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Grace Doll
Grace Doll had everything a girl could Fame. Fortune. Beauty. Everything except her freedom. So when a powerful movie producer forces an experimental treatment on Grace--one that's purported to make beauty immortal--she stages her own death to escape him. With the help of trusted friends, Grace slips into hiding. She's forever flawless. Forever young, and forever pursued by her past.But when a stranger arrives on her doorstep, holding the key to a life she thought she'd left behind, Grace must decide between the safety she's known...and embracing the role she was born to play.
220 pages, Paperback
First published July 19, 2012
8 people are currently reading
900 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Laurens
16 books1,048 followersJennifer, aka JM Warwick was born and raised in Southern California and her hometown of Palos Verdes Estates flavors her books: A Season of Eden and An Open Vein. She doesn't limit herself to writing one genre, and was the first to author four romance novels centered around the popular sport of ballroom dancing.She has YA novels published under her YA romance name of Jennifer Laurens: Falling for Romeo, Magic Hands, Nailed and the Heavenly series: Heavenly ( 2009) Penitence (2010) and Absolution (2010) A Season of Eden (2011) and Overprotected ( 2011 ) Grace Doll ( 2012 ) .An Open Vein is under her JM Warwick pen name. Jennifer lives in Utah and has 6 children, one of whom has autism. Jennifer doesn't put stock in reviews - in fact she never reads them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
July 26, 2012
I’ve now read Grace Doll twice, and must say I was just as eager the second time around to read it. I was pulled into the pages, and entranced in Grace's world and story from the very first page.
** They wait for me, the crowd, like savages awaiting a sacrifice. They want me. What I am, what I have...** (( what an opening line )) I was compelled to read on...........
Jennifer Laurens has taken us on a different path with Grace Doll, slightly darker than any of her previous books. The story concept only, I found it intriguing and mesmerizing till I Turned that last page.
Grace Doll is every girls dream, Young, Beautiful, Talented and loved. A wonderful career ..... Even some may say, Loved to much. Rufus was every girl’s nightmare, dominant, demanding and possessive, to the point of wanting his Doll Forever Flawless, Forever young and forever his.
Rufus decides he wants to give Grace a gift for eternity - he puts his plans in motion for his Grace Doll to be his for all immortality. HIS LIVING DOLL. Unaffected by age, Forever his beauty.
At a young age, Grace was given the chance to shine - sizzle and be a movie star. Upon Meeting Rufus her dreams were met, but with harsh consequences.
Grace became his possession, his obsession - his to deal with as he pleased, and in time, Grace no longer wanted to be his Living Doll. His controlling nature and ways was not the life Grace wanted for herself.
A night that was meant to be her way out, ended up being a sentence.
A life in hiding, from the evil that hunted her.
80 years later - Destiny came knocking at her door.
***********************************************************************
Wow - I’ve read this book twice and I’m sure I read it in record breaking time both times. Second time around I think I was even more excited to see the edited copy and the extra’s that Jennifer added it. (( This will be an added extra for the readers )) grins.
A compelling storyline, with crisp dialogue that was fluent flowing, filled with twists and turns, and suspense that will keep you eagerly flipping till the last word.
The plot is intricate, intriguing, and solid. Giving the reader many thoughts along the way, a story that was definably unpredictable.
Heartfelt moments that will make your heart sag - moments where you will want to rip Rufus’s head of his shoulders and other moments where you are briskly reading to find out what’s next. Even the gooey moments, I was waiting for that first kiss ;) sigh ....
The emotions that Jennifer has put forth In Grace Doll, I’m sure are beyond words. As the reader I can feel everything that Grace felt, the hurt, hate, horror, and love.
At times, you will be taken aback by Grace's life, what Rufus put her through - and as a mother - My heart was aching for what poor young Grace went through at the hands of an older man.
Can someone be loved too much??
In Grace's case yes... He possessed her in every way possible. The animal and abusive man that he was portrayed well, and instantly as a reader I disliked him from the very first pages. Cringing along with Grace as I read about her life, I was unsure where the story was headed but eager to find out if she escaped Rufus's evil demands and clutches.
I loved the way in Which Jennifer put forth all her vivid descriptions, giving the reader every detail possible to see what is happening within the pages. So fluent - so detailed ...... it’s like your peering through a looking glass watching the story unfold.
The characters are all defined well, with depth and definition. Villains we all wanted to see vaporized, the bad portrayed at exactly that, the kindness and love of others shone from the pages.
We see Grace change along the way - from a timid young girl to a young girl with a mature mind. This will make more sense as you read on.
The chemistry and passion between Brenden and Grace was sizzling, not just because of Grace's circumstances, but because they both felt that connection. Brenden was a character that I easily fell in love with, caring and considerate and honestly innocent. Despite his upbringing and the hurt he felt, he found it within himself to Give Grace a chance. Even though beforehand he has other ideas.
As the suspense builds throughout the story, I felt like I was holding my breath just waiting for what was to come next.
Over all…..
Grace Doll is a well-paced suspense-filled with a story that will leave you breathless and many a heart stopping scenes to leave your heart sagging – yet also relieved.
An ending every reader will surely be smiling over ;) I Know I was.....
A must read to add to your shelves…
If you are viewing the kindle version make sure you click on the link titled GRACE DOLL HAPPY ENDING for the link ;) its after the Vanity Fair article on the last pages..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2012
Jennifer Lauren’s Grace Doll is as elegant as the its namesake character.
The story begins in 1949 when Grace Doll is seventeen-years old. She is beautiful, wildly famous, and married to a obsessed and controlling man named Rufus Solomon. He is so consumed by his wife’s looks that he plans for her to take part in an experimental treatment that will stop her from aging and preserve her beauty forever.
Grace’s discomfort with her situation is so obvious that the doctor performing the experiment gives her a vial without Rufus’ knowledge and hints that it will help her later on. Jonathon and Oscar, Grace’s makeup artist and personal assistants and her only friends, plot to help Grace escape from Rufus by faking her death in a fire.
Once Grace “dies,” the story jumps ahead to sometime around the present day and the point of view becomes Brendan’s. Brendan is Jonathon’s son, and he has been charged with his dying father’s last request: to get a package to Grace Doll, who is still alive, without anyone else knowing. This task turns out to be harder and more dangerous than Brendan expects. Rufus contacts him almost immediately after Jonathon’s funeral in order to obtain information on Grace’s whereabouts–he doesn’t believe that she died in the fire and he doesn’t believe that Jonathon would keep his secrets from his son. Furious with the way his life has turned out and Rufus’ harassment, Brendan sets out to find Grace and sets a chain of events in motion that will shatter the safe, hidden life she created for herself.
Laurens does an excellent job of showing Grace’s constant fear and loathing of her husband. Even though Grace refers to punishments she would receive if she did not act according to his wishes, we see Rufus use sex as a means of control rather than beatings, though, either way, he’s clearly a dick. The sex is the fade to black variety and is appropriate for the book’s YA genre.
Furthermore, Laurens’ writing style draws you in as she shows you what is happening rather than telling you. It also leads to characters that are well developed.
Grace Doll is an excellent novel that I highly recommend. Even though the subject matter is a little dark, it is written in a manner that is appropriate for teens or adults.
The story begins in 1949 when Grace Doll is seventeen-years old. She is beautiful, wildly famous, and married to a obsessed and controlling man named Rufus Solomon. He is so consumed by his wife’s looks that he plans for her to take part in an experimental treatment that will stop her from aging and preserve her beauty forever.
Grace’s discomfort with her situation is so obvious that the doctor performing the experiment gives her a vial without Rufus’ knowledge and hints that it will help her later on. Jonathon and Oscar, Grace’s makeup artist and personal assistants and her only friends, plot to help Grace escape from Rufus by faking her death in a fire.
Once Grace “dies,” the story jumps ahead to sometime around the present day and the point of view becomes Brendan’s. Brendan is Jonathon’s son, and he has been charged with his dying father’s last request: to get a package to Grace Doll, who is still alive, without anyone else knowing. This task turns out to be harder and more dangerous than Brendan expects. Rufus contacts him almost immediately after Jonathon’s funeral in order to obtain information on Grace’s whereabouts–he doesn’t believe that she died in the fire and he doesn’t believe that Jonathon would keep his secrets from his son. Furious with the way his life has turned out and Rufus’ harassment, Brendan sets out to find Grace and sets a chain of events in motion that will shatter the safe, hidden life she created for herself.
Laurens does an excellent job of showing Grace’s constant fear and loathing of her husband. Even though Grace refers to punishments she would receive if she did not act according to his wishes, we see Rufus use sex as a means of control rather than beatings, though, either way, he’s clearly a dick. The sex is the fade to black variety and is appropriate for the book’s YA genre.
Furthermore, Laurens’ writing style draws you in as she shows you what is happening rather than telling you. It also leads to characters that are well developed.
Grace Doll is an excellent novel that I highly recommend. Even though the subject matter is a little dark, it is written in a manner that is appropriate for teens or adults.
August 22, 2012
Grace Doll was an exhilarating read with so many different elements that made it amazing. The story begins in 1949 Hollywood with an insight into the life of the beautiful movie star, Grace Doll. We are shown the glittering world of the rich and famous and what terrors lurk in the shadows, how people are acquired, remodeled and held prisoner in their own life. How sometimes, someone will go to any lengths to keep their prized possessions young and beautiful forever.
When Grace manages to escape her nightmare existence, she must forget the world she came from and slip into hiding. And for sixty years Grace watched the world around her change, the faces she knew best become withered and aged and old demons still haunt her thoughts. She resigns herself to her destiny, never once imagining that a stranger in a storm could bring with him the chance to really live again.
Grace Doll slipped under my skin and held me captive as efficiently as Rufus would have. There was a darkness to the story that made it impossible to put down and gave a certain sense of foreboding to the pages.
There are so many genres Grace Doll could fall into. Drama. Romance. Thriller. Mystery. It has all these things, but an element unique to the author who adds a spark only she can give that makes the book as special as it is.
Jennifer Laurens takes her readers on an adventure with her books, and as a big fan, I was so happy to devour Grace Doll. It is easily her best work yet and I could see the whole thing played out right in front of me, as thought Grace herself came to life to play the role she was born to play.
Every character in this book had substance that helped bring the story to life and I cared about all of them. Okay, a more than a little afraid of a certain one.
This is a book I will be urging everyone to read. It was exciting. It was haunting. It was beautiful.
When Grace manages to escape her nightmare existence, she must forget the world she came from and slip into hiding. And for sixty years Grace watched the world around her change, the faces she knew best become withered and aged and old demons still haunt her thoughts. She resigns herself to her destiny, never once imagining that a stranger in a storm could bring with him the chance to really live again.
Grace Doll slipped under my skin and held me captive as efficiently as Rufus would have. There was a darkness to the story that made it impossible to put down and gave a certain sense of foreboding to the pages.
There are so many genres Grace Doll could fall into. Drama. Romance. Thriller. Mystery. It has all these things, but an element unique to the author who adds a spark only she can give that makes the book as special as it is.
Jennifer Laurens takes her readers on an adventure with her books, and as a big fan, I was so happy to devour Grace Doll. It is easily her best work yet and I could see the whole thing played out right in front of me, as thought Grace herself came to life to play the role she was born to play.
Every character in this book had substance that helped bring the story to life and I cared about all of them. Okay, a more than a little afraid of a certain one.
This is a book I will be urging everyone to read. It was exciting. It was haunting. It was beautiful.
August 21, 2012
I love Jennifer Laurens' work so I was super excited about her latest release Grace Doll.
I was even more excited once I got the actual book in my hands, let me say for the record that the cover on this is just gorgeous. The pictures do not do it justice.
I was almost afraid to open it up because I didn't want to hurt it in anyway but of course that thought didn't last long since I was dying to read it. I had to crack that baby open and dive right in and oh boy did it start off with a bang. From the very first chapter I knew I was going to be hooked. I knew nothing else was going to get done. All chores and obligations were going to be ignored until I finally got to the last page. And I hate to admit it but although I had started another book hours prior to receiving this one in the mail and wasn't even close to having it done yet, I had to put it on hold. I just had to start this one...immediately.
And it was worth it. I don't even feel bad now for putting down another book to start this one.
Yep, it was that good. Once again Laurens' has managed to blow me away with her beautiful writing and amazing storytelling abilities.
I have no clue where she comes up with her ideas but they are brilliant and completely unique. And her characters? She knows how to write them too.
Rufus...I don't think I have ever loathed a character so much since reading about Dolores Umbridge in the H.P. Series. I wanted to reach through the pages and give him what he deserved. I know not very nice of me but true all the same. He was just pure evil.
Grace, Brenden, Oscar...it was hard not to fall in love with them all.
I just loved every minute of this story and it deserves all of the 5 Stars that I am giving it here today.
If you want a great YA read that is different and fun and will keep you on the edge of your seat wanting more, then this is a must read!
I was even more excited once I got the actual book in my hands, let me say for the record that the cover on this is just gorgeous. The pictures do not do it justice.
I was almost afraid to open it up because I didn't want to hurt it in anyway but of course that thought didn't last long since I was dying to read it. I had to crack that baby open and dive right in and oh boy did it start off with a bang. From the very first chapter I knew I was going to be hooked. I knew nothing else was going to get done. All chores and obligations were going to be ignored until I finally got to the last page. And I hate to admit it but although I had started another book hours prior to receiving this one in the mail and wasn't even close to having it done yet, I had to put it on hold. I just had to start this one...immediately.
And it was worth it. I don't even feel bad now for putting down another book to start this one.
Yep, it was that good. Once again Laurens' has managed to blow me away with her beautiful writing and amazing storytelling abilities.
I have no clue where she comes up with her ideas but they are brilliant and completely unique. And her characters? She knows how to write them too.
Rufus...I don't think I have ever loathed a character so much since reading about Dolores Umbridge in the H.P. Series. I wanted to reach through the pages and give him what he deserved. I know not very nice of me but true all the same. He was just pure evil.
Grace, Brenden, Oscar...it was hard not to fall in love with them all.
I just loved every minute of this story and it deserves all of the 5 Stars that I am giving it here today.
If you want a great YA read that is different and fun and will keep you on the edge of your seat wanting more, then this is a must read!
November 3, 2012
Grace Doll is a story filled with haunting emotions. I was pulled into Grace's world of heartache and sadness. Her life under the control of the sick and demented mind of Rufus is so disheartening that I was ready to bust. But, thankfully, there is a glimmer of hope and I held onto that hope as much as Grace, I think.
You will love to hate Rufus. He is perverted, sick and obsessed. All the way around.
You will love Oscar and Jonathan. They are heroes.
Brenden will grow on you. I didn't love him out of the gate. It took some time but by the end it was there.
I love the setting in the first part of the book all 1940's Hollywood movie style. It's a fun era to picture in my mind. I also enjoyed the pictures in the book. It really helped bring the story to life.
The ending left me with questions. I'm not sure everything could have worked out quite so pat for Grace in the end but it was a good ending and my heart's desire for a happily ever after ending came true. At the end of the book is a link to a YouTube video that really gave a real feel to the happy ending for Grace. Fun, that.
My cautions as far as content would be some language and some instances of rape (although nothing described in detail).
3.5 stars
You will love to hate Rufus. He is perverted, sick and obsessed. All the way around.
You will love Oscar and Jonathan. They are heroes.
Brenden will grow on you. I didn't love him out of the gate. It took some time but by the end it was there.
I love the setting in the first part of the book all 1940's Hollywood movie style. It's a fun era to picture in my mind. I also enjoyed the pictures in the book. It really helped bring the story to life.
The ending left me with questions. I'm not sure everything could have worked out quite so pat for Grace in the end but it was a good ending and my heart's desire for a happily ever after ending came true. At the end of the book is a link to a YouTube video that really gave a real feel to the happy ending for Grace. Fun, that.
My cautions as far as content would be some language and some instances of rape (although nothing described in detail).
3.5 stars
October 1, 2012
Review to come...
Content: Some language. Although not graphically described at a very young age Grace is forced in a very controlling/abusive relationship and is a victim of her husband's cruelty.
Content: Some language. Although not graphically described at a very young age Grace is forced in a very controlling/abusive relationship and is a victim of her husband's cruelty.
September 3, 2012
Jennifer Laurens had me captivated between the two lovers and the enthralling plot of everlasting beauty from beginning to end. I praise her for her enticing words that kept me flipping through pages and the continued work of her intriguing books that never fail to enchant me.
May 19, 2022
Hmm... so overall I did enjoy this book. The suspense was quite palpable and I liked how the story was told from two points of view. However, I feel like I still have a lot of questions about the characters and certain scenes and I'm not completely satisfied with the ending. But it was a decent read. :)
November 5, 2020
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August 13, 2012
With hints of old Hollywood glam, an obsessively controlling and abusive relationship and a shroud of secrecy, Grace Doll is a suspenseful thriller where the possibility of being found constantly waits in the shadows. Though not without its faults - like insta love and a few too many unanswered questions - I found Grace Doll to be a relatively quick and entertaining read!
Having flourished as an actress in the late 40s, Grace has the charisma and feminine qualities one would associate with a woman of that era. Her mannerisms - in both speak and dress - and the grace and composure with which she holds herself together hint at old Hollywood glam. But the edge to her smiles and the glint of fear captured in her gaze are reminders of the abusive life she escaped.
Brenden is your typical teenager - full of angst over his father's passing and anger for his negligence, he agrees to track down Grace only to serve his own purposes: to tell Grace off for destroying his father's chances for happiness with any other woman, and to gain access to his trust fund. What he finds though, completely derails both of his plans. While I empathized with Brenden's newfound orphancy, and his practically nonexistent relationship with his father, I do wish we had been shown the reasons behind Jonathan's distance and that we had gotten to see them interact. Seeing everything through Brenden's perspective in Grace Doll kept me from understanding his father's motives; why trust his son with such an important task? Why hadn't he provided Grace with the contents of the safe deposit box earlier? Why leave things to chance? Questions that could have only been answered by Jonathan were left unanswered because of his untimely demise.
Something both protagonists commented on was the speed with which their relationship developed. I had to wonder why Brenden didn't question Grace's attraction to him - especially considering her relationship with his father. With the compassion and concern he showed for her, I also had to wonder why he didn't question if her attraction was in part because of the side effects of the truth serum. His complete lack of fear over being with someone who had lived for over eighty years, and his level of commitment at such a young age were both things I viewed with skepticism. But I wasn't only skeptic of Brenden - why was Grace to quick to start a relationship with the only person her age she had had contact with in years? Especially considering he was the son of someone that, while considered a dear friend, she was incapable of loving? And other then promise to keep her secret, what had Brenden done to truly gain her trust? Maybe Grace was just ready to let her past demons go, but while I did feel some chemistry between them, it did come across a little rushed and unrealistic.
The story flowed smoothly until about halfway through, where I felt it stalled slightly. After the intense emotional opening, I was expecting to hear more about Grace's abuse at the hands of Rufus and I was hoping to get a glimpse at her new found freedom. Once Grace returned to LA with Brenden however, the pacing picked right back up! Her reunion with Rufus was something I had hoped for since she left him to die in the house fire; I sat on the edge of my seat in anticipation for most of Grace Doll, waiting for Grace to show a flicker of interest in seeking vengeance. When the time came, Grace was subtle and sophisticated - which suited her character - but I had been hoping for something a little more thought out; I would have liked to have seen some preparation in anticipation of meeting with her abuser and tormenter. I did love the twist at the end though, as well as the Vanity Fair article - which I won't comment on further, for fear of spoilers!
Grace Doll captured my attention with it's dark and emotional intro, and then took me on a journey I didn't expect. Though there were things I questioned, I really enjoyed reading Grace's story and seeing how being with Brenden helped her work through her demons. A nice twist at the end caught me by surprise and the finality of the ending really tied up all the loose ends!
Having flourished as an actress in the late 40s, Grace has the charisma and feminine qualities one would associate with a woman of that era. Her mannerisms - in both speak and dress - and the grace and composure with which she holds herself together hint at old Hollywood glam. But the edge to her smiles and the glint of fear captured in her gaze are reminders of the abusive life she escaped.
"They wait for me, the crowd, like savages awaiting a sacrifice. They want me. What I am, what I have."Left with a debilitating side effect as the result of the youth serum, she finds it hard to trust strangers and even harder to be near them. I found her reactions to various situations in Grace Doll - though sometimes a little extreme - were understandable considering her past, and her fear and distrust of Brenden made it easier to believe in her emotional scarring.
Brenden is your typical teenager - full of angst over his father's passing and anger for his negligence, he agrees to track down Grace only to serve his own purposes: to tell Grace off for destroying his father's chances for happiness with any other woman, and to gain access to his trust fund. What he finds though, completely derails both of his plans. While I empathized with Brenden's newfound orphancy, and his practically nonexistent relationship with his father, I do wish we had been shown the reasons behind Jonathan's distance and that we had gotten to see them interact. Seeing everything through Brenden's perspective in Grace Doll kept me from understanding his father's motives; why trust his son with such an important task? Why hadn't he provided Grace with the contents of the safe deposit box earlier? Why leave things to chance? Questions that could have only been answered by Jonathan were left unanswered because of his untimely demise.
Something both protagonists commented on was the speed with which their relationship developed. I had to wonder why Brenden didn't question Grace's attraction to him - especially considering her relationship with his father. With the compassion and concern he showed for her, I also had to wonder why he didn't question if her attraction was in part because of the side effects of the truth serum. His complete lack of fear over being with someone who had lived for over eighty years, and his level of commitment at such a young age were both things I viewed with skepticism. But I wasn't only skeptic of Brenden - why was Grace to quick to start a relationship with the only person her age she had had contact with in years? Especially considering he was the son of someone that, while considered a dear friend, she was incapable of loving? And other then promise to keep her secret, what had Brenden done to truly gain her trust? Maybe Grace was just ready to let her past demons go, but while I did feel some chemistry between them, it did come across a little rushed and unrealistic.
The story flowed smoothly until about halfway through, where I felt it stalled slightly. After the intense emotional opening, I was expecting to hear more about Grace's abuse at the hands of Rufus and I was hoping to get a glimpse at her new found freedom. Once Grace returned to LA with Brenden however, the pacing picked right back up! Her reunion with Rufus was something I had hoped for since she left him to die in the house fire; I sat on the edge of my seat in anticipation for most of Grace Doll, waiting for Grace to show a flicker of interest in seeking vengeance. When the time came, Grace was subtle and sophisticated - which suited her character - but I had been hoping for something a little more thought out; I would have liked to have seen some preparation in anticipation of meeting with her abuser and tormenter. I did love the twist at the end though, as well as the Vanity Fair article - which I won't comment on further, for fear of spoilers!
Grace Doll captured my attention with it's dark and emotional intro, and then took me on a journey I didn't expect. Though there were things I questioned, I really enjoyed reading Grace's story and seeing how being with Brenden helped her work through her demons. A nice twist at the end caught me by surprise and the finality of the ending really tied up all the loose ends!
November 1, 2012
I loved loved this book.. It was such a fast read from page to page. I couldn't put the book down at all at night. Thank god my husband was working the night shifts because I would have ignored him until I finished the book. He wouldn't have liked that. Every page that I read of this book it kept me wanting more and more until the very last page. There is so many words that I can describe this book by this wonderful author. Romantic, Exciting and Thrilling. After finishing the book I was wanting more of the story and the characters. I really hope there is a sequel to this book.
Grace doll is a story that is set in the 1940s. She had everything a woman would want. She had fame, beauty, and fortune. In the story we learn how Grace Doll met her abusive and sex craving husband Rufus. She was only thirteen and she was at the beach with her family. This handsome movie producer approached her parents asking if they would like to have their daughter be in a movie. So they said yes and that is where her life started with Rufus. He ended up changing her age to a much older woman. Months went by and she found out her family was killed in a fire. So the only person that she had was Rufus so he became her guardian and her husband. Grace Doll lived a wonderful life but at home it was a different story. She was tired of being treated like a sex slave. If he wanted sex with her he would take her wherever they were. No men were allowed to even look at her, talk to her or even touch her. So she came up with a idea to have her life changed. She asked her friends Oscar and her makeup artist Jonathan to help her escape Rufus for good. But the night that she wants to escape Rufus invited a doctor over that has developed a immortal serum that will keep her young for the rest of her life and not be able to have any children. Grace was given the serum and then all of a sudden her plan went into motion and her two friends burnt the house down. She was able to escape the fire with Oscar and Jonathan. In the fire Rufus was burned really bad and the doctor ended up dying in the house fire. But Grace was able to leave Rufus and never look back.
The story starts to take off when Jonathan, Grace makeup artist ends up dying and we meet his son Brendan. Brendan is this handsome young man that doesn't work but loves to surf and draw. He ended up living with his father and his step mother after his mother dies of Cancer. But after his father dies, his fathers lawyer gets in touch with him telling him he needs to meet him because there is something his father wanted him to do for him after he died. So he met with the lawyer and he finds out that there is a safe deposit box with something inside it with a picture of Grace doll and a letter. The letter says that he needs to find Grace doll and give her the box because there is something she wants inside it. But he can't tell anybody. Along the way another guy approaches him asking him to meet a man which turns out to be Rufus. He meets with Rufus and all he wants to know if his father said anything about where Grace Doll is. So Brendan tells him off and goes off looking for Grace Doll.. When he gets to her house she is not there so he waits. She shows up and notices the boy on the porch and when she sees him she notices right away that it's Jonathans son and then she knows that Jonathan ended up passing away. After their meeting that day it's when the whole book gets started and the romance starts to bloom between Brendan and Grace Doll.
I don't want to give away anymore but you need to read this book. I never read anything from this author before and I wasn't disappointed after reading this book. I would love to read another one of her books again. I love romantic books anyways so i enjoyed it so much. So if your not reading a book right now. Run and download or go buy this book and read it. You won't be disappointed at all. Believe me.
Grace doll is a story that is set in the 1940s. She had everything a woman would want. She had fame, beauty, and fortune. In the story we learn how Grace Doll met her abusive and sex craving husband Rufus. She was only thirteen and she was at the beach with her family. This handsome movie producer approached her parents asking if they would like to have their daughter be in a movie. So they said yes and that is where her life started with Rufus. He ended up changing her age to a much older woman. Months went by and she found out her family was killed in a fire. So the only person that she had was Rufus so he became her guardian and her husband. Grace Doll lived a wonderful life but at home it was a different story. She was tired of being treated like a sex slave. If he wanted sex with her he would take her wherever they were. No men were allowed to even look at her, talk to her or even touch her. So she came up with a idea to have her life changed. She asked her friends Oscar and her makeup artist Jonathan to help her escape Rufus for good. But the night that she wants to escape Rufus invited a doctor over that has developed a immortal serum that will keep her young for the rest of her life and not be able to have any children. Grace was given the serum and then all of a sudden her plan went into motion and her two friends burnt the house down. She was able to escape the fire with Oscar and Jonathan. In the fire Rufus was burned really bad and the doctor ended up dying in the house fire. But Grace was able to leave Rufus and never look back.
The story starts to take off when Jonathan, Grace makeup artist ends up dying and we meet his son Brendan. Brendan is this handsome young man that doesn't work but loves to surf and draw. He ended up living with his father and his step mother after his mother dies of Cancer. But after his father dies, his fathers lawyer gets in touch with him telling him he needs to meet him because there is something his father wanted him to do for him after he died. So he met with the lawyer and he finds out that there is a safe deposit box with something inside it with a picture of Grace doll and a letter. The letter says that he needs to find Grace doll and give her the box because there is something she wants inside it. But he can't tell anybody. Along the way another guy approaches him asking him to meet a man which turns out to be Rufus. He meets with Rufus and all he wants to know if his father said anything about where Grace Doll is. So Brendan tells him off and goes off looking for Grace Doll.. When he gets to her house she is not there so he waits. She shows up and notices the boy on the porch and when she sees him she notices right away that it's Jonathans son and then she knows that Jonathan ended up passing away. After their meeting that day it's when the whole book gets started and the romance starts to bloom between Brendan and Grace Doll.
I don't want to give away anymore but you need to read this book. I never read anything from this author before and I wasn't disappointed after reading this book. I would love to read another one of her books again. I love romantic books anyways so i enjoyed it so much. So if your not reading a book right now. Run and download or go buy this book and read it. You won't be disappointed at all. Believe me.
September 20, 2012
I loved that Grace Doll opened in a 1949 Hollywood setting. The glamour of celebrities at the time seems haunting as you look back and was a perfect background for this haunting story.
Grace Doll is at the height of her star power and overwhelmingly unhappy. The opening hints at something more than a jaded starlet and gives the reader a palpable sense of darkness in Grace's thoughts as she and her Producer/Husband enter Grauman's Chinese Theater for her new movie.
Grace is performing from the beginning; smile, wave, shine, sizzle. Inside she is in obvious torment and I was anxious to learn why.
Rufus B. Solomon is propelling Grace through the hysterical crowd of fans and paparazzi, while looking like her protector, he pulls and pushes at her, controlling her physical movement with a dashing smile and an order not heard by anyone but Grace. "Sizzle, darling. Sizzle." The scene is decidedly creepy. A glimpse of wrongness in the glitz of a Hollywood movie premier and you feel it in your gut.
Having discovered the young, 13yr old Grace on a boardwalk with her family, Rufus easily convinces her parents to make a deal with the devil. Promising riches and fame if they allow Grace to accompany him to Hollywood. Faking a birth certificate to make Grace appear older, Rufus begins to take complete control of her life in everyday possible eventually making her into the hottest actress of 1949 and his puppet. Abuse, kidnapping, obsession mark the beginning chapters of Grace Doll and when his obsession with her is at it's peak, Rufus subjects Grace to an experimental treatment that guarantees her immortal beauty and a way he can control her forever.
As a rescue attempt to free her from Rufus goes horribly wrong Grace is force to remain in hiding, forever young, for several decades until her secret is discovered and with the help of an old friends grandson resolves to end the nightmare Rufus began 60 years ago.
What an amazing premise. Jennifer Laurens captivates her audience with her brilliant manipulation of emotion and atmosphere. I enjoyed this story and wish I could see it on the big screen.
Book Summary:Grace Doll had everything a girl could want: Fame. Fortune. Beauty.
Everything except, of course, her freedom. So when a powerful movie producer forces an experimental treatment on Grace--one that's purported to make beauty immortal--she stages her own death to escape him.
With the help of trusted friends, Grace slips into hiding. She's forever flawless, forever young and forever pursued by her past.
But when a stranger arrives on her doorstep, holding the key to a life she thought she'd left behind, Grace must decide between the safety she's known... and embracing the role she was born to play.
Grace Doll is at the height of her star power and overwhelmingly unhappy. The opening hints at something more than a jaded starlet and gives the reader a palpable sense of darkness in Grace's thoughts as she and her Producer/Husband enter Grauman's Chinese Theater for her new movie.
Grace is performing from the beginning; smile, wave, shine, sizzle. Inside she is in obvious torment and I was anxious to learn why.
Rufus B. Solomon is propelling Grace through the hysterical crowd of fans and paparazzi, while looking like her protector, he pulls and pushes at her, controlling her physical movement with a dashing smile and an order not heard by anyone but Grace. "Sizzle, darling. Sizzle." The scene is decidedly creepy. A glimpse of wrongness in the glitz of a Hollywood movie premier and you feel it in your gut.
Having discovered the young, 13yr old Grace on a boardwalk with her family, Rufus easily convinces her parents to make a deal with the devil. Promising riches and fame if they allow Grace to accompany him to Hollywood. Faking a birth certificate to make Grace appear older, Rufus begins to take complete control of her life in everyday possible eventually making her into the hottest actress of 1949 and his puppet. Abuse, kidnapping, obsession mark the beginning chapters of Grace Doll and when his obsession with her is at it's peak, Rufus subjects Grace to an experimental treatment that guarantees her immortal beauty and a way he can control her forever.
As a rescue attempt to free her from Rufus goes horribly wrong Grace is force to remain in hiding, forever young, for several decades until her secret is discovered and with the help of an old friends grandson resolves to end the nightmare Rufus began 60 years ago.
What an amazing premise. Jennifer Laurens captivates her audience with her brilliant manipulation of emotion and atmosphere. I enjoyed this story and wish I could see it on the big screen.
Book Summary:Grace Doll had everything a girl could want: Fame. Fortune. Beauty.
Everything except, of course, her freedom. So when a powerful movie producer forces an experimental treatment on Grace--one that's purported to make beauty immortal--she stages her own death to escape him.
With the help of trusted friends, Grace slips into hiding. She's forever flawless, forever young and forever pursued by her past.
But when a stranger arrives on her doorstep, holding the key to a life she thought she'd left behind, Grace must decide between the safety she's known... and embracing the role she was born to play.
July 9, 2014
See this review and more at My Two Cents
Grace Doll is an unexpected, and surprisingly different kind of read. Centered around a mysterious past, that quickly converges with a dangerous present. Grace Doll will have you wondering and guessing throughout.
Jennifer Laurens brings out the characters strengths and insecurities throughout this story. Each character, though distinct and individual is delicately shrouded in mystery and an instinct for survival. She does an amazing job making all the characters hold the right amounts of innocents, angst, drive, compassion (or evil) and relatable, even in the strangest of settings and discoveries.
The dialogue is unique, yet realistic. Creating an almost instant bond with the main characters and elevates the foes to a sinister and devilish level. It slowly helps to pull back the curtains on the past, fuses the past and present together, and forges the pathway into the future for the main characters. Though a lot of the story is revealed through the dialogue it doesn't take away from the story line, or the suspense at all.
The story isn't laden with sexual tension, and isn't filled with action packed scene, or extreme dangers but it is sprinkled with undertones of all of these elements, in a way that elevates the troubles the main characters go through, and what they have to over come. The fear the characters have, the unknown past, the mysterious current danger, and the undeniable needs of man and woman is written in quite well as the story moves along. It doesn't over power the main story, or the plot, and is included in what I find to be just the right way, in all the right spots, giving you a glimmer of hope for the characters to overcome what may lay ahead.
Jennifer Laurens does an great job bringing to life such a creative storyline! With a continually moving plot line, well placed twists and turns, just the right amount of danger and obstacles, plus a dash of science fiction, this book is definitely unique and refreshingly different from many of the novels out there today.
With a little more world building, descriptive word use, and a deeper look into the feelings of the characters to connect readers in a deeper way, this book could be so much more than it already is.
Grace Doll is an unexpected, and surprisingly different kind of read. Centered around a mysterious past, that quickly converges with a dangerous present. Grace Doll will have you wondering and guessing throughout.
Jennifer Laurens brings out the characters strengths and insecurities throughout this story. Each character, though distinct and individual is delicately shrouded in mystery and an instinct for survival. She does an amazing job making all the characters hold the right amounts of innocents, angst, drive, compassion (or evil) and relatable, even in the strangest of settings and discoveries.
The dialogue is unique, yet realistic. Creating an almost instant bond with the main characters and elevates the foes to a sinister and devilish level. It slowly helps to pull back the curtains on the past, fuses the past and present together, and forges the pathway into the future for the main characters. Though a lot of the story is revealed through the dialogue it doesn't take away from the story line, or the suspense at all.
The story isn't laden with sexual tension, and isn't filled with action packed scene, or extreme dangers but it is sprinkled with undertones of all of these elements, in a way that elevates the troubles the main characters go through, and what they have to over come. The fear the characters have, the unknown past, the mysterious current danger, and the undeniable needs of man and woman is written in quite well as the story moves along. It doesn't over power the main story, or the plot, and is included in what I find to be just the right way, in all the right spots, giving you a glimmer of hope for the characters to overcome what may lay ahead.
Jennifer Laurens does an great job bringing to life such a creative storyline! With a continually moving plot line, well placed twists and turns, just the right amount of danger and obstacles, plus a dash of science fiction, this book is definitely unique and refreshingly different from many of the novels out there today.
With a little more world building, descriptive word use, and a deeper look into the feelings of the characters to connect readers in a deeper way, this book could be so much more than it already is.
September 16, 2012
Everything I've read by Jennifer Laurens I have really liked. Grace Doll is no exception. From the first page I was sucked into the story. Grace Doll is a young starlet back when Hollywood was more glamorous. She's married to successful movie producer, Rufus Solomon. Rufus is controlling, manipulative, and abusive to Grace. Grace longs for a way to escape her nightmare of a life. When the opportunity presents itself, she takes it. She manages to live in peace for years, but that ends the day that her long-time friend's son shows up at her door. It's the day she'd been dreading and waiting for. Brenden has the secret that his father has kept safe, and now Grace must decide how she's going to use it.
The book has some cringe-worthy scenes in it. Rufus is evil. I can't think of any other way to describe him. I kept thinking 'I hope he gets his comeuppance, and I hope it hurts!' Evil Rufus will not stop at nothing to get Grace back. I truly felt sorry for Grace. She is kind, gentle, and clever. She desperately wants to start a new life away from Rufus. Brenden is angry with his father, Jonathan. His whole life his dad has been absent from his life. Brenden doesn't like Grace for the simple fact that she took his father away from him. However getting to know Grace helps him understand his father in a way that he didn't before. Jennifer Laurens has this brilliant way of writing characters that stir up emotions. Good and bad.
The story line is good. It deals with obsession, love, and forgiveness. Grace Doll is definitely an unputdownable type of book. I couldn't rest until I knew how it was going to end. Once again Jennifer Laurens has blown me away with this latest book. This is a book and an author that I would strongly recommend.
The book has some cringe-worthy scenes in it. Rufus is evil. I can't think of any other way to describe him. I kept thinking 'I hope he gets his comeuppance, and I hope it hurts!' Evil Rufus will not stop at nothing to get Grace back. I truly felt sorry for Grace. She is kind, gentle, and clever. She desperately wants to start a new life away from Rufus. Brenden is angry with his father, Jonathan. His whole life his dad has been absent from his life. Brenden doesn't like Grace for the simple fact that she took his father away from him. However getting to know Grace helps him understand his father in a way that he didn't before. Jennifer Laurens has this brilliant way of writing characters that stir up emotions. Good and bad.
The story line is good. It deals with obsession, love, and forgiveness. Grace Doll is definitely an unputdownable type of book. I couldn't rest until I knew how it was going to end. Once again Jennifer Laurens has blown me away with this latest book. This is a book and an author that I would strongly recommend.
August 3, 2012
I've read all of Jennifer Laurens books and I couldn't wait to read this one. It did not disappoint. Beautiful cover, story, the little special extras inside and I loved the creative and amazing ending.
This is a beautiful book and I fell in love with this story. Grace Doll is young, beautiful and kept like a doll in a beautiful house that holds her prisoner to a life that isn't really a life. She's a 1940s famous actress who doesn't age thanks to her husband and a doctors experiment. In a way she is free but still very much a prisoner because she can't trust anyone and she can't live her life to the fullest. Her husband Ruffus took it all from her before her friends helped her fake her death.
Grace escapes with the help of her friends but she's still not fully free. She won't until she faces her past and puts it all behind her. Brenden is the son of her friend who shows up after his father's death with something important his father kept safe for Grace for very many years.
Brenden is angry at his father and at those who knew him better than he. He has his own issues to deal with, along with finding out the truth about Grace Doll and Katherine, the young woman he meets. He's angry at a lot of people but feels protective of Katherine.
I highly recommend this book to anyone. Grace is old Hollywood, beautiful, suffisticated and glamorous. Can't wait for whatever Jennifer Laurens comes up with next.
This is a beautiful book and I fell in love with this story. Grace Doll is young, beautiful and kept like a doll in a beautiful house that holds her prisoner to a life that isn't really a life. She's a 1940s famous actress who doesn't age thanks to her husband and a doctors experiment. In a way she is free but still very much a prisoner because she can't trust anyone and she can't live her life to the fullest. Her husband Ruffus took it all from her before her friends helped her fake her death.
Grace escapes with the help of her friends but she's still not fully free. She won't until she faces her past and puts it all behind her. Brenden is the son of her friend who shows up after his father's death with something important his father kept safe for Grace for very many years.
Brenden is angry at his father and at those who knew him better than he. He has his own issues to deal with, along with finding out the truth about Grace Doll and Katherine, the young woman he meets. He's angry at a lot of people but feels protective of Katherine.
I highly recommend this book to anyone. Grace is old Hollywood, beautiful, suffisticated and glamorous. Can't wait for whatever Jennifer Laurens comes up with next.
November 5, 2012
I couldn't put this book down. I had to find out what happened next.
The book begins in 1949. Grace Doll is a celebrated actress. She is adored by the public. She has an innocence that comes across on screen. Unfortunately her life is far from innocent. Her obsessive husband controls her life. He is a pedophile who faked documents changing her age from 13 to 16. As the story begins she is now 17 and in fear of a husband who continually rapes her.
She trusts her make up artist and her personal assistant, Jonathan and Oscar. They figure a way for her to escape. They did not consider Rufus' obsession to immortalized his wife by undergoing experimental treatment to literally make her immortal.
The story jumps to modern day where Brenden has just attended the funeral of his father, Jonathan. His father carried a secret to his grave, the location of Grace Doll. Brenden is given the task of taking the contents of a safe deposit box to Grace. He expects to find an elderly woman.
This book was packed with action and drama. Brenden was an angry and frustrated young man. I enjoyed seeing his anger lessen as he learned more of his father's life. Grace in many ways remained an emotional mystery to me.
This was a fairly quick read. There are content warnings with language and rape. The rape is not described in detail, but you know the circumstances around it.
The book begins in 1949. Grace Doll is a celebrated actress. She is adored by the public. She has an innocence that comes across on screen. Unfortunately her life is far from innocent. Her obsessive husband controls her life. He is a pedophile who faked documents changing her age from 13 to 16. As the story begins she is now 17 and in fear of a husband who continually rapes her.
She trusts her make up artist and her personal assistant, Jonathan and Oscar. They figure a way for her to escape. They did not consider Rufus' obsession to immortalized his wife by undergoing experimental treatment to literally make her immortal.
The story jumps to modern day where Brenden has just attended the funeral of his father, Jonathan. His father carried a secret to his grave, the location of Grace Doll. Brenden is given the task of taking the contents of a safe deposit box to Grace. He expects to find an elderly woman.
This book was packed with action and drama. Brenden was an angry and frustrated young man. I enjoyed seeing his anger lessen as he learned more of his father's life. Grace in many ways remained an emotional mystery to me.
This was a fairly quick read. There are content warnings with language and rape. The rape is not described in detail, but you know the circumstances around it.
December 17, 2012
Thanks to Jennifer Laurens for this wonderful book! I give it a 3.5 because there were some things that I really loved, but a couple of things bothered me as well.
I felt that the setting in 1949 was a spot-on description of Hollywood in the glamorous days. Ms. Laurens also did a good job of the current day setting, although it wasn't as detailed as the 1949 part.
Grace's husband was very abusive and controlling and some scenes were definitely PG-13. Those bothered me a lot since Grace was so young and was forced to give into her husband's sick demands.
The experiment results and the effect it had on Grace later on with Brendan just sort of creeped me out. I couldn't get past the fact that this was an 80 year old woman in a 17 year old's body. I wanted to believe that she truly was a 17 year old, but I just couldn't wrap my head around it. If you can, then it will be a better read for you.
I wish that the entire book had taken place in the 50's and 60's with a pleasant outcome for Jonathan, Oscar, and Grace, but then it wouldn't have been in this genre. The exploration of immortality was interesting, but I just would have enjoyed it more as a continuous time flow.
It was very fast paced and kept my attention, but it sometimes seemed as if the plot was being forced. It was worth the read, even though some of the scenes bothered me.
I felt that the setting in 1949 was a spot-on description of Hollywood in the glamorous days. Ms. Laurens also did a good job of the current day setting, although it wasn't as detailed as the 1949 part.
Grace's husband was very abusive and controlling and some scenes were definitely PG-13. Those bothered me a lot since Grace was so young and was forced to give into her husband's sick demands.
The experiment results and the effect it had on Grace later on with Brendan just sort of creeped me out. I couldn't get past the fact that this was an 80 year old woman in a 17 year old's body. I wanted to believe that she truly was a 17 year old, but I just couldn't wrap my head around it. If you can, then it will be a better read for you.
I wish that the entire book had taken place in the 50's and 60's with a pleasant outcome for Jonathan, Oscar, and Grace, but then it wouldn't have been in this genre. The exploration of immortality was interesting, but I just would have enjoyed it more as a continuous time flow.
It was very fast paced and kept my attention, but it sometimes seemed as if the plot was being forced. It was worth the read, even though some of the scenes bothered me.
October 31, 2012
I love the idea of immortality and eternal youth. Pair that with my other obsessions; Hollywood and unhealthy relationships and you have "Grace Doll." When I read all that Grace had been through with Rufus, I couldn't help but want my own revenge. He is simply the WORST. As I learned more about him and his sick obsession with Grace I couldn't help but hope that she would have her own "Enough" moment.
This book isn't all about the unhealthy relationship brought to you via Rufus. It's also about a new relationship. . . maybe that stranger on her doorstep has something to do with that?
I loved how many twists and turns were found among the pages of "Grace Doll." It definitely kept me on my toes! This was a quick read for me because I did find myself wanting Grace to find the freedom she has craved for decades. I would suggest picking up this novel if you are looking for a quick weekend read. You will probably not be all that interested in putting it down so a weekend is key.
My only issue was with the romance. It just felt unreal to me and I didn't buy it. The rushing of that made the timing of the book feel rushed as well.
This book isn't all about the unhealthy relationship brought to you via Rufus. It's also about a new relationship. . . maybe that stranger on her doorstep has something to do with that?
I loved how many twists and turns were found among the pages of "Grace Doll." It definitely kept me on my toes! This was a quick read for me because I did find myself wanting Grace to find the freedom she has craved for decades. I would suggest picking up this novel if you are looking for a quick weekend read. You will probably not be all that interested in putting it down so a weekend is key.
My only issue was with the romance. It just felt unreal to me and I didn't buy it. The rushing of that made the timing of the book feel rushed as well.
August 22, 2012
4 1/2 stars- I got this book as a freebie and thought I would give it a shot. So glad I did. It was so different and interesting and sucked me in right away. Grace is a 1940s actress who is basically owned by her husband and famous Hollywood producer. It is really cool to see through her eyes during this time. Her horrible, abusive husband eventually has her injected with a serum that makes her unable to age. She escapes him the night of the injection when a fire is started at their home. She is able to go into hiding for many years. It is then that she meets Brenden when he delievers something to her. During there exchange you get to learn all kinds of interesting things about her life. I love hearing Grace and Brenden's POV's. I absolutely loved the way this author writes. It is extremely fast past and cuts to the point without missing anything. I love how she is descriptive but not in a drawn out way that could get boring. Super interesting and easy read, don't pass it up.
Read
August 23, 2012This book started off quite well and I was quickly absorbed into the 1949 setting and captivated by Grace Doll's life. Unfortunately for me, those first few chapters were only setting the stage for a story that takes place in present day with Grace Doll's past catching up to her.
While the idea of immortality may seem appealing I never connected with the current characters, circumstances, or felt the romance. For me, this would have been an excellent historical romance/thriller if it had stayed in the same context and setting of 1949 and told her story from there. I felt Grace's fear and circumstances in those first chapters. When things moved to present day the story didn't feel the same for me. It was an abrupt change that I never quite invested in.
All in all this was an interesting idea but as is, it fell a bit flat for me. However the characters and story taking place in the first few chapters still stick with me. I would really have liked to have kept that momentum and interest level throughout.
November 6, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. In fact, I actually finished it in one sitting.
A book that can keep you reading for 5 hours strait.. That's gotta be one heck of a book!
This is my first time reading something written by this author. Surprising, considering I actually own a few of her books, and they are currently sitting on my bookshelf. I'm definitely going to be picking those up soon!
After reading this book, and loving Jennifer Lauren's writing style. I'm really looking forward to reading more from her.
I've got nothing but praise for Grace Doll! I loved the story from start to finish!
One tiny feature that I simply have to mention has to be the pictures at the end of some of the chapters (e-book version)... They gave Grace Doll a face, someone to admire, someone to connect with. It was a unique touch, one that I won't soon forget. Put that together with the duel point of view chapters, just brilliant!
I loved the story, the romance, the happy ending! I loved it all! Four stars from me for this interesting read!
A book that can keep you reading for 5 hours strait.. That's gotta be one heck of a book!
This is my first time reading something written by this author. Surprising, considering I actually own a few of her books, and they are currently sitting on my bookshelf. I'm definitely going to be picking those up soon!
After reading this book, and loving Jennifer Lauren's writing style. I'm really looking forward to reading more from her.
I've got nothing but praise for Grace Doll! I loved the story from start to finish!
One tiny feature that I simply have to mention has to be the pictures at the end of some of the chapters (e-book version)... They gave Grace Doll a face, someone to admire, someone to connect with. It was a unique touch, one that I won't soon forget. Put that together with the duel point of view chapters, just brilliant!
I loved the story, the romance, the happy ending! I loved it all! Four stars from me for this interesting read!
November 27, 2015
An interesting book which fails to live up to the potential of its first few chapter, with its old Hollywood flair and skeevy antagonist (who's like a twisted version of those already-creepy alpha-male types that romance novels like to glorify). Though this could be my bias for historical fiction showing through.
The rest of the novel has a modern setting, and a POV that jumps back and forth between the titular Grace Doll and the teenage Brenden. Both were slightly lacking- for someone who's lived 80+ years and has a wealth of life experience, Grace acted disappointingly just like a normal teenage girl, albeit a fairly likeable one. Brenden on the other hand, I never really liked. He was a bit boring and moody, and occasionally did awful things like getting cross at Grace because she wouldn't kiss him after only knowing him for two days. What? What is that? Blech.
Overall this was a pretty quick and entertaining read that I breezed through it in about a day. Won't blow you away, but good for some light reading.
The rest of the novel has a modern setting, and a POV that jumps back and forth between the titular Grace Doll and the teenage Brenden. Both were slightly lacking- for someone who's lived 80+ years and has a wealth of life experience, Grace acted disappointingly just like a normal teenage girl, albeit a fairly likeable one. Brenden on the other hand, I never really liked. He was a bit boring and moody, and occasionally did awful things like getting cross at Grace because she wouldn't kiss him after only knowing him for two days. What? What is that? Blech.
Overall this was a pretty quick and entertaining read that I breezed through it in about a day. Won't blow you away, but good for some light reading.
August 23, 2012
I am a huge fan of Jennifer Lauren's books, so I knew I would probably like Grace Doll and I was right! Grace Doll was everything I thought it would be, it had an awesome storyline and was full of interesting characters.
I felt so sorry for Grace Doll, the way she was treated by her husband made me sick. Rufus was a truly evil man! I'm so glad she was able to run away from him. Now Brenden on the other hand, was a good guy. I really liked his character! I enjoyed the fact that this story was told not only from Grace's point of view, but his as well. I like to know what each character is thinking. I wasn't so sure about the relationship between Grace and Brenden at first, but it grew on me and in the end I really liked them as a couple.
Overall, I thought Grace Doll was a beautifully written story! If your a fan of this author's previous work or are just looking for an entertaining read, I'd definitely recommend checking this book out!
My Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
I felt so sorry for Grace Doll, the way she was treated by her husband made me sick. Rufus was a truly evil man! I'm so glad she was able to run away from him. Now Brenden on the other hand, was a good guy. I really liked his character! I enjoyed the fact that this story was told not only from Grace's point of view, but his as well. I like to know what each character is thinking. I wasn't so sure about the relationship between Grace and Brenden at first, but it grew on me and in the end I really liked them as a couple.
Overall, I thought Grace Doll was a beautifully written story! If your a fan of this author's previous work or are just looking for an entertaining read, I'd definitely recommend checking this book out!
My Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
August 28, 2012
I didn't quite grasp the concept of this book until I started reading it. The blurb doesn't quite make it clear what precisely is going on. A young hollywood starlet in the 1940s is forced into a horrible marriage, and endures an experimental treatment to keep her beautiful forever. She disappears.
Nearly 70 years later, the son of the man who loved Grace Doll executes his will, learning that Grace was alive. He meets her granddaughter Katherine, and they have to fight their way through Grace's tangled past -- including a showdown with Grace's former husband and tormenter, Rufus.
There are strong trigger warnings -- child abuse, rape, torture. The only parts that I found slightly irritating were the fact that the side-effects of the treatment meant that Grace couldn't resist any man's touch (that she was attracted to, of course). I found that eye-roll worthy. But the story was phenomenal other than that.
Nearly 70 years later, the son of the man who loved Grace Doll executes his will, learning that Grace was alive. He meets her granddaughter Katherine, and they have to fight their way through Grace's tangled past -- including a showdown with Grace's former husband and tormenter, Rufus.
There are strong trigger warnings -- child abuse, rape, torture. The only parts that I found slightly irritating were the fact that the side-effects of the treatment meant that Grace couldn't resist any man's touch (that she was attracted to, of course). I found that eye-roll worthy. But the story was phenomenal other than that.
March 10, 2017
This book completely engaged me. From the start, I entered Grace's world and felt how terrifying life was for her, despite how glamourous it looked from the outside. I started this book last week, but decided to hold off until I'd finished another book. I wanted this book to have my full attention. When I gave it my full attention, I finished in a day and a half. It was THAT good.
The only reason I'm not giving it five stars is because of some grammatical errors that made me reread some paragraphs, but despite those, I absolutely adored this book. I need to go find more books by author, Jennifer Laurens.
Written by Rebekah Martin, author of Sugar and Spies
The only reason I'm not giving it five stars is because of some grammatical errors that made me reread some paragraphs, but despite those, I absolutely adored this book. I need to go find more books by author, Jennifer Laurens.
Written by Rebekah Martin, author of Sugar and Spies
January 25, 2013
Engaging and well written. Grace Doll is a gripping and horrifying in a beautiful way with tones of surreality floating through the story.
The characters are written realistically (for the situation) and their emotions are well displayed.
The one problem I had with the story was Brendan's age. He's supposed to be a 17/18 year old (I can't remember which) and I understand that it's to put him in the correct position but with the angsty rage that he feels in the beginning of the story, I can't imagine a high schooler putting that all away so easily. If he is an 18-year old, I don't believe the romance aspect of the story.
Enjoyable despite that.
The characters are written realistically (for the situation) and their emotions are well displayed.
The one problem I had with the story was Brendan's age. He's supposed to be a 17/18 year old (I can't remember which) and I understand that it's to put him in the correct position but with the angsty rage that he feels in the beginning of the story, I can't imagine a high schooler putting that all away so easily. If he is an 18-year old, I don't believe the romance aspect of the story.
Enjoyable despite that.
September 29, 2012
Disclaimer: I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
I really thought this was going to turn into a vampire story but it did not. Which was not a bad thing as it did go against my expectations. This was a quick read that did not blow me away but did keep me entertained. The author did a great job of showing bits and pieces of the old Hollywood system and how stars were born and used by producers, directors, and studio heads. Unfortunately the characters never drew me in enough for me to have me become very invested in their fate. There was a twist I did not see coming that helped and the ending was really well done but this will not be on the top of my read-again list.
I really thought this was going to turn into a vampire story but it did not. Which was not a bad thing as it did go against my expectations. This was a quick read that did not blow me away but did keep me entertained. The author did a great job of showing bits and pieces of the old Hollywood system and how stars were born and used by producers, directors, and studio heads. Unfortunately the characters never drew me in enough for me to have me become very invested in their fate. There was a twist I did not see coming that helped and the ending was really well done but this will not be on the top of my read-again list.
November 8, 2012
3.5 stars
This book took me to an era long gone by and beautifully so. I felt like I was in a completely different one and it awed me. I loved the unique plot in this book, so different and intriguing.
Oh, I forgot, I really like the cover, the blue comes out so beautifully between those dark shades.
This is a such a heartfelt story and I found myself lost in that world. It has a bit of mystery/thrill part to it. I finished reading it in a marathon of 3.5 hours as I just could not put it down.
The writing is enamoring and the book has a lost - world feel to it. It's almost like an old classic movie playing out.
In all, I really liked this book and hope you do too.
This book took me to an era long gone by and beautifully so. I felt like I was in a completely different one and it awed me. I loved the unique plot in this book, so different and intriguing.
Oh, I forgot, I really like the cover, the blue comes out so beautifully between those dark shades.
This is a such a heartfelt story and I found myself lost in that world. It has a bit of mystery/thrill part to it. I finished reading it in a marathon of 3.5 hours as I just could not put it down.
The writing is enamoring and the book has a lost - world feel to it. It's almost like an old classic movie playing out.
In all, I really liked this book and hope you do too.
June 5, 2013
Very different dark drama. I loved the old Hollywood scenenario combined with a mystery told between the two main characters; one with all the answers, the other gaining knowledge as we the reader are along with him. A few discrepencies in information that chewed at me, but otherwise entirely entertaining and captivating.
Lots of additions were made in the form of pictures, articles, handwritten letters and at the very end, a playlist is provided as well as a video ending. Very interesting 'extras' that made me feel more a part of the story. Beautiful cover art too.
Lots of additions were made in the form of pictures, articles, handwritten letters and at the very end, a playlist is provided as well as a video ending. Very interesting 'extras' that made me feel more a part of the story. Beautiful cover art too.
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