Wow. What a book. Jessica Guerrieri knocked it out of the park with her debut novel. I couldn't put it down. It was so poignant, and well written. I felt as thought I was reading someone's diary because it felt so deeply personal. Leah is such a flawed and real character. I cried at points reading this book because it made me feel so deeply. Leah and Christine's relationship mirrored that of people in my own family, and it's made me take a deeper look at them and what they might be going through.
Well done! I will be looking for more books by Jessica Guerrieri in the future.

I really enjoyed Guerrieri's debut novel. It will resonate with women the same way Sandwich by Catherin Newman does. It will have you reviewing your relationships with your immediate and extended families. A few tears might also be shed.

On the surface, this is a book about a woman’s relationship with her mother in law. In reality, it is a book about mommy wine culture. Basically, Leah ends up pregnant and settles down. She struggles being a selfless mother, and instead of asking for help she drinks. I think the real problem is how much pressure we put on women. The book was really good though!

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.

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.

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?

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 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

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.

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!

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

Thank you net galley for the ARC of this wonderful book.
I think a lot of people these days are questioning if drinking alcohol should be in their life. So much in the media mainstream is all about ‘mommy juice’ or curved toward the narrative of wives-mothers ‘needing’ or ‘earning’ their nightly glass of wine. This book delves deeply into how alcohol plays out in a family and it is beautifully written. What we say and what we believe can be so different to what is truly going on in our lives and the author delves deeply into into how the family works and how someone can spin out of control but is able to get out. Loved the book and learned somethings at the same time. Well worth the read.

“But being a mother is not enough for me.”

The minute I read those words…I felt seen. All too often women give up so much of themselves for their children - and while we wouldn’t have it any other way - we want so much more. This book will have you thinking about your own role as a wife and mother in the most relatable way. Highly recommend!

This is a beautiful story of family ties, motherhood, friendship, and coping. Leah O'Conner provides a glimpse into her inner world- where the freedom & passions of her youth collide with the responsibilities of motherhood, marriage, and disappearing into a large family. Throughout the book the use of wine ("mom juice") morphs from a harmless escape into something more dire. Guerreri does a great job of bringing the reader into Leah's mind- is it life that's driving her to drink or alcohol that's making life so hard?

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advance copy!

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.

"Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" was a great read and debut by new author Jessica Guerrieri. I really enjoyed the complex family dynamics and descriptive characters. I look forward to reading Jessica's futher novels!

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.

A gorgeous debut with relatable characters. Goes a lot into familiar relationships. Potentially my favourite read of the year so far

What a powerhouse of a book! This is one that will stick with me and that I’ll recommend often. I loved the unflinchingly honest deep-dive into issues of motherhood, marriage family, the past, and most distinctly, alcohol and addiction. I couldn’t put down the story; in addition to becoming highly invested in Leah, several propulsive elements of the plot had me turning the pages into the night. The author’s inspiring personal journey of addiction recovery shines through in this dazzling debut. “YOU are the magic.” This call-out to mothers in her Acknowledgements had me in tears.

*will post review on instagram closer to pub date*

BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA by Jessica Guerrieri ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 Oof! This book. I actually think this book probably deserves five stars, but for me personally, I took off half a star because it was difficult to read. BUT I MIGHT CHANGE MY MIND AS I SIT ON IT. If you are a mom in the throws of motherhood, feeling a loss of identity, proceed with caution. It is heavy, but it is real and vulnerable and I think there are so many parts people will relate to.

When Leah falls into motherhood and a life she never expected for herself, she loses herself and struggles to cope. As she starts to rely on and then depend on Alcohol, Leah has to decide what direction her life is going to take.

Pub. Date: 5/13/25

Perfect if you like:
•Alcoholism & addiction.
•Character driven.
•Motherhood and identity.
•Complex family dynamics.
•Powerful friendships.
•Heartbreaking.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 🌶️
Mood: 🍜🍫🍷

⚠️: explicit language. Alcohol and addiction as a main plot point.

In Guerrieri’s debut, Leah is a free-spirit artist who accidentally falls into motherhood and marriage. In the close-knit O'Connor family, some of her carefree shenanigans are beginning to lose their shine. She feels her motherhood journey is in sharp contrast to her mother-in-law Caroline's, a measuring stick that she thinks is being held against her, but as we dive deeper into this story, we realize there is much more than meets the eye to both these women.

At first, I expected a familiar story of a fraught daughter-in-law/mother-in-law dynamic, but Guerrieri takes the narrative in a much more harrowing direction. The novel does not simply explore familial tension—it exposes the insidious grip of Leah’s alcohol addiction and how it clouds every relationship.

The discomfort is immediate from the first unsettling moment when she revels in bath time with her children, not because of the bonding experience but because of the “fuzzy” relief her evening drinking brings. And as her dependency deepens, her once-careful concealment of her addiction unravels—hidden flasks multiply, empty bottles require shuffling into the neighbor’s recycling bin, and moments of parenting slip away into a hazy, alcohol-soaked oblivion.

But, the novel takes a particularly poignant turn when Leah’s sister-in-law, Amy, is forced to step in—not just as a concerned family member, but as someone who grew up with an alcoholic mother and now finds herself in an impossible position, parenting her sister-in-law.

What makes this portrayal of addiction so powerful is Guerrieri’s own personal journey. Upon this book’s launch, she shared with me that she will be celebrating twelve years of sobriety—a milestone that undoubtedly informs the authenticity of Leah’s descent and the long, painful road to recovery. Guerrieri never glamorizes Leah’s drinking, nor does she offer easy resolutions. Instead, she crafts a raw, deeply affecting portrait of a woman who must decide whether the family she’s rejected will be her salvation or her ultimate undoing.

This debut is not just a compelling, page-turning read—it’s necessary. I’m thrilled that Jessica Guerrieri will join our Summer Author Series to discuss her sobriety journey and how she wove those hard-earned truths into this unforgettable novel.

One of my favorite books of the year so far. Great narration, deeply felt story--I was transported. I'm reminded of Maya Angelou's quote-- "...people will never forget how you made them feel." This book has all the feels for me. Here's why:

The premise is that of a young mother, Leah, who is at a crossroads in life, wondering how she got there and where she'll go. The underlying problem, something our lovely mom, wife, human doesn't even realize most of the way, is that she's an alcoholic. She's numbing her emotions, instead of feeling them. And I get it-- having lived through that part of life, it's hard, it's overwhelming, it's tricky, its beautiful and messy, all at the same time. And let's face it, at that stage we moms are constantly feeling self doubt and comparing ourselves to others, whether we admit it or not.

The way the story unfolds, from Leah's POV, we rarely see, at first, what is really happening as she falls further into her drinking binges. It's quite effective because it really helped me feel how it might be to be this person. And let's face it, we are all either addicts, recovering or not, or have loved ones on that journey. Also, quite frankly, the book feels really timely because of how stressed many are right now with national and world events--I could utterly sympathize even though my current gut punches aren't the ones Leah was going through. How many of us are numbing our way through our current difficulties?

But if that were all, it may be too heavy a read for now. Luckily, here's where the feel comes in. I knew I was hooked in Chapter 2, when we got to see the first blush of love between Leah and Luke. This is a love story. Throughout the novel, relationships are of such importance that I was deeply invested. I loved listening and watching it all unfold, as I rooted for Leah and her family. And I loved Leah's voice: fun, a little bit wicked, but absolutely full of heart.

Also, kudos to the narrator. I am not sure I've heard one of her books before, but I absolutely hope to do so again. I'm a fan of the way she handled it all.

Congrats to the author and thank you to the publisher for giving me an early look/listen in exchange for an honest review. I'll definitely be telling others about it! Book clubs will have plenty to discuss with this book.

Such a beautiful debut book. I found myself thinking of the characters even when I wasn’t reading it. Family drama on so many levels and the pain and destruction of addiction and how it ruins families and lives! Such a beautiful book. Highly recommend.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

This was an excellent debut novel. Well written story and the characters were well developed. This is the type of story that will remain in my thoughts for quite some time.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital arc..

Really, really impressive and resonate debut novel from Jessica Guerrieri!

Long-time, seemingly happy, married couple Lucas and Leah are parents to three young children. As the primary caregiver to their children, free-spirited Leah struggles with trying to make everyone else happy while trying to maintain her own individuality. It is especially challenging trying to live up to the standard that Lucas’s own mother set as a mother and continues to set as a grandmother.

Wine is a good friend to Leah during the long, isolating hours that motherhood can bring. It’s heartbreaking to follow Leah as she slips further into the rabbit hole of alcohol addiction.

While this novel wasn’t an easy read, it was certainly relatable and passionately written. The subject matters resonated deeply with me and I was fascinated watching Leah in her own hazy reality.

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is a brilliantly written story that I imagine will hit home for many.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the opportunity to read this ARC before its anticipated release date of May 13, 2025.

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is a powerful story that portrays thoughts and emotions that are raw and show true human vulnerability. Guilt for choices made, moments missed, and hurt caused along the way. Grief for all that has been lost through seeking an escape in unhealthy habits. Addiction and the power it holds over decisions, actions, and reactions. Hope that something will change and all the regrets and wrong decisions will no longer hold the power they have for so long.
Leah, a free spirit who revels in creativity and craves the sand and water, longs to feel the freedom and creativity she held dear before becoming a wife, mom, and member of the O’Connor family. Her loss of self drives her to the one escape she has depended on for so long, alcohol. However, her escape has taken control of her life and is slowly costing her everything she treasures in life. Will the love of those around her and the little moments that allow her to see how out of control her drinking has become be enough to pull her from the deep?
Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is a profound story that explores the Wine Mom culture, from the cause of turning to this lifestyle to the long reaching effects it has on one’s family and quality of life.

Thank you to Uplit Reads, Jessica Guerrieri, and Harper Muse Books for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea.

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is a deeply emotional portrait of motherhood, family secrets, friendship, and addiction. The writing is heartbreaking and beautiful, with just enough character growth to leave me hopeful rather than destroyed. I highly recommend this debut, and will be eagerly following Jessica Guerrieri to see what’s next.

This is debut novel had me thinking about it days after I finished it. Thru the protagonist the author delves into the complex and complicated experiences that can sometimes come with motherhood. With the portrayal of realistic characters, it is understandable how as when drinking becomes a daily ritual, relationships can become strained until there is no place to go but downhill.

I went into this book blind and was very impressed with this debut novel that covered multiple difficult topics. There was lots of family issues (books that focus on bad mother is laws make me so thankful for my excellent MIL) struggles with alcohol, and difficult pregnancies and loss. This book will stick with me for a long time and I do find some of the issues that Leah struggled with in motherhood are relatable. Leah did not have the support to help when she was struggling but at the same time, she had made herself pretty unlikable to her husband’s family as well. The ending was a lot and it does show what happens when someone gives into addiction. I do feel like there was great character development throughout the book and I really enjoyed it.

BOOK: Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
AUTHOR: Jessica Guerrieri
PUB DATE: May 13, 2025, by HarperCollins Focus
PAGES: 320
RATING: 5 stars
GENRE: Women’s Fiction

I am honored to have been given an advanced copy by this debut author! A tremendous THANK YOU to @HARPERCOLLINSFOCUS, @HarperCollinsMuse @netgalley, and @jessicaguerri. 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.

I believe that one of the scariest things in life is addiction, and alcohol addiction, at least for me, is the worst one, because it's allowed, it's legal, and encouraged as people reach drinking age. Leah is a free spirit who had a difficult upbringing and is an artist. She fears anything that will tie her down, make her create roots and it's what happens when she discovers herself pregnant. She is a mother of three children that struggles among the roles she has: mother, wife, daughter, daughter-in-law, friend, artist. She also believes that her drinking is within normal levels until she finally realizes she's destroying everything she found once dear to her. She watches her best friend struggle to have her pregnancy to term after a natural abortion, a friend who has not told anyone her mother is still alive. She duels with her mother-in-law who also has a secret, she slowly drifts away from her husband who she resents for not helping more with the children until she falls apart and has to face life, her husband, her children, and find her sobriety and to start to live fully. Extremely touching, well-written, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, is a tale of womanhood, motherhood, family life and love that gives ample scope to ponder on what's really important.
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.

WOW! What an incredibly moving debut book. The topics are heavy, focused on alcoholism and the effects it can have on the individual struggling with the addiction as well as the family watching the damage be done. While this was such a heartbreaking and sad story, it was very well done and deeply moving. Additionally, the audiobook is fantastic, and regardless of format, this novel will stick with you.

Highly recommend the read / listen!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks for my ALC and ARC copies in exchange for my honest review.

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by Jessica Guerrieri (book covers is in image) is the story of Leah O’Connor and how an unexpected pregnancy changes the trajectory of her life, and how she copes with the expectations she had for herself, and where she currently has landed. Struggling with the demands of motherhood, and her relationships with her family and friends, we go on the journey of her slow downward spiral into depression, alcoholism, and ultimate redemption and sobriety.

The narration by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw while fabulously done, could not overcome the challenge of identifying if we are in the past or present timelines that this story weaves through. I had the opportunity to both read and listen to the audiobook and found it easier to follow the timeline when I was reading the book. Nonetheless, this was a great book and I highly recommend it.

Thank you, HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse, for the opportunity to read this ARC and listen to this ALC. All opinions are my own.

Book Rating: 5 Stars
Audiobook Rating: 4 Stars
Book and Audio Release Date: May 13 2025

Tags:
#HarperCollinsFocus
#HarperCollinsMuse
#HarperAudio
#BetweentheDevilandtheDeepBlueSea
#JessicaGuerrieri
#MiaHutchinsonShaw
#WomensFiction
#yarisbooknook
#netgalley

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is a powerful and introspective novel that offers a nuanced look at the struggles of modern womanhood. It's a recommended read for those interested in literary fiction that tackles difficult subjects with grace and empathy.

This book was every bit as beautiful as it is described in the synopsis. As a woman and as a mother I felt it in my core. This is for all of us.

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is a raw, slow-burning portrayal of addiction through the eyes of Leah, a free spirit turned mother of three, battling alcoholism. The story feels heartbreakingly real— despite her flaws, Leah is deeply relatable, and the ripple effects of her addiction on her family are portrayed with painful honesty. While the ending felt a bit too neat compared to the gritty realism of the rest, this debut was gripping, emotional, and unforgettable. I’m eager to see what this Guierrieri does next.

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

This book was stunning and heartbreaking. I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this book from NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. The subject matter was beautifully written, depicting an in-the-moment picture of the overwhelm and chaos that can come with motherhood, in contrast to a "what may have been" situation for the character, all set in the backdrop of increasing alcohol use. While I would not generally seek out a book focusing on active alcoholism in the main character, the author weaves it so naturally into the storyline that it almost surprises the reader as much as the character herself when the situation comes into focus. In addition to a rich storyline that challenges the reader to expand and redefine their understanding of alcoholism, the prose and storytelling by the author is what truly shines in the book. Overall, a beautiful book that I felt lucky to read, and one of my few ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for the year.

This is a slow burn excellent debut that read to me more like a memoir than a novel. Leah is overwhelmed by motherhood as well as being a wife in a large family that is very close knit and woven together. From Sunday dinners, regular birthday gatherings for all and a family business celebrating the matriarch, she is increasingly agitated and examining her what-ifs. Couple this stress of motherhood with the ever present normalizing of alcohol from wine at dinner, shots of aperitif’s after, solo cups at sporting events, mimosas at brunch - eventually the alcohol reaches a limit that is no longer normal. Guerrieri weaves this book in and out of a timeline that seems as natural yet unpredictable as the waves of the ocean and it becomes suddenly clear that Leah’s more normal pressures of motherhood are suddenly colliding with a storm that needs rescuing.
I received Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea as an ARC and while I didn’t get to it before publishing, I am glad I waited a bit as I was able to couple my reading with the audio version, which was excellent. This is one perfect for book club, there will be lots to talk about when it comes to the stress of motherhood, overwhelming families and the wine culture that often is present in social settings of all kinds. I will be thinking of this one for some time.

This is a raw and harrowing dive into the life of a woman, wife, mother, and friend living in the throes of alcoholism.

The story tackles the demon of alcoholism and how it affects the addict and those around them, showing the wreckage addiction leaves in its wake. However, with beautiful authenticity and compassion, it also explores marriage, motherhood, pregnancy loss, family dynamics, loss of self, and friendship. This book is deep and immersive, yet it brings you up close, making it feel intimate and personal.

I am floored that this is a debut! The author does a brilliant job of capturing the nuances of these characters, not only their flaws but also their desires and heartaches. You feel their pain, guilt, jealousy, and longings, yet you’ll see true friendship and support in action. It is incredibly heartrending, yet waves of hope and love ripple throughout.


Thank you @uplitreads @jessicaguerrieriauthor and @harpermusebooks for the gifted book and the ebook via #Netgalley.

Leah has always been the life of the party. The one who will say what is on her mind. To live her life the way she wishes and no one else has a say. This all changed when she met Lucas O'Connor. He made her look at life differently. Yet still chasing waves on her board and living the van vagabond lifestyle. When her life takes a turn, she needs to make a decision that will change her life forever. Leah becomes an O'Connor. She has three beautiful children and a husband that worships her. It still isn't enough. She longs for her earlier life when she only had herself to worry about. Now she is drowning. Her husband is opening a restaurant, she is juggling the three kids on her own, and her painting and livelihood has taken a step back. Leah is struggling and she starts to drink more to cope. Leading her down a dark path of self-discovery.

There are two other women's lives woven into Leah's fabric. Amy, her sister-in-law, the one that is her everything. The other is her mother-in-law, whom she cannot stand. Leah always feels like Christine is looking down upon her. That she should not be an O'Connor, that she is not good enough. As the Leah's life turns upside down. Secrets are exposed and Leah drifts further from her family. Becoming more unmoored and spiraling out of control.

This is a heavy read that makes your heart ache. The feeling of being outside the family, not being accepted. It is a tough feeling to deal with day in and day out. Leaving Leah to lash out more and wall herself all from everyone she loves. Pulling her deeper beneath the waves. I tore through this book in a day. Leah's story will stick with me. A cautionary tale that is easy to slip into. Thank you to Jessica Guerrieri, Harper Muse, and UpLit Reads for my gifted copy of this emotional story.

This reads like bingeing the latest hit TV series. It’s a complete work of literary women's fiction that will have so many understanding and able to identity with. Leah is walking the line between existing with the pressures of motherhood & wanting an escape to be who she was before it all began.

Jessica Guerrieri’s debut novel is an incredible work of fiction. I can’t wait to see what else she pens, if this is the kind of writing we get!

Wow! I was so engrossed with this one from the beginning! This took something foreign to me in my own life, addiction, and brought in something so familiar, motherhood. It was beautiful and heartbreaking and so well written! I finished it within a couple of days.

Leah O’Connor’s once carefree life vanished with an unexpected pregnancy and a hasty marriage to charming surfing enthusiast Lucas. Now, a decade and three children later, her artistic dreams feel lost beneath the weight of motherhood, resentment, and tension with her controlling mother-in-law, Christine. As Lucas pours himself into a new restaurant project honoring his mother, Leah spirals into loneliness and drinking, confiding a dangerous secret to her sister-in-law, Amy. When Leah’s unraveling endangers her family, the O’Connor women confront long-buried truths. In the aftermath, Leah must face her own choices, ask for help, and decide whether healing or heartbreak lies within her fractured family.

5 stars!

WOW. Wowwww. What an intense and captivating read. Jessica has written a story that so many readers will be able to relate to - maybe not necessarily every facet of it, but they will see themselves in moments, in conversations and in feelings. Readers will understand the immensely human tale told behind each of these characters and their experiences alone and while interacting with one another.

The relationship between Leah and her sister-in-law Amy will stay with me. The two have experienced so much life together, and some really challenging heartaches, and yet no matter the troubles they face, they have one another without question. To have that level of comfort and loyalty and commitment from a friend is absolute magic and a driving force throughout this novel.

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is not for the faint of heart, as there are many difficult subjects covered - addiction, escapism (both healthy and unhealthy), miscarriage, family drama and more. That said, if these triggers do not make you shy away from this engrossing debut, I hope you will read Leah's story. I am beyond glad that I did.

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.

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!

As a mother in recovery, this hit me hard. I could see so much of myself in Leah, and what could happen to me and my family if I were to ever give up. The far reaching consequences of addiction were so well represented, it was painful to read. The fact that this is a debut is crazy to me—not only is the story itself deeply moving, but the writing is stunning and engrossing. I can’t wait to read more from Guerrieri.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. This was such an amazing book about alcoholism and addiction. I loved reading this from the point of an alcoholic and how they think. I grew up as a child seeing this from a parent who tried to hide it and it was a very emotional read but so so good.