Midwest Book REVIEW

"It is hard to believe, in a way, that "A Hand to Hold in Deep Water" is Shawn Nocher's first novel. It is so accomplished, so intricately constructed that it reads like the work of a novelist with years of practice refining and polishing her craft..."

Kirkus Reviews

"A devastating family drama driven by engrossing and believable characters."

New York Journal of Books

"There's a wonderful sense of place in A Hand to Hold in Deep Water...[An] impressive debut...The literary world could use more tales of places other than New York City.''