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New England Inspirations #1
Deep Blue Sea
Librarian's note: This is an alternate cover edition of ASIN B0054D3IN4.
Jamie Walker's life is a mess.
She lives like a widow while her husband leaves for weeks at a time on business. She is childless, lonely, and depressed, and now her job as an editor at a magazine is in jeopardy. Not to mention the fact that her past mistakes are threatening to overwhelm her at any moment. Jamie has two options: swallow the bottle of sleeping pills in her husband's nightstand or reach out to the God she's been running from since she was eighteen.
Which will she choose and how long can she live like this?
Jamie Walker's life is a mess.
She lives like a widow while her husband leaves for weeks at a time on business. She is childless, lonely, and depressed, and now her job as an editor at a magazine is in jeopardy. Not to mention the fact that her past mistakes are threatening to overwhelm her at any moment. Jamie has two options: swallow the bottle of sleeping pills in her husband's nightstand or reach out to the God she's been running from since she was eighteen.
Which will she choose and how long can she live like this?
ebook
First published November 12, 2013
509 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Howard
45 books129 followersValerie Howard
Contemporary Women's Christian Fiction
"Real women. Tough issues. Powerful God."
Valerie's goal in writing is to bring people closer to Jesus one chapter at a time.
Valerie has been writing stories since she was in second grade when she wrote "The Mystery of the Missing Crayon." She gave up writing mysteries soon after and now concentrates on real-life stories that tackle tough issues such as homelessness, unplanned pregnancy, family tragedy, childhood trauma, foster care, poverty, and terminal cancer. All of her books are filled with the hope and love of Christ and are uplifting and feel-good with happy, though sometimes tearful, endings as her characters overcome their obstacles with God at their side. She also writes biblical non-fiction, indie author non-fiction, children's books, allegorical fiction, and small church Christmas plays. (She's a little obsessed with writing.)
Valerie is a fan of summer, warmth, and flip-flips, so she often wonders why she lives in Maine where she is frozen for the better half of the year. But her amazing husband and adorable sons live there with her, so it's not all bad. She graduated from Bible College with a degree in Bible and Missions a long, long time ago in a state far, far away.
Contemporary Women's Christian Fiction
"Real women. Tough issues. Powerful God."
Valerie's goal in writing is to bring people closer to Jesus one chapter at a time.
Valerie has been writing stories since she was in second grade when she wrote "The Mystery of the Missing Crayon." She gave up writing mysteries soon after and now concentrates on real-life stories that tackle tough issues such as homelessness, unplanned pregnancy, family tragedy, childhood trauma, foster care, poverty, and terminal cancer. All of her books are filled with the hope and love of Christ and are uplifting and feel-good with happy, though sometimes tearful, endings as her characters overcome their obstacles with God at their side. She also writes biblical non-fiction, indie author non-fiction, children's books, allegorical fiction, and small church Christmas plays. (She's a little obsessed with writing.)
Valerie is a fan of summer, warmth, and flip-flips, so she often wonders why she lives in Maine where she is frozen for the better half of the year. But her amazing husband and adorable sons live there with her, so it's not all bad. She graduated from Bible College with a degree in Bible and Missions a long, long time ago in a state far, far away.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
August 5, 2021
2.5 stars
I had read another book by this author and knew she dealt with hard topics, but this one wasn’t what I was expecting. I liked the writing style, but I don’t think I’ll be rereading this story.
Jamie’s whole story and past just left me feeling sad even at the end. And I'm not quite sure I understood why she kept silent all those years.
I did like Byron’s story better because there was redemption and hope, even though I sure didn’t understand him and wondered if his wife had ever confronted him about his serious problem. The lesson about putting other things before your relationship with God and your family is a needed one.
Overall I’ll read another story by this author, but probably not this one.
I had read another book by this author and knew she dealt with hard topics, but this one wasn’t what I was expecting. I liked the writing style, but I don’t think I’ll be rereading this story.
Jamie’s whole story and past just left me feeling sad even at the end. And I'm not quite sure I understood why she kept silent all those years.
I did like Byron’s story better because there was redemption and hope, even though I sure didn’t understand him and wondered if his wife had ever confronted him about his serious problem. The lesson about putting other things before your relationship with God and your family is a needed one.
Overall I’ll read another story by this author, but probably not this one.
March 5, 2022
This was a departure from my normal genres, but I enjoyed it and it was well-paced and well-written, very engaging. The genius of the story was how two unconnected and totally opposite people were struggling with the same issues of guilt, estranged family, and hard choices. The realities of both forgiveness and consequences were displayed. Though both main characters had major flaws, about the time I wanted to shake them, the author wove in another layer that made me keep rooting for them.
November 21, 2020
Howard's skill with a pen is again on display. She always has vivid characters and realistic situations. Perhaps it was my mood, but I found the whole tone of this book to be sad and depressing. It did keep my interest, I wanted to know how things would work out for the characters. I also found the ending redeeming and good. The narrator was skillful and did a good job.
Overall, I would say if you're in the mood for a more serious, realistic story with a good ending, this would be a great choice.
Overall, I would say if you're in the mood for a more serious, realistic story with a good ending, this would be a great choice.
April 28, 2024
Good messages within the pages of this General Fiction novel.
March 9, 2019
Nothing against the book or the writing, but this was just not my kind of story. Watching characters stay at rock-bottom for so long isn't an easy thing for me, and it took so long to get hope, especially in Jamie's story. And with her and her husband not being Christians through most of the book, I wasn't comfortable with a lot of things about their lifestyle, even though it wasn't overdone. I appreciated the message of hope and forgiveness in the end, but it wasn't enough to override all the negative emotions of the rest of the book for me.
Content--mentions of drinking, drunkenness, and partying; brief mentions of suicidal thoughts; mention of pregnancy outside of wedlock; suspicions of adultery and mentions of divorce;
Content--mentions of drinking, drunkenness, and partying; brief mentions of suicidal thoughts; mention of pregnancy outside of wedlock; suspicions of adultery and mentions of divorce;
December 23, 2021
Sadly, this book wasn't for me, the main reason being that I didn't like either one of the main characters. There were good themes in the story, but my frustrations with Jamie and Byron (especially Byron) overshadowed everything. Still, I appreciate the book's focus on forgiveness and freedom from guilt.
February 17, 2019
2nd read! I like this book. And I was bored. After I finished Mansfield Park as well. What's a girl to do?
January 12, 2021
Great message, interesting plot
December 5, 2018
I really really liked this. And it was quite clean for all the subjects it dealt with!
February 16, 2025
Clean wholesome read. I just wish Byron and Jamie interacted more.
February 21, 2014
As seen on my blog:
Hey Folks!
I just finished reading Valerie Howard's "Deep Blue Sea," which was generously provided to me by the author herself, free of charge, in exchange for my honest opinion. This novel features Jamie Walker, a woman whose life is spinning out of control. Her husband spends more time out of ttown on business then he does with her, and when he is around, he refuses to understand her deep-seated need for a child. She tries desperately to distract herself from both her present pain and the past that torments her, but the resulting depression causes a lack of focus that threatens her career as a magazine editor. Jamie knows something has to change, but what? In the back of her mind there is always the tempting lure of the full bottle of sleeping pills laying in the nightstand drawer, but deep down, this woman knows that this is a permanent solution to temporary problems. What are her other options? Her friend Jade is always inviting her to church, and Jamie finally takes her up on the offer, more out of boredom than anything else. Surprisingly, she finds the message she hears there appealing. Can Jesus be trusted to lift the burdens turning life into a train wreck? Which path will she choose?
Howard constructed a compelling plot with very believable characters. This is one of those books that pulls the reader into the lives of the people involved. It is also unapologetically filled with the gospel, without beating you over the head with it. Teenagers will enjoy this story along with their older counterparts, and children will not need to be shielded from anything contained in this novel, so feel free to share it with your family. The only drawback to this title is that it is a bit of a slow start, but once it gets going, I found it very worthwhile. My rating is a solid four and a half out of five stars. I eagerly await this writer's next project.
Until we meet again...
Happy Reading,
Carolyn
Hey Folks!
I just finished reading Valerie Howard's "Deep Blue Sea," which was generously provided to me by the author herself, free of charge, in exchange for my honest opinion. This novel features Jamie Walker, a woman whose life is spinning out of control. Her husband spends more time out of ttown on business then he does with her, and when he is around, he refuses to understand her deep-seated need for a child. She tries desperately to distract herself from both her present pain and the past that torments her, but the resulting depression causes a lack of focus that threatens her career as a magazine editor. Jamie knows something has to change, but what? In the back of her mind there is always the tempting lure of the full bottle of sleeping pills laying in the nightstand drawer, but deep down, this woman knows that this is a permanent solution to temporary problems. What are her other options? Her friend Jade is always inviting her to church, and Jamie finally takes her up on the offer, more out of boredom than anything else. Surprisingly, she finds the message she hears there appealing. Can Jesus be trusted to lift the burdens turning life into a train wreck? Which path will she choose?
Howard constructed a compelling plot with very believable characters. This is one of those books that pulls the reader into the lives of the people involved. It is also unapologetically filled with the gospel, without beating you over the head with it. Teenagers will enjoy this story along with their older counterparts, and children will not need to be shielded from anything contained in this novel, so feel free to share it with your family. The only drawback to this title is that it is a bit of a slow start, but once it gets going, I found it very worthwhile. My rating is a solid four and a half out of five stars. I eagerly await this writer's next project.
Until we meet again...
Happy Reading,
Carolyn
December 26, 2019
This was a really good book, and I was enthralled in it from the beginning, and that's despite my hesitancy at reading suspenseful mysteries.
I had seen good reviews on this, and knew it was a book with Christian principles. And feeling in the mood for a good mystery and a bit of suspense, I decided to give it a try.
And I am glad that I did!
There was nothing gruesome or horrid about this story -- only a strong theme of reconciliation, of telling the truth, and of longing to be free from guilt.
The ending surprised me, and the way the gospel was so clearly presented and woven into the story was pretty amazing.
Due to the content of underage drinking, and the suspense of the mystery, this is definitely geared towards an older audience.
I had seen good reviews on this, and knew it was a book with Christian principles. And feeling in the mood for a good mystery and a bit of suspense, I decided to give it a try.
And I am glad that I did!
There was nothing gruesome or horrid about this story -- only a strong theme of reconciliation, of telling the truth, and of longing to be free from guilt.
The ending surprised me, and the way the gospel was so clearly presented and woven into the story was pretty amazing.
Due to the content of underage drinking, and the suspense of the mystery, this is definitely geared towards an older audience.
September 5, 2018
Good premise, but it lost something in the delivery. Jamie is a magazine editor whose work is suffering because she's unhappy and distracted in her home life. Her husband is never home and doesn't understand her wish to have children. Jamie's depression leads to a near-suicidal crisis -- then a friend invites her to a church event. The story turned out to be too didactic, the ending too pat and predictable.
March 25, 2021
This book is NOT a mystery. It's a story about 2 people grappling with guilt over past actions who turn to god for salvation, which is not the kind of story I read. It is well-written, though, if that's your thing.
January 23, 2022
Maybe a YA novel
Finished it by flipping pages. Midway through, there was a segue to Christian evangelical prose. Not my cup of tea.
Finished it by flipping pages. Midway through, there was a segue to Christian evangelical prose. Not my cup of tea.
July 18, 2025
Deep Blue Sea is the first book in the New England Inspirations series and the second book I’ve read by author Valerie Howard, and my goodness, she has become one of my favorite authors. While her books and chapters are short, the stories and life topics are captivating, raw, and emotional.
Deep Blue Sea did not disappoint. The main characters, Jamie, a magazine editor with a dark secret, and Byron, a pastor with a broken family, eventually connect in a meaningful way. Jamie’s character development was suspenseful as she searched the Bible to help her decide what to do about her secret. When she finally made her decision, her husband Dan became one of my favorite characters because of the way he supported and cared for her. Pastor Byron also faced a major decision regarding his family. As a pastor’s kid myself, I could relate to Byron’s son and appreciated the sacrifice Pastor Byron made in the end.
The Christian element became stronger in the middle and end of the book. The salvation message and various Bible passages are highlighted. There is a brief mention of drinking at the beginning of the story.
Overall, I thought this was a well written and easy to read book. The real life scenarios make the story relatable. If you read this, you’ll either find yourself wanting to give up on the main characters or encouraging them as they struggle to make the right decisions.
Deep Blue Sea did not disappoint. The main characters, Jamie, a magazine editor with a dark secret, and Byron, a pastor with a broken family, eventually connect in a meaningful way. Jamie’s character development was suspenseful as she searched the Bible to help her decide what to do about her secret. When she finally made her decision, her husband Dan became one of my favorite characters because of the way he supported and cared for her. Pastor Byron also faced a major decision regarding his family. As a pastor’s kid myself, I could relate to Byron’s son and appreciated the sacrifice Pastor Byron made in the end.
The Christian element became stronger in the middle and end of the book. The salvation message and various Bible passages are highlighted. There is a brief mention of drinking at the beginning of the story.
Overall, I thought this was a well written and easy to read book. The real life scenarios make the story relatable. If you read this, you’ll either find yourself wanting to give up on the main characters or encouraging them as they struggle to make the right decisions.
February 13, 2022
Oh I needed this. I had no idea Valerie Howard had written this series (I'd only read Avalon a few years back), and I grabbed this first book as soon as it came on my radar. Howard is so gifted at writing in a way that connects readers to her characters. I was emotionally involved with both Jamie and Byron's stories from the very start, and by the end I was crying with each of them, feeling their pain and anguish and relief. Most beautiful of all was the way Howard walked her characters patiently through journeys of redemption that felt so natural...honest and real rather than forced for the sake of wrapping up the story.
I deeply appreciate how gently the gospel was shared, yet with unwavering conviction. Thank you for this gem!
Now on to the next asap.
I deeply appreciate how gently the gospel was shared, yet with unwavering conviction. Thank you for this gem!
Now on to the next asap.
March 8, 2018
This was my second book by Valerie Howard. I greatly appreciate the 'realness' of her books in that she writes about real, messed up people. I did however, feel that the hopelessness of this one went on too long and in fact I quit reading at chapter 25 because it was too depressing to watch the main characters make foolish choice after foolish choice.
Some weeks later I went back to the book. The last quarter was much easier to read as the main character finally made a right choice. How many other people are like her? They constantly reject the only source of hope?
VH writes very well. I will keep reading her books.
Some weeks later I went back to the book. The last quarter was much easier to read as the main character finally made a right choice. How many other people are like her? They constantly reject the only source of hope?
VH writes very well. I will keep reading her books.
March 12, 2020
DEEP BLUE SEA by Valerie Howard
This book was very well written and the narration was very well done. 4.5*
I have enjoyed all of the books that I have read by Valerie Howard, and this is no exception. This book is about mistakes that were made many years ago, but never revealed. These mistakes effect her in ways that could have grave consequences and affect her in many ways.
I loved the way that the main character was pulled into the gospel, and learned how the Lamb of God was her substitute sacrifice.
I received this audiobook free with no requirement of review. I am reviewing this book of my own accord and am giving my honest opinion.
This book was very well written and the narration was very well done. 4.5*
I have enjoyed all of the books that I have read by Valerie Howard, and this is no exception. This book is about mistakes that were made many years ago, but never revealed. These mistakes effect her in ways that could have grave consequences and affect her in many ways.
I loved the way that the main character was pulled into the gospel, and learned how the Lamb of God was her substitute sacrifice.
I received this audiobook free with no requirement of review. I am reviewing this book of my own accord and am giving my honest opinion.
September 11, 2020
I enjoyed this read. It flowed. Tension increased as the pages turned. What was Jamie Walker's secret? Why did she protect it at any cost? Then her missing cousin's cold case reopened. Add a hotshot detective from New York trying to close his 100th case making it a great plot. Plagued by guilt, Jamie searches for forgiveness, finding an ally in a pastor she interviews for her magazine's monthly cover article. An important eternal message of forgiveness, clearing the heart forever. Very good read, one I highly recommend. On to the next book in this series.
July 15, 2021
Perfect Book
I gave this book 5 star rating due to the way that it was narrated and the story line that was provided. The author was able to capture the characters feelings and emotions while reading, It kept me coming back for more. This story also touched on real life hustle and how careers can distract and occupy ones attention. I loved how the author included church and the Word into the book without it becoming a sermon. I look forward to reading the next book from this author.
I gave this book 5 star rating due to the way that it was narrated and the story line that was provided. The author was able to capture the characters feelings and emotions while reading, It kept me coming back for more. This story also touched on real life hustle and how careers can distract and occupy ones attention. I loved how the author included church and the Word into the book without it becoming a sermon. I look forward to reading the next book from this author.
tbr-1
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August 19, 2022Well, this book was not at all what I expected. I picked it up without reading the blurb, and I was expecting a romance. Even halfway through I was still unsure what the genre was, but it kept me reading to the end.
I finished it in one sitting, and even shed a few tears at the end. This was a sad book, and not at all what I would normally pick up (which is why I'm not going to give it a star rating), but it realistically depicts characters in all of life's messiness, and end with a note of hope for both.
Worth a read if you're into contemporary Christian fiction.
I finished it in one sitting, and even shed a few tears at the end. This was a sad book, and not at all what I would normally pick up (which is why I'm not going to give it a star rating), but it realistically depicts characters in all of life's messiness, and end with a note of hope for both.
Worth a read if you're into contemporary Christian fiction.
September 10, 2025
Deep Blue Sea is a Christian fiction family drama with a touch of suspense and mystery that follows two characters whose paths intertwine. Both struggle with guilt and shame in this novel of forgiveness and redemption.
It’s so refreshing to read Christian fiction that is not romance. I really enjoyed this one. Well-written, character-driven, light yet serious. The main characters seemed authentic, messy, true to life. Anyone in ministry by choice or relationship 😅 would appreciate this story. It’s a great option for an easy weekend read.
It’s so refreshing to read Christian fiction that is not romance. I really enjoyed this one. Well-written, character-driven, light yet serious. The main characters seemed authentic, messy, true to life. Anyone in ministry by choice or relationship 😅 would appreciate this story. It’s a great option for an easy weekend read.
March 23, 2020
Having read other books by the author, and found them to have a good meaning and help to the person she is writing about. Past mistakes, loneliness and a husband doesn’t realize the depth of despair she has fallen into. The narration was good of her emotions. Enjoyed and was given audio for my voluntary review and my voluntary review review
November 6, 2020
Intriguing Mystery
Good book about the main character keeping a deeply held secret and a pastor who has issues of his own... I totally enjoyed how the author showed how the main character came to faith... but was hoping for a bit more intersect of these two stories... maybe there will be more in the sequel?
Good book about the main character keeping a deeply held secret and a pastor who has issues of his own... I totally enjoyed how the author showed how the main character came to faith... but was hoping for a bit more intersect of these two stories... maybe there will be more in the sequel?
July 2, 2021
Definitely not what I expected....
A great read, though. Things didn't go as I expected-- which was nice. It was a very encouraging read, despite circumstances-- kinda like having the correct perspective in real life (which is chock full of terrible circumstances from which we can choose to learn... or not learn).
A great read, though. Things didn't go as I expected-- which was nice. It was a very encouraging read, despite circumstances-- kinda like having the correct perspective in real life (which is chock full of terrible circumstances from which we can choose to learn... or not learn).
August 12, 2021
Comments
I like reading the parallel stories of forgiveness and redemption. The characters were fairly well developed and believable. However, I never understood the inclusion of the date and time for each chapter. There was no reference to it in the chapters. So, because of that, I gave a rating of 4 stars.
I like reading the parallel stories of forgiveness and redemption. The characters were fairly well developed and believable. However, I never understood the inclusion of the date and time for each chapter. There was no reference to it in the chapters. So, because of that, I gave a rating of 4 stars.
December 29, 2021
Good book
Deep Blue Sea is a good book with a happy ending. It is different from my normal genre but I really had a hard time getting in to it. It was a nice break from romance and Christmas but the book did not call to me above washing dishes😂 minimal amount of suspense and a good dose of mystery.
Deep Blue Sea is a good book with a happy ending. It is different from my normal genre but I really had a hard time getting in to it. It was a nice break from romance and Christmas but the book did not call to me above washing dishes😂 minimal amount of suspense and a good dose of mystery.
April 8, 2022
Sweet story
The first part of the book was a struggle to identify Pastor Byron'slifr and Jamie's secret of the past 12 years. Although their lives were separate, forgiveness was common both and to other characters in the stort. I enjoyed the book. There was no foul language, violance or sexual overtones.
The first part of the book was a struggle to identify Pastor Byron'slifr and Jamie's secret of the past 12 years. Although their lives were separate, forgiveness was common both and to other characters in the stort. I enjoyed the book. There was no foul language, violance or sexual overtones.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews