Review of Deceptive Calm
Posted: 08 May 2025, 17:59
[Following is a volunteer review of "Deceptive Calm" by Patricia Skipper.]
Deceptive Calm
By Patricia Skipper.
Deceptive Calm is set in rural South Carolina. The premise of the novel, is the journey of a young woman, naive and inexperienced in the trappings of things outside her inner circle of close confidants: friends and a mother figure.
The novel follows the young woman's transformation from naivety to independence. With the guidance of the elder woman, who besides possessing extensive knowledge of American and South Carolina history, has worldly experience. The elder woman, being maternal and knowledgeable advises the main character and her friend when they encounter such issues relating to relationships and careers.
The protagonist and her best friend embark on numerous adventures, both challenging and rewarding. As they journey through life, they discover their strengths, pursue their passions, and seek meaningful relationships, all while learning to trust their instincts and discern who to rely on.
The plot thickens as the two friends venture outside their comfort zones, by crossing the country into "unknown waters", so to speak, into the world of work. They learn to negotiate their own deals in their own best interests.
Since the elder woman shared tidbits of South Carolina history relating to American history,
history buffs, especially, those from South Carolina, may find this novel especially engaging and relatable. I learned much about South Carolina history, just from reading the book.
As I read the book, I noted there were few errors and the story moved along nicely.
One thing I thought might improve the book, would be to present the scenes with violence and sex a little more subtly, instead of the shocking, "in your face", actions. And by leaving a little more to the reader's imagination, this can make the events more sensuous or tense without being too blatant.
I could envision Deceptive Calm being turned into a motion picture or a TV series.
I rate Deceptive Calm, 4 out of 5 stars for all the reasons stated above.
****/*****
Rating: 4 out of 5
******
Deceptive Calm
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Deceptive Calm
By Patricia Skipper.
Deceptive Calm is set in rural South Carolina. The premise of the novel, is the journey of a young woman, naive and inexperienced in the trappings of things outside her inner circle of close confidants: friends and a mother figure.
The novel follows the young woman's transformation from naivety to independence. With the guidance of the elder woman, who besides possessing extensive knowledge of American and South Carolina history, has worldly experience. The elder woman, being maternal and knowledgeable advises the main character and her friend when they encounter such issues relating to relationships and careers.
The protagonist and her best friend embark on numerous adventures, both challenging and rewarding. As they journey through life, they discover their strengths, pursue their passions, and seek meaningful relationships, all while learning to trust their instincts and discern who to rely on.
The plot thickens as the two friends venture outside their comfort zones, by crossing the country into "unknown waters", so to speak, into the world of work. They learn to negotiate their own deals in their own best interests.
Since the elder woman shared tidbits of South Carolina history relating to American history,
history buffs, especially, those from South Carolina, may find this novel especially engaging and relatable. I learned much about South Carolina history, just from reading the book.
As I read the book, I noted there were few errors and the story moved along nicely.
One thing I thought might improve the book, would be to present the scenes with violence and sex a little more subtly, instead of the shocking, "in your face", actions. And by leaving a little more to the reader's imagination, this can make the events more sensuous or tense without being too blatant.
I could envision Deceptive Calm being turned into a motion picture or a TV series.
I rate Deceptive Calm, 4 out of 5 stars for all the reasons stated above.
****/*****
Rating: 4 out of 5
******
Deceptive Calm
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon