This storyline is very different from the books I usually gravitate towards. The plot explores themes of profound loss, resilience, and the power of new beginnings. While I didn't completely connect with the characters, that does not diminish the author's skill in creating figures that possess depth and authenticity. The narration was quite unique; that’s about all I can say without revealing the opening hook of the book. It was certainly an impactful read, and although the depiction of grief felt raw and genuine, I found some parts a bit redundant, whiny, and immature.

Part of me wants to suggest skipping this book, but just because it wasn't for me doesn't mean it's a bad book. For its genre, I would say this book checks all the boxes. If you’re looking for a story that will tug at your heartstrings and evoke deep emotions, look no further. "Finding Grace" is a deeply moving narrative that lingers in your thoughts long after you’ve turned the final page.

However, if general fiction isn't your forte and you prefer sci-fi, fantasy, romance, or thrillers, then this may not be the right choice for you. Overall, it is a poignant and well-written story that offers significant emotional depth. 3.5 stars.

Finding Grace is a love story that touches the heart and makes you think about grief, love and all the complexities of love and marriage. I know I’ll be thinking about this book for a long time.

Very cheesy.
Thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.

Pleasantly surprised with this one for two main reasons: shocked to see this is a debut novel as it is so well written and this is not the usual genre I pick up, but I was hooked from page one. Tom made me want to kick him in the throat and root for him at the same time. This touched on grief and relationships so well.

I enjoyed this story for overall! It kept my attention, and I was impressed it is the author’s debut book.

Thank you very much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

First I would like to thank St Martins Press and Netgalley for the ARC of this book. It’s honestly shocking that this is a debut. I loved the story . By the end of chapter 1 it is almost physically impossible to stop reading this. I was picking it back up again every spare moment I had . It covers a lot about dealing with grief, finding new love, and having the difficult conversations. I loved all the characters and was rooting for Tom throughout.

This is a very unique story and my genuine love for it took me by surprise. I am happy I ended a great year of reading with this one .

I couldn't relate to the characters, as Honor was such an insufferable character. I could not care less about her life (and therefore death), and having her narrate the ensuing chapters was a weird decision. I dropped the book shortly after the bombing.

Received a free copy from Netgalley.

This isn't the type of novel I'd usually read, but I found myself enjoying it immensely. The unusual premise is what caught my eye: a love story narrated by the main character's former love, where every decision the new couple makes is haunted by the past.

Rothschild's writing gripped me from the start; chapter 1 has one of the strongest opening lines in recent memory, and it ends on an absolute bombshell. In just a few pages, Rothschild creates memorable, complex characters, and her skill for character continues throughout the rest of the book, which I am unfortunately going to spoil (no way around this, it's that twisty-turny).

After the events of chapter 1, our narrator Honor, spends the rest of the book as a sort of omniscient narrator over husband Tom's life. It's an unusual POV--we're both in Honor's head and in Tom's head, depending on what the narrative calls for--but Rothschild handles the premise with finesse.
I loved reading Honor's flashbacks to her marriage with Tom, while also watching the relationship with Tom's new significant other Grace unfold, because it's part love story and part thriller. Because what Grace may think is fate--Tom appearing at her wine shop one day to share a few glasses with her and her Sunday Blues pals--Tom and Honor know is anything but: Grace is the anonymous egg donor who, unknowingly, shares a son with Tom. An anonymous egg donor that bears a striking resemblance to Honor, and that Honor handpicked, based on her voice recording and interests--and who now is filling the role in Tom's life that Honor used to before her passing. Everytime Grace picks up little Henry or plays toy trucks with him, all Tom can think about is that fact, a moral dilemma that continues the whole book. Because Grace is everything to him and Henry -- but everything he has with Grace is founded on a lie.

The fact that I got so engaged in this book is a testament to Rothschild's skill with characters; everyone in this book is multifaceted and complex, and I found myself rooting for Grace and Tom at the same time that I wanted to yell at Tom. I spent most of the book yelling at Tom for being the worst; I feel like we're supposed to yell at Tom, because Honor, from beyond the grave, is doing the same. Did I mention Honor's a fantastic narrator? She's a fantastic narrator. And the way the twists and turns unfold feels coincidental but never contrived. It was a riveting page turner that signals a strong voice in women's fiction. For me, the only reason I'm docking a star is that the ending felt a bit too easy and tidy. After the complexity of the rest of the book, I was hoping for a similarly ambiguous ending where Tom really sees the consequences of lying to poor Grace, but she just takes him back so easily (and on Christmas, no less!).

Still, Finding Grace sets out to do a lot of things -- be a moving meditation on grief and second chance love, be an entertaining story of tangled characters and bad decisions, and be a thrilling love story -- and does them impeccably well. A solid 4 stars!

Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Loretta Rothschild for gifting me this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review! Whatever editorial team St. Martin's has is some kind of magical, because a St. Martin's book rarely misses for me!

Narration POV: 5⭐️
Chapter 1 Plot twist: 5⭐️
MMC and his insufferable secrets: 1⭐️

POV narrator was truly unique. I enjoyed many of the characters and the way they evolved, but I was ready to throat-punch Tom for 60% of this book.

Thanks to Netgally, St. Martin’s Press, and the author for the ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of Finding Grace.

This isn’t a plot I’d typically gravitate to, but upon reading some reader reviews, I felt it may be a worthwhile read.

This book had me hooked from chapter 1, where the author brings us to Christmas in Paris and a tragedy that changes the trajectory of Tom’s life. The characters that come in the following chapters are thoughtful and well developed. While the story mainly revolves around Tom, Honor and Grace, I really appreciated the relationship between Tom and Colette and how over time, they became closer than they had been at any point prior to Honor’s death.

This would make a great book club book- lots of points to converse about.

I loved this book! It caught my attention right away and kept me guessing throughout. I will highly recommend this book and author!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild. It was extremely well written, and proved to be thought provoking. The story is about a young couple who have a daughter and face many challenges once they decided to have a second child. Unfortunately the wife and daughter died in a horrific way and the husband, ridden in grief is left to raise their infant son alone. This book shows the moral compass life takes when one lie of omission leads to another. It is a love story with many twists and turns. I found myself holding my breath several times while reading this book until I read the next pages in the chapter and often times into the next chapter until I read the last page of the book. I highly recommend reading “Finding Grace”, you won’t be disappointed.

It starts in Paris where all love stories should begin, however as we know, life doesn’t always go according to the plans.

Couples don’t want to think about problems having a child. It shouldn’t be complicated but it can be. And where is the therapist? This book makes me bite my nails thinking about the pain Tom and Honor go through to bring their second newborn into this world when hope isn’t enough.

In the beginning, their plans get bumped into a totally new direction which brings in a good deal of suspense. It’s informative with the hardships that infertile couples go through these days. As readers, we want the best for them and there are times we just want to go inside the dialogue to help.

It’s also about grieving with a lot small gatherings in London. Friends have a meaningful place in this story. It creates the importance of having people to call when you need them. Many parts are predictable but it brings out the charm and warmth that makes it an enjoyable read.

My thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of June 10, 2025.

I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review-
What a unique read! Tom and Honor have everything, a beautiful home, a beautiful daughter until they don’t.
Years later secrets that should have been told change everything. Is there any way to capture the love again?
A love story, a new beginning, and a haunting past!

3.5 stars
This was an enjoyable story that I can certainly invision on the big screen. Thank you for this copy, I would recommend this book and these opinions are my own.

How the 1% grieve - a tale.

*unrealistic and implausible
*densely populated with highly unlikable characters who also manage to be void of depth as well as unique qualities

Told in the voice of the late wife.

After violently losing his family, Tom sells his hedge fund to devote his life to being an actual present parent this time around (instead of working 100+ hours per week, he now ferries his young son to private school, bakes treats for son, and never ever ever speaks of his son’s mother or sister.

He then receives an accidental correspondence about the children’s egg donor (the one who wished to remain anonymous), he goes to see her, and is floored by her absolute resemblance to his late wife (“indistinguishable” was the word used and “he never thought I would manifest in another person’s body…” and it just gets worse from there.

This one was painfully bad, and as such I’m unable to recommend it.



Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the DRC

Finding Grace is a heart-wrenching, beautifully written novel that explores love, loss, and the consequences of our choices. Honor’s journey, from longing for another child to facing an unimaginable tragedy, is deeply emotional and relatable. The story’s strength lies in its complex characters and how their lives intertwine, revealing the weight of secrets and the ripple effects of a single decision. Blending moral dilemmas with poignant storytelling, this book is more than a love story—it’s a powerful tale of forgiveness and redemption. A captivating read that stays with you long after the final page.

This is hard to review without giving too much away. I have to say that this is my favorite kind of story. Lots of drama, broken but lovely characters and the possibility of happiness after tragedy. It’s just so genuinely sweet and heartwarming. Good reminder that not telling the whole truth can snowball into a hole that is hard to dig out of.

I did not continue to read this book. While the premise for the book was interesting, I do not read books which use the Lord's name in vain, contain foul language and detail inappropriate sexual content. Too bad authors with an interesting story line cannot rely on the plot and their talent to carry the interest without all the other unsavory additions included.

Wow! I love this book. When I started reading. I didn't want to set it down. I kept telling my husband how this book was unique in its delivery. For a debut novel, Loretta Rothschild has grabbed my attention.  I can't say much about the storyline because, from the beginning, the story doesn't follow what you think is going to happen. You will be taken on an emotional roller coaster and experience the story through the eyes of someone you wouldn't expect to deliver the narrative, adding to the greatness of the story for me. I fell in love with all the characters in the book, even the ones you come to dislike. You are given such insight into why they are the way they are that you realize why and feel compassionate toward their fate. This lovely book will be with me for a long time. Huge thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Loretta Rothschild for the advanced copy.