Member Reviews
#EpicallyAmazeballz #Lovedit #WantMoreNow
A jump over to the bright side for my reading choice. I was so thrilled to be able to read an ARC of this book and be a part of the blog tour. Let me just start by saying I am so, so proud of what this lady has done. Kim Nash has followed a dream, written a book, had it published and put smiles on many, many faces with her words. Not just in the story of this book but by being an online friend to many, Myself included. Kim has been an amazing support for me, through troubles and health, always on the other end of a message. Kim I want to take this chance to say I am so, so proud of what you have done, and thank you for being an amazing friend. You have written a book to be mighty proud of. This 'AUTHOR' is one hell of a lady.
Now the book, my views are my own and while this is a jump of genre for me, occasionally I love getting stuck into a feel good book. I started this one while soaking in a lovely bath, Epsom Salts, Radox, a cuppa and a bar of chocolate. Myself and my kindle spent a good hour soaking and getting to know Grace. I loved Grace immediately. One of those characters that from the opening pages you are rooting for. You fall in love with her character right away.
Grace is a single mother bringing up her young son alone and doing the best she can for him. Working as an estate agent allows Grace to be able to spend quality time with her boy as she is able to work around him and his school hours. Her boy is her life. Just the two of them plodding along. There is nothing else needed in Grace's life, is there?
Well her friend clearly thinks there is and to start with that involves a wardrobe make over for Grace. Out with her tracky bottoms and her black clothes, in with the new. With this a new Grace is materialises.
Following Grace on her new journey was amazing. Rooting for her every step of the way, shouting at her when I thought she was making the wrong choices, trying to advise her as she went along. I really connected with this character. I wanted Grace as my friend. The Character is just so lovely and someone that everyone can relate to in some form or other.
I could go on a lot more about this book, but taking away the excitement of the story unfolding isn't something I want to do for the reader. I really can't wait for more from Grace and her family.
This really is one of the best Chic Lit, feel good books I have ever read. This book will be going on my 'Must reads of 2019' without a doubt.
A lovely look at family life after breakup. There are sad times but also funny and uplifting times too.
Grace has decided to move on - or has she?
If you've lost someone you Love have a read of this book. You might be in tune with this story.
A well written novel with a lot of healing words that can help us all
Thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review
First time reading this author looking forward to her next book
Amazing grace is a light hearted book with an underlying depth of honesty love and doing the best you can this really was a FANTASTIC read great strong women characters who knew exactly what they wanted even down to the charismatic vinnie. I can highly recommend this wonderful warm tale to all.
There is so much positivity in this book! If you need something to pick you up, then this is it. A heartwarming and thoroughly lovely story full of characters that you can't help but adore, cheering them on when life bowls a googly. Little Ollington sounds like a place I would love to live. A fabulous debut!
I was really looking forward to this novel, and as soon as I saw it being promoted on Twitter I couldn't wait to read it! This is Kim Nash's debut novel and it was so amazing. It has a fantastic, unputdownable storyline, great fun characters and I just couldn't stop reading it! I was so sad when it ended as it was just so lovely and heartwarming.
Amazing Grace is the debut novel by Kim Nash and what a beautiful novel it is too. Our protagonist in this novel is Grace who is a single mum to her adorable son Archie. Grace is on a learning curve as her life has changed since leaving her husband who still lingers around like a bad smell in the background, she is now working but she still has her own dreams and goals too. Grace is thrown back in to the daunting dating world by her best friend but can Grace find a man worthy of her heart and who her little son Archie would agree with?
Grace is a very down to earth and realistic character which only made me love her even more, she soon felt like a friend who I wanted to see grab the happy ever after she deserved for her and her son. She is a devoted mother, Archie is the centre of her world and the bond between them both shines through in this novel.
Archie was such an adorable little lad who has clearly been brought up well, some of his little ways made me chuckle especially when grilling the potential new man in his mum’s life to make sure his intensions were honourable!
What I found refreshing was the witty tone in this book especially from the rather painful dates that she finds herself on! The worries that we face in the world of dating and intimacy after being in a long term romance and how hard it is to let the barriers down so as not to get hurt again is shown so well in this book. As well as romance, grief is also a strong part of this book and I found it really touching the parts written from Grace’s mum and found comfort in the idea that our loved ones could still be around watching over us. Her part in this novel were so tender and beautifully written.
The story was quite simple and wasn’t farfetched it was a believable situation that touches on day to day struggles that we all face at some point in our life.
I think the majority of readers will swoon over the handsome Vinnie who is an A-star gentleman who we all could do with in our lives!
The pace of this book flowed perfectly holding my attention right up to the very last page but then I sat and felt so sad having to let the characters go. This was an enjoyable storyline and I enjoyed my journey with Grace as she finds herself and paves out a new life for her and her son. I look forward to reading future books by this author.
A brilliant début novel by the equally brilliant Kim Nash!
What an emotional rollercoaster this story is! I have experienced any possible variation of the largest spectrum of emotions ever put on paper. The author cleverly manages to keep your attention alive throughout the whole story; even if you know there is going to be a happy ending the plot is far from predictable. Expect laughter and tears (I'll say no more about the latter as I don't want to give anything away, but be prepared to be surprised) and a much needed revenge ( and relief! ) when the protagonist finally voices what you'd been yelling her from the beginning ( or maybe it's just me LOL ).
So uplifting. Definitely recommended.
I had the great pleasure to be able to read this book through NetGalley, before it was published. Many thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley.
#AmazingGrace #NetGalley
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this book. This is definitely a book you should read while you're feeling down and suffering the loss of a loved one. There are so many friendly and cheerful characters in this book that it's a little unbelievable at times (I only wish that more people were like this).
The plot itself is good and I believe the author herself is a positive person which shines through in her writing. I particularly enjoyed the dialogue between Grace and her best friend Monique.
I really enjoyed this book and I would highly recommend it. It has a great story line, excellent main characters and it is a real page turner. I read this book in one sitting and the hours just flew by!
Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. I loved this book and read whilst I had the flu and it was exactly what the doctor ordered. Made me feel better but not the flu !!!!!!!!
Grace is a single mum sharing the care of son Alfie with her ex, Mark, who goes out of his way to make life difficult for her; always asserting his control and managing to make her feel guilty, unhappy and worthless.
The theme of a mother’s love comes across loud and clear in this book and
Grace would do anything for Alfie, including sacrificing her own happiness. Thankfully, with a bit of heavenly intervention, nice things begin to happen for Grace. Her old friend Monica takes her and her wardrobe in hand. New pal Ruth helps her to realise her idea of setting up a new group and a knock at her door introduces her to gardener Vinnie, who might just hold the key to opening her heart to happiness, if she is able to let him.
I really enjoyed this feel-good, tear-jerker that is an amazing mix of cosy romance, and a celebration of motherly love and fantastic friendships. The characters were strong and the notes from Mum gave it that something a bit different and added an extra layer of emotions to the end of some of the chapters.
It was also a book that helped me remember that we need to think of our own needs from time to time as well as those around us, and don’t forget girls; the good guys will never make you feel guilty for making a correct decision!
This is a great debut novel, I can’t wait for Kim’s next book.
Really funny and light. A welcome departure from my usual genre. I really enjoyed it. Thank you for the chance to review.
Loved Amazing Grace.Grace grabbed my heart when Grace walks in on her husband kissing his secretary her happy ever after life falls apart.Grace has a son to rais Grace is a survivor and this wonderful story takes us along with her as she heels how love shows up.Such a lovely read I willl be gifting this book to friend who also love a really delightful .read #netgalley #Herabooks
Amazing Grace, A heart warming feel good romantic comedy, Kim Nash
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, Women's fiction
Gah, once more, Women's Fiction – just why? Men read and write romance, don't lets exclude them.
Anyway, this proved to be a fun read, I wouldn't call it comedic, but it certainly had some lighthearted moments. The characters felt very real, like people I could know, and that's important for me to enjoy a story.
Mark, what a complete ar se. Sadly there's a few like him, think their job, their needs take precedence over everything, and like a fifties throwback they assume their wives and kids should take a back seat. He cheats, gets caught and thankfully Grace gives him the heave-ho.
I found it a bit slick how easily a woman years out of the job market swept into a perfect job, and can manage a mortgage too on the perfect house. Real life is a bit tougher than that, at least here in UK it is. She's picking herself up though, and building a new life for her and Archie.
Monica, her friend, encourages her out of her safe zone of job, Archie and home into a new look and updated wardrobe, and signs her up for internet dating. I loved the dating experiences, could see them being very accurate. Of course romance when it comes is from an entirely coincidental contact, via Vinnie who comes to see her trees that need cutting back.
I loved Vinnie, a perfect gentleman and so good for Grace. He was a real treasure, genuine, kind, good to Archie and perfect for Grace. The garden transformation made me so jealous, even though its fictional!
Its a cute story, predictably once Grace has someone Mark gets jealous and tries to interfere. Fat club, been to them like many ladies and Kim is spot on. I gave up on one where a huge discussion evolved over whether a tin of tuna was half a fat gram or quarter of a fat gram. Life is just far too short! A club like the one Grace and ruth started would be perfect.
I didn't like the snippets from beyond, where her deceased mum is talking, didn't see the relevance at first, and later when it became relevant it still jarred on me a bit. Its not that I don't believe, more it just didn't feel right to me.
I guess my biggest disappointment was the ending though, its a huge drama, and that was great and then...next page and wham, we've moved waay forward. I wanted a bit more wrapping up of that drama.
Also there's a secret Vinnie is holding which is taunted all the way through, brought up at relevant times and seems something that could be big, huge, a deal breaker, but when we get to last few pages it almost feels like the author though “oh, what shall I do about xxx? Oh I know, this will do...” the big reveal, the answer, just didn't fit the mystery and secrecy of it for me, I expected something much bigger, much better.
Stars: Three and a half, its a fun read, very easy to follow and at times very real but there were a few minor points that didn't feel right to me.
Arc via Netgalley and publishers
Oh My Goodness this book is superb and my poor emotions have gone through the wringer, crying and laughing to myself one moment to anger within the turn of a page. This author has a story that is so very realistic and one that can be related to.
Grace has gradually got stuck in a rut after the breakdown of her marriage. Her son Archie spends the odd evening and weekend at his Dad’s house. During these times loneliness creeps in for Grace, weight goes on, clothes are black and shapeless…then the intervention by her friend Monica.
It seems that things after this intervention tart to fall into place, or is it because Grace starts to feel confident? A phone call to landscape gardener Vinnie sees a spark of interest flicker back to life in Grace again. Mark, her ex, however, is not going to make things easy.
The characters in this book are just brilliant, the dilemmas are very real and the scenarios they find themselves in are also ones that I found it very easy to relate to. The uncertainties of new relationships combined with the guilt of old add tension.
There are so many thought-provoking moments in this book. They start from the dedication at the very beginning of the book, yep even before I even got to the start of the story I knew I was going to like this book. In fact, I didn’t just like it, I bloody loved it, every single word.
I did mention emotions, anger yes that was there and also a surprising little comment from a young boy, and there are some very special moments in italics, these you will discover for yourself. But these had me reaching for the tissues time and again.
It was one of those books that just wrapped me up immediately and held me in its embrace. It is a stunning, beautifully written story about Grace and life, she discovers she needs to love herself more, occasionally put herself first, to take a chance on life, start to live and to stand up for herself.
This is a book I would absolutely and most definitely recommend.
Lovely debut novel from Kim Nash. A real feel good romantic comedy that gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling. Every girl needs a man like Vinnie in her life! Can’t wait for her next book.
Grace and Mark separate after he is unfaithful to her. His deception shatters her, but if the truth be told, their love for each other has been destroyed by his dismissiveness and selfishness, but she has put up with it because of their young son Archie, the light of her life. She feels squashed and worthless but nevertheless she gets a job in an estate agency, buys a lovely home to ‘do up’ and so her life goes on. Imagine her surprise when she is nominated for an award at work, honouring her innovativeness and the ideas she has introduced into the business. It nourishes her self-belief and makes her feel worthwhile as a human being. But how can she attend an award ceremony? She has let herself go a bit, she is despondent and leads quite a sedentary life except from walking Becks, her dog and often lone companion. She feels embarrassed, dowdy and frumpy.
Her best friend steps in and arranges a total makeover for her, showing her that with her new wardrobe, her curvaceous body is desirable, her new style is chic, applying makeup is easy and a new hairdo finally changes her completely. Wow, she becomes the ‘New Amazing Grace’ and, with a little added self-belief she begins to heal, has more confidence and even tries Internet Dating, although she feels sceptical and very apprehensive about it. But when even her husband is pleasantly surprised when he collects Archie for an access visit, she lifts herself up and agrees to give it a go. Is it for her though? she thinks ahead of her first date. Well, she won’t know if she doesn’t try it. So the plans are laid.
Then, amongst the disaster of unsuitable dating introductions, a knock at her door introduces her to gardener Vinnie. He’s absolutely gorgeous and at last she feels a fizz of attraction and begins to wonder whether her life can change as quickly as her makeover and newly acquired fledgling self-confidence. She daydreams about Vinnie and waits to see what will happen. This is Grace’s amazing story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this excellent debut novel by Kim Nash. It’s a sizzling, magical, romantic story about new beginnings, love and loss, grief and being true to oneself. It is enhanced by humour, gorgeous characters and a vivid and beautifully written style, with a small nod towards loneliness and attraction. I loved it and it swept me along, turning the pages eagerly and looking forward to finding out what would happen. I was keen on it at the very beginning, absorbed by the lovely storyline, but as I read on it became more and more special and engrossing. I loved the ending, I loved Grace, Vinnie, Becks and Archie and was so happy that I was given the chance to read and review the superb novel which I received through my membership of NetGalley and from publisher Hera Books, all in return for an honest review. This is my 4.5* review. Believe me this is a very lovely, heart-warming and unforgettable novel. All the opinions are my own, uninfluenced thoughts. It is highly recommended, beautiful romantic escapism.
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Every once in a while I need a serving of something sweet, funny, heart-warming and cozy in my life--and this book is a lovely package of those things.
Grace's life has shifted out from under her due to her cheating ex-husband, and she finds herself stuck in a rut as a single mom who spends evenings and weekends at home watching TV. Luckily she has an awesome friend who helps lift her up and out of that rut--right on time, too, just as she runs into a hunky love interest.
I think all women have found themselves at a point in life where we feel unattractive, unlovable, and lost. Watching Grace pull herself out of that and find a way forward will help you believe you can, too. If you're looking for a feel-good book to curl up with on a rainy afternoon, I recommend hanging out with Grace.
A heartwarming, funny, tender debut. Grace is endearing, warm and utterly likeable. The truth of a mother's love shines through every word.
I love Grace and want to be her pal!
Grace is a single mother, juggling all the plates that single mothers have to. What comes through more than anything is her love for her son, which sometimes brought a tear to my eye.
As well as dealing with an arrogant ex-husband, a son who is growing up and a best friend (the hilarious Monica) who has decided she needs to get out more, Grace is also dealing with the loss of her beloved mother. More tears from me…
This novel makes you laugh and cry, but overall, it makes you root for Grace. She is so likable and realistic that you definitely want her to get the life she deserves. This a fantastic debut novel and I can’t wait for the next one!