I’m honored to share my review today of Deborah Brasket’s latest book, “This Sea Within”. I couldn’t wait to read because the characters in Deborah’s previous book “When Things Go Missing” are still nested in my heart. I knew I would love what came next.
Spoiler Alert?
“This Sea Within” is my new favorite and I think I know why.
In a wonderful, early review I read a reference to Deborah’s writing having a “cinematic quality” and those two words took my breath away. I’m not sure I could’ve conjured a better description of the evocativeness of the story, the setting, the tension, the intrigue, the passion. Cinematic quality, thanks to Deborah’s artistry with words.
The nuances of the physical surroundings, the palpable emotions jumping off the page…I felt like a bystander, not a reader. Taking in the drama from the sidelines, I rooted for our heroine, the gorgeous and brave Lena. A young woman I grew to admire, more and more as the story unfolded.
Early in the book, Deborah describes Lena this way:
p. 26: “The harder her heart, the more dismissive her demeanor, the safer she feels. More contained.”
Two simple statements but from them, I knew Lena and understood her vulnerability instantly. A keen sense of knowingness offered in fifteen words.
Deborah’s painstaking research undergirds the book throughout. The knowledge she sought about guerrilla warfare and the challenges faced by proud people intent on preserving their tradition and culture oozed with authenticity. Transporting me to San Balanque. Even though fictitious, I felt certain I’d find it on a map should I look, all due to Deborah’s skillfulness. Inviting us in with well-chosen passages and compelling scenes.
Early in the relationship between Lena and Raoul, Deborah crafted a scene so compelling she put me around the campfire, too:
p.110: “Night drops quickly, like a black cloak falling around their shoulders. But the campfire grows brighter in the darkness and sends sparks like fireflies fluttering toward the treetops. The faces of the people who rise to tell their stories flicker with a warm, orange glow. In the background is a chorus of night sounds: the thrum of insects the settling of logs in the fire, the creaks and rustles of tree limbs and small creatures moving through the brush.”
Let’s spend a moment admiring the cover of Deborah’s book.
It reminds me so, so much of my love of Alphonse Mucha’s art nouveau work. Deborah painstakingly worked with talented designer, Baris Sehri, and wrote about it here. I love a good “cover story”, don’t you? Especially when the outcome is a stunner!
Join the fun – follow along with the blog tour in progress:
Saturday, June 13 – Marie Bailey, Writer and Blogger at 1 Write Way and Substack Newsletter: EXCERPT
Monday, June 15 – THIS SEA WITHIN RELEASE! Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Bookshop.
Wednesday, June 17 – Dawn Pisturino, Author, Poet, Blogger, My Writing Journey: REVIEW
Friday, June 19 – Wynne Leon & Vicki Atkinson, Authors and Hosts of The Heart of the Matter podcast: PODCAST
Saturday, June 20 – Peter Springer, Teacher, Author, & Blogger at Pete’s Blog: REVIEW
I heartily recommend “This Sea Within” and applaud Deborah for writing a novel which both enthralled and educated. Brava!
Vicki 💝
When Things Go Missing, A Novel – Amazon,Bookshop, Barnes & Noble
This Sea Within – Pre-order on Amazon now. Release date June 15.
Author Website and Blog Substack Newsletter Instagram
Hi – I’m Victoria, Vicki, Dr. Vicki. I hold a doctorate in Adult Education and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and author of Surviving Sue and Slivers.
Check out this link to learn more about my book “Surviving Sue” – all about resilience and love. Check out this link to order “Slivers”…a ghost story with surprising twists.
Victoria Ponders 
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