Amazing Grace

by Kim Nash

[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***