712655662

Restoring Grace by Katie Fforde was meant to be a light-hearted read that I could pick up and lose myself in but unfortunately I found this book just a little bit boring at times. It’s the story of Grace, a divorced thirty-something who is learning to finally stand up for herself and take some control of her life. She meets and takes in as a lodger, Ellie, who is newly pregnant and single. Also there is a sub-plot involving Grace’s ex-stepdaughter, Demi, who moves in as well. These three form an unlikely family in the rundown mansion that Grace inherited from her Godmother.

Of course there are men, Grace meets and becomes involved with Irishman, Flynn Cormack, and Ellie encounters sophisticated art-restorer Ran. There are plenty of problems that need to be solved with Grace’s beloved house but the largest problem is finances and when Grace and Ellie discover a couple of painted panels that could be worth a fortune, Grace’s family comes swooping in, trying to pressure her into selling both the panels and her house.

I think what I was missing from this story was the feeling of being connected to the characters. The story was amusing at times, interesting at times, even romantic at times, but I never felt that these were anything but fictional roles being played out on the page. I have read and enjoyed this author before, and I do have a few more of hers on my shelves so I will be giving her another try in the future. ( )

Ellie Summers’ life starts unravelling. A couple of months ago, she was quite happy living with her boyfriend Rick in their little cottage, producing paintings of local peoples’ homes. But now, finding herself pregnant – and Rick less than thrilled about imminent parenthood – things seem rather more complicated.

Grace Soudley’s life has been coming apart for more than a couple of months. Abandoned by her husband, her only real security is the wonderful old house she was left by her godmother. But unless Grace can find a large sum of money to sort out the dry rot, Luckenham House will disintegrate around her.

When Ellie and Grace meet, the two very different women find they can help each other out. Ellie needs a place to stay; Grace needs a lodger. Both need a friend. But then Grace’s step-daughter Demi arrives on the scene, followed by the disconcertingly engaging Flynn Cormack – who seems determined to help. And when Grace discovers some beautiful painted panels hidden behind the tattered dining-room curtains, the whole business of restoration starts to get serious …

Ms. Fforde offers a pleasing tale of friendship and love in this lighthearted novel. Definitely an entertaining and easy bit of reading that leaves you feeling satisfied at the end. ( )

Very enjoyable, light reading http://www.dnsmedia.co.uk/reviews/view/505 ( )