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Amazing Gracie
CJ has returned from war. But she has not left the war behind. The one bright spot in her life is her nine-year-old sister, Amazing Gracie, or Mazey, as CJ knows her. Mazey is brilliant, curious, and innocent, but she's carrying burdens of her own, including a deep desire to meet the father she's never known.
When CJ heads off on a cross-country motorcycle trip to visit the homes of her fallen friends, Mazey somehow convinces CJ to let her tag along. It isn't the journey CJ expected, but it is the journey she needs. Contending with her demons, confronting her past, and facing her future, CJ comes to terms with choices she couldn't have anticipated. And when Mazey's quest takes a surprising turn, both CJ and Mazey discover that this road trip has been headed to an undisclosed destination all along.
A story of family in all its incarnations, Amazing Gracie is a deeply felt excursion presented by a writer of rare warmth.
“Equal parts inspiring and poignant, Amazing Gracie kept me up late reading to find out if two completely opposite sisters on a motorcycle road trip will find what it is their hearts are searching for. Amazing Gracie is the kind of book we all need right now!” – Kay Bratt, international bestselling author of Wish Me Home
272 pages, Paperback
Published September 26, 2023
About the author
Laura Drake
40 books282 followersLaura Drake is a city girl who never grew out of her tomboy ways or a serious cowboy crush. She writes Women’s Fiction, Romance and Thrillers.
Her pro bull riding series, Sweet on a Cowboy is published by Grand Central. The Sweet Spot, Nothing Sweeter, and Sweet on You. The Sweet Spot won the 2014 RITA award for Best First Book.
Her Widow's Grove small town series is published by Harlequin's Superromance line. Her Road Home, Reasons to Stay, Twice in a Blue Moon, and Against the Odds.
The Chestnut Creek Series was published with Grand Central - The Last True Cowboy, December 2018. Home at Chestnut Creek, July 2019, and Cowboy for Keeps, December 2019.
Laura has since branched out into Women's Fiction with Days Made of Glass, The Road to Me, Amazing Gracie and For Roger.
In 2025, Laura released her first domestic suspense/thriller, The Devil She Didn't Know.
Laura finally realized a long time dream of moving to Texas, and is currently working on her accent. She gave up a Corporate CFO gig to write full time. She's wife, grandmother and motorcycle chick in the remaining waking hours.
Her pro bull riding series, Sweet on a Cowboy is published by Grand Central. The Sweet Spot, Nothing Sweeter, and Sweet on You. The Sweet Spot won the 2014 RITA award for Best First Book.
Her Widow's Grove small town series is published by Harlequin's Superromance line. Her Road Home, Reasons to Stay, Twice in a Blue Moon, and Against the Odds.
The Chestnut Creek Series was published with Grand Central - The Last True Cowboy, December 2018. Home at Chestnut Creek, July 2019, and Cowboy for Keeps, December 2019.
Laura has since branched out into Women's Fiction with Days Made of Glass, The Road to Me, Amazing Gracie and For Roger.
In 2025, Laura released her first domestic suspense/thriller, The Devil She Didn't Know.
Laura finally realized a long time dream of moving to Texas, and is currently working on her accent. She gave up a Corporate CFO gig to write full time. She's wife, grandmother and motorcycle chick in the remaining waking hours.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 21, 2023
Once again Laura Drake has brought her readers a beautifully written story that touches on many issues in America today - the way vets are treated when they return home, PTSD, poverty to name a few. It's a book about a road trip but is also story about facing your demons and finding hope and love on the other side of your despair.
CJ has returned from the war but she hasn't left her memories behind - the fate of her three best friends crowd her thought constantly. She and her mother aren't thrilled to see each other but CJ has returned home to see her nine-year-old sister, Amazing Gracie, or Mazey, as CJ calls her. At only 9, Mazey is brilliant beyond her years. Despite her brilliance and living a life of almost neglect with her mother, Mazey remains innocent about the world outside her door. Her main goal at her young age is to meet her father. CJs plans are to spend a few days with Mazey and then head out on a motorcycle trip to meet the families of her three best friends who died in combat. Mazey convinces CJ to take her along on the trip. So as they leave, they have conflicting plans that they haven't shared with each other -- CJ to meet the families of her fallen friends and Mazey to find her father. The motorcycle trip for the two sisters turns out to be so different than they both planned and eventually provided them with what they really needed in each of their lives.
Even though there were a lot of years between the two sisters and their goals for their trip were very different, the love that they had for each other continued to bond them together. They were actually different sides of the same coin - CJ was jaded and haunted by her life and Mazey was naïve and open to the changes she was hoping for in her life. Their trip will bring them things in life that they had only dreamed of as their love for each other continues to bind them together.
This was a fantastic look at loss and survivor's guilt and the results of PTSD on a returning soldier. The author has created a strong character in CJ that I won't soon forget. CJ brought tears to my eyes as she struggled with the demons in her life. Mazey, on the other hand made me smile as she approached her life looking for changes and almost always seeing life as beautiful. This is a beautiful character driven novel that you don't want to miss.
CJ has returned from the war but she hasn't left her memories behind - the fate of her three best friends crowd her thought constantly. She and her mother aren't thrilled to see each other but CJ has returned home to see her nine-year-old sister, Amazing Gracie, or Mazey, as CJ calls her. At only 9, Mazey is brilliant beyond her years. Despite her brilliance and living a life of almost neglect with her mother, Mazey remains innocent about the world outside her door. Her main goal at her young age is to meet her father. CJs plans are to spend a few days with Mazey and then head out on a motorcycle trip to meet the families of her three best friends who died in combat. Mazey convinces CJ to take her along on the trip. So as they leave, they have conflicting plans that they haven't shared with each other -- CJ to meet the families of her fallen friends and Mazey to find her father. The motorcycle trip for the two sisters turns out to be so different than they both planned and eventually provided them with what they really needed in each of their lives.
Even though there were a lot of years between the two sisters and their goals for their trip were very different, the love that they had for each other continued to bond them together. They were actually different sides of the same coin - CJ was jaded and haunted by her life and Mazey was naïve and open to the changes she was hoping for in her life. Their trip will bring them things in life that they had only dreamed of as their love for each other continues to bind them together.
This was a fantastic look at loss and survivor's guilt and the results of PTSD on a returning soldier. The author has created a strong character in CJ that I won't soon forget. CJ brought tears to my eyes as she struggled with the demons in her life. Mazey, on the other hand made me smile as she approached her life looking for changes and almost always seeing life as beautiful. This is a beautiful character driven novel that you don't want to miss.
March 15, 2023
I spent the last 20% of this book gripping the pages and emptying out my tissue box. One of the most thoughtful authors in women’s fiction today Laura Drake has created a beautiful story that not only represents but honors female veterans as well as their struggles with PTSD. As someone who grew up in the military, briefly served, and is a proud spouse to a veteran, who served over 20 years, I am well acquainted with the mental health struggles of our servicemen and women. What I can honestly tell you is women veterans tend to be overlooked by the general public. We’re conditioned to think only men serve, but that is 100% wrong. Not only is Amazing Gracie a story of a broken family and the struggles to get better, do better, and be better. It’s a story of loss, survivor's guilt, overcoming that guilt, and doing your best to remain on this planet and be present for those you love. Thank you, Laura, for the representation, and your commitment to the craft of telling a true and thoughtful story. If you or someone you know is a veteran and struggling, please reach out to www.veteranscrisisline.net #22ADay.
~Tanja
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~Tanja
Pre-order -> https://amzn.to/3yCjIZz
Follow me on
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April 23, 2023
4.5 stars.
Laura Drake’s Amazing Gracie tugs on the heartstrings from the novel’s touching beginning to its emotional ending.
CJ Maxwell might be home from war, but it continues to loom largely as she tries to honor those close to her who did not make it home. Her first stateside stop is to see her beloved nine-year-old sister Amazing Gracie aka Mazey. CJ’s plans take an unexpected turn as she brings Mazey with her aafter discovering their mom Patsy refuses to put her sister’s needs about her own
Mazey and CJ may have been raised under the same conditions but they are as different as night and day. Mazey is very intelligent, a bit naïve and relentlessly positive. CJ’s outlook on life is somewhat grim as she wrestles with a heart-rending tragedy from war. Together, they set out on a cross-country journey that is life-alterin
Amazing Gracie is a thoughtful and sensitive portrayal of the aftermath of war. CJ and Mazey are vibrant three-dimensional characters with realistic issues to resolve. The motorcycle trip’s various settings are well-drawn and easily capture the imagination. Mazey’s story arc resolution and CJ’s character development and subsequent realizations will bring readers to tears as Laura Drake skillfully guides this heartfelt novel a triumphant conclusion.
Laura Drake’s Amazing Gracie tugs on the heartstrings from the novel’s touching beginning to its emotional ending.
CJ Maxwell might be home from war, but it continues to loom largely as she tries to honor those close to her who did not make it home. Her first stateside stop is to see her beloved nine-year-old sister Amazing Gracie aka Mazey. CJ’s plans take an unexpected turn as she brings Mazey with her aafter discovering their mom Patsy refuses to put her sister’s needs about her own
Mazey and CJ may have been raised under the same conditions but they are as different as night and day. Mazey is very intelligent, a bit naïve and relentlessly positive. CJ’s outlook on life is somewhat grim as she wrestles with a heart-rending tragedy from war. Together, they set out on a cross-country journey that is life-alterin
Amazing Gracie is a thoughtful and sensitive portrayal of the aftermath of war. CJ and Mazey are vibrant three-dimensional characters with realistic issues to resolve. The motorcycle trip’s various settings are well-drawn and easily capture the imagination. Mazey’s story arc resolution and CJ’s character development and subsequent realizations will bring readers to tears as Laura Drake skillfully guides this heartfelt novel a triumphant conclusion.
April 27, 2023
When I finished this book I sat with it in my lap for several minutes and just patted it. This, for me, is the sign of a good read. I immediately wanted to start over and read it again which, for me, is the sign of a great book. Another reviewer here has referred to Laura Drake as a "thoughtful author" and I completely agree. Sitting down with a book by Laura Drake I know I'm in good hands.
In this book we have a few tricky subjects-PTSD, survivor's guilt, familial relationships, forgiveness-and this author handles each one with precision and care. She has created characters in CJ and Mazey that have been with me since I finished reading 4 days ago.
I highly recommend AMAZING GRACIE-and any other title by Laura Drake you can get your hands on!
In this book we have a few tricky subjects-PTSD, survivor's guilt, familial relationships, forgiveness-and this author handles each one with precision and care. She has created characters in CJ and Mazey that have been with me since I finished reading 4 days ago.
I highly recommend AMAZING GRACIE-and any other title by Laura Drake you can get your hands on!
April 30, 2023
Laura Drake ‘s Amazing Gracie was a “can’t put it down book from page one!! “ This unique approach to the struggles of veterans , the quest of one survivor racked with guilt and a gifted , awkward 9 year old sister is a journey you won’t forget. It pulled all the emotions from tears to laughter and shows the human spirit is a marvelous thing. This is a read not to be missed.
November 21, 2023
Laura Drake did a wonderful job with this story. CJ just came home from the war, blaming herself for what happened to her buddies. The guilt was eating her up. She had planned on visiting the families of those who died but her little sister changed things a bit. There were some great characters in this book, most of them wonderful. I loved this book and will be reading more by Laura Drake.
June 5, 2023
I hardly know where to begin talking about this book. It’s been a long time since I’ve cried about something I read, and I had trouble telling my husband about this story without tears. Really great read! I’m definitely a fan now. I won this book in a giveaway, and what a gift it’s been!
April 21, 2023
Beautiful, Emotional Tale Of Survival. This is a road trip tale, and thus you go in expecting both some bumps and some growth, but *how* Drake manages to execute on both is quite remarkable. Drawing on the entire American soldier experience from the Forgotten War in Korea to the modern War on Terror in Afghanistan - America's longest war - and also incorporating the realities of being poor in America, this is one of those fiction tales that may in fact hit a little too close to home for many - but read it anyway. The one group of people that I may say stay away from this book, perhaps, is those who struggle with cutting, as it is in fact a significant part of this story and is shown extensively enough to be uncomfortable - and yet still all too real - for anyone. Beyond that though, the grit, realism, and ultimately hope shown here are quite cathartic even to those who have never been in these exact scenarios, and there are several points late in the book where you'll swear whatever environment you're in while reading them has become quite dusty indeed. Truly an excellent tale, well told, and with particular care to all of the subjects it brings forth. Very much recommended.
August 18, 2026
Amazing Gracie is such a beautiful and deeply moving story about the unbreakable bond between sisters. I loved how their personalities complement each other—one more optimistic and the other more realistic—yet somehow, they each help the other find the courage to pursue their dreams.
At its heart, this is a powerful story about family, forgiveness, healing, and love. The characters felt so real and relatable, and their journey stayed with me long after I finished reading.
As a female veteran, Cora Jean’s story especially resonated with me. I really appreciated the way the author thoughtfully wove military and veteran life into the story. Those parts felt genuine and added another layer of depth and emotion to an already beautiful book.
This was more than just a story about sisters—it was a reminder that sometimes the people who know us best are the very ones who help us become who we were meant to be. Heartfelt, emotional, and beautifully written. I absolutely loved it and highly recommend it! ❤️📚
At its heart, this is a powerful story about family, forgiveness, healing, and love. The characters felt so real and relatable, and their journey stayed with me long after I finished reading.
As a female veteran, Cora Jean’s story especially resonated with me. I really appreciated the way the author thoughtfully wove military and veteran life into the story. Those parts felt genuine and added another layer of depth and emotion to an already beautiful book.
This was more than just a story about sisters—it was a reminder that sometimes the people who know us best are the very ones who help us become who we were meant to be. Heartfelt, emotional, and beautifully written. I absolutely loved it and highly recommend it! ❤️📚
October 21, 2023
Returning home from the army with a less than honorable discharge, CJ can barely manage her trauma (she's a cutter, has nightmares, can't handle the guilt of her part in the death of her best friends/fellow soldiers in Afghanistan). She has one goal in mind: to buy a particular type of trike motorcycle and travel to the places she and the friends talked about. A memorial trip of sorts.
But when she gets home to the hardscrabble house in Victorville, CA, she sees how unsuitable the home is when their mother's latest boyfriend makes a move on Gracie, who is a precocious and sweet little 9-year-old genius. Taking Gracie with her, CJ sets off on a motorcycle road trip. CJ tries to stick to her plan, but Gracie thinks she has a lead on the sperm donor and is relentless in wanting to find him. She's sure he would be a wonderful father if he only knew he had a kid. This is an uplifting story of a traumatized vet finding her way, and I loved every page of it.
But when she gets home to the hardscrabble house in Victorville, CA, she sees how unsuitable the home is when their mother's latest boyfriend makes a move on Gracie, who is a precocious and sweet little 9-year-old genius. Taking Gracie with her, CJ sets off on a motorcycle road trip. CJ tries to stick to her plan, but Gracie thinks she has a lead on the sperm donor and is relentless in wanting to find him. She's sure he would be a wonderful father if he only knew he had a kid. This is an uplifting story of a traumatized vet finding her way, and I loved every page of it.
December 2, 2023
This book was so wonderful, sad and funny with characters you just want to give a hug to. I loved CJ and all that she had been through and Mazie well that kid is just amazing as the book title says. She was wise beyond her years and her empathy for people just tugged at your heartstrings. It's not the family you have, but the family your make and that is what Laura Drake brings us with this book, Two sisters, ages miles apart, but their love for one another is bond that will never break. As they trek across the US, CJ to find some kind of peace for what she thinks is an apology and Amazing Gracie to find the father she never knew, will they both find what they are looking for, a home and family who loves them.
If you don't read another book this year, read this one for sure. I love Laura Drake's cowboys, but her woman's fiction books are just the best. Keep a few tissues handy, because your are going to need them.
I give this book a 5+++ stars.
If you don't read another book this year, read this one for sure. I love Laura Drake's cowboys, but her woman's fiction books are just the best. Keep a few tissues handy, because your are going to need them.
I give this book a 5+++ stars.
May 24, 2023
Put two opposite sisters on a motorcycle and give them plenty of highway, and what do you get? A warm, touching story of love, healing, and sisterhood, played out amid the struggle to find one’s place in the world. CJ has returned from Afghanistan carrying plenty of wartime baggage, and Mazey, age 9 going on 29, has enough energy and enthusiasm to help. Despite Mazey’s support, CJ struggles to see a future for herself, but perhaps the people they meet in their travels can show her a path forward. Beautifully written with the same intensity we expect from all of Laura Drake’s books, AMAZING GRACIE is a book you’ll hold close to your heart and long remember.
January 16, 2025
I read this book quickly during some cold and snowy days. Amazing Gracie is 9 years old and living with her mom and her deadbeat boyfriend. Her older sister, CJ, has been released from the Army, buys a motorcycle and is ready to hit the road. Since it is summer vacation and after much deliberation, Mazey goes along. CJ has a planned route with specific stops to help her with finding peace. The plan falls apart as Mazey is eager to meet her dad, a man who does not know she exists. This is a touching story of sister loyalty and love. But it is so much more - love of friends, sadness at losses of those we love, chasing of dreams. Thanks, Laura Drake!
May 14, 2025
Where to begin? As an Army veteran, reading a story about a female veteran with trauma and PTSD, hit close to home. CJ is a likable character who’s complex and simplistic at the same time. Author Laura Drake does a fabulous job building the plot, setting, and supporting characters, but where she really shines is where she shows her readers the protagonist by use of descriptive language and spot-on verbs. Not many authors can pull this off but Laura Drake certainly does. Grab your box of tissues, a cool beverage, and settle in for a great read. I highly recommend Laura Drake’s “Amazing Gracie.”
Betsy
Betsy
October 5, 2023
Finding forever
This is an amazing story of two sisters on a cross country motorcycle trip. The oldest girl is just released from the Army and is carrying the guilt of bed by the cause of the death of her four buddies and wants to say to their families that she is sorry for their loss. The younger sister is only nine and wants to find her Father.
This tale brings the two sisters together to get to know each other better. Love, love, love this story. Couldn't t put it down until I finished it around midnight. A good book for all ages to read.
This is an amazing story of two sisters on a cross country motorcycle trip. The oldest girl is just released from the Army and is carrying the guilt of bed by the cause of the death of her four buddies and wants to say to their families that she is sorry for their loss. The younger sister is only nine and wants to find her Father.
This tale brings the two sisters together to get to know each other better. Love, love, love this story. Couldn't t put it down until I finished it around midnight. A good book for all ages to read.
February 21, 2024
I don't even know where to begin writing a review for this amazing and incredible book. Laura Drake has done a fantastic job with this story about 2 sisters and their journey. It's so heartfelt and emotional that it's difficult to put down. CJ and Gracie learn so much about each other and themselves as they travel. The trip is not only about learning what forgiveness really means, it's about understanding what family can be! Just a beautiful story with strong characters.
June 11, 2023
I loved Amazing Gracie! It's a story about two sisters, but also so much more! CJ and Gracie are separated by many years but raised by the same selfish mother. CJ was a soldier and Gracie is still a child. Together they embark on a journey and try to save each other on the way. Drake takes us on a ride with this book!
January 30, 2026
Loved this story had crying and cheering ! I know all bout big sisters looking out for you while parents aren’t available to be there for you ! Laura will definitely get some more reviews cause I want read all books
February 14, 2025
Omgoodness!! What an amazing book. Loved it so much. CJ is such a lost soul that needs her little sister Mazey without really realizing it. Such an emotional ride.
March 2, 2025
This is the best book I have read in a couple of years!
October 8, 2023
Amazing Gracie and her sister Cora Jean's trip is quite a ride, and you won't want to miss a single mile of it. Although I loved Gracie, CJ's wounds were the ones that stayed open. I knew her little sister would be okay, because CJ would allow for no less, but...I can't begin (as is obvious here) to describe the feels Laura Drake's writing gives to her readers. I can only thank her for it.
May 21, 2023
A two fist tissue story
Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2023
Reading "Amazing Gracie" had me feeling all the emotions and feeling. Keep a tissue box close by. CJ has seen and experience way too much with being in a war zone. She feels she is too broken to heal. Gracie is wise beyond her years. Two sisters on a road trip both searching for something. CJ for healing even through she feels she doesn't deserve it. Gracie for her Dad. Another emotional read by Laura Drake that will crying, laughing, and rejoicing when you turn the last page. This is one of those books that will have you thinking about these characters long after your done reading. They will become that real to you.
Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2023
Reading "Amazing Gracie" had me feeling all the emotions and feeling. Keep a tissue box close by. CJ has seen and experience way too much with being in a war zone. She feels she is too broken to heal. Gracie is wise beyond her years. Two sisters on a road trip both searching for something. CJ for healing even through she feels she doesn't deserve it. Gracie for her Dad. Another emotional read by Laura Drake that will crying, laughing, and rejoicing when you turn the last page. This is one of those books that will have you thinking about these characters long after your done reading. They will become that real to you.
July 1, 2024
Love the relationships and focus on family. The plot is simple and the storyline is character driven. I connected to the characters and I quickly became invested in their stories. This book has a lot of heart ❤️.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews