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Sleep in Peace
SLEEP IN PEACE deals with themes of alcoholism, family secrets, and self-destructive tendencies, this terse but also funny novel is the American version of Fleabag.
It's 2007, and while 43-year-old Leanne Spencer's career is building up steam, her love life is a trainwreck. She's always believed her addiction to bad boys stems from her flawless father dying when she was a child, but it turns out Mom's a liar, Dad's not dead, and her childhood was a well-crafted illusion.
After Leanne forces Mom to confess what really happened, she's not sure what to believe. Mom's flashbacks of an innocent jazz singer and the manipulative creep who ruined her life sound more like a 1950s B-movie than reality. And yet, the unthinkable stories explain more than Leanne is willing to admit.
In the midst of trying to pry the truth from her mother's locked lips, Leanne is falling fast for "The One," David, a sexy, grounded widower who is perfect, except he's none too thrilled with Leanne's trust issues. Determined to figure herself out before committing to David, she's on a secret mission to meet her dad and discover if he's misunderstood and her mom is something far worse than a liar.
As her past, present, and future collide, Leanne must reconcile the inconceivable and rescue herself or lose a dream of a man who accepts her for exactly who she is, flaws and all.
Content Warnings: Domestic abuse and manipulation, a scene of marital rape, alcoholism, child sexual abuse (inferred)
It's 2007, and while 43-year-old Leanne Spencer's career is building up steam, her love life is a trainwreck. She's always believed her addiction to bad boys stems from her flawless father dying when she was a child, but it turns out Mom's a liar, Dad's not dead, and her childhood was a well-crafted illusion.
After Leanne forces Mom to confess what really happened, she's not sure what to believe. Mom's flashbacks of an innocent jazz singer and the manipulative creep who ruined her life sound more like a 1950s B-movie than reality. And yet, the unthinkable stories explain more than Leanne is willing to admit.
In the midst of trying to pry the truth from her mother's locked lips, Leanne is falling fast for "The One," David, a sexy, grounded widower who is perfect, except he's none too thrilled with Leanne's trust issues. Determined to figure herself out before committing to David, she's on a secret mission to meet her dad and discover if he's misunderstood and her mom is something far worse than a liar.
As her past, present, and future collide, Leanne must reconcile the inconceivable and rescue herself or lose a dream of a man who accepts her for exactly who she is, flaws and all.
Content Warnings: Domestic abuse and manipulation, a scene of marital rape, alcoholism, child sexual abuse (inferred)
340 pages, Paperback
Published August 27, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 18, 2025
Sleep in Peace hooks the reader with its intertwining plotlines. The author’s witty dialogue perfectly melds humor, dark at times, with serious topics ranging from family secrets and addiction to parental loss and abuse.
Melanie Doctors’ deft wordplay takes the edge off the tragedy, and a healthy dose of romance adds a hopeful tone. Leanne’s friends and co-workers, richly detailed by Doctors, fill out the novel with additional amusing banter and give her an opportunity to further reveal her comedic talent.
Ultimately, it’s a story of survival, coming to terms with the past and moving briskly into the future. Paced with perfection, Sleep in Peace is a reminder that comedy cures, wrapping even the most difficult topics in warmth and proving that humor can often be a bridge from darkness to a brighter tomorrow.
Melanie Doctors’ deft wordplay takes the edge off the tragedy, and a healthy dose of romance adds a hopeful tone. Leanne’s friends and co-workers, richly detailed by Doctors, fill out the novel with additional amusing banter and give her an opportunity to further reveal her comedic talent.
Ultimately, it’s a story of survival, coming to terms with the past and moving briskly into the future. Paced with perfection, Sleep in Peace is a reminder that comedy cures, wrapping even the most difficult topics in warmth and proving that humor can often be a bridge from darkness to a brighter tomorrow.
September 27, 2024
This book made me laugh out loud at times and turn into a blubbering mess at others. Leanne is a beautiful mess who gets herself into hilarious situations as she tries to figure out what makes her make the same mistakes with guys over and over. Does it have something to do with her not-so-dead dad??? Her journey through the pain and out the other side is never boring and sometimes plain hilarious just like Flea Bag. Her crew of close friends are comic relief and just like life itself... it's good to laugh through the painful times and Leanne has that down in spades. FYI - the audio book has a great reader and songs which the author wrote and performed inspired by Leanne's journey. I can see this story being cathartic to some readers who have faced similar struggles and experiences.
October 1, 2024
Confession: I know this author personally.
Now that that's out of the way, "Sleep in Peace" is the kind of book that goes best with a Friday night book club meeting featuring fancy desserts and a cocktail (both are in the book). Leanne is the main character that we've all had crash on our couch after we've analyzed her love life over too much wine. She is wickedly sarcastic and self deprecating, which is why we love her, but she's got a thing to learn and doesn't give up on the ones she loves. Her best trait. This is a fun book that has roots in generational trauma which is why it will stick with you beyond the book club.
Now that that's out of the way, "Sleep in Peace" is the kind of book that goes best with a Friday night book club meeting featuring fancy desserts and a cocktail (both are in the book). Leanne is the main character that we've all had crash on our couch after we've analyzed her love life over too much wine. She is wickedly sarcastic and self deprecating, which is why we love her, but she's got a thing to learn and doesn't give up on the ones she loves. Her best trait. This is a fun book that has roots in generational trauma which is why it will stick with you beyond the book club.
March 25, 2026
Just finished this wonderful book!!! 5 stars read for me, I absolutely loved the characters and felt so connected to them and their stories. Also have to mention the language: it is so witty, that characters come alive from the page immediately with their unique little quirks like you have known them to be your friends or siblings. I felt so deeply for Leanne and her journey , something about her story helped me face and confront some of my own struggles , which felt not unlike a good therapy session. Thank you Melanie Doctors for such an amazing storytelling work I hope to read many more of your books!!!
August 22, 2024
I had the privilege of reading an early release of this book and it is so compelling - Melanie writes with wry wit, searing authenticity, and charming care. She explores such strong relationships through the lived experience and connections of her main character, who is engaging, real, complicated, and endearing. There is so much of the author's heart and mind in this work - it's like sitting down to have a glass of wine (or pink champagne) and a deep conversation with a true friend!
July 12, 2024
I was lucky enough to get an early copy of this book and enjoyed every minute of it. The writing was sharp and witty. There were plenty of moments to laugh, cry, and be angry at the characters or circumstances. It was very easy to stay awake late reading "Just one more chapter." Sleep in Peace is a must-read book!
December 1, 2024
The main character and her friends made me laugh out loud multiple times. I enjoyed this book more than i thought, and the hot mess express main character really grows on you. This book will have many great discussion points for our December book club!!
August 6, 2026
4.75/5. I loved everything about this book and it for sure made me shed a tear or two. Thank you Melanie Doctors for this story.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews