Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is a tale of how complicated motherhood can be. Following what becomes the slowly more complicated life of Leah O’Connor, we traverse along the shores of California learning about the O’Connor women. Leah O’Connor is an artist, surfer, and mother of three children with her husband Lucas. Christine O’Connor, Leah’s mother-in-law, appears as an ominous character as she exudes perfect, selfless motherhood. Christine has raised three boys, including Leah’s husband, and is commanding in her presence as many family functions seem to center around pleasing Christine. Amy O’Connor, Leah’s sister-in-law, is a kind preschool teacher who is currently pregnant, but also lost a previous baby to stillbirth during her first pregnancy. While Leah and Amy are like true sisters, Christine threatens Leah’s closeness with Amy, especially as Leah’s drinking becomes more and more problematic.

Jessica Guerrieri has written an exceptional way that allows readers to feel both sympathy and disgust for the main character of Leah. While acting as a commentary on family and motherhood, Guerrieri also allows for a subtle exploration of ‘wine mom’ culture. Leah’s life trajectory is directed by her unplanned pregnancy and subsequent entrance into the O’Connor family. More than 10 years into her marriage, Leah struggles to balance her work as an artist with motherhood. Her husband is preoccupied with starting a family restaurant, leaving most of the child-related duties to Leah. Leah continues to become unmoored as she numbs her ambivalence with alcohol.

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is not a book with happy vibes and a slick crescendo. More of a slow-burn, deep reflection book, this would be a wonderful addition to a women’s book club. Provoking thoughts related to pregnancy, loss, and family I think many women would find this to be an enjoyable work of fiction. My only complaint with this book is that at one point Amy's loss is called a miscarriage, which it is not. She had a stillbirth, which occurs after 20 weeks gestation, and I think any woman who's experienced a loss or has intimate knowledge of the subject would appreciate the appropriate distinction.

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Focus, Harper Muse, and the author Jessica Guerrieri for an ARC of Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea in exchange for an honest review!

thank you to harper muse and netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book. the opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. i had a hard time with this book even though the reviews are all 4 and 5 stars. do we ever really know whether it's the book or our own state of mind? perhaps being an almost 70 year old woman made me less in the groove with leah and amy and their plight as young mothers. i thought the book was too long. but the last part of the book caught me right in the gut.

SPOILER ALERT: when amy takes leah to her first 12 step meeting and the truth comes out about grace, the stillborn twin, and then isla has a baby and dies from drowning. suddenly i was right there, deep into the story, finally, near the very end. i'm grateful for that.

i didn't know that the book was about alcoholism. it was poignant and a deep reminder of how insanely difficult and heart rending addiction is. all kinds of addiction.

the book ends on happy notes and also bittersweet, as the reader is able to see how challenging being a human is, how the scars we wear and carry are brought into all of our relationships.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | A Raw and Honest Look at Motherhood and Addiction

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by Jessica Guerrieri is a compelling contemporary fiction debut that offers a deeply relatable and unfiltered portrayal of modern motherhood. The novel excels in character development, painting a vivid picture of the emotional and physical toll that often falls disproportionately on mothers—even in households where both parents work. From packing lunches to caring for sick children, the protagonist’s struggles highlight the unspoken expectations placed on women to manage the invisible labor of family life.

One of the book’s most powerful themes is its exploration of “mommy wine culture” and how, for some, it becomes more than just a way to unwind—it becomes a crutch. The gradual progression of the main character’s dependence on alcohol is handled with nuance and authenticity, making it both heartbreaking and eye-opening.

The only drawback was the novel’s timeline shifts, which at times felt abrupt and lacked clear transitions, occasionally pulling me out of the otherwise immersive narrative. Despite this, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is a thought-provoking read that will resonate with many, especially those who have ever felt overwhelmed by the relentless demands of motherhood. A strong debut from Guerrieri—I’m looking forward to seeing what she writes next.

4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 stars.

First novel? No way.

I did enjoy the story. It was engaging, there were parts that felt familiar, and there were characters that felt like we knew them. It was emotional, and I read it picturing the Netflix series that will be produced from it. What really hit me, and I mean really hit me, was reading the acknowledgements. Hats off to the author -- well done and congratulations.

I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being left freely.

Leah is a sprite, the freest of free spirits. An artist, she left behind an unsatisfying childhood in Iowa for the California coast, where she lives a hedonistic life with art, surfing, drinking, and no-strings-sex...until she becomes pregnant. By maybe the guy who pressures her (lovingly!) into marriage. This sets off a decade of domestic resignation, during which time Leah bears two more children and her view of motherhood, marriage, and family becomes increasingly toxic and bitter. Her husband is from a tightknit family where the matriarch appears to demand compliance in all things...unless that's just Leah's interpretation, seen through her somewhat unreliable lens.

To survive her domestic "enslavement," she turns to increasingly out-of-control drinking, and I was on the edge of my seat, wondering how this was all going to turn out. Meanwhile, her best friend/sister-in-law, Amy, has an equally compelling background and character arc that almost rivals that of Leah. By the time the two women resolve their issues, I was exhausted, but in a good way. So much going on here. Such depth. Great writing from this debut author. Whew.

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

Leah is ten years into a marriage with 3 children. Her husband, who comes from a comfortably wealthy family, sees her as the center of the universe, but she is fueled by resentments and a self-pity that will not be quieted. Her life was upended and her art took a backseat when she became pregnant with her first child, and somehow she ended up drinking more and more each night. Leah is close with her sister in law, Amy, who has had a difficult upbringing. A well written book that feels like falling into quicksand, which is a apt analogy for how sometimes alcoholism sneaks up on us as our lives get smaller and smaller.

I likely would not have picked up this book had I not read the blurb, which says it is critical of "mommy wine culture," which is something I am passionate about. There are plenty of "sober curious" quit lit memoirs out there, and many women find a lot to relate to about them. However, I find that it works here better in a fiction rather than memoir format. I like the challenge of writing a story of acceptance and coming to realization that something has to change in your life.

This is a perfect read for those who liked [b:Same As It Ever Was|199344873|Same As It Ever Was|Claire Lombardo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1701715475l/199344873._SX50_.jpg|203772114] and [b:Sandwich|200028726|Sandwich|Catherine Newman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1699631079l/200028726._SY75_.jpg|201706043], the inner dialogue and unraveling of a mother in her midst of her life, the story picking up when life seems boring, it doesn't seem that things are changing often, but you are reaching for substances to get you through your days. If I have a criticism of the book it is just that the main character will be seen as unlikable for most of the book, it is hard to root for her. It is hard to feel connected to someone that is self-pitying and resentful, these are things we often miss in ourselves in our self-awareness.

This debut novelist is one to watch.

Thanks to @netgalley and @harpermuse for the ARC. Thank you not only for the ARC itself but for reaching out to me and recommending it for me specifically. Book to be published May 13, 2025.

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is a debut novel by an author I hope we see a lot more of. Jessica Guerrieri has crafted a novel that makes you feel like you're stepping into the lives of the characters. They are so well done. It made me think about how we all have a story that other's might not know. I highly recommend this book

Thank you to Harper Collins and Net Galley for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

#BetweenTheDevilandtheDeepBlueSea #NetGalley #JessicaGuerrieri #DebutNovel

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!

So, this book has themes of family dysfunction, child loss and alcoholism. While I don't want to be a spoiler, I always feel like I need to share this so people can prepare themselves. It is a good read, an engrossing story about a woman who marries into a very close family and never quite feels she fits in. Several of the women in the family are hiding secrets that are eventually revealed with great drama. It was a quick read (for me) and kept my attention. In the afterword, the author credits Celeste Ng as an inspiration for her goal of writing something in the middle ground between book club and literary fiction. She hit her target. She also acknowledges Claire Lombardo and Ann Napolitano—and I can see the affinity in terms of writing style and themes. Some tough stuff here, but worth the read.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. 3.5 stars rounded up.

I'm not sure I liked this book, but I know I'll think about it for awhile. Many of my close friends are having children, I'm thinking of having them soon, and some of us have suffered pregnancy losses. Therefore a lot of the concerns impacting the main character, Leah, have been on my mind.

Will motherhood erase my sense of self? What other paths could I have taken? How will my children see me? Why do women take on so much parental and domestic work compared to men?

I want to recognize early that the author, as noted in her Acknowledgements and bio, is a recovered alcoholic herself. After reading, that lends the book more weight. She also has 3 kids, so many similarities with our first-person narrator.

Leah came off as whiny and ungrateful at many parts of the book. She did acknowledge her privilege of being able to pursue art while her husband's work paid the bills. But then she circles back to feeling ignored by Amy, her best friend and sister-in-law, as Amy navigates a much-wanted pregnancy. Leah heavily resents her mother-in-law, Christine, all based on their first meeting years ago and Leah's insecurities.

I made it through the story faster than I expected. I did notch my rating down because it was easy to get confused between time periods. Leah reminisces often and usually still in their beach town and with a lot of the same people. The ARC formatting was a small issue (lots of wave imagery) but the flashbacks were choppy.

I think there is merit in this book, but also a lot of trigger warnings. I could easily understand being annoyed by a well-off white woman's descent into self-pity because of her own mistake and ego.

SPOILER
I am not experienced with alcoholism and don't know the science behind the genetic inevitability. In this case, I was unsettled how Leah's actions were seemingly excused by alcoholism. She chose not to go to therapy, she chose to hide a major secret, and she chose to never try to befriend her MIL. Should that just be waved away because of alcoholism?

Strong debut novel focusing on the strength of women, their relationships, and what they face and conquer in life and family situations. Very thought provoking and forces you to look at your own dynamics and relationships. Strong writer and look forward to future releases from this author.

Thank you to Harper Collin’s, NetGalley, and the author for this advanced copy.

This is such a strong debut. I particularly enjoyed the complex relationship between Leah and her mother in law. It's not just the difference in their ages, but also the disconnect when it comes to how they view sacrifice, motherhood, and familial devotion. As for Lucas, I was initially worried he would become a cardboard villain, but thankfully that does not happen. This is ultimately a nuanced portrayal of a family haunted by secrets and Leah's struggles with addiction. The ending does not tie everything up in a neat bow, which is realistic, but still provides a satisfactory conclusion.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-galley; all opinions in my review are 100% my own.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you Jessica Guerrieri, Harper Muse, and Netgalley for the ARC.

What can I say? I'm so grateful that this books exists, and that I've read it.

This is not an easy read, and yet I found the complicated, intimate story the perfect place to meet some of my own feelings and conceptions about family, motherhood, and addiction. My heart is broken and brain buzzing even a couple hours after completing the story 🥺.

"I'm missing it, I think. I'm missing it all."

CW: child neglect, infant death, miscarriage, alcoholism, infidelity

4.5/5 stars.

This book was so utterly beautiful to read. The complexity surrounding the women in the book and their relationships with other women and men in their lives was captivating. The struggles that Leah dealt with and the weight on her shoulders would be relatable for many mothers. I am glad that Leah had support from Amy and Christine and eventually accepted the help they offered her. This book was so good, that I could not put it down.

Thank you Netgalley and Jessica Guerrieri for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.

This novel is a raw and beautifully written exploration of the complexities of motherhood, identity, and family dynamics. The story captures the weight of unrealized dreams and the emotional toll of feeling trapped in a life that no longer feels like your own. Leah’s struggle with alcoholism, resentment, and self-worth is portrayed with unflinching honesty, making her both a flawed and deeply relatable protagonist.

One of the story's most compelling aspects is the strained relationship between Leah and her mother-in-law, Christine. Christine’s selfless devotion to her family contrasts sharply with Leah’s resentment and sense of inadequacy, creating a tense but layered dynamic that evolves as the novel progresses. The generational divide between these women feels authentic, highlighting the unspoken expectations of motherhood and how women are often pitted against one another.

The novel excels at peeling back the facades of its characters. While Lucas’s absence and devotion to his restaurant amplify Leah’s struggles, the story resists simplifying him into a villain. Similarly, Christine, initially presented as a standard bearer of maternal perfection, is revealed to have her own scars and regrets. This nuanced portrayal of family members—each with their own burdens—makes the novel feel deeply human.

The story's heart lies in Leah’s journey toward self-awareness and redemption. Her descent into darkness is painful to witness, but the narrative never loses its compassion for her. The lifeline extended by the O’Connor women, rooted in shared pain and hard-earned wisdom, is as touching as it is transformative. The novel’s resolution is neither sentimental nor overly grim; it strikes a perfect balance, offering hope without ignoring the hard work of healing.

Highly recommended.

The publisher provided ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was given this book by NetGalley for a honest review-
This was a great thought provoking book! A must read!
Leah’s carefree life changes when she finds herself pregnant with Lucius baby, They marry and are happy but by the third child she feels overwhelmed and resentful as her husband is busy getting their restaurant up and running. She begins to dull her pain with alcohol.
Amy was raise by an alcoholic mom so knows Leah is struggling and tries to help her. A husband and three children need her can she find her way back?

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC copy. Between the Devil & the Deep Blue Sea is a beautifully written story that handles real and delicate issues: motherhood, family relationships, friendship and addiction. It is impossible not to relate with any of it. Loved it.

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is a novel of relationships, those of mother and daughter, husbands and wives and friends. It’s also a sad, depressing and fascinating look at the life of Leah O’Connor, an artist, wife and mother of three young children. Leah sees her mother-in-law as an enemy, her husband as a rival and Amy, her troubled sister-in-law and best friend, as a woman who needs saving. Leah’s thoughts may be true but they are seen through a cloud of alcoholism that damages all her relationships. Every character in this story has secrets and problems can only be solved when those secrets are revealed.

It is hard to believe the this is a debut novel. Jessica Guerrieri has delivered a complicated plot, problematic yet sympathetic characters with issues that sometimes excuse their behavior. Leah is so well described. You can feel her frustrations, doubt her excuses, and see her need for one more glass of wine. This is a book that will stay with you long after you turn the final page. I can’t wait to read what Jessica Guerrieri writes next! 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins Focus and Jessica Guerrieri for this ARC.

Leah was a character you really felt for and maybe even relate to a little but. The writing was amazing. This book really touched on motherhood and family and of course alcoholism. Women have it hard and this book shows it. This is an emotional read and I highly recommend it.

Having been in similar situations to Leah, I was worried this book would be triggering. However, it really wasn’t. Basically every word of this book spoke to my soul and resonated with me. The author told Leah’s story in such a thoughtful way while still accurately portraying alcoholism and its impact. The writing was succinct yet absolutely beautiful. I cannot wait to read more by this author.

I was on the verge of tears throughout this whole thing, yet still couldn’t put it down.