Knee Deep in The Indie Bookshelf

Jun 18, 2012 Lindsay added it

Wow...I need a bit to digest this one.

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May 21, 2012 Jennifer Howell / Late Bloomer Online rated it really liked it

Ronnie has loved Shawn since she can remember. When they were children and he moved away she was devastated. She lived for the summer vacations that their families would spend together and she couldn't have been happier than when Shawn and his family moved back into town and they could finish up their high school senior year together. The thing is, the relationship Ronnie has built up in her mind and heart isn't the reality of what is occurring between Ronnie and Shawn. Shawn's family life is ve Ronnie has loved Shawn since she can remember. When they were children and he moved away she was devastated. She lived for the summer vacations that their families would spend together and she couldn't have been happier than when Shawn and his family moved back into town and they could finish up their high school senior year together. The thing is, the relationship Ronnie has built up in her mind and heart isn't the reality of what is occurring between Ronnie and Shawn. Shawn's family life is very difficult and Shawn is taking out all his stress and anger on Ronnie - and it is leaving bruises.

Luke has been Ronnie's best friend and confidant. They became even closer when Shawn moved away and when Shawn returns their friendship takes a big of a back seat. It isn't until Ronnie decides to try out for the school play of Romeo & Juliet and stars opposite Luke that Ronnie starts to feel stirrings in her heart and soul for Luke that she didn't realize was there before. Ronnie begins fighting with herself over these new feelings for Luke versus the fact she promised herself to Shawn when they were fourteen and she has always thought they were meant to be together. Aren't they?

Knee Deep is so much more than a tale of abuse, it is a moving story about falling in love, listening to your heart, having confidence in yourself, to know when to ask for help and that in doing so doesn't make you weak or powerless, but makes you strong. I loved the way Jolene has her character deal with the abuse in the story, without giving too much away, let's just say it isn't cut and dry and the author incorporates healing into the story which is such a big part of the characters journey and I'm glad she included the readers in that part of the novel.

Knee Deep is an open and honest story that encompasses not only abuse but reminds us that every woman is beautiful just the way they are and we should never try to conform ourselves to fit someone else's ideas of who they think we should be, or what they think we should do. A read that will take you through many emotions, and will resonate with you long after you turn the last page.
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Jul 11, 2012 Jennifer rated it it was amazing

I'm not sure where to begin, but I'll give it a shot. When first meeting Ronnie, Shawn, & Luke I wasn't quite sure what to think of them. Ronnie seemed like a fun outgoing girl, but as I got to know her figured out she has a couple of issues. Shawn I thought was a hard working guy that just wanted time to be with his girl. Luke I really wasn't too sure about, he seemed like a carefree guy with a lot of spunk. Their story changes and progresses so much in such a short time, my heart ached for Sha ...more

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Jul 09, 2012 Amy rated it really liked it

I really liked this. Such a sweet read! I found this realistic and heartfelt. Ronnie had some tough decisions to make, and her struggles (and not wanting to share for fear of the hurting) was something I felt that high school teens could relate to. I could see this happening with that age group. Great read!!

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