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Voices in the Sanitorium
Relocating from Manhattan, teenage Aislyn must adjust to life near the abandoned West Mountain Sanitarium. One night, Aislyn joins new friends in the old ruins -- and seems to return home with a different personality. Not long after Aislyn purchases a diary written almost a century ago by Bridget, a young patient recovering from tuberculosis on the sanitorium grounds, strange things begin to happen.
- GenresHistoricalChristian
ebook
Published October 29, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 8, 2023
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Amy Lynn Walsh expertly combines the history of an abandoned, deteriorating sanatorium in Scranton, PA, with a relatable fictional family.
Read full review in the 2023 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Amy Lynn Walsh expertly combines the history of an abandoned, deteriorating sanatorium in Scranton, PA, with a relatable fictional family.
Read full review in the 2023 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
April 23, 2023
What a fun, factual, unique, and mysterious historical fiction story. I loved so much about this book, the family, the surroundings, the mystery, the light romance, the history, the love, and everything getting pulled out of the darkness and brought to life. I jumped a few times, stressed out some, swooned a little, got distraught, got aggravated, got surprised, and even cried. This book had compassion, kindness, and sadness. Some things would happen that would make me worry, rejoice, and be heartbroken. When a story makes you feel so much it’s a great thing. I would recommend this book to both young and old but with a WARNING: This book will get your heart fluttering with feelings and thumping with fear. (That is what a great story is supposed to do) I am so excited to read more books by the very talented author Amy Lynn Walsh.
February 15, 2023
This book was not my typical genre, but it was worth my time to read it. It was a bit jarring at first because it was written in first person present tense, which is rare, at least in the books I normally read.
The author obviously did a lot of research on the sanatorium depicted in the story and the patients who suffered with tuberculosis. She did a good job of conveying that information through various means, including diary entries in the historical timeline, an online blog diary by the contemporary teenage character, and through dialogue.
If you like a read that's a little spooky, but not extreme, this might be one for you.
The author obviously did a lot of research on the sanatorium depicted in the story and the patients who suffered with tuberculosis. She did a good job of conveying that information through various means, including diary entries in the historical timeline, an online blog diary by the contemporary teenage character, and through dialogue.
If you like a read that's a little spooky, but not extreme, this might be one for you.
November 6, 2022
I loved this book! I enjoy stories that have two different time periods that intertwine in some fashion. The ghost/otherworld discussions were intriguing, and possible answers were presented, not just left to ponder. The historical research comes through in the characters and the details.
I think the main character Aislyn was very true to the time she lived, in mannerism and age. She surprises me over and over throughout. I couldn’t get enough of Bridget and her time at the sanitarium.
The grounds portrayed, while alive and running, verses them as ruins, is like referring back and forth to two photographs. And we all love exploration, which is why The Secret Garden is still going strong.
I did not expect the turn the story took before concluding, and I won’t give it away here.
I like the format the author chose; reg dialog and thoughts, a blog, and a diary.
I’m glad I didn’t miss any of the last chapter. It gave me more details of a time and desperation that those who had this illness must have felt. I feel proud to see how generous people were during the depression, to help their down-trodden. I am left wondering about Benjamin’s life, and how many others we know nothing about. I feel encouraged research, though that’s not my thing. A good book will do that!
I think the main character Aislyn was very true to the time she lived, in mannerism and age. She surprises me over and over throughout. I couldn’t get enough of Bridget and her time at the sanitarium.
The grounds portrayed, while alive and running, verses them as ruins, is like referring back and forth to two photographs. And we all love exploration, which is why The Secret Garden is still going strong.
I did not expect the turn the story took before concluding, and I won’t give it away here.
I like the format the author chose; reg dialog and thoughts, a blog, and a diary.
I’m glad I didn’t miss any of the last chapter. It gave me more details of a time and desperation that those who had this illness must have felt. I feel proud to see how generous people were during the depression, to help their down-trodden. I am left wondering about Benjamin’s life, and how many others we know nothing about. I feel encouraged research, though that’s not my thing. A good book will do that!
September 5, 2023
Rambling thoughts about
Voices in the Sanitorium
by Amy Walsh
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
OK.. I'll admit it.
Not a book I would have immediately thought to pick up.
Dual-timelines aren't a fave, although I do love Kristy Cambron's.
But I had wandered into a FB Book Party and won the book.
NTMA, and I never know how that will go either.
At first, all I saw was a tempermental, sourpuss teen who was quite unhappy that her parents had moved from New York City to Scranton, PA - right next to the ruins of an old hospital, in fact.
Her family seems to have more issues than at first glance.
But when Aislyn finds a diary,
both she and her parents begin to dig a bit into the past.
Bridget brings the story of her time at the hospital in 1930s to life, showing that it was a place that tried to help people.
And just a few people that are kinda hard not to get attached to -
or let go easily.
Oddly enough,
I was much more thrilled to follow Bridget's story than Ashlyn's.
Definitely different than my typical run-to book,
it was also unique in that it bounced between
Aislyn, Kathleen (her mom), and Bridget in first-person.
Easy reading style.
I really didn't connect with any of the present-day characters,
other than Aislyn losing her grandfather
and laughing at the dog Leroy.
Here's a few quotes that did strike a chord with me:
(this was the physical book format, BTW)
--------------------------------------------------------------
Being around Aislyn
is like traveling through landmines that have spiderweb triggers.
I never know what is gong to upset her.
page 43
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I run down to Mam's room ...
she yawns and resumes reading,
propped with 3 pillows on her bed.
I notice she is reading one of my father's favorites,
James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small.
pages 59-60
(that's a VERY familiar book to me!!)
----------------------------------------------------------------
The first quotation my father underlined was
"When we look back,
the events of our lives will fall together like a kaleidoscope,
forming a pattern with meaning."
page 183
----------------------------------------------------------------
"....you can live your life fully and joyfully,
with honesty, zeal, and love.
I hope you make a mark on the world
that makes it an even more beautiful place..."
Benjamin
page 218
Voices in the Sanitorium
by Amy Walsh
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
OK.. I'll admit it.
Not a book I would have immediately thought to pick up.
Dual-timelines aren't a fave, although I do love Kristy Cambron's.
But I had wandered into a FB Book Party and won the book.
NTMA, and I never know how that will go either.
At first, all I saw was a tempermental, sourpuss teen who was quite unhappy that her parents had moved from New York City to Scranton, PA - right next to the ruins of an old hospital, in fact.
Her family seems to have more issues than at first glance.
But when Aislyn finds a diary,
both she and her parents begin to dig a bit into the past.
Bridget brings the story of her time at the hospital in 1930s to life, showing that it was a place that tried to help people.
And just a few people that are kinda hard not to get attached to -
or let go easily.
Oddly enough,
I was much more thrilled to follow Bridget's story than Ashlyn's.
Definitely different than my typical run-to book,
it was also unique in that it bounced between
Aislyn, Kathleen (her mom), and Bridget in first-person.
Easy reading style.
I really didn't connect with any of the present-day characters,
other than Aislyn losing her grandfather
and laughing at the dog Leroy.
Here's a few quotes that did strike a chord with me:
(this was the physical book format, BTW)
--------------------------------------------------------------
Being around Aislyn
is like traveling through landmines that have spiderweb triggers.
I never know what is gong to upset her.
page 43
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I run down to Mam's room ...
she yawns and resumes reading,
propped with 3 pillows on her bed.
I notice she is reading one of my father's favorites,
James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small.
pages 59-60
(that's a VERY familiar book to me!!)
----------------------------------------------------------------
The first quotation my father underlined was
"When we look back,
the events of our lives will fall together like a kaleidoscope,
forming a pattern with meaning."
page 183
----------------------------------------------------------------
"....you can live your life fully and joyfully,
with honesty, zeal, and love.
I hope you make a mark on the world
that makes it an even more beautiful place..."
Benjamin
page 218
January 11, 2023
Voices in the Sanatorium
Slightly spooky with history and beauty…can that go together? Oh yes it can!
I am not a huge fan of scary or horror genre, but I do like mystery and a little spooky. This book was right up my alley.
The story takes place in Scranton, PA after Collin and Kathrine make a very important decision to move their family from New York a very busy city, uproot their four children, and bring them to the West Mountain of Scranton for what they hope to be a fresh start.
Not far from their new home are ruins from an old sanatorium, where people went to be treated for Tuberculosis back in the 1930’s. You may be able to see where this is going… ruins, old hospital… isolated mountain? You guessed it, perfect setting for some very spooky behaviors. This is also where you will be introduced to some cool history, as Asilyn finds a diary from a teenager that is connected to the sanatorium from back in the day.
Needless to say, uprooting four children and one of them being a teenager, Asilyn, present their own set of issues. Not that the family isn’t already going through enough, a Grandfather, Daideo, has just passed away, a marriage is strained and a teenager is hell-bent on making life more miserable for her parents.
So, where is the beauty, you ask? Well, you will have to read the story to see how it all comes together AMAZINGLY, through scary events, trials, and heartache not only in the present but also in the past (1930’s). Yes, this is a dual time period story with such significance to the present.
You will enjoy this book. The author, Amy Lynn Walsh, has a wonderful way to put you into the setting without being over-descriptive. It’s just enough to encourage your own mind’s imagination to be present in every scene. Which at times-made my hair stand on end and brought me to tears during a very intense scene about Daideo. I felt a lot of frustration with Asilyn, as I am a mother, myself. I would expect that any teenager would feel the frustration Asilyn felt as they would see from her point of view. I do want to give one more credit to Amy Lynn Walsh, because as a woman I am sure that it may be hard to write a man’s point of view, I felt she did an excellent job with Collin’s character.
Slightly spooky with history and beauty…can that go together? Oh yes it can!
I am not a huge fan of scary or horror genre, but I do like mystery and a little spooky. This book was right up my alley.
The story takes place in Scranton, PA after Collin and Kathrine make a very important decision to move their family from New York a very busy city, uproot their four children, and bring them to the West Mountain of Scranton for what they hope to be a fresh start.
Not far from their new home are ruins from an old sanatorium, where people went to be treated for Tuberculosis back in the 1930’s. You may be able to see where this is going… ruins, old hospital… isolated mountain? You guessed it, perfect setting for some very spooky behaviors. This is also where you will be introduced to some cool history, as Asilyn finds a diary from a teenager that is connected to the sanatorium from back in the day.
Needless to say, uprooting four children and one of them being a teenager, Asilyn, present their own set of issues. Not that the family isn’t already going through enough, a Grandfather, Daideo, has just passed away, a marriage is strained and a teenager is hell-bent on making life more miserable for her parents.
So, where is the beauty, you ask? Well, you will have to read the story to see how it all comes together AMAZINGLY, through scary events, trials, and heartache not only in the present but also in the past (1930’s). Yes, this is a dual time period story with such significance to the present.
You will enjoy this book. The author, Amy Lynn Walsh, has a wonderful way to put you into the setting without being over-descriptive. It’s just enough to encourage your own mind’s imagination to be present in every scene. Which at times-made my hair stand on end and brought me to tears during a very intense scene about Daideo. I felt a lot of frustration with Asilyn, as I am a mother, myself. I would expect that any teenager would feel the frustration Asilyn felt as they would see from her point of view. I do want to give one more credit to Amy Lynn Walsh, because as a woman I am sure that it may be hard to write a man’s point of view, I felt she did an excellent job with Collin’s character.
December 17, 2023
Who is whispering to Aislyn? I love this story and how it mixed in millennial family dilemmas with the ghostly breath of the ruins of a real-life 1930s Tuberculosis Sanitorium.
Katherine and Colin try to strengthen and repair their marriage amid a secret that nearly tore them apart, so they move from busy Manhattan, NYC to rural Scranton, PA. Their rekindling is romantic and a tiny bit steamy, so I was rooting for them as they juggle the loss of a beloved parent (and kids' grandparent), making room for Katherine's newly widowed mother, uprooting their four children, and having to appease their oldest, rebellious daughter Aislyn who had to move before her senior year of high school and is furious. (I can relate to the timing of that move myself!) But there's a deeper layer to Aislyn's anger.
But while thrifting in a curiosity shop, Aislyn buys a diary written in the 1930s by teenage TB patient Brigitte. It gives her something interesting to divert her mind, but the more Aisie begins investigating the ruins and hideaways, the more the diary is taking over her life in strange ways.
This story is steeped in fascinating history of the Sanitorium as well as leaving us with just enough chills to keep us reading. I needed to find out what became of Brigitte! And also what was going on with Aislyn and the odd happenings that slowly ebb into the house.
The intriguing diary entries transported me back in time and I looked forward to those chapters the most. I learned a lot about TB, and the wellness institutes I never knew existed. That part of the story was my favorite part, as well as a few twists I didn't see coming. I highly recommended this book to anyone who loves diary mysteries.
Katherine and Colin try to strengthen and repair their marriage amid a secret that nearly tore them apart, so they move from busy Manhattan, NYC to rural Scranton, PA. Their rekindling is romantic and a tiny bit steamy, so I was rooting for them as they juggle the loss of a beloved parent (and kids' grandparent), making room for Katherine's newly widowed mother, uprooting their four children, and having to appease their oldest, rebellious daughter Aislyn who had to move before her senior year of high school and is furious. (I can relate to the timing of that move myself!) But there's a deeper layer to Aislyn's anger.
But while thrifting in a curiosity shop, Aislyn buys a diary written in the 1930s by teenage TB patient Brigitte. It gives her something interesting to divert her mind, but the more Aisie begins investigating the ruins and hideaways, the more the diary is taking over her life in strange ways.
This story is steeped in fascinating history of the Sanitorium as well as leaving us with just enough chills to keep us reading. I needed to find out what became of Brigitte! And also what was going on with Aislyn and the odd happenings that slowly ebb into the house.
The intriguing diary entries transported me back in time and I looked forward to those chapters the most. I learned a lot about TB, and the wellness institutes I never knew existed. That part of the story was my favorite part, as well as a few twists I didn't see coming. I highly recommended this book to anyone who loves diary mysteries.
October 20, 2023
This book was interesting and took readers on a journey in a dual time period. I have to say I loved spending more time in the past and following Bridget. Her time spent in the sanitorium was hard to read at times. I can’t imagine being locked up in a place where disease spread rapidly. Sometimes the patients seemed hopeless and I could feel the dark and cold surround them. Bridget’s journal gives us insight into how she struggled with tuberculosis and wanting to see her family.
As we travel to the present we meet Aislyn and her family. They move away from the city to a more secluded place where there is lots of room for the family. Aislyn is not happy since she is a senior in high school. Leaving her friends behind is a big adjustment for her. I found it weird that she called her parents by their first names simply because she was mad at them. Some of the words used in the book for me were a little uncomfortable and I didn’t like the slang words that were used. It seemed a little rough to talk like that in a Christian themed book.
The book does dabble in the ghost theory and other things I didn’t care for. I have seen other reviews where the readers loved the book. I just couldn’t get into the story and how it switched too quickly from past to present. There wasn’t enough details for me to really feel connected to the characters.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
As we travel to the present we meet Aislyn and her family. They move away from the city to a more secluded place where there is lots of room for the family. Aislyn is not happy since she is a senior in high school. Leaving her friends behind is a big adjustment for her. I found it weird that she called her parents by their first names simply because she was mad at them. Some of the words used in the book for me were a little uncomfortable and I didn’t like the slang words that were used. It seemed a little rough to talk like that in a Christian themed book.
The book does dabble in the ghost theory and other things I didn’t care for. I have seen other reviews where the readers loved the book. I just couldn’t get into the story and how it switched too quickly from past to present. There wasn’t enough details for me to really feel connected to the characters.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
April 14, 2023
Heartwarming, Heartbreaking, and very educational, this is a story revolving are West Mountain Sanitorium for tuberculosis patients in the 1930s. When Aislyn and her family move from New York to Pennsylvania, Aislyn is angry because of having to leave her friends and the life she loved in the city. Soon, they discover the old Sanitorium close to their new home, and they love exploring and learning the history. While visiting a local antique shop, she finds a beautiful leather diary by Bridget who was a patient, and things begin to change. Aislyn begins seeing things and hearing things that can’t be explained, soon she is in full depression mode and has lost all interest. Her mother fears she isschizophrenic or could it be the Irish madness that her great aunt was to believed to have where she could talk the the dead. Her mother is frantically searching for answers and trying to stay sane herself.
Every person has at least one thorn, whether our thorns are passed down through generations or become a part of us through life’s imperfections, and whether our thorns are to keep us humble, or for another divine reason, we choose how our thorns change us. I loved this book, and definitely recommend it. The characters both past and present will have you falling in love with them and wanting to know their history
Every person has at least one thorn, whether our thorns are passed down through generations or become a part of us through life’s imperfections, and whether our thorns are to keep us humble, or for another divine reason, we choose how our thorns change us. I loved this book, and definitely recommend it. The characters both past and present will have you falling in love with them and wanting to know their history
October 28, 2023
I really enjoy reading Historical Fiction. I also love a good Mystery book. Voices in the Sanitorium by Amy Lynn Walsh combines both of the genres and had me intrigued to read the book.
Aislyn is not happy that her family recently moved from Manhattan to Pennsylvania. She is happy that she has made new friends fast and they decide to venture out to the abandoned West Mountain Sanitarium, which is very close to Aislyn's home. Aislyn buys a 1930's Diary that belonged to a Tuberculosis patient at the Sanitarium. Aislyn's personality changes after the visit to the Abandoned Sanitarium and strange things start happening after she begins reading the Diary. Were the writings in the Diary speaking to Aislyn? What does Aislyn discover about the past from the Diary?
WOW, the book is definitely an "Edge of the Seat" book! I was captivated by the storyline from the first chapter. Aislyn and her friends exploring the abandoned building was really mysterious. I think when Aislyn started hearing voices and her actions towards those voices had me a little spooked, but in a good way. The book has many twists and turns! The author has a GREAT Writing style and the author did a great job at the Historical research and times. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good Mystery with Historical aspects! FANTASTIC BOOK!
Aislyn is not happy that her family recently moved from Manhattan to Pennsylvania. She is happy that she has made new friends fast and they decide to venture out to the abandoned West Mountain Sanitarium, which is very close to Aislyn's home. Aislyn buys a 1930's Diary that belonged to a Tuberculosis patient at the Sanitarium. Aislyn's personality changes after the visit to the Abandoned Sanitarium and strange things start happening after she begins reading the Diary. Were the writings in the Diary speaking to Aislyn? What does Aislyn discover about the past from the Diary?
WOW, the book is definitely an "Edge of the Seat" book! I was captivated by the storyline from the first chapter. Aislyn and her friends exploring the abandoned building was really mysterious. I think when Aislyn started hearing voices and her actions towards those voices had me a little spooked, but in a good way. The book has many twists and turns! The author has a GREAT Writing style and the author did a great job at the Historical research and times. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good Mystery with Historical aspects! FANTASTIC BOOK!
October 18, 2023
This novel explores an issue many teens face, moving to a new place and having to make new friends. Aislyn does not handle the situation well. Walsh adds to that plot idea by placing Aislyn and her family next to an old tuberculosis facility. The possibility of mysterious happenings are introduced. There is a clear presentation within the novel, however, of what the Bible says about supposed ghosts and things similar.
I thought the novel was going to be for teens since high school junior Aislyn is a prominent character. But the focus turned out to be more on her mother and how she came to understand what was happening to Aislyn and the meaning of it all. Walsh's writing style, such as descriptions, is much more suited to adults than youth. I like to learn when I read fiction and in this case there was lots of information about how tuberculosis was treated decades ago.
While the issues with Aislyn are worked out, it is quite complex, shown by the length of the denouement. This is a novel for readers who like ones featuring insight into the past through a dual time style plot with an old and revealing diary.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I thought the novel was going to be for teens since high school junior Aislyn is a prominent character. But the focus turned out to be more on her mother and how she came to understand what was happening to Aislyn and the meaning of it all. Walsh's writing style, such as descriptions, is much more suited to adults than youth. I like to learn when I read fiction and in this case there was lots of information about how tuberculosis was treated decades ago.
While the issues with Aislyn are worked out, it is quite complex, shown by the length of the denouement. This is a novel for readers who like ones featuring insight into the past through a dual time style plot with an old and revealing diary.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
October 26, 2023
I wanted to read this book because it sounded interesting and different from what I usually read. I wanted a change of pace, and I am happy to say that this novel delivered that. However, after finishing it, I’m left with mixed feelings.
I really enjoyed the historical aspect of the story. I knew very little about the history of tuberculosis, so learning about that was incredibly interesting. Reading Bridget’s diary was my favorite part, and I honestly wish there was even more to it. I struggled staying in the story when it switched over to present day and we read the book from either Aislyn’s or her mom, Katherine’s, point of view. I genuinely felt like I couldn’t connect with the characters, no matter how hard I tried. I also felt that the climax itself was anti-climactic and ended rather abruptly, the falling action and resolution feeling rather rushed.
Amy Walsh’s writing offers much potential, and she definitely has a wonderful imagination and seems to be an expert with research and history. I would still recommend this book, especially if you find the history of tuberculosis interesting.
I had received a copy of the book as part of the Celebrate Lit Blogging Team and was required to give an honest review.
I really enjoyed the historical aspect of the story. I knew very little about the history of tuberculosis, so learning about that was incredibly interesting. Reading Bridget’s diary was my favorite part, and I honestly wish there was even more to it. I struggled staying in the story when it switched over to present day and we read the book from either Aislyn’s or her mom, Katherine’s, point of view. I genuinely felt like I couldn’t connect with the characters, no matter how hard I tried. I also felt that the climax itself was anti-climactic and ended rather abruptly, the falling action and resolution feeling rather rushed.
Amy Walsh’s writing offers much potential, and she definitely has a wonderful imagination and seems to be an expert with research and history. I would still recommend this book, especially if you find the history of tuberculosis interesting.
I had received a copy of the book as part of the Celebrate Lit Blogging Team and was required to give an honest review.
October 17, 2023
“Kat--ren,” Aislyn butchers my name, “I know you think I am trying to be a brat. But this place gives me bad vibes. We are all going to really regret moving here.”
In 2009, a family from Manhattan moves to rural Pennsylvania hoping to rebuild a damaged marriage. Bringing with them the beloved mother-in-law and their four children, elementary-age to a new high school senior, problems emerge as Aislyn, the senior, begins to exhibit troubling signs of mal-adjustment and depression. To make matters worse, the family has moved right next to an old TB sanitarium from the 1930s, purported to be haunted.
I loved this book because of the elements of a dual timeline. So much history of tuberculosis and sanitarium treatments before there was an actual cure. The novel has quite a spooky element without venturing into the supernatural. Bravo! Also, it is fun to read about thrifting, exploring, and treasure hunting. Plus, reading about working through family issues. Very identifiable for many readers.
I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
In 2009, a family from Manhattan moves to rural Pennsylvania hoping to rebuild a damaged marriage. Bringing with them the beloved mother-in-law and their four children, elementary-age to a new high school senior, problems emerge as Aislyn, the senior, begins to exhibit troubling signs of mal-adjustment and depression. To make matters worse, the family has moved right next to an old TB sanitarium from the 1930s, purported to be haunted.
I loved this book because of the elements of a dual timeline. So much history of tuberculosis and sanitarium treatments before there was an actual cure. The novel has quite a spooky element without venturing into the supernatural. Bravo! Also, it is fun to read about thrifting, exploring, and treasure hunting. Plus, reading about working through family issues. Very identifiable for many readers.
I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
October 24, 2023
Voices in the Sanitorium by Amy Lynn Walsh is a Historical Mystery/Women’s Fiction book. I really wanted to like this book, but I found it to be a bit too much for me. Aislyn appears to be a self-centered teenager who takes out her anger and frustration on her mother for moving her away from Manhattan just as she is about to start high school. Her parents have issues of their own.
