Review of Deceptive Calm

[Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis]

Great review! I enjoyed reading the book. I looked at it as just a fun reading experience as opposed to some who have picked it apart for every little thing. I especially like the relationship between Sister Rosalie and Vanessa.

[Jorge Leon Salazar]

This novel presents a romance story with historical accounts. Vanessa faces the excesses of a society sickened by racial segregation. The issue of gender bias in the professional field is also addressed.

[ABCrawley93]

I recently read this book and, unfortunately, found myself quite disappointed with its execution. I was actually excited by the premise of the story, but the author's writing style, which I found to be juvenile, made it difficult for me to fully engage with the narrative. There were numerous story arcs to follow, yet the main premise outlined in the book's blurb didn't materialize until around 80% of the story. Despite this, I continued reading, hoping that the story would eventually gain momentum and justify the hurdles I encountered. Alas, even the predictable ending felt rushed. In my opinion, the book would greatly benefit from more thorough editing.

[Moisés Alcántara Ayre]

I would always say yes to romance fiction, especially those stories that include historical accounts. Not having been born in the US, I need to learn more about being black and being a mulatto, and this engaging story can help me there.

[Ukaegbu Confidence]

Back in 20th-century America, it was not only a huddle to be Black, it was also a huddle to be a woman. Being both of those things in a time such as that was a force to reckon with. Congratulations on BOTD.

[Kelvin Omollo]

From your review, I can tell the plot is captivating. A blend of romance and race themes is something I would want to try out. Wonderful review.

[cvonlange]

"Deceptive Calm" by Patricia Skipper does an excellent job of highlighting racial tensions in America, especially in Charleston, in the second half of the twentieth century. Her plot also highlights the struggle women faced in climbing higher as professionals while balancing that with their relationships and with motherhood. Sr. Rosalie and Trisha are exceptionally strong and likable characters. The reader will learn a great deal about Civil War history from Sr. Rosalie's dialogue. The only issue I had with this book was Vanessa's character. For someone so career driven, I couldn't understand why she would marry Tod who had never held a job in his life. That seemed to be a point of weakness to me. Many people did a lot to help Vanessa in her life, including Trisha, but there are few instances of Vanessa going out of her way for others.

[Judy Burr]

Thank you for the review. I read the book. Vanessa, an orphan, light-skinned Black that neither the Black nor white families would refuse to adopt, is followed in this book. She and her best friend, Trish, a white girl, face the world. A great book for the historic value and for the thrilling story.

[rusyalana]

The book sounds really interesting. The problem of racism is very acute nowadays as it has spread worldwide in every possible way. I hope Vanessa ends up with a good life she deserves and a happy end with the person who loves her for who she is. Congratulations on becoming BOTD!

[Renee Cryer]

Deceptive Calm by Patricia Skipper



This is a fun and fantastic coming of age story. It was beautifully written as the main character develops through the story. The story crosses through racial boundaries and social boundaries. A penniless orphan from Charleston, South Carolina that ends up marrying a socially and powerfully affluent family from San Francisco, California.

Unbeknownst to who her family is, Vanessa being mulatto, was always mistaken as white. She was raised in an all-black orphanage after being dropped off. She never doubted being black but was never adopted out because everyone thought she was white. So, she lived her whole life in the orphanage.

Falling in love with the high school boy that all the girls wish they could have, she experiences a lot of first. Vanessa was very shelter which led to being naive. Ashamed and excited, Vanessa learns a lot from the popular boy, Barry. Spending the next two years not looking at another boy, while Barry was in college, and she finished her high school years and beginning college. When Barry comes home for his mother’s funeral, another female shows up after him. With a broken heart, Vanessa transfers to Berkeley, to finish her degree in journalism. Changing her name using a birth certificate her and her best friend, Trisha, used as a high school prank.

Vanessa’s career as a journalist starts out slow and then with the right stories and hard work, she shoots to the top becoming a co-anchor on a late-night news. She catches the eye of the affluent, Tod Van Westerkamp. He worked hard to get her to finally date him. She caved in to date him and within the year, he asked her to marry him. Showing her the best of the best of him the whole time. Once married, the dark side of Tod comes out and she immediately regrets the marriage.

The only real negative I have with the book is it felt like it was incomplete. Too many storylines were left unfinished. Other than that, I truly enjoyed the writing style and content.

[Uggie Bear]

Excellent take on this book. I share the same sentiments and this book was wonderfully written. The plot of this book can be sensitive to some readers however it fact is that the plot of the book really happens in todays society and gender bias still exists. I like how the book was written in a historical scene.

[Coddy403]

Thank you well written review on this book deceptive calm by Patricia skipper which delves in history of racism and gender bias in the society a must read for readers who love history

[Nerea]

This sounds like a captivating love story that features common themes that affect every girl. Gender bias. It also addresses racism that has affected many African-American living in the USA. I will follow through Vanessa's story to find out whether her love life had a happy ending. What happened to Vanessa's parents? Why was she abandoned at the orphanage at a very tender age? I would like to find answers to these and more.

[Sanju Lali]

An interesting picture of a black girl in twentieth century America is vividly painted in the book "Deceptive Calm" by Patricia Skipper. The book illustrates the odds against a Black girl.

[Kajori Sheryl Paul]

A mulatto girl's struggle in life and love in the mid 20th century is my cup of coffee.

Thank you for the great review.