Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Deep End of Love by Christina Suzann Nelson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Author: Christina Suzann Nelson
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: May 19, 2026
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
A refreshed and updated novel on the power of motherly love
When Izzy's pregnancy comes to light during her junior year of high school, her future sinks like a stone and leaves waves of uncertainty in its wake. And suddenly three women are pulled into the undertow. A mother desperate to protect her child but battling hurt and fear from her past. A newcomer with empty arms and a deep longing. And a broken heart trying to survive amid grief.
An unborn baby growing closer to his unknown future brings together these four women with four completely different stories. Masterfully told in woven points of view, The Deep End of Love explores how one decision exposes shame, fear, and hope—and how grace surfaces in the least expected places.
Christy Award-winning author Christina Suzann Nelson draws readers in through this emotionally engaging and inspirational novel, now revised and updated.
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop | BookBub
I’ve seen him out there before, a figure masked by darkness, sneaking to my daughter’s window. And I didn’t stop him because I was afraid of how our different feelings about Travis were tearing our relationship apart. I was scared I would be alone again, without a mother or a daughter.
Instead of dealing with the issue directly, I gave them a few minutes, then made noises in the hall. He always disappeared.
Anger licks my cheeks and lights a bonfire in my chest.
I should have slashed his tires, smashed his precious windows.
I choke on a sob and my regret.
Can’t Izzy’s situation be just another one of my nightmares?
These memories have been packed away and hidden in the basement of my mind. It’s where I put them to rest, and where they were supposed to stay. But, like it was yesterday, the moment from twenty-t hree years earlier crawls out of its box and attacks.
My pain is true and real, but now, through the heart of a mother, it burns deeper, spreads wider, takes over every cell in my body. It’s too late. The carefully covered wound is torn open, and my shredded heart is vulnerable to the flames.
There’s no way out.
No escape.
My mother told me I had a choice, but it was a choice she made for me. It wasn’t a moment of empowerment but of handing over my independence. She did this to me, and I can never forgive her.
I can tell myself lies all night, but they won’t blur the pictures that scald my mind every time my eyes close. Izzy’s thin figure didn’t cover the telltale rounding in her abdomen, the slight curve over the tips of her hip bones. How have I missed the signs?
We taught her better than this, but what can we expect from a boy like Travis Owens, son of a drunken father, brother of a criminal. And a mighty fine actor.
Biting my lower lip, I scold myself for falling for his show. I’d believed he cared for my daughter, believed he might be different.
How could he do this to my Izzy?
The light switches on behind me. Grabbing my robe, I pull it tighter around my chest.
“There you are. I’m about packed. You ready for bed?” Garrett’s duffel bag drops by the front door with an all too common thud.
Turning, I glare at the camo sack and military boots. Another of his monthly Guard weekends. They creep up and attack at the worst times.
“I know.” He pulls me into a hug, the warm scent of Irish Spring clinging to his body. “It’s only two nights, then I’ll be back. At least I’m not deployed.” His chin taps the top of my head as he nods. “Could be worse.”
I pull back. Could it really? My mouth opens and I try, really try, to tell him everything, to unload years of lies and the new sorrows, but the gentle curve of his mouth, that look of a proud father who hasn’t yet been shot with the truth . . . I can’t destroy him tonight. There’s no harm in waiting until he comes home. Until I’ve confirmed what I already know.
Until I can’t shove the past into the closet any longer.
There’s no harm in a secret.
Book Excerpt
I’ve seen him out there before, a figure masked by darkness, sneaking to my daughter’s window. And I didn’t stop him because I was afraid of how our different feelings about Travis were tearing our relationship apart. I was scared I would be alone again, without a mother or a daughter.
Instead of dealing with the issue directly, I gave them a few minutes, then made noises in the hall. He always disappeared.
Anger licks my cheeks and lights a bonfire in my chest.
I should have slashed his tires, smashed his precious windows.
I choke on a sob and my regret.
Can’t Izzy’s situation be just another one of my nightmares?
These memories have been packed away and hidden in the basement of my mind. It’s where I put them to rest, and where they were supposed to stay. But, like it was yesterday, the moment from twenty-t hree years earlier crawls out of its box and attacks.
My pain is true and real, but now, through the heart of a mother, it burns deeper, spreads wider, takes over every cell in my body. It’s too late. The carefully covered wound is torn open, and my shredded heart is vulnerable to the flames.
There’s no way out.
No escape.
My mother told me I had a choice, but it was a choice she made for me. It wasn’t a moment of empowerment but of handing over my independence. She did this to me, and I can never forgive her.
I can tell myself lies all night, but they won’t blur the pictures that scald my mind every time my eyes close. Izzy’s thin figure didn’t cover the telltale rounding in her abdomen, the slight curve over the tips of her hip bones. How have I missed the signs?
We taught her better than this, but what can we expect from a boy like Travis Owens, son of a drunken father, brother of a criminal. And a mighty fine actor.
Biting my lower lip, I scold myself for falling for his show. I’d believed he cared for my daughter, believed he might be different.
How could he do this to my Izzy?
The light switches on behind me. Grabbing my robe, I pull it tighter around my chest.
“There you are. I’m about packed. You ready for bed?” Garrett’s duffel bag drops by the front door with an all too common thud.
Turning, I glare at the camo sack and military boots. Another of his monthly Guard weekends. They creep up and attack at the worst times.
“I know.” He pulls me into a hug, the warm scent of Irish Spring clinging to his body. “It’s only two nights, then I’ll be back. At least I’m not deployed.” His chin taps the top of my head as he nods. “Could be worse.”
I pull back. Could it really? My mouth opens and I try, really try, to tell him everything, to unload years of lies and the new sorrows, but the gentle curve of his mouth, that look of a proud father who hasn’t yet been shot with the truth . . . I can’t destroy him tonight. There’s no harm in waiting until he comes home. Until I’ve confirmed what I already know.
Until I can’t shove the past into the closet any longer.
There’s no harm in a secret.
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About the Author
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a signed copy of The Deep End of Love and $20 Amazon gift card!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 27, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 3, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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