Synopsis:~

A poignant and relatable novel, Looking Glass Lies captures the war women wage against themselves, and the struggle to see beauty reflected in a mirror not distorted by society’s unrelenting expectations.

For most of her adult life, Cecily Ross has compared herself to other women—and come up short. After a painful divorce from her emotionally abusive husband, Cecily returns to her hometown of Canyon, Texas, looking to heal.

But coming home isn’t what she expects. In a town as small as Canyon, her pain is difficult to escape—especially with her model-perfect ex–sister-in-law working at the town’s popular coffee-shop hangout. With help from her father, a support group, and an old friend who guides her to see her own strengths, Cecily may have a shot at overcoming her insecurities and learning to love again.

The true test comes when tragedy strikes, opening Cecily’s eyes to the harmfulness of her distorted views on beauty—and giving her the perfect opportunity to find peace at last.

My take:~

Varina Denman’s Looking Glass Lies is a powerful novel with a message women need more and more. Premised on Cecily Ross’ distorted self-perception, contributed by a dysfunctional marriage and an emotionally abusive husband, the story journeys with the newly divorced Cecily as she returns home, ashamed and struggling with the way she deals with her pain. With sensitivity and honesty, Denman deftly explores hard topics through her characters that many women will recognize and see mirrored in their own lives.  Cecily, the women in her support group, and the men who impact her life, have important truths to tell and readers will find encouragement and hope as their stories come to fruition.  Looking Glass Lies is a novel well worth reading.

With thanks to the author for my review copy. I listened to the audio edition which was excellent.

Relz Reviewz Extras
All Things Denman @ Relz Reviewz
Visit Varina’s website
Visit Shame on Shanty
Buy at Amazon: Looking Glass Lies or Koorong