From the author of the New York Times bestseller On the Island. What if the life you wanted, and the woman you fell in love with, belonged to someone else?
Chris and Claire Canton’s marriage is on life support. Downsized during the recession and out of work for a year, Chris copes by retreating to a dark place where no one can reach him, not even Claire. When he’s offered a position that will keep him away from home four nights a week, he dismisses Claire’s concern that time apart could be the one thing their fragile union can’t weather. Their suburban life may look idyllic on the outside, but Claire has never felt so disconnected from Chris, or so lonely.
Local police officer Daniel Rush used to have it all, but now he goes home to an empty house every night. He pulls Claire over during a routine traffic stop, and they run into each other again at the 4th of July parade. When Claire is hired to do some graphic design work for the police department, her friendship with Daniel grows, and soon they’re spending hours together.
Claire loves the way Daniel makes her feel, and the way his face lights up when she walks into the room. Daniel knows that Claire’s marital status means their relationship will never be anything other than platonic. But it doesn’t take long before Claire and Daniel are in way over their heads, and skating close to the line that Claire has sworn she’ll never cross. ~ Goodreads
Source: ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review
Release date: September 17th, 2013
Review:
I have to be honest and say that I did not want to read this book. The subject matter - infidelity - is not one I enjoy reading about even though I know it happens.
I had my friend Ana read it first and give me the thumbs up or down. She loved it and promised I would be ok.
I'm not really going to delve into the plot too much. I know what most of you want to know before reading this book. Is there cheating? There’s a lot of grey area here and it’s really up to the reader to say what lines have been crossed. What I will say is that Tracey Garvis-Graves has a talent for writing flawed but realistic characters facing real life dilemmas.
By writing different POV's for Claire, her husband Chris and the other man, Daniel, she sidesteps clichés and villains and writes a story with characters that anyone can relate to. No matter your opinion on the subject.
Covet cuts to the heart of relationships and how easy it is to take people and things for granted and asks if forgiveness is possible.
Final thoughts: As someone who has been married to their best friend for 26 years, I can say that the author has written a touching, honest account of marriage and the events that test it's bonds. Yes it was hard to read at times but my friend Ana was right…I was ok. Happy even at how this sensitive subject matter was handled.
Author: Website |
Buy the book! Covet
While this doesn't sound like anything I'd pick up willingly (just not intrigued in the least, despite the pretty cover), it's good to hear that it's well-written and the author does a good job with the matter at hand. Nice review!
ReplyDeleteI probably would have NEVER bought and read the book on my own. It's just not something I want to read about.
DeleteBut it was tastefully done so I'm glad I gave it a try.
I'm with you. I usually steer clear of infidelity stories but I did love her first book and you've got me thinking I should give this one a go soon.
ReplyDeleteI read to escape and be happy so this isn't my usual read but it's very good.
DeleteI think she did a great job at exploring all sides and not making it just about sex or lust. All of the characters were nice and relatable in some way.
Whew! I am so happy you gave Covet a chance. I know it's a difficult subject, and I had the same hesitations, but I always trust Tracey to deliver remarkable stories.
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Karen!
Yeah - it's just difficult to read about but she did an incredible job with it.
DeleteThat gray area sounds like it will really make you think. Great review
ReplyDeleteI saw that the library had her other book, but it was a translation
ReplyDeleteI think I am of the same mind as you about the subject, but I'm glad to see that it was handled with a sensitive touch. I'm not sure if it is for me, but your willingness to try it and enjoy the writing does bode well for the book!
ReplyDeleteThat's great to hear you were okay reading this! I like that the author has multiple point of views, so you don't just get ONE side. It's important in a book like this. I think my mom would enjoy this one; she just read and loved On the Island.
ReplyDeleteNot a subject matter that's to my taste either, I'm glad that this turned out to be an ok read.
ReplyDeleteHehehe I'm so happy you gave it a try :) Her writing and the way she plays and unfolds a story is why I love her so much. For me, it's different.
ReplyDelete"It was tastefully done" Yep, completely agree with you. I like that it wasn't deppresing or anything like that, I even LOL at some things.
hmm yeah, I would feel iffy about the subject matter too but I'm glad that it seemed to do it well. I'm sort of curious to see how the author resolved it now!
ReplyDeleteIt was handled really well - it wasn't just about lusting after someone else. I was still uncomfortable but she did a great job with the story.
Delete