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.

I really enjoyed the narration by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw. She has a familiar voice that felt appropriate for our main character of Leah, but she also was able to create enough distinction with her voice when reading lines of other characters. The book flows smoothly, hooking you into it's complicated exploration of motherhood.

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Focus, Harper Muse, the author Jessica Guerrieri, and the narrator Mia Hutchinson-Shaw for an ALC of Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea in exchange for an honest review!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 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.

I read some of the book and listened to some of the audiobook, and both formats were engaging. The narrator had a pleasant voice with good pacing, making it easy to follow and enhancing the story’s impact.