Valerie Williamson is known as the Anti-social Social Worker by her colleagues at Lawrenceville Regional Hospital. After a traumatic event, she closed off her world sixteen years ago to everyone, except her cat, Gabriel. She is more comfortable with the dead than the living and her job as a deceased patient coordinator keeps her content. Everything changes when she is forced to start a trauma … trauma support group. How can she comfort people with trauma, when she can’t even talk about her past? And then, the death of 19-year-old Carmen Davidson leaves questions that eat away at her every thought. With her walls down, she let the detective she’s been pushing away get close to her. With all of this, can Valerie keep her boundaries from blurring?
“It’s heavy yet inspiring; it’s dark but it’s beautiful, equipped with the right pacing, angst, and a bit of comedy.” -Risah Salazar for Readers’ Favorite
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Boundaries (Scope of Practice Book 1)
By Jessica Aiken-Hall
5 out of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading the book Boundaries (Scope of Practice Book 1) by Jessica Aiken-Hall. It is a story that pulled me in from the beginning and didn’t let me go until the final page. It is a book that had me turning pages at times wondering what was going to happen next. I liked the character of Valerie Williamson. She is a woman who has kept herself closed off from others except for her cat, Gabriel. She could not have realized the changes that were coming when she was forced to start a trauma support group. She doesn’t feel comfortable comforting others with what she has had to deal with in the past. How will the support group turn out? Valerie also is looking into the death of a young woman as well as letting a detective who she has always pushed away, get closer to her. With all the changes in her life will her boundaries become blurred? What does the future hold for Valerie? Read this book to find out. This story is a bit dark at times and does include a discussion of subjects that may be sensitive to read about. I couldn’t help but care about what happened to Valerie and want her to be happy. I also enjoyed reading about the romance that begins for her. There are other additional characters that Valerie interacts with and each has their part to play in the story. This is a book that had my emotions going up and down the entire time I was reading it. Don’t miss out on this intriguing story.
Valarie Williamson, an anti-social social worker, is about to come out of her shell so to speak. When she is forced to start a trauma support group she in none too pleased and hopes that nobody will show up since she didn’t advertise anything. Four ladies found their way to the group and she can’t help but feel closer to them as they share their stories. They have more in common than she would like to admit. As uncomfortable as she was in the beginning she can’t help but notice that her walls are being chipped away little by little. Not only by these four women, but by a certain detective who has been after her heart for a while. Everyone has a story. Some are more willing to share than others. After hearing a story that is very similar to what she went through, and the conversations surrounding what should be done to the uninjured party, she begins to wonder what would make her snap. Is she willing to let the anger she feels get the best of her? Over all this was a good book and I look forward to the next in the series.
Boundaries (Scope of Practice) by Jessica Akien-Hall is a sad yet thrilling novel to read. In this novel you meet Valarie who has closed herself of to everyone around her. She doesn’t let herself get closed to anyone not even for love. Then one day things change, and she lets go and her walls are down, and things happen that she doesn’t expect to. I really loved this novel because I can relate to it. In more ways than one and for someone to have written about things the way Jessica Akien-Hall has makes me believe that there is a happily ever after for me and for those who are just like the character in the novel. I would recommend this novel to anyone who asks me for a good book. There is just enough comedy in the novel to keep it from being a depressing read. Five stars Ms. Akien-Hall!
Wow! What a great read I literally read the entire book in one day! I wasn’t sure I was going to get into it but once I started reading I couldn’t put it down! This is a must read. The author does an amazing job setting the scene and introducing the character’s in the story. I look forward to reading the next book! Totally can relate to the anti-social tendencies of the main character. Don’t want to spoil anything so I’ll stop there. Definitely a great read though!
Boundaries (Scope of Practice Book 1) by Jessica Aiken-Hall. This is one of my favorite genres so I was excited to read this and it did not disappoint. I didn’t want to put it down so I finished it in less than two days! It was soooo good! I can’t wait to read the second book! Its the story of Valerie Williams who is a social worker who is recovering from a horrible tragedy that happened 16 years ago. She has shut herself off from everyone in her life except for her cat Gabriel. She is more comfortable around her cat and deceased people than she is the real world. When she is made to start a Trauma Support Group thru work she is thrown off the deep end because she is having to do everything she is uncomfortable with. How in the world do they expect her to help others when she needs help herself. When one of her young members of the support group dies she is determined to find out what really happened to her. She even starts to let a detective that she had once pushed away in her circle to try to find out what happened. Will all these changes turn her world upside down and finally push her over the edge? Read Boundaries to find out!
