The Deep End of Love: A Novel

by Christina Suzann Nelson

When Izzy's pregnancy comes to light during her junior year of high school, her future sinks like a stone and leaves waves of uncertainty in its wake. And suddenly three women are pulled into the undertow. A mother desperate to protect her child, but battling hurt and fear from her past. A new woman in town with empty arms and a deep longing. And a broken heart trying to survive amid grief.

An unborn baby growing closer to his unknown future remarkably brings together these four women with four completely different stories. Masterfully told in woven points of view, The Deep End of Love explores how one decision exposes shame, fear, and hope—and how grace surfaces in the least expected places.

Christy Award-winning author Christina Suzann Nelson draws listeners in through this emotionally engaging and inspirational novel, now revised and updated.

Genres: Contemporary

288 pages, Paperback

Published May 19, 2026

About the author

Christina Suzann Nelson is an inspirational speaker and the award-winning author of If We Make It Home, Swimming in the Deep End, and More Than We Remember. The Way It Should Be releases February 2, 2021.She writes and speaks about hope after dysfunction. Christina is over the top about her passion for faith, family, fiction, and foster care. When she’s not writing, she’s working with the Every Child initiative, chasing escaped steers, reading, breathing in the sweet smell of her horse, hiking with her dog, or enjoying her just-as-crazy family.

Reviews

[Hannah Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains so much emotion, so much struggle... so much grief. But simultaneously, it infused me with hope and joy and refreshed passion to love others well and to be a safe place for people to fall.

Each of our characters is fighting battles of her own. Izzy is pregnant and losing everything she'd planned for herself. Jillian's long-hidden secret is threatening to break loose and destroy the life she's built, including her marriage. Stacey and her husband are battling infertility and loss, longing for a child. And Margaret is struggling with feeling like a total failure as a mother and yearning to connect with her son.

Ultimately, this book is about motherhood, and what it means to truly love and care for a child. It's about the value and sanctity of life, and the importance of support--even for little ones who are born from less-than-desirable situations. Babies are SO precious, and so are their mamas. Watching these women get over their reservations and love openly, honestly, and abundantly was truly inspiring.

AS much as I love romances, I can appreciate a romance-free book just as much (if not more!), and The Deep End of Love had me wondering how everything would end. While the connections between characters were a bit predictable and even contrived at times, I liked it for the sake of this story. And Nelson didn't tie everything with a perfect bow, but allowed things to remain slightly raw yet hopeful. Overall, this was a truly delightful read.

Trigger warnings: infertility, abortion, grief, death of a child

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a story that will tug at your heartstrings in the best way, this is the story for you. It made me tear up, it broke my momma's heart, and it gave me such a great perspective. I was not expecting such emotion, but this story was beautifully woven. The Deep End of Love is the first story I have read written by Christina Suzann Nelson, and I look forward to reading more.

This story follows four women who are intertwined and working through their own struggles. Izzy is a junior in high school. She just found out she is pregnant, and now all her dreams seem to be crashing down. Jillian, the mother of Izzy, is trying to help her daughter navigate this, while also battling what others will think of her and struggling with her past, having gone through with an abortion that no one knows about- no one except her mother, who heavily encouraged it. Margaret is the mother of Izzy’s boyfriend. Who is fighting for her son’s future when it all comes crashing down. Stacey, who recently moved to town. Stacey and her husband have been trying to adopt after dealing with infertility for years. After the unexpected and sudden loss of their adopted son, they have moved to try to heal. Now ready to try and adopt again, Stacey finds herself helping at a house that helps pregnant girls. These ladies' lives intertwine in the most special way.

Christina Suzann Nelson did a great job of intertwining faith throughout the story.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Laura Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5!

WOW, I was not expecting that! What a hard hitting, but also incredibly wholesome book! This one had me invested from the very beginning. I think this one is best to go into blind and follow all of the twists and turns as they unravel. A book that speaks so much of family, friendship, motherhood, parenthood, & overcoming! This will definitely be one I recommend all the time for anyone who wants an emotional and gritty read!

[Michelle Ule · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed thoughts on this novel.

I've worked in this ministry arena for 40 years. One center set up a maternity home that attracted only one woman, then closed.

I hope Christina's description of life in an Oregon community is true.

She does a good job of demonstrating the guilt and shame that can haunt women and then hijack the rest of their lives as they try to hide it.

Abortion is NOT an unforgivable sin--who knows how many times I've said that?

I thought some of the relationships depicted were odd, and the "happily ever after" felt a little too neat.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTC

[Chelsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story! Loved all of the women in this novel and how they brought this story to life with their strength, resilience, past and hope for the future. Izzy Cline is on her way to becoming an Olympic swimmer, but Jillian becomes worried when she loses a race after having been under the weather the last few days. She will get her to the doctor and one bad race won't ruin anything, but when she sees what physically has Izzy sick, her heart drops. How can this be? Was she not a good enough mother to protect her daughter from this happening, this also brings up a past that Jillian has done everything she can to keep buried. After a terrible car wreck, Izzy's life is irrevocably changed and she feels she has made a mess of things in life and the only way to try and get past this all is to go to a house for pregnant girls. She can't do this at home, not now and with how her mother has been. Through the pregnancy there is growth, understanding, and a strength that Izzy gains from being with other girls in her same situation but from very different backgrounds and environments. As the due date nears, the fear of motherhood looms and with it motherhood, uncovered secrets and new friendships are formed from this one growing life that's about to enter the world. Having been in Izzy's situation in high school, I really related to her character of having a child while still being a child myself, and feeling so alone and how my friends were starting their lives and I was going to be a mother, my path now decided. This story had so much in it and this one will stay with me for a long time. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Alicia (aliciasbooksanctuary) · Rating 5 out of 5]

OVERALL STAR RATING: 5/5
CLEAN RATING: 5/5

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Such an unexpected journey! This was my first time reading anything by Christina Suzann Nelson and it certainly won’t be my last. You’ll be drawn in and invested within the first few pages.

This story is told from multiple points of view and layered with deep, raw and gritty Christian elements. This story takes on topics of abortion and adoption, mistakes, regret, grief, love and loss. While this is heavy, it’s also incredibly redeeming and brimming full of God’s grace, mercy and hope. Grab some tissues – you’ve been warned!

Izzy Cline is a star athlete on her high school’s swimming team. When she finds herself pregnant, her life begins to spiral. Izzy was raised in a Christian family, and her pregnancy sends shockwaves through those who know and love her. Each narrated point of view in this story comes from someone connected to Izzy’s life in one way or another. I can’t really say too much without giving away spoilers. Discovery of each character, their secrets, their hurt and their own personal journeys are what make reading this book such a beautiful experience.

Christina – thank you for not being afraid to tackle the tough topics and for doing so in such a way that truly honors God.

*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary

[Robin Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I did not see THAT coming! And no, I’m not saying nuthin’ about it, you’ll just have to read this book for your own self. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Sometimes it takes this reader a “minute” to shift gears from one book to another, and (especially reading at bedtime when I’m sleepy) keeping up with some of the different characters threw me at first. But that’s me, not the book.
Each of the characters—Izzy, Jillian, Stacey, Margaret, Irene—has their own story to tell. And Ms. Nelson weaves them all into one compelling and heart wrenching story.
I especially loved that the book opened with Izzy, and the author brought the story full circle to its end with Izzy’s [SPOILER] ending.

ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, The Deep End of Love, Christina Suzann Nelson, JustRead Publicity, #Giveaway

[Emma Filbrun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this is quite a story. I was drawn in immediately, and had a hard time putting it down. It didn’t take too long to figure out how the four different women were connected, but there were a few surprises along the way. I found myself rooting for one woman especially, and nearly cheered out loud when she finally did the right thing! One thing that annoyed me was something that also got me in another recent read—how can two people instantly recognize each other after a 20-year separation? I don’t see how that can happen! However, I really liked this book—even though I cried at the end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it.