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Suicide Watch
A wave of suicidal behavior has gripped the nation with no concern for race, gender, or age. Many think it’s just a trend, but inspirational singer Candace Tremont knows better. Since witnessing the suicide of her husband five years prior, she’s committed her life to fighting the spirit of depression. Unfortunately, suicidal thoughts and dreams also plague her mind, making the war more personal than anyone around her realizes.
Unfulfilled with periodic and low-paying gigs, Candace yearns for an opportunity to touch more lives. Her prayers are answered—or so it seems—when she is offered a temporary job at Ontario Correctional Facility, performing for suicidal female inmates. A surge of self-harming behaviors has put the facility at risk for shut down, and Candace’s music might be the staff’s final hope of keeping their jobs. In addition to a substantial fee, Candace is given the assistance of the handsome Julius Barnes, one of the prison’s psychologists who believes her music can help reduce the lethal behaviors of the incarcerated population. However, Apollius, a fallen angel committed to destruction, has other ideas for the inmates, and won’t give up his control over these women so easily. A supernatural battle of epic proportions has ignited in Upstate New York, and the consequences could be fatal. Are Candace’s songs of faith powerful enough to save the lives of the inmates and keep the facility from closing down indefinitely? Or will her interference with Apollius’ plan make her the next target?
Unfulfilled with periodic and low-paying gigs, Candace yearns for an opportunity to touch more lives. Her prayers are answered—or so it seems—when she is offered a temporary job at Ontario Correctional Facility, performing for suicidal female inmates. A surge of self-harming behaviors has put the facility at risk for shut down, and Candace’s music might be the staff’s final hope of keeping their jobs. In addition to a substantial fee, Candace is given the assistance of the handsome Julius Barnes, one of the prison’s psychologists who believes her music can help reduce the lethal behaviors of the incarcerated population. However, Apollius, a fallen angel committed to destruction, has other ideas for the inmates, and won’t give up his control over these women so easily. A supernatural battle of epic proportions has ignited in Upstate New York, and the consequences could be fatal. Are Candace’s songs of faith powerful enough to save the lives of the inmates and keep the facility from closing down indefinitely? Or will her interference with Apollius’ plan make her the next target?
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 5, 2016
1 person is currently reading
209 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 14, 2016
I don't think I've ever read a (fictional or non-fictional) book that was based on suicide, depression, and spiritual warfare. Suicide Watch is a fictional tale that focuses on the message of how important it is to follow your gift no matter the obstacle. This book is full of so many gems that you don't realize how much it has truly touched you until it is over. Suicide Watch is realistic and definitely one that readers should pick up!
April 28, 2016
Following the death of her husband, Candace Tremont felt her life was in shambles. Knowing she’d never lived to her full potential during her marriage, Candace finds new purpose after death. Julius Barnes can’t believe that Letizia is gone, by suicide no less. At the funeral of his childhood friend and celebrity, Julius lays eyes on Candace whom he hasn’t seen in years. After hearing her singing the most tranquil, spirit lifting words he’s ever heard, Julius feels a peace beyond understanding.
Either through sheer coincidence or divine interaction that their paths crossed Candace and Julius lives both changes after that chance meeting. Back at OCF, Julius’ job as Psychologist is on shaky ground after the double suicide of two inmates within the same hour. Feeling as his back is against the wall, Julius urges his supervisor to take on a daring and drastic therapeutic session for group therapy.
Dark forces are working hard to destroy the lives of inmates at OCF, will their plan succeed and successful close the doors to the facility? Apollius’ is confident in his conniving and views his imminent success as the gateway to greater deeds in the underworld.
It is my whole hearted opinion that the main goal of any author is to have their work reach out and touch the reader in profound ways. Although this is a fictional novel, the depths of the words and meaning goes far beyond mere fiction. This author has undertaken a subject matter that affects millions of people daily. Depression is a common but serious mood disorder. Combining spirituality and music therapy to combat the stronghold of depression brings this fictional piece to reality. This book evokes robust reactions at various times while holding the you captive with each passionate stroke of her pen.
While I highly recommend this book, I must include this disclaimer: this book is highly suggestive. The language while not vulgar nor overbearing with Christianity does deal with the spiritual warfare of souls. Most all religions believe in the forces of good and evil and that spirits can dwell in beings and words.
If you are dealing with depression, there is HELP. You don't have to go through it alone. http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline....
Either through sheer coincidence or divine interaction that their paths crossed Candace and Julius lives both changes after that chance meeting. Back at OCF, Julius’ job as Psychologist is on shaky ground after the double suicide of two inmates within the same hour. Feeling as his back is against the wall, Julius urges his supervisor to take on a daring and drastic therapeutic session for group therapy.
Dark forces are working hard to destroy the lives of inmates at OCF, will their plan succeed and successful close the doors to the facility? Apollius’ is confident in his conniving and views his imminent success as the gateway to greater deeds in the underworld.
It is my whole hearted opinion that the main goal of any author is to have their work reach out and touch the reader in profound ways. Although this is a fictional novel, the depths of the words and meaning goes far beyond mere fiction. This author has undertaken a subject matter that affects millions of people daily. Depression is a common but serious mood disorder. Combining spirituality and music therapy to combat the stronghold of depression brings this fictional piece to reality. This book evokes robust reactions at various times while holding the you captive with each passionate stroke of her pen.
While I highly recommend this book, I must include this disclaimer: this book is highly suggestive. The language while not vulgar nor overbearing with Christianity does deal with the spiritual warfare of souls. Most all religions believe in the forces of good and evil and that spirits can dwell in beings and words.
If you are dealing with depression, there is HELP. You don't have to go through it alone. http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline....
December 21, 2016
This was a well written book that highlighted the problem of suicide and the spiritual forces behind it. Hope was woven throughout the entire story.
September 12, 2016
You Are Not Alone
Janell’s “Suicide Watch” deals with Candace Tremont, a woman trying to cope with her life after witnessing her husband commit suicide. After fighting depression and thoughts of suicide herself, Candace decides to help women in prison through her music.
I liked this book because I could relate personally. I’ve had to watch my daughter suffer from depression and suicide thoughts for many years. I enjoyed the way Candace worked through her music/singing to help all the women.
I have read so many self-help books on the do's and don'ts but this was a good novel. The only thing that did not work for me was that it was a little too long.
Reviewed: Alice
3.5 stars
Janell’s “Suicide Watch” deals with Candace Tremont, a woman trying to cope with her life after witnessing her husband commit suicide. After fighting depression and thoughts of suicide herself, Candace decides to help women in prison through her music.
I liked this book because I could relate personally. I’ve had to watch my daughter suffer from depression and suicide thoughts for many years. I enjoyed the way Candace worked through her music/singing to help all the women.
I have read so many self-help books on the do's and don'ts but this was a good novel. The only thing that did not work for me was that it was a little too long.
Reviewed: Alice
3.5 stars
August 15, 2016
For some reason, I also purchased the audible reading with the eBook (which can only listen on tablet or phone, not laptop). The phenomenal reader, Machelle Williams, was able to sing the short song in the novel, as well as portraying the characters voices with narration. I was quite impressed to listen while doing other things.
The story started off quite interesting, and intrigued about adding the Ontario Correctional Facility after Candace sang at the supermodel's funeral, and hope this will help the inmates if she does sing for them. Ironically, I enjoyed the 4th chapter on Apollious (fallen angel) and how he felt about Jesus, humans, and his leader Lucifer. I do ponder on the thought of how angels did not get another chance from one mistake, as humans get a series of forgiveness for their mistakes and how Jesus continues to love us. (I may see how to get this novel in the library I work for).
Furthermore Janell amazed me with a couple unexpected twists and even the parts I grew with expectation or predictability, ultimately Janell is a brilliant storyteller.
I have enjoyed past writings such as "Spell" and Vanity series. I plan to also read "Grave" soon.
Side note: I was blessed by the character Candace, even when it seemed she let her guards down or felt she was losing the battle, God sent a messenger, Chaplain from the prison, to engage and encourage her again to do the will of God. Glad she let go of her past and moved forward.
Leisure read 2016/audio read by Machette was fabulous too.
The story started off quite interesting, and intrigued about adding the Ontario Correctional Facility after Candace sang at the supermodel's funeral, and hope this will help the inmates if she does sing for them. Ironically, I enjoyed the 4th chapter on Apollious (fallen angel) and how he felt about Jesus, humans, and his leader Lucifer. I do ponder on the thought of how angels did not get another chance from one mistake, as humans get a series of forgiveness for their mistakes and how Jesus continues to love us. (I may see how to get this novel in the library I work for).
Furthermore Janell amazed me with a couple unexpected twists and even the parts I grew with expectation or predictability, ultimately Janell is a brilliant storyteller.
I have enjoyed past writings such as "Spell" and Vanity series. I plan to also read "Grave" soon.
Side note: I was blessed by the character Candace, even when it seemed she let her guards down or felt she was losing the battle, God sent a messenger, Chaplain from the prison, to engage and encourage her again to do the will of God. Glad she let go of her past and moved forward.
Leisure read 2016/audio read by Machette was fabulous too.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews