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By Jane Green

ISBN: 1250047331 

Publisher:  St. Martin's Press

Publication Date:  12/30/2014 

Format:  e-book

My Rating:  5 Stars  

A special thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

WOW, Jane Green the "queen" of women's fiction once again delivers, a complex and "scandalously" delicious account of one woman’s search to find herself, and another woman’s obsession to make her disappear. I believe #16 may be her best book yet!

Grace is a strong, caring, and driven woman, married to Ted Chapman, a famous novelist for over twenty years, with a grown daughter; a picture perfect life from the exterior. However, Ted is not an easy man to get along with, as verbally abusive. Grace is coming from an abusive childhood herself, tolerates it and learns to walk on egg shells, living in a prison tiptoeing around his moods.

When they met, she was enamored with him, as she was a lowly assistant cookbook editor; however, as time moved on things were not so glamorous. When Ted’s personal assistant has to quit, due to taking care of her elderly parents, Grace is desperate to hire a replacement, as she does not need the added stress of taking care of Ted's business, as she has enough to deal with in running the household, the social engagements, and she is busy as Chef at the Harmont House, a home founded ten years ago in Nyack for families escaping abuse and addiction, helping them get back on their feet.

Grace’s friend Sybil came to her and asked her if she would be interested in joining the board, and she wanted to do more and rolled up her sleeves and became actively involved. Grace is passionate about cooking, gardening and helping those who cannot help themselves; more so as a way to heal the wounds of her past.

Whatever her passions, whatever her work, she still has time for Ted, as she must make time for him as expects to be number one priority in her life. In a rush to hire sometime, a young woman fitting the bill shows up at a dinner and appears to be a perfect fit. Without a lot of background checking, she hires this woman. She is delighted with her assistance initially; however, soon she takes over more and more responsibilities; not only for Ted, but worms her way into every aspect of their lives, from personal to financial. The suspense is movie worthy.

When strange things begin happening, making Grace feel as though she is losing her mind unbelievable; Grace is worried and goes to the doctor. He diagnoses her with bipolar disorder, and puts her on tons of medication. She is so heavily medicated she can barely get out of bed, with all sorts of side effects and weight gain and her life is falling apart piece by piece.

She is heartbroken as this is what happened to her mother, and surely this cannot be happening to her, as she has none of the same symptoms. From bad to worse, and in the meantime her life is being taken over by a manipulative person and her husband is being sucked into the web of deceit. As a race against time she has to escape before they commit her. She has to get out of the country and back to England to her friends and to her safe haven and the support of those who love and care for her survival.

This is a book for every woman, young and old alike. A poignant and compelling story of one woman’s plight is so realistic, it could happen to anyone. Especially in America with all the pharmaceutical drugs they throw out to women. When a woman is going through menopause, her hormones are all over the board (five years of this for me) and I refuse to take any meds, as number one allergic and second, I believe all drugs are unhealthy as why I am a vegan and take no medications.

A riveting tale of one woman’s battle to get her life back. I was unaware until after I read the book, Jane Green, the author experienced something similar, when she was misdiagnosed and was over medicated for something she did not have and took her a year to get off the heavy meds to get back to her life. View Video with autobiographical elements of her novel.

A highly-charged subject which is front and center in today’s world. Highly recommend, SAVING GRACE, as no one can convey a story as well as master storyteller, Jane Green. Her passion for food, gardening, and life shines through so eloquently on each and every page, for an engaging and satisfying read. Loved the ending! Nice touch with the front cover; after reading you will understand the connection.  

The setting is so vivid and detailed, could image myself in Dorest at the storybook cottage in Cerne Abbas with the beautiful farmland and countryside, near the village; a place where Grace no longer feels guilt, and does not have to worry about measuring up. How fitting!

Many yummy sample recipes are included throughout the novel, as well. Even though I am a strict vegan, and could not participate in the epicurean delights; passed along the many recipes to friends and family with rave reviews.

Pre-Order Prior to 12/29/14
SAVING GRACE, a definite PRE-Order and receive a "free" Jane Green, HAPPY FOOD e-Cookbook, just in time for your holiday entertaining!