Book Tour: Isolation Junction {Review and Author Spotlight}

Hey Everyone,

Today I have another wonderful Book Tour for you. The book in question is Isolation Junction by Jennifer Gilmour.

The Blerb…

Rose is the mother of two young children, and finds herself living a robotic life with an abusive and controlling husband.  While she struggles to maintain a calm front for the sake of her children, inside Rose is dying and trapped in ‘isolation junction’.  She runs an online business from home, because Darren won’t let her work outside the house.  Through this she meets other mums and finds courage to attend networking events, while Darren is at work, to promote her business.  It’s at one of these events that Rose meets Tim, a sympathetic, dark-haired stranger who unwittingly becomes an important part of her survival.  After years of emotional abuse, of doubting her future and losing all self-confidence, Rose takes a stand.  Finding herself distraught, alone and helpless, Rose wonders how she’ll ever escape with her sanity and her children.  With 100 reasons to leave and a 1,000 reasons she can’t, will she be able to do it?  Will Tim help her?  Will Rose find peace and the happiness she deserves?  Can Rose break free from this spiralling life she so desperately wants to change?

Review…

Isolation Junction is a very quick read. Each chapter goes between Rose in the present and Rose in the past and gives insight into her situation and background. There are points in the book which may be triggering for those who have suffered domestic violence however I did find the book very well written.

It is easy to feel for Rose, for what she has had to endure and to sympathise with the decisions she makes especially the ones which most of us feel we would never chose ourselves.

I was suprised that the relationship with Tim developed so quickly given the situation however for Rose her relationship with Darren was over long before she had left him.

All in all this is a good book and definintely worth a read.

Author Spotlight…

Years Ago

It was when I was at high school I realised I had a passion for writing. I particularly remember one occasion when the class was told  to write a short story of approximately 500 words.  We were given one title – The Assassin. I still have the piece I wrote. This, I believe, was the moment I realised I had a love for writing creative fiction. After that, I started to write short stories – many of which remained unfinished along with a couple which I illustrated.

I qualified from Hull College with a National Diploma in Acting. At the time, I was proud to receive a DDM (Distinction, Distinction, Merit). Drama was something I particularly loved while I was growing up and so my time at college gave me some fantastic memories that will never be forgotten.

After college, I moved to Leeds to undertake a gap year with the Oasis Trust. This was a community based year out experience. I mainly spent time doing youth work which I found rewarding in so many ways. I followed this path by going to University to take a degree in youth work. I recently (for family reasons) resigned from a job in children’s work.  I thoroughly enjoy the challenge this gives me and hope to recommence this work should an opening come up which I can amalgamate with family life.

Family

I am a mum of three. Sophie is almost seven, Riley is five and Robyn is one. I am married to my wonderful and supportive husband (Rob), we married two weeks before Robyn was born. We clearly like to live life on the edge!

I have a number of close friends who I consider as part of my family. My best friend is called Vicki. We have known each other for 10 years now and she has supported me no matter what. She is the sort of friend who is not afraid to disagree with me and she has certainly helped at times when I have felt low or unsure. I am proud to say that she is also a Godmother to my three children. She is a great role model and I know values her involvement with the children. Thank you, Vicki, for all that you have done in supporting me, you will never know just how much it means.

Work

I work alongside my husband in our family business. We provide an embroidery, printing and bespoke gift service to a variety of clients. We work fantastically well as a team and our differing skills complement each other.

o When I am not working on the business then I tend to be working on my writing and networking for it. However, time is at a premium as being a full-time mum takes up most of my time. My 2 eldest children are at school but I still have my 1 year old at home and it is a privilege to be able to spend so much time with her.

Hobbies

Alongside writing, I have enjoyed enjoy reading from an early age. I suppose that these two things go together.  I spent much of my free time at high school in the library. At the time this seemed embarrassing but now I embrace it and would love to go back and tell myself not to worry what others thought.

I have always been creative and which is unsurprising as both my mum and dad were creative and in particular they have a talent for art which I share with them.

I am a film buff and enjoy a good thriller, drama or action and relax to romance and comedy.

If that isn’t enough then I do like to organise events. This ranges from craft fayres and events at my home church to organising family get togethers, celebrations and festivities.

When I am focused, I love to keep fit and healthy. Recently I have taken to going power walking and more excitedly fitness classes at the trampoline park.

Future

I plan to write another book that follows on from Isolation Junction but at the moment that is all at the research stage.  I am working a project where I am looking to speak with survivors and victims of domestic abuse who are comfortable sharing their experiences. You can find out more here: http://jennifergilmour.com/new-year-new-opportunities/

Personally, I hope to write full time and my husband to take over the business fully with the ability to work from home but we are at the beginning of this working dream. I am lucky to have him as a huge support and I wouldn’t have been able to do this without him, I thank you Rob for being my rock.

Thanks for reading

The Stationery Geekette x