What Deep Down True is about:
Newly divorced Dana Stellgarten has always been unfailingly nice- even to telemarketers-but now her temper is wearing thin. Money is tight, her kids are reeling from their dad's departure, and her Goth teenage niece has just landed on her doorstep. As she enters the slipstream of post-divorce romance and is befriended by the town queen bee, Dana finds that the tension between being true to yourself and being liked doesn't end in middle school... and that sometimes it takes a real friend to help you embrace adulthood in all its flawed complexity.
Why I wanted to read it: I read Juliette's debut novel, Shelter Me (my review here), and really enjoyed it. I noticed that she had a new book out and wanted to read it.
Source: Public Library
- The book started out slowly for me and I wasn't too sure that I was going to keep reading it. It could have been my mood at the time but for whatever reason I had a hard time connecting to the story. About 60 pages in though, something changed and I was a bit more invest into the main protagonist's story.
- Dana was a character that I liked and sometimes wanted to throttle. I understood how uncertain she was of her own strength having relied on her ex-husband for so long to provide for her and their family. I really liked her more when she realizes that she may be divorce, she may be over forty, but she's still desirable and worth loving!
- The way the author wrote the kids in the story felt pretty authentic and I thought she got the teen angst, the adolescent fears, and the way divorce impacts the children spot on.
Even though the story ends a bit predictably, it was still a good read. I didn't like it near as much as Shelter Me, but I was satisfied. This book would make a great beach read, easy summer reading pick, or even a book club choice as there is plenty to talk about: divorce, infidelity, eating disorders, financial problems, insecurities, and finding love again.
Bookish Thoughts #25
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I love the bit in the blurb about being nice even to telemarketers! This does sound like a good read and I love the cover - I want that porch!
ReplyDeleteLike you, I enjoyed Shelter Me so I appreciate your review. Looks like a lot was packed into this novel!
ReplyDeleteI actually love characters that make me want to throttle them - they seem so real to me. The book sounds like it's worth a read.
ReplyDeleteI might have a hard time getting through this one too! Thanks for the honest review Staci!
ReplyDeleteEven though it wasn't as enjoyable as Shelter Me, it still sounds nice for an afternoon at the pool.
ReplyDeleteI have this book on my Kindke I'm sure. I just love the cover. I'm glad it was a pretty good read for you.
ReplyDeleteThe premise has been done before but I always seem to enjoy books where women have to comeback from some devastating loss. Have you seen The Client List on TV yet? It's almost the same story except to make money she gives "special favors" while giving massages. It's so cheesy! I love it! It has Jennifer Love Hewitt who plays it with an accent, which is hilarious enough.
ReplyDeleteI've got Shelter Me on my long list of want to read books. Sounds like I should choose that one over this one.
ReplyDeleteThe question is, would I make it to 60?
ReplyDeleteThis one sounds interesting. I might pick it up.
ReplyDeleteSometimes predictable is okay, especially when you finish a book feeling satisfied. Glad you ended up enjoying it despite the slow start.
ReplyDeleteI have this one so I am glad to hear you enjoyed it after the slow beginning. Good to know it would make a good, summer beach read!
ReplyDeleteSometimes I'm okay with a slow beginning and sometimes I'm not. It would really depend on the author's writing and characters. If they are worth it then I don't mind the plot pacing.
ReplyDeleteI've got Shelter Me on my TBR mountain, think I might stick to reading it first :)
ReplyDeleteThis does sound like an easy read with a good ending. Love the cover too.
ReplyDeleteEven if a book is just satisfying, that can be enough for me. Sounds like Shelter Me is the better one to start with though.
ReplyDeleteLove the pretty cover.
ReplyDeleteHmmm, I couldn't get into Shelter Me (audio version), so I doubt I'll give this one a passing glance (although that cover is lovely!).
ReplyDeleteI don't mind predictable sometimes when the outcome is one that makes me happy! Great review!
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