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Beneath Everything
Sarah Destin is a highly successful marketing executive who makes great money, lives in a beautiful home, and drives a sweet car with an engine that purrs. She should be thrilled, but somewhere along the line she took a wrong turn and ended up in the dreaded rat race of life.
When she meets Jolene, a scuba instructor from Bonaire, curiosity stirs deep within. Suddenly, she begins to crave adventure. By getting out of her comfort zone, Sarah soon begins to realize that life begins to bloom beneath the facade of materialism. Purpose and meaning can’t be found on the surface. It can only be found when she digs deep and uncovers things that make her question what’s most important in life. Does Sarah have the courage to embrace her newfound discoveries, even if that means letting go of what brings her comfort in the process?
When she meets Jolene, a scuba instructor from Bonaire, curiosity stirs deep within. Suddenly, she begins to crave adventure. By getting out of her comfort zone, Sarah soon begins to realize that life begins to bloom beneath the facade of materialism. Purpose and meaning can’t be found on the surface. It can only be found when she digs deep and uncovers things that make her question what’s most important in life. Does Sarah have the courage to embrace her newfound discoveries, even if that means letting go of what brings her comfort in the process?
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2017
38 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Suzie Carr
24 books203 followersSuzie Carr is a contemporary novelist, podcaster on the Lesbian Talk Show, avid blogger, and Director of Membership for the Golden Crown Literary Society. When she's not writing, conducting hands-on research, exercising, or blending a green smoothie concoction, she's likely engaged in the sweet memory of her beloved boxers, Sunshine and Bumblebee, enjoying a few giggles over their funny antics and embracing their loving spirit as they undeniably watch over her from the Rainbow Bridge.
Whether it's writing fiction books about love and life, inspiring new authors, advocating for LGBT equality and animal welfare or blogging about community awareness, positive living, taking action and inspiration, Suzie remains passionate in her beliefs!
Suzie's love for the written word started back when she was a child. She enjoyed visiting the library every Saturday to spend hours reading. Books quickly became a constant companion to her and remained as such throughout her childhood.
Soon after graduating from Rhode Island College, Suzie wrote her first novel, The Fiche Room, a coming-of-age novel about two women falling in love. Over the years The Fiche Room grew from its humble e-book origins to an Amazon Kindle best seller receiving glowing reviews. Her upcoming novel, The Pet Boutique, revisits with Emma, Haley, and Goldie from The Fiche Room as they join a new cast of characters in their cameo roles.
With twelve bestsellers on Amazon Kindle, Suzie continues to enjoy writing about the beauty of love and life.
Suzie Carr believes strongly in giving back to the community. She donates a portion of book sale proceeds to the Hearts United for Animals.
Whether it's writing fiction books about love and life, inspiring new authors, advocating for LGBT equality and animal welfare or blogging about community awareness, positive living, taking action and inspiration, Suzie remains passionate in her beliefs!
Suzie's love for the written word started back when she was a child. She enjoyed visiting the library every Saturday to spend hours reading. Books quickly became a constant companion to her and remained as such throughout her childhood.
Soon after graduating from Rhode Island College, Suzie wrote her first novel, The Fiche Room, a coming-of-age novel about two women falling in love. Over the years The Fiche Room grew from its humble e-book origins to an Amazon Kindle best seller receiving glowing reviews. Her upcoming novel, The Pet Boutique, revisits with Emma, Haley, and Goldie from The Fiche Room as they join a new cast of characters in their cameo roles.
With twelve bestsellers on Amazon Kindle, Suzie continues to enjoy writing about the beauty of love and life.
Suzie Carr believes strongly in giving back to the community. She donates a portion of book sale proceeds to the Hearts United for Animals.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 1, 2019
When I've read this novel a few months ago I wasn’t able to read a lot each day so it took me a while to finish it but, in the end, it’s a good thing ‘cause this way, I had the time to let all the positive messages of this great novel resonate in my head. I've let them resonate not to understand what could be my life if I applied these principles edicted in the novel but because they reminded me my own experience . I’ve understood a long time ago what Sarah has just discovered in this novel , the fact that safety is dangerous … Green eyes, listening country music, practicing singing, drinking kefir and loving the smell of freshly cut grass are the only common points I have with Sarah … On the friendship side, I’m a lot of as Frenchy and for all the rest, I’m deeply like Jolene … Like her, when the universe set everything up in my favour 10 years ago I’ve taken a plane to go far away from my motherland, to land on a tropical island (okay, mine is in another ocean) where I feel at home and this, for the first time in my life !! It’s not my job but I’m also a scuba diver and a huge lover of Nature … The description of the feelings we have when we are in the « deep blue », immerged in the ocean is very good : it’s really like a meditation when you are surrounded by all those colourful fishes and corals , you feel free and your mind andyour soul are cleaned up when you return to the surface …
« Beneath Everything » is another great novel which hasn’t disappointed me … Suzie tells us here a good Love story where a lot of important themes for her (but also for me) are mentioned or are even the beating heart of the book : How to face our own fears to let go and find Happiness, inner peace (or how to be thrilled to be alive no matter what … ), freedom … It’s great to see also the question of fidelity in friendship (I mean the deep and true friendship which pass through the years …) and even the protection of the fragile underwater ecosystem …
If you want to read a very inspirational book, to help you to go outside of your comfort zone (or confirm you that you ‘ve made the good choices when when you’ve decided to do what you deeply wanted to do) « Beneath Everything » is for you !!! Enjoy !!
If you like it, I recommend you the reading (or re-reading) of all the other novels written by Suzie Carr ‘cause they are all different but all the themes reunited could be a good help to move on and make your life better …
« Beneath Everything » is another great novel which hasn’t disappointed me … Suzie tells us here a good Love story where a lot of important themes for her (but also for me) are mentioned or are even the beating heart of the book : How to face our own fears to let go and find Happiness, inner peace (or how to be thrilled to be alive no matter what … ), freedom … It’s great to see also the question of fidelity in friendship (I mean the deep and true friendship which pass through the years …) and even the protection of the fragile underwater ecosystem …
If you want to read a very inspirational book, to help you to go outside of your comfort zone (or confirm you that you ‘ve made the good choices when when you’ve decided to do what you deeply wanted to do) « Beneath Everything » is for you !!! Enjoy !!
If you like it, I recommend you the reading (or re-reading) of all the other novels written by Suzie Carr ‘cause they are all different but all the themes reunited could be a good help to move on and make your life better …
April 7, 2017
I'm speechless! This book... this story.. is completely amazing in so many ways! I laughed, I cried!!!! This book has taught me there is so much more out there to life if we just stop.. take notice.. and enjoy it!!! I love the characters and their relationship to each other all three so uniquely connected..but fabulously different!!! I can see a little of myself in them..! I got so wrapped up in this book's beauty.. The details are so fantastic and so real-like your imagination runs free and you can picture everything you read within as if you're really there feeling it and seeing it!!!! The story is captivating and its so hard to put it down every time I had to stop my mind was always on the characters and what are they doing in this very moment that I'd rush back to my kindle because my heart ached without them! I hope everyone will take a chance on this book it's a MUST READ!!!!
April 12, 2017
A beautiful love story that reminds readers what really matters in life.
March 6, 2017
Good book
I enjoyed this story and the characters. I can't imagine living life like Sarah so this was an interesting read. I really liked it.
I enjoyed this story and the characters. I can't imagine living life like Sarah so this was an interesting read. I really liked it.
March 15, 2017
Nice story, good characters. Wrapped up rather quickly.
October 21, 2017
For me, the news of a upcoming release of a book by Suzie is something that always makes me smile when I read it. She has a way of writing which makes every book a joy to turn the pages of, something for her readers not just to enjoy, but also to reflect and learn from. This joy of expression and skill in creativity shines through in her characters, which she gives so much of herself and her own experiences to. They’re the kind of people you want to get to know and spend time with.
Her latest book, “Beneath Everything” is the story of Sarah, a marketing executive who, without knowing it has slipped into a soulless, joyless existence in the endless pursuit of a career which she has risen to the top off but has seen her lose perspective and left her empty of feeling and passion. Stuck in an unseen rut, it takes a meeting with Jolene, a diver or Divrer if you read her business card (it’s not a spelling mistake, it’s just a little fun from their story) from the Island of Bonaire to open her eyes to what she has become. Their first meeting, outside a friends party sets the scene for the rest of the book. Sarah, being challenged to realise her fears and encouraged to face them by Jolene slowly comes to change her views on what’s important and reconnect with her friend Frenchy, a friend with whom she has drifted apart.
But it takes the change in perspective the experience of a scuba diving course which gives Sarah the push to overcome her final fear (and which gives the book its title) and commit to the moment and the simple joy of just being. Accompanied by Frenchy who, herself is overcoming her own personal trauma they travel to Bonaire and experience the vast, colourful silence of ocean diving, which opens Sarah’s eyes to what she has become. Changed, from that moment, romance and longing lead to relationship with Jolene and the final chapters of their story.
There’s so much to enjoy in this book, not just for the realness and beauty of the characters, but also their expression, their frailties and the journeys. Sarah’s story is one of the exploration of life to find joy, freedom, wedgieless knickers and non cannibalistic escalators. Not being afraid to lose control or ownership of the material things that you don’t really want and seek out those experiences that bring real value and meaning to these precious moments we spend on earth. It’s a story of the benefits that taking a risk can bring and never being to be too old, too afraid or too closed minded to try. I particularly like Frenchy’s approach to getting over a bad relationship, she has a “good Will”, well actually more than once.
It’s a beautiful book, something to treasure and not just read once, but to return to again and again. There’s a particularly lovely section about the various meanings of friendship which has been highlighted by a number of readers in the kindle edition, which is worth reflecting on a moments in your life. I don’t know about you, but I love this feature in my kindle. It adds layers and insight into what the book means to people and what they are reading into it, which you just don’t get outside a book club. There are lots of notes and highlighted sections in this one, a sure sign that its come to mean a great deal to the people who’ve read it.
Her latest book, “Beneath Everything” is the story of Sarah, a marketing executive who, without knowing it has slipped into a soulless, joyless existence in the endless pursuit of a career which she has risen to the top off but has seen her lose perspective and left her empty of feeling and passion. Stuck in an unseen rut, it takes a meeting with Jolene, a diver or Divrer if you read her business card (it’s not a spelling mistake, it’s just a little fun from their story) from the Island of Bonaire to open her eyes to what she has become. Their first meeting, outside a friends party sets the scene for the rest of the book. Sarah, being challenged to realise her fears and encouraged to face them by Jolene slowly comes to change her views on what’s important and reconnect with her friend Frenchy, a friend with whom she has drifted apart.
But it takes the change in perspective the experience of a scuba diving course which gives Sarah the push to overcome her final fear (and which gives the book its title) and commit to the moment and the simple joy of just being. Accompanied by Frenchy who, herself is overcoming her own personal trauma they travel to Bonaire and experience the vast, colourful silence of ocean diving, which opens Sarah’s eyes to what she has become. Changed, from that moment, romance and longing lead to relationship with Jolene and the final chapters of their story.
There’s so much to enjoy in this book, not just for the realness and beauty of the characters, but also their expression, their frailties and the journeys. Sarah’s story is one of the exploration of life to find joy, freedom, wedgieless knickers and non cannibalistic escalators. Not being afraid to lose control or ownership of the material things that you don’t really want and seek out those experiences that bring real value and meaning to these precious moments we spend on earth. It’s a story of the benefits that taking a risk can bring and never being to be too old, too afraid or too closed minded to try. I particularly like Frenchy’s approach to getting over a bad relationship, she has a “good Will”, well actually more than once.
It’s a beautiful book, something to treasure and not just read once, but to return to again and again. There’s a particularly lovely section about the various meanings of friendship which has been highlighted by a number of readers in the kindle edition, which is worth reflecting on a moments in your life. I don’t know about you, but I love this feature in my kindle. It adds layers and insight into what the book means to people and what they are reading into it, which you just don’t get outside a book club. There are lots of notes and highlighted sections in this one, a sure sign that its come to mean a great deal to the people who’ve read it.
June 24, 2020
Underwater Dreams
Sarah is wildly successful at her job but lately she has been feeling less than fulfilled. She’s trapped by the rat race and every time she turns around there is more for her to do. When she meets scuba instructor, Jolene, she begins to feel and want things. With her best friend, Frenchy, she begins to explore the possibilities the world has to offer, especially when it comes to her intense attraction to the lovely Jolene. Will Sarah have the courage to set off the merry go round and set herself free or is she doomed to repeat her mistakes?
This book had so many feels…. I was drawn into the story and loved it all. It was beautifully written, engaging, interesting and sweet. Sarah had so much on her plate and had such a huge sense of misplaced responsibility. She was so lost that she just couldn’t see a way out. Jolene needed the freedom of her island home to keep her sane. She was so lost in the city and my heart ached for her. Both women had such strength though and it was a delight to see them bond. I liked that they could talk to each other and there was no big, overblown, misunderstanding to drive them apart. Although they did have to separate, it was never a final goodbye, even when it didn’t seem like they could make things work. I loved the settings, The beaches and ocean scenes were so perfect that I lusted after them and even the office felt so life like that I could see myself being there. What I loved most about this book was the messages it sent, never give up, you are stronger than you think, be true to yourself and more. I felt like the author could see into my soul and was talking right to me with those words of encouragement. This is a book I will have to read again as it brought such a sense of peace to me. I loved this book and think you will too!
Sarah is wildly successful at her job but lately she has been feeling less than fulfilled. She’s trapped by the rat race and every time she turns around there is more for her to do. When she meets scuba instructor, Jolene, she begins to feel and want things. With her best friend, Frenchy, she begins to explore the possibilities the world has to offer, especially when it comes to her intense attraction to the lovely Jolene. Will Sarah have the courage to set off the merry go round and set herself free or is she doomed to repeat her mistakes?
This book had so many feels…. I was drawn into the story and loved it all. It was beautifully written, engaging, interesting and sweet. Sarah had so much on her plate and had such a huge sense of misplaced responsibility. She was so lost that she just couldn’t see a way out. Jolene needed the freedom of her island home to keep her sane. She was so lost in the city and my heart ached for her. Both women had such strength though and it was a delight to see them bond. I liked that they could talk to each other and there was no big, overblown, misunderstanding to drive them apart. Although they did have to separate, it was never a final goodbye, even when it didn’t seem like they could make things work. I loved the settings, The beaches and ocean scenes were so perfect that I lusted after them and even the office felt so life like that I could see myself being there. What I loved most about this book was the messages it sent, never give up, you are stronger than you think, be true to yourself and more. I felt like the author could see into my soul and was talking right to me with those words of encouragement. This is a book I will have to read again as it brought such a sense of peace to me. I loved this book and think you will too!
May 31, 2017
Embrace your fears
This book is about freedom of the soul. It's about all the things you get but don't even want. It's also about breaking free from a society who makes us think that life is slavery to a work you don't even enjoy.
Gosh it even made me want to take a plane to Bonaire and go scuba diving.
In every read you get to learn at least something but this read was so vivid it made me want to make a change and take more risks.
I won't exaggerate if I say this book is a life changer and its author is very wise...
This book is about freedom of the soul. It's about all the things you get but don't even want. It's also about breaking free from a society who makes us think that life is slavery to a work you don't even enjoy.
Gosh it even made me want to take a plane to Bonaire and go scuba diving.
In every read you get to learn at least something but this read was so vivid it made me want to make a change and take more risks.
I won't exaggerate if I say this book is a life changer and its author is very wise...
February 3, 2022
Living life or a life just living?
This story is everything we imagine when we dream about finding our forever love: attraction, connection, emotion, passion, satisfaction… perfection!!
This story is everything we imagine when we dream about finding our forever love: attraction, connection, emotion, passion, satisfaction… perfection!!
July 7, 2017
Good book. Jolene and Sarah were good for each other.
August 5, 2017
Ah ... Ah
It would have been good in fact it was almost good up until the point that you stumbled into the psychology of life. For being so smart some of the characters are so dumb.
It would have been good in fact it was almost good up until the point that you stumbled into the psychology of life. For being so smart some of the characters are so dumb.
August 6, 2017
Uplifting
An uplifting message and strong characters, along with some extremely well done comedic moments, make this a much better than average story.
An uplifting message and strong characters, along with some extremely well done comedic moments, make this a much better than average story.
December 14, 2017
Overall, a great life lesson. This story could help one see a much bigger picture. Awesome read, as always, by Susie Carr!
March 12, 2017
Beautifully written story that will pull you in
I'm not sure how many people can say they've found their purpose and are on the correct path I life. This book is more than a love story. It's also a reminder to look up and enjoy life.
I'm not sure how many people can say they've found their purpose and are on the correct path I life. This book is more than a love story. It's also a reminder to look up and enjoy life.
February 28, 2017
I was gifted by the author with a PDF of this novel, and it proved to be a smooth read all the way.
The two main characters, Sarah and Jolene, make a lovely couple, although it's not an immediate attraction, jump-mah-bones kind of thang. It's a fairly slow burn, and as the saying goes, the chase is always better than the capture.
We have Sarah, a career woman who has money, a plush pad, great clothes (most of the time, anyway, and you have to read the first chapter to find out why) and seems destined for happiness. Or is she going to be happy? Actually, she's trapped, although I'd question her definition of it, considering she's wealthy and has a great car, but I digress.... ;)
Then you have Jolene, a scuba instructor, struggling along, but always pushing for her own meaning in life. She and Sarah connect, and the relationship takes off from there. What the author pushes--gently, delicately, and never preaches--is stepping out of one's comfort zone and into a situation that demands one adapt to their new surroundings. That's one of the main themes of the novel and it remains its strongest point.
What I liked most about the novel was the seamless writing, the flashes of humor, and the supporting cast of characters, all sharply defined and rather likeable. Worth reading.
The two main characters, Sarah and Jolene, make a lovely couple, although it's not an immediate attraction, jump-mah-bones kind of thang. It's a fairly slow burn, and as the saying goes, the chase is always better than the capture.
We have Sarah, a career woman who has money, a plush pad, great clothes (most of the time, anyway, and you have to read the first chapter to find out why) and seems destined for happiness. Or is she going to be happy? Actually, she's trapped, although I'd question her definition of it, considering she's wealthy and has a great car, but I digress.... ;)
Then you have Jolene, a scuba instructor, struggling along, but always pushing for her own meaning in life. She and Sarah connect, and the relationship takes off from there. What the author pushes--gently, delicately, and never preaches--is stepping out of one's comfort zone and into a situation that demands one adapt to their new surroundings. That's one of the main themes of the novel and it remains its strongest point.
What I liked most about the novel was the seamless writing, the flashes of humor, and the supporting cast of characters, all sharply defined and rather likeable. Worth reading.
April 2, 2017
This was a beautifully woven story of love, finding harmony and
facing one's fears. The author is so descriptive that you feel like
you're part of the story.
facing one's fears. The author is so descriptive that you feel like
you're part of the story.
April 12, 2017
Thoughtful read
Nice story. I enjoyed the humor. The long philosophical trains of thought started to feel repetitive, but overall they were thought provoking. I enjoyed the story but was glad it was a kindle unlimited.
Nice story. I enjoyed the humor. The long philosophical trains of thought started to feel repetitive, but overall they were thought provoking. I enjoyed the story but was glad it was a kindle unlimited.
April 19, 2017
Live Life
Great story. Provides perspective on life and what's important. A fun enjoyable read. Characters are very likable and you hope for the best.
Great story. Provides perspective on life and what's important. A fun enjoyable read. Characters are very likable and you hope for the best.
April 21, 2017
A cute story, you will laugh out loud at Sarah in chapter 1. I kept that image of her through 1/3 of the book.
May 1, 2017
The depth of water like that of things always make us discover another world! This delicious and floating novel sends us a message as Suzie does so well through his characters ; It is not by working hard and without respite, to attach to material that our life is filled with happiness. It is necessary to get rid of some things, give meaning to one's own life by taking the time to live. That's what Sarah will understand when she meets Jolene.
Beneath everything awakens the depth of well being and of plenitude as the true meaning to life.
Beneath everything awakens the depth of well being and of plenitude as the true meaning to life.
May 2, 2017
Giving this a two-star rating makes me cringe. Since there is so little lesbian fiction out there, I feel guilty rating a piece of decently-written romance so low. But this book just wasn't very good. In fact, it was at best a bore and at worst a complete downer.
So, I'll start with the good. The parts of the book that focused on SCUBA were the best parts. Sarah, an overworked corporate drone who is struggling to make time for the good things in life, is understandably frazzled by the idea of being sixty feet below water and at the mercy of nature. Seeing her work through that panic and fear and finally settle into the bliss of SCUBA diving felt very real. I actually learned quite a bit about SCUBA training and equipment.
However, this interesting topic is bogged down immensely with repetition, plodding plot, and a very unsatisfying conclusion. Easily half of the book is devoted to Sarah waxing about how she hates her job but just can't quite. How she wants for freedom but needs to follow through. And quite honestly, her so-called best friend Frenchy sort of sucks. She always judges and gets mad at Sarah for focusing on work when she knows how much it tears Sarah apart. A good friend wouldn't make Sarah feel even worse than she already does.
The romance itself was quite sweet, but nothing special. The dialogue between Sarah and the free-spirited, mild-mannered Jolene was so frustrating, because one minute they'd be having an easy banter that flowed off the page and the next minute they'd launch into a two-page monologue about fear and dreaming and taking risks and taking chances and a hundred other cliche-ridden, rehashed speeches. And their texting was ridiculous, because their texts were put in quotes like regular speech and not modified to be text-friendly whatsoever. If we weren't told it was texting, it would've come off as phone calls. None of it rang as true as their somewhat awkward conversations about cicadas, embarrassing moments, and family, yet the book slowly transformed into an episode of Dr. Phil with Sarah on the hot seat.
So at the end, what does Sarah do? . Half of Sarah inner monologues as well as her conversations with both Jolene and Frenchy revolve around being stuck in the rat race and wanting out, and in the end, . Out of all the climaxes and endings in lesfic I've read in the past year, this is by far the most disappointing.
There's even a line Jolene has about...I don't know, life in general, maybe:
Okay, so where is that in this book? I believe that Sarah would've eventually quit her job anyways without Jolene's influence, and the tension and conflict in this book practically flat-lined by the last chapter.
Again, I hate to rate an honest work of lesfic so low, but this one just wasn't worth it for me.
So, I'll start with the good. The parts of the book that focused on SCUBA were the best parts. Sarah, an overworked corporate drone who is struggling to make time for the good things in life, is understandably frazzled by the idea of being sixty feet below water and at the mercy of nature. Seeing her work through that panic and fear and finally settle into the bliss of SCUBA diving felt very real. I actually learned quite a bit about SCUBA training and equipment.
However, this interesting topic is bogged down immensely with repetition, plodding plot, and a very unsatisfying conclusion. Easily half of the book is devoted to Sarah waxing about how she hates her job but just can't quite. How she wants for freedom but needs to follow through. And quite honestly, her so-called best friend Frenchy sort of sucks. She always judges and gets mad at Sarah for focusing on work when she knows how much it tears Sarah apart. A good friend wouldn't make Sarah feel even worse than she already does.
The romance itself was quite sweet, but nothing special. The dialogue between Sarah and the free-spirited, mild-mannered Jolene was so frustrating, because one minute they'd be having an easy banter that flowed off the page and the next minute they'd launch into a two-page monologue about fear and dreaming and taking risks and taking chances and a hundred other cliche-ridden, rehashed speeches. And their texting was ridiculous, because their texts were put in quotes like regular speech and not modified to be text-friendly whatsoever. If we weren't told it was texting, it would've come off as phone calls. None of it rang as true as their somewhat awkward conversations about cicadas, embarrassing moments, and family, yet the book slowly transformed into an episode of Dr. Phil with Sarah on the hot seat.
So at the end, what does Sarah do? . Half of Sarah inner monologues as well as her conversations with both Jolene and Frenchy revolve around being stuck in the rat race and wanting out, and in the end, . Out of all the climaxes and endings in lesfic I've read in the past year, this is by far the most disappointing.
There's even a line Jolene has about...I don't know, life in general, maybe:
"Every story needs that one character who pokes a hole into it. A story need conflict,
needs tension to keep the pages from falling flat on each other."
Okay, so where is that in this book? I believe that Sarah would've eventually quit her job anyways without Jolene's influence, and the tension and conflict in this book practically flat-lined by the last chapter.
Again, I hate to rate an honest work of lesfic so low, but this one just wasn't worth it for me.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews