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One Wrong Turn
Author Deanna Lynn Sletten returns with an unforgettable novel about one man’s crisis of self and his greatest act of love.
The words “I’m her husband” roll off Clay Connors’s tongue, but with his estranged wife lying in a coma—and no assurance that she’ll awaken—he knows he’s perilously close to losing everything. A singular, terrifying accident has left Jess Connors suspended between life and death. Now Clay is reunited with the family he hasn’t seen for two years, including the daughters he left behind.
Clay should have been there for his family. He never should have stayed away so long. The alcohol that took over his life destroyed everything but a shred of his self-preservation. Sober and haunted, Clay revisits the memory of love, marriage, and how his life unraveled. He hopes that by trying to reconnect with the daughter who blames him and the daughter who barely knew him, he can find a light of hope in this darkest hour. As his family faces its most grueling, emotional test yet, Clay must summon the courage to make right what was wrong—and find forgiveness from his harshest judge: himself.
The words “I’m her husband” roll off Clay Connors’s tongue, but with his estranged wife lying in a coma—and no assurance that she’ll awaken—he knows he’s perilously close to losing everything. A singular, terrifying accident has left Jess Connors suspended between life and death. Now Clay is reunited with the family he hasn’t seen for two years, including the daughters he left behind.
Clay should have been there for his family. He never should have stayed away so long. The alcohol that took over his life destroyed everything but a shred of his self-preservation. Sober and haunted, Clay revisits the memory of love, marriage, and how his life unraveled. He hopes that by trying to reconnect with the daughter who blames him and the daughter who barely knew him, he can find a light of hope in this darkest hour. As his family faces its most grueling, emotional test yet, Clay must summon the courage to make right what was wrong—and find forgiveness from his harshest judge: himself.
204 pages, Paperback
Published June 20, 2017
About the author
Deanna Lynn Sletten
29 books534 followersDeanna Lynn Sletten is the author of THE ONES WE LEAVE BEHIND, MISS ETTA, THE WOMEN OF GREAT HERON LAKE, MAGGIE'S TURN, THE LAKE HARRIET SERIES, and several other titles. She writes heartwarming women's fiction and romance novels with unforgettable characters. She has also written one middle-grade novel that takes you on the adventure of a lifetime.
Deanna has recently begun a new murder mystery series, The Rachel Emery Series which includes THE TRUTH ABOUT RACHEL and DEATH BECOMES YOU.
Deanna is married and has two grown children. When not writing, she enjoys walking the wooded trails around her home with her beautiful Australian Shepherd or relaxing on the lake in the summer.
Deanna loves hearing from her readers. Connect with her at:
Her blog: deannalynnsletten.com
Twitter: @DeannaLSletten
Facebook: facebook.com/DeannaLynnSletten
Deanna has recently begun a new murder mystery series, The Rachel Emery Series which includes THE TRUTH ABOUT RACHEL and DEATH BECOMES YOU.
Deanna is married and has two grown children. When not writing, she enjoys walking the wooded trails around her home with her beautiful Australian Shepherd or relaxing on the lake in the summer.
Deanna loves hearing from her readers. Connect with her at:
Her blog: deannalynnsletten.com
Twitter: @DeannaLSletten
Facebook: facebook.com/DeannaLynnSletten
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
September 12, 2017
Check out all of my reviews at: http://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
Sometimes an author can take the simplest plot and it will pack an emotional punch that resonates with the reader to their core. You follow normal, flawed people and you cry, get mad, become disappointed, have empathy, have sympathy, laugh and feel joy. That was the journey I took with Deanna Lynn Sletten’s novel ONE WRONG TURN.
Jess Connors is renovating her grandparent’s old home into a B&B as she raises her two daughters, Madison “Maddie”, age twelve and Jilly, age seven. She has become a friend to many in the community over the last two years, but all it took was one wrong turn of her steering wheel as she was rushing to pick up her daughters after school to change all of their lives. Now Jess lies in the hospital in a coma.
Clay Connors has been estranged from his wife and daughters for two years until he receives the call notifying him of his wife’s accident. Clay is a talented studio and live musician, but he also let his alcohol addiction destroy his family and his own personal belief in himself. After this third try at rehab and AA, Clay knew it was his last chance to prove himself to Jess. He was afraid to join them at the B&B and lose them forever, so he kept convincing himself to put it off for another day. Now he has to earn the trust of his oldest daughter once again, reintroduce himself to his youngest and remain sober under this stress while reuniting his family and waiting for Jess to wake from her coma, if she does.
The author writes Clay and Jess’ meeting, courtship and family life up to their separation in flashbacks told by Clay interspersed throughout the story. Clay’s alcohol addiction is written with truth and empathy. All his fears and failings are exposed, along with his daily battle to remain sober. The interactions between Clay and Maddie are extremely emotional because she was so close to her father and yet she was too young to understand what addiction is and so she has a severe lack of trust and a huge feeling of abandonment in regards to her father. The author offsets the difficulties with her father, with the care and understanding she shows her younger sister. Jilly is lovable, happy child who is trying to deal with all that is happening.
This book has the story of a couple that has always loved each other, but addiction divides them. For me though, the main characters that I empathized with and cheered to a happy ending were Clay and his daughter, Maddie. The dialogue is realistic as well as the emotions. All of the secondary characters were perfectly placed to add to the story, but never took the main focus off of Clay, his sobriety and/or his daughters as they dealt with their family in crisis.
This book is an emotional roller coaster that is beautifully written. The strength, love, perseverance and forgiveness of the characters will stay with me long after I finish this review. I am looking forward to reading more of Ms. Sletten’s books in the future.
Sometimes an author can take the simplest plot and it will pack an emotional punch that resonates with the reader to their core. You follow normal, flawed people and you cry, get mad, become disappointed, have empathy, have sympathy, laugh and feel joy. That was the journey I took with Deanna Lynn Sletten’s novel ONE WRONG TURN.
Jess Connors is renovating her grandparent’s old home into a B&B as she raises her two daughters, Madison “Maddie”, age twelve and Jilly, age seven. She has become a friend to many in the community over the last two years, but all it took was one wrong turn of her steering wheel as she was rushing to pick up her daughters after school to change all of their lives. Now Jess lies in the hospital in a coma.
Clay Connors has been estranged from his wife and daughters for two years until he receives the call notifying him of his wife’s accident. Clay is a talented studio and live musician, but he also let his alcohol addiction destroy his family and his own personal belief in himself. After this third try at rehab and AA, Clay knew it was his last chance to prove himself to Jess. He was afraid to join them at the B&B and lose them forever, so he kept convincing himself to put it off for another day. Now he has to earn the trust of his oldest daughter once again, reintroduce himself to his youngest and remain sober under this stress while reuniting his family and waiting for Jess to wake from her coma, if she does.
The author writes Clay and Jess’ meeting, courtship and family life up to their separation in flashbacks told by Clay interspersed throughout the story. Clay’s alcohol addiction is written with truth and empathy. All his fears and failings are exposed, along with his daily battle to remain sober. The interactions between Clay and Maddie are extremely emotional because she was so close to her father and yet she was too young to understand what addiction is and so she has a severe lack of trust and a huge feeling of abandonment in regards to her father. The author offsets the difficulties with her father, with the care and understanding she shows her younger sister. Jilly is lovable, happy child who is trying to deal with all that is happening.
This book has the story of a couple that has always loved each other, but addiction divides them. For me though, the main characters that I empathized with and cheered to a happy ending were Clay and his daughter, Maddie. The dialogue is realistic as well as the emotions. All of the secondary characters were perfectly placed to add to the story, but never took the main focus off of Clay, his sobriety and/or his daughters as they dealt with their family in crisis.
This book is an emotional roller coaster that is beautifully written. The strength, love, perseverance and forgiveness of the characters will stay with me long after I finish this review. I am looking forward to reading more of Ms. Sletten’s books in the future.
July 4, 2017
One day at a time....
The story on the face of it, is so simple. Jess Connors, mother to Maddie and Jilly, separated from her musician husband Clay, has an accident with brain trauma and is in coma. Clay, a recovering alcoholic, nearly two years sober, has to rush home to his family. His girls need him. And then it's a total uphill for him, staying in hope that Jess will get up, winning over his daughters, who have not seen him in two years and maintaining his sobriety in such moments of stress.
Such a story has been told before, but here, the story is told from Clay's point of view, by the author Deanna Lynn Sletten. It is a refreshing change. Every interaction that Clay has with his daughters is so poignant. His absence for two years from his daughters' life has hurt them badly and they find it difficult to trust him.
Deanna has written every dialogue between father and daughter with so much care, that each one breaks and heals the heart at the same time. Jilly accepts her dad's presence and loves easily, while Maddie distrusts him totally and stays a distance away. The contrast between the girls' reactions to their dad is beautiful yet saddening.
There is a conversation between the girls and their dad, that is one of Deanna's best in this book. When Maddie declares angrily that she hates her dad, Clay asks his younger one Jilly, why doesn't she hate him. Her answer broke my heart too
I don't remember you enough to hate you
Deanna brings home the fact that fathers are so important. Each little girl looks up to her dad, he is her first hero. Two years ago, Clay had gone to rehab and was successful in kicking his alcohol addiction yet couldn't find the courage to come back to his family. But he stands in front of his daughters explaining his less than perfect earlier ways, his mistakes and his willingness to do anything to win them all back. I liked the honesty the author brings in all her characters.
Deanna also shows romance between Clay and Jess, as Clay travels down memory lane remembering the good times and bad times, his meeting her, his first kiss, their marriage, their kids' birth, his beer habit, his rehab and Jess standing by him through all this till her ultimatum. Yet it's love that holds them together always for better or for worse even when Jess is in coma and decisions have to be made to shift her to long term facility.
Deanna brings home the fact that life sometimes is difficult and problems seem overwhelming then just taking one day at a time, taking small steps, is all we can do, both in dealing with life or in dealing with an addiction.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher, Lake Union Publishing and this is my honest and unbiased opinion
The story on the face of it, is so simple. Jess Connors, mother to Maddie and Jilly, separated from her musician husband Clay, has an accident with brain trauma and is in coma. Clay, a recovering alcoholic, nearly two years sober, has to rush home to his family. His girls need him. And then it's a total uphill for him, staying in hope that Jess will get up, winning over his daughters, who have not seen him in two years and maintaining his sobriety in such moments of stress.
Such a story has been told before, but here, the story is told from Clay's point of view, by the author Deanna Lynn Sletten. It is a refreshing change. Every interaction that Clay has with his daughters is so poignant. His absence for two years from his daughters' life has hurt them badly and they find it difficult to trust him.
Deanna has written every dialogue between father and daughter with so much care, that each one breaks and heals the heart at the same time. Jilly accepts her dad's presence and loves easily, while Maddie distrusts him totally and stays a distance away. The contrast between the girls' reactions to their dad is beautiful yet saddening.
There is a conversation between the girls and their dad, that is one of Deanna's best in this book. When Maddie declares angrily that she hates her dad, Clay asks his younger one Jilly, why doesn't she hate him. Her answer broke my heart too
I don't remember you enough to hate you
Deanna brings home the fact that fathers are so important. Each little girl looks up to her dad, he is her first hero. Two years ago, Clay had gone to rehab and was successful in kicking his alcohol addiction yet couldn't find the courage to come back to his family. But he stands in front of his daughters explaining his less than perfect earlier ways, his mistakes and his willingness to do anything to win them all back. I liked the honesty the author brings in all her characters.
Deanna also shows romance between Clay and Jess, as Clay travels down memory lane remembering the good times and bad times, his meeting her, his first kiss, their marriage, their kids' birth, his beer habit, his rehab and Jess standing by him through all this till her ultimatum. Yet it's love that holds them together always for better or for worse even when Jess is in coma and decisions have to be made to shift her to long term facility.
Deanna brings home the fact that life sometimes is difficult and problems seem overwhelming then just taking one day at a time, taking small steps, is all we can do, both in dealing with life or in dealing with an addiction.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher, Lake Union Publishing and this is my honest and unbiased opinion
May 3, 2021
Can he be trusted not to fall off the wagon? Three rounds of rehab, sober for 2 years, but he’s afraid to put his family through the trauma of a relapse so they’ve been separated all this time. Forced home to take care of his daughters while his wife is in a coma. Six weeks later, his relationship with is daughters has improved but his wife hasn’t woken up.
At 95% she finally wakes up. Of course they reconcile, but I’m left wonder, is it possible to trust again?
At 95% she finally wakes up. Of course they reconcile, but I’m left wonder, is it possible to trust again?
July 6, 2017
3.5 stars
I always tend to one-click books if I read that there are children involved. I liked One Wrong Turn, even though Clay hadn't been around for two years, I understood his reasoning for it. Did he made the right decision by staying away? Who knows! When his wife is in a car accident and is lying in a coma, he comes back to his family. His eldest daughter Maddie, who is twelve years old, holds a grudge and doesn't want anything to do with him. She feels abandoned by him and makes sure to tell him that every step of the way. You can't really blame the girl for feeling that way, especially when she was just ten years old and her daddy was her everything. His seven-year-old daughter Jilly, is very positive and has a big heart. She accepts him right away and opens her heart for him. He knows he was wrong to stay away from his family but was afraid that he would go back to drinking, disappointing and eventually lose his family for real this time.
His wife Jess is a very strong woman and loves his husband in despite of his drinking problem. She has his back but eventually has to put her daughters and herself first. The flashbacks were a very nice touch in seeing how Jess and Clay met, and how their relationship/marriage developed. The only reason for a 3.5 star is because I didn't see enough development between the couple in present time. I liked the flashbacks, but I wanted to see Jess and Clay in a present time setting after his two year absence. I think if there was an extra chapter or two, this book would've been a 4 star for me.
June 29, 2017
3.5 stars. In One Wrong Turn Deanna Lyn Sletten explores a family wounded and hurt by one of their members struggling with alcoholism. Clay has struggled for years with this disease, he loves his wife and two girls very much, but every time he endeavours to overcome it, some stress or other sends him over the edge. Now he hasn't been home with his family for two years, yet he has managed to stay sober for almost two years. However he is afraid to return home in case he falls into old patterns.
However when his wife Jess has a car accident he is called back by the medical people. Naturally his daughter Maddison, 12 years old is not over welcoming. She has seen her father repeatedly let them down, so her frosty challenging behaviour is very understandable. Jilly, just 7 remembers less and is delighted to have her father with her.
The tension in the story comes from a few factors. Firstly the antagonism of Maddison towards her father, she holds out against him, continually giving him a challenging time. It breaks his heart because he loves her, understanding at the same time he is responsible for how she sees him. Maddie has been let down too many times, she has seen her father leave and not return, she is hurt and doesn't trust.
As well there is the fact that Jess is in a coma and nothing seems to be waking her. Will she wake? Will they have to go on without her? The continual visiting with no sign of life is wearing on them all and the hope and faith they have wavers for some of them.
The question is can Clay keep his head above water with all this going on around him? He does have some good support people and it is to them he turns when times are really tough.
I enjoyed the read, the story moves along well, the struggles were real and I was cheering the family on as they dealt with a serious crisis.
However when his wife Jess has a car accident he is called back by the medical people. Naturally his daughter Maddison, 12 years old is not over welcoming. She has seen her father repeatedly let them down, so her frosty challenging behaviour is very understandable. Jilly, just 7 remembers less and is delighted to have her father with her.
The tension in the story comes from a few factors. Firstly the antagonism of Maddison towards her father, she holds out against him, continually giving him a challenging time. It breaks his heart because he loves her, understanding at the same time he is responsible for how she sees him. Maddie has been let down too many times, she has seen her father leave and not return, she is hurt and doesn't trust.
As well there is the fact that Jess is in a coma and nothing seems to be waking her. Will she wake? Will they have to go on without her? The continual visiting with no sign of life is wearing on them all and the hope and faith they have wavers for some of them.
The question is can Clay keep his head above water with all this going on around him? He does have some good support people and it is to them he turns when times are really tough.
I enjoyed the read, the story moves along well, the struggles were real and I was cheering the family on as they dealt with a serious crisis.
June 19, 2017
When Clay gets a phone call to tell him his wife has been in a car accident and is now in a coma, he rushes home to be with his children. There’s just one problem. He hasn’t seen his family in two years and not everyone is ready to welcome him back with open arms.
Clay is an alcoholic and while he’s been sober for a few years now, he’s never felt strong enough to go back home, fearing he would let his family down again. But now he doesn’t have a choice. Will he be strong enough to resist the beer? Will he have what it takes to take care of his children? Will his wife ever wake up from her coma?
The story is mostly set in the present with some flashbacks to explain the life of Clay and his wife, Jess, and his downfall into alcoholism. I found all the characters to be highly believable and realistic, especially the children. Eldest daughter Maddie is angry at her father for leaving and doesn’t hesitate in letting him know she doesn’t trust he will stick around this time. The youngest daughter Jilly doesn’t really remember much and is far more willing to accept her father back into her life.
At 206 pages, it’s a very quick read and if I want to be picky, I might say it could have been a little longer and maybe have some more depth to it. However, I found this to be a truly beautiful written story about the effects of alcoholism. It’s a story about forgiveness, love, loss, finding your inner strength and second chances and I really enjoyed it.
Clay is an alcoholic and while he’s been sober for a few years now, he’s never felt strong enough to go back home, fearing he would let his family down again. But now he doesn’t have a choice. Will he be strong enough to resist the beer? Will he have what it takes to take care of his children? Will his wife ever wake up from her coma?
The story is mostly set in the present with some flashbacks to explain the life of Clay and his wife, Jess, and his downfall into alcoholism. I found all the characters to be highly believable and realistic, especially the children. Eldest daughter Maddie is angry at her father for leaving and doesn’t hesitate in letting him know she doesn’t trust he will stick around this time. The youngest daughter Jilly doesn’t really remember much and is far more willing to accept her father back into her life.
At 206 pages, it’s a very quick read and if I want to be picky, I might say it could have been a little longer and maybe have some more depth to it. However, I found this to be a truly beautiful written story about the effects of alcoholism. It’s a story about forgiveness, love, loss, finding your inner strength and second chances and I really enjoyed it.
June 16, 2017
My Rating:
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
Jilly stood and looked at him with sad eyes. ‘I don’t really remember you enough to hate you.’ … ‘Oh, Jilly-bear. I think that’s worse than if you hated me.’
One wrong turn. One wrong choice. He understood the devastation that one moment could cause.
My Review:
The story begins with a woman’s (Jess’) inner musing while driving, her mind wonders to her To-Do List and family members instead of the rain-slicked road. An accident leaves her in a coma and her estranged husband of several years (Clay) is contacted by the hospital. The plot was relevant, relatable, and well paced while the writing was emotive with a full range of feels and heart-squeezes across the present and past timelines. Ms. Sletton excels at setting a scene with thoughtful little touches and colorful details that pull in all the senses. Her characters are likable, knowable, and common everyday people whom we may recognize in our own families or circle of friends.
The tweenaged daughter was a boiling cauldron of animosity and hostility toward her father for his perceived abandonment, with the resulting girl drama of abysmal behaviors and verbally lashing out at every opportunity, which further stressed the family and threatened Clay’s sobriety. I had made assumptions about Clay, as many of us often do in regards to those battling addiction, but was happy to cast my misperceptions aside as he struggled to maintain his hard-fought sobriety while stepping up for his family, reacquainting himself with his children, and maintaining his own career - which was a tall order and not an easy task as his children had not seen him in two years, and for some reason their mother had not informed them of the why. One Wrong Turn was a poignant, thought-provoking, and engaging story that could easily happen on any street.
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
Jilly stood and looked at him with sad eyes. ‘I don’t really remember you enough to hate you.’ … ‘Oh, Jilly-bear. I think that’s worse than if you hated me.’
One wrong turn. One wrong choice. He understood the devastation that one moment could cause.
My Review:
The story begins with a woman’s (Jess’) inner musing while driving, her mind wonders to her To-Do List and family members instead of the rain-slicked road. An accident leaves her in a coma and her estranged husband of several years (Clay) is contacted by the hospital. The plot was relevant, relatable, and well paced while the writing was emotive with a full range of feels and heart-squeezes across the present and past timelines. Ms. Sletton excels at setting a scene with thoughtful little touches and colorful details that pull in all the senses. Her characters are likable, knowable, and common everyday people whom we may recognize in our own families or circle of friends.
The tweenaged daughter was a boiling cauldron of animosity and hostility toward her father for his perceived abandonment, with the resulting girl drama of abysmal behaviors and verbally lashing out at every opportunity, which further stressed the family and threatened Clay’s sobriety. I had made assumptions about Clay, as many of us often do in regards to those battling addiction, but was happy to cast my misperceptions aside as he struggled to maintain his hard-fought sobriety while stepping up for his family, reacquainting himself with his children, and maintaining his own career - which was a tall order and not an easy task as his children had not seen him in two years, and for some reason their mother had not informed them of the why. One Wrong Turn was a poignant, thought-provoking, and engaging story that could easily happen on any street.
December 10, 2018
Okay story
This was just okay for me. I still don't understand why he didn't come home for two years if he really was sober. I don't think he cheated on her but that was never addressed. But I know that alcoholics forget their morals sometimes. Worked in a bar for several years and saw way too much heartbreak. I don't think he was a cheater but two years away is a long long time. I loved Maddie and her honesty. She calls it like she sees it and she isn't afraid of calling him out for his past neglect. It was a good story. No descriptive sex scenes at all just a story of how they got together and the drinking that ruined their lives. The wife was in a coma but from the flashbacks you felt her disillusionment and pain. I felt it through Maddie. The saddest line ever was when his little girl said she wasn't mad at him because she really didn't remember him. It was such a moving scene. It was a good story but would have liked an epilogue in the future to see if he stayed around and sober. I didn't really think he could. But that is just me. Hope he did.
This was just okay for me. I still don't understand why he didn't come home for two years if he really was sober. I don't think he cheated on her but that was never addressed. But I know that alcoholics forget their morals sometimes. Worked in a bar for several years and saw way too much heartbreak. I don't think he was a cheater but two years away is a long long time. I loved Maddie and her honesty. She calls it like she sees it and she isn't afraid of calling him out for his past neglect. It was a good story. No descriptive sex scenes at all just a story of how they got together and the drinking that ruined their lives. The wife was in a coma but from the flashbacks you felt her disillusionment and pain. I felt it through Maddie. The saddest line ever was when his little girl said she wasn't mad at him because she really didn't remember him. It was such a moving scene. It was a good story but would have liked an epilogue in the future to see if he stayed around and sober. I didn't really think he could. But that is just me. Hope he did.
July 13, 2017
Deanna Lynn Sletten’s new novel, “One Wrong Turn” tells the story of Jess and Clay. The book begins when Jess is rushing home and has a car accident that results in her becoming comatose.
Jess is living with their two daughters, twelve year-old Maddie and seven year-old Jilly, working to open a bed and breakfast in a home left her by her grandmother. Clay is summoned to the hospital, where he sees his comatose wife and two daughters for the first time in two years.
The story goes back and forth in time, beginning with the first meeting of Jess, a waitress in beach bar and Clay, a guitarist in a rock band. At first Jess wants nothing to do with a musician, but Clay wins her over.
They marry, and Jess becomes pregnant with Maddie. Clay’s career begins to take off, which means he is off touring with bands, in addition to becoming a highly respected and in-demand studio musician. Musicians like to drink, and Clay begins to drink too much.
Jess puts up with Clay’s drinking until she returns home one day and finds him passed out when he is supposed to be caring for their baby. Clay’s attempts at sobriety include stints at rehab facilities, and he manages to stay sober for periods of times.
Eventually Jess has had enough and she takes the girls and moves away when she inherits her grandmother’s house. They build a life for themselves, and make friends, until the accident.
Maddie is old enough to remember good and bad times with her father, but young Jilly doesn’t remember much. Clay vows to the girls that he will care for them, but Maddie fears they will be abandoned by Clay once again. In addition, there is the question of whether Jess will ever come out of her coma.
“One Wrong Turn” is the story of a marriage that tries to overcome the illness of addiction, and what happens when the unimaginable occurs. It’s beautifully written, and the characters, particularly Maddie and Clay, are ones that readers will identify and empathize with.
Sletten’s last novel, “Finding Libbie” was about love, marriage and mental illness, and she approaches her books with such sensitivity, I admit to tearing up more than once while reading her. Fans of Elin Hilderbrand's books should seek out Deanna Lee Sletten’s books.
Jess is living with their two daughters, twelve year-old Maddie and seven year-old Jilly, working to open a bed and breakfast in a home left her by her grandmother. Clay is summoned to the hospital, where he sees his comatose wife and two daughters for the first time in two years.
The story goes back and forth in time, beginning with the first meeting of Jess, a waitress in beach bar and Clay, a guitarist in a rock band. At first Jess wants nothing to do with a musician, but Clay wins her over.
They marry, and Jess becomes pregnant with Maddie. Clay’s career begins to take off, which means he is off touring with bands, in addition to becoming a highly respected and in-demand studio musician. Musicians like to drink, and Clay begins to drink too much.
Jess puts up with Clay’s drinking until she returns home one day and finds him passed out when he is supposed to be caring for their baby. Clay’s attempts at sobriety include stints at rehab facilities, and he manages to stay sober for periods of times.
Eventually Jess has had enough and she takes the girls and moves away when she inherits her grandmother’s house. They build a life for themselves, and make friends, until the accident.
Maddie is old enough to remember good and bad times with her father, but young Jilly doesn’t remember much. Clay vows to the girls that he will care for them, but Maddie fears they will be abandoned by Clay once again. In addition, there is the question of whether Jess will ever come out of her coma.
“One Wrong Turn” is the story of a marriage that tries to overcome the illness of addiction, and what happens when the unimaginable occurs. It’s beautifully written, and the characters, particularly Maddie and Clay, are ones that readers will identify and empathize with.
Sletten’s last novel, “Finding Libbie” was about love, marriage and mental illness, and she approaches her books with such sensitivity, I admit to tearing up more than once while reading her. Fans of Elin Hilderbrand's books should seek out Deanna Lee Sletten’s books.
November 6, 2017
What a story. This was a very touching and emotional book. It had me from the start and I could not put it down. A car accident that almost broke a family apart pulled them together. A family who love each other even more than they know.
Clay, a recovering alcoholic, came home as soon as he got word that his wife was in the hospital after a car wreck. She was in a coma. Clay and their daughters, Maddie and Jilly, would not give up hope that she would find her way back to them. Maddie had lots of anger for her dad and with good reason. But he was determined to win back her love and faith in him. Jilly, a carefree little girl who saw the best in their dad and never gave up hope that her mom would be ok and come back home.
This book was so good. It made me laugh, get angry and boy the tears. They just flowed. Especially toward the end. I can’t say why or I would give away some good parts of this book. Just read it. Trust me, it’s wonderful. A beautiful story that touched me deep down inside. I loved it and look forward to reading more by this author.
I had to give this one a 5 star rating for sure.
I recieved a copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. It was one touching story for sure.
Clay, a recovering alcoholic, came home as soon as he got word that his wife was in the hospital after a car wreck. She was in a coma. Clay and their daughters, Maddie and Jilly, would not give up hope that she would find her way back to them. Maddie had lots of anger for her dad and with good reason. But he was determined to win back her love and faith in him. Jilly, a carefree little girl who saw the best in their dad and never gave up hope that her mom would be ok and come back home.
This book was so good. It made me laugh, get angry and boy the tears. They just flowed. Especially toward the end. I can’t say why or I would give away some good parts of this book. Just read it. Trust me, it’s wonderful. A beautiful story that touched me deep down inside. I loved it and look forward to reading more by this author.
I had to give this one a 5 star rating for sure.
I recieved a copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. It was one touching story for sure.
May 30, 2017
A young mother, Jess, has plans of opening a B&B when her life changes in the blink of an eye. Jess has a wreck and is comatose. Her estranged husband, Clay, hears of the wreck and rushes to be by her side. Clay is a recovering alcoholic who went to rehab three times and after the 3rd rehab stent, he doesn't return to his family because he's afraid he can't keep his promise of staying sober. Clay has a hard time reconnecting with his 12 yr old daughter Maddie who remembers Clay leaving and not coming back. Maddie is angry, bitter and scared. Jilly is Clay's 7 yr old daughter who accepts her father back into her life with open arms. The 3 of them visit Jess in the hospital on a daily basis hoping for a miracle. This is a great book that shows the sadness and upside down life of families who live with alcoholics. The emotions were raw and cause the reader's heart to ache for what Jess and her two children endured. I highly recommend this book to others.
September 3, 2020
My Musings
What an amazing emotional journey. The he girls are so realistic and steal the show. I loved Maddie, so much read and pain. I loved it when she finally realizes she need her dad. Happy ☺reading 📚!
What an amazing emotional journey. The he girls are so realistic and steal the show. I loved Maddie, so much read and pain. I loved it when she finally realizes she need her dad. Happy ☺reading 📚!
May 22, 2017
I just finished reading One Wrong Turn - smiling with tears streaming down my face. The characters are well developed. Ms. Sletton nailed the personalities of both the girls. Their attitudes and reactions are spot on for their ages and the situation. The story line is interesting and believable, and the ending makes the reader feel good about this family's future. These are characters I would like to see again in a sequel.
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.
June 5, 2017
A great story about second chances. The husband, Clay, is a good man, but his alcoholism causes his marriage to deteriorate. When his wife is unable to care for their children, it forces him to step up to the plate and find inner strength. I liked the ending. It made me shed a few tears. Read One Wrong Turn if you like books that tug at your heart strings.
June 27, 2017
Actually a 3.5 rating.
This was a GiveAway. I am thankful for the opportunity to read this.
It began a bit formulaic, but I was able to connect with the characters and it had a sweet ending.
It is in the Hallmark Movie vein, but well written.
A great beach read.
This was a GiveAway. I am thankful for the opportunity to read this.
It began a bit formulaic, but I was able to connect with the characters and it had a sweet ending.
It is in the Hallmark Movie vein, but well written.
A great beach read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2021
Goes to show it's never too late
May 27, 2021
Great Read!
Loved this book! The relationships were real and the power of love seeped out of the pages! Good for families that have experienced trials with substance abuse.
Loved this book! The relationships were real and the power of love seeped out of the pages! Good for families that have experienced trials with substance abuse.
June 26, 2017
All it takes is one wrong turn to change a life. One moment perfect, the next moment shattered.
When Clay gets a call that is wife Jess has been involved in a vehicular accident, he races from Los Angeles to the Victorian home in northern California that his wife has been converting to a bed and breakfast. Due to the impact of the accident, she is currently in a coma. Things might go easier when he sees his daughters, Maddie and Jilly, except that he hasn’t talked to them in almost two years. Clay has been recovering from alcoholism and after rehab for the third time planned to make it stick because he couldn’t lose his family, but in the end, he almost did anyway. Maddie is twelve and is angry with him and scared. Jilly is seven and doesn’t remember him enough to be angry. Can the stress of this situation keep him from turning back to the bottle? What if Jess never wakes up? All because of one wrong turn.
Okay, so I was hooked after the first chapter. A few short hours later, I was done. That’s just how good this book is and how well written it is. Sletten knows how to garner an emotional response from me that makes me keep reading to find out what is going to happen. Even when one of the main characters has a debilitating problem that is destroying his or her life, you just have to keep reading. It’s painful to watch this because you can tell what is about to happen, but you just must keep going. You can’t help it as a reader. In this case, it happened twice. The back story for Clay was necessary, but just so sad to keep continuing. But Jess always had a ton of love for him. But the most difficult to watch was Maddie’s transition in present day. To realize that the story she had made up about her father wasn’t true and to finally she her walls crumble.
I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure how this was going to play out. I was prepared for a broken heart as a reader at the end, but still had hope for a miracle. If you want to know what happened, you are just going to have to read it yourself!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
When Clay gets a call that is wife Jess has been involved in a vehicular accident, he races from Los Angeles to the Victorian home in northern California that his wife has been converting to a bed and breakfast. Due to the impact of the accident, she is currently in a coma. Things might go easier when he sees his daughters, Maddie and Jilly, except that he hasn’t talked to them in almost two years. Clay has been recovering from alcoholism and after rehab for the third time planned to make it stick because he couldn’t lose his family, but in the end, he almost did anyway. Maddie is twelve and is angry with him and scared. Jilly is seven and doesn’t remember him enough to be angry. Can the stress of this situation keep him from turning back to the bottle? What if Jess never wakes up? All because of one wrong turn.
Okay, so I was hooked after the first chapter. A few short hours later, I was done. That’s just how good this book is and how well written it is. Sletten knows how to garner an emotional response from me that makes me keep reading to find out what is going to happen. Even when one of the main characters has a debilitating problem that is destroying his or her life, you just have to keep reading. It’s painful to watch this because you can tell what is about to happen, but you just must keep going. You can’t help it as a reader. In this case, it happened twice. The back story for Clay was necessary, but just so sad to keep continuing. But Jess always had a ton of love for him. But the most difficult to watch was Maddie’s transition in present day. To realize that the story she had made up about her father wasn’t true and to finally she her walls crumble.
I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure how this was going to play out. I was prepared for a broken heart as a reader at the end, but still had hope for a miracle. If you want to know what happened, you are just going to have to read it yourself!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
June 20, 2017
I was first introduced to Deanna Lynn Sletten’s work when I reviewed Maggie’s Turn in 2013, and I’ve loved her writing ever since. She creates wonderful stories with vivid settings and vibrant characters, and she always leaves you feeling like the world still holds hope – something we all really need right now.
This novel, One Wrong Turn, is no exception. A family drama, it takes place in the present on the Northern California coastline, and in the past (via flashbacks and memories) mainly in Southern California. While the scenes in the past were crucial for understanding the relationship between Clay and Jess in the present, I was more drawn to the contemporary scenes, probably because I lived in Northern California for a good chunk of my life (if I could afford it, I’d be running a B&B in Half Moon Bay right now) and was really wishing for those cool coastal breezes while I read this in hot, humid, Texas.
I really liked that Clay and Jess were depicted both as a couple and as separate individuals, and I liked the details of his being a musician. One thing that really resonated with me was an early flashback where he cuts his hair after meeting Jess and receiving her unfavorable comment about his pony-tail. My own husband (we celebrated 22 years in March) had a mullet when we met – I knew it was real love when he cut his hair short for me.
While characters who are young children don’t typically appeal to me, Sletten is so good at her craft I found Jess and Clay’s daughters, Maddie and Jilly, to be surprisingly not-annoying, the way the kids of most of my friends are. I know that sounds like an odd thing to comment on, but writing children well is a skill not every author has.
Overall, One Wrong Turn is one right choice if you like heartwarming family dramas, plausible love stories, and novels that end with hope and happiness.
Goes well with clam chowder, crusty bread, and IBC root beer.
This novel, One Wrong Turn, is no exception. A family drama, it takes place in the present on the Northern California coastline, and in the past (via flashbacks and memories) mainly in Southern California. While the scenes in the past were crucial for understanding the relationship between Clay and Jess in the present, I was more drawn to the contemporary scenes, probably because I lived in Northern California for a good chunk of my life (if I could afford it, I’d be running a B&B in Half Moon Bay right now) and was really wishing for those cool coastal breezes while I read this in hot, humid, Texas.
I really liked that Clay and Jess were depicted both as a couple and as separate individuals, and I liked the details of his being a musician. One thing that really resonated with me was an early flashback where he cuts his hair after meeting Jess and receiving her unfavorable comment about his pony-tail. My own husband (we celebrated 22 years in March) had a mullet when we met – I knew it was real love when he cut his hair short for me.
While characters who are young children don’t typically appeal to me, Sletten is so good at her craft I found Jess and Clay’s daughters, Maddie and Jilly, to be surprisingly not-annoying, the way the kids of most of my friends are. I know that sounds like an odd thing to comment on, but writing children well is a skill not every author has.
Overall, One Wrong Turn is one right choice if you like heartwarming family dramas, plausible love stories, and novels that end with hope and happiness.
Goes well with clam chowder, crusty bread, and IBC root beer.
July 23, 2017
I want to thank Deanna Lynn Sletten, author and Goodreads First Giveaway for the Kindle copy I won of One Wrong Turn in the Giveaway.
Clay and Jess Connor are married, have two daughters and now after being gone for two years Clay returns when Jess is in a coma from an auto accident. The split was so he could get control of his drinking and come back to his family and be the man he expected of himself and that his family needed.
The stress of the situation for an alcoholic is handled with a depth of understanding that gives the reader a clear picture of how this is a sickness not a choice. The support of the AA group, his children and neighbors is realistic and moving as Clay realizes that he only has to take One Wrong Turn to lose his family for good.
We have a family member that passed twenty-eight years sober a couple of weeks ago and this story reach me in ways that were personal. It is so difficult to watch someone you love struggle with the demons of addiction and so rewarding and gives us pride when they accomplish each milestone along a life of being sober and clean.
Clay and Jess Connor are married, have two daughters and now after being gone for two years Clay returns when Jess is in a coma from an auto accident. The split was so he could get control of his drinking and come back to his family and be the man he expected of himself and that his family needed.
The stress of the situation for an alcoholic is handled with a depth of understanding that gives the reader a clear picture of how this is a sickness not a choice. The support of the AA group, his children and neighbors is realistic and moving as Clay realizes that he only has to take One Wrong Turn to lose his family for good.
We have a family member that passed twenty-eight years sober a couple of weeks ago and this story reach me in ways that were personal. It is so difficult to watch someone you love struggle with the demons of addiction and so rewarding and gives us pride when they accomplish each milestone along a life of being sober and clean.
July 29, 2017
Jess and her 2 daughters have moved away to fix up her grandmothers home to become a B&B. They leave Jess's husband and the girls Dad, Clay behind as they have been apart for the last few years.
Clay had issues with alcohol and they took over his life. He was in numerous rehab centers and tried a lot of things to get help, but nothing really seemed to "fix" the problem and after disappointing his family so many times, it just seemed easier to stay away and not hurt them anymore.
Clay gets a call one day stating that Jess had been in a car accident and rushes to his family knowing that his girls need him now more than ever. While the girls need him, they have been apart for 2 years and aren't as ready to welcome him back.
This story follows these 3 as they go through a lot of uphill battles of trying to fix their relationships of father and daughters as well as the story of Jess and the battles that she faces of possibly never coming out of the coma she is in.
This story is very emotional and will pull at your heartstrings in ways you can't even imagine. Once again Deanna did an amazing job and doesn't disappoint!
Clay had issues with alcohol and they took over his life. He was in numerous rehab centers and tried a lot of things to get help, but nothing really seemed to "fix" the problem and after disappointing his family so many times, it just seemed easier to stay away and not hurt them anymore.
Clay gets a call one day stating that Jess had been in a car accident and rushes to his family knowing that his girls need him now more than ever. While the girls need him, they have been apart for 2 years and aren't as ready to welcome him back.
This story follows these 3 as they go through a lot of uphill battles of trying to fix their relationships of father and daughters as well as the story of Jess and the battles that she faces of possibly never coming out of the coma she is in.
This story is very emotional and will pull at your heartstrings in ways you can't even imagine. Once again Deanna did an amazing job and doesn't disappoint!
June 20, 2017
I love Deanna's stories and I get lost in them as soon as I start reading the first lines. One Wrong Turn grabbed my heart from the start and I loved my roller-coaster journey through the lives of Jess and Clay and their two wonderful daughters, Maddie, the spunky teenager, and Jilly-bear, the seven-year-old, who is wise beyond her years.
This story was such an emotional read that tugged at my heartstrings. It broke my heart watching this family struggle as they tried to deal with the reality of their beloved wife and mother lying in a coma in the hospital. They all need Jessica so much and if the power of love can heal, they should be able heal their broken family. But can they find it in their hearts to forgive? And is their love going to be strong enough to pull Jess back and fix what is broken?
One Wrong Turn is an amazing love story; a story of strength, perseverance, and forgiveness that will stay with you long after the last page is turned.
This story was such an emotional read that tugged at my heartstrings. It broke my heart watching this family struggle as they tried to deal with the reality of their beloved wife and mother lying in a coma in the hospital. They all need Jessica so much and if the power of love can heal, they should be able heal their broken family. But can they find it in their hearts to forgive? And is their love going to be strong enough to pull Jess back and fix what is broken?
One Wrong Turn is an amazing love story; a story of strength, perseverance, and forgiveness that will stay with you long after the last page is turned.
September 14, 2017
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I thought this was a fantastic book about second chances! Clay is a good man but he has let his addiction to alcohol cause his marriage to fall apart. Driving home one day, Jess was in a hurry to pick up her daughters, Jilly and Maddie, but all it took was one wrong turn of her steering wheel as she was rushing to pick up her daughters after school to change all of their lives.
I enjoyed reading about Clay and Jess' meeting, their courtship and family life up until the time of their seperation during flashbacks told by Clay throughout the story. I felt that the addiction Clay has to Alcohol is written with truth, all of his fears exposed, along with his daily battle to remain sober, not only for his girls, but for Jess, while she is laying in a coma.
This book was an absolute emotional roller coaster. I am very much so looking forward to reading more work by Ms. Sletten in the future!
I thought this was a fantastic book about second chances! Clay is a good man but he has let his addiction to alcohol cause his marriage to fall apart. Driving home one day, Jess was in a hurry to pick up her daughters, Jilly and Maddie, but all it took was one wrong turn of her steering wheel as she was rushing to pick up her daughters after school to change all of their lives.
I enjoyed reading about Clay and Jess' meeting, their courtship and family life up until the time of their seperation during flashbacks told by Clay throughout the story. I felt that the addiction Clay has to Alcohol is written with truth, all of his fears exposed, along with his daily battle to remain sober, not only for his girls, but for Jess, while she is laying in a coma.
This book was an absolute emotional roller coaster. I am very much so looking forward to reading more work by Ms. Sletten in the future!
February 15, 2020
A very sweet, but sad story written by Deanna Lynn Sletten; the book “One Wrong Turn” gave me such heartbreak at times, yet it tells the reader that hard times can make a family stronger and closer. It was a sweet story, but it was a little predictable to me.
The main character, Clay, is a musician but has this battle in his life that keeps him away from his family. He needs to fight this darkness to be with his daughters after his wife is in a terrible car accident. “One wrong turn. One wrong choice. He understood the devastation that one moment could cause.”
I was introduced to Deanna through her author giveaway. She is a wonderful writer and I look forward to reading another of her books. If you're looking to read a story of strength, courage, and family bonding, put this book on your “to be read” pile with a box of tissues by your side.
~This book was given to me by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.~
The main character, Clay, is a musician but has this battle in his life that keeps him away from his family. He needs to fight this darkness to be with his daughters after his wife is in a terrible car accident. “One wrong turn. One wrong choice. He understood the devastation that one moment could cause.”
I was introduced to Deanna through her author giveaway. She is a wonderful writer and I look forward to reading another of her books. If you're looking to read a story of strength, courage, and family bonding, put this book on your “to be read” pile with a box of tissues by your side.
~This book was given to me by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.~
July 6, 2017
When Jess has a car accident and is in a coma the hospital contact her estranged husband Clay even though she hasn't seen him for two years. Clay is a recovering alcoholic and after a time in rehab he still couldn't face his family and so stayed away - Jilly is now 7 and doesn't really remember him that clearly but Maddie does and she cannot forgive his absence.
Now back with his family Clay has to try and make things work for their sake as they are all he has, even though Maddie says she hates him, and while doing this and putting up with the teenage tantrums he has to stay sober........can he really turn things round and earn his place back in his family?
A good book showing what it is like for the families of alcoholics, but made more interesting by being told by Clay himself so that you can see the struggles first hand
Now back with his family Clay has to try and make things work for their sake as they are all he has, even though Maddie says she hates him, and while doing this and putting up with the teenage tantrums he has to stay sober........can he really turn things round and earn his place back in his family?
A good book showing what it is like for the families of alcoholics, but made more interesting by being told by Clay himself so that you can see the struggles first hand
July 20, 2017
I won this Kindle version from Goodreads Giveaway.
Jess is a busy single mom on her way back from the grocery. She has a numerous things on her mind that include the final touch ups on the B&B, what to make the children for dinner, etc. Jess is running a little late picking up her children from school when she swerves on the wet road to miss hitting an animal. Her vehicle flips several times...Jess is in a coma and her estranged husband, Clay, is back to help with her care and the care of their daughters, Maddie and Jilly.
This is a sweet romance that is only about 200 pages long. It is well written and is told from the husband's point of view alternating between present and past. I had tears twice and I don't normally tear up while reading.
Jess is a busy single mom on her way back from the grocery. She has a numerous things on her mind that include the final touch ups on the B&B, what to make the children for dinner, etc. Jess is running a little late picking up her children from school when she swerves on the wet road to miss hitting an animal. Her vehicle flips several times...Jess is in a coma and her estranged husband, Clay, is back to help with her care and the care of their daughters, Maddie and Jilly.
This is a sweet romance that is only about 200 pages long. It is well written and is told from the husband's point of view alternating between present and past. I had tears twice and I don't normally tear up while reading.
May 17, 2017
Jess and Clay's marriage has had many ups and downs due to Clay's alcoholism. After Clay's 3rd time in rehab, he decides to live apart from Jess and their 2 daughters as he is scared to disappoint them again. Jess has a terrible car accident and Clay rushes to her side at the hospital. As Jess lies in a coma, Clay must try and rebuild his relationship with his daughters. This is a beautifully written book about the effects alcoholism has on a family. It is a story of love, family, and redemption. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
July 6, 2017
For me, knowing you enjoyed a book is not wanting it to end... wanting a part 2 (or part 3) - when the epilogue isn't enough. That was this book. It's the story of a family that is torn apart because of addiction and how after years apart an accident brings them back together. Under the worst of circumstances, young children must learn to trust their Dad again and Dad has to learn to trust himself. It's a story of love, loss, forgiveness, starting over and overcoming any obstacles put in front of you. You find yourself rooting for this family, wanting them to have their happily ever after when all is said and done. I wasn't ready for the Jess/Clay story to end....
October 9, 2017
I loved this modern family story. It's a feel good novel, with a few tears along the way. Clay and Jess are married and have two children, Maddie age 12, and Jilly age 7. Clay is a singer guitarist and an alcoholic and has been living apart from the family for two years. He has been in rehab and building his strength to live without alcohol. Jess and he speak often however she will not let him speak to the children until he is strong enough to commit to family life. Jess has a car accident and is in a coma. Clay rushes to be by her bedside and look after the children. Does he now have the strength required to look after everyone? Read on!
July 2, 2017
A True Love Story
I really enjoyed reading this book even though I teared up throughout the reading! I had to put the book down a few times to compose myself. Very emotional story of a wife and mother Jess, in a coma while her husband tries to gain the trust of his daughters after leaving them previously for rehab. He's back taking over the parenting as Jess remains in a coma, not knowing if she will ever regain her health and mind back. Many ups and downs make this a must read!
I really enjoyed reading this book even though I teared up throughout the reading! I had to put the book down a few times to compose myself. Very emotional story of a wife and mother Jess, in a coma while her husband tries to gain the trust of his daughters after leaving them previously for rehab. He's back taking over the parenting as Jess remains in a coma, not knowing if she will ever regain her health and mind back. Many ups and downs make this a must read!
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