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Grace Grows
A wonderfully upbeat and quirky romance in which a young textbook editor in New York, who takes herself a little too seriously, falls for a singer-songwriter who appears to take nothing at all seriously...
Like many young women, Grace Barnum's life is precariously balanced on sensible choices and uncomfortable compromise. She dutifully edits textbooks that she fears may be more harmful than helpful to kids. She is engaged to a patent attorney with whom she has a reliable relationship. She has a cautious relationship with her fascinating father, a renowned New York painter, and she prefers her mother slightly drunk as she's easier to handle that way.
Always organised, always a planner, Grace carries her life around in a handbag - that is, until the responsibility-challenged Tyler Wilkie shows up. Tyler of the warm eyes and a smile that makes Grace drop things. Worst of all, he writes tender, loving, devastating songs - about her. Tyler reaches something in Grace, something she needs, but can't admit to. Something she wants, but won't succumb to. Falling in love with him would ruin everything. And yet...
An enchanting story about learning to love and learning to let go.
Like many young women, Grace Barnum's life is precariously balanced on sensible choices and uncomfortable compromise. She dutifully edits textbooks that she fears may be more harmful than helpful to kids. She is engaged to a patent attorney with whom she has a reliable relationship. She has a cautious relationship with her fascinating father, a renowned New York painter, and she prefers her mother slightly drunk as she's easier to handle that way.
Always organised, always a planner, Grace carries her life around in a handbag - that is, until the responsibility-challenged Tyler Wilkie shows up. Tyler of the warm eyes and a smile that makes Grace drop things. Worst of all, he writes tender, loving, devastating songs - about her. Tyler reaches something in Grace, something she needs, but can't admit to. Something she wants, but won't succumb to. Falling in love with him would ruin everything. And yet...
An enchanting story about learning to love and learning to let go.
336 pages, Paperback
First published October 30, 2012
16 people are currently reading
1241 people want to read
About the author
Shelle Sumners
1 book57 followersShelle Sumners has held many jobs, among them waitress, actress, administrative assistant, copy editor, educational writer, bookseller, and wedding chapel receptionist. Her debut novel
Grace Grows
, published by St. Martin’s Press, is a Random House audio book, a Featured Alternate selection for Doubleday, Literary Guild and Rhapsody Book Clubs, and is published internationally. It has a companion soundtrack of phenomenal original songs that appear in the story, written and performed by her husband, singer-songwriter and Broadway actor Lee Morgan. Shelle lives and writes in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 261 reviews
November 13, 2012
4.5 Stars
Oh the heartache! The swoony, achy feel this story gave me! I felt LOVESICK over a freaking book!! I couldn’t stop reading. I was so bowled over with angsty feelings and I just had to know how it ended. This was another one of those books that I read long into the night. I peeked at the clock at my bedside after I finished and it was 5:30 IN THE MORNING! Even when I closed the book and my eyes I still couldn’t fall asleep because the scenes kept replaying over and over again in my head.
This story begins with the quote:
“How Tyler Wilkie wrecked my life..”
The Grace we first meet firmly believes this statement.
Twenty-seven year old Grace is at point in her life where she thinks everything is on track and how it should be. She has a job editing educational textbooks. She’s been living with her steady boyfriend for more than half a year. He’s ten years older and a successful patent attorney. They have a comfortable relationship, nothing too exciting, and plan on getting engaged when they’ve lived together for one year. Everything is figured out and well-ordered. Or so it seems.
On closer inspection, Grace’s “dream” editing job is not so much. She’s often tasked with removing bits that are deemed offensive, questionable, or controversial. The mention of condoms in a sex education text book must be removed. In a story, fruit salad is substituted for ice cream, because you wouldn’t want to encourage unhealthy eating. Then the ratio of male and female must be even for equality sake.
These kinds of changes are slowly chipping away at Grace’s soul, but she plods along and doesn’t speak up, in fear for her job.
Then there is her boyfriend. What I noticed from the beginning is the sheer amount of time they spent apart, even when they could be together. In my mind, if you don’t want to spend time with your boyfriend/husband, most of what they do doesn’t appeal to you or what you do doesn’t appeal to them, you’ve got problems. He might tick all the appropriate boxes, like being able to provide a stable and secure future, but if you can’t meet with your passions and mind, someone else will creep in. Guaranteed.
In spite of Grace’s intentions, this is what happens. This is where we meet Tyler Wilkie, and this is where he wrecks her life.
Tyler is twenty-seven, like Grace, but does not have his life ordered AT ALL. He’s come to New York to try his hand a becoming a singer. He definitely has an abundance of talent, but he’s a college drop-out and doesn’t even have health insurance *GASP*! I have to tell you, if I were Grace, I’d be running far, far, away as well! I’m so about responsible. She runs into Tyler outside of her apartment, he’s a dog walker for a neighbor, and they strike up an unlikely friendship. She’s drawn in by Tyler’s outlook on life. He sees things with fresh eyes. He wants more, but she continually pushes him away, and so she should. She’s committed to someone else. I hate cheating books so I was pleased that this wasn’t one of them. This story takes you on their journey with obstacles a plenty, but I loved every single page! There’s a slow change in Grace, and in Tyler, each changing and growing because of each other’s influence. And oh, man, did I fall head-over-heels in love with Tyler Wilkie!!
I found the writing of the story subtle, it didn’t beat you over the head telling you how you should view or think of a character or situation, and you’re left to make your own conclusions. I felt like I made all the same discoveries or revelations at the same time Grace did. There were a few times I did want to slap Grace upside the head and tell her to get a clue, but I could see her point of view. I wanted these two to have their HEA after so many close calls and misses!
Like I said, I couldn’t stop reading this until I knew what happened. I have to give a high rating to a story that claims my attention so absolutely. I’m still haunted and consumed by this story.
A copy was provided by St. Martin's Griffin through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
You can find this review and more at The Readers Den.
Oh the heartache! The swoony, achy feel this story gave me! I felt LOVESICK over a freaking book!! I couldn’t stop reading. I was so bowled over with angsty feelings and I just had to know how it ended. This was another one of those books that I read long into the night. I peeked at the clock at my bedside after I finished and it was 5:30 IN THE MORNING! Even when I closed the book and my eyes I still couldn’t fall asleep because the scenes kept replaying over and over again in my head.
This story begins with the quote:
“How Tyler Wilkie wrecked my life..”
The Grace we first meet firmly believes this statement.
Twenty-seