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.

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!

What a surprisingly engaging debut novel Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is. With poetic grace, author Jessica Guerrieri unravels the complexities of female relationships, illuminating her characters' everyday struggles through stunning metaphorical imagery set against a beautiful coastal backdrop. The relationships and characters drew me in, keeping me captivated until the very last page; I find myself still thinking about them. This beautifully written and intellectually stimulating exploration of addiction, family friction, marriage, motherhood, and womanhood follows Leah as she unravels the mysteries of her past and present, leading to a heartfelt and impactful ending. Guerrieri handles these heart-wrenching topics with expertise, and I eagerly anticipate her next novel, as Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea offered an unforgettable emotional experience. I look forward to re-reading this with my book club when it publishes 05/13/2025. Thank you NetGalley, Harper Muse, and award winning author Jessica Guerrieri for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. 4/5

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.

A beautifully crafted story revolving around a cast of women and how they help the main character, Leah, with her struggles.
Leah evolves and the reader runs thru a river of emotion in this book.
A great way to spend a cozy weekend. 4/5

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.