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Coming Clean
Dawn, a self-employed cleaning lady in upstate New York, agrees to pose in the houses she cleans for her friend Matthew' s provocative photography project. Over the course of one week, she and Matthew scour the contents of each home to find inspiration but what she uncovers instead is an unexpected connection to the people who live from the insecure Bridget Riley, and the recent immigrant Wei Chen, to the pretentious Robert McIntyre. But it' s the troubled housewife, Barb Turner, and the chaos of her life that finally force Dawn to confront her darkest secret about the death of her fiancé . Coming Clean is a novel of forgiveness, family, and fresh starts.
- GenresFictionContemporary
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 9, 2024
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January 11, 2024
Coming Clean is the first novel by American author, Beth Uznis Johnson. Dawn has been cleaning homes in upstate New York for almost a year, and she’s very good at it. It’s not what she had intended to do with her life: college and psychology and becoming a therapist had to be put aside when her fiancé, Terry Folly died in a motorcycle accident in which she was herself badly injured. Some of his close friends and the Folly family seem to think she’s to blame, markedly reducing her list of supportive friends.
Now, instead of being enfolded in the Folly family, she’s living in a mobile home bought with insurance money, earning trailer park rent by cleaning. She counts as friends the black onsite manager, Justice, and Matthew, the press photographer sent to document the tragic accident. Her mother, Susan claims to be supportive, but is full of negativity, and really too busy being resentful of what she sees as her ex, Dawn’s father’s shirking of his responsibilities. Her father Jack is much more relaxed, a genuinely caring guy whose focus is happiness.
On this Monday morning, as she cleans at Beth and Fred Turner’s wannabe middle-class house, Jack calls from his bar in Key West: his best barmaid has quit and would Dawn please come and take the job. It’s tempting, but there’s her trailer and her business, her lack of cash to make the trip, her mother, and the invite from Sandy Folly to a candlelight vigil for Terry (has she finally been forgiven?).
Oh, and she promised to help Matthew with his Krindle Visual Arts grant project, worth a cool $20K if he wins, to be split with her. He’s such a perceptive photographer, able to find art in pain, beauty in difficulty, and creatively shooting her at work in the homes of her diverse clients might be the trick.
“She’d become so accustomed to the nuances of her customers’ lives that weeks might pass without her paying attention to any of the good details” but “his talent was rooted in the exploration of his subject—or object—for whatever it was that exposed a pulse of pain or a twinge of sadness or, sometimes, an ache so strong you had to look away”
“Matthew got how a person’s past could taint what came next, be it abusive parents, neglect, or overindulgence. It didn’t matter what, but the what mattered to the future. He always did a good job summing up situations in a way that confirmed what Dawn subconsciously knew. Like zooming in on an object and enlarging it for a better view.” So, stay? Go?
As a cleaning lady, Dawn knows intimate particulars about her clients, (often gritty) details that she and Matthew might incorporate into his project. But during that process, she discovers that she doesn’t quite know everything about them, that she doesn’t necessarily have a complete picture.
“How easy it had been to make assumptions and generalizations based on surface discoveries. Hadn’t that been the very worst part about being involved in the accident: that friends, teachers, classmates, random strangers passed judgment with virtually no information?” Dawn learns quite a bit about herself in their process, even if things don’t quite go according to plan.
Uznis Johnson gives her readers some quirky characters who display insight and wisdom, although they are are free with expletives, and there is some explicit sexual description; each chapter is prefaced with a cleaning/life tip, while the story itself is prefaced with a (quite devious) list of 100 ways to mess with customers; Matthew’s many iterations of alternatives to calling her Dawn, eg D-vine, D-lightful, D-ceiver, D-vulge, D-lux, D-cider and D-mystifyer, to name a few are entertaining. A blackly funny tale with a feel-good ending.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Regal House Publishing.
Now, instead of being enfolded in the Folly family, she’s living in a mobile home bought with insurance money, earning trailer park rent by cleaning. She counts as friends the black onsite manager, Justice, and Matthew, the press photographer sent to document the tragic accident. Her mother, Susan claims to be supportive, but is full of negativity, and really too busy being resentful of what she sees as her ex, Dawn’s father’s shirking of his responsibilities. Her father Jack is much more relaxed, a genuinely caring guy whose focus is happiness.
On this Monday morning, as she cleans at Beth and Fred Turner’s wannabe middle-class house, Jack calls from his bar in Key West: his best barmaid has quit and would Dawn please come and take the job. It’s tempting, but there’s her trailer and her business, her lack of cash to make the trip, her mother, and the invite from Sandy Folly to a candlelight vigil for Terry (has she finally been forgiven?).
Oh, and she promised to help Matthew with his Krindle Visual Arts grant project, worth a cool $20K if he wins, to be split with her. He’s such a perceptive photographer, able to find art in pain, beauty in difficulty, and creatively shooting her at work in the homes of her diverse clients might be the trick.
“She’d become so accustomed to the nuances of her customers’ lives that weeks might pass without her paying attention to any of the good details” but “his talent was rooted in the exploration of his subject—or object—for whatever it was that exposed a pulse of pain or a twinge of sadness or, sometimes, an ache so strong you had to look away”
“Matthew got how a person’s past could taint what came next, be it abusive parents, neglect, or overindulgence. It didn’t matter what, but the what mattered to the future. He always did a good job summing up situations in a way that confirmed what Dawn subconsciously knew. Like zooming in on an object and enlarging it for a better view.” So, stay? Go?
As a cleaning lady, Dawn knows intimate particulars about her clients, (often gritty) details that she and Matthew might incorporate into his project. But during that process, she discovers that she doesn’t quite know everything about them, that she doesn’t necessarily have a complete picture.
“How easy it had been to make assumptions and generalizations based on surface discoveries. Hadn’t that been the very worst part about being involved in the accident: that friends, teachers, classmates, random strangers passed judgment with virtually no information?” Dawn learns quite a bit about herself in their process, even if things don’t quite go according to plan.
Uznis Johnson gives her readers some quirky characters who display insight and wisdom, although they are are free with expletives, and there is some explicit sexual description; each chapter is prefaced with a cleaning/life tip, while the story itself is prefaced with a (quite devious) list of 100 ways to mess with customers; Matthew’s many iterations of alternatives to calling her Dawn, eg D-vine, D-lightful, D-ceiver, D-vulge, D-lux, D-cider and D-mystifyer, to name a few are entertaining. A blackly funny tale with a feel-good ending.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Regal House Publishing.
February 4, 2024
If you have an MFA in writing or have taken a fiction writing workshop, you've probably learned the concept of mirroring, a technique skilled writers use to illuminate characters. In
Coming Clean,
the penetrating tale of a young woman who starts a housecleaning business in the wake of her fiancé's untimely death, Beth Uznis Johnson delivers not just a captivating read, but also a master class in mirroring.
Mirroring is, essentially, illuminating a character by reflecting them off of some other element of the story—a setting or feature of the setting, an event within the plot, or, most commonly, another character. In Coming Clean, Johnson creates a veritable hall of mirrors, a cast of characters and set of circumstances that force the protagonist, Dawn, to confront the stark and difficult realities of her young life, and to ultimately act on those realities.
We meet Dawn a year after her fiancé, Terry, crashes his motorcycle with Dawn on board, killing himself but somehow sparing Dawn. Dawn and Terry were high school sweethearts whose ultimate marriage seemed inevitable, and the survivor's guilt Dawn feels on his death sets the emotional foundation for subsequent events. Dawn moves into a trailer she buys with insurance money from the accident and starts an independent house-cleaning business to pay the bills. She is thus a poor girl from a broken family, living outside her mother's and stepfather's house in their chilly northern town for the first time in her life. Here, Johnson shines rays of light onto Dawn that serve to propel both the protagonist and the story forward: Her friend Matthew, a talented photographer, recruits her to model for a promising creative project that serves as the story's scaffolding. Her father throws her a potential lifeline from distant, sunny Palm Beach, providing the story's emotional drive. And, most importantly, her clients, with their sometimes dysfunctional and sometimes exemplary lives, homes, and possessions, contribute immediate, scene-by-scene tension. Johnson uses all these elements as mirrors to shine a bright light on Dawn, and in so doing, frees Dawn to reflect on this complicated life she has created for herself, on all the decisions, changes, and events that have led her to where she is, and on what she can do to make her life better. It is a life very much worth living, but one saddled with emotional barriers that Dawn feels desperate to break down. And in that desperation, this reader finds connection with this vulnerable protagonist, and through it, an entertaining and engrossing read that promises to lead readers to reflect more deeply on their own lives and decisions.
Mirroring is, essentially, illuminating a character by reflecting them off of some other element of the story—a setting or feature of the setting, an event within the plot, or, most commonly, another character. In Coming Clean, Johnson creates a veritable hall of mirrors, a cast of characters and set of circumstances that force the protagonist, Dawn, to confront the stark and difficult realities of her young life, and to ultimately act on those realities.
We meet Dawn a year after her fiancé, Terry, crashes his motorcycle with Dawn on board, killing himself but somehow sparing Dawn. Dawn and Terry were high school sweethearts whose ultimate marriage seemed inevitable, and the survivor's guilt Dawn feels on his death sets the emotional foundation for subsequent events. Dawn moves into a trailer she buys with insurance money from the accident and starts an independent house-cleaning business to pay the bills. She is thus a poor girl from a broken family, living outside her mother's and stepfather's house in their chilly northern town for the first time in her life. Here, Johnson shines rays of light onto Dawn that serve to propel both the protagonist and the story forward: Her friend Matthew, a talented photographer, recruits her to model for a promising creative project that serves as the story's scaffolding. Her father throws her a potential lifeline from distant, sunny Palm Beach, providing the story's emotional drive. And, most importantly, her clients, with their sometimes dysfunctional and sometimes exemplary lives, homes, and possessions, contribute immediate, scene-by-scene tension. Johnson uses all these elements as mirrors to shine a bright light on Dawn, and in so doing, frees Dawn to reflect on this complicated life she has created for herself, on all the decisions, changes, and events that have led her to where she is, and on what she can do to make her life better. It is a life very much worth living, but one saddled with emotional barriers that Dawn feels desperate to break down. And in that desperation, this reader finds connection with this vulnerable protagonist, and through it, an entertaining and engrossing read that promises to lead readers to reflect more deeply on their own lives and decisions.
August 29, 2023
I chose this ARC on NetGalley because I was drawn to the title and front cover. The idea of a snoopy-style book appealed and I thought it could be fun. There were some hilarious lines, some making me laugh out loud and I found it to be a book which I found myself thinking about between reads, eager to read more!
For a slow reader like myself, I finished it relatively quickly. I thoroughly enjoyed the balance between serious and light and the author managed this perfectly in terms of making sure that this was an enjoyable read. Raw moments and grave topics were touched on, but there were plenty of scenes that ensured this was not a depressing read.
The author refrained from exploring issues too deeply, which is perhaps a limitation, and while I understand that it was not the point of the book to go "too deep", serious issues such as alcohol misuse were dealt with superficially. I was gripped by scenes that shocked me, touched me and made me smile. Scenes were described with such precision that I sensed that someone who had experienced life had written this. And actually, Beth Uznis Johnson is a talented award winner. I liked the main characters (Dawn and Matthew) but I obviously didn't agree with their intrusive actions towards the cleaning clients - most of whom were varied and interesting characters. But it has to be said that Dawn and Matthew's unwise decisions were deliberately included because they were linked to one of the main themes: self-discovery. And this was a central aspect of the story. Therefore, my subjective feelings were put aside for the enjoyment and exploration of the main storyline.
In conclusion, although some of the topics raised could have been expanded on, it was a very enjoyable and well-written book. From a personal perspective, I would have enjoyed the book without the spice and foul language and would have even thought twice about reading it if I had known in advance that there were steamy scenes. In my opinion, that content belongs to the Romance/adult genre, which is not one that I usually choose. I think this book deserves 4 stars because many of the scenes were described with talent - they were easy to read, flowed with the dialogue and were vivid. My imagination found them very engaging. That said, some parts were slow and could have been omitted - but they were few and far between. At the end of the book, I would recommend signposting to websites to help people affected by some of the serious issues touched on in this book.
For a slow reader like myself, I finished it relatively quickly. I thoroughly enjoyed the balance between serious and light and the author managed this perfectly in terms of making sure that this was an enjoyable read. Raw moments and grave topics were touched on, but there were plenty of scenes that ensured this was not a depressing read.
The author refrained from exploring issues too deeply, which is perhaps a limitation, and while I understand that it was not the point of the book to go "too deep", serious issues such as alcohol misuse were dealt with superficially. I was gripped by scenes that shocked me, touched me and made me smile. Scenes were described with such precision that I sensed that someone who had experienced life had written this. And actually, Beth Uznis Johnson is a talented award winner. I liked the main characters (Dawn and Matthew) but I obviously didn't agree with their intrusive actions towards the cleaning clients - most of whom were varied and interesting characters. But it has to be said that Dawn and Matthew's unwise decisions were deliberately included because they were linked to one of the main themes: self-discovery. And this was a central aspect of the story. Therefore, my subjective feelings were put aside for the enjoyment and exploration of the main storyline.
In conclusion, although some of the topics raised could have been expanded on, it was a very enjoyable and well-written book. From a personal perspective, I would have enjoyed the book without the spice and foul language and would have even thought twice about reading it if I had known in advance that there were steamy scenes. In my opinion, that content belongs to the Romance/adult genre, which is not one that I usually choose. I think this book deserves 4 stars because many of the scenes were described with talent - they were easy to read, flowed with the dialogue and were vivid. My imagination found them very engaging. That said, some parts were slow and could have been omitted - but they were few and far between. At the end of the book, I would recommend signposting to websites to help people affected by some of the serious issues touched on in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2023
"Coming Clean" by Beth Uznis Johnson is a powerful and inspiring memoir that chronicles the author's journey towards self-acceptance, forgiveness, and redemption. With unflinching honesty and vulnerability, Johnson shares her struggles with addiction, shame, and trauma, creating a deeply personal and relatable narrative.
Throughout the book, Johnson's writing is raw and unpretentious, drawing the reader into her world with a sense of intimacy and authenticity. She recounts her experiences with alcoholism, eating disorders, and toxic relationships, laying bare the darkest moments of her life without resorting to self-pity or sensationalism.
One of the most compelling aspects of "Coming Clean" is Johnson's examination of the societal expectations and pressures that contribute to her struggles. With keen insight, she dissects the harmful cultural narratives that perpetuate shame and self-doubt, particularly for women. Her critiques are both sharp and compassionate, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences and the ways in which they may have internalized these damaging beliefs.
The book's greatest strength lies in Johnson's commitment to sharing her story without sugarcoating or tidy resolutions. Her path to recovery is messy, nonlinear, and often painful, but it is also a testament to the power of resilience and the human capacity for growth. As she confronts her demons and learns to embrace her imperfections, Johnson inspires readers to do the same, fostering a sense of solidarity and hope.
In conclusion, "Coming Clean" is a remarkable memoir that offers a profoundly moving and thought-provoking reading experience. Beth Uznis Johnson's courageous storytelling and unwavering honesty make this book an invaluable resource for anyone grappling with their own struggles, whether with addiction, trauma, or the everyday challenges of living. With its unflinching portrayal of the human experience, "Coming Clean" is a
Throughout the book, Johnson's writing is raw and unpretentious, drawing the reader into her world with a sense of intimacy and authenticity. She recounts her experiences with alcoholism, eating disorders, and toxic relationships, laying bare the darkest moments of her life without resorting to self-pity or sensationalism.
One of the most compelling aspects of "Coming Clean" is Johnson's examination of the societal expectations and pressures that contribute to her struggles. With keen insight, she dissects the harmful cultural narratives that perpetuate shame and self-doubt, particularly for women. Her critiques are both sharp and compassionate, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences and the ways in which they may have internalized these damaging beliefs.
The book's greatest strength lies in Johnson's commitment to sharing her story without sugarcoating or tidy resolutions. Her path to recovery is messy, nonlinear, and often painful, but it is also a testament to the power of resilience and the human capacity for growth. As she confronts her demons and learns to embrace her imperfections, Johnson inspires readers to do the same, fostering a sense of solidarity and hope.
In conclusion, "Coming Clean" is a remarkable memoir that offers a profoundly moving and thought-provoking reading experience. Beth Uznis Johnson's courageous storytelling and unwavering honesty make this book an invaluable resource for anyone grappling with their own struggles, whether with addiction, trauma, or the everyday challenges of living. With its unflinching portrayal of the human experience, "Coming Clean" is a
May 5, 2024
We walk past the lighted windows of houses and wonder what life is like inside. We see only glimpses—the big TV tuned to Fox News, the insane trash can placement, the dog left outside to bark in freezing weather—and make assumptions, usually about how terrible people can be. In this sharp, incisive novel, the protagonist Dawn does much more than look. She enters and peers into every dirty corner and forgotten crevice to inhabit the lives of those who reside in the five houses she cleans. Dawn’s own life has had the protective skin ground off it, literally and figuratively, by a motorcycle accident which killed her fiancé, and even her slowly-healing grafts do not provide enough protection for her to function normally as herself. Instead, she borrows lives, she imagines, and she even poses in each house for a photographer friend unbeknownst to the owners. Mostly she borrows the reality (as she sees it) of the women in each house, trying them on like so many outfits. That sounds flippant, but this is more of a fashion show of the soul. There is a line in the musical THE LAST FIVE YEARS: “If I didn't believe in you, we'd never have gotten this far. If I didn't believe in you, and all of the ten thousand women you are . . .” Dawn uses her perspective to imagine different pasts and futures for herself, wondering both how her clients got to where they are and what it means for her.
COMING CLEAN is sharp, darkly funny, and most of all a deep and vulnerable look at a grieving young woman putting her own existence back together by comparing it to the secret lives of others.
COMING CLEAN is sharp, darkly funny, and most of all a deep and vulnerable look at a grieving young woman putting her own existence back together by comparing it to the secret lives of others.
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July 7, 2023"Coming Clean" by Beth Uznis Johnson left me unimpressed and wanting more from its premise. While I had high hopes for this book, I found myself struggling to connect with the story and its characters.
The concept of Dawn, a cleaning lady participating in a photography project, seemed promising. However, the execution fell short. The promised exploration of forgiveness, family, and fresh starts felt superficial and lacking in depth.
The various characters introduced in the book, such as Bridget Riley, Wei Chen, and Robert McIntyre, failed to contribute meaningfully to the main plotline. Their stories felt disconnected and did not add significant value to the overall narrative.
Furthermore, the resolution of Dawn's darkest secret regarding the death of her fiancé was rushed and left me unsatisfied. I had hoped for a more impactful and introspective exploration of her journey.
Overall, "Coming Clean" did not meet my expectations. While reading preferences can vary, I found the book to be lacking in cohesiveness and emotional depth. This review reflects my honest opinion based on my reading experience.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to NetGalley for graciously providing me with an ARC copy. It is always a pleasure to explore new literary works and share my honest thoughts.
The concept of Dawn, a cleaning lady participating in a photography project, seemed promising. However, the execution fell short. The promised exploration of forgiveness, family, and fresh starts felt superficial and lacking in depth.
The various characters introduced in the book, such as Bridget Riley, Wei Chen, and Robert McIntyre, failed to contribute meaningfully to the main plotline. Their stories felt disconnected and did not add significant value to the overall narrative.
Furthermore, the resolution of Dawn's darkest secret regarding the death of her fiancé was rushed and left me unsatisfied. I had hoped for a more impactful and introspective exploration of her journey.
Overall, "Coming Clean" did not meet my expectations. While reading preferences can vary, I found the book to be lacking in cohesiveness and emotional depth. This review reflects my honest opinion based on my reading experience.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to NetGalley for graciously providing me with an ARC copy. It is always a pleasure to explore new literary works and share my honest thoughts.
December 16, 2023
This woman named dawn was cleaning houses in upstate new york. She had a lot of different issues especially with drinking and loneliness. She was starting her own business because she had a lot of tragic Aries in her life. Her boyfriend died in a motorcycle accident. And this was really hard for her to get it over.. It. She was also in the hospital because she was on the back of the motorcycle. She was struggling with a lot of things. Her parents were divorced and. Your father ran a bar in key west. She meets this man named Matthew who wasn't photographer. And he seemed really friendly to her but he also had a girlfriend. Justin Run a mobile park home. Where she lived. He was really good to her too. He would come over and talk with her and everything else. She was just trying to find out what she really wanted to do in life but it was really hard for her. We've been pretty strange in this book because everybody had some kind of issue. Matthew put her up to closing in people's clothes in their master bedrooms. This did not turn out well for her. His girlfriend was also a part of this. She had a friend who was a client of hers. And this didn't turn out well either. She felt she kept making poor choices in life. But she kept struggling and kept going on. The book has a happy ending you'll like it
January 28, 2024
Dawn is a young woman from a community in upstate New York who works as a free-lance house cleaner, the kind to whom you give your key and for whom you frantically straighten up each week. She is still recovering from an accident a year earlier that killed her fiance. In that time, she has basically stood still, not moving away, not allowing herself to get close to anyone, not sure about anything. Over the course of the book, she peels, and has peeled, away all the stuff that has accumulated to keep her stuck in place, like scar tissue. Watching this happen, almost in real time, I found myself talking to Dawn, giving her advice and even, at times, silently yelling at her when she would avoid making obvious decisions.
The novel is a character study and the character is complicated. It takes time to get to know her because she has avoided knowing herself. Johnson, on the other hand, knows Dawn intimately and doles out thsat knowledge in well-timed, well-written ways. There were a few places, especially in the middle, when I wondered where this was going but then the pace of self-revelation to which we were privy, jacked up, in a very satisfying way.
There is a lot of writing skill exhibited in Coming Clean. I look forward to seeing where Johnson next applies. it.
The novel is a character study and the character is complicated. It takes time to get to know her because she has avoided knowing herself. Johnson, on the other hand, knows Dawn intimately and doles out thsat knowledge in well-timed, well-written ways. There were a few places, especially in the middle, when I wondered where this was going but then the pace of self-revelation to which we were privy, jacked up, in a very satisfying way.
There is a lot of writing skill exhibited in Coming Clean. I look forward to seeing where Johnson next applies. it.
June 21, 2023
Lurking into the private life of the people you work for isn’t the best idea, specially if you’re their cleaning lady. The story unfolds in New York where Dawn’s life suddenly turns upside down due to an accident she went through causing the death of her fiancé Terry, thus she finds herself a job where she’ll get access to the secrets of rich families and the bedroom of an old acquaintance.
Slow paced, the book won’t keep you on your toes for the entire read nonetheless, the bits of drama are worth some of the tedious scenes. In addition, Beth Uznis Johnson gives an interesting glimpse into the lives of a diverse group of people and what they hide from the world through the eyes of their cleaning lady.
It’s definitely not a book for everyone, only the new adults might find the story compelling on account of Dawn, who is trying to rediscover herself in life at a young age.
I’m grateful with NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity of letting me read this before its publication.
Slow paced, the book won’t keep you on your toes for the entire read nonetheless, the bits of drama are worth some of the tedious scenes. In addition, Beth Uznis Johnson gives an interesting glimpse into the lives of a diverse group of people and what they hide from the world through the eyes of their cleaning lady.
It’s definitely not a book for everyone, only the new adults might find the story compelling on account of Dawn, who is trying to rediscover herself in life at a young age.
I’m grateful with NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity of letting me read this before its publication.
July 10, 2023
Coming Clean is about a young woman named Dawn who is recovering from a terrible motorcycle accident. Her fiancé, Terry, was killed in the accident, and Dawn feels guilty. Terry’s mother blames her. After the accident, Dawn started her own cleaning business and lives in a trailer. Her father offers her a job at his bar in Florida; however, Dawn isn’t sure she’s ready to leave. She models for a photography project for her friend Matthew in her clients’ houses. Each shoot pulls back one of Dawn’s layers as she must acknowledge her past in order to decide her future.
It took me a little bit to get into this story; however, by the end of the book I didn’t want to put it down. Dawn was a compelling and flawed character. I didn’t like her at first; it was hard remembering she was so young while learning of her poor decisions. Her friend Matthew is an interesting character as well. I really enjoyed the hope in the ending of the book.
Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for letting me read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
It took me a little bit to get into this story; however, by the end of the book I didn’t want to put it down. Dawn was a compelling and flawed character. I didn’t like her at first; it was hard remembering she was so young while learning of her poor decisions. Her friend Matthew is an interesting character as well. I really enjoyed the hope in the ending of the book.
Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for letting me read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 8, 2023
Read via NetGalley
Coming Clean is a book that follows the main character, Dawn, who becomes a cleaner after her fiancé dies and who sneaks her friend into the homes she cleans to take photos for his project when the owners are away.
This book wasn't for me as I found that once I got to half way I was lost in what exactly was happening- were we following the photography plot line or is there something else? I think too many little things happened that made the story feel drawn out and lost me as a reader. I did enjoy the concept but the execution fell flat and I ended up not finishing this book.
The things I did enjoy were the little descriptions of the homeowners and the interactions but overall, I didn't enjoy the main character and I felt she didn't have much of a personality outside of her cleaner and widowed identity. Also the bit with the nudes and the dog I hated and really threw me off completely.
Coming Clean is a book that follows the main character, Dawn, who becomes a cleaner after her fiancé dies and who sneaks her friend into the homes she cleans to take photos for his project when the owners are away.
This book wasn't for me as I found that once I got to half way I was lost in what exactly was happening- were we following the photography plot line or is there something else? I think too many little things happened that made the story feel drawn out and lost me as a reader. I did enjoy the concept but the execution fell flat and I ended up not finishing this book.
The things I did enjoy were the little descriptions of the homeowners and the interactions but overall, I didn't enjoy the main character and I felt she didn't have much of a personality outside of her cleaner and widowed identity. Also the bit with the nudes and the dog I hated and really threw me off completely.
August 17, 2023
Dawn is a young woman who started her own cleaning business after her boyfriend was killed in a tragic motorcycle accident (in which she was also severely injured). Her clients trust her because she does a good job with the cleaning. But what they don't know is that she snoops through her stuff and invites her friend in to do photo shoots while posing in clothes and using their belongings as props. Perhaps that is some sort of "art" but to me, it just felt wrong and I had trouble getting past that.
I'm sorry to say that I only read 50% of the novel. I kept hoping that I would like the characters more, but finally, I gave up. The writing was good and perhaps the story would appeal to other people, but it just wasn't for me.
Many thanks to Net Galley for an ARC of this novel. My opinions are my own and I hope other people give the book a try.
I'm sorry to say that I only read 50% of the novel. I kept hoping that I would like the characters more, but finally, I gave up. The writing was good and perhaps the story would appeal to other people, but it just wasn't for me.
Many thanks to Net Galley for an ARC of this novel. My opinions are my own and I hope other people give the book a try.
January 9, 2024
Thank you to the author, Regal House Publishing and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book tells the meandering story of a young woman who has lost her way in life, and is trying to find her feet again. Working as a cleaner gives her insight into the individual quirks and miseries of other people's lives, and gets her involved with a photographer who wants to chronicle her interaction with the lives of her cleaning clients. While the writing is accomplished, I could not connect in any way with any of the characters and found this hard going. There were lots of little bits going on in parallel to the main narrative, and while I'm not a fan of neatly-tied-with-a-bow endings, this was very much the opposite of that, giving a transient look into someone's transient lifestyle, involving many bad or dubious choices.
This book tells the meandering story of a young woman who has lost her way in life, and is trying to find her feet again. Working as a cleaner gives her insight into the individual quirks and miseries of other people's lives, and gets her involved with a photographer who wants to chronicle her interaction with the lives of her cleaning clients. While the writing is accomplished, I could not connect in any way with any of the characters and found this hard going. There were lots of little bits going on in parallel to the main narrative, and while I'm not a fan of neatly-tied-with-a-bow endings, this was very much the opposite of that, giving a transient look into someone's transient lifestyle, involving many bad or dubious choices.
June 16, 2023
Firstly I'd like to thank Netgalley and the Publisher for the chance to read this e-arc, in return for an honest review.
I was really hopeful with this book, it sounded amazing from the description, funny.
Honestly I couldn't get past 3% my problem? The F-bomb on the very first page, I mean I'm all for the odd swear word/s if they add something to the story, this really didn't in my opinion. This didn't not help when it came to the writing style..it just wasn't for me. I'm sure had I given the book more of a chance I may have found it more interesting, funny and witty.
I know somewhere out there, there is an audience for this book on this occasion it just wasn't me.
I honestly hope this book and the author do really well, even with what is my own opinion.
Happy reading.
I was really hopeful with this book, it sounded amazing from the description, funny.
Honestly I couldn't get past 3% my problem? The F-bomb on the very first page, I mean I'm all for the odd swear word/s if they add something to the story, this really didn't in my opinion. This didn't not help when it came to the writing style..it just wasn't for me. I'm sure had I given the book more of a chance I may have found it more interesting, funny and witty.
I know somewhere out there, there is an audience for this book on this occasion it just wasn't me.
I honestly hope this book and the author do really well, even with what is my own opinion.
Happy reading.
July 10, 2023
i was really here for the concept and the narrative structure, but the execution failed to live up to the potential. the racist undertones (which could be said were not intentional, but the character definitely could've been handled with more nuance) and casual use of the n-word by a white author (said by a black character, but doesn't quite serve enough of a purpose to be justified) didn't really sit well with me. almost became a bit of a black comedy with the reveal about terry's death
edit: just read the acknowledgments and screeched at the fact that her first mention is for her OWN cleaning lady lmao...... so um yeah i wasn't going to rate this but that helped solidify these two stars
edit: just read the acknowledgments and screeched at the fact that her first mention is for her OWN cleaning lady lmao...... so um yeah i wasn't going to rate this but that helped solidify these two stars
March 4, 2024
Coming Clean is a captivating blend of voyeurism, human connection, and the unexpected twists of daily life. Dawn's role as a cleaning woman provides a unique lens through which to observe the lives of others, while her friendship with Mathew adds depth and intrigue to the narrative. The juxtaposition of Dawn's own struggles with those of her clients adds layers of complexity, making it both relatable and thought-provoking. And who can resist the temptation to peek behind the curtain at the mischievous antics of housecleaners? "100 Ways to Mess with Customers" promises to add humor and charm to an already engaging tale.
August 30, 2024
I've gotten to meet Beth a few times in the last several months, and she's a kind and generous person and writer. I feel a little bad it's taken me this long to read her novel.
It's a great debut! The story is about a young woman trying to put her life back together after a horrific accident. The strength of this novel is its engaging interiority -- Beth does a ton here with not a whole lot of plot. I loved her character, Dawn -- especially watching Dawn make mistakes, but then figure things out for herself.
I enjoyed this a lot -- especially the last 60 pages or so. Very strong!
It's a great debut! The story is about a young woman trying to put her life back together after a horrific accident. The strength of this novel is its engaging interiority -- Beth does a ton here with not a whole lot of plot. I loved her character, Dawn -- especially watching Dawn make mistakes, but then figure things out for herself.
I enjoyed this a lot -- especially the last 60 pages or so. Very strong!
September 13, 2024
Dawn sets herself up with a house-cleaning business after the death of her Fiancée in an accident.
Her photographer friend Matthew enlists her in an art project where he photographs her in her client’s houses, depicting their hidden secrets.
Undoubtedly, service user customers/clients can be obnoxious, entitled, rude, demanding etc, but Dawn’s version of ‘spitting in the soup’ is almost on the level of the sex-pest landlord horror story of setting up hidden cameras in the bathroom.
I just felt this morally murky book was a bit seedy and grim and unfortunately, didn’t hit any of the right notes for me.
Her photographer friend Matthew enlists her in an art project where he photographs her in her client’s houses, depicting their hidden secrets.
Undoubtedly, service user customers/clients can be obnoxious, entitled, rude, demanding etc, but Dawn’s version of ‘spitting in the soup’ is almost on the level of the sex-pest landlord horror story of setting up hidden cameras in the bathroom.
I just felt this morally murky book was a bit seedy and grim and unfortunately, didn’t hit any of the right notes for me.
October 28, 2023
The premise of this book sounded interesting and possibly a heartwarming story of making connections with those around you. Sadly I dont know if it was as I found it really difficult to connect with the characters, particularly Dawn, or care where the story was going. Bits of it felt quite tedious and I must admit I skimmed quite a lot.
Thank you to netgalley and regal house publishing for an advance copy of this book
Thank you to netgalley and regal house publishing for an advance copy of this book
February 20, 2024
Beth Uznis Johnson's debut novel takes on a complicated character (Dawn, a self-sabotaging cleaning lady) at a complicated time of her life (in the wake of her fiance's death). The book balances an entertaining and endearing cast of cleaning clients, as well as a photographer whose vision is clear enough to catch Dawn's attention.
A literary page-turner rich in movement as well as thematic material. Sharp, smartly structured, swift-moving, and sexy. Highly recommend!
A literary page-turner rich in movement as well as thematic material. Sharp, smartly structured, swift-moving, and sexy. Highly recommend!
October 10, 2024
A fun, thoughtful, and provocative story about a self-employed house cleaner coping with the death of her fiancee. The mystery at the heart of the story kept me guessing until the very end, with a startling reveal I didn't see coming. I loved the descriptions of the client's homes, transformed into art by Dawn's photographer friend in unexpected ways. Dawn is an appealing character whose struggle to find a new way forward will resonate with any reader seeking a fresh start.
October 12, 2023
I like this book main subject be about connections and forgiveness. It won’t be a book I pick myself but I did enjoy read it and think many people may enjoy it too. My only trouble is that I feel it drafted and dragged in some point and the ploy become a bit boring. Isn’t a bad book maybe it’s just the execution wasn’t my cup of tea.
January 23, 2024
This book had potential but there were some pretty big holes in the story that I really couldnt get past.
I think as far as a debut goes, it was ok and I will definitely try the author again one day. There were some really good things about the book and I fdid finish it but the ending needs work.
I think as far as a debut goes, it was ok and I will definitely try the author again one day. There were some really good things about the book and I fdid finish it but the ending needs work.
June 6, 2023
Funny and provocative, albeit slow moving at times. I definitely wrote down the recipe for Magic and I hope Dawn finds what she’s looking for… thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, excited to see this one hit shelves.
June 19, 2023
I had high hopes for this book but it just didn't grab my attention like I had desired it to. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. Three stars. Complex character and a unique premise and plot but it just didn't tie together and flow for me.
July 13, 2023
I had high hopes for this book. It seemed like it would be really intriguing. But you know, it wasn’t what I was expecting. At all.
Thank you to NetGalley and Regal House Publishing for this ARC. ~I was given this book and made no commitments to leave my opinions, favorable or otherwise~
Thank you to NetGalley and Regal House Publishing for this ARC. ~I was given this book and made no commitments to leave my opinions, favorable or otherwise~
January 14, 2024
Coming Clean’s main character Dawn was a hard one to get to like, but reminded us that we all can be when we deal with trauma and hard things in our life. Life can be messy and this book shows us some of those dirty corners.
February 15, 2024
I heartily recommend the witty and big-hearted COMING CLEAN--Beth Uznis Johnson's debut novel. We need more funny and poignant novels like this, which offer moral realism at its best: Everyday life--let's just say "life"--MATTERS to this author and that care suffuses every page.
April 28, 2024
Dawn, a young cleaning lady with a devastating secret, grabbed me from the start. She is smart and funny and wounded -- I couldn't help but root for her. The twisting, turning plot kept me up late. I had to see what would happen! Highly recommend.
January 14, 2025
3.5 stars. Promising outing for a debut novelist. Gritty and both funny and sad book telling the story of a 20-something girl who’s made some bad decisions coming to terms with herself and others. Some readers may be uncomfortable with the language and sexual content.
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