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.

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.