Boundaries (Scope of Practice Book 1) By Jessica Aiken-Hall is a book that will suck any reader who likes a good mystery right in. I thought that the story line was great. It could have built up a little bit quicker, but at the same time, I would be afraid something else would have gotten lost if it did. My favorite thing about this book is definitely how relatable the main character, Valarie is. (For me at least) She is anti-social, but she is still out there in the world doing what she needs to do and even investigating a murder! The relationship that the author shows between Valarie and the detective she works with is also great. All in all, this book is definitely worth reading. It it hard to say too much without giving away too much, and it is so interesting to learn about Valerie’s past as you go. Definitely part of the intrigue. I would highly recommend this as a 5 star read!
Boundaries is the first book in the Scope of Practice series. The main story line wraps up, but the ending does leave room for more in the following book.
The way the main character, Valerie is described at the beginning of the book made me relate to her almost immediately. The way she keeps to herself, doesn’t like the unknown, can’t seem to keep up with time, and her feeling of being awkward are all things that I can relate to very much.
The way the author has written the story, you don’t know Valerie’s past right away. Because I related to her so much in the beginning, I had to keep reading to find out what her story was.
Boundaries is full of mystery and intrigue. At times it can be heavy on the emotions. And, there are some interesting twists that keep you turning the pages.
Overall, a good read. I look forward to seeing where Valerie’s journey takes her in the next book.
Note for sensitive readers – there are potential triggers in this book.
Boundaries
By Jessica Aiken-Hall
4 stars
What a twisty, mysterious, thrilling read this was! I was intrigued by the synopsis for the story so I was looking forward to seeing how the story would play out and I have to say, although not my genre of choice, I was completely hooked by what I was reading. The story had quite a slow pace but I think that definitely helped build tension and towards what was happening in the story. The mental health aspects of the story were well written in my opinion and the authors detailed writing definitely helped me imagine what was going on. I liked that I had to get to know Valerie; she wasn’t your typical social worker. I enjoyed getting to know her as the story progressed! I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series!
I am always amazed at how some authors can write a story so well you get sucked in before you even realize it. This is one of those books for me.
Years ago, Valarie (Val) Williamson endured a life changing event which caused her to lose trust in people. Almost 2 decades later, she is tasked to lead a trauma group. This makes Val consider how she has been living her life and how lonely she is. The trauma group starts off a bit rocky but slowly changes to mean so much…
5/5 Stars
Boundaries (Scopes of Practice 1) by Jessica Aiken-Hall
This is my first read by Aiken-Hall and wow. This was a phenomenal read. Mrs. Aiken-Hall had me on the edge of my seat with this page turner.
Valerie, a social worker at the hospital is hiding something from her past. When she is told to start a group it does some good and some bad. Things are brought up that makes her think of her past. What happens when she starts letting people in? The quote I choose for Val is: “I’m not sure. Maybe it’s because Carmen and Gabriel were the same age. But I think it’s more than that. I just had a bad feeling when I walked into that room…and it hasn’t left me since.”
Tim, a cop, has always had a thing for Val, as he calls her. Things start looking up for him when a case brings them closer. After the holidays things are going great. The quote I choose for Tim is: “Nope, not today. I changed my plans. Today is just another amazing day with my love. I love you everyday, Val, I don’t need a special holiday to show you.”
This is the first book in the Scope of Practice Series and it will leave you wanting more. I can’t wait for the next installment to come out. Mrs. Aiken-Hall has done a fantastic job grabbing attention and making you want to know what happens next.
Val does not enjoy dealing with people. Her social worker job revolves around the decreased and she like sit that way. Her boss forces her to run a trauma support group and Val begins to open up herself. Trying to help these women and solving a mystery seem to bring her out of her shell. When justice isn’t served, she has no idea how to proceed.
I couldn’t put it down! I cannot wait to read the next book.
Boundaries
By
Jessica Aiken-Hall
Jessica Aiken-Hall writes a good story about Valerie, a girl that doesn’t care for people very much. She finds herself leading a support group. Of all things. This book is well written with good characters that are easy to connect with. Jessica, the author, does a really good job with making this a book that touches every soul. Fast paced book that gets you from the first page and keeps you until the end. You will not be disappointed.
Boundaries (Scope of Practice Book 1)
by Jessica Aiken-Hall
5 out of 5 stars
I was drawn to Boundaries for several reasons. Perhaps the biggest one was that I had read Jessica Aiken-Hall’s memoir a while back and the raw and honest storytelling had me recovering for days and I was curious to see how memorable her writing would be in another avenue of writing.
Knowing what the author has disclosed of her past and the synopsis and excerpts from Boundaries, I anticipated an intense ride and I don’t know the last time I held so much hope and excitement before starting a novel.
As I had hoped and honestly expected, Boundaries was an excellent, captivating story. Unique and gripping, I couldn’t put the story down shortly after I started and I wholeheartedly heartedly look forward to more in the Scope of Practice series. 5 star rating for sure.
Valerie Williamson is about to find out what it takes to make someone really snap….She is a social worker, and between being forced to start a trauma support group and the death of a 19 year old, by the name of Cameran Davidson, she is pushed outside of her comfort zone.
Valerie has always kept strict boundaries, which make her a little distant and never like getting too close. These barriers stem from her past, which have earned herself the reputation as the anti-social social worker. But the days of playing it safe are well and truly over.
When Valerie hears stories from the members of the group , the fire from her past explodes. A trauma that is coming back to haunt her. She has to do what she knows is right, and some boundaries that need to be crossed. She is about to discover a lot more than she bargained for, that is guaranteed.
Boundaries is the first book in the Scope of Practice series and a very enjoyable read. It is fast paced, full of action, suspense and the characters are very relatable. There is also humour thrown into the story too, which is really refreshing.
The story was very well written, therefore, it made me race through the book. Really looking forward to the next instalment.
***3 stars***
Boundaries: A Scope of Practice Book 1 by Jessica Aiken-Hall
Val is a hospital social worker that gets told to start a Trauma Support Group. The support group members (and Val) have all experienced their share of trauma in their pasts. As a social worker you are taught to maintain boundaries with clients, but Val struggles with that. As a mental health professional I’ve interacted with similar people and similar situations as those in this story. The book isn’t an easy light-hearted story and the characters weren’t all likable, but it touched on some real issues that people face. I wanted to connect with this story, but it just didn’t flow well for me. I appreciate the author tackling tough subject matter. It’s not easy separating your own emotions from what you are facing at work in this type of job.
This book really made me think about my boundaries. Jessica Aiken-Hall does a masterful job in this suspenseful, mystery, crime genre. There are twists and turns and drama around every corner. The main character is smart, witty, and an introvert. This story kept me at the edge of my seat. Valerie is the “anti-social social worker”. She works with people who are primarily dead. This is one part of her job she likes. She has boundaries and she sticks to them. If you have boundaries how willing are you to cross them. In this book, Valerie has to cross them. I highly recommend this story. It will keep you going to the last word.
Boundaries is the first book in the Scope of Practice series by Jessica Aiken-Hall. It was not at all what I expected, but I still enjoyed it. I am curious to see what will come in a followup book. The book centers around Valerie Williamson, an anti-social social worker for a hospital. Her office is in the basement, and rarely gets visitors, as she likes it. She has closed herself off from the world for half her life, but I will not say why. It is a big reveal that guides the direction of the story. Her boss instructed her to start a support group for those suffering trauma. At first she hates the idea, but after the first session yields a small group of women, she discovers maybe she needs this group as much as they need her. There are a couple interesting turn of events, but I don’t want to spoil anything. I will just say, I didn’t see it coming.
Boundaries (Scope of Practice Book 1) by Jessica Aiken-Hall is a heavy read but an intriguing crime read. It touches on hideous crimes that were committed on these characters and what that does to them. It is a very emotive and suspenseful story where events eventuate that you did not see coming. It shows just how far someone is willing to go to right wrongs even they did not see coming. Is revenge as sweet as it sounds?
Overworked and underpaid Valerie is told she is to run a support group that deals with people and trauma. Trauma she can deal with people not so much. Little did she realise but she finds herself becoming more immense in the group and boundaries are thrown out the window.
I have seen a sneak peak of the next book in the series and can’t wait to get my hands on it.
When you feel more comfortable dealing with the dead than the living, will she ever be able to deal with the hurt that is inside her.
Valerie is a social worker but with a difference she deals with the dead, with her office near the morgue and her colleagues calling her the “Anti-social Social Worker” she can’t understand why she has been asked to run a support group. She worries that she has not yet dealt with her tragedies in life so how is she supposed to get these young people to open up about there problems.
While she discovers the death of a nineteen year old girl she wonders and investigates what gone on but she can’t do this alone so she asks for help from her friend and detective, then things start to get real with Valerie having to deal with issues she has buried for a long time and will she finally get to the bottom of the mystery.
I loved this story and the characters worked well together, the subject matter was well written and had me turning the pages to try and get to the next instalment in the story. The twists and turns of the mystery added excitement to the story and a good foundation to the story. This is the first book I have read by this author and can’t wait to read the next book in the series and hopefully carry on this wonderful journey with Valerie and friends.
Boundaries: Scope of Practice Book 1 by Jessica Aiken-Hall is the first book I’ve read by this author. The cover, blurb, and teasers sold me on this book pretty fast and I am very happy that I decided to read it. I loved how I was so consumed by these words that I found myself reading this in one sitting. I know for sure I will be back for more in book two as soon as it is available. I know this is one that any crime novel person will want to devour, so if that is your thing this is a book you have to have! I can’t wait to see what we will get next!