...
...

The novel is well written and uses suspense to keep the reader involved in the plot. The characters are well developed and the story is full of unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader on edge. The author also touches on important issues such as mental health and domestic violence in a realistic and sensitive manner.

Not what I have come to expect when I pick up a Jane Green novel. No connection to the characters or with the story.

Grace Chapman, the Grace of the title, is happy with her life. She lives in a beautiful house in New York State with her author husband, Ted, is a successful cookbook editor and is heavily involved in a local charity. The only down side in her life is her husband’s mood swings, making him difficult to manage. They need an assistant. Out of the blue, the perfect solution appears in the shape of Beth. She comes with great references and soon makes herself indispensable to the family. However, Grace gets a growing feeling that things are not quite as they seem. Ted dismisses her suspicions, but could she be right that Beth is trying to replace her? Furthermore, could her life-long fear that she might end up with mental health problems like her mother before her be becoming a reality?

I became quite absorbed in this story, reading it quickly, keen to find out what was going to happen next as danger seemed to lurk behind every page. Poor Grace just couldn’t see what was going on under her nose, and I did find it hard to believe that such an initially strong woman was so easily manipulated. Thank goodness for her true friends. I liked her friends, but Ted was not so likeable; he was a supposedly great man but really needed to grow up. With Grace being such an accomplished cook, the pages of the book are peppered with recipes and cooking tips - a nice addition to the text. Unfortunately, I found the ending of the book unsatisfying; I was looking for closure I suppose and it just wasn’t there for me. I found this a compelling read, but it might not be to everyone’s taste.

I really like Jane Green, she writes excellent Women's Fiction (or Life-Lit). Initially I was a little put off this book when reading some other reviews who weren't crazy about it, but I persevered.

It tells the story of Grace, who has an extremely busy life as a caterer and chef and is married to an author who writes best selling books. They are so disappointed when their long term girl-Friday assistant gives her notice and don't know what to do and how they will cope without her.

Luckily at a dinner they meet Beth, who seems too good to be true, a real organizer and so efficient, determined to make life easier for the whole family. Grace can't hire her quick enough, and all seems perfect, until life turns a little dark and things unexpectedly start happening that no one can seem to explain.

Grace is thrown, when perfect Beth wants to have the life that Grace has had and sets out to take over in more ways than one, totally destroying her marriage and threatening her relationship with her daughter.

Twists and turns happen and eventually it leads to a very satisfying ending. Another great Jane Green novel!

I loved Saving Grace by Jane Green. I'm a huge Jane Green fan and have read most all of her books. I really liked the plot twists in this story. Readers will feel empathy for poor Grace Chapman whose marriage seems ideal and perfect on the outside. However, she is dealing with a tyrant for a husband and is subjected to his rage and control issues. In comes Beth, who at first seems like the missing link to the relationship. Will Beth be able to help Grace turn things around? You'll have to read and find out. I highly recommend this book for fans of Jane Green and contemporary women's fiction.

I am not going to be reviewing this book, but thank you for the approval.

I've read previous books by this author before and I've got to admit that although I enjoyed this read it wasn't one of my favourites from this author.

Grace is married to Ted a famous novelist and they've got a grown up daughter. When Teds long term assistant Ellen leaves then in enters Beth the new fabulous assistant. But is she as fabulous as she seems??

Things start happening that messes with Graces head. I so wanted to shake her and tell her to open her eyes. I guess it's true life as most of us don't see what's happening under our noses a lot of time.

Will look forward to reading more from this author.

3.5 stars.