I enjoyed reading the parts that focused on Bridget’s diary that Aislyn found. Bridget, a patient suffering from tuberculosis, resided at the sanitarium that Aislyn’s family moved near. Bridget appears to be kind and concerned about those who are around her. I found the story’s pace to be a bit slow and, therefore, a bit difficult to stay focused on what I was reading.
If you enjoy historical mysteries or women’s fiction, check out Voices in the Sanitorium by Amy Lynn Walsh for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed reading the parts that focused on Bridget’s diary that Aislyn found. Bridget, a patient suffering from tuberculosis, resided at the sanitarium that Aislyn’s family moved near. Bridget appears to be kind and concerned about those who are around her. I found the story’s pace to be a bit slow and, therefore, a bit difficult to stay focused on what I was reading.
If you enjoy historical mysteries or women’s fiction, check out Voices in the Sanitorium by Amy Lynn Walsh for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
October 27, 2023
This book is more suspense and what-ifs and what-abouts, with history and mystery and family drama issues than anything that could be classed as "scary". It's a dual timeline story that is told from a first-person POV and it's actually a very interesting story. The author did some more unusual things with this story. Take one stressed and troubled teen, who moved to the middle of nowhere, with her parent's marriage on the rocks, and add in a diary that makes old ruins and long gone people into something much more current and different, and then you have some of what this book did. It's really nice the way the author interconnected it all, the issues, the past, the present, and some future as well. What I didn't like was the ending was very fast and feels like I'm still missing something, but maybe it's made to do that!
Thanks to Celebrate Lit for my digital copy of this book. This review is my own and a positive review is never required.
Thanks to Celebrate Lit for my digital copy of this book. This review is my own and a positive review is never required.
October 28, 2023
This compelling dual-time novel connects a moody teen in modern times with characters from the old TB sanitorium near their new home through a journal Aislyn found from a young female patient there nearly one hundred years earlier. The tale is told through both Aislyn and her mother’s point of view. It has a paranormal element in addition to suspense, with voices from the past, bizarre occurrences, and the strange effects on Aislyn. I would classify it as a young adult book since it focuses on the teenager as she matures, even with the mom’s perspective included. The story helps readers understand what it was like to deal with tuberculosis in the early twentieth century. The characters come across as completely realistic with their issues and reactions, and they make you care what happens to them. The author did a great job with research to bring this drama to life. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
October 21, 2023
I have had the pleasure of reading Amy Lynn Walsh’s debut and was looking forward to what her follow up novel was going to be like. I found that I loved Voices in the Sanitorium and by far my favorite from this author to date. I loved the mystery, history, suspense, and adventure that is included in the story. I was captivated by the characters and wanted to find out how it would end for them. I thought it was great.
I am giving Voices in the Sanitorium five stars. I believe readers who enjoy reading clean historical mysteries will not pass up on reading this one. I would love to read more like this from Amy Lynn Walsh in the future.
I received a paperback copy of Amy Lynn Walsh’s Voices in the Sanitorium from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I am giving Voices in the Sanitorium five stars. I believe readers who enjoy reading clean historical mysteries will not pass up on reading this one. I would love to read more like this from Amy Lynn Walsh in the future.
I received a paperback copy of Amy Lynn Walsh’s Voices in the Sanitorium from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
October 23, 2023
Voices in the Sanitorium is written by Amy Lynn Walsh. I really enjoyed the dual timeline of the book - We see teenager Aislyn must adjust to life near the abandoned West Mountain Sanitarium after moving from Manhattan. The family's purpose is to rebuild a damaged marriage. Aislyn is having a hard time adjusting. She gets caught up with a different crowd, and visits the Sanitarium and comes back negatively affected.
The Sanitarium had housed those that were recovering from Tuberculosis back in the 1930s. Aislyn purchases a diary that was written by Bridget - who was recovering from TB. The author did a great job in showing how lonely and lengthy the recovery may have been.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.
The Sanitarium had housed those that were recovering from Tuberculosis back in the 1930s. Aislyn purchases a diary that was written by Bridget - who was recovering from TB. The author did a great job in showing how lonely and lengthy the recovery may have been.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.
October 30, 2023
Voices in the Sanitorium is a sweet novel that you’ll love. It’s not scary or paranormal and won’t keep you up at night.
This was such a fun read. It’s got a dual timeline going on. And I love those. I love seeing history portrayed as well. And I’m a lover of anything medical. Especially what was normal in the past. This story sharing about a sanitorium is wonderful. The author did research and I love that because I’m all about sharing truth and not just scare tactics.
Definitely a novel that I recommend!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
This was such a fun read. It’s got a dual timeline going on. And I love those. I love seeing history portrayed as well. And I’m a lover of anything medical. Especially what was normal in the past. This story sharing about a sanitorium is wonderful. The author did research and I love that because I’m all about sharing truth and not just scare tactics.
Definitely a novel that I recommend!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
November 15, 2022
This was such a unique read! I was wonderfully intrigued with the rich historical depictions and characters Amy brought to life in Voices. I was fascinated with the Sanitorium stories and found myself googling the real deal. She did have me sweating a bit when her characters started hearing voices, causing Granny to call in a priest… But even that ended up being cleverly written to mask a ending I didn’t see coming! I truly enjoyed it!
November 1, 2023
This is a story that deals with TB and what appears to be mental illness but is it really or is it something else. This book was easy to follow and it does seem to have ghosts but this book is not spooky in the least. The daughter is really disrespectful to her mother but after reading the book it becomes more understandable. I really liked reading the diary parts that was part of this book.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
June 20, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I loved finding out about the history of an actual Sanitorium and the patients who stayed there. This book was written from the different perspectives of 3 strong female characters. These characters were from different generations and even time periods. I found myself so invested in the lives of these characters, that I want to find out more. Highly recommend this page turner!
January 21, 2023
The author did a great job on this book based partly on a true story. Aislyn and her family move near West Mountain Sanitarium which is now in ruins. Strange things start to happen and Aislyn finds an old diary written by Bridget a TB patient who once resided at the Sanitarium.A very interesting read.
October 15, 2023
As one who was also uprooted in high school, I can understand the trauma that the main character's daughter is going through, which is at the root of this novel. The multiple points of view make it difficult especially when one or two of them are untrustworthy, but the setting of the old sanatorium and the history are really interesting, and perfect for a ghost thriller.
November 13, 2025
I liked the unique format this story is told in. Events unfold through the eyes of Kathryn, Aislyn, Aislyn's online diary, and a found diary. The different formats help to keep track of which POV the story is being told in. It is an intriguing unfolding of events, that will keep you guess what is truly going on and turning the pages.
November 7, 2022
Interesting book
First I commend the author's writing skill, the grammar was flawless, and easy to grasp.
Then the story line was breathtaking, although not what I was expecting.
I thought it is a ghost story.
But nevertheless this was interesting.
First I commend the author's writing skill, the grammar was flawless, and easy to grasp.
Then the story line was breathtaking, although not what I was expecting.
I thought it is a ghost story.
But nevertheless this was interesting.
November 17, 2022
This book was really good! Aislyn and Bridget seemed like people I may have known in my life. The storyline was easy to follow and unique. This is my first book by the author and it won't be the last!
January 11, 2023
In Voices in the Sanitorium, Amy Walsh brings us three wonderful stories that weave around each other to a fabulous conclusion. Kathleen and Collin have been through a difficult time in their marriage and to give them a fresh start, they move their family from New York City to Pennsylvania. Kathleen journals about their move and their life. But their teenage daughter, Aislyn, is struggling with the move. Through her online journal, we discover Aislyn has been hearing voices and seeing things that all seemed to be linked to the ruined Sanitorium next to their new house. And when Kathleen and Aislyn discover the diary of a teenager, Bridget, who was a resident of the Sanitorium in the 1930s, we get the third strand of the story, which seems to tie in with the Aislyn’s experiences. Amy draws all three stories together in a wonderful page turning way. I’m cautious about reading anything scary, but I knew I could trust Amy with this story. Voices in the Sanitorium is a wonderful read that comes highly recommended.
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