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Tranquility

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Sometimes there’s a price to pay for doing the right thing.

Support worker Sarah Scott learns this the hard way when, soon after being transferred to Tranquility's dementia unit, she uncovers a sinister secret. Doing the right thing could mean losing her job, and unemployment is not an option for the young, single mom.

Meanwhile, Sarah begins to question whether her newest resident, Edie, belongs in the nursing home's locked unit. The feisty, Scottish woman certainly doesn’t act as though she has dementia. Sarah is determined to have her released, but her plans may be thwarted when Edie risks her own freedom to help uncover the secret.

222 pages, Paperback

First published January 5, 2015

5 people are currently reading
1216 people want to read

About the author

Laurie Gardiner

7 books53 followers
Laurie Gardiner’s works include numerous short stories and poems published in various anthologies. Her debut novel, Tranquility, was inspired by her work as a personal support worker specializing in dementia care.
Laurie is a Canadian, mother of three, an avid reader, a yogi, and a Gemini. She grew up on a farm in remote northern Ontario, where, as her father liked to say, “The mosquitoes are so big they sit on the power lines to drink from the ditches.” Although now a converted city girl, Laurie is still drawn to the wild beauty of the north and visits often, armed with bug spray.

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5 stars
36 (50%)
4 stars
24 (33%)
3 stars
8 (11%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
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2 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Heather.
Author 1 book26 followers
February 17, 2015
I enjoyed Tranquility and had trouble putting it down. The characters are so colorful and realistic. Each dementia patient has their own story and personality, just as each of them has something unique that makes them tick. The author definitely did her research when painting a picture of the dementia ward where the bulk of this story takes place.

The plot was also exciting; I found myself asking questions along the way, which kept me reading. I always wanted to know more about what was happening and why. The author leads the reader on just enough by explaining what needs to be explained when necessary, but no more. But don’t worry, the author reveals all by the end.

I actually give Tranquility four and a half stars instead of five, but I rounded up for the sake of this review. That half a star is because of the few places in the text where I wished the author would’ve given me more. There were a couple of scenes where she glossed over the action with brief sentences that described what happened, but I would’ve loved a little more detail. This is a minor complaint that is outweighed by how great the rest of the book is.
Profile Image for L.E. Lacaille.
10 reviews20 followers
July 9, 2017
Tranquility is an unforgettable emotional roller coaster ride which will melt the hearts of even the most jaded and cynical of readers. It is a warm and gentle jaunt through the life of a young careworker, but it is also the gripping tale of a no-let-up quest for justice.

When Sarah transfers to the Dementia unit of the Tranquility Nursing Home, she suspects that the tranquillity is only skin deep. Indeed, the home’s idyllic facade masks a plethora of daily traumas – from residents with psychotic illnesses to incontinence. But Sarah and her colleague Tracey increasingly fear that there is a dark and twisted evil in the care home’s very gut. They vow to expose it at any cost.

Tranquility is about a fight for justice when no-one wants to listen, but it is also the poignant story of the love between four generations of women living under the same roof. The great-grandmother, Elaine – ‘Gran’, the grandmother, Brenda, single mother Sarah and her six-year-old daughter Kayla. These four steel magnolias indomitably support one another through love and loss.

The real stars, though, are perhaps the residents of Tranquility themselves. Their banter is a timely reminder that an elderly person – perhaps especially a dementia sufferer – is not a shell to be discarded but a labyrinth of memories, thoughts, hopes and dreams. From the caddish Sam to the vivacious Rose to forever-young twins Lily and Beth, their personalities shimmer and thrive.

Who could forget the haunted Mrs W? Who would mess with the feisty Edie? At its heart, the book is a telling reminder that the death of an old person is not an inevitable relief but the burning of a vast and great ship that has sailed the seven seas.

Tranquility evokes an ocean of buried feelings, and it will be very hard not to succumb to the tidal wave of emotions. In other words, keep the Kleenex handy!
Profile Image for Agnes .
978 reviews89 followers
September 20, 2015
Moving story

If anyone has ever had a heart that was broken because of a lost family member then you must read this story. It makes you realize how precious life is and to enjoy every minute. As told by Sarah Scott who works in a dementia unit. She uncovers how the patients are being treated and goes about exposing the cruel treatment they get while dealing with her own problems at home .... An ailing grandma, a widowed mom and a young child.

A story to make you cry, laugh and question your own mortality.
Profile Image for Barb.
1,546 reviews39 followers
June 18, 2015
I won this book on Goodreads and since I am now a Kindle reader, I almost didn't read it right away, but it looked good so I decided to give it a try and I could not put it down. What a great writer. Sarah started working at Tranquility Dementia hospital as a support worker and becomes friends with Tracey, another worker, and they love taking care of the of their patients, but Sarah doesn't like how some of the workers who have been working there for years treat them and the two girls start investigating in secret. Laurie Gardiner wrote a great book.
Profile Image for Lael Braday.
Author 9 books14 followers
November 30, 2017
Single mom Sarah starts day shift in the dementia ward of the healthcare facility Tranquilty, moving from nights in palliative care. Her new co-worker Tracey immediately befriends her, introducing her to the “cast of characters” for whom she will be caring: Sam, who randomly prefers nudity, gentle, inquisitive Rose, the bickering twins Lily and Beth, the wheelchair menace Mrs. W, who remembers a concentration camp more vividly than contemporary events, quiet Mrs. Sellers, Italian immigrant Mrs. Gallo, whose husband visits her daily, Alfred, who has a tendency to call for a once beloved cat named Hairball, and Mrs. Amaral, a sweet Portuguese immigrant. Gardiner’s work in such a facility inspired the story, and to ensure accuracy, her research included interviewing employees in all areas of the facility, from bathing to housekeeping. New residents to Tranquility bring a professional dilemma, a dangerous situation, and potential romance for Sarah. Edie, with her soft Scottish brogue, does not appear to be suffering from dementia, but when she fakes it to expose an abusive employee, Sarah keeps an eye on her. After two violent incidents, endangering staff and residents, John is quickly moved again, to the psych ward. With Georgia comes a big family, including her great-grandson Jay, who lights a fire in Sarah. Along with all this, Sarah’s own grandma suffers a second stroke, and her mother must deal with end of life choices, a struggle for a woman who hasn’t really gotten over her husband’s death a decade earlier. The brightest light in this story is Kayla, Sarah’s daughter, who gives her grandma life, and handles great-grandma’s struggle with surprising grace for a 4-year-old. Sarah and Tracey execute a not-quite-legal plan to prove the co-worker’s abuse, but it’s waylaid by Edie’s plan to do the same. Everything comes together in the end in a complicated, bittersweet resolution, just like in real life. Characters learn and grow, while others astonish, but most of all, the ones who need to find themselves do so.

This is a beautiful story of faith in humanity, dignity in aging, justice for the vulnerable, and finding strength in family and friends.
Profile Image for K.N..
Author 10 books135 followers
December 27, 2017
Through Sarah, the reader learns what it’s like to work as a support worker in the Dementia Unit of Tranquility. Sarah is a kind-hearted and diligent worker who quickly notices something is amiss in the care of some patients.

As the story unfolds, Sarah handles both home and work struggles with quiet reserve. Stresses build when her supervisor does nothing after Sarah reports that a coworker is abusing patients. Sarah can’t afford to lose her job, but her conscience won’t allow her to stand by and do nothing. She takes a bold risk with the help of Tracey, a sympathetic coworker and friend.

Gardiner's scenes unfold so clearly, I saw the hospital in my mind. Her characters are diverse and written with a sympathetic tone. She does a great job of humanizing the hospital patients and employees, carefully shedding light on some of the ills in the care system while maintaining a positive angle on those who dedicate their lives to this field. And there’s even a little romance in the air as Sarah tries to expand her life outside the walls of her hospital work.
Profile Image for Carl Jenkins.
Author 3 books16 followers
February 11, 2018
I work in Mental Health, so the jump to the dementia ward at Tranquility was not a huge leap for me. I enjoyed getting to know the cast of characters, particularly the out-of-place Edie, and poor Mrs. W, whose personally traumatic history followed her even into the dark. I could even empathize with the villains in the story, for whom burn-out and compassion fatigue were stops they should have made years ago. I look forward to the next story from this talented author.
Profile Image for K.J. Lyons.
Author 6 books8 followers
July 6, 2019
Laurie did a good job at bringing out each and every character's personality. I felt them all the way up to the end of the story. The story flowed so easily together and was well written. The different relationships explored were all engaging and helped to keep the story busy. I could not put it down. I wanted to see justice done in some way to the evil woman! Maybe it helped to have some closure to my own experience.
This book brought back some memories of my own from the short 48 hours I spent in a nursing care facility after my accident. Some of these same things happened to me. Luckily, my husband had me removed and sent somewhere else for my rehab.
I highly recommend this book! You will NOT be sorry.
Profile Image for Wall-to-wall books - wendy.
1,063 reviews22 followers
January 16, 2016
4.5 Stars!
This book was special to me for a few reasons. When I was in college I did a research paper and speech about "Elder Abuse" which landed me an "A", a job, and a applause from my instructor! I was offered a job taking care of a wealthy woman with Dementia in her home for a couple years.
Also, my daughter worked in an Independent Living home for those with Alzheimer's and Dementia. She started out working the overnight (just like the woman in the book!) was on the waiting list for a day position, after a year finally got one! She then was promoted to Activities Asst. Director!
So this book had different meaning to me than it might for others.

This book was well written and seemed very real. I had heard so many of these stories before from my daughter. So I know this really does happen, none of this is exaggerated.
The character development is excellent. I felt very close to the characters. The two support workers who try to stop the abuse as well as Edie, a resident are all very brave! I loved Edie, by the way! She was a wonderful woman.
This story puts you a little on the edge of your seat for a while.

Please do not judge this one by the cover! In my opinion, this was a terrible choice for a cover! It makes it look dark and scary, and its not like that. So those who are looking for a horror book will be dissappointed, and those who don't pick it up because they do think it is horror will be missing out on a great book! I hope the author will re-think this and change the cover.

A big thanks to Reading Addiction Virtual Book Tours for sending me this e-book for my honest review!
Profile Image for Tony Parsons.
4,156 reviews102 followers
August 18, 2015
Tranquility had been opened for 30 yrs. it was Palliative, Dementia, Parkinson’s & Alzheimer’s care facility.
Sarah Scott (dementia unit personal support attendant, nursing student, gerontology) applies & gets the job at Tranquility.
Her supervisor is Abby (head nurse).
Her co-workers are: Tracey, Sheila, Carol & Tina.
The patients are: Mr. Gallo (Italian), Mrs. Gallo (Italian), Mrs. Sellers, John, Rose, Mrs. Amaral (Portugal), Mrs. W, Sam Turner, Mr. Roberts, Lily, Albert (streakier), Georgia, Mrs. Martin, & Beth.

Why was Edith Edie MacAdams (patient, Scottish) really in Tranquility?

What will Sarah & Tracey uncover?

Will Sarah fall in love?

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written psychological thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great psychological thriller movie, or mini TV series. 1 you must read to the very end. Wasn’t as scary as I thought it was going to be, But I will still rate it at 5 stars.

Thank you for the free Goodreads; Escargot Books & Music; Autographed; paperback book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Profile Image for Amanda (Smitten For Fiction).
640 reviews20 followers
July 27, 2025
Tranquility gave me an inside look at the life of a support worker working in a dementia unit. After starting a new job at a dementia unit Sarah is acquainted with some interesting characters, meets a new friend, and discovers that one of the long-time workers doesn't belong working there. Sarah has a lot on her plate with the new job, taking care of all of her residents, and her daughter, mother, and grandmother. My favourite character is Tracey, a fun-loving, upbeat, friend that Sarah meets at her new job. The author created great characters, especially the residents of the dementia unit. Reading about Edie, Georgia, Beth, and the other residents was my favourite part of the book. You get a great sense of what it would be like to work there. Tense scenes were written very well, I found myself holding my breath at times. If you cry easy - have the tissues ready, and be ready for a good laugh at Sam.

I would have liked to hear more about Kayla's father and the relationship Sarah had with him. It would have been nice to have closure on what happened with Sheila.

If you're looking for a quick, page-turner, relationship drama led with great characters, this would be a great book for you.
Profile Image for Brian Paone.
Author 35 books362 followers
May 9, 2016
I had no idea what to expect going into this novel. The book focuses on the relationship of 3 generations of women who live together, a blooming romance, and coworker friendships... but the heart of this book is really elder abuse. As a police officer for the past 14 years, the author did a great job making me VERY mad at the antagonist (technically, the "villain" by the end of the book) and I was rooting for justice, even if it was roadside justice by the other care takers. Anytime a book can get me to hate a character and root for another character, I consider it a win. I read this entire book in 4 sittings (with reading the last 40% of the book in a single sitting). It kept me engaged, engrossed, and wishing I could continue following these people's lives even past "The End." That's when you know interesting and 4-dimension characters have been created by an author. Another aspect I loved about the book was there were not a lot of characters, but each character had their own identity,. and completely different personality. There were no 2 carbon-copy characters, no wasted personality traits. It was well thought out, and well executed.
334 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2015
I was provided with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Suppor worker Sarah takes charge of a nursing home's dementia unit, little knowing that there is a lot more than she bargained for, behind the doors of the unit. While she tries to adjust to life there and get to know her inmates, Edie gets her attention. Intrigued by Edie's ruthless speech and roughened demeanour, Sarah tries to get to know Edie. As she spends more time with Edie, Sarah is more and more convinced that Edie is not demented. When sinister things need to be solved, an unlikely friendship forges between Edie and Sarah, helping them try and uncover the mystery. Do they manage to unravel the dark nature of things in the nursing home, is what the book takes us through.

The plot flows briskly, and the narrative is well handled. It would have been much easier to empathise with Sarah and Edie if there had been more about their characterisation. However, the storyline was still engaging.

My rating for this book: 3 stars
Profile Image for Reeca Elliott.
2,017 reviews25 followers
January 17, 2016
Sarah is in a new position at the nursing home. She begins to suspect a coworker of abuse. Because Sarah is new, it becomes a sticky situation. Sarah also doubts that one of the residents, Edie, actually has dementia.

This is actually two stories in one. Will Sarah be able to help with these problems without loosing her job?

The story looses a little steam in the middle and the conversations need a little work. But, I thoroughly enjoyed this tale. Edie was a charmer, along with several of the other residents.

A well researched story! I work in a hospital and a nursing home. The author knew very well the actions of an Alzheimer's patient. As well as, the frustrations of the caregivers and family members.

Profile Image for C.C..
Author 11 books15 followers
April 22, 2017
I finished reading Tranquility recently and enjoyed it tremendously! I really liked getting to know the characters in Laurie's story—the main characters, as well as the wonderful personalities at the home. I had no idea about the way the elderly are taken care of in these kinds of homes, so it was eye-opening.
I liked the budding romance, and the interaction of the three women (daughter, mother, grandmother), as well as the growing friendship between co-workers.
I won't give anything away other than to say that I was on my toes at certain points in the story left wanting to know what was going to happen.
Thanks Laurie for a wonderful read!
I look forward to reading more stories from you,
CC
2 reviews
April 27, 2016
I read Tranquillity through a book club so I didn't pick it out for myself. It is definitely not something I would normally read but once I started I couldn't put it down! Laurie has a way of creating characters that come alive and creates a world so real that I could easily place myself among the action.
Tranquillity opened my eyes to a world that is often misunderstood. I was drawn into the story and was pleased that it didn't have an expected storyline. I loved following all the twists and turns and was sad when it ended because I couldn't continue reading more!
I would highly recommend this novel.
Profile Image for Kristin.
Author 26 books369 followers
May 13, 2016
This was a real eye opener. It really made me stop and think. Author Laurie Gardiner, through her words, created great characters and plot.

Support worker, Sarah Scott, works at Tranquility's dementia unit where she uncovers a sinister secret. As I read, I hoped what the author portrayed really doesn't happen, but hearing news reports every so often; it does. And it made me sad right along with her characters.

The emotions the characters feel were right along with my own. I found myself rooting for Sarah to do the right thing.
Profile Image for Kate Sullivan.
11 reviews
June 2, 2016
I can be queen of the DNF, so when I find a book I want to run back to whenever I get that chance to read, it's exciting. For me, Tranquility was this kind of story. Not only was there mounting tension with the antagonist, but also colorful layers adding to Sarah's internal and external conflicts shown through her job, her responsibilities, and her trust issues. There was an element of romance, but it was on the back burner, which I felt was true to what Sarah was going through with her job and family matters. Fans of women's fiction won't be disappointed with this read.
229 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2015
Thanks to Goodreads and Laurie Gardiner for giving me this book. It is a story about a young woman, Sarah who starts working as a support worker in a nursing home for people with dementia. It is evident that the author has worked in this field by the way she describes the patients and the daily encounters. Sarah discovers something wrong going on in the nursing home and tries to make it right. This is a fast moving story and a great read. I would highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Jenn.
199 reviews
May 29, 2015
Didn't turn out to be the genre I thought it would be, but it was still a good read!!
Profile Image for Sarah.
55 reviews3 followers
July 31, 2015
Wonderful read! Easy to get through, the characters are lovable, and it made me think about an issue I had never thought about before. The last couple of chapters are heart breaking!
1 review
April 24, 2016
I really enjoyed the book and identified with the characters and their struggles. I laughed and cried with them. Excellent read!
55 reviews
April 7, 2020
Tranquility captures a very realistic scenario of life in a dementia unit in a long term care facility. For all involved, life is anything but tranquil.

Each patient has their own personality with various antics showing how individual their dementia can be. Some antics are quite deliberate and funny, other antics are innocent, but frustrate caregivers.

A true mystery evolves while we witness the challenges to properly care for those afflicted with this non-discriminating disease. We also witness a caregiver torment dementia patients who have no recourse. Thank goodness the dementia patients have an ally to the rescue.

Why Tranquillity hasn’t yet been made into a movie is beyond me. Oprah or Reese Witherspoon really should pick this one for its realistic, but hilarious, tale of life on the inside.


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