Review of Deceptive Calm

[Quentin Russel]

Vanessa's story seems to echo the silent struggles of many who lived through segregation, gender bias, and the complexities of self-definition. What stands out to me is how the novel doesn't just present history as a backdrop but rather weaves it into the very fabric of the character's experiences.

[Mela Moreno-Dines]

I am currently reading the book, and I partially agree with this review; many aspects are explored through the various perspectives, including the pronounced obsession with American history -as she preferes it- of Sister Ro, and how other characters face the racial, gender, and class biases in society. These are fascining subjects, and I welcome stories that highlight them in these times. However, there are a few things I haven't liked so far, and I probably won't be able to give it 5 stars. Too soon to tell!

[Seamstress]

Definitely not my cup of tea, because it sounds too serious and complicated with real social issues to be considered easy reading. To me, romance is something more light than racism and discrimination. Sorry and congrats, anyway!

[Rady Espinoza]

Deceptive Calm by Patricia Skipper, shows the brilliant imagen of a typical black girl in 20th Century América, and the author illustrates how not only the chances will be against a blackgirl, but how the situation will deteriorate if the girl was a mulatto. Vanessa was raised at the Sain Paul Orphanahe after brings abandoned by the orphanage on October 10, 1952.
On the other hands, Sister Rosalie was volunteering at the orphanage and after seeing the abandoned children, she gave up her profesional dreams and instead chose to stay at the orphanage, where she raised Vanessa and other black children. Like all young girls, Vanessa fell in love with Barry, whom she studied their relationship, built on love, led them along the way, never imagines them.

[Alichi]

Deceptive Calm is an interesting book about Vanessa. I love how it was set in the early 20th century and I am sure I will love it. Congratulations on BOTD.

[Surabhi Rani]

'Official Review: Deceptive Calm' by Patricia Skipper unfolds the bright aspects of romantic fiction. It illustrates the supporting points of the book. This is the story of a black girl raised in Saint Paul's Orphanage in 20th-century America. The book highlights racial discrimination, friendship, gender bias, and love. It is a romantic fiction laced with historical accounts. Readers will enjoy learning about America's historical account of the Civil War of Secession.

[Sarah Zain]

The review carefully presented aspects of the story. A black orphan girl in twentieth century America is a story with many threads. It seems that the author has mastered weaving fantasy with history and romance. Congrats on BOTD

[azza lia]

Thank you for this amazing review. The mention of sensitive content warnings is helpful for potential readers. The book explores thought-provoking themes with historical context. I read the book sample, and I can tell that I don't really enjoy the author's writing style.

[Braja Santika]

Deceptive Calm by Patricia Skipper is a historical fiction novel that tackles race, identity, and societal expectations. Set in the 1960s South, it follows Vanessa, a light-skinned Black woman who decides to pass as white after experiencing racial trauma. As she navigates friendships, belonging, and self-discovery in a deeply segregated world, the story dives into the complexities of identity and the cost of survival.

If you enjoy historical fiction with strong emotional layers, this one is definitely worth checking out!

[Emmanuel Abiodun Olutayo]

I suspect racial tension and gender bias as the major enemies that Vanessa will have to contend with, among other things in Patricia Skipper's "Deceptive Calm". Congrats on being BOTD. Nice review.

[kashala]

"I commend Patricia for also portraying the evils caused by abusive marriage partners. She meticulously showed how premarital blues might cloud one’s judgment of their partners, only for them to end up later regretting getting into marriage."
venessa's life portrays what most ladies are going through. I appreciate the author's emphasis on the challenges venessa had experienced. It would be wonderful to read about venessa's life at the orphanage and marital life. One thing I have come to realize is that, as humanity inherent wrong deeds ( Gender biasness, racial tension, aggression....) it becomes a norm. Wonderful review!

[kashala]

"I commend Patricia for also portraying the evils caused by abusive marriage partners. She meticulously showed how premarital blues might cloud one’s judgment of their partners, only for them to end up later regretting getting into marriage."
venessa's life portrays what most ladies are going through. I appreciate the author's emphasis on the challenges venessa had experienced. It would be wonderful to read about venessa's life at the orphanage and marital life. One thing I have come to realize is that, as humanity inherent wrong deeds ( Gender biasness, racial tension, aggression....) it becomes a norm. Wonderful review!

[Creole]

Patricia Skipper’s Deceptive Calm follows the struggles of Vanessa, a beautiful black girl who could pass for white. The story is thought-provoking and emotional. Avid readers of historical and romantic fiction will love this book. Congratulations to the author on BOTD status. Lovely review.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

I read this book, and I enjoyed it so much! It's full of interesting historical trivia, it has fantastic character development, and, as you mentioned, it broaches meaningful subjects such as marital abuse and racism.
Thank you for your review!

[Chi Chiu Michael Mak]

The setting doesn't seem calm. Everything is stacked against our MC because she is a black mulatto. What will happen to her in the end? Read to find out now!