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When the Storm Ends
Beth thought her violent childhood was something she left in the past—until she met Erin. Now the abuse of her step-father has returned in terrifying nightmares.
Beth became a child psychologist so she could help children who are broken and hurting, but Erin, the fifteen-year-old who killed her father, is different. If Beth can’t reach her and find out why she did it, Erin will spend the rest of her childhood behind bars. To most people, it looks simple—Erin is either crazy or evil, but when Beth looks into Erin’s haunted eyes, she’s sure that something terrible was done to this girl. Erin, however, isn’t talking.
Beth believes Erin might open up to someone with whom she feels a kinship. Of course, Beth knows she shouldn’t share her own past with a patient, but the clock is ticking toward Erin’s trial, and Beth is out of options.
Little does Beth know that taking this terrifying leap will not only reveal the truth about Erin, but will rip Beth’s past wide open as well—and a connection between them that will shake Beth to the core.
Beth became a child psychologist so she could help children who are broken and hurting, but Erin, the fifteen-year-old who killed her father, is different. If Beth can’t reach her and find out why she did it, Erin will spend the rest of her childhood behind bars. To most people, it looks simple—Erin is either crazy or evil, but when Beth looks into Erin’s haunted eyes, she’s sure that something terrible was done to this girl. Erin, however, isn’t talking.
Beth believes Erin might open up to someone with whom she feels a kinship. Of course, Beth knows she shouldn’t share her own past with a patient, but the clock is ticking toward Erin’s trial, and Beth is out of options.
Little does Beth know that taking this terrifying leap will not only reveal the truth about Erin, but will rip Beth’s past wide open as well—and a connection between them that will shake Beth to the core.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2018
69 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca L. Marsh
7 books90 followersRebecca L. Marsh is an award-winning author of women's fiction. She grew up in the mountains of Western North Carolina, and now lives in Dallas, Georgia, with her husband and daughter.
When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family (cats and dog included), watching movies, and reading a good book. Rebecca occasionally makes home-made candy and works on her scrapbooks (she is woefully behind).
She is the author of When the Storm Ends, The Rift Between Us, Where Hope is Found, Remember the Butterfly, and Summer's Runaway.
When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family (cats and dog included), watching movies, and reading a good book. Rebecca occasionally makes home-made candy and works on her scrapbooks (she is woefully behind).
She is the author of When the Storm Ends, The Rift Between Us, Where Hope is Found, Remember the Butterfly, and Summer's Runaway.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 22, 2018
Book Reviewed by Linda on www.whisperingstories.com
When the Storm Ends, reminds us that not all children are brought up in a loving, stable home, protected from evil. It is a heart wrenching tale of physical and mental abuse. It also shows us that good can be achieved after a childhood of depravity.
The book is very well written with good tone and use of language. It is easy to understand the writers thoughts through her story. Rebecca L Marsh delves into very dark places but shows us there can be light at the end of the tunnel.
The characters are so well described that they come across showing their true natures, evil in some and such caring and love for others. Beth the main character is portrayed well in her fight to protect her brother whom she loved dearly.
An excellent read which brought me to tears at times, but also made me smile in places. The plot was brilliant and opened my eyes to the darker side of life. There were lots of twists and turns and I rarely knew what to expect next, the author definitely kept me guessing.
This had to be a really hard subject to write about but one which the author, in my eyes, covered well and really drew me in. It’s not a subject that I have read many books about but this one really showed that we never know what can go on behind closed doors in what seemingly seems a loving family.
Well done Rebecca L Marsh for writing a tale about such strong issues, darkness verses love. A very dark subject yet the author made it so readable. I shall definitely be recommending this really good book. I now look forward to reading more from the author in the future.
When the Storm Ends, reminds us that not all children are brought up in a loving, stable home, protected from evil. It is a heart wrenching tale of physical and mental abuse. It also shows us that good can be achieved after a childhood of depravity.
The book is very well written with good tone and use of language. It is easy to understand the writers thoughts through her story. Rebecca L Marsh delves into very dark places but shows us there can be light at the end of the tunnel.
The characters are so well described that they come across showing their true natures, evil in some and such caring and love for others. Beth the main character is portrayed well in her fight to protect her brother whom she loved dearly.
An excellent read which brought me to tears at times, but also made me smile in places. The plot was brilliant and opened my eyes to the darker side of life. There were lots of twists and turns and I rarely knew what to expect next, the author definitely kept me guessing.
This had to be a really hard subject to write about but one which the author, in my eyes, covered well and really drew me in. It’s not a subject that I have read many books about but this one really showed that we never know what can go on behind closed doors in what seemingly seems a loving family.
Well done Rebecca L Marsh for writing a tale about such strong issues, darkness verses love. A very dark subject yet the author made it so readable. I shall definitely be recommending this really good book. I now look forward to reading more from the author in the future.
December 16, 2020
Sometimes you read a book and find that you are left feeling sort of… content. Content in knowing that these fictional characters you’ve spent several hours with have come out of their traumatic experiences safe and well. This is just such a book.
The central theme of this novel is family violence and child abuse – so be warned. The characters were easy to empathize with and the situations easily imagined.
The protagonist, Beth Christopher, suffered a lot in her early life and because of this she now works as a child psychologist. She is very good at what she does because of her empathy for her patients. However, she crosses a line with one particular patient in the hope that this traumatized girl will open up to her – a fellow victim. Through this bold and somewhat unethical approach, Beth seeks a successful outcome before the girls looming trial date.
I found the story compelling, but the writing didn’t flow as smoothly as it could at times. The subject matter was at times dark, yet the situations sometimes turned almost saccharine… leaving me strangely conflicted in my overall assessment of the book.
The North Carolina setting neither added nor detracted from the novel as this story could have taken place anywhere. And sadly… it does. The circle of family violence is only too real.
This novel spoke to the fact that some people really should never have children. On the flip side, it also reinforced the fact that there are some very good people out there who want only what is best for children. It also emphasized the fact that siblings often carry huge responsibility, both physically and emotionally.
Recommended to those readers who like realistic situations, told in a frank way, yet who also appreciate a happy ending.
3.5 stars rounded up
The central theme of this novel is family violence and child abuse – so be warned. The characters were easy to empathize with and the situations easily imagined.
The protagonist, Beth Christopher, suffered a lot in her early life and because of this she now works as a child psychologist. She is very good at what she does because of her empathy for her patients. However, she crosses a line with one particular patient in the hope that this traumatized girl will open up to her – a fellow victim. Through this bold and somewhat unethical approach, Beth seeks a successful outcome before the girls looming trial date.
I found the story compelling, but the writing didn’t flow as smoothly as it could at times. The subject matter was at times dark, yet the situations sometimes turned almost saccharine… leaving me strangely conflicted in my overall assessment of the book.
The North Carolina setting neither added nor detracted from the novel as this story could have taken place anywhere. And sadly… it does. The circle of family violence is only too real.
This novel spoke to the fact that some people really should never have children. On the flip side, it also reinforced the fact that there are some very good people out there who want only what is best for children. It also emphasized the fact that siblings often carry huge responsibility, both physically and emotionally.
Recommended to those readers who like realistic situations, told in a frank way, yet who also appreciate a happy ending.
3.5 stars rounded up
November 8, 2018
It all begins with Beth, a child psychologist who is presently helping solve a case. Erin, a fifteen-year-old is behind bars for killing her father. Only, she does not say a word about why she did it. Beth's job is to help find the cause. As she delves into the case, demons from her past spring out of the woods. Circumstances are eerily familiar between the past and the present.
Rebecca L Marsh gives us a great plot, her characters and writing enliven every page. You cannot help be stuck with the Beth and her story even after you have put down the book.
For the entire review, visit Frost At Midnite.
Rebecca L Marsh gives us a great plot, her characters and writing enliven every page. You cannot help be stuck with the Beth and her story even after you have put down the book.
For the entire review, visit Frost At Midnite.
June 12, 2022
Wow! This book does not hold back. Beth, our lead character, has been through so much trauma & yet she is able to help others. I wanted Beth to heal as well & she finally gets that opportunity. It does not come easy though.
I really liked this book. It opens the door to the darkness that so many children face. It is hard to read at some times & will definitely pull at your heart strings but it is a great story.
I met the author at a Festival last year & bought this book. I cannot believe the sweet lady I met wrote this gut wrenching book!
I really liked this book. It opens the door to the darkness that so many children face. It is hard to read at some times & will definitely pull at your heart strings but it is a great story.
I met the author at a Festival last year & bought this book. I cannot believe the sweet lady I met wrote this gut wrenching book!
April 18, 2023
very good read
Very good book. For me it was an emotional read since I can feel the emotions the author is trying to convey. I had a hard time putting the book down when it was time to go to bed.
Very good book. For me it was an emotional read since I can feel the emotions the author is trying to convey. I had a hard time putting the book down when it was time to go to bed.
April 9, 2022
OMG! I wanted to rate this book before I was halfway done;
but I couldn't put it down!
I wasn't sure who I was pissed at more, Beth's step -father or her mother! But I was totally enthralled the whole way thru
and I wanted to read more about Beth and Nolan!!!!
Thank you,
Monica Stancato,
from Dana Hill!
but I couldn't put it down!
I wasn't sure who I was pissed at more, Beth's step -father or her mother! But I was totally enthralled the whole way thru
and I wanted to read more about Beth and Nolan!!!!
Thank you,
Monica Stancato,
from Dana Hill!
March 5, 2019
Erin Clifton is being held in juvenile detention pending her day in court for murdering her father, James. Her attorney, Lisa, is friends with child psychologist Beth Edgewick and has hired Beth to talk to Erin to try to get her to tell them why she shot her father, but Erin refuses to say anything.
The only way Beth believes she can gain Erin’s trust is to tell her about her own childhood. Knowing that this is not only an unconventional method of treatment, but also a bit unethical, Beth forges ahead and tells her what it was like when she was growing up.
Beth’s mom, Annabella, was 19 when Beth was born and four years later she married Jeff and they moved in with him. At first, Jeff was a nice person, but he began drinking not long after they married.
When Jeff drank, he became a raging jealous lunatic whose fists found Annabella all too easily. He later began to turn his anger toward Beth who suffered several broken bones because of his drunken rages.
When Beth’s half brother Jack was born, Beth’s aunt Amy (Anabella’s twin) told her that she would have to take care of Jack. It was at that moment that Beth realized that Amy knew what Jeff did to them, but still, she did not try to help them. When Jack was around four years old, they were taken away from Annabella and put into the foster care system.
Beth knows that Erin had a reason for shooting her father, so she took a chance on telling her story so that Erin could see that something good could come from a bad situation, she just had to tell Beth what had happened to her so that Beth could help her.
This is a really good book, with tons of emotional hot button issues. Beth, who has grown up, but has not really healed, still has issues that she needs to deal with. Erin also has issues that Beth needs to understand so that she can help not only with her defense but also with helping her to heal.
All of this is woven through stories of hope, where you see people in Beth’s life who helped her, much in the same way that she now helps the children she counsels.
This truly was a rewarding story to read and although I read it over the course of a day and a half, there were hard days, as I cried through more than 1/2 of the book. For me, a test of a good story is to laugh out loud, cry a bit, and shout for joy. This book performed on all of those levels and then some.
This truly is a book not to be missed!
The only way Beth believes she can gain Erin’s trust is to tell her about her own childhood. Knowing that this is not only an unconventional method of treatment, but also a bit unethical, Beth forges ahead and tells her what it was like when she was growing up.
Beth’s mom, Annabella, was 19 when Beth was born and four years later she married Jeff and they moved in with him. At first, Jeff was a nice person, but he began drinking not long after they married.
When Jeff drank, he became a raging jealous lunatic whose fists found Annabella all too easily. He later began to turn his anger toward Beth who suffered several broken bones because of his drunken rages.
When Beth’s half brother Jack was born, Beth’s aunt Amy (Anabella’s twin) told her that she would have to take care of Jack. It was at that moment that Beth realized that Amy knew what Jeff did to them, but still, she did not try to help them. When Jack was around four years old, they were taken away from Annabella and put into the foster care system.
Beth knows that Erin had a reason for shooting her father, so she took a chance on telling her story so that Erin could see that something good could come from a bad situation, she just had to tell Beth what had happened to her so that Beth could help her.
This is a really good book, with tons of emotional hot button issues. Beth, who has grown up, but has not really healed, still has issues that she needs to deal with. Erin also has issues that Beth needs to understand so that she can help not only with her defense but also with helping her to heal.
All of this is woven through stories of hope, where you see people in Beth’s life who helped her, much in the same way that she now helps the children she counsels.
This truly was a rewarding story to read and although I read it over the course of a day and a half, there were hard days, as I cried through more than 1/2 of the book. For me, a test of a good story is to laugh out loud, cry a bit, and shout for joy. This book performed on all of those levels and then some.
This truly is a book not to be missed!
May 25, 2023
Great book. Beth became a child psychologist so she could help children who are broken and hurting, but Erin, the fifteen-year-old who killed her father, is different.
February 15, 2023
Emotional page turner. Guaranteed to engage your weeping mechanism. The story line is solid and engaging. Mature subject matter...generational abuse. NOT overly specific, but could trigger victims.
June 12, 2024
Could not put this down- I don’t tend to write reviews- but this had me crying tears of sadness and happiness
October 5, 2018
Beth is a child psychologist tasked with helping a young girl, Erin, to tell her story of why she murdered her father. In the process of getting the scared girl to open up, Beth tells Erin, and the reader her story of survival. Her story of being raised in an abusive home, to bouncing through a few foster homes, of finding family and love.
Beth and her brother Jack did not have it easy growing up. Her mother married an abusive man and made their lives a living hell. When things go too far, they are removed from her care. Each of them hopes that after their mother goes through the proper channels to get them back, they will return to her, without her husband. But things don't always work so smoothly in the world, and thus begins Beth's journey to healing. It's a long journey that she struggles with well into adulthood, well into her marriage.
My heart hurt for Beth and everything she went through. It soared when she found a family that loved her, that wanted her for their own. I rejoiced when she found Katie, her foster sister, who took to her immediately. It broke all over again when that family went through their own troubles. Erin's story is also heartbreaking and it's hard to imagine just exactly what pushed her to do what she did.
The foster system in America is flawed and broken, and all too often kids fall through the cracks. Marsh did a wonderful job portraying the good and the bad of the system. She has written a beautiful and heartbreaking story in When the Storm Ends, with deep and connected characters. A wonderful read.
Beth and her brother Jack did not have it easy growing up. Her mother married an abusive man and made their lives a living hell. When things go too far, they are removed from her care. Each of them hopes that after their mother goes through the proper channels to get them back, they will return to her, without her husband. But things don't always work so smoothly in the world, and thus begins Beth's journey to healing. It's a long journey that she struggles with well into adulthood, well into her marriage.
My heart hurt for Beth and everything she went through. It soared when she found a family that loved her, that wanted her for their own. I rejoiced when she found Katie, her foster sister, who took to her immediately. It broke all over again when that family went through their own troubles. Erin's story is also heartbreaking and it's hard to imagine just exactly what pushed her to do what she did.
The foster system in America is flawed and broken, and all too often kids fall through the cracks. Marsh did a wonderful job portraying the good and the bad of the system. She has written a beautiful and heartbreaking story in When the Storm Ends, with deep and connected characters. A wonderful read.
September 7, 2018
Beth Christopher uses her own childhood abuse and survival to get a new client to speak up about her own issues. Beth gets answers she need , including to questions she had forgotten so she had.
Wow! Did I love this book. I could not put it down. I loved the subtle for shadowing and the pace of the story. And though as a reader I had an idea early on what happened I was still compelled to read on so that I could get more of Beth's story. The more of her story i heard the more I sympathized with her and her patient.
The story is so well rounded that even the parts that seem far-fetched (like how she met her father) suddenly plausible. And regardless they we're entertaining and gave me all the feels.
I highly recommend this book.
You can check out the full review at Challafletcher.com
Wow! Did I love this book. I could not put it down. I loved the subtle for shadowing and the pace of the story. And though as a reader I had an idea early on what happened I was still compelled to read on so that I could get more of Beth's story. The more of her story i heard the more I sympathized with her and her patient.
The story is so well rounded that even the parts that seem far-fetched (like how she met her father) suddenly plausible. And regardless they we're entertaining and gave me all the feels.
I highly recommend this book.
You can check out the full review at Challafletcher.com
April 17, 2019
Great read
Good character development . Good plot line. I met the author at McKay books and am glad I downloaded the book
Good character development . Good plot line. I met the author at McKay books and am glad I downloaded the book
July 21, 2020
A great read that will keep you gripped to the end.
February 19, 2021
When the Storm Ends by Rebecca L Marsh has received a Chill with a Book Readers' Premier Award.
www.chillwithabook.com
www.chillwithabook.com
Read
October 30, 2021
Winner of a Chill With A Book Premier Reader's Award
-Psychological drama
-A new twist on murder mystery. Not a whodunit, but a why did she do it?
-Will give you all the feels
Available in paperback and ebook, and free with KU: mybook.to/whenthestormends
Short Exerpt
Beth snapped the television off just as Nolan walked into the room, a curious look on his face. She followed him into the kitchen and waited as he poured a cup of coffee.
“Last night was wonderful. You really outdid yourself this year,” Beth said, pasting on the smile that was required for this conversation.
“Only the best for my wife of seven years,” Nolan said, smiling back. His brown hair was still messy, and the eyes that nearly matched his hair were not yet fully alert.
“I don’t know how you can possibly top it next year.”
“I’ll just have to find a way.” Then his expression sobered as he looked her in the eye. “I wish all the screaming that went on in our bed last night was a result of my romantic prowess.”
Beth looked down into her coffee cup, as disjointed images from her dream the night before raced through her head—being chased by someone without a face. Of course, she knew who it was, it could only be one person—and yet, there was a strange quality about this dream. It felt almost as if the man chasing her might not be who it should be, but instead someone she didn’t know, as if she’d been dropped into someone else’s nightmare.
“We might as well talk about it,” Nolan said when Beth stayed silent. “You were having another nightmare.” Nolan paused, waiting for Beth to answer. When she said nothing, he continued, “That’s the third time this week. You can’t keep ignoring this and hoping it will go away.”
Beth looked up at him, a little stab of anger flaring. “What do you want me to do about it? I can’t control my dreams.”
“I think you should talk to someone about it … a professional.”
“In case you’ve forgotten, I am a professional.”
“Okay,” he spoke in a pinched tone. “Physician, heal thyself. What do you think is causing this?”
Beth gave him a defeated shake of her head. “I don’t know.”
“Think about it for a minute. Maybe there’s something going on that’s making the memories surface again. What about the kids you’re working with? Are any of them from abusive homes?”
“No.” Then she thought about it. “Well, none that I’m sure about.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m helping Lisa on a court case.” Lisa, a lawyer, and a friend, worked on many juvenile cases and occasionally needed a child psychologist’s help.
“Do you think the kid is abused?”
“I don’t know. She won’t talk to me. It’s just … something in her eyes, like they’re pleading for help even when she insists she doesn’t want any.”
“Maybe she’s the cause of all the dreams.”
Available in paperback and ebook, and free with KU: mybook.to/whenthestormends
February 22, 2020
*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
When the Storm Ends tells the mirroring stories of Beth and Erin, who have darkly traumatic childhoods in common.
Teenager Erin is being held for the murder of her father, but won’t talk to anyone about what happened or why. Beth is the child psychologist trying to help Erin (and her defence lawyer) by attempting to gently prise open her silence in the hopes that it is hiding some sort of vindication for her behaviour.
The story is told through Beth’s perspective, for both current events and her recounting her own childhood struggles to Erin, in the hopes it will build some trust between them. Present-day Beth is surrounded by loving friends and family, and has built up a successful practice in her chosen career. But the nightmares that leave her shaken make it clear from the beginning that she has yet to deal with the demons of her past. Maybe her and Erin can help each other?
There are elements of crime mystery in this story, via the suspense about Erin’s actions, and about what happened to traumatise Beth and Erin in the first place, but the main focus is on the survival of horrific abuse and the hope of healing from such trauma to live a full, fulfilling life. Beth’s story doesn’t just offer such hope to Erin, but also to herself and to anyone reading who may have suffered through similar struggles.
Obviously there are tons of triggers here, considering the sensitive subject matter, but the content is handled in a sensitive and empathetic way, with the focus on survival, catharsis and healing, rather than on salaciously dwelling on the acts of violence.
When the Storm Ends is a well-told story of suffering and strength that is emotionally harrowing, but ultimately full of hope.
Her thoughts drifted to her patient, the one with the pleading eyes. She’d tried every way she knew to convince the girl to talk to her. In normal circumstances, patience was the best course of action. Give the patient space and time to get comfortable with her until she was ready to open up. Time was running out, though, and the interview room at the juvenile detention center offered little space and no comfort. But she had to do something because the girl’s haunted, gray eyes never left her mind.
Then a crazy idea bloomed in Beth’s mind. But, no, she couldn’t. To do such a thing went against the ethical standards of her practice… Still, what if it could work?
– Rebecca L. Marsh, When the Storm Ends
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
When the Storm Ends tells the mirroring stories of Beth and Erin, who have darkly traumatic childhoods in common.
Teenager Erin is being held for the murder of her father, but won’t talk to anyone about what happened or why. Beth is the child psychologist trying to help Erin (and her defence lawyer) by attempting to gently prise open her silence in the hopes that it is hiding some sort of vindication for her behaviour.
The story is told through Beth’s perspective, for both current events and her recounting her own childhood struggles to Erin, in the hopes it will build some trust between them. Present-day Beth is surrounded by loving friends and family, and has built up a successful practice in her chosen career. But the nightmares that leave her shaken make it clear from the beginning that she has yet to deal with the demons of her past. Maybe her and Erin can help each other?
There are elements of crime mystery in this story, via the suspense about Erin’s actions, and about what happened to traumatise Beth and Erin in the first place, but the main focus is on the survival of horrific abuse and the hope of healing from such trauma to live a full, fulfilling life. Beth’s story doesn’t just offer such hope to Erin, but also to herself and to anyone reading who may have suffered through similar struggles.
Obviously there are tons of triggers here, considering the sensitive subject matter, but the content is handled in a sensitive and empathetic way, with the focus on survival, catharsis and healing, rather than on salaciously dwelling on the acts of violence.
When the Storm Ends is a well-told story of suffering and strength that is emotionally harrowing, but ultimately full of hope.
Her thoughts drifted to her patient, the one with the pleading eyes. She’d tried every way she knew to convince the girl to talk to her. In normal circumstances, patience was the best course of action. Give the patient space and time to get comfortable with her until she was ready to open up. Time was running out, though, and the interview room at the juvenile detention center offered little space and no comfort. But she had to do something because the girl’s haunted, gray eyes never left her mind.
Then a crazy idea bloomed in Beth’s mind. But, no, she couldn’t. To do such a thing went against the ethical standards of her practice… Still, what if it could work?
– Rebecca L. Marsh, When the Storm Ends
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
August 27, 2018
When the storm ends: pre-release ebook review
Fyi- This book could easily be renamed ‘Trigger warning’ as these are wide swathes of text in which will make readers uncomfortable, even though the overall theme if the book is catharsis.
Too many times, small press books are all potential and terrible follow through. I happily, moved to the top of my reading pile, I was not disappointed. Rebecca L Marsh put together a wonderful novel.
Quick synopsis- Beth Christopher is a child psychologist working a social case where she sees some similarities to herself in the way a troubled teen appears closed off and broken. Beth attempts to help 15-year-old Erin as she prepares to be tried in court for the murder of her father. Beth feels a kinship in the shared pain, having been raised in an unhappy and violent home, ultimately shuffled through the social services system. 30 years later, educated and in a stable loving marriage, Beth finds herself plagued by nightmares and dificulty engaging in some family scenarios.
I wasn’t sure what to expected from this novel. While it sounded interesting, it felt at risk of being heavy handed or amaturishly clinical.. Instead, when the Storm Ends was clean and fairly precise in it’s execution. The tale unfolds and culminates with ease. Marsh is able to tie any loose ends into a pleasant package.
Minor gripe- Beth’s story requires the inclusion of many characters who are introduced with easily missed descriptions like ‘my sister Katie’. After paragraph rereading and frustration that I had missed something, the explanation arrives again in the next chapter. I also had to suspend disbelief mometarily at the beginning when Beth breaks ethics to share her story with Erin the troubled teen, feeling off character for how she is in the rest of the book. Not critical, but worth noting for when you pick up a Kindle copy after the October 2018 launch!
Worth mentioning- All the classic faults of a small press publication and first novel were sidestepped! The criticality of the faults are in the forgivable vein, being mainly cosmetic ebook publication flaws. A nice small press surprise ;)
Fyi- This book could easily be renamed ‘Trigger warning’ as these are wide swathes of text in which will make readers uncomfortable, even though the overall theme if the book is catharsis.
Too many times, small press books are all potential and terrible follow through. I happily, moved to the top of my reading pile, I was not disappointed. Rebecca L Marsh put together a wonderful novel.
