JDCMustReadBooks

By Tracey Garvis-Graves

ISBN-13: 9780142181126

Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)

Publication Date:  4/29/14

Format:  Audiobook 

Pages:  336

My Rating:  4 Stars

COVET, a compelling novel by Tracey Garvis-Graves looks into the real lives of relationships, marriages, and family dynamics. 

“I wonder how many marriages are fractured and damaged beyond repair by complacency rather than any single traumatic event. One day you wake up and realize that the distance between you and your spouse has grown to such an enormous width that neither of you are capable of clearing the distance. No matter how much speed you build up, or how far you can jump, it’s just there. Gaping and unforgiving.”

― Tracey Garvis-Graves, Covet

Claire, a freelance graphic designer and mother of two, loves her husband and family. They have always had the perfect marriage until the last few years when her husband, Chris became distracted and disconnected. Now she feels lonely.

It all started when her husband Chris was laid off from work. It took a great deal of time to land another job. Being the primary breadwinner of the family, he worries constantly about his family, their finances and their future, especially since Claire is a diabetic.

He lands another position, as Director of Sales, and with this newfound position, comes long work hours and much travel, keeping him away from home and family. When he is in town, he is always working on his laptop, or distracted with work. 

Their marriage has been on a downward slide and the antidepressants he still takes have adversely affected their sex life. 

Along comes Daniel—a hot cop who’s instantly attracted to Claire, who happens to stop her for a tail light. They meet again by chance, and strong friendship is formed, as well as an attraction. Claire also is redesigning a logo for the police department and she begins opening up to him about her life. Claire and her husband Chris grow further apart and Daniel is there to pick up the pieces.

Claire has to examine her marriage, morals, and wonders if she can love two men. Can Daniel change in time to create balance in his life between work and home, to get back to where they once were before something happens with Daniel? 

A sort of suburban Desperate Housewives—Wisteria Lane neighborhood. Friends with all sorts of addictions— alcohol, gambling, infidelity, workaholic, sex, etc, while at the same time they participate in school events, neighborhood cookouts, hot tubs, (new boobs), girls night out, kids, and the usual family dramas—creating humor and wit. 

The audiobook was narrated by a man and woman with different perspectives, which was helpful. Written in first person from three points-of-view - Claire, Chris and Daniel – allowing the reader to learn their deepest thoughts. Can they survive the challenges and obstacles which face marriages? Can men and women be friends outside of marriage? 

Many readers will be able to relate to COVET, with our current economy, unemployment, finances, and the stresses of marriages and family units of today as they try and balance work and home.

A contemporary, realistic, and engaging portrayal of one woman's marriage (and others), in crisis and the choices one makes for the sake of love and self.

“And when you’re not happy with your own life, and yourself, you can’t be happy with anyone else.” ― Tracey Garvis-Graves, Covet