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Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
Leah O'Connor is torn between the life she's currently living and the allure of a phantom life that can no longer be hers.
Swept off her feet by the gentle charm of Lucas O'Connor, Leah's unexpected pregnancy changes the course of her carefree and nomadic existence. Over a decade and three children later, Leah is unraveling. She resents the world in which her artistic aspirations have been sidelined by the overwhelming demands of motherhood, and the ever-present rift between herself and her mother-in-law, Christine, is best dulled by increasingly fuller glasses of wine.
Christine represents a model of selfless motherhood that Leah can neither achieve nor accept. To heighten the strain, Lucas's business venture, a trendy restaurant that honors his mother, has taken all his attention, which places the domestic demands squarely on Leah's shoulders. Seeking an ally in her sweet sister-in-law Amy, Leah shares a secret that, if made known to the wider family, could disrupt the curated ecosystems that keep the O'Connors connected.
As Leah dances with the devil while descending further into darkness, her behavior becomes more erratic and further alienates her from both Lucas and the wider family. Leah's drinking threatens the welfare of her family, prompting Amy to turn to Christine for support. A duel for loyalty ensues. When the inevitable waves come crashing down, it's the O'Connor women who give Leah a the truth of what they've all endured. But Leah alone must uncover the villain of her own story, learn how to ask for help, and decide if the family she has rejected will be her salvation or ultimate undoing.
This masterful blend of book club and literary women's fiction offers a frank rebuttal to Wine Mom culture and is perfect for fans of Celeste Ng and Liane Moriarty.
Swept off her feet by the gentle charm of Lucas O'Connor, Leah's unexpected pregnancy changes the course of her carefree and nomadic existence. Over a decade and three children later, Leah is unraveling. She resents the world in which her artistic aspirations have been sidelined by the overwhelming demands of motherhood, and the ever-present rift between herself and her mother-in-law, Christine, is best dulled by increasingly fuller glasses of wine.
Christine represents a model of selfless motherhood that Leah can neither achieve nor accept. To heighten the strain, Lucas's business venture, a trendy restaurant that honors his mother, has taken all his attention, which places the domestic demands squarely on Leah's shoulders. Seeking an ally in her sweet sister-in-law Amy, Leah shares a secret that, if made known to the wider family, could disrupt the curated ecosystems that keep the O'Connors connected.
As Leah dances with the devil while descending further into darkness, her behavior becomes more erratic and further alienates her from both Lucas and the wider family. Leah's drinking threatens the welfare of her family, prompting Amy to turn to Christine for support. A duel for loyalty ensues. When the inevitable waves come crashing down, it's the O'Connor women who give Leah a the truth of what they've all endured. But Leah alone must uncover the villain of her own story, learn how to ask for help, and decide if the family she has rejected will be her salvation or ultimate undoing.
This masterful blend of book club and literary women's fiction offers a frank rebuttal to Wine Mom culture and is perfect for fans of Celeste Ng and Liane Moriarty.
1 pages, Audio CD
Published May 13, 2025
346 people are currently reading
17620 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Guerrieri
4 books138 followersJessica Guerrieri (pronounced grrr-air-eee) is a writer and novelist who lives in Northern California with her husband and three daughters. With a background in special education, Jessica left the field to pursue a career in writing and raising her children. With over a decade of sobriety, she is a fierce advocate for addiction recovery.
Her award-winning debut book club fiction novel, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea (Harper Muse), is out now. Her sophomore novel, Both Can Be True (Harper Muse), will be published in May 2026.
Her award-winning debut book club fiction novel, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea (Harper Muse), is out now. Her sophomore novel, Both Can Be True (Harper Muse), will be published in May 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 794 reviews
February 18, 2025
Debut book alert!!!!
Wowoooooow. This is an incredible look at addiction and alcoholism. It’s heartbreaking but so beautifully explored. Get this one on your list!!
Wowoooooow. This is an incredible look at addiction and alcoholism. It’s heartbreaking but so beautifully explored. Get this one on your list!!
May 21, 2025
More than a decade and three children after her marriage to Lucas O'Connor, Leah is unraveling. She resents the world in which her artistic aspirations have been sidelined by the demands of motherhood, and the ever-present rift between herself and her mother-in-law, Christine, is best dulled by increasingly fuller glasses of wine.
As other reviewers have said, this is an incredible debut. I was totally engrossed from the beginning and eventually put all my other books aside so that I could concentrate on this story. I can't believe how quickly I read it. The characters are so relatable and the events are authentic. It's a touching story of family, motherhood and friendship. I highly recommend this book and look forward to future works by this author.
TW: Alcoholism, miscarriage
My thanks to Harper Muse via Netgalley. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Publication Date: May 13, 2025
As other reviewers have said, this is an incredible debut. I was totally engrossed from the beginning and eventually put all my other books aside so that I could concentrate on this story. I can't believe how quickly I read it. The characters are so relatable and the events are authentic. It's a touching story of family, motherhood and friendship. I highly recommend this book and look forward to future works by this author.
TW: Alcoholism, miscarriage
My thanks to Harper Muse via Netgalley. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Publication Date: May 13, 2025
May 9, 2025
Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is a heart-wrenching look at the life of an active alcoholic. This story is a slow burn reminiscent of a tragic accident you wish you'd have never even witnessed, yet somehow can't look away from. Leah is a free spirit who thought that being a mother might not be in the cards for her...yet here is she three kids, a husband, a close knit extended family deep. "Funny, how someone could be the seed that grew the tree when I had no intention of putting down roots."
Leah, despite her many flaws, was very likable. I caught myself thinking, as addicts or their family often do, maybe it's not that bad. Turns out it was. And then some. Every word and scenario felt so raw and real. Like we got a full view of the good, bad, and ugly. From the addict herself as well as those affected by her disease. I think that's why the ending, in part, didn't sit well with me. It felt a little far fetched and didn't seem to fit with the rest of realistic and vulnerable vibe of the rest of the book. Overall, I was enamored by this story and look forward to more of this author's work.
•Debut
•Slow burn
•First person POV
•Dual past and present timelines
•Addiction
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for an advanced ebook and audiobook in exchange for my honest review. Publishing 5/13.
4 stars.
Leah, despite her many flaws, was very likable. I caught myself thinking, as addicts or their family often do, maybe it's not that bad. Turns out it was. And then some. Every word and scenario felt so raw and real. Like we got a full view of the good, bad, and ugly. From the addict herself as well as those affected by her disease. I think that's why the ending, in part, didn't sit well with me. It felt a little far fetched and didn't seem to fit with the rest of realistic and vulnerable vibe of the rest of the book. Overall, I was enamored by this story and look forward to more of this author's work.
•Debut
•Slow burn
•First person POV
•Dual past and present timelines
•Addiction
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for an advanced ebook and audiobook in exchange for my honest review. Publishing 5/13.
4 stars.
March 30, 2025
"Leah O'Connor is torn between the life she's currently living and the allure of a phantom life that can no longer be hers."
What an incredible debut! Leah O'Connor has been married for ten years and has three children. She is at a point where a buried secret and the demands of motherhood cause her to lose herself and feel that she is sacrificing her career. Her coping mechanisms find her at a precarious crossroads. Leah begins to feel further alienated from her husband, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law as her behavior becomes more erratic. This book focuses on themes of family dynamics, pain, addiction, alcoholism, motherhood with its joys and heartaches, redemption, and family secrets.
Leah is a likable yet troubled character, and many women will be able to relate to the why of her actions. This is also a story of redemption and hope, accountability, love, selflessness, and forgiveness. I loved the exploration of female relationships within the extended family and a realistic look at motherhood. The ending left me in tears. Be prepared to come with tissues at the end, and be sure to read the author's note. I highly recommend this one.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Harper Muse Audiobooks, and Jessica Guerrieri for an advance listening copy in exchange for my honest review. 🎧
CW: alcoholism, miscarriage, suicide
What an incredible debut! Leah O'Connor has been married for ten years and has three children. She is at a point where a buried secret and the demands of motherhood cause her to lose herself and feel that she is sacrificing her career. Her coping mechanisms find her at a precarious crossroads. Leah begins to feel further alienated from her husband, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law as her behavior becomes more erratic. This book focuses on themes of family dynamics, pain, addiction, alcoholism, motherhood with its joys and heartaches, redemption, and family secrets.
Leah is a likable yet troubled character, and many women will be able to relate to the why of her actions. This is also a story of redemption and hope, accountability, love, selflessness, and forgiveness. I loved the exploration of female relationships within the extended family and a realistic look at motherhood. The ending left me in tears. Be prepared to come with tissues at the end, and be sure to read the author's note. I highly recommend this one.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Harper Muse Audiobooks, and Jessica Guerrieri for an advance listening copy in exchange for my honest review. 🎧
CW: alcoholism, miscarriage, suicide
June 16, 2025
@librofm | #partner I’m going to keep this one brief! 𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗟 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗘𝗘𝗣 𝗕𝗟𝗨𝗘 𝗦𝗘𝗔 by debut author Jessica Guerrieri had a really great core character at its heart. Leah was a young mother and artist struggling with the monotony of daily life with three young kids and a very busy husband. She felt like she had lost much of herself and she missed the time before when her life had been her own. Adding greatly to Leah’s problems was her increasing reliance on alcohol to simply get her through each day.
That setup was promising had it been allowed to play out without being drowned in SO MANY tired old tropes. If I named all the tropes, I’d be giving away the entire story, so I’m not going to go there. I also want to add that the author herself is a recovering alcoholic, so this is quite personal to her. I wish she’d portrayed recovery in a much more realistic light. That, combined with the tropes, just made this story far too unbelievable for me to be invested in. Had Guerrieri spent more time on the addiction side of the story and less on all the petty dramas, I think it would have been far stronger. 2.5 stars
That setup was promising had it been allowed to play out without being drowned in SO MANY tired old tropes. If I named all the tropes, I’d be giving away the entire story, so I’m not going to go there. I also want to add that the author herself is a recovering alcoholic, so this is quite personal to her. I wish she’d portrayed recovery in a much more realistic light. That, combined with the tropes, just made this story far too unbelievable for me to be invested in. Had Guerrieri spent more time on the addiction side of the story and less on all the petty dramas, I think it would have been far stronger. 2.5 stars
May 31, 2025
Pre-Read Notes:
Here's where I'm at. 30% of the way through and I still don't know what the title means. That's cool, sometimes titles don't come clear until a book's final line. But since I chose the book in large part *because* of the title, I'm feeling lost. I'm feeling lost also because at 30% in, there's still no sign of a primary contlict. (*edit This approach to conflict is by design, and it. is. brilliant!) Although I love the feminist subtext and the fact the author included trigger warnings in the front matter. THANK YOU for this. It's so important. Also, this audiobook narrator is giving an amazing reading!
"We speak in nonthreatening, ambiguous terms because none of us really cares all that much. Every so often someone is a little too honest: “We are getting divorced,”they say, or “My husband’s mother died.”After politely inquiring further, we grow impatient, wondering how much longer we should stand there miming concern over other people’s hurt when we are already buried in our own." p104
Final Review
Honestly I wasn't sure if this book was for me, and I really struggled with the first half, which seemed to wander a bit. But the second half completely blew me away! This is the first book I've ever read that made me understand wanting to read it again for the first time.
I am also in love with this author's empathy and compassion for people with mental illness, like addiction and PPD. It's deeply amazing to read a book that isn't full of casual ableism. If this is a pain point for you too, definitely check this book out.
I recommend it also to fans of whip smart women's fiction, experimental form, and feminist themes. If you like Such a Good Mom (my review!) you should enjoy this.
My 3 Favorite Things:
✔️The narrative voice is somewhat addictive. She keeps referring to "mommy juice" and if this book were a drink, it would be that.
✔️ It's sort of healing for me to come in this close to several different parenting styles, in the low stakes process like reading a book. It has given me unexpected insight into my own miserable childhood (which led me in part not to be a mom) and even the parenting I experienced. This book may not be perfect (is there such a thing?) but it is honest and completely unjudgmental about parenting, especially momming.
✔️ It took me a little while to get to know them, but the characters in this story are fascinating. I really relate to the narrating character, and Christine reminds me of my own mom, for better or worse. I ended up very invested by the end, despite the lack of a primary conflict. *edit The author does this with the conflict by design and she executed it brilliantly. Wow!
Notes:
1. content warnings: alcohol consumption, alcoholism, addiction, abortion, miscarriage, ppd, family politics, early childhood stress
Thank you to the author Jessica Guerrieri, publisher Harper Collins, and NetGalley for an accessible audiobook copy and a digital copy of BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA. All views are mine.
Here's where I'm at. 30% of the way through and I still don't know what the title means. That's cool, sometimes titles don't come clear until a book's final line. But since I chose the book in large part *because* of the title, I'm feeling lost. I'm feeling lost also because at 30% in, there's still no sign of a primary contlict. (*edit This approach to conflict is by design, and it. is. brilliant!) Although I love the feminist subtext and the fact the author included trigger warnings in the front matter. THANK YOU for this. It's so important. Also, this audiobook narrator is giving an amazing reading!
"We speak in nonthreatening, ambiguous terms because none of us really cares all that much. Every so often someone is a little too honest: “We are getting divorced,”they say, or “My husband’s mother died.”After politely inquiring further, we grow impatient, wondering how much longer we should stand there miming concern over other people’s hurt when we are already buried in our own." p104
Final Review
Honestly I wasn't sure if this book was for me, and I really struggled with the first half, which seemed to wander a bit. But the second half completely blew me away! This is the first book I've ever read that made me understand wanting to read it again for the first time.
I am also in love with this author's empathy and compassion for people with mental illness, like addiction and PPD. It's deeply amazing to read a book that isn't full of casual ableism. If this is a pain point for you too, definitely check this book out.
I recommend it also to fans of whip smart women's fiction, experimental form, and feminist themes. If you like Such a Good Mom (my review!) you should enjoy this.
My 3 Favorite Things:
✔️The narrative voice is somewhat addictive. She keeps referring to "mommy juice" and if this book were a drink, it would be that.
✔️ It's sort of healing for me to come in this close to several different parenting styles, in the low stakes process like reading a book. It has given me unexpected insight into my own miserable childhood (which led me in part not to be a mom) and even the parenting I experienced. This book may not be perfect (is there such a thing?) but it is honest and completely unjudgmental about parenting, especially momming.
✔️ It took me a little while to get to know them, but the characters in this story are fascinating. I really relate to the narrating character, and Christine reminds me of my own mom, for better or worse. I ended up very invested by the end, despite the lack of a primary conflict. *edit The author does this with the conflict by design and she executed it brilliantly. Wow!
Notes:
1. content warnings: alcohol consumption, alcoholism, addiction, abortion, miscarriage, ppd, family politics, early childhood stress
Thank you to the author Jessica Guerrieri, publisher Harper Collins, and NetGalley for an accessible audiobook copy and a digital copy of BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA. All views are mine.
June 6, 2025
I have such complex feelings about this one, but as a mother who never envisioned motherhood for herself, it definitely resonated. The beautiful pace kept me turning pages even as I waited for the alcoholism to go from not seeming that bad to suddenly out of control. A wrenching portrayal of addiction and motherhood, this debut novel was stunning!
July 24, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up to 5
Writing a review for this book is so difficult. Let's just say this is not an easy read. In fact, for most of it, I was actually quite miserable. I felt genuine disdain for the main character and had all these thoughts swirling in my head about what I would write about her...she was rude and so selfish. She constantly played the victim card. She was a liar and unfeeling and the way she treated those around her was not anyones' fault but her own. However, I can now say that the way I was feeling is a testament to how incredible this authors' writing is. I am so glad I hung on with this one. Things came full circle and left me with such a different feeling for the main character and her family. It was emotional and heartbreaking and frustrating, but written so so well. Life is messy and complicated and hard and she showed that so well.
This is the second time this month that I have read a debut and thought "holy cow." Incidentally, they were both about alcoholism. Also, this is probably the first time ever that the author's note at the end pushed a book up a star. Knowing this was written from her own personal history added so much to the experience. I binged this book in an evening. What a ride this was.
It's not a happy or pleasant experience but it is one that will stick with me for awhile.
Also, I'm glad I have never tried alcohol.
Writing a review for this book is so difficult. Let's just say this is not an easy read. In fact, for most of it, I was actually quite miserable. I felt genuine disdain for the main character and had all these thoughts swirling in my head about what I would write about her...she was rude and so selfish. She constantly played the victim card. She was a liar and unfeeling and the way she treated those around her was not anyones' fault but her own. However, I can now say that the way I was feeling is a testament to how incredible this authors' writing is. I am so glad I hung on with this one. Things came full circle and left me with such a different feeling for the main character and her family. It was emotional and heartbreaking and frustrating, but written so so well. Life is messy and complicated and hard and she showed that so well.
This is the second time this month that I have read a debut and thought "holy cow." Incidentally, they were both about alcoholism. Also, this is probably the first time ever that the author's note at the end pushed a book up a star. Knowing this was written from her own personal history added so much to the experience. I binged this book in an evening. What a ride this was.
It's not a happy or pleasant experience but it is one that will stick with me for awhile.
Also, I'm glad I have never tried alcohol.
March 5, 2025
There will be no words to adequately describe how incredible this book was. Well written, with a darker, and heartbreaking storyline following the life of a woman who has fallen into alcoholism. I couldn’t put this down, I think this will easily be one of my top reads of 2025. I’m so moved by this!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Harper Collin’s Focus for the opportunity to read and rate this book.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Harper Collin’s Focus for the opportunity to read and rate this book.
May 24, 2025
4.5 Stars- Loved this one! Such a powerful look at family dynamics, motherhood, insecurities, alcoholism, addiction, friendship and the resilience of love. I feel so lucky because I got to meet Jessica Guerrieri in person at a book event about a year ago and she told me all about her book launching in May 2025. She is so sweet and I was so excited to read her very first book. Amazing debut!!
May 17, 2025
5 stars for this powerful debut. Dark, heavy and emotional, and most certainly tough reading in parts, Guerrieri has written a relatable portrayal of alcoholism and its effects on motherhood, as well as toxicity within families. It explores ‘mommy wine culture’ and explaining away the need to drink as ‘self care.’ The authors note in fact, explains how Guerrieri has ability to give readers a realness to her story. Is incredible, and can’t recommend it enough. Pub. 5/13/25
May 2, 2025
A Frustrated Woman With an Addiction
This is not the life she wanted. In her other life, Leah would be childless, traveling the world, eventually living in a tropical climate, surfing and painting. Instead, she is a frustrated mother of three, with a husband, obsessed with opening a new family-owned restaurant in honor of his mother.
Leah feels alienated, despite her husband Lucas’s large family. To get through each day, Leah takes solace in wine, lots of wine. She deplores Christine, her perfect and selfless mother-in-law, who controls the O’Connor family. Leah’s best friend and ally is her pregnant and petite sister-in-law, Amy. But when Amy finds comfort in Christine’s mothering, Leah becomes jealous. As Leah’s drinking increases and her behavior becomes more erratic, Amy turns to Christine for help, leading to a storm between the women.
The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is a slow-moving novel with an intricate plot. It is an intriguing and hopeful debut novel about active addiction and family dynamics. The author grabs you with Leah’s dream of a different life.
The writing is descriptive, emotional, and atmospheric. While the subject matter of the book is difficult, with alcoholism, miscarriage, and suicide, I appreciated the writing immensely. Leah is a flawed and complicated character; she is self-centered, unhappy in her life, and full of rebellion and complaints, particularly when fueled by alcohol. Not someone easy to like.
I listened to the audiobook; the narrator’s performance was solid and perfectly suited the book. Listening added depth to the story, and the pacing was perfect. Listening made the story feel very real.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advance audio copy of this audiobook. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Publisher HarperMuse Audio
Published May 13, 2025
Narrated Mia Hutchinson-Shaw
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
This is not the life she wanted. In her other life, Leah would be childless, traveling the world, eventually living in a tropical climate, surfing and painting. Instead, she is a frustrated mother of three, with a husband, obsessed with opening a new family-owned restaurant in honor of his mother.
Leah feels alienated, despite her husband Lucas’s large family. To get through each day, Leah takes solace in wine, lots of wine. She deplores Christine, her perfect and selfless mother-in-law, who controls the O’Connor family. Leah’s best friend and ally is her pregnant and petite sister-in-law, Amy. But when Amy finds comfort in Christine’s mothering, Leah becomes jealous. As Leah’s drinking increases and her behavior becomes more erratic, Amy turns to Christine for help, leading to a storm between the women.
The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is a slow-moving novel with an intricate plot. It is an intriguing and hopeful debut novel about active addiction and family dynamics. The author grabs you with Leah’s dream of a different life.
The writing is descriptive, emotional, and atmospheric. While the subject matter of the book is difficult, with alcoholism, miscarriage, and suicide, I appreciated the writing immensely. Leah is a flawed and complicated character; she is self-centered, unhappy in her life, and full of rebellion and complaints, particularly when fueled by alcohol. Not someone easy to like.
I listened to the audiobook; the narrator’s performance was solid and perfectly suited the book. Listening added depth to the story, and the pacing was perfect. Listening made the story feel very real.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advance audio copy of this audiobook. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Publisher HarperMuse Audio
Published May 13, 2025
Narrated Mia Hutchinson-Shaw
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
April 8, 2025
Normally, I really love authors’ debut books, because I believe they’ve written and rewritten their stories with perfectly refined love. This one is written as a cathartic swan song, as the author reveals, she is a recovering addict. This debut, however, falls very, short of refined love; It just really lacks depth. Sure there are very brief moments of depth, but it took nearly a third of the way into the book to determine the plot. Character development is super weak, with too many insignificant characters involved in the story, often finding me puzzled why the tertiary characters were mentioned in the first place. Characters were unlikeable—the only character I remotely cared for was the secondary character of Amy. I Could not stand the main protagonist; I did not feel empathy for her, and I did not rally for her success. Writing was choppy and unorganized, and “twists” to the story felt forced and did not fit. I’m sure this book will find an audience somewhere, but it did not with me. If I had picked this up on my own, it would have been a DNF.
Thank you author, Jessica Guerrieri; publisher, Harper Muse; and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are wholly my own.
Thank you author, Jessica Guerrieri; publisher, Harper Muse; and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are wholly my own.
May 15, 2025
Thank you UpLit and Harper Muse for my free book and thank you LibroFM for my gifted ALC
Wow. This book. These characters. This story.
It’s been a while since I’ve read a book that really got me in my feels, and this novel is truly incredible. I went through a whirlwind of emotions when it came to Leah O’ Connor. A mother of three children, married, and what looks like the ideal life
Only she is missing her old self. The carefree Leah. So she turns to drinking to ease the pain and discomfort of her life. But it’s not a problem if she doesn’t think it’s one, right?
Along the way, she drags her brother-in-law’s wife along, Amy. Amy lived with an alcoholic mother and while she is grappling with her own stressors, she is trying to do anything she can to help Leah
Leah is on her way deeper and deeper into not only harming herself, but tearing her entire family apart. This story is raw, deep, and heavily emotional. At times you will be fighting for Amy to change while also hating her
The ending broke my heart and left me sobbing. The changes Leah goes through in the span of the book I feel reflect a lot of alcoholics journeys. But as we see in this story, some make it through and others will be lost at sea
I highly recommend this novel. It is a story that will stay with me for a very long time.
Wow. This book. These characters. This story.
It’s been a while since I’ve read a book that really got me in my feels, and this novel is truly incredible. I went through a whirlwind of emotions when it came to Leah O’ Connor. A mother of three children, married, and what looks like the ideal life
Only she is missing her old self. The carefree Leah. So she turns to drinking to ease the pain and discomfort of her life. But it’s not a problem if she doesn’t think it’s one, right?
Along the way, she drags her brother-in-law’s wife along, Amy. Amy lived with an alcoholic mother and while she is grappling with her own stressors, she is trying to do anything she can to help Leah
Leah is on her way deeper and deeper into not only harming herself, but tearing her entire family apart. This story is raw, deep, and heavily emotional. At times you will be fighting for Amy to change while also hating her
The ending broke my heart and left me sobbing. The changes Leah goes through in the span of the book I feel reflect a lot of alcoholics journeys. But as we see in this story, some make it through and others will be lost at sea
I highly recommend this novel. It is a story that will stay with me for a very long time.
October 25, 2025
This one was a really moving surprise. The author has the experience of being a recovering substance abuser after sexual assault, and she’s written a gem here. She also beautifully illustrates how one nagging event or action can lead to an awful addiction.
Leah seemingly has it all—-a loving husband Lucas, three darling children, her husband’s close family (although his mother Christine is a force to be reckoned with). Her best friend Amy is her sister-in-law, married to Lucas’s brother. Leah shares a secret with Amy, one that acts as a thorn in her side, the catalyst for her drinking, which is getting worse every day. Amy takes her to an AA meeting, but Leah still doesn’t see herself in the histories of the members there. Her actions continue to escalate until one night when she erupts into a colossal drunken mess, and the entire family gets to see it.
Highly recommend! Five glittering stars!
I received a copy of the digital ARC via the publisher and NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
Leah seemingly has it all—-a loving husband Lucas, three darling children, her husband’s close family (although his mother Christine is a force to be reckoned with). Her best friend Amy is her sister-in-law, married to Lucas’s brother. Leah shares a secret with Amy, one that acts as a thorn in her side, the catalyst for her drinking, which is getting worse every day. Amy takes her to an AA meeting, but Leah still doesn’t see herself in the histories of the members there. Her actions continue to escalate until one night when she erupts into a colossal drunken mess, and the entire family gets to see it.
Highly recommend! Five glittering stars!
I received a copy of the digital ARC via the publisher and NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
November 12, 2025
BOOK: Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
AUTHOR: Jessica Guerrieri
PUB DATE: May 13, 2025, by HarperCollins Focus
PAGES: 320
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (rounded up)
GENRE: Women’s Fiction
I am honored to have been given an advanced copy by this debut author! A tremendous THANK YOU to HarperCollinsMuse, NetGalley, and the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
SYNOPSIS: In this emotionally charged novel, Leah’s life is upended by an unexpected pregnancy after falling for the charming Lucas O’Connor. Over a decade & 3 kids later, she struggles with unfulfilled artistic dreams, mounting resentment, & a growing dependence on alcohol. Tensions with her self-sacrificing mother-in-law Christine & an increasingly absent husband only deepen her isolation. When Leah shares a damaging secret with her sister-in-law, it threatens the fragile unity of the O’Connor family. As her erratic behavior escalates, Leah must confront her self-destruction, the pressures of motherhood, & the complex dynamics of the women around her to decide whether her family will be her redemption or her downfall.
QUICK & SPOILER-FREE REVIEW: Applause to this debut author! An unputdownable tale of secrets, sacrifice, & stunning twists. From the first page it had me completely hooked. It tells the raw & riveting story of a complex woman, flawed, & achingly real, who finds herself drowning in a life she never imagined. The pressures of motherhood, trying to measure up to her mother-in-law & husband’s family all mount in quiet, suffocating ways. She’s not unhappy exactly, but she’s lost. And it’s that quiet unraveling that makes this book so compelling. What sets this novel apart is how skillfully it weaves in a long-buried secret from her past; one that simmers beneath the surface until it explodes in a way I never saw coming. And at the very end, the author threw in a twist so unexpected & breathtaking. This is more than a domestic drama. It’s a story about identity, betrayal, & the choices we make when we feel like we have none. The ending hit like an emotional earthquake. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time! Highly recommend!
There are triggers to consider: Addiction, Suicide, Miscarriage, and Alcoholism.
AUTHOR: Jessica Guerrieri
PUB DATE: May 13, 2025, by HarperCollins Focus
PAGES: 320
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (rounded up)
GENRE: Women’s Fiction
I am honored to have been given an advanced copy by this debut author! A tremendous THANK YOU to HarperCollinsMuse, NetGalley, and the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
SYNOPSIS: In this emotionally charged novel, Leah’s life is upended by an unexpected pregnancy after falling for the charming Lucas O’Connor. Over a decade & 3 kids later, she struggles with unfulfilled artistic dreams, mounting resentment, & a growing dependence on alcohol. Tensions with her self-sacrificing mother-in-law Christine & an increasingly absent husband only deepen her isolation. When Leah shares a damaging secret with her sister-in-law, it threatens the fragile unity of the O’Connor family. As her erratic behavior escalates, Leah must confront her self-destruction, the pressures of motherhood, & the complex dynamics of the women around her to decide whether her family will be her redemption or her downfall.
QUICK & SPOILER-FREE REVIEW: Applause to this debut author! An unputdownable tale of secrets, sacrifice, & stunning twists. From the first page it had me completely hooked. It tells the raw & riveting story of a complex woman, flawed, & achingly real, who finds herself drowning in a life she never imagined. The pressures of motherhood, trying to measure up to her mother-in-law & husband’s family all mount in quiet, suffocating ways. She’s not unhappy exactly, but she’s lost. And it’s that quiet unraveling that makes this book so compelling. What sets this novel apart is how skillfully it weaves in a long-buried secret from her past; one that simmers beneath the surface until it explodes in a way I never saw coming. And at the very end, the author threw in a twist so unexpected & breathtaking. This is more than a domestic drama. It’s a story about identity, betrayal, & the choices we make when we feel like we have none. The ending hit like an emotional earthquake. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time! Highly recommend!
There are triggers to consider: Addiction, Suicide, Miscarriage, and Alcoholism.
May 14, 2025
BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA is a raw and emotionally resonant debut about the quiet unraveling that can happen behind closed doors, especially for women navigating the relentless tides of motherhood, strained family ties, and the creeping grip of addiction.
Leah O’Conner has put her career on hold to raise three young children while managing an increasingly tense relationship with her mother-in-law. What begins as a nightly glass of wine to take the edge off slowly turns into something more dangerous. As Leah’s choices grow more reckless, she’s forced to confront the cost of the life she left behind, and the one she’s struggling to hold together.
Debut author Jessica Guerrieri writes with clarity and conviction, drawing from her own experience with alcoholism to craft a story that feels deeply honest. Leah may not be a traditionally “likable” protagonist, but her flaws are real, and her journey is one many will recognize. This novel doesn’t romanticize addiction or lean on tired “mommy juice” tropes”. It offers a more nuanced, unflinching portrayal of the weight women carry, and what it means to begin again.
READ THIS IF YOU:
-Understand how brave it is to ask for help
-Appreciate flawed female leads and unvarnished motherhood narratives
-Are drawn to raw, intimate family dramas
PUB DATE: May 14, 2025
RATING: 4/5
Leah O’Conner has put her career on hold to raise three young children while managing an increasingly tense relationship with her mother-in-law. What begins as a nightly glass of wine to take the edge off slowly turns into something more dangerous. As Leah’s choices grow more reckless, she’s forced to confront the cost of the life she left behind, and the one she’s struggling to hold together.
Debut author Jessica Guerrieri writes with clarity and conviction, drawing from her own experience with alcoholism to craft a story that feels deeply honest. Leah may not be a traditionally “likable” protagonist, but her flaws are real, and her journey is one many will recognize. This novel doesn’t romanticize addiction or lean on tired “mommy juice” tropes”. It offers a more nuanced, unflinching portrayal of the weight women carry, and what it means to begin again.
READ THIS IF YOU:
-Understand how brave it is to ask for help
-Appreciate flawed female leads and unvarnished motherhood narratives
-Are drawn to raw, intimate family dramas
PUB DATE: May 14, 2025
RATING: 4/5
June 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
This book is incredibly written and painfully honest. It’s fiction, but you can feel the lived experience in every word. It's a raw, intimate, first-person account of motherhood and addiction.
Guerreri unpacks the complexities of family dynamics, generational trauma, and self-destruction in a way that feels uncomfortably real. Her portrayal of Leah’s shadow self, the parts we hide, deny, and sometimes cling to, was haunting and deeply relatable.
This isn’t an easy read, but it’s one I couldn’t put down. Compelling, brutal, and beautifully written. I devoured it in 2 days.
This book is incredibly written and painfully honest. It’s fiction, but you can feel the lived experience in every word. It's a raw, intimate, first-person account of motherhood and addiction.
Guerreri unpacks the complexities of family dynamics, generational trauma, and self-destruction in a way that feels uncomfortably real. Her portrayal of Leah’s shadow self, the parts we hide, deny, and sometimes cling to, was haunting and deeply relatable.
This isn’t an easy read, but it’s one I couldn’t put down. Compelling, brutal, and beautifully written. I devoured it in 2 days.
May 17, 2025
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The setting: Leah marries into a close-knit family of three brothers [her husband is Lucas] whose parents live nearby and gather for weekly Sunday dinners--which she struggles through. Leah's upbringing was not traditional; she is from a dysfunctional family--t0tally unlike the family she married into. Her mother-in-law, Christine, bonded to her sons, is not her favorite person! Her sister-in-law, Amy is a steady, good friend, although Leah cannot abide by her relationship with Christine. Everyone has secrets. Amy has told her in-laws that her mother is dead; Isla is NOT! Christine and her husband George, are hiding something as is Leah--well--more than just one thing!
Leah is resentful of her three children interrupting her career/plans/life as an artist. Why doesn't her husband take on more responsibility? Why is her mother-in-law so obsessive about mothering?
The novel is divided into past [primarily Leah; also Amy] and present. The writing was good enough--nothing to really derail though a few moments came close.
But the overwhelming presence in the novel is alcohol and Leah's need for one more drink/buzz to cope/escape. After a short while, it grew quite tiresome [for me].
NB: The epilogue reveals that the author is an alcoholic--aha! And it was a neat and tidy ending/wrapped up too easily. Not a real spoiler--I saw it coming.
3 because there was SOME mystery. Not rounding up--in the distinct minority.
The setting: Leah marries into a close-knit family of three brothers [her husband is Lucas] whose parents live nearby and gather for weekly Sunday dinners--which she struggles through. Leah's upbringing was not traditional; she is from a dysfunctional family--t0tally unlike the family she married into. Her mother-in-law, Christine, bonded to her sons, is not her favorite person! Her sister-in-law, Amy is a steady, good friend, although Leah cannot abide by her relationship with Christine. Everyone has secrets. Amy has told her in-laws that her mother is dead; Isla is NOT! Christine and her husband George, are hiding something as is Leah--well--more than just one thing!
Leah is resentful of her three children interrupting her career/plans/life as an artist. Why doesn't her husband take on more responsibility? Why is her mother-in-law so obsessive about mothering?
The novel is divided into past [primarily Leah; also Amy] and present. The writing was good enough--nothing to really derail though a few moments came close.
But the overwhelming presence in the novel is alcohol and Leah's need for one more drink/buzz to cope/escape. After a short while, it grew quite tiresome [for me].
NB: The epilogue reveals that the author is an alcoholic--aha! And it was a neat and tidy ending/wrapped up too easily. Not a real spoiler--I saw it coming.
3 because there was SOME mystery. Not rounding up--in the distinct minority.
May 17, 2025
A deeply personal debut family drama about Leah and Amy, two women who marry brothers becoming best friends along the way and their struggles with alcoholism, infertility, infant loss and mental health. The way the author writes about female friendship and the lies we all tell ourselves to excuse the unhealthy habits was extremely relatable.
Told from surfer and artist Leah O'Connor's perspective as she finds herself drinking more and more to get through her days as a mother to four children and not willing to admit she has a problem. Things eventually come to a head though when Amy refuses to keep sitting idly by as her friend heads down a dark path from which she could lose everything.
Great on audio narrated by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw with a note included at the end read by the author herself. This would make a great book club book and is highly recommended for fans of authors like Tracy Lange. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
Told from surfer and artist Leah O'Connor's perspective as she finds herself drinking more and more to get through her days as a mother to four children and not willing to admit she has a problem. Things eventually come to a head though when Amy refuses to keep sitting idly by as her friend heads down a dark path from which she could lose everything.
Great on audio narrated by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw with a note included at the end read by the author herself. This would make a great book club book and is highly recommended for fans of authors like Tracy Lange. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
July 19, 2025
This is a powerful, emotional debut that tackles addiction (especially alcoholism) with raw honesty and compassion. Leah’s story is heartbreaking, messy, and deeply human. Despite her struggles, she’s a character you root for.
This is more than just a story about addiction, it’s also about motherhood, marriage, and the often complicated ties between in laws. It’s beautifully written, gut wrenching at times, but full of heart. If you’ve ever loved someone battling addiction, this will resonate deeply. 💔🖤 A standout debut for sure
This is more than just a story about addiction, it’s also about motherhood, marriage, and the often complicated ties between in laws. It’s beautifully written, gut wrenching at times, but full of heart. If you’ve ever loved someone battling addiction, this will resonate deeply. 💔🖤 A standout debut for sure
January 16, 2025
This is an amazing debut that swept me up in its plot and intricate relationships. Leah and Lucas are parents t0 Joni, Dottie, and Reid in Half Moon Bay. Lucas and brother-in-law Paul are building/recreating a family restaurant but Leah is highly suspicious of mother-in-law, Christine as this matriarch always has her hands in everything and Leah isn't sure what her motives are. But Leah has a past and family dynamics are crazy as she gets involved in Christine's machinations. It's a mile-a-minute thrill ride!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
June 5, 2025
Wow I hate this book. It must be so exhausting to hate motherhood and manhood as much as this MC does. If you want to read the diary of a very bitter feminist, this book is for you.
May 10, 2025
Jessica Guerrieri’s debut Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is a stunning and emotionally fraught piece of literary fiction that doesn’t flinch from the messiness of life. The novel follows Leah, a woman trying to navigate the rocky terrain of motherhood, marriage, and fractured family dynamics, all while wrestling with her own unraveling sense of self.
I had the chance to listen to the audiobook before its release, and wow, this was a heavy humdinger of a story. Literary fiction doesn’t get much better than this. Character growth is where this genre shines, and Guerrieri absolutely nails it. And the narration by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw was spectacular. She is a skilled voice actor who brought the characters to life.
Leah begins as a woman I could connect with. She’s a mom and a wife, trying to keep it together amid all the small indignities of daily life, including dealing with a challenging mother-in-law, Christine. I saw myself in some of Leah’s frustrations. But as the story progressed, Leah made choices that left me shaking my head. She said things to Amy, her sister-in-law, the one person who truly saw and understood her, that made me want to shake her by the shoulders. Christine was self-absorbed and manipulative at times, no doubt. But Leah? She didn’t meet the moment with grace. As her drinking worsened, I watched her spiral, making one destructive decision after another.
And yet, I cared. That’s the magic of what Guerrieri has done here. Even when I disliked Leah, even when I couldn’t understand her, I still wanted better for her. I wanted her to see Amy’s kindness. I wanted her to set healthy boundaries with Christine. I wanted her to heal. That kind of emotional investment is rare, and it’s a true testament to Guerrieri’s storytelling.
What really struck me was how this book gently but powerfully critiques the way our culture glamorizes drinking, especially for moms. That whole “Mommy needs wine” message is everywhere, and it can be so damaging. Leah’s descent into alcoholism is heartbreaking, and it’s made worse by how normalized her drinking is at first. This story shines a light on that and reminds us how important it is to create space where choosing not to drink is seen as just as valid and worthy. We need to talk more openly about that.
This is not a light, breezy read. It deals with weighty topics; alcoholism, grief, stillbirth, miscarriage, family dysfunction, and it doesn’t offer easy answers. But it does offer hope. And it’s that hope, woven into the heartbreak, that made this novel feel like something special.
It might not be “enjoyable” in the traditional sense, but it is absolutely worth it. A bold, brave, beautifully crafted debut that I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
Thank you to HarperCollins Focus and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
I had the chance to listen to the audiobook before its release, and wow, this was a heavy humdinger of a story. Literary fiction doesn’t get much better than this. Character growth is where this genre shines, and Guerrieri absolutely nails it. And the narration by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw was spectacular. She is a skilled voice actor who brought the characters to life.
Leah begins as a woman I could connect with. She’s a mom and a wife, trying to keep it together amid all the small indignities of daily life, including dealing with a challenging mother-in-law, Christine. I saw myself in some of Leah’s frustrations. But as the story progressed, Leah made choices that left me shaking my head. She said things to Amy, her sister-in-law, the one person who truly saw and understood her, that made me want to shake her by the shoulders. Christine was self-absorbed and manipulative at times, no doubt. But Leah? She didn’t meet the moment with grace. As her drinking worsened, I watched her spiral, making one destructive decision after another.
And yet, I cared. That’s the magic of what Guerrieri has done here. Even when I disliked Leah, even when I couldn’t understand her, I still wanted better for her. I wanted her to see Amy’s kindness. I wanted her to set healthy boundaries with Christine. I wanted her to heal. That kind of emotional investment is rare, and it’s a true testament to Guerrieri’s storytelling.
What really struck me was how this book gently but powerfully critiques the way our culture glamorizes drinking, especially for moms. That whole “Mommy needs wine” message is everywhere, and it can be so damaging. Leah’s descent into alcoholism is heartbreaking, and it’s made worse by how normalized her drinking is at first. This story shines a light on that and reminds us how important it is to create space where choosing not to drink is seen as just as valid and worthy. We need to talk more openly about that.
This is not a light, breezy read. It deals with weighty topics; alcoholism, grief, stillbirth, miscarriage, family dysfunction, and it doesn’t offer easy answers. But it does offer hope. And it’s that hope, woven into the heartbreak, that made this novel feel like something special.
It might not be “enjoyable” in the traditional sense, but it is absolutely worth it. A bold, brave, beautifully crafted debut that I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
Thank you to HarperCollins Focus and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
March 20, 2025
I had the privilege of listening to this book early via NetGalley. To be honest, I picked the book by its cover and maybe glanced at the blurb, but had no idea as to what a journey I was getting myself into.
First of all, the narrator's voice is so calm, believable, and lovely to listen to.
And secondly, this book was heart-wrenching and raw. We're taken along on a journey of a mother raising her kids and reminiscing/romanticizing the life she could have been living (her "shadow life") had she not become a mother (and then three times over.)
As we continue to read, we notice not only is she constantly wishing for and being envious of her shadow life, but that she stays in that state with the help of wine and liquor. We're taken on a journey of raw and real feelings of motherhood (that I think all mothers feel to an extent regardless of sobriety.) We meet lots of family and people who care for our main character.
This was not my typical read, but I resonated with it (aside from the alcoholism) and found myself excited to get back to reading it each time I had to stop and start my listening.
I'm thoroughly impressed with this debut author and recommend giving this book a read or listen.
First of all, the narrator's voice is so calm, believable, and lovely to listen to.
And secondly, this book was heart-wrenching and raw. We're taken along on a journey of a mother raising her kids and reminiscing/romanticizing the life she could have been living (her "shadow life") had she not become a mother (and then three times over.)
As we continue to read, we notice not only is she constantly wishing for and being envious of her shadow life, but that she stays in that state with the help of wine and liquor. We're taken on a journey of raw and real feelings of motherhood (that I think all mothers feel to an extent regardless of sobriety.) We meet lots of family and people who care for our main character.
This was not my typical read, but I resonated with it (aside from the alcoholism) and found myself excited to get back to reading it each time I had to stop and start my listening.
I'm thoroughly impressed with this debut author and recommend giving this book a read or listen.
February 6, 2025
I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I think this book will stick with me for a while, but I also have mixed feelings about it. The topic is an important one, and the writing was mostly well-done (except for some dialog that was a bit unrealistic). And maybe I just can't relate, as my experience with motherhood has been different (and if I'd read this pre-kids, I would have been even more terrified than I already was!).
However, it was a sloooow burn, much more of a character study than plot-driven. That can be fine, but in this case it was done via a bit too much "telling." Instead of feeling like I was experiencing a story, it felt as though I was simply reading a retelling, if that makes sense. This was probably in part due to all of the flashbacks.
Admittedly, I also found the main character a bit frustrating. Not because of her alcoholism, but much of what preceded it. The dislike of her mother-in-law felt like a reach at times, and the choice to have three kids when you weren't even interested in being a parent at all is hard for me to wrap my head around.
I think this book will stick with me for a while, but I also have mixed feelings about it. The topic is an important one, and the writing was mostly well-done (except for some dialog that was a bit unrealistic). And maybe I just can't relate, as my experience with motherhood has been different (and if I'd read this pre-kids, I would have been even more terrified than I already was!).
However, it was a sloooow burn, much more of a character study than plot-driven. That can be fine, but in this case it was done via a bit too much "telling." Instead of feeling like I was experiencing a story, it felt as though I was simply reading a retelling, if that makes sense. This was probably in part due to all of the flashbacks.
Admittedly, I also found the main character a bit frustrating. Not because of her alcoholism, but much of what preceded it. The dislike of her mother-in-law felt like a reach at times, and the choice to have three kids when you weren't even interested in being a parent at all is hard for me to wrap my head around.
June 3, 2025
This book broke me in a way I didn't think was possible. I had such a visceral, emotional response to Leah, her isolation, confusion with her own life and her path, and need to lash out at everyone around her that didn't 'side' with her. It felt so familiar for me. While I thought the story of Leah and her journey to finding inner peace was beautiful, I thought her breaking down every piece of her being and exposing that raw side to be tragically incredible.
This feels like one of the most 'real' books I've read yet in regard to addiction/alcoholism. It's like walking out into the ocean....One moment you think you're fine, then the next moment, you can't feel the bottom of the ocean anymore and you're gasping to stay afloat. The bond Leah had with Amy and Amy's willingness to give Leah the lifejacket is nothing short of absolute unconditional love.
This is one of the best debut novels I have ever read. And I highly recommend this to everyone. This is a heavy book and the alcoholism/addiction themes weigh a lot, but it is truly at it's core, a fantastic and beautiful story. Many thanks to the author for providing me with an advance copy.
This feels like one of the most 'real' books I've read yet in regard to addiction/alcoholism. It's like walking out into the ocean....One moment you think you're fine, then the next moment, you can't feel the bottom of the ocean anymore and you're gasping to stay afloat. The bond Leah had with Amy and Amy's willingness to give Leah the lifejacket is nothing short of absolute unconditional love.
This is one of the best debut novels I have ever read. And I highly recommend this to everyone. This is a heavy book and the alcoholism/addiction themes weigh a lot, but it is truly at it's core, a fantastic and beautiful story. Many thanks to the author for providing me with an advance copy.
May 10, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ 👏🏻👏🏻
This debut novel was written so well. It was raw, devastating, and felt so realistic. I listened on audio and WOW, the narrator did such a fantastic job. Her voice for this character was spot on!!
It was painful and sad but such an incredible story. Alcoholism and addiction is something that touches most families in one way or another. I loved that the story was told in first person POV of the FMC Leah. I also loved how the author articulated the perspectives of the other family members. Leah was relatable and likable when she wasn’t intoxicated. I felt empathy and frustration toward her. The weight of responsibility and expectations of motherhood can be so hard. The author does such a great job at showing exactly how Leah felt. The disease slowing creeping in and then quickly escalating to such a big problem.
I highly recommend reading the authors note at the end.
Add it to your list. 🙌🏻
Release date 5/13/25
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Focus for this audio arc in exchange for my honest review.
This debut novel was written so well. It was raw, devastating, and felt so realistic. I listened on audio and WOW, the narrator did such a fantastic job. Her voice for this character was spot on!!
It was painful and sad but such an incredible story. Alcoholism and addiction is something that touches most families in one way or another. I loved that the story was told in first person POV of the FMC Leah. I also loved how the author articulated the perspectives of the other family members. Leah was relatable and likable when she wasn’t intoxicated. I felt empathy and frustration toward her. The weight of responsibility and expectations of motherhood can be so hard. The author does such a great job at showing exactly how Leah felt. The disease slowing creeping in and then quickly escalating to such a big problem.
I highly recommend reading the authors note at the end.
Add it to your list. 🙌🏻
Release date 5/13/25
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Focus for this audio arc in exchange for my honest review.
October 4, 2024
The beauty of this debut cannot be oversold. The way Jessica Guerrieri unfolds the complex relationships between women, the way every woman is given empathy and no woman is a villain—no matter the depth of her wrongdoings, the way she paints every day challenges with gorgeous metaphoric brush strokes, all create a story you can't put down and can't forget, if you actually manage to put it down.
May 31, 2025
The writing was great but there was no point to this book at all. Just a story about a spoiled, ungrateful woman who becomes an alcoholic to stir up attention and then quickly recovers?? Very disappointing.
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