds from that point.
The book got to a point where you could not stop reading because you needed to see what happened.
This was my first book by this author but I look forward to reading more of her work.
Probably 3.5 stars rounded up.
December 20, 2024
Loved this book but felt so real and sad. Scary to believe this happens in real life. Jill is a great author for putting realistic events into a story that can grip you and keep you flipping the pages wanting more.
December 13, 2024
I read an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
The title of this book sums up my feelings about the story - shaken! Equally disturbing as it is sad, this is the tale of a woman(Sally) suffering from postpartum depression and exhaustion. She is the partner of Charles. Their son Morgan cries a lot, and she is desperate to make him stop. Does shaking a baby hurt them seriously? Why is their home so disorganized? Why can't she get a grip and behave like Charles' first wife, Beth, and be on top of things? Can she run away and if she does, will her problems disappear?
Quite drawn out, we are taken on a journey of who is responsible for Morgan's injuries, Sally or Alyssa, the babysitter, who trips and falls while holding him? A good example of the stress a new mother faces and how one mistake may define the rest of your life. 4 and a half stars
The title of this book sums up my feelings about the story - shaken! Equally disturbing as it is sad, this is the tale of a woman(Sally) suffering from postpartum depression and exhaustion. She is the partner of Charles. Their son Morgan cries a lot, and she is desperate to make him stop. Does shaking a baby hurt them seriously? Why is their home so disorganized? Why can't she get a grip and behave like Charles' first wife, Beth, and be on top of things? Can she run away and if she does, will her problems disappear?
Quite drawn out, we are taken on a journey of who is responsible for Morgan's injuries, Sally or Alyssa, the babysitter, who trips and falls while holding him? A good example of the stress a new mother faces and how one mistake may define the rest of your life. 4 and a half stars
December 20, 2024
Thank you Jill Amber Chaflin for giving me a ARC of this book! I really enjoyed this book, I couldn’t put it down!! I really enjoyed the beginning-middle. I kind of feel like the very end dragged out. Overall, loved it!
March 22, 2025
Okay so not gonna lie, I was Instantly hooked from the first page, this is a suspenseful story that explores the often taboo subjects such as motherhood, the postpartum mind and ofcouse Shaken baby syndrome, please I would urge you to check triggers before hand. Hats of to Jill for the amount of research that must have been done surrounding these possible realistic events 👏
As a parent & grandparent myself this book definitely tugged at the heart strings for sure. A definte roller coaster emotional ride that i can would definitely recommend..
Can one moment completely change everything??
I loved the seamless multi povs which let's you explore all characters thought processes ♡ The sleepless nights, overwhelming feelings & isolation leads Sally to do the unthinkable.. Morgie the once screaming child, He's not been the same since, lethargic, quite & withdrawn.. Does she even remember doing it.
As a parent i felt all the feels with this unputdownable story! The realisation, the panic, the aftermath, & the empathy! To sit back & let someone take the blame and Lie to protect.
To summerise this book holds some dark themes, that does explore very shocking realistic possible life changing events, I love how Jill leaves this ending down to the readers mind, simply questionable... Does life just move on..
Thank you to Jill and
lovebook tours
For the early access to this copy in return for my honest thoughts..♡
As a parent & grandparent myself this book definitely tugged at the heart strings for sure. A definte roller coaster emotional ride that i can would definitely recommend..
Can one moment completely change everything??
I loved the seamless multi povs which let's you explore all characters thought processes ♡ The sleepless nights, overwhelming feelings & isolation leads Sally to do the unthinkable.. Morgie the once screaming child, He's not been the same since, lethargic, quite & withdrawn.. Does she even remember doing it.
As a parent i felt all the feels with this unputdownable story! The realisation, the panic, the aftermath, & the empathy! To sit back & let someone take the blame and Lie to protect.
To summerise this book holds some dark themes, that does explore very shocking realistic possible life changing events, I love how Jill leaves this ending down to the readers mind, simply questionable... Does life just move on..
Thank you to Jill and
lovebook tours
For the early access to this copy in return for my honest thoughts..♡
April 26, 2025
This book. Wow. It took me on a ride.
I don’t know why, but I mistakenly thought it was a thriller, so I was constantly looking for clues and I think it impacted my feelings about the ending. Otherwise, this might have been a 5 star read for me. As it was, it is a strong 4 to 4.5. I couldn’t put it down and stayed up late too many nights.
This book is more a look at real people and how they handle the terrible mistakes they make. How do you live with yourself?
I am fascinated by people and their frailties. I don’t believe life is black and white. There is so much grey. And can we hate a person’s actions but have empathy for their situation? I thought there was so much accurate research on shaken baby syndrome included in this book. It is a terribly sad and difficult subject and I found myself frustrated with many of the people in this book. But they were real. And relatable. And though I know we would all love to believe we would not make the same mistakes or choices- how do we really know?
Life is so fragile and important. This book made me really contemplate that. That is the sign of a great book.
This is the first book by Jill Amber Chafin. I look forward to her next one.
I don’t know why, but I mistakenly thought it was a thriller, so I was constantly looking for clues and I think it impacted my feelings about the ending. Otherwise, this might have been a 5 star read for me. As it was, it is a strong 4 to 4.5. I couldn’t put it down and stayed up late too many nights.
This book is more a look at real people and how they handle the terrible mistakes they make. How do you live with yourself?
I am fascinated by people and their frailties. I don’t believe life is black and white. There is so much grey. And can we hate a person’s actions but have empathy for their situation? I thought there was so much accurate research on shaken baby syndrome included in this book. It is a terribly sad and difficult subject and I found myself frustrated with many of the people in this book. But they were real. And relatable. And though I know we would all love to believe we would not make the same mistakes or choices- how do we really know?
Life is so fragile and important. This book made me really contemplate that. That is the sign of a great book.
This is the first book by Jill Amber Chafin. I look forward to her next one.
February 21, 2025
This domestic thriller takes a premise that I haven't seen before and runs hard with it - what if a mother at her wit's end with a screaming baby shakes him, then realises she may have caused serious harm as a result? And what if a babysitter was looking after the baby just around the same time?
"Shaken" is a page-turner that will appeal to fans of domestic thrillers, especially those looking for a theme/area that has been underexplored in the genre. While there's no shortage of villainous child abusers in the genre, an inexperienced mother losing control and facing a very high price for it makes the reader grapple with more complex questions.
The cast of characters are fleshed out empathetically, and the broader theme of dereliction of care to children/others is explored from a number of angles as the secondary plots unfold.
I can see this book being a success, and I think it deserves to reach a broad readership.
"Shaken" is a page-turner that will appeal to fans of domestic thrillers, especially those looking for a theme/area that has been underexplored in the genre. While there's no shortage of villainous child abusers in the genre, an inexperienced mother losing control and facing a very high price for it makes the reader grapple with more complex questions.
The cast of characters are fleshed out empathetically, and the broader theme of dereliction of care to children/others is explored from a number of angles as the secondary plots unfold.
I can see this book being a success, and I think it deserves to reach a broad readership.
March 24, 2025
This was just wow. What an interesting premise for a story. A mother shaking her baby. It started here and then the entire situation spiralled out of control.
The book was really well written. The research was on point. The information included in the book was excellent and helped me understand certain events within the book. It flowed well and nothing was left unanswered.
There was a great cast of characters which I enjoyed. They all worked really well in the schematics of the story. I felt really bad for Alyssa and wee Morgan. The poor preemies broke my heart. I actually cried reading about them.
The story is written in third person and from the points of view of Charles, Sally, Simon, Mandy and Alyssa. The epilogue is from another's POV but I won't say who it is!
This was a brilliant thriller and I recommend it. It's perfect if you love writers like Frieda McFadden!!
The book was really well written. The research was on point. The information included in the book was excellent and helped me understand certain events within the book. It flowed well and nothing was left unanswered.
There was a great cast of characters which I enjoyed. They all worked really well in the schematics of the story. I felt really bad for Alyssa and wee Morgan. The poor preemies broke my heart. I actually cried reading about them.
The story is written in third person and from the points of view of Charles, Sally, Simon, Mandy and Alyssa. The epilogue is from another's POV but I won't say who it is!
This was a brilliant thriller and I recommend it. It's perfect if you love writers like Frieda McFadden!!
February 5, 2025
Sally is a young mother with a baby that cries a lot- hours on end and nothing helps. One day she loses control and shakes the baby. There have been other lapses- leaving him in the basement so she can get a break- but never this. The baby goes limp and quiet- but at what cost. When the babysitter comes later that night Sally begins to think- if the baby is hurt, can she blame this on the sitter?
At first Sally's husband Charles supports Sally and blames the sitter, but begins to have doubts. Will the baby be ok? If not, who will bear the responsibility for this harm?
This is a good book that will leave you thinking after you finish it. I recommend it!
At first Sally's husband Charles supports Sally and blames the sitter, but begins to have doubts. Will the baby be ok? If not, who will bear the responsibility for this harm?
This is a good book that will leave you thinking after you finish it. I recommend it!
February 2, 2025
I received an ARC of this book. This was a remarkable first novel and I enjoyed it a lot! The characters were compelling and well developed. The plot was well researched and thought out with enough surprises to keep the reader engaged. I had a bit of trouble with the timeline especially when the day, for instance Day 6, had multiple chapters for various characters. It was a little choppy as a result. I would rather the characters have longer but fewer Day Sixes. The ending left me thinking WTH, how did we get here? I know it was intended to make me think, but too much was left out.
March 17, 2025
A fast read that hooked me in and I couldn't put it down once I started. I loved that the author wasn't afraid to push the characters and plot in increasingly dark and complex ways - I realized I kept searching for a perfect or truly "good" character to latch on to and loved that instead I just had to sit with the messiness of it all and try to untangle my feelings about real-life versions of what happens in the 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.
January 18, 2025
I was lucky to get an ARC of this book. It was so good! I couldn’t put it down. It is a sad story about a young mother just trying to coping. What happened to her son, Morgan? Is babysitter do anything to hurt him or was it is mother, Sally?? This books keeps you reading faster and faster to get see what happens next.
December 14, 2024
This review will be shared when the book launches on Reedsy Discovery on 3/18/25.
April 14, 2025
I was honestly worried about reading this book because I get pretty bad anxiety when it comes to kids; however, I powered through and it was SO worth it and kept me hooked from the moment I picked it up!
December 31, 2024
Firstly, I’d like to applaud Jill for taking what I would consider a huge risk for her first novel on such a taboo subject. This book isn't going to be for everyone as the subject will no doubt put people off. For everyone who picks up this book and struggles with it, I cant urge you enough to finish it.
Secondly, I would like to congratulate Jill for how well this is written. I don’t know how you managed to make me feel sorry for Sally knowing she had shaken her baby, how did you do that?!
Due to the sensitive nature of this book it doesn’t seem right to say this was an excellent read but I couldn’t put it down and I couldn’t work out how it was going to conclude, I thought we knew everything, Sally was to blame… wasn’t she?
I received an advance review copy for free and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Secondly, I would like to congratulate Jill for how well this is written. I don’t know how you managed to make me feel sorry for Sally knowing she had shaken her baby, how did you do that?!
Due to the sensitive nature of this book it doesn’t seem right to say this was an excellent read but I couldn’t put it down and I couldn’t work out how it was going to conclude, I thought we knew everything, Sally was to blame… wasn’t she?
I received an advance review copy for free and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
December 22, 2024
SHAKEN BY JILL AMBER CHAFIN
Release date set for the 18th of March 2025.
I'll be really honest i really really struggled with this book at times.
Even after the 1st chapter i wasn't sure if i could carry on reading.
My heart hurt reading this book and I've cried my eyes out.
As hard as this subject is i think books like this should be told whether it's for awareness or education and to show the consequences of shaken baby syndrome.
This does happen to babies.
Honestly this book broke my heart but i'm so glad i managed to get through it.
This book will stay with me for life.
I will cuddle my babies extra tight tonight.
I received an advance review copy for free. i am leaving this review voluntarily.
Release date set for the 18th of March 2025.
I'll be really honest i really really struggled with this book at times.
Even after the 1st chapter i wasn't sure if i could carry on reading.
My heart hurt reading this book and I've cried my eyes out.
As hard as this subject is i think books like this should be told whether it's for awareness or education and to show the consequences of shaken baby syndrome.
This does happen to babies.
Honestly this book broke my heart but i'm so glad i managed to get through it.
This book will stay with me for life.
I will cuddle my babies extra tight tonight.
I received an advance review copy for free. i am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 17, 2024
I'm not even sure what to say about this book. It was so good, but it also tore me apart. The topic is extremely difficult to read about, even more so as a mom. I can handle a lot of things, but anything bad about children is my absolute downfall. As hard as it was to read this, I'm glad the author brought awareness to this issue. It's not talked about often. Having kids can be extremely nerve-wracking. I'm a stay at home mom, and I've definitely had my share of moments where I felt like I couldn't take it anymore. My youngest is developmentally delayed, and she is even MORE of a challenge, because of her delays. I could never imagine hurting my children though, even through the hardest days. Children get frustrated and upset just as much as we do. I hope this book will help bring more awareness to this topic, and I hope maybe it will help prevent more parents from doing the unthinkable. While I do recommend this book, just be aware that it is a very emotional book, and may not be for everyone.
December 19, 2024
I am a teacher, and I have no time. However, this was the first time in years I have schlepped
my Kindle back and forth between home and school with me because I just couldn’t put “Shaken” down. My old English professor used to say some books “go down as easy as Coca Cola”, and this is definitely one of those. It kept me wondering and questioning. It was sad but sometimes hopeful. I thought it could have ended earlier than it did (by the end, I was over Sally and her continuing struggles), but overall, this was a terrific read! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
my Kindle back and forth between home and school with me because I just couldn’t put “Shaken” down. My old English professor used to say some books “go down as easy as Coca Cola”, and this is definitely one of those. It kept me wondering and questioning. It was sad but sometimes hopeful. I thought it could have ended earlier than it did (by the end, I was over Sally and her continuing struggles), but overall, this was a terrific read! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 17, 2024
I was given a copy of this book to review so I’m going to try not to give away any spoilers!
This book has Trigger Warnings - both Child abuse (shaken baby syndrome) & Mental health issues.
The book centres around a family with a young child who needs medical attention, the reasons why, and who was involved.
It’s fairly fast paced, easy to read and views the story from each character’s perspective.
Obviously due the the nature of the topics it does make it an uncomfortable read at times. You can really feel the angst and turmoil of each of the characters and the roles that they play out in the story leaving you wanting to read more.
A heartbreaking & honest story.
Would recommend a read if you won’t find yourself triggered.
This book has Trigger Warnings - both Child abuse (shaken baby syndrome) & Mental health issues.
The book centres around a family with a young child who needs medical attention, the reasons why, and who was involved.
It’s fairly fast paced, easy to read and views the story from each character’s perspective.
Obviously due the the nature of the topics it does make it an uncomfortable read at times. You can really feel the angst and turmoil of each of the characters and the roles that they play out in the story leaving you wanting to read more.
A heartbreaking & honest story.
Would recommend a read if you won’t find yourself triggered.
January 21, 2025
Shaken by Jill Amber Chafin, author, weaves together the struggles and complexities of modern family life, particularly from the perspectives of a stay-at-home mom, a hardworking partner, and a supportive yet emotionally invested babysitter. It seems like the author does a great job of exploring the emotional highs and lows that come with parenting, as well as the feelings of isolation, responsibility, and self-doubt that can accompany it. With multiple perspectives, the narrative seems to offer insight into each character’s inner world, allowing readers to empathize with their challenges and the “what ifs” that might haunt them This book will resonate with readers who have experience with young children and the struggles of balancing work and family life, and it also offers valuable perspectives and practical advice for new parents. It’s clear that the author carefully crafts a storyline that’s both heart-wrenching and heartwarming, with characters that readers can relate to on a personal level.
This story takes you through the anguish of couple with their first toddler and the babysitter who loves the child too. Morgan has screaming fits that come out of nowhere for the young mother, Sally, who is a stay-at-home Mom, trying her best to run the household and take care of her sweet child. She wished she had friends to turn to, wished she could ask someone to help her, wished she knew what to do when he cries without stopping. Charles, her loving older boyfriend, works two jobs to help pay the bills. He works during the day in an accounting department with a new temp, Mandy, who saves the day on getting a spreadsheet completed so he could spend a Friday night at home for a bit before rushing off to do his second job as an Uber driver. Sally, works part time as a Denny's waitress and gets called into work too which is much needed income for the family. Alyssa, is their dependable babysitter, who loves to look after Morgan. She rushes over to babysit that night. This sets up the storyline for the rest of the book. I give this book 5 stars. #shaken #jillamberchafin #booksirens
This story takes you through the anguish of couple with their first toddler and the babysitter who loves the child too. Morgan has screaming fits that come out of nowhere for the young mother, Sally, who is a stay-at-home Mom, trying her best to run the household and take care of her sweet child. She wished she had friends to turn to, wished she could ask someone to help her, wished she knew what to do when he cries without stopping. Charles, her loving older boyfriend, works two jobs to help pay the bills. He works during the day in an accounting department with a new temp, Mandy, who saves the day on getting a spreadsheet completed so he could spend a Friday night at home for a bit before rushing off to do his second job as an Uber driver. Sally, works part time as a Denny's waitress and gets called into work too which is much needed income for the family. Alyssa, is their dependable babysitter, who loves to look after Morgan. She rushes over to babysit that night. This sets up the storyline for the rest of the book. I give this book 5 stars. #shaken #jillamberchafin #booksirens
March 1, 2025
Trigger warnings for Shaken:
•Shaken Baby Syndrome
•Child Neglect/Abuse
•Blood
•Vomit
•Child Abandonment
I was impressed with Jill Amber Chafin’s debut novel, Shaken. I received an Advanced Review Copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I gave this book a rating of 4.25 stars. It was really good, and kept me motivated to continue reading to the end! One of the strongest aspects of the book for me was the character building. As a mother myself, I really could feel sympathy for Sally and could understand how it felt to be left alone all day long to handle her home and her child who had terrifying screaming outbursts basically on her own all day long. When her husband got home, it was usually either just long enough for him to eat and spend a few minutes with them before bed after going to work as an Uber driver or just in time for her to go to her job as a waitress. She would get home after everyone was asleep around midnight.
It was also easy to see how hard Charles worked for the family that he loved very much. So hard, in fact, that he was burned out. He worked all day at a job that was so frustrating for him that he didn’t even care about it anymore. But he knew he needed it plus the Uber job to keep his family provided for. Sometimes he felt at his wits end. Even with all he and Sally were doing, they were still struggling financially.
They did love each other, but were both so tired and stressed, they were just going through the motions, not taking the time to REALLY communicate. So when things became overwhelming, there was no emotional store to fall back on, and the crisis began. It was too late to fix it. And there was no covering it up. The signs were obvious. The baby was different. The dr must be called. But what happened? Who hurt him?
As a reader, you believe you know all the facts of the case, but as things come to light, one at a time, you only have more questions! As the story winds down, life is as it will be…or is it? A new twist is thrown in that blindsided you and takes the story in a whole new direction with brand new possibilities. Ms. Chafin, you are a tricky one! 😉
•Shaken Baby Syndrome
•Child Neglect/Abuse
•Blood
•Vomit
•Child Abandonment
I was impressed with Jill Amber Chafin’s debut novel, Shaken. I received an Advanced Review Copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I gave this book a rating of 4.25 stars. It was really good, and kept me motivated to continue reading to the end! One of the strongest aspects of the book for me was the character building. As a mother myself, I really could feel sympathy for Sally and could understand how it felt to be left alone all day long to handle her home and her child who had terrifying screaming outbursts basically on her own all day long. When her husband got home, it was usually either just long enough for him to eat and spend a few minutes with them before bed after going to work as an Uber driver or just in time for her to go to her job as a waitress. She would get home after everyone was asleep around midnight.
It was also easy to see how hard Charles worked for the family that he loved very much. So hard, in fact, that he was burned out. He worked all day at a job that was so frustrating for him that he didn’t even care about it anymore. But he knew he needed it plus the Uber job to keep his family provided for. Sometimes he felt at his wits end. Even with all he and Sally were doing, they were still struggling financially.
They did love each other, but were both so tired and stressed, they were just going through the motions, not taking the time to REALLY communicate. So when things became overwhelming, there was no emotional store to fall back on, and the crisis began. It was too late to fix it. And there was no covering it up. The signs were obvious. The baby was different. The dr must be called. But what happened? Who hurt him?
As a reader, you believe you know all the facts of the case, but as things come to light, one at a time, you only have more questions! As the story winds down, life is as it will be…or is it? A new twist is thrown in that blindsided you and takes the story in a whole new direction with brand new possibilities. Ms. Chafin, you are a tricky one! 😉
May 28, 2025
Screams Change Lives
Never shake a baby. Ask any doctor or social worker. What will happen to you and the baby if you break that rule? For Sally, her husband Charles, and Alyssa the babysitter, the consequences of an impulsive act include guilt, shame, self-loathing, and an overwhelming desire to hide the truth. In Jill Amber Chafin’s skillful hands, the emotional intricacies of hiding the truth and facing share are thoroughly explored in her novel, Shaken.
A young mother who’s not legally married to her baby’s father finds herself overwhelmed. Her beloved baby, Morgan, cries with an intensity which drives her to the edge, and after hours it pushes her over. She never meant to shake him, couldn’t believe she’d done it, couldn’t accept her loss of control. We see the shaking in the opening pages, see Morgan go limp and regress. No wonder she fears she’ll be declared an unfit mother. Panicked she tells no one and accuses the babysitter, Alyssa, and her husband agrees with her. Alyssa denies her guilt. He was fine the last time they were together.
Throughout the book there were moments I couldn’t believe anyone was guilty, despite what I knew. Just how powerful is denial and does it affect everyone the same? What do you do when you’ve reached the end of your rope? Why isn’t there more hope for young couples and their babies and why don’t they recognize the need for help?
These are some of the issues that author Jill Amber Chafin delves into in this emotional and heartbreaking story. We’re all 3-dimensional beings. We each have a breaking point, and bad things happen to good people. In Chafin’s skilled hands this is a powerful story with redeeming moments for nearly every character.
Kudos to an author on the way up. Shaken is highly recommended for mothers and wannabe moms as well as social workers, doctors, and anyone concerned about the well-being of babies.
Never shake a baby. Ask any doctor or social worker. What will happen to you and the baby if you break that rule? For Sally, her husband Charles, and Alyssa the babysitter, the consequences of an impulsive act include guilt, shame, self-loathing, and an overwhelming desire to hide the truth. In Jill Amber Chafin’s skillful hands, the emotional intricacies of hiding the truth and facing share are thoroughly explored in her novel, Shaken.
A young mother who’s not legally married to her baby’s father finds herself overwhelmed. Her beloved baby, Morgan, cries with an intensity which drives her to the edge, and after hours it pushes her over. She never meant to shake him, couldn’t believe she’d done it, couldn’t accept her loss of control. We see the shaking in the opening pages, see Morgan go limp and regress. No wonder she fears she’ll be declared an unfit mother. Panicked she tells no one and accuses the babysitter, Alyssa, and her husband agrees with her. Alyssa denies her guilt. He was fine the last time they were together.
Throughout the book there were moments I couldn’t believe anyone was guilty, despite what I knew. Just how powerful is denial and does it affect everyone the same? What do you do when you’ve reached the end of your rope? Why isn’t there more hope for young couples and their babies and why don’t they recognize the need for help?
These are some of the issues that author Jill Amber Chafin delves into in this emotional and heartbreaking story. We’re all 3-dimensional beings. We each have a breaking point, and bad things happen to good people. In Chafin’s skilled hands this is a powerful story with redeeming moments for nearly every character.
Kudos to an author on the way up. Shaken is highly recommended for mothers and wannabe moms as well as social workers, doctors, and anyone concerned about the well-being of babies.
December 24, 2024
**5-Star Review of *Shaken* by Jill Amber Chafin**
As a social worker in child welfare, I was deeply impressed by Jill Amber Chafin’s *Shaken.* This novel is a masterful exploration of trauma, resilience, and the intricacies of human relationships, told through the diverse and deeply personal perspectives of its characters.
Chafin does an exceptional job of diving into each character’s point of view, offering readers a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences. From the vulnerable children navigating unimaginable hardships to the overwhelmed yet compassionate adults trying to help them, every perspective feels authentic and heartbreakingly real. The shifting narratives provide a profound understanding of how trauma impacts everyone differently, creating a story that is both multifaceted and deeply human.
What I appreciated most as a social worker is how accurately Chafin portrays the emotional complexity of the child welfare system. The novel doesn’t shy away from hard truths—showing both the challenges and the hope that exist within this work. It’s clear that the author has a deep understanding of the issues she’s writing about, and her storytelling is both empathetic and thought-provoking.
*Shaken* is a powerful and unforgettable novel that will resonate with anyone who cares about children, resilience, and the transformative power of connection. It’s a book I’ll be recommending to colleagues and anyone seeking a story that challenges, inspires, and stays with you long after you turn the last page.
As a social worker in child welfare, I was deeply impressed by Jill Amber Chafin’s *Shaken.* This novel is a masterful exploration of trauma, resilience, and the intricacies of human relationships, told through the diverse and deeply personal perspectives of its characters.
Chafin does an exceptional job of diving into each character’s point of view, offering readers a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences. From the vulnerable children navigating unimaginable hardships to the overwhelmed yet compassionate adults trying to help them, every perspective feels authentic and heartbreakingly real. The shifting narratives provide a profound understanding of how trauma impacts everyone differently, creating a story that is both multifaceted and deeply human.
What I appreciated most as a social worker is how accurately Chafin portrays the emotional complexity of the child welfare system. The novel doesn’t shy away from hard truths—showing both the challenges and the hope that exist within this work. It’s clear that the author has a deep understanding of the issues she’s writing about, and her storytelling is both empathetic and thought-provoking.
*Shaken* is a powerful and unforgettable novel that will resonate with anyone who cares about children, resilience, and the transformative power of connection. It’s a book I’ll be recommending to colleagues and anyone seeking a story that challenges, inspires, and stays with you long after you turn the last page.
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