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Grace Unexpected
"Thirty-something Grace Savage has slogged through crummy jobs and dead-end relationships with men who would rather go bald than say "I do". In search of respite from her current job, she visits Shaker Village in New Hampshire. Instead of renewal, she's unnerved to learn that Shaker men and women lived and worked side by side in complete celibacy. When her longtime boyfriend dumps her instead of proposing, Grace avows the sexless Shaker ways. Resolved to stick to her new plan - dubbed the Shaker Plan - despite ovaries ticking like time bombs, she returns to her life in Pennsylvania. Almost immediately, she's juggling two eligible Addison, a young beat reporter; and True, a venerable anthropology professor. Both men have ample charms and soul mate potential to test her newfound Shaker-style self-control, and Grace appears to be on the fast track to a marriage proposal...until secrets revealed deliver a death rattle to the Shaker Plan."--Publisher description.
276 pages, Paperback
First published July 2, 2012
32 people are currently reading
614 people want to read
About the author
Gale Martin
3 books199 followersGale Martin is an award-winning writer of contemporary fiction who plied her childhood penchant for lying into a legitimate literary pursuit during midlife. She began writing her first novel at age eleven, finally finishing one three decades later.
She'd commit a misdemeanor to score some Babybel cheese and goes weak-kneed for hummingbirds. She is a wife and mother of one and a communications director by profession who owes her signature joie de vivre to regular Curves workouts.
She blogs about opera--the art form, not the platform, and is an opera reviewer/news personality at operatoonity.com, an online site featuring live performance reviews. She can name any aria in three notes. Okay, five notes, perfectly sung, with full orchestration.
DON JUAN IN HANKEY, PA, is a humorous homage to 'Don Giovanni,' Mozart’s famous tragicomic opera about the last two days of Don Juan’s life.
GRACE UNEXPECTED is wryly witty women's fiction that features a protagonist who can hear her ovaries ticking, who has a heart of pure gold, wrapped in lead. But a string of crummy boyfriends would do that to any lovable woman while waiting for Mr. Right.
She has a master of arts in creative writing from Wilkes University. She lives in Eastern Pennsylvania because she has to.
She'd commit a misdemeanor to score some Babybel cheese and goes weak-kneed for hummingbirds. She is a wife and mother of one and a communications director by profession who owes her signature joie de vivre to regular Curves workouts.
She blogs about opera--the art form, not the platform, and is an opera reviewer/news personality at operatoonity.com, an online site featuring live performance reviews. She can name any aria in three notes. Okay, five notes, perfectly sung, with full orchestration.
DON JUAN IN HANKEY, PA, is a humorous homage to 'Don Giovanni,' Mozart’s famous tragicomic opera about the last two days of Don Juan’s life.
GRACE UNEXPECTED is wryly witty women's fiction that features a protagonist who can hear her ovaries ticking, who has a heart of pure gold, wrapped in lead. But a string of crummy boyfriends would do that to any lovable woman while waiting for Mr. Right.
She has a master of arts in creative writing from Wilkes University. She lives in Eastern Pennsylvania because she has to.
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August 3, 2014
Grace Unexpected by Gale Martin is the second book I have read by Ms. Martin. Her books are so much fun to read, her characters are real, easy to relate to and oh so fun to share part of my day with. Grace Savage was no exception.
Grace and her sister in law are on vacation and they are visiting Shaker Village. It is a tourist attraction of a village where the members lived and worshiped, living a simple life sworn to celibacy. After returning home, Grace celebrates her thirty fifth birthday with her long time boyfriend, Christian, convinced that he is going to pop “the” question. Instead, he breaks up with her.
“There’s never going to be anything between us. You’re not long-term material.”
Grace returns to work after her vacation to Soap Rock University in the Public Relations Department with a broken heart. She has vowed to live by what she is calling “The Shaker Plan!” She will not have sex until she has a firm commitment from the next man in her life.
Welcome to Gracie’s crazy life. Her assistant, Goody, is wacky and endearing. And no sooner does Grace make this vow to herself, two new love interests come into her life. The oh so handsome and much younger reporter, Addison, and the much older professor, True. Addison makes her heart pound in ways she never experienced before. But, True romances her with roses and hot air balloon rides.
There has been a new hire at work while she was away. And also a new position is going to open up, a promotion. And Grace suddenly finds herself competing with Lacy, the new hire, for the position. Lacy, though, does not fight fair. She will do just about anything to win the position out from under Grace.
This book was so much fun. I loved watching Grace stumble and fall (literally) while she tries to discover just what she really wants out of life. Will she finally find true love? Or will she be destined to live as the Shakers did?
Grace and her sister in law are on vacation and they are visiting Shaker Village. It is a tourist attraction of a village where the members lived and worshiped, living a simple life sworn to celibacy. After returning home, Grace celebrates her thirty fifth birthday with her long time boyfriend, Christian, convinced that he is going to pop “the” question. Instead, he breaks up with her.
“There’s never going to be anything between us. You’re not long-term material.”
Grace returns to work after her vacation to Soap Rock University in the Public Relations Department with a broken heart. She has vowed to live by what she is calling “The Shaker Plan!” She will not have sex until she has a firm commitment from the next man in her life.
Welcome to Gracie’s crazy life. Her assistant, Goody, is wacky and endearing. And no sooner does Grace make this vow to herself, two new love interests come into her life. The oh so handsome and much younger reporter, Addison, and the much older professor, True. Addison makes her heart pound in ways she never experienced before. But, True romances her with roses and hot air balloon rides.
There has been a new hire at work while she was away. And also a new position is going to open up, a promotion. And Grace suddenly finds herself competing with Lacy, the new hire, for the position. Lacy, though, does not fight fair. She will do just about anything to win the position out from under Grace.
This book was so much fun. I loved watching Grace stumble and fall (literally) while she tries to discover just what she really wants out of life. Will she finally find true love? Or will she be destined to live as the Shakers did?
February 1, 2015
"Don't make something unless it is both made necessary and useful;
but if it is both necessary and useful,
don't hesitate to make it beautiful."
---- Shaker dictum
According to Wikipedia, The United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing is a religious sect, also known as the Shakers, founded in the 18th century in England, having branched off from a Quaker community. They were known as "Shaking Quakers" because of their ecstatic behavior during worship services.
Gale Martin, an award winning American author and one of my favorite authors, has yet once again enthralled my soul with her new book, Grace Unexpected featuring the American Shaker community and a woman with all her confused life's decisions to make.
Synopsis:
Thirty-something Grace Savage has slogged through crummy jobs and dead-end relationships with men who would rather go bald than say "I do." In search of respite from her current job, she visits Shaker Village in New Hampshire. Instead of renewal, she's unnerved to learn that Shaker men and women lived and worked side by side in complete celibacy. When her longtime boyfriend dumps her instead of proposing, Grace avows the sexless Shaker ways. Resolved to stick to her new plan - dubbed the Shaker Plan - despite ovaries ticking like time bombs, she returns to her life in Pennsylvania. Almost immediately, she's juggling two eligible bachelors: Addison, a young beat reporter; and True, a venerable anthropology professor. Both men have ample charms and soul mate potential to test her new found Shaker-style self-control, and Grace appears to be on the fast track to a marriage proposal... until secrets revealed deliver a death rattle to the Shaker Plan.
Grace Savage, 35-years old, visited a Shakers Village with her pregnant sister-in-law, Rae Ane, where Grace was thoroughly intrigued with the lifestyle of Shakers men and women of how graced celibacy. Vowed to lead her life in a Shaker way, she returns back home, only to be dumped by her two-year old long boyfriend on her birthday. Incidentally, Grace's single days come to an end, when Addison and True, two eligible bachelors once again graces her life with love and joy.
I already read Gale's latest book, Who Killed 'Tom Jones'? few months ago and I simply fell in love with Martin's effortlessly delightful style of writing! Similarly, in Grace Unexpected, Martin has once again left me ROFL with her witty narrative style. Moreover, she spun this whole plot in a captivating manner, underlying with clever and funny antidotes to cracking up moments to humorous mishaps- all resulting in a fun-ride for the readers.
The characters are equally well-crafted, striking and completely down-to-earth. Grace is an admirable and charming woman who is worried over her ticking away biological clock rather than focusing on men. Addison and True are equally superb characters, very lively. All the characters burst out a colorful ray of realism and fun.
Gale's story focuses on some important topics of a woman's life- her social life, choices over men and life, and finally embracing oneself, and issues sustaining in both personal and professional lives. Moreover, the author wrote it in such a way with careful funny remarks and LOL moments, that it leaves you with enough space to judge it with your own perspective, The best thing about Martin's books are that there's never a dull moment and that smirk never leaves my face while reading her book.
Verdict: If you enjoy an entertaining women's contemporary fiction that won't stop you laughing for even a single moment, then definitely grab this book.
Courtesy: All thanks to Gale Martin, for giving me the opportunity to read and review her book.
but if it is both necessary and useful,
don't hesitate to make it beautiful."
---- Shaker dictum
According to Wikipedia, The United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing is a religious sect, also known as the Shakers, founded in the 18th century in England, having branched off from a Quaker community. They were known as "Shaking Quakers" because of their ecstatic behavior during worship services.
Gale Martin, an award winning American author and one of my favorite authors, has yet once again enthralled my soul with her new book, Grace Unexpected featuring the American Shaker community and a woman with all her confused life's decisions to make.
Synopsis:
Thirty-something Grace Savage has slogged through crummy jobs and dead-end relationships with men who would rather go bald than say "I do." In search of respite from her current job, she visits Shaker Village in New Hampshire. Instead of renewal, she's unnerved to learn that Shaker men and women lived and worked side by side in complete celibacy. When her longtime boyfriend dumps her instead of proposing, Grace avows the sexless Shaker ways. Resolved to stick to her new plan - dubbed the Shaker Plan - despite ovaries ticking like time bombs, she returns to her life in Pennsylvania. Almost immediately, she's juggling two eligible bachelors: Addison, a young beat reporter; and True, a venerable anthropology professor. Both men have ample charms and soul mate potential to test her new found Shaker-style self-control, and Grace appears to be on the fast track to a marriage proposal... until secrets revealed deliver a death rattle to the Shaker Plan.
Grace Savage, 35-years old, visited a Shakers Village with her pregnant sister-in-law, Rae Ane, where Grace was thoroughly intrigued with the lifestyle of Shakers men and women of how graced celibacy. Vowed to lead her life in a Shaker way, she returns back home, only to be dumped by her two-year old long boyfriend on her birthday. Incidentally, Grace's single days come to an end, when Addison and True, two eligible bachelors once again graces her life with love and joy.
I already read Gale's latest book, Who Killed 'Tom Jones'? few months ago and I simply fell in love with Martin's effortlessly delightful style of writing! Similarly, in Grace Unexpected, Martin has once again left me ROFL with her witty narrative style. Moreover, she spun this whole plot in a captivating manner, underlying with clever and funny antidotes to cracking up moments to humorous mishaps- all resulting in a fun-ride for the readers.
The characters are equally well-crafted, striking and completely down-to-earth. Grace is an admirable and charming woman who is worried over her ticking away biological clock rather than focusing on men. Addison and True are equally superb characters, very lively. All the characters burst out a colorful ray of realism and fun.
Gale's story focuses on some important topics of a woman's life- her social life, choices over men and life, and finally embracing oneself, and issues sustaining in both personal and professional lives. Moreover, the author wrote it in such a way with careful funny remarks and LOL moments, that it leaves you with enough space to judge it with your own perspective, The best thing about Martin's books are that there's never a dull moment and that smirk never leaves my face while reading her book.
Verdict: If you enjoy an entertaining women's contemporary fiction that won't stop you laughing for even a single moment, then definitely grab this book.
Courtesy: All thanks to Gale Martin, for giving me the opportunity to read and review her book.
June 1, 2014
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Best core workout, EVER! I laughed so hard throughout Grace Unexpected, my abs are killing me now! What goes on inside the mind of author Gale Martin, whatever it is, it calls to my inner snark monster perfectly! Never thought the often overwhelming singles life could be so hysterical, in spite of its pitfalls, break ups and ticking biological clocks.
From almost engaged to suddenly single to having TWO amazingly hot, totally different men lusting for her, Grace’s head and heart are both spinning. Too bad she made a vow to remain celibate until there is a commitment. Meanwhile, she is getting blasted from all directions, set up for failure at work, her cougar mother is honing in on one of her men and her “clock” is starting to sound like a time bomb.
Gale Martin knows how to take one of life’s trials and turn it into a three ring circus of love, loss and attitude. As ringmaster, Ms. Martin totally rocks the show with her main character, Grace, although I have to say, this is probably one of the best cast of characters ,EVER for a humorous romance with snark. We have the evil co-worker, the charming older man, the electrifying younger man, and the gay assistant/friend who isn’t quite sure if he’s gay, bi or what. I tend to believe that Gale Martin may be the best cure for the blues, ever and I’d pay for tickets to a journey through her mind!!
Publication Date: July 13, 2012
Publisher: Booktrope Editions
ISBN: 1935961616
Genre: Adult Romance - Humor
Print Length: 273 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
September 15, 2018
Grace Unexpected is full of humor, snappy dialogue, humorous situations and crazy characters. Grace Savage visits a Shaker Village in New Hampshire with her sister-in-law and comes away with the Shaker Plan. She is in a dead end job at a small college, has two bosses she can't stand with good reason and her boyfriend of two years breaks up with her on her birthday while taking a shower. She moves from one wacky situation to another including meeting a guy in his jockey shorts at a dorm fire, meet two hot guys that each give her different feelings and things she is looking for in a man. Accused of kissing a priceless painting in the college library it all comes to a head when she is faced with the relationship between her two men and how impossible it makes being with either of them. You just have to read Grace Unexpected to enjoy all the fun and problems she has in her personal life, work and family life too. I loved it.
August 6, 2012
Grace Savage along with her pregnant sister-in-law and best friend Rae Ann are visiting a Shaker Village in New Hampshire. While touring the Village and learning about Shaker life Grace is appalled by the notion that celibacy is at the root of the Shaker lifestyle. She has a rather strange encounter with a portrait of a Shaker woman taken around 1880 and decides her tour is over. Upon returning home her boyfriend Christian breaks up with her on her birthday while taking a shower in her bathroom and Grace decides that she will firmly embrace the ‘Shaker Plan’ of celibacy in her own life. The circumstances and course of her life are about to change and Grace learns how to deal with her emotions and relationships in a challenging and life altering way.
Grace is a wonderful character that is a force to be reckoned with. Gale Martin has the unique ability to draw and define her characters with precision and depth. Each character introduced in this story is substantial and woven into the story seamlessly and successfully. Addison and True are her two suitors and characters that are endearing in their own way as well as being a driving force in this book. The remaining cast of characters are vivid and colorful and lend a unique and substantial element of realism, enjoyment and fun. As the character Les - President of the University would say "Are we having fun yet?”.
Grace Unexpected is also a book about self-discovery and self-appreciation. It brings to the surface issues faced by women both in the workplace and in their personal lives. It delicately and with humor tackles situations that I feel women can relate to and understand in an intelligent and humorous way.
Gale Martin has a writing style that not only keeps you invested in the story but allows you to laugh and appreciate and learn at the same time. This is a delightful, funny, intelligent and wonderfully written story that I wholeheartedly recommend.
Grace is a wonderful character that is a force to be reckoned with. Gale Martin has the unique ability to draw and define her characters with precision and depth. Each character introduced in this story is substantial and woven into the story seamlessly and successfully. Addison and True are her two suitors and characters that are endearing in their own way as well as being a driving force in this book. The remaining cast of characters are vivid and colorful and lend a unique and substantial element of realism, enjoyment and fun. As the character Les - President of the University would say "Are we having fun yet?”.
Grace Unexpected is also a book about self-discovery and self-appreciation. It brings to the surface issues faced by women both in the workplace and in their personal lives. It delicately and with humor tackles situations that I feel women can relate to and understand in an intelligent and humorous way.
Gale Martin has a writing style that not only keeps you invested in the story but allows you to laugh and appreciate and learn at the same time. This is a delightful, funny, intelligent and wonderfully written story that I wholeheartedly recommend.
December 30, 2017
Wonderfully funny
The storyline is definitely for middle aged women who like a little romance and humor. It's funny in all the right p!aces. While I could foretell some events in the book there were also a few surprises. This is a must-read for any woman, but especially for those who enjoy humor and romance all rolled into one book.
The storyline is definitely for middle aged women who like a little romance and humor. It's funny in all the right p!aces. While I could foretell some events in the book there were also a few surprises. This is a must-read for any woman, but especially for those who enjoy humor and romance all rolled into one book.
October 18, 2012
Gale Martin's Grace Unexpected is a quick and hilarious contemporary read that left me wanting more. Revolving around Grace Savage's love and professional life, Grace Unexpected shows readers what a newly single, 'cougar' goes through when trying to find the perfect man to settle down with.
Grace's world is turned upside down on her 35th birthday by none other than her love. Expecting an engagement ring from her boyfriend, she instead gets the boot in a very unconventional way (my mouth was hanging open reading it go down!) Grace concludes that she has had enough of her doomed love life and sex crazed men. Drastic times call for drastic measures, and Grace decides that she is going to go on the 'Shaker Plan,' a plan she dreamed up after learning that Shakers were celibate while working side by side with the opposite sex. No more wild, partying ways; instead Grace swears off men and sex until she finds 'the one.' She also decides this could help her advance her career where she works in a local college's University Relations office.
As luck would have it, as soon as Grace implements her Shaker Plan she meets two men. Addison and True are two completely opposite, intelligent, and sexy bachelors that want Grace. However, both men are out of her normal dating age range. Addison is a twenty-four year old reporter who is staying at the college Grace works at. True is a sixty-something Anthropology Professor Grace meets while auditing his class. As both men romance her, Grace realizes her Shaker Plan may not be all that it is cracked up to be.
One of my favorite characters in Grace Unexpected is Goody, Grace's assistant. Young, hip, and witty, Goody lends an ear when Grace needs someone to vent to and is her partner in crime. I loved that he always had something clever to say and was laugh out loud funny.
I was happy with how Grace Unexpected ended, yet it left me wanting more. I wish it would have shown a snippet of Grace's future relationship. My finger's are crossed for a Grace Unexpected 2...or maybe Grace Expecting!
I absolutely LOVED Gale Martin's, Grace Unexpected and recommend it to anyone who loves chick lit. Grace Unexpected has it all: sexual frustration, great friendships, witty dialogue, hilarious scenes, and even a shocking twist thrown in that will shock you! Do yourself a favor and read this great book, you won't be disappointed!
Gale Martin gave me this book in exchange for a review.
Grace's world is turned upside down on her 35th birthday by none other than her love. Expecting an engagement ring from her boyfriend, she instead gets the boot in a very unconventional way (my mouth was hanging open reading it go down!) Grace concludes that she has had enough of her doomed love life and sex crazed men. Drastic times call for drastic measures, and Grace decides that she is going to go on the 'Shaker Plan,' a plan she dreamed up after learning that Shakers were celibate while working side by side with the opposite sex. No more wild, partying ways; instead Grace swears off men and sex until she finds 'the one.' She also decides this could help her advance her career where she works in a local college's University Relations office.
As luck would have it, as soon as Grace implements her Shaker Plan she meets two men. Addison and True are two completely opposite, intelligent, and sexy bachelors that want Grace. However, both men are out of her normal dating age range. Addison is a twenty-four year old reporter who is staying at the college Grace works at. True is a sixty-something Anthropology Professor Grace meets while auditing his class. As both men romance her, Grace realizes her Shaker Plan may not be all that it is cracked up to be.
One of my favorite characters in Grace Unexpected is Goody, Grace's assistant. Young, hip, and witty, Goody lends an ear when Grace needs someone to vent to and is her partner in crime. I loved that he always had something clever to say and was laugh out loud funny.
I was happy with how Grace Unexpected ended, yet it left me wanting more. I wish it would have shown a snippet of Grace's future relationship. My finger's are crossed for a Grace Unexpected 2...or maybe Grace Expecting!
I absolutely LOVED Gale Martin's, Grace Unexpected and recommend it to anyone who loves chick lit. Grace Unexpected has it all: sexual frustration, great friendships, witty dialogue, hilarious scenes, and even a shocking twist thrown in that will shock you! Do yourself a favor and read this great book, you won't be disappointed!
Gale Martin gave me this book in exchange for a review.
April 26, 2014
What I thought I would read: a woman visits a Shaker village to find herself and is inspired by their vow of celibacy to live her life in much the same way. She is desperate to get married and her new-found lifestyle stops her from giving away the milk for free so future husband has to buy the cow instead. Almost immediately she finds two dream men, is torn making the ultimate decision, and at some point will live happily ever after and make lots of babies. She will learn some deep meaning of life or have a profound soliloquy that will bring me to tears.
Here is what I got: a woman visits a Shaker village and after a 10 minute guided tour which she eyerolls her way through and ignores half of, she exits a building by the door marked "men" causing a Shaker ghost to follow her home and possess her toilet. She figures out the ghost is telling her to quit being a slut. She decides to be "celebate just like the Shakers" which to her means to be rude and disrespectful to any male she could be remotely attracted to, and to stop having sex but start being a dick tease instead. She relies on being a douchebag so the guys run off, seeing as how she can only think about the little man in the canoe being flicked by anyone and everyone and can't actually commit to being celebate by her own actual will power. She meets two guys as bad as her string of ex's have always been. I am sure at some point she will get stuck with one and live happily ever after but I have no idea because I stopped reading about half-way through. I just couldn't anymore.
So why didn't I give this book a one-star review if it was so awful? Because even though I was annoyed by Grace and wanted to vomit at every mention of "the Shaker Plan," the story was well laid out, the writing clear, and the choice of words varied and interesting. It is a case of a bad story well done.
Here is what I got: a woman visits a Shaker village and after a 10 minute guided tour which she eyerolls her way through and ignores half of, she exits a building by the door marked "men" causing a Shaker ghost to follow her home and possess her toilet. She figures out the ghost is telling her to quit being a slut. She decides to be "celebate just like the Shakers" which to her means to be rude and disrespectful to any male she could be remotely attracted to, and to stop having sex but start being a dick tease instead. She relies on being a douchebag so the guys run off, seeing as how she can only think about the little man in the canoe being flicked by anyone and everyone and can't actually commit to being celebate by her own actual will power. She meets two guys as bad as her string of ex's have always been. I am sure at some point she will get stuck with one and live happily ever after but I have no idea because I stopped reading about half-way through. I just couldn't anymore.
So why didn't I give this book a one-star review if it was so awful? Because even though I was annoyed by Grace and wanted to vomit at every mention of "the Shaker Plan," the story was well laid out, the writing clear, and the choice of words varied and interesting. It is a case of a bad story well done.
September 23, 2012
Grace Savage expects her boyfriend of two years to propose to her on her 35th birthday. Instead, he breaks up with her from behind a shower curtain and tells her she's not "long-term material." Deciding she's clearly not doing something right when it comes to her relationships with men, Grace decides to take a lesson from the Shakers, who in the late 1700s lived a life of celibacy, and give up sex. Suddenly two of the sexiest men on the college campus where she works take an interest in Grace, making this vow of celibacy more difficult than she ever expected. One of the men is 11 years younger than her and the other is 15 years older but it turns out the age difference is nothing compared to the other complications which arise when Grace attempts to choose between them. Oh, and someone is trying to sabotage her career on top of all of this!
I read this novel in one sitting while flying from NYC to Seattle and I loved it. Grace Unexpected has a little bit of everything - romance, mystery and a whole lot of humor. I laughed out loud on several occasions and found myself swooning over both of Grace's love interests. Although I predicted the twist before it was revealed, the ending had me on the edge of my seat because I really had no idea what direction the author would take. I am SO glad with the way it ended though. Great, fun read and I LOVED that it distracted me from a very turbulent flight :)
I read this novel in one sitting while flying from NYC to Seattle and I loved it. Grace Unexpected has a little bit of everything - romance, mystery and a whole lot of humor. I laughed out loud on several occasions and found myself swooning over both of Grace's love interests. Although I predicted the twist before it was revealed, the ending had me on the edge of my seat because I really had no idea what direction the author would take. I am SO glad with the way it ended though. Great, fun read and I LOVED that it distracted me from a very turbulent flight :)
July 20, 2016
Grace Unexpected by Gale Martin is a smart and funny story about a thirty-something woman who is faced to cry uncle when she calls down the ire of the Shaker ancestors by smart mouthing a dower Shaker maiden while on a visit to one of their Historical sites in New Hampshire. Once returned to Pennsylvania, the wild nightlife and wanderlust life Grace has lived is shelved as she enacts what she calls ‘The Plan’, which dictates a new Grace, one who represses her libidinous urges and earthly indulgences. Hilarity ensues as she juggles suitors, work, family, stress, heartache and headache, injury and a conniving co-worker with plans to knife her in the back and sink her ship with a pair of well placed lips.
Tongue Wagger - Grace Unexpected by Gale Martin,
Also come see Gale featured as the Weekly Indie Word Slinger!
Tongue Wagger - Grace Unexpected by Gale Martin,
Also come see Gale featured as the Weekly Indie Word Slinger!
September 21, 2012
I absolutely loved this book. I loved the characters, I loved the story, and I loved the humor. This is by far one of the best books I have read in a long time, and I'll be looking for more books by Gale Martin.
February 2, 2020
A great read. The ending was unexpected. I don’t know how it will work out but, all in all, the whole story is incredible and shows a different level of understanding when it comes to the word ‘love’. – Ara of My Book and My Coffee
Full review here: https://www.mybookandmycoffee.com/201...
Full review here: https://www.mybookandmycoffee.com/201...
December 23, 2012
Who amongst us has not been in the same position as Grace Savage, beset by dead end jobs and crummy men in whom we invest too much of ourselves too soon? At least 90% of womanhood I would wager, if everyone is being honest!
Gale Martin's character, Grace, is determined to change her life, which involves allowing men to chase and catch her rather than the other way around. After her of "two-years-standing" boyfriend, Christian, breaks off their relationship not only on her 35th birthday (there's a clock ticking, can you hear it?) but while he is in the shower at her apartment, Grace swears she will be in "pole position" next time.
This book is marvellous fun to read, littered with "Gracisms" - should I say, "Martinisms"? Two early in the story from the main character made me roar with laughter: "I dug into my handbag like a cat in a sandbox..." (Don't we all do that?) and: "I wanted to knee Christian in his codpiece." Oh yes, there has undoubtedly been a Christian or two in most women's lives!
One of the nicest aspects of this book for me - and there are lots - is the use of titles for chapters. This method makes the book more interesting, because when I open it and read the titles there is a great sense of anticipation. I know it's going to be a terrific read because the author has taken time to think about what she - or he - is producing for the discerning reader.
All in all, a masterful novel, highly recommended :) Go for it, folks, you will love this well-written and finely-paced story by Gale Martin.
Gale Martin's character, Grace, is determined to change her life, which involves allowing men to chase and catch her rather than the other way around. After her of "two-years-standing" boyfriend, Christian, breaks off their relationship not only on her 35th birthday (there's a clock ticking, can you hear it?) but while he is in the shower at her apartment, Grace swears she will be in "pole position" next time.
This book is marvellous fun to read, littered with "Gracisms" - should I say, "Martinisms"? Two early in the story from the main character made me roar with laughter: "I dug into my handbag like a cat in a sandbox..." (Don't we all do that?) and: "I wanted to knee Christian in his codpiece." Oh yes, there has undoubtedly been a Christian or two in most women's lives!
One of the nicest aspects of this book for me - and there are lots - is the use of titles for chapters. This method makes the book more interesting, because when I open it and read the titles there is a great sense of anticipation. I know it's going to be a terrific read because the author has taken time to think about what she - or he - is producing for the discerning reader.
All in all, a masterful novel, highly recommended :) Go for it, folks, you will love this well-written and finely-paced story by Gale Martin.
October 28, 2015
If you are need of a giggle then this is the book you must pick up and read. I spent most of this book in stitches with (happy) tears running down my face! I have never before this book read any Gale Martin, but she is now going to be one of the first authors I reach for if I’m in need of a good chuckle.
After being broken up with by her long term boyfriend on her birthday (seriously, who does that?!) Grace decides to go on ‘The Shaker Plan’, aka go celibate. It isn’t long after she has made this decision that she suddenly has two really hot guys after her both of whom leave her heart racing.
The characters in this book are very well developed and easy to connect with making for a fun read. Grace is the perfect character for a comical romance book and she will have you grinning like an idiot right from the start with her comic mishaps and banter.
"For a woman to be taken as seriously as a man she must be three times as effective. Happily, this is not difficult.--Simone de Beauvoir"
Gale Martin totally rocks this genre and knows exactly what to do with her characters and storyline to get the response that she wants and that her audience loves. I would love to spend a day in her head, and no doubt would end up with severe stitches and making that weird snorting noise I make when I laugh to much! Funny and romantic, Grace Unexpected is the perfect cure to a case of the blues and will have giggling for hours!
You can find more of my reviews at Broc's Bookcase
After being broken up with by her long term boyfriend on her birthday (seriously, who does that?!) Grace decides to go on ‘The Shaker Plan’, aka go celibate. It isn’t long after she has made this decision that she suddenly has two really hot guys after her both of whom leave her heart racing.
The characters in this book are very well developed and easy to connect with making for a fun read. Grace is the perfect character for a comical romance book and she will have you grinning like an idiot right from the start with her comic mishaps and banter.
"For a woman to be taken as seriously as a man she must be three times as effective. Happily, this is not difficult.--Simone de Beauvoir"
Gale Martin totally rocks this genre and knows exactly what to do with her characters and storyline to get the response that she wants and that her audience loves. I would love to spend a day in her head, and no doubt would end up with severe stitches and making that weird snorting noise I make when I laugh to much! Funny and romantic, Grace Unexpected is the perfect cure to a case of the blues and will have giggling for hours!
You can find more of my reviews at Broc's Bookcase
February 12, 2013
When I first started reading Grace Unexpected I have to admit I wasn’t thrilled – religion and celibacy are not usually what readers look for in a book and it started kind of slow. Then somewhere around the third chapter the book kicked into action and the real story of Grace Unexpected, a 35-year-old PR woman dealing with the highs and lows of trying to find Mr Right, began.
The reader is endeared to Grace by the horrible break up she endures at the beginning of the novel and the boredom of her job on a college campus. The pettiness of University politics comes across very well and you want to strangle Grace’s boss from virtually the moment you meet her! The novel zips along happily as Savage declares post horrible breakup celibacy. But fate has other plans for her as two handsome men chase after Grace. The young toy boy reporter who attaches himself to our protagonist is particularly entertaining: he falls for her after getting drunk in a bar and then wakes up the next day realising he still wants to spend time with beautiful Grace.
The highlight of the novel is best friend Goody. Although occasionally the character is too much the gay best friend stereotype, Goody is the most charming of Grace’s friends and acts as pleasant comic relief to the constant drama going on at the centre of the novel. After a slow start, this book is a snappy entertaining read, with lots of moments of real insight into the problems and pleasures of finding romance.
The reader is endeared to Grace by the horrible break up she endures at the beginning of the novel and the boredom of her job on a college campus. The pettiness of University politics comes across very well and you want to strangle Grace’s boss from virtually the moment you meet her! The novel zips along happily as Savage declares post horrible breakup celibacy. But fate has other plans for her as two handsome men chase after Grace. The young toy boy reporter who attaches himself to our protagonist is particularly entertaining: he falls for her after getting drunk in a bar and then wakes up the next day realising he still wants to spend time with beautiful Grace.
The highlight of the novel is best friend Goody. Although occasionally the character is too much the gay best friend stereotype, Goody is the most charming of Grace’s friends and acts as pleasant comic relief to the constant drama going on at the centre of the novel. After a slow start, this book is a snappy entertaining read, with lots of moments of real insight into the problems and pleasures of finding romance.
September 11, 2012
The only reason Grace Unexpected is receiving 4 stars and not 5 is that it was slow to get into....but once I did...watch out! My husband was not so appreciative of Gale Martin's writing style as I was laughing out loud in the middle of the night while reading! Grace is such a wonderfully fun character, I want her for my best friend! I seriously need to check out the author's other book as this one left me wanting more!
My rating system is as follows:
5 stars - Excellent, Worth Every Penny, Made It Into My Personal Library!
4 stars - Great book, but not a classic.
3 stars - Good overall, generally well written.
2 stars - Would not recommend based on personal criteria.
1 star - Difficult to read, hard to finish, or didn't finish. Wouldn't recommend purchasing or reading.
In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book I review was provided to me by the publisher, media group or the author for free and no financial payments were received, unless specified otherwise.
My rating system is as follows:
5 stars - Excellent, Worth Every Penny, Made It Into My Personal Library!
4 stars - Great book, but not a classic.
3 stars - Good overall, generally well written.
2 stars - Would not recommend based on personal criteria.
1 star - Difficult to read, hard to finish, or didn't finish. Wouldn't recommend purchasing or reading.
In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book I review was provided to me by the publisher, media group or the author for free and no financial payments were received, unless specified otherwise.
January 25, 2013
After years of Grace being unhappy with her never ending jobs and boyfriends she has got a plan. Granted a stolen plan, but a plan never the less. She calls it the Shaker plan. After a trip with her best friend/sister in law to New England she learned how the Shakers lived and worked side by side in celibacy. Grace thought this to be a brilliant idea - not forever, but until she got her life straightened out. So far Grace was doing great, except for the fact that not only was she falling for one man but two. Little did she know the secret that was in store for her.
Gale Martin did an great job writing this. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and those around me thoroughly enjoyed watching me jump out of my seat and scream "ARE YOU SERIOUS?" while reading the second to last chapter of the book. Want to find out more? You'll just have to pick this one up!
Gale Martin did an great job writing this. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and those around me thoroughly enjoyed watching me jump out of my seat and scream "ARE YOU SERIOUS?" while reading the second to last chapter of the book. Want to find out more? You'll just have to pick this one up!
October 1, 2012
Not my usual read, but I was feeling adventurous. And I actually ended up really enjoying this book! It kept me interested, I finished it in one sitting.
After an unexpected break up with long time boyfriend, Grace declares herself on the Shakers Plan. So of course two men come along threatening to disrupt her sexless existence. They both have vastly different ages and personalities, which only adds to the confusion.
There is a twist I honestly saw coming, but I found that didn't really take away from the shock I experienced once I finally read it.
I picked this up as a freebie but would gladly have paid. Goes to show some good things can be free!
After an unexpected break up with long time boyfriend, Grace declares herself on the Shakers Plan. So of course two men come along threatening to disrupt her sexless existence. They both have vastly different ages and personalities, which only adds to the confusion.
There is a twist I honestly saw coming, but I found that didn't really take away from the shock I experienced once I finally read it.
I picked this up as a freebie but would gladly have paid. Goes to show some good things can be free!
January 13, 2013
Grace Unexpected is simply delightful. The protagonist is sassy, confident, and yet constantly seeking to improve and challenge her life, her thoughts, her relationships. The action takes place in outrageous but absolutely possible scenarios in which I found myself vacillating in what I wanted or didn't want for Grace.
I was deeply satisfied with the ending of the book because everything and I mean EVERYTHING wrapped up in a way that felt good to me.
Oh, and if this is ever on the big screen, I see Drew Barrymore as Grace Savage!
I was deeply satisfied with the ending of the book because everything and I mean EVERYTHING wrapped up in a way that felt good to me.
Oh, and if this is ever on the big screen, I see Drew Barrymore as Grace Savage!
September 26, 2012
Reading Grace Unexpected by Gale Martin was like having a conversation with a favorite friend, funny, engaging and worth your time. I purposely read it one chapter per sitting because I didn't want it to end. The characters, especially Grace were well developed and I felt as though I might see them walking down the street at any minute. This book along with her first Don Juan In Hankey, PA are a wonderful addition to any book lovers collection.
November 10, 2012
A college PR maven loses her lover and decides to try celibacy to improve her luck. She immediately attracts the attention of two men--one younger, one older. Work also becomes a competition with a brash new employee over a promotion. Grace has a winning personality, however, and I found myself enjoying her humor and upbeat attitude. At times a bit too jokey the book was still a welcome distraction that I would especially recommend to fans of chic lit.
September 29, 2012
Grace Savage rocks! Grace is the star character in Gale Martin's newest chick-lit, Grace Unexpected. I really liked Grace, antics with her receptionist Goody, her love life with (spoiler alert)Addison and True. Gale puts faces on this great cast of characters who will have you chuckle out loud. BTW: the Shaker plan, it doesn't work!
April 18, 2013
For readers who enjoy romance/chick lit with more than a dash of brains and humor, this book will be right up your alley. As much as I enjoyed the primary character of Grace and her main co-horts (Goody, Addison and True), I even more got a kick out of some of the secondary characters, especially Les, the Shakespeare-loving president of the college. A fun, fast-paced read.
February 2, 2016
Grace Unexpected is the perfect book club read. Fun, witty, and charming, Grace Savage and her cast of characters win the reader over quickly. Who hasn't thought of giving up on love and sex at least once in their lives? And when the novel concludes, we find ourselves wishing for more Grace. Gale Martin is a terrific writer, and I loved this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2012
A cute book, very well written. I enjoyed it quite a bit more than I thought--honestly, the plot seemed a little weak, but the execution was excellent.
I enjoyed everything until the ending, which seemed a bit...rushed and forced.
Great, light summer read.
I enjoyed everything until the ending, which seemed a bit...rushed and forced.
Great, light summer read.
August 20, 2012
I really enjoyed Grace Unexpected. Gail Martin has written a funny and entertaining book that was difficult for me to put down. I couldn’t stop thinking about the characters and plot even while I wasn’t reading. I highly recommend this book!
September 22, 2012
This book had me laughing and smiling with each page. Grace decides to follow the 'Shakers plan' and then she has an evil co-worker. Read the book to find out what the 'Shakers' plan' is....
Great characters, wonderful story and a great HEA ending. I highly recommend this book.
Great characters, wonderful story and a great HEA ending. I highly recommend this book.
February 12, 2013
I really loved reading this book. It is a wonderful coming of age story. From the losing of a love to working her way through her thirties without repeating too much heartbreak. This story could be about any young girl just trying to fit in.
This was given to me as part of first reads.
This was given to me as part of first reads.
March 12, 2016
Mediocre book...okay for a beach read where you don't have to use a brain. The tangled web of relationships that was slowly revealed among the main characters was too contrived for my taste. And the ending? Seriously? Wrapped up with a giant bow and TOTALLY unrealistic.
August 30, 2012
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway!! From start to finish I loved it! Gale Martin is a great story teller. It was funny, witty and entertaining. A good lite read..
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