Quick synopsis- Beth Christopher is a child psychologist working a social case where she sees some similarities to herself in the way a troubled teen appears closed off and broken. Beth attempts to help 15-year-old Erin as she prepares to be tried in court for the murder of her father. Beth feels a kinship in the shared pain, having been raised in an unhappy and violent home, ultimately shuffled through the social services system. 30 years later, educated and in a stable loving marriage, Beth finds herself plagued by nightmares and dificulty engaging in some family scenarios.
I wasn’t sure what to expected from this novel. While it sounded interesting, it felt at risk of being heavy handed or amaturishly clinical.. Instead, when the Storm Ends was clean and fairly precise in it’s execution. The tale unfolds and culminates with ease. Marsh is able to tie any loose ends into a pleasant package.
Minor gripe- Beth’s story requires the inclusion of many characters who are introduced with easily missed descriptions like ‘my sister Katie’. After paragraph rereading and frustration that I had missed something, the explanation arrives again in the next chapter. I also had to suspend disbelief mometarily at the beginning when Beth breaks ethics to share her story with Erin the troubled teen, feeling off character for how she is in the rest of the book. Not critical, but worth noting for when you pick up a Kindle copy after the October 2018 launch!
Worth mentioning- All the classic faults of a small press publication and first novel were sidestepped! The criticality of the faults are in the forgivable vein, being mainly cosmetic ebook publication flaws. A nice small press surprise ;)
February 9, 2021
This book is an emotional read. I found it testing, especially as something happened in my family years ago. It’s Beth’s story rather than Erin’s, although eventually it’s realised there is a connection. But that’s all I’m going to venture, I don’t want to give spoilers.
I found this work easy to read, easy to feel for the characters, especially Beth. The characters were developed and feasible; conversation natural. I was surprised about the questions at the end, but I’m going to answer a couple. Firstly, I think Karen overreacted. When one signs up to become a foster parent, you surely must know you’re going to have children placed with you that could have dire emotional problems and Beth ‘losing it’ that once should have been dealt with in a much better way. I’ve worked with children in care and have been a foster mother, so I know how it should work. Secondly, I think John did the right thing in his mind. A child needs a mother, especially a girl. As for Ron, I think he should at least have found out where the children were, even if he couldn’t have them, and could have been in touch at least.
All in all, this story is thought-provoking and I hope it might touch the hearts of those who it needs to touch.
I found this work easy to read, easy to feel for the characters, especially Beth. The characters were developed and feasible; conversation natural. I was surprised about the questions at the end, but I’m going to answer a couple. Firstly, I think Karen overreacted. When one signs up to become a foster parent, you surely must know you’re going to have children placed with you that could have dire emotional problems and Beth ‘losing it’ that once should have been dealt with in a much better way. I’ve worked with children in care and have been a foster mother, so I know how it should work. Secondly, I think John did the right thing in his mind. A child needs a mother, especially a girl. As for Ron, I think he should at least have found out where the children were, even if he couldn’t have them, and could have been in touch at least.
All in all, this story is thought-provoking and I hope it might touch the hearts of those who it needs to touch.
September 3, 2021
Have your tissues handy? Ready to sit down and not get up for a good long while? If so - then consider reading When The Storm Ends. This page turner is the first novel for Rebecca L Marsh. I always struggle to say a book is fantastic when it deals with very real, and very hard issues. Only because how can I find joy or entertainment out of other people’s grief?…But Marsh has a way of telling a bone chilling story while comforting you at the same time. She delivers a happy ending that leaves you feeling satisfied - while dabbing at your eyes. When our main character Beth Christopher is hired as a child therapist for a teen who murdered her father in cold blood - she is forced to wrestle with the demons of her past. Beth tells us her story while trying to help her young client find her voice before her impending trial date. While both stories are horrific - Beth shows us that there are rainbows after storms.
A round of applause for When The Storm Ends for addressing difficult situations while also spreading a message of hope, and love.
“…into every life some rain must fall.”
~ When The Storm Ends
Trigger warning: domestic violence
I recommend this book with 4.5/5 stars
A round of applause for When The Storm Ends for addressing difficult situations while also spreading a message of hope, and love.
“…into every life some rain must fall.”
~ When The Storm Ends
Trigger warning: domestic violence
I recommend this book with 4.5/5 stars
January 10, 2020
When The Storm Ends is another book that is very different to the books I usually read but nevertheless I enjoyed it. It intertwines two stories: those of Beth and Erin. I was intrigued from the outset and wanted to know how their stories were connected. The characters are created really well and I felt invested in their lives.
Marsh explores several themes in When The Storm Ends, many of which are harrowing issues. These issues do need a light shining upon them and I admired the way Marsh did so with sensitivity. Her research into the care system is detailed and gives the reader an insight into Beth's life to allow us to sympathise with her.
Marsh explores several themes in When The Storm Ends, many of which are harrowing issues. These issues do need a light shining upon them and I admired the way Marsh did so with sensitivity. Her research into the care system is detailed and gives the reader an insight into Beth's life to allow us to sympathise with her.
April 8, 2020
Hero one
This is a real tear congratulationsjerker and you will need to keep some tissues handy. I loved the story and it was so real and it was hard to put down. You never know what goes on behind closed doors .
The only thing I would change about this book would be when she goes back into her past. I would identify it some way.
Thanks again amazon and good readss for sharing these books on unlimited.
This is a real tear congratulationsjerker and you will need to keep some tissues handy. I loved the story and it was so real and it was hard to put down. You never know what goes on behind closed doors .
The only thing I would change about this book would be when she goes back into her past. I would identify it some way.
Thanks again amazon and good readss for sharing these books on unlimited.
June 16, 2023
very good book
Very well written. I enjoyed it very much. Loved the relationship Beth and Nolan had. Some very raw moments taking place
Very well written. I enjoyed it very much. Loved the relationship Beth and Nolan had. Some very raw moments taking place
April 10, 2025
A great read
February 3, 2019
The back story in this novel was rather neatly done, I thought. Beth became a child psychologist to help troubled children…her own abusive childhood was her motivation. She finds a challenge in Erin, a young teenager who killed her father. She won't reveal why, and Beth, ducking procedural rules a bit, thinks the only way she can get her to talk is to tell her all about her own childhood. It's risky, but Beth, feels a compulsion to find out the truth and do all she can to keep Erin out of prison.
It's a shocking story, but a compelling one and very skilfully handled by the author, using Beth's story to coax Erin and culminates unexpectedly with a link between them.
This is a story about a difficult subject, but written in an easy, flowing style, with credible dialogue and believable characters. Beth's discovery of her real father and his subsequent temporary absence from her life raised my eyebrows a bit, as it was a little 'convenient', but the story-telling and the way Marsh combines what are, effectively, two stories is quite original, so my eye-brow raising was soon forgotten about.
Well told, well written, well structured with a nice neat, tidy ending.
It's a shocking story, but a compelling one and very skilfully handled by the author, using Beth's story to coax Erin and culminates unexpectedly with a link between them.
This is a story about a difficult subject, but written in an easy, flowing style, with credible dialogue and believable characters. Beth's discovery of her real father and his subsequent temporary absence from her life raised my eyebrows a bit, as it was a little 'convenient', but the story-telling and the way Marsh combines what are, effectively, two stories is quite original, so my eye-brow raising was soon forgotten about.
Well told, well written, well structured with a nice neat, tidy ending.
November 23, 2019
This is a story about haunting pasts and mental health. If you love books that dive deep into their characters, you should check this one out!
It's well written and features some suspense. There's a lot of times that it made me stop and really think about what I've read. I gave this one 3 out of 5 stars.
It's well written and features some suspense. There's a lot of times that it made me stop and really think about what I've read. I gave this one 3 out of 5 stars.
January 7, 2019
When I picked my kindle up to read this book, I couldn’t really remember what it was about. I just knew it was the next one on my tbr list. As I started reading it, I started to remember bits and pieces of the summary. I tend to like it when that happens. Coming into a book with no expectations!
When the Storm Ends had my attention from the beginning. I never had a “just power through the boring part” moment at all! The storyline was very good! Now, there were a few times when I wasn’t completely in love with the writing style and things like that but, overall, this book was super interesting.
The ending wasn’t what I was expecting but I think I liked it better than what I had in my own head! I really enjoyed this book and I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to read it! I definitely recommend that you read it too!
*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When the Storm Ends had my attention from the beginning. I never had a “just power through the boring part” moment at all! The storyline was very good! Now, there were a few times when I wasn’t completely in love with the writing style and things like that but, overall, this book was super interesting.
The ending wasn’t what I was expecting but I think I liked it better than what I had in my own head! I really enjoyed this book and I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to read it! I definitely recommend that you read it too!
*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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