Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke

Nothing much exciting rolls through Violet White’s sleepy, seaside town…until River West comes along. River rents the guesthouse behind Violet’s crumbling estate, and as eerie, grim things start to happen, Violet begins to wonder about the boy living in her backyard. Is River just a crooked-smiling liar with pretty eyes and a mysterious past? Or could he be something more? Violet’s grandmother always warned her about the Devil, but she never said he could be a dark-haired boy who takes naps in the sun, who likes coffee, who kisses you in a cemetery...who makes you want to kiss back. Violet’s already so knee-deep in love, she can’t see straight. And that’s just how River likes it.

Goodreads Blurb

Violet White lives with her twin brother, Luke, in an ancient mansion by the sea.  They live a quiet life, trying to stretch the last of the money their parents left them before they went to Europe.  As Violet’s and Luke’s meager funds run dry, Violet decides to advertise their guest house for rent.  River West answers the advertisement.  He is unlike anyone Violet has ever met before; they instantly connect.  Although Violet is happier than she has ever been, she cannot ignore the strange, dangerous tragedies that have been occurring since River arrived.  Shutting her eyes to her surroundings becomes more difficult as time passes and as Violet digs deeper into her family’s history and learns about the beautiful boy living in her guesthouse.

Violet is a unique character that I loved reading about.  She acknowledges her weaknesses and plays to her strengths, trying to care for her family and friends in the midst of the horrible events taking place in her town.  To always try to do the right thing and protect her family is difficult for her; she has lacked a proper role model since the death of her Grandma Freddie.

Teen girls will love this novel.  Violet has flaws that are relatable and a restlessness that everyone has felt at some point.

5 Stars  

*Reviewed by Kristin*

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This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.