#LoveOzYA :: The Deep End :: Jenna Guillaume

It was a new level of loserdom, even for me

When Rosie humiliates herself in front of the whole school at the swimming carnival, she vows she’ll never step foot in the water again.

Well, until Jake Tran, the best swimmer (and hottest boy) in her year, says he will give her swimming lessons.

Against all the voices in her head screaming that it’s a bad idea, she takes him up on his offer.

Today was an exciting day on the Aussie bookish calendar – it was Australian Reading Hour, which is all about celebrating reading and encouraging people to celebrate making time to pick up a book. It was so much fun to see so many people joining in on Instgram today, and so many fab virtual events happening. I was working so didn’t get to check out everything I wanted to, but I’m hoping to catch up a bit tomorrow.

I did pick up this little gem though, Jenna Guillaume’s The Deep End, which was released a couple of weeks ago especially for today. I think having these Australi Reads special editions is such a great idea – we picked up a few last year and I think it’s a wonderful way to get a little taster of some amazing Aussie voices. I am hoping to get my hands on the other titles too!

I am already a fan of Guillaume’s writing, having loved both of her #LoveOzYA moves so far. She has a knack for writing wonderful characters and stories, with a great balance of romance and high school and coming of age, with some heavier themes explored too.

I thought this story was really sweet! I could 100% identify with Rosie’s horror at having to participate in the school swimming carnival (even many many many years later!), so I was on her side and read to cringe with her from the start! I loved the way Rosie and Jake’s relationship developed – even in the shorter format of a novel Guillaume gives us a satisfying love story, without it feeling rushed or forced. I think this one is perfect for when you need the pickup of a quick heartwarming read!

You can learn more about Australian Reading Hour, Australia Reads, the special edition titles, the benefits and importance of making time for reading in your day here.

You can keep up with latest from Jenna Guillaume on her website here, and check out my reviews of her previous novels – What I Like About Me and You Were Made for Me.

Happy reading!

Xo Bron