Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! This book officially publishes on 11/11/24!

This author continues to be on my must-read list after this book! I knew very little about this before requesting the book, just knowing it had something to do with a “cult”. While reading, it was interesting to see how the many POVs and dual timelines came together, and how the FMC rationalized/justified her actions and how things can get muddy when trying to act in another’s best interest. I will say that it did take me a bit to be invested in the characters to understand their motivations, but the book both started and ended at roller-coaster fast pace. Definitely recommend giving this one a read!

Why did I pick a book about a single mother with a baby who needs a heart transplant? Oh that is right? I wanted to feel something. Let me tell you, I definately felt something with this one. The writing in this book is absolutely perfection. I love Dalice. I love her little mean girl thoughts and opinions. I even love the fights and love she has with her sister.
I love how I felt for Reva and Shane at first too. I really felt for little Shane.
I could not put this down at all. It was so bad that I sat there with a painful full bladder for over an hour because I just could not look away.
And 90% on is like the most intense book!
This is likely one of the best books I have ever read. I may never recover.

I too have a child with a severe heart defect but but after reading this book I am just glad she doesn't have gold hands.

Rated 4.5 ⭐️

A story of how far a parent will go to save their child. Dalice goes through life with so many obstacles, but the one that's the hardest is waiting for a heart transplant for her son. When she thinks she finds the best course for her and her son, she doesn't realize it at first, but she joins a cult that offers magical healing. Dalice will do anything to help her son, but at what cost?

This book was rated as a horror. I didn't find it scary, but it definitely had some creepy sinister aspects to it, such as cults and some religious components. I felt empathy for the main character, in her need to fix her son. You could feel exactly what she was feeling throughout the book. I enjoyed the multiple POVs to get the whole story, including the background of how these healing started happening to the rituals and ceremony that currently take place. I'm not sure I could handle a Threshing myself.

Thank you to Netgalley, Steph Nelson, and the publishers for this free ebook. This review is 100% my own and honest opinion.

Proof positive that you do not need to like a main character to like a book.

I hated Dalice. I hated her name (pronounced like Dallas but spelled fancy). I hated how entitled she seemed. I hated how she treated her sister WHO WAS A SAINT.

While I understood the heartbreak and challenges she faced as the mother of a child who would most likely not survive long in the world, she honestly seemed to expect that the entire world should stop turning to give her what she wanted.

But I really liked the book! The plot was fascinating and took an interesting and unexpected turn toward unrestrained horror. I liked *most* of our characters, with the exception of our tragically named main character and her oddly unrealized love interest. I even loved/hated our villain.

It's a good book. Suspenseful, surprising and, at times, heartbreaking.

Just never, ever, name your child that way. Please???

A fun popcorn thriller weaving some of the authors personal experiences (I really appreciate the afterword) with more sinister elements. Very easy to read and would be great for someone wanting to explore the grief horror genre

I was a wee bit afraid when I started The Threshing Floor, because mostly I was worried that the "baby needing a heart transplant" part would be too hard to read. But it did not turn out to be! Sure, you had the Feelings™ because of it, but it was not too overwhelming that I could not enjoy the story. And what a ride it was! Now, first let me tell you my one qualm about the story: The premise that Dalice has to pay the hospital bills is just not accurate. I mean, it probably will be come January (thanks, half of America), but right now, any child with a medical condition, especially in progressive Washington, would be covered under Medical Assistance, regardless of the parent's income (and Dalice definitely doesn't make enough for it to matter). So I had to get over that, but once I did, and just pretended the story was set in 2025, I was fine. (Also, I hate it here.)

Anyway, Dalice is doing everything she can for her son, who was born with a very serious heart condition. She meets Shane, who not only provides the potential for a little romance, he provides a potential way to fix Cash's heart. But Shane doesn't want Dalice involved in his sister's shenanigans, and soon we see why. Reva, Shane's sister, has a literal cult following for her ability to cure people's medical conditions. But nothing is free, is it?

I enjoyed Dalice struggling with these brutal decisions, I enjoyed Shane struggling with his own decisions surrounding both Dalice, who he cares for, and Reva, who he has loyalty toward, and I enjoyed learning more about how Reva (and by extension, the group) morphed into what they did. I also enjoyed all the relationships, and how the characters had to work through them all, even the more minor relationships that were featured. Plus, because the outcome involved a lot of people's lives (including an innocent child's), I obviously was invested in the story and could not put it down.

Bottom Line: It was high stakes and high adventure, and I loved the story and the characters.

Right off the bat, this gave me such a fucking ick.

But, let me explain why.


So, I absolutely HATE the “insta-love” trope. It’s dumb. It’s not real. And I never would choose to read a book that has it.
That is my ick.
Well, that and the way that Dalice in the first 1/3 of the story seems to have NO care in the world for her kid. Did not like.

Buuuuuuut.


This wasn’t awful after that.

I enjoyed the “speaking in tongues”, “gods healing” and the whole Cult-y vibes going on. And, I feel like it was written pretty accurately for how those cults are formed and grown.

The twist of blame onto Shane was also super interesting. But, as soon as that chapter happened, I already knew how that was going to play out. But I wasn’t disappointed.

So while the first portion of the book was almost DNF material, I stuck it out and was surprised by this.

3/5⭐️

The Threshing Floor by Steph Nelson, Dallas‘s son Cash has a heart problem and although he is on a list to get a new heart he is very low on that list but this isn’t her only stressor her sister who has no kids always seems to think she knows what’s best for older sister Dallas and doesn’t mind telling her what that is. One day at her second job at The Pig Out Barn restaurant she waits on what her coworker calls the church crowd who doesn’t tip well but in this group of people is high school classmate Mickey and another guy who Dallas cannot stop leering at whose name is Shane. When the group leaves leaving a small tip he waits behind to give her a more suitable tip and acts if he likes her but is hesitant to talk to her. When Mickey comes back in the restaurant to get Dallas’s number it causes Shane to act even more awkward. When Dallas and Mickey start hanging around and she starts taking her and little cash to the events at the “church.“ I although Shane ex-husband and to get close to Dallas on one hand but on the other ask is if he likes her to keep things from her that one would tell someone they’re getting to know Dallas is confused. She soon learns Nikki‘s daughter used to have a chronic illness but was given a miracle by Reva the church leader. Dallas knows she would do anything to have this for her poor sick little boy with his blue lips and bad heart. Even after she sees some strange goings-on in almost 2nd guesses her attending the “church“ she still goes back wanting to help her son. If the summary wouldn’t have got me the prologue definitely did this book was good with the exception of Dallas acting like a boy crazy middle school girl it seem to just get better. The only thing I didn’t get was how could this young shy little girl turn in to this charismatic church leader who everyone just adored? In the beginning I kept wondering how could anyone performing miracles turn into a horror story and Steph Nelson definitely had the that answer because OMG this was a pretty good read.

What a phenomenal book! I am baffled by the way Steph’s mind works and how she can come up with stories in her mind! Seriously? Healing powers? But then a twist on them? Amazing! Definitely recommend!

This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

The Threshing Floor is a chilling and emotional ride that dives deep into the lengths a mother will go to save her child. I’m always drawn to stories about cults, and this one delivered with its dual timeline that slowly unravels how the cult came to be. The backstory adds so much depth, especially seeing how desperation and manipulation can twist even the best intentions.

Dalice was such a compelling character. Her strength and determination to save her son, no matter the cost, were so inspiring. After reading the author’s note, I was even more moved. Steph Nelson shares her own experience of losing a child with a congenital heart defect, and it’s clear she poured her heart into this story. It made the book feel even more personal and powerful.

The cult aspect? Absolutely nailed it. Nelson shows how easily people in desperate situations can be drawn into something dangerous, and the group’s rituals gave me chills.

I also loved how easy Nelson’s writing is to sink into—it feels like you’re just in your own head, experiencing the story firsthand. I’ve read The Final Scene by her too and really enjoyed that one, so I knew I was in for a treat.

If I had one tiny complaint, it’s that the pacing could’ve been a little faster in places. But honestly, that didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the book overall. If you love horror with psychological twists and emotional depth, this one’s for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

The story is about a struggling single mother whose child has a heart defect that is baited by a man to join a cult. The cult leader has special powers and a heck of an anti-aging routine. The mother is desperate for a donor or a cure for her son's heart issues. She is lured to the cult leader who has a history of curing the incurable, but at what price......

I liked this book. I read this in record timing due to trying to figure out what the prologue was about. There was a lot about the romance that kept you questioning who was the issue here (it was almost too much). At first I was REALLY annoyed at the flashbacks because it almost seemed pointless. However, they proved their usefulness towards the middle of the book. Loved the multiple twist with the siblings that the author threw in there.

The ending was really good.

Steph Nelson is such a compelling voice in the thriller genre! Propulsive, page-turning, spine tingling, heartwrenching. This is the story of a mother who joins a cult to save her son's life. HIGHLY recommend picking this one up because everyone is going to be talking about it!

The Threshing Floor is a compelling, fast-paced story that explores the lengths a mother will go to for her child, blending suspense with emotional depth. Dalice is a devoted mother to her 2-year-old son, Cash, who has a serious heart condition that requires constant medical attention. In order to cover mounting bills, Dalice works two jobs, struggling under the weight of her responsibilities.

Unexpectedly, she reconnects with Mickey, an old high school classmate, and meets her enigmatic, handsome friend Shane. Despite knowing that a relationship is the last thing she needs, Dalice allows herself to take a chance. As she grows closer to Shane, she begins to wonder what he’s truly involved in—and just how much Mickey and Shane’s lives intersect with her own.

The plot takes a supernatural turn when Dalice meets Shane’s sister, Reva, who possesses mysterious healing powers. The unfolding story delves into the power of desperation and the extremes a mother will reach to save her child. It’s a thrilling ride that keeps you questioning everyone’s motives, especially when characters like Mickey and Shane seem to have secrets of their own.

From the first page, I was gripped by the story’s intensity, and the pacing never falters. I found myself rooting for Dalice and Cash, all while remaining skeptical of the supporting characters, which only added to the suspense. The author masterfully weaves tension, family dynamics, and supernatural intrigue, making for an engaging and thought-provoking read.

Overall, The Threshing Floor is a solid 4-star read—emotional, gripping, and impossible to put down. It’s a story about love, sacrifice, and the unyielding bond between mother and child. If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers with heart, this one is definitely worth picking up.

This book kept me guessing until the very last chapter. I was amazed at how it ended! It pulled all the heartstrings, and gave me chills. Wonderfull done Steph!

Dalice works two jobs to support her young son Cash and all the medical costs his heart condition brings along. When she learns there is a woman who can heal his failing heart, she gets swept up in what seems to be a friendly cult. But Dalice soon finds out something more nefarious is hiding underneath the surface.

"I would do absolutely anything for Cash to have a chance at a normal life."

The Threshing Floor is a well executed cult story. Nelson has a pleasant and engaging writing style, which makes reading a breeze. Despite the at times heavy subject matter, she gives us unexpectedly funny moments which provide some welcome levity.

This novel features three points of view with Dalice being our main character and POV throughout. But the other two give us some insight in the broader story and character depth for those characters. I also really enjoyed seeing the relationship between Dalice and her sister Brandy play out.

Dalice is a very likeable protagonist and you can't help but root for her and little Cash. Nelson paints a very realistic picture of getting sucked into a cult, going deeper and deeper, and feeling like there is no way out.

"I can’t believe I’m considering going back. I shouldn’t. But I’m afraid that the possibility of Cash being healed is like elastic tying me to this place, and no matter how hard I try to leave, it’ll snap me back."

The Threshing Floor is the perfect read for those that enjoy well written cult stories with elements of magical realism. This novel features well rounded, loveable characters and a convincing portrait of indoctrination.

"She chooses, and she doesn’t choose fairly—she chooses how she wants to."

I really liked this book! It was a sacrifice for the mother to join this cult to try and save her child. I think it was very intriguing, it kept me interested, and I learned a lot about cults and their mentality of it and how it starts and how they catch people and brainwash them

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complementary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

"Chains jangle. I freeze, breath hitching in my throat. Someone’s down here? Chained up? What the actual fuck? “Help me.” The voice is a breathy whisper. I strain to see, but the strobe effect is aggravating my head, making it hurt worse than it already did. I have to help, but terror tightens around me like a straitjacket. I don’t want to go any further."

⚠️triggers⚠️
body shaming, sexual situations, references to infertility, child loss, eating disorders, persons with disabilities and sicknesses being cured, a non-explicit, brief reference to the sexual abuse of a child, and non-explicit references to suicide. A rabid dog is euthanized off-page, and a wild animal dies.


A dark and gripping psychological occult thriller with elements of grief and body horror. It's one mother's journey and sacrifices and the lengths she is willing to go to save her son whose life is hanging on the balance.
Life is tough but Dalice is tougher.
Her decisions due to her dire situation will leave her in high-stakes dilemma with no easy way out. In the end, she will have to choose: control or sacrifice.
You can feel the despair, dread and tension oozing from the pages as the story progresses.
Layered story and dual timeline which alternates from past to present and we get to learn more about the cult's history, the healer Reva and her journey on how she discovered her powers and how she became her twisted self.
Although not as super gory and twisted as I expected but still an enjoyable read and I liked the ending.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours 🖤

I really enjoyed this! The pacing is good and I really liked the writing style. I was drawn in from beginning to end. I would recommend this! Special Thank You to Steph Nelson,Dark Matter Ink and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Didn’t love it. Really hard to get into. The print was also weird so it was hard switching between books which I do a lot.