4.0 (1 rating)
Such Sheltered Lives A Novel
For fans of Nine Perfect Strangers and The Midnight Feast, a moody, atmospheric psychological suspense set in the secretive world of celebrity rehab centers, from New York Times bestselling author Alyssa Sheinmel.
Rush’s Recovery promises its wealthy guests the utmost discretion. But when a body is discovered, how long can the center’s secrets stay buried?
Tucked among the pristine beaches and lavish manors of the Hamptons sits Rush’s Recovery, a rehabilitation center where ultra-high net worth clients can seek treatment away from prying eyes and paparazzi. The center’s latest guests have just arrived: Lord Edward of Essex, a British aristocrat fighting his black-sheep status and a painful addiction; Amelia Blue Harris, the daughter of a 90s rock legend struggling with an eating disorder; and Florence Bloom, a pop star trying to lay low after her latest tabloid scandal. Each has been promised the highest standard of care, from daily therapy and a live-in chef to acupuncture sessions and a personal care manager, available 24/7. Just so long as they stay in their private cottages and never interact with the center’s other guests.
But these three self-destructive B-listers have no intention of playing by the rules. No amount of cold plunges and talk-therapy can prevent Florence’s illicit flirtation with a staff member, or keep Amelia Blue and Lord Edward from sneaking out to wander the snow-covered grounds at night. Celebrities check in to Rush’s Recovery to protect their privacy, but the darkest secrets may lie in the center’s own history—and not every guest will be checking out alive.
Rush’s Recovery promises its wealthy guests the utmost discretion. But when a body is discovered, how long can the center’s secrets stay buried?
Tucked among the pristine beaches and lavish manors of the Hamptons sits Rush’s Recovery, a rehabilitation center where ultra-high net worth clients can seek treatment away from prying eyes and paparazzi. The center’s latest guests have just arrived: Lord Edward of Essex, a British aristocrat fighting his black-sheep status and a painful addiction; Amelia Blue Harris, the daughter of a 90s rock legend struggling with an eating disorder; and Florence Bloom, a pop star trying to lay low after her latest tabloid scandal. Each has been promised the highest standard of care, from daily therapy and a live-in chef to acupuncture sessions and a personal care manager, available 24/7. Just so long as they stay in their private cottages and never interact with the center’s other guests.
But these three self-destructive B-listers have no intention of playing by the rules. No amount of cold plunges and talk-therapy can prevent Florence’s illicit flirtation with a staff member, or keep Amelia Blue and Lord Edward from sneaking out to wander the snow-covered grounds at night. Celebrities check in to Rush’s Recovery to protect their privacy, but the darkest secrets may lie in the center’s own history—and not every guest will be checking out alive.
Published: January 20, 2026
Pages: 288
ISBN: 9781668084007
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Available in: Hardcover
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4.0
1 rating
Carla B.
Feb 8, 2026
Such Sheltered Lives is a quiet, unsettling read that creeps up on you rather than hitting all at once. The story starts small and familiar, but the tension slowly tightens as secrets surface and relationships begin to fracture.
The atmosphere is where this book truly shines. There is a constant sense that something is off, even in the most ordinary moments. The emotional undercurrents around guilt, loyalty, and denial are well explored and thoughtfully handled.
That said, I never fully connected with the characters, which kept me at a slight distance emotionally. Even so, the unease lingers and the questions it raises stay with you. Thought provoking, layered, and still very much worth the read.
Thank you to Atria and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book with my honest opinions.
The atmosphere is where this book truly shines. There is a constant sense that something is off, even in the most ordinary moments. The emotional undercurrents around guilt, loyalty, and denial are well explored and thoughtfully handled.
That said, I never fully connected with the characters, which kept me at a slight distance emotionally. Even so, the unease lingers and the questions it raises stay with you. Thought provoking, layered, and still very much worth the read.
Thank you to Atria and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book with my honest opinions.