Book Review: Covet by Tracey Garvis-Graves

*Jen received a free copy of Covet by Tracey Garvis-Graves via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.. The opinions expressed are her own and were not influenced by the method in which she received the book.

Marriage is never easy. Sometimes it’s blissful. Sometimes it’s difficult. What matters is how you get through the good and bad times. Tracey Garvis-Graves does an amazing job of letting us inside the marriage of Claire and Chris Canton. So much so, I had the story playing like a movie in my head the entire time. The issues addressed in the book would make this a movie that both men and women could relate to. I know I would go see it (and I would make my hubby come with)! The struggles they face as a couple and on their own are typical of so many marriages. I can guarantee you, there is a Claire and Chris Canton out there in the world right now, fighting to save their marriage, struggling to stay afloat, trying to make it.

~~ Synopsis ~~

What if the life you wanted, and the woman you fell in love with, belonged to someone else?

Chris and Claire Canton’s marriage is on life support. Downsized during the recession and out of work for a year, Chris copes by retreating to a dark place where no one can reach him, not even Claire. When he’s offered a position that will keep him away from home four nights a week, he dismisses Claire’s concern that time apart could be the one thing their fragile union can’t weather. Their suburban life may look idyllic on the outside, but Claire has never felt so disconnected from Chris, or so lonely.

Local police officer Daniel Rush used to have it all, but now he goes home to an empty house every night. He pulls Claire over during a routine traffic stop, and they run into each other again at the 4th of July parade. When Claire is hired to do some graphic design work for the police department, her friendship with Daniel grows, and soon they’re spending hours together.

Claire loves the way Daniel makes her feel, and the way his face lights up when she walks into the room. Daniel knows that Claire’s marital status means their relationship will never be anything other than platonic. But it doesn’t take long before Claire and Daniel are in way over their heads, and skating close to the line that Claire has sworn she’ll never cross.

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In Covet, we are also introduced to the Canton’s neighbors; three other couples with struggles of their own. I really enjoyed reading about them, as well. Their storyline fades out when Claire and Chris hit the peak of their issues. We don’t see them again until the last few pages. I would have liked more follow through with their stories since we got to know them so well in the beginning. I loved that we got Claire, Chris and Daniels first person points of view throughout the story. It left me feeling connected to all 3 of them.

There’s a point where Chris finally comes to terms with how he’s spent the last year and I just wanted to high-five the guy and scream “FINALLY!” I struggled with Claire and Daniel’s relationship. Not with how it was told, but with the nature of their friendship. At times I wanted Claire to just do what she wanted because it seemed like Chris didn’t give a crap, but then how do you encourage someone to be unfaithful? And then I sympathized with Daniel, because the poor guy just wants to be with Claire. And Chris, he’s just been put through the ringer. What guy wants to feel like he can’t take care of his family? I understood his fears and insecurities, but how much should a wife take? How long is she supposed to wait and not be his priority?

The last 20ish% of Covet is kicked up a notch, which I loved. I kept waiting for something huge to happen. Just when I thought we weren’t going to get it and everything was going to just get wrapped up with a HEA, we get the bomb dropped.

If you enjoyed Tracey’s other book, On the Island (which I LOVED!), then you’ll most likely enjoy Covet as well. It has that same easy flow, where you get to know the characters and fall into the story without even realizing you’ve just spent the last 3 hours sucked into the book. I also just want to point out the amazing book cover for Covet. It’s simple and classy. Just like the book itself.

My rating: 4 – definitely big screen material – stars

Covet will be released on September 17th, 2013. Check out the authors website for purchase info! Tracey Garvis-Graves

About the Author:

Jen loves to read. She can’t stop herself. It’s become an obsession. She is in love with her husband, kids, iced coffee and books. Jen lives in beautiful Colorado but is originally from the West Coast.

jen@imperfectwomen.com