RESTORING GRACE

Author: Katie Fforde ISBN: 0312358776 6/2006 CONTEMPORARY Publisher: ST. MARTIN'S PRESS

Grace Soudley’s life is coming apart at the seams. Recently divorced, she is still living in the beautiful yet crumbling old house her godmother left her, but unless she can find a fortune, the house will disintegrate around her. Artist Ellie Summers’ life is unraveling too. She’s pregnant, but her boyfriend is less than enthusiastic about parenthood, and her parents are not exactly inviting her to move back home. She has to come up with a new plan. Fast. Ellie needs a place to stay; Grace needs a lodger. Each of them needs a friend, and together they begin the work of fixing up the house. But then an unexpected and disconcertingly handsome man arrives on the scene, apparently determined to help. And when Grace discovers some beautiful and potentially valuable paintings hidden behind the tattered dining-room curtains, the whole business of restoration starts to get serious....

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

RESTORING GRACE by Katie Fforde is a great summer book. It's an easy read that has interesting characters and a satisfying ending. You won't be disappointed with this book!

RESTORING GRACE is the poignant story of Ellie Summers and Grace Soudly. Ellie is pregnant and her boyfriend doesn't want her to have the baby. Grace is divorced and desperately wants a baby. When Ellie tries to persuade Grace to buy a painting that she'll do of Grace's house, they start a friendship that will change their lives. After Ellie tells her parents that she plans on keeping her baby, her parents kindly inform her that their home is not the place to raise it. So Ellie finds herself looking for a place to live. Grace has inherited an old home that she has been restoring, albeit without furniture, but still she has a lot of space for just one person. After hearing Ellie's problem, Grace suggests that Ellie move in with her.

From this point on, Grace and Ellie form a tight bond. There are enough surprises in RESTORING GRACE to keep your attention. There are old paintings found in Grace's house, a surprise visit from Grace's less than amicable sister, and some romance to spice up both their lives. I can't forget to mention the secondary characters that seem to give even more life to the story.

Kate Fforde's newest book, RESTSORING GRACE, is a very pleasing and enjoyable read. If you have a chance to read it, I think you'll enjoy it too!

Julie Kornhausl