The Ways of Grace

Grace Colebrook is really starting to question where she went wrong in her life. Surely not every woman who walks out on her wedding because she finds her fiancé boinking her sisters best friend at the wedding has as much bad luck as she does? It's bad enough that her sister and Mother think she's made the mistake of the century by not accepting this, but then her ex actually wants her to pay him back for her engagement ring she paid more than half of? And how could they fire her from her job as a toy creator, knowing that her ideas were some of the greatest they'd ever had? And when her little cousin needs a mother because of the death of her own, doesn't she step in and take the little angel-only to find out that Ruth is a not the tidy, perfect little child she thought she'd be. Oh, and what about that guy, that Dr. Jack Berenger, that because she's been so upset on her weddings cancellation, she'd wound up sleeping with? Really! Just because he was her neighbor didn't mean he couldn't try to avoid her a little harder.Dr. Jack Berenger has been living life on the merry go round-work, sleep, eat, work, sleep, eat, etc. for so long, he's astounded when he looks out his window and sees a vision sitting in her wedding gown, seeming to just be waiting for him to come and rescue her. When Jack follows through on his impulse, he never dreams that the woman he'd had his one night stand with would walk out on him, even lying to him about her name. When he discovers that his neighbor is none other than the lying Holly aka Grace Colebrook, he decides he's much better off just to forget about her. Hasn't he had enough problems in his life up to this point? It's why he doesn't feel anymore. But even as Grace lies and tries to evade him, Jack finds himself drawn to this beautiful and intriguing woman against his will. Is it because she seems to be so needy? Because she makes him laugh-something he hasn't done in so long he can't remember when the last time was? Grace is an incredible heroine-full of laughter, even though her life is falling apart around her, scrambling for excuses to see Jack one minute, and trying to hide from him the next. She's struggling for independence from her overbearing family, and doing an incredible job at a hard time in her life. When she stumbles upon the perfect business-Fluff Cakes-to help her gain confidence, and begin to rebuild her life, we see Grace flourish. And Jack was the perfect hero for Grace. Serious and staid, having given up light and laughter after the tragic death of his daughter, it's like seeing the petals of a flower open up, watching him flourish under Grace's compassion and zest for life. Ms. Lee has penned an emotionally charged tale, that'll make you cry, and make you laugh out loud, then cry again. Grace and Jack are the perfect balance for one another, and the author does a super job of letting us see not only the relationship grow, but Grace and Jack as people grow. This is Ms.

Linda Frances Lee, best known for her emotion-filled historicals, ventures into the contemporary arena with this latest novel. Looking out of his brownstone apartment late one winter night in Manhattan, Jack Berenger spies a weeping woman sitting alone on a bench. Somehow, he feels drawn to this woman dressed in a wedding gown, who, for all appearances, seems to have abandoned her wedding. As Jack ventures outside, he and the woman recognize a vulnerability in one another, and Jack leads her to his apartment, where a passionate night ensues. Grace Colebrook, the crying bride, hardly recognizes herself anymore. She abandoned her fiancé at the altar, after having discovered him in flagrant delecto outside the church. And she is certainly not a one-night stand type of girl and never even gave Jack her name when she left abruptly after their sizzling encounter. Unbeknownst to Jack, she knows all about him, as she lives in the apartment above him, and was informed by a neighbor that he is an E.R. doctor at St. Luke's Hospital. To top it off, her job at a toy manufacturing company comes to an abrupt end, and her socialite mother and sister continue to disparage her character and encourage her to reconsider marrying Walter, her errant fiancé. As Jack continues to fight his attraction to Grace and painstakingly maintain control of his life, Grace embarks on a new business, even as she gains temporary custody of her orphaned seven-year-old cousin, Ruth. Ms. Lee deftly addresses the emotions surrounding Jack and Grace as they learn to trust one another and redefine their relationship. With Grace, readers find a likeable heroine, who is able to face adversity with both tenacity and charm. Linda Frances Lee has successfully made the transition from historical to contemporary romance with the finesse of a truly gifted writer.

I loved this book from the first page when Jack sees Grace sitting in front of the church in her wedding gown. It only gets better from there as their romance heats up the pages starting with chapter one. Linda Francis Lee has another winner to add to her impressive list of books. Don't miss it!

I just loved this book because it made me both laugh and cry. The sparkling chemistry between Grace and Jack was fabulous, so clever and funny I couldn't wait to see what they were going to say and do next. And the other characters were just as great. And the end just wrenched my heart. This book just shot up to the top of my favorite romances in the past five years.

Linda Francis Lee has another winner with THE WAYS OF GRACE. Grace and Jack's story is touching and heart-warming, and Ms. Lee knows how to present the strong emotions these two totally likable and vulnerable people display. Grace is a no-nonsense, strong heroine, and Jack is the vulnerable, sensitive hero. The secondary characters were also colorful and interesting, including Mark, Hugh and Ruth. The FluffCakes were great: original and unique. THE WAYS OF GRACE is a page-turner and a keeper. It is an intricate, moving, intelligent, highly entertaining, and beautifully written novel. Also recommended: Linda Francis Lee's NIGHTINGALE'S GATE