Richard Gardener is a workaholic who is under doctor's orders to take two weeks off to recover from work-related stress. During his time home alone, he is visited by a stranger "from the other side".

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Two weeks. Fourteen days. Fourteen chapters. I was prepared to rate this book 3 stars as I found the first three-quarters quite flat. To keep reader interest, I felt perhaps more could have been done to aid the reader feel Richard's emotions: the frustration of a workaholic who isn't allowed to work, the terror of the unwanted "visits", and the maritial difficulties that ensue. However, a fantastic conclusion managed to change my overall enjoyment of the story.

In all, the story was written in plain, straightforward language which I enjoyed. The development of the main character and his wife were thorough. Despite wishing the writing would've conveyed more of the main character's emotions, I enjoyed reading this and recommend it to anyone who likes a good ghost story.

Many thanks to the author for allowing me the opportunity to read and review his work. ( )

This book reads as a very classic ghost story, and I loved that. Shadows darting in front of the shower curtain, phantom noises like a door opening, TV turning on and off by itself, odd dreams… All are present in this very scary tale. I loved how the author was able to portray a man caught in very supernatural events and how it affected him mentally and in his life, like his marital relationship. I connected with Richard fairly well. He seems like a very straightforward guy who’s a bit of a workaholic. When he’s faced with all this ghost stuff, he blundered through just like I would have, I think. I liked that connection.

I enjoyed the story itself. The mystery aspects and how Richard dealt with all the unexpected events kept me reading. The whole back story of Christina, how she died, and her story overall really hooked me and touched my heart. I loved how ultimately her story and Richard’s came together in the end very seamlessly.

The one thing I didn't enjoy as much was how much emphasis was put on Richard’s and Nicky’s rocky relationship over the ghost stuff. It just seemed like the author included too much of Nicky’s disbelieving attitude and Richard’s reaction to it. In the beginning, I could see it if only to establish that yes, Nicky is a skeptic and to show how a person being haunted would affect their non-believing family members and the relationships with them. Yet, the author re-plays the unbelieving spouse scene again and again and again… All the way up to the very end… It just seems like I was being hit over the head with a two by four of skeptic Nicky and I got a headache from it.

This is a pretty solid ghost story and mystery. Richard’s a likable lead. I enjoyed seeing his reactions to the supernatural; they seemed very much like how I would have reacted. Yet, the back and forth between him and Nicky left me bored and frustrated. If less emphasis would have been put on this aspect of the book, I’d probably have enjoyed it more. But in the end, this a good haunted house story. Definitely check it out if you’re in the mood for a good Halloween read. ( )

Fourteen Days By: Steven Jenkins July 2014
Horror/ Thriller Reviewed by: tk

Richard Gardener has been burning the candle at both ends. Over worked, and over stressed causes Rich to collapse at work. While taking a much needed rest at home, 2 weeks in fact, Rich will experience more stress than he bargained for. Nicky, his wife thinks poor Richard needs this time off even more as he relates some strange, and unusual experiences he has had with the paranormal. Nicky just does't believe him.
Richard strikes out on his own in this thrilling mystery to find what these events are trying to tell him. Is he crazy ,or is he seeing a ghost, if so what does it want from him.

An amazing read. If you looking for quick thriller, this story will not disappoint.

Steven Jenkins is a somewhat new up, and coming writer for the horror genre. I found the first few pages to be a little daunting, however the pace and flow improved, and I drove into complete entertainment, and an amazing conclusion. A joy to read. 4/5

A special thanks to Steven for providing a copy for you book. A true honor. ( )