Wasn't sure I would finish this book because it started a little on the slower side of things, but I didn't give up and am glad I didn't because this book turned out to be good! This is one that I would recommend!

Having suffered a schizophrenic break, and released from a mental institution, Martha Covington moves to Amberleen, a sleepy little town on the Georgia coast. Here she takes a summer internship at the Amberleen historical society, to document the oral history of the local Geechee community. Through her interviews and research Martha soon uncovers a long buried secret that has the potential to destroy them all.

The author's writing absolutely brought the setting and atmosphere to life. Martha comes across as a strong, determined and intelligent young woman with an underlying vulnerability that makes her sympathetic and likeable. Hats off to R.K. Jackson for dispelling the stigma of mental illness.

A strong, atmospheric debut. I look forward to reading the next instalment in the Martha Covington series.

The concept and blurb had me hooked.

But I struggled. I found it difficult to connect. I think I was expecting far more than what I got from this. I had to high hopes maybe.

Mental health is something close to me because my husband has Bi Polar and so “voices in his head” although kindly ones making him feel calm was something I’ve lived with him experiencing for over 30 years.
This was a fine story.
As long as she took her tablets she’d be fine.
Not necessarily true though.

Someone struggling in a world that she needs to fit into.
I’m not entirely sure that’s a good concept.

The writing flowed fine I guess maybe I looked into the reality too closely and this is a novel. But getting things correct needs to be believed.

Martha Covington is a schizophrenic, who, despite anti psycotic drugs, often hears voices. Her doctor Vince has been working with Martha and has deemed her well enough to take a research position in a small town in SC called Amberleen. She is working for the Historical Society researching a beautiful island called Shellheap, home to the descendants of slaves. She is taken in by these residents and especially Althea, a seer. Martha has visions that she is not sure are in her mind or reality, but when she is accused of killing Lydia, her mentor, she flees. Her saviour is Jarrell, one of the Shellheap natives who is fighting to preserve the island from developers. They join forces to save the island, almost losing their lives(and sanity) in the process.