Amazing Grace

by Kim Nash

‘If you want a feel good, laugh out loud, romantic story which will tug at your heartstrings, then look no further!! Fab, fab, fab!!’ Stardust Book Reviews

She’s taking her life back , one step at a time…

Grace thought she had it all. Living in the beautiful village of Little Ollington, along with head teacher husband Mark and gorgeous son, Archie, she devoted herself to being the perfect mum and the perfect wife, her little family giving her everything she ever wanted.

Until that fateful day when she walked in on Mark kissing his secretary - and her perfect life fell apart.

Now she's a single mum to Archie, trying to find her way in life and keep things together for his sake. Saturday nights consist of a Chinese takeaway eaten in front of the TV clad in greying pyjamas, and she can’t remember the last time she had a kiss from anyone aside from her dog, Becks…

Grace’s life needs a shake up – fast. So when gorgeous gardener Vinnie turns up on her doorstep, his twinkling eyes suggesting that he might be interested in more than just her conifers, she might just have found the answer to her prayers. But as Grace falls deeper for Vinnie, ten-year-old Archie fears that his mum finding love means she’ll never reconcile with the dad he loves.

So when ex-husband Mark begs her for another chance, telling her he’s changed from the man that broke her heart, Grace finds herself with an impossible dilemma. Should she take back Mark and reunite the family that Archie loves? Or risk it all for a new chance of happiness?

A funny, feel good romance about finding your own path and changing your life for the better – readers of Cathy Bramley, Jill Mansell and Josie Silver will love this uplifting read.

Everyone’s talking about Amazing Grace:

‘I laughed, I cried, I was inspired and I related A LOT to Grace. The storyline was engrossing and I sat and read this in ONE sitting – that’s how GREAT this book is.’ Crime Book Junkie

‘the perfect book to read if you are looking for an uplifting book, one that’s beautifully written. If you are feeling down and need a big dose of sunshine in your life then Amazing Grace is definitely the book for you.’ The Book Review Café

‘If you want to be smiling 2% into a story, Amazing Grace is the book for you… a delightfully refreshing, funny, heart-warming and poignant story.’ Sheryl Browne, author of The Babysitter

‘a beautiful, uplifting read about moving on and finding yourself again after heartbreak… Grace and co. will make you want to devour this book in one sitting! Have Books, Will Read

‘This is a truly fun romantic comedy, with great characters and laugh out loud moments.’ Splashes into Books

• ISBN13: 9781788638562
• Publish Date: 5 March 2020 (first published 10 April 2019)
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 24 January 2024
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: Canelo
• Imprint: Canelo Hera
• Format: Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
• Pages: 320
• Language: English

Reviews

[zooloo1983]

Wow, this book is just beautiful. The story of a woman, my age, with a handsome little man, just muddling through. Her life has always been Archie her boy since her douche ex-husband Mark walked out on her. But when he’s not there, life is not fulfilling it’s empty, until one day she meets Vinnie!

I adored Vinnie, he is everything you want in a man, plus rumour has it that Kim had Alex O’Loughlin in her mind for him and well it helps Vinnie had the same surname

[Emma (SCR)]

This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.I have known Kim for quite a few years now. We met through Kim's day job at Bookouture and I was so happy for Kim when I heard she got a publishing deal. I requested a copy on Netgalley but I've only just made time to bump it up my TBR pile.

The story is about single mum Grace. Grace has been through a lot before this story and she goes through a hell of a lot more by the end. There were so so many times when I wanted to shake Grace. I can see how she ends up in the situations she does and from an outsider's perspective, it's always easier to see a rotten egg than when you're inside but my god she was infuriating at times. I did love Grace though, as much as I wanted to throttle her I wanted her to be happy.

This book is a story of friendship, finding yourself, handling grief and of course love. Grace has some amazing friends that really help her along her journey of self-discovery. Grace is braver than she will ever believe. I know because I have been that grieving daughter. I love the letters from Grace's mum.

Now I have to talk about the romance in this story. Vinnie, oh Vinnie. I instantly fell for Vinnie. I mean that could be because I know exactly who Kim based him on and I was already in love before I opened the book but I'd like to think that Kim just created the perfect man for Grace. He is everything she deserves and more. Vinnie is the perfect gentleman and I was rooting for these two from the beginning.

I can see that Kim has such potential as a writer and I am excited to see her journey. I can't wait to pick up her second book Escape to Giddywell Grange.

[Lynn]

3.5 stars

Life is tough for newly divorced Grace, as she moves to a new home with her son Archie. It's her dream 'forever' home even though it requires a lot of fixing-up and takes up a lot of her time. However, all work and no play makes Grace a dull woman and best friend Monica has plans resulting in alarming and funny consequences.

Ms Nash has written a female character who you want to root for and wish a happy conclusion to her upheavals. I like how Grace and her current life are so relatable even if some aspects are far beyond my own personal experiences. The self-doubt and vulnerability she carries around as she begins to rebuild her new life after her divorce shine through. It's sobering, but the humour injected into the narrative lifts it to a more acceptable comedy of errors, even if she doesn't create all the calamities herself.

This novel has an action-packed and busy narrative and is a bit too excessive in places for my personal taste. As a single mum, life assaults Grace with many problems and issues...far more than necessary. However, I do admit it is more to do with my personal expectations within a storyline, so I feel confident many readers will disagree with me and heartily enjoy this story crammed with action and hilarity.

Amazing Grace is a funny, entertaining début novel by Kim Nash. It has a loveable heroine, a cast full of quirky supporting characters and a dog to boot. It's a quick read and perfect escapism for a cosy night in with a glass of wine or a summer cocktail by a pool.

***arc generously received courtesy of Hera Books via NetGalley***