Covet by Tracey Garvis Graves

Covet by Tracey Garvis Graves
Release Date – September 17, 2013
Publisher Website -  Penguin
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages - 320 pages
My Rating- 4/5
**obtained for review from publisher via BEA**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

What if the life you wanted, and the woman you fell in love with, belonged to someone else?

Chris and Claire Canton’s marriage is on life support. Downsized during the recession and out of work for a year, Chris copes by retreating to a dark place where no one can reach him, not even Claire. When he’s offered a position that will keep him away from home four nights a week, he dismisses Claire’s concern that time apart could be the one thing their fragile union can’t weather. Their suburban life may look idyllic on the outside, but Claire has never felt so disconnected from Chris, or so lonely.

Local police officer Daniel Rush used to have it all, but now he goes home to an empty house every night. He pulls Claire over during a routine traffic stop, and they run into each other again at the 4th of July parade. When Claire is hired to do some graphic design work for the police department, her friendship with Daniel grows, and soon they’re spending hours together.

Claire loves the way Daniel makes her feel, and the way his face lights up when she walks into the room. Daniel knows that Claire’s marital status means their relationship will never be anything other than platonic. But it doesn’t take long before Claire and Daniel are in way over their heads, and skating close to the line that Claire has sworn she’ll never cross.

Will she or won't she? Covet looks at a marriage on the rocks, a woman on the edge of falling for someone else, and the realization of what is really important.

Tracey Garvis Graves' writing is direct and to the point. I like the ease in which it reads, and how she keeps the story moving along. It's the characters that shine in her novels, rather than the writing or plot, but they do so because of they she presents them.

Tracey Garvis Graves is phenomenal at taking these 'hot button' issues and writing them in a light that is complex, and realistic. They are not black and white, and she highlights both sides of it. She makes sure we see the shades of grey that exist. She has you sympathizing with all parties involved. Even though these characters are making mistakes, you feel for what they going through.

The author makes Claire instantly identifiable She is very much 'every woman' and in her we can see ourselves, or someone we know. I felt an instant connection for her.

The only character I wish I got to know a little more was Daniel. The fact that we don't get to know him much feels deliberate though. He's kind, and gives Claire attention that she is craving at the right time. It makes it less about Daniel, and more about Claire. It was a way for us to see more into Claire, and it worked really well. I did believe their connection, but perhaps it was heightened by extenuating circumstances.

Marriage is hard work. Communication is so important. This novel shines a bright spotlight on what happens when you or your spouse shut down. A rapid spiral that feels like an insurmountable obstacle forms as Claire and Chris attempt to hold on to their dying marriage. It's unflinching, and I bet a lot of people may relate.

Cheating is, of course, front and centre in this novel. The emotional aspect is especially present. A lot of people may not take the emotional aspect into account, but it can be just as damaging. The fact that you let someone else so deeply into your life may hurt your relationship beyond repair. This novel showcases that, and shows how complex cheating actually is.

A realistic, and perhaps uncomfortable, look at marriage, the struggle to have it survive, and the reality that nothing is perfect. If you liked On The Island, I think you'll enjoy this one as well.