AMANDA MEMORIES by Dr. Joel R. Gecht

Brian Roberts has his life all planned, he will receive his psychology degree, have financial independence, marry his hometown sweetheart and be set for life.

Then a beautiful, green-eyed, but deeply troubled young woman becomes his patient.  Amanda Wagner becomes so dependent on Brian, that he actually is aroused by her dependence and it causes him to question his future.  His colleagues help him to see the light, but Amanda starts to stalk him and follow him around in his private life, going so far as dating his college dorm mate, Jack.

Brian receives his degree and transfers Amanda's care to another intern, who soon points out to Brian, that Amanda's love for Brian is not a one-way street.  He tries to deny her claim, but finds it true, and tries to put Amanda behind him and move on with his life. Brian becomes so entrenched in his work, that his marriage is falling apart.

Some years later Jack reenters the picture, he is working in Hollywood and offers Brian a radio and talk show, something similar to Dr. Phil, but it ended up more like Jerry Springer.  His wife Nancy while happy with the income is still not happy with Brian.  She finds out that he has been keeping tabs all along on Amanda, and starts to have affairs of her own.  Then Amanda calls Brian and tells him she's getting married and wants him at the wedding.  Brian immediately takes off for Florida, he feels Amanda is making a big mistake.  

Brian goes to meet Amanda at her hotel and the next thing he knows, Amanda is dead, and he is found next to her body, the prime suspect of her murder.  Nancy is his only hope.  She sets out on the task to prove his innocence and it leads her into Amanda's tortured past and all the secrets that go with it. 

I was emotionally caught up in this psychological thriller from the start, it dragged a little in the middle, but the ending made the whole read worth it.  Being written by a psychologist, that actually attended the school in the book and his history in radio and television makes you feel he is writing a story about himself and one of his patients or he has combined several of his patients into Amanda. It is very true to life and well worth your time to read this emotional roller coaster ride that is Amanda Memories.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author via Newman Communications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”