Available:*
Library | Call Number | Status |
|---|---|---|
Searching... Park Grove Library (Cottage Grove) | FICTION SIM | Searching... Unknown |
Searching... R.H. Stafford Library (Woodbury) | FICTION SIM | Searching... Unknown |
Searching... R.H. Stafford Library (Woodbury) | FICTION SIM | Searching... Unknown |
Searching... Stillwater Public Library | FICTION SIM | Searching... Unknown |
Bound With These Titles
On Order
Summary
Summary
A woman finds love and closure, and rediscovers herself, when she returns to her roots in the enchanting new novel from the author of The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop & Café .
Newly jobless, newly single, and suddenly apartmentless, writer Grace Hammond has come unmoored. A grammar whiz who's brilliant at correcting other people's errors, she hasn't yet found quite the right set of rules for fixing her own mistakes. Desperate to escape the city and her trifecta of problems, Grace hits pause and retreats to her Connecticut hometown. What begins as a short visit with her parents quickly becomes a far more meaningful stay, though, as she discovers that the answers to what her future holds might be found by making peace with -- and even embracing -- the past.
As Grace sets out to change her ways and come to terms, finally, with the tragedy that took her older sister's life so many years ago, she rekindles a romance with her high school sweetheart, Peter, now a famous Hollywood director who's filming a movie in town. Sparks also fly at the local bike shop, where Grace's penchant for pointing out what's wrong rattles the owner's ruggedly handsome schoolteacher son, Mitch.
Torn between the promise of a glamorous life and the allure of the familiar, Grace must decide what truly matters -- and whether it's time for her to throw away the rule book and bravely follow her heart.
Author Notes
Mary Simses grew up in Darien, Connecticut and began writing short stories as a child. She spent most of her life in New England, where she worked in magazine publishing, and, later, as a corporate attorney writing short stories "on the side." Mary is the author of The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop & Café , adapted as The Irresistible Blueberry Farm for the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries channel, The Rules of Love & Grammar , and her latest novel, The Wedding Thief . Mary enjoys photography, old jazz standards, and escaping to Connecticut in the summer. She lives in South Florida.
Reviews (2)
Kirkus Review
Grace Hammond is happiest holding a red pen and making corrections to the many grammatical errors in the world. If only she could do the same in her own life. Thirty-something copy editor Grace is facing the romantic comedy setup trifecta of misfortune: she lost her job, her boyfriend dumped her, and her roof is leaking. While her Manhattan apartment is undergoing repairs, she spends two weeks at her childhood home in Connecticut as her parents plan a big birthday celebration for dad. By happy coincidence, Grace's high school sweetheart, the one who got away, has also returned home for a few weeks. Fate has treated him more kindly, though, as he's in town directing a major feature film. In her effort to win back her lost love, Grace attempts a series of edits in her own life, failing both awkwardly and charmingly. Simses (The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop Caf, 2013) gives readers a protagonist they can simultaneously root for and cringe over as they read about Grace's antics. Most squirmworthy is a scene in which Grace bumbles through a TV news interview about the bike shop where she's temporarily employed, clumsily suggesting it would be lost without her. Despite her many social gaffes, Grace has three eligible bachelors pursuing her, and it's no surprise which one she ultimately chooses. Despite the lack of suspense, the story has real heart and emotional grit, primarily because of the rich and layered subplot about Grace's sister's fatal auto accident as a teen. After 17 years, Grace still blames herself and would love nothing more than a rewrite of that fateful night. Alas, there is no red pen for her greatest mistake. In this sweet and heartfelt story, Simses provides a valuable lesson in the futility of striving for an error-free book of life. A lovely read. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Grace Hammond is absolutely positive that bad luck comes in threes. She's out of a job, her boyfriend just dumped her for a cute paralegal, and there's a major water leak in her Manhattan apartment building. Grace heads back to her hometown of Dorset, Connecticut, to regroup. Her parents and best friend, Cluny, are thrilled to see her, but Grace just wants to lay low until her apartment is repaired. And lay low she does until she hears that an old flame is directing a new movie currently filming in Dorset. Completely unsure of her future, Grace wonders if her past holds all the answers. The type-A heroine floundering in her hometown is a familiar trope, but Simses delivers a charming and unpredictable spin on the concept. Grace's journey of personal growth skirts the line between relatable and aspirational, as Simses contrasts the security of small-town life with Grace's dreams of Hollywood grandeur. Fans of Mary Kay Andrews, Elin Hilderbrand, and Jennifer Close will adore the picturesque setting, genuine characters, and rom-com feel.--Turza, Stephanie Copyright 2016 Booklist
