#GracieHarrisIsUnderConstruction #NetGalley

Nine chapters in and still could not get into this book.

Grief and second chances is a trope that has hit the contemporary romance market. It’s a tough sell as the author has to balance a FMC’s first love abruptly cut short with being receptive to a second one that the reader could realistically accept.

Wish the author hadn’t relegated her kids to the sidelines. Only at the start and end do they make much of an appearance. Weaving in Gracie’s relationship with Ben could have better developed too.

This ARC was provided by the publisher, Penguin Group Dutton , via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

5!! I don’t even know where to begin to explain how much I love this book. Gracie Harris, a single mother of two, lost her husband, Ben, over a year ago. Now, with summer here, her children are away at camp, she’s working on her memoir, and a charming contractor named Josh is renovating her home. This is a story of grief, love, and learning how to move forward in life.

First, let me acknowledge how beautifully written this book is. It strikes the perfect balance between romance and Gracie’s deeply personal journey through grief. It’s often tricky to craft a romance that doesn’t overshadow character development, but this book does it flawlessly. We see Gracie grow and heal as she falls in love with Josh. And Josh, wow! He never outshines Gracie but instead offers just the right amount of support. I also loved the word choice in this book, I can tell it was carefully picked. I am a firm believer that words matter, and here they are so intentional. A standout example is Gracie’s desire to “move forward” rather than “move past” or “get over” the loss of her husband. This distinction honors the Gracie who loved Ben while showing how the present-day Gracie has changed and continues to grow.

The romance? Absolutely breathtaking. From the moment they meet, it’s the quintessential “look of love” moment. Josh and Gracie had a connection like no other. It was palpable throughout the pages, much like the tension. A quiet yearning for one another that was shown through words and looks. What sets their relationship apart and makes it so special is how they first build a genuine friendship. They become each other’s safe place, someone they can trust completely. Honestly, it makes me go insane to think about how perfect they are for each other.

This book touched me deeply. Every part of it was emotional, and it’s been a while since I felt such a strong connection to a story. I loved every single page. I could gush about it for hours. By the third act, the tears were flowing, I was absolutely wrecked, but in the best way. I think some of those tears were from sheer disbelief at how beautifully everything wrapped up. I’ll end with my favorite quote: “...good people wait, and are worth waiting for.”

Take a chance on debut authors. Read this book—you won’t regret it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton imprint for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Kate Hash's debut novel is a can't miss. I did not want to put this book down, once I started reading it. Gracie's story is so sweet and well written. Highly recommend for readers of Sophie Sullivan and Falon Ballard. Can't wait to read more from this author.

This book gets into the mess of grief, love, and finding strength in yourself all over again. The sharp, emotional writing leaves you with all kinds of feelings, and I couldn’t stop rooting for Gracie.

I fell in love with Gracie and her family from the first few pages of this novel. Hash’s writing is excellent and drew me in. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.