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Deep Cries Out
Aimee Rojas is a tenacious single mother at the height of her career in sales—until an unexpected diagnosis brings her life to a grinding halt. Retreating to Galveston Island on the coast of Texas, Aimee is immediately surrounded with supportive family and friends. However, she soon realizes accepting help from those closest to her comes with its own nuanced complexities. Aimee's beloved cousin reappears in her life, complete with his spiraling opioid addiction, and her handsome co-worker continues to keep her mind racing in spite of her hiatus from the job. The brightest spark of joy in Aimee's life is her daughter Anna, who quickly befriends the family next door. As Aimee grapples with the physical and mental effects of her illness, she has no idea her healing will involve the love of a man whose past is just as complicated as her own, and the surfacing of a lie which might not only end her career, but her life.
305 pages, Paperback
Published July 20, 2025
3 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Allison Nance
1 book7 followersAllison Nance has been writing and singing since before she can remember. Deep Cries Out is her debut novel.
With a career in fine dining and special events spanning two continents and almost as many decades, Allison currently resides in Houston, Texas, with her family.
If she's not writing, she's probably baking.
With a career in fine dining and special events spanning two continents and almost as many decades, Allison currently resides in Houston, Texas, with her family.
If she's not writing, she's probably baking.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 22, 2025
Dear Reader,
In many ways, today is bittersweet because the story of Deep Cries Out is no longer just mine; it’s yours. I began writing Deep Cries Out in January of 2023 as a way to process crippling anxiety and depression. What started as a practical exercise in journaling quickly morphed into a fictional eighty-thousand word novel about a woman named Aimee. Since then, I’ve written another manuscript and have started a third.
Is Deep Cries Out perfect? Absolutely not. Like me, these characters are broken and flawed. However, it’s not lost on me that for someone, this will be their favorite book of all time. Conversely, another person will certainly throw it in the trash or against the wall in disgust. (It’s okay to have strong feelings about books, I get it.)
As a note, many places in the story are real. Hotel Galvez, the Strand, the restaurants named, and the neighborhood of Sea Isle are very real. SeaSplit, West End Bible Church and the elementary and middle schools are not. When mentioning historical events such as the 1900 hurricane, Hurricane Katrina, and the ravaging effects of the pandemic on the village of Bergamo in 2020, I tried my very best to be factually accurate.
I love Aimee’s story. I hope you see yourself in her journey of healing, but even more, I pray you find God’s love for you in these pages, and that no matter what you’re going through, you hold on to him, because nothing is impossible.
In many ways, today is bittersweet because the story of Deep Cries Out is no longer just mine; it’s yours. I began writing Deep Cries Out in January of 2023 as a way to process crippling anxiety and depression. What started as a practical exercise in journaling quickly morphed into a fictional eighty-thousand word novel about a woman named Aimee. Since then, I’ve written another manuscript and have started a third.
Is Deep Cries Out perfect? Absolutely not. Like me, these characters are broken and flawed. However, it’s not lost on me that for someone, this will be their favorite book of all time. Conversely, another person will certainly throw it in the trash or against the wall in disgust. (It’s okay to have strong feelings about books, I get it.)
As a note, many places in the story are real. Hotel Galvez, the Strand, the restaurants named, and the neighborhood of Sea Isle are very real. SeaSplit, West End Bible Church and the elementary and middle schools are not. When mentioning historical events such as the 1900 hurricane, Hurricane Katrina, and the ravaging effects of the pandemic on the village of Bergamo in 2020, I tried my very best to be factually accurate.
I love Aimee’s story. I hope you see yourself in her journey of healing, but even more, I pray you find God’s love for you in these pages, and that no matter what you’re going through, you hold on to him, because nothing is impossible.
April 27, 2025
Deep Cries Out has been my favorite read so far this year. The characters are relatable and well-drawn. The main character’s journey to restoration and wholeness is both engaging and satisfying. I’m looking forward to more books from this talented new author. I highly recommend her work.
April 28, 2025
A True, Timeless Treasure
In Deep Cries Out, the power of a lost love, the promise of a new one, and the providence of God serve as a lifeline for Aimee as she ascends from the depths of despair and steps onto the sunlit shores of salvation. The peaceful and picturesque seaside town of Galveston, Texas, provides the perfect backdrop—a place where southern charm endures, and time both stands still and surges forward.
As we journey deeper into Aimee’s story, we see her pursuit of refuge, resilience, and renewal as she navigates the ever-changing ebbs and flows of life. In doing so, she rediscovers a depth of love—not only within her family and friends, but most importantly, within herself.
Our souls are like the ocean—vast, deep, and sometimes storm-tossed. When waves of doubt rise and currents of sorrow threaten to pull her under, only the steady hand of God and the haven of His grace can bring Aimee back to the surface.
True safety and security is found when we surrender to the One who calms the seas.
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace." - Matthew 11:28-29 (MSG)
In Deep Cries Out, the power of a lost love, the promise of a new one, and the providence of God serve as a lifeline for Aimee as she ascends from the depths of despair and steps onto the sunlit shores of salvation. The peaceful and picturesque seaside town of Galveston, Texas, provides the perfect backdrop—a place where southern charm endures, and time both stands still and surges forward.
As we journey deeper into Aimee’s story, we see her pursuit of refuge, resilience, and renewal as she navigates the ever-changing ebbs and flows of life. In doing so, she rediscovers a depth of love—not only within her family and friends, but most importantly, within herself.
Our souls are like the ocean—vast, deep, and sometimes storm-tossed. When waves of doubt rise and currents of sorrow threaten to pull her under, only the steady hand of God and the haven of His grace can bring Aimee back to the surface.
True safety and security is found when we surrender to the One who calms the seas.
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace." - Matthew 11:28-29 (MSG)
July 27, 2025
This was a beautifully written page-turner, and I didn’t want to put it down! There were exquisite descriptions and jaw-dropping plot twists. I loved every minute of it! Can’t wait for Allison’s next book!
June 15, 2025
The way in which this story played out reminded me of a roller coaster. Once the initial climb to the first peak has been made it’s all twists and turns/ups and downs from here until the end.
There is a catalyst that sets this whole sequence of events in motion. This has already put the main character in an emotionally vulnerable state, as the speed picks up and the initial fall takes place. Over the course of the book, it is a journey of healing, of surprise, of trauma, of hope, and of comfort and finally thr promise of life.
The characters are relatable in the sense that all who read this will immediately think of one or two people around them. The author has written them in an empathetic way that draws you into rooting for each one, despite some pretty strong reasons to think other wise.
Ultimately, the ride concludes and the main character has experienced the gauntlet or emotions. Both doubts and hopes. Things are restored, wounds are mended, and we are reminded that anything is possible. There is always light at the end of the tunnel.
There is a catalyst that sets this whole sequence of events in motion. This has already put the main character in an emotionally vulnerable state, as the speed picks up and the initial fall takes place. Over the course of the book, it is a journey of healing, of surprise, of trauma, of hope, and of comfort and finally thr promise of life.
The characters are relatable in the sense that all who read this will immediately think of one or two people around them. The author has written them in an empathetic way that draws you into rooting for each one, despite some pretty strong reasons to think other wise.
Ultimately, the ride concludes and the main character has experienced the gauntlet or emotions. Both doubts and hopes. Things are restored, wounds are mended, and we are reminded that anything is possible. There is always light at the end of the tunnel.
November 9, 2025
What a beautiful #debutnovel! This was heartbreaking but so hopeful, and I read it at a perfect time in my life. I loved that this book was set in Galveston Island, Texas, a beautiful seaside town. The main character suffers panic attacks and anxiety attacks, and I thought that was very well written. This is a love story about finding your self-worth. If you're looking for a hopeful book, this is the book for you!
When stress blindsides Aimee Rojas, a tenacious single mother at the height of her high-powered career, she returns home to Galveston Island on the coast of Texas. Surrounded by family and friends, she soon realizes accepting help from those closest to her comes with its own nuanced complexities. As Aimee grapples with the physical and mental effects of her illness, she has no idea her healing will involve the love of a man whose past is just as complicated as her own, and the surfacing of a lie which might not only end her career, but her life. 4.5 stars!
Thank you #AllisonNance for my #gifted (free) copy. All opinions are my own.
When stress blindsides Aimee Rojas, a tenacious single mother at the height of her high-powered career, she returns home to Galveston Island on the coast of Texas. Surrounded by family and friends, she soon realizes accepting help from those closest to her comes with its own nuanced complexities. As Aimee grapples with the physical and mental effects of her illness, she has no idea her healing will involve the love of a man whose past is just as complicated as her own, and the surfacing of a lie which might not only end her career, but her life. 4.5 stars!
Thank you #AllisonNance for my #gifted (free) copy. All opinions are my own.
April 29, 2025
It has been so thrilling to see the growth in Christian media over the last several years. Deep Cries Out does an amazing job of illustrating the effects of living in a fallen world and experiencing the pain and grief that none of us are immune to while also highlighting the glorious love, grace and beauty all around us that points ultimately to our Heavenly Father. I loved the richness of the characters who were so easy to relate to and root for. The Galveston, TX setting was the perfect backdrop to make the reader feel like they were part of the story. I am looking forward to reading whatever Allison has next.
April 29, 2025
Deep Cries Out is a slow-burn story that will leave you satisfied and with a new sense of hope that even when chaos ensues and darkness threatens from every side, God has a plan to bring you out of it and into joy and peace. I enjoyed getting to know these characters and cheering them on. Deep Cries Out also held a few surprises I did not see coming, which as an avid reader, I appreciate. If I can't foresee it, I consider it a job well done. I look forward to more from this author.
July 30, 2025
A wonderful story full of heartache and hope!
I was rooting for the main character the whole time as she battled so much both physically and emotionally in her life.
I loved the deep faith themes and the encouraging messages throughout, especially at the end.
I was also a big fan of the romance portion of the book, and was eager to watch the love story unfold!
Definitely would recommend!
I was rooting for the main character the whole time as she battled so much both physically and emotionally in her life.
I loved the deep faith themes and the encouraging messages throughout, especially at the end.
I was also a big fan of the romance portion of the book, and was eager to watch the love story unfold!
Definitely would recommend!
December 29, 2025
excellent writing! lots of unexpected turns.
August 27, 2025
Deep Cries Out connected with me in a way I didn't expect. I found myself crying almost constantly as I devoured the emotional expression portrayed through the protagonist's relationships.
Deep Cries Out is an evenly tempo-ed story with beautiful people, places, and memories, written with almost idealistic characters in an extremely hard time. It was an amazing comfort read, bringing drama and conflict but also handing you the pillow to cry, scream, or fall into.
Deep Cries Out is an evenly tempo-ed story with beautiful people, places, and memories, written with almost idealistic characters in an extremely hard time. It was an amazing comfort read, bringing drama and conflict but also handing you the pillow to cry, scream, or fall into.
January 11, 2026
The theme of stress-induced illness is what drew me to read Deep Cries Out. The opening scenes, with the main character’s disturbing dreams of her late husband and panic attack during a sales pitch, are powerful, and the author portrays the protagonist’s ongoing struggle with anxiety and depression in a believable way without sensationalism. But the book is more than a story of recovery. It is an impressive work of literary fiction combining elements of both romance and suspense. The beautifully written prose, both poetic and compulsively readable, kept the pages turning for me.
Mother to school-aged Anna, Aimee Rojas is widowed when her husband, Caleb, dies of Covid. Aimee is a successful businesswoman, both relatable as a person and deserving of respect for her professional accomplishments. When an illness with both physical and mental symptoms strikes, she leaves a business project in New York City and travels with her daughter to Galveston Island on the coast of Texas to recuperate. With both family and friends there, she soon gets caught up in their complicated lives.
One of the most compelling parts of the story are the relationships, particularly Aimee’s closeness with her daughter, Anna, and her aunt, Cecily. She develops a romance with neighbor, Jeremy, whose daughter, Christina, becomes inseparable from Anna. There is also a best friend turned worst enemy character and a cousin with a drug addiction who contributes to mystery and shocks later in the book.
The setting of the novel is also charming. The author’s vivid physical description brought the island to life, and as a place where Aimee visited friends several times as a child and also more recently, the island is almost its own character. One of my favorite passages says of Galveston Island that “Even in the ashen haze of winter it was beautiful, a tongue of cinnamon sand stretching out into the gulf.”
I would highly recommend this novel to anyone looking for character-driven literary fiction with elements of romance and suspense. It is interesting to note that the author says she wrote this book as a way to process crippling anxiety and depression. To me, this makes her literary achievement even more impressive.
Mother to school-aged Anna, Aimee Rojas is widowed when her husband, Caleb, dies of Covid. Aimee is a successful businesswoman, both relatable as a person and deserving of respect for her professional accomplishments. When an illness with both physical and mental symptoms strikes, she leaves a business project in New York City and travels with her daughter to Galveston Island on the coast of Texas to recuperate. With both family and friends there, she soon gets caught up in their complicated lives.
One of the most compelling parts of the story are the relationships, particularly Aimee’s closeness with her daughter, Anna, and her aunt, Cecily. She develops a romance with neighbor, Jeremy, whose daughter, Christina, becomes inseparable from Anna. There is also a best friend turned worst enemy character and a cousin with a drug addiction who contributes to mystery and shocks later in the book.
The setting of the novel is also charming. The author’s vivid physical description brought the island to life, and as a place where Aimee visited friends several times as a child and also more recently, the island is almost its own character. One of my favorite passages says of Galveston Island that “Even in the ashen haze of winter it was beautiful, a tongue of cinnamon sand stretching out into the gulf.”
I would highly recommend this novel to anyone looking for character-driven literary fiction with elements of romance and suspense. It is interesting to note that the author says she wrote this book as a way to process crippling anxiety and depression. To me, this makes her literary achievement even more impressive.
April 28, 2025
A captivating debut novel that will certainly appeal to anyone who has struggled with panic or anxiety attacks.
Aimee Rojas, the main character, suffers an attack in the midst of a high-powered presentation at work and retreats to her home and family on Galveston island in Texas. The supporting characters who ease her back to health are drawn with love and compassion, even when their own failures make life difficult. There's a little romance and a bit of surprising suspense that kept me guessing until the end.
I read an ARC of this book and can honestly recommend it.
Aimee Rojas, the main character, suffers an attack in the midst of a high-powered presentation at work and retreats to her home and family on Galveston island in Texas. The supporting characters who ease her back to health are drawn with love and compassion, even when their own failures make life difficult. There's a little romance and a bit of surprising suspense that kept me guessing until the end.
I read an ARC of this book and can honestly recommend it.
April 28, 2025
OMG. Allison Nance may be my new favorite author. Her words read like poetry at times. So deep. So gorgeous. I stopped just to highlight sentences every now and then. The main character struggles to heal from depression, and the descriptions of her nightmare--and her subsequent fight to claw her way back--are so real, so perfectly described, I have to believe the author lived through this herself. No way I could ever come up with her portrayal. This is a tender, encouraging story where love shows up when least expected. You're going to love this book.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews