Member Reviews
So beautifully written yet so heartbreaking. I had to put it down immediately after the first chapter, picked it up again and set it back down after the second chapter… a tough book for me to get through. Watching someone grieve after the most tragic life event while picking up the pieces of their life back up one at a time? I cried through every other chapter. I was so upset, watching my own baby sleeping peacefully while reading this story and wondering how something so horrible could happen and then having to remind myself I’m just reading a book. I simply could not get over it. But aside from the emotional aspect, I truly did love the writing style and though it was predictable it was hard to put down waiting for the end to come. Incredible debut, cannot wait to see what other stories this author writes!! Thank you to NetGalley for the arc in exchange for honest feedback!
I recently read ‘Finding Grace’ by Loretta Rothschild, recommended by Jodi Picoult. The well-developed characters were engaging, but the deceptive romance was excessive. However, the life lessons and unique narration by a deceased character made it an interesting read. I’d rate it 4 out of 5 stars.
Loretta Rothschild’s Finding Grace is a heartfelt exploration of personal growth, relationships, and the search for meaning. The novel centers around the journey of its protagonist, Grace, who is grappling with loss, self-identity, and the weight of her past as she navigates through pivotal moments in her life. Rothschild’s writing is warm and accessible, and she successfully creates an emotional connection with the reader, particularly through her exploration of family dynamics and inner turmoil.
While the story has its merits, the pacing at times feels uneven, with some parts of the plot dragging while others rush through potentially more meaningful moments. The characters, though relatable, lack significant depth, and their development doesn’t always feel as fleshed out as one might hope. Grace’s transformation is central to the story, but it feels somewhat predictable, and the resolution, though satisfying, doesn’t have the emotional punch that the buildup seems to promise.
Rothschild’s prose is gentle, and there’s an underlying sense of hope that runs through the narrative, making Finding Grace an uplifting read. However, at times the story feels a bit too familiar, with some themes and character arcs that don’t break much new ground.
Overall, Finding Grace is a pleasant, easy read that will appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven stories about personal reflection and healing. While it may not leave a lasting impression, it’s still a worthwhile read for those looking for a quiet, introspective novel.
What a good book! I just finished it on Christmas morning waiting for all the activities to start and I’m glad I did! When I first started it, I didn’t think I was going to like the storyline but I ended up loving it. The characters are very well written- as a matter of fact I wish I was Honor’s friend and maybe Grace’s too. The story is definitely different but very compelling. I won’t go into a book report, but I will say that I will be recommending it later today. Good book! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy for my honest review.
This story "literally" starts with a bang. I found myself turning pages and ignoring my day to day obligations so I could get this book and find out the story of Tom and Honor. The story is told "from the grave". A devastating event will change the life of Tom and his army of friends. The story is about loss, friendship, loyalty, and truth. A family is lost and a new family is formed....but what how will this new family come to be. How will the past be linked to the future. All in all, I really enjoyed the story and the authors words .....I look forward to more work from Loretta Rothschild
I felt like the synopsis was odd for what this book ended up being. I found the story unlikely and really slow in the middle to get moving. It started off really good but went downhill. Just ok for me
Wow! Wow! Wow! I can't stop thinking about how much I loved this story. The writing was powerful and sucked me in right away. I was entertained throughout and thought the presentation of drama and action all unfolded at an appropriate pace. I look forward to having this as a book club selection. There's so much to unpack and discuss! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Finding Grace, a debut book by Loretta Rothschild was a wonderful book. It is a romantic,, tragic story about Tom who loses his wife and daughter in a terror attack but how he continues with his life is a wonderful and compelling story. From the time I started reading it I was unable to stop. I don’t want to give away too much but al I can say is I highly recommend reading this book!!
Finding Grace is a poignant story of love lost and found and what makes a family. Without divulging any spoilers, the book delves into love, marriage and family and what truly makes a parent. The story is about Honor and Tom, husband and wife and parents to a daughter. A shocking event changes their lives. How the characters handle it and what happens when another child is born using an egg donor leads the story to Grace. Saying anymore will spoil the what happens for future readers. Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for gifting me this ARC.
The end of the first chapter slapped me in the face so hard I fell to the ground. I love the setting and the characters and how the author uses the characters to tell the story. This is a must-read!
I enjoyed this book very much. I am giving it 3 Stars instead of 4 stars because I was frustrated with Tom, constantly wanting to tell Grace the truth and always getting thwarted by something and tongue tied, over and over again. I understand the “secret” was the bulk of the story but as a reader, it was annoying.
Kudos to the author, as a first time published author. Interesting premise and clever story line. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. #NetGalley, #FindingGrace.
Thank you, NatGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC for review. This was an interesting and moving book and it kept me engaged, but in a I couldn’t look away kinda way. The way people stare at a car wreck. I wasn’t really sure where the book was going until the end. Is it about grief and loss? Yes. Is it also a love story? In a way, also yes. Is it weird? Also, Yes. Will you still be thinking and questioning this book long after you finish reading it? Definitely!
What a wonderful debut novel for Loretta Rothschild. I felt every emotion as I read this book. I didn't know much about this book, I hadn't really read the summary, but was in tears after the first chapter. That kept me enthralled and I couldn't put it down! I can't wait to see Rothschild's next piece.
Honor seems to have everything: she adores her bright and beautiful daughter, Chloe, and her charming, handsome husband, Tom, even if he works one hundred hours a week. Yet Honor’s longing for another baby threatens to eclipse all of it―until a shocking event changes their lives forever.
Years later, Tom makes a decision that ripples through their families' lives in ways he could never have foreseen. As the consequences of that fateful choice unfold, two women's paths become irrevocably intertwined. But when old love clashes with new, who will be left standing? And what happens when your secrets come back to haunt you?
Blending a page-turning moral dilemma with satisfying emotional poignancy, Finding Grace is a sweeping love story that explores the price of a new beginning, how the ghosts of our past shape our future, and whether redemption can be found in the wreckage of what we've lost.
Thank you to NetGalley, Loretta Rothschild, and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC of this book.
What a great way to start off 2025. This book sucked me in from the very first page and broke my heart and then repaired it by the end. It was full of sadness, but by the very end, I had hope again. I would absolutely go into this book blind and it's perfect for book clubs!
Great book. Wonderful book for a book club to follow with a great discussions. A beautiful family, yet the wife is determined to have another baby. The fight between the husband and wife, leaving the mom to bring her young daughter for breakfast and the aftermath that happens. Unbelievably written. Looking forward to more books from this author.
I enjoyed this book, even though the trope of "hiding a lie" is my least favorite. The book starts off with a very affluent scene of Christmas in Paris, with a somewhat unlikeable main character who is grinding her world into dust over her obsessive passion/mania to have another child. And then there's a shocking, unique, and fascinating twist. I thought it was brave and gutsy of this debut author. As the story continues, narrated by the main character, I was interested. The writing is good, the supporting characters hold their own. However, the events were snowballing as the husband kept telling himself he'd open his mouth and speak later, later, later, and I got frustrated. Not telling someone you have a big secret that could destroy the relationship--I don't care for that, but that's my preference, not a ding on the writing. Also, the flashbacks slowed the story a bit, but they did provide more information. Overall, a solid debut.
This is an emotionally heavy book for me and despite sobbing a lot, I loved this a ton. It was very beautiful
FINDING GRACE is a love story about second chances at love (and at life), fate, forgiveness, grief and a family with an unbreakable bond. Full of surprises and secrets, this novel had me hooked and invested from the very first page.
I so loved Tom and Honor’s story and their connection and getting to see Tom fall in love again. I really admired the author’s style of writing - beautiful, sophisticated and elegant - and I look forward to reading whatever the author decides to grant is with next.
4.5 stars rounded to 5.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
Wow! Is all I can stay!!!!! I truly can’t say much without spoiling the gem of what this book is. Please GO and read this one right now!!!!
Finding Grace had an interesting pretense that was definitely unexpected. The storyline brought up some interesting questions but unfortunately I couldn't become invested in the character's as I would have liked. The relationship between the main characters was based on a lie of omission and a continued lack of honesty led to the situation snowballing. I found this frustrating and annoying and ultimately reduced my enjoyment of the book. Still, a novel idea and a solid debut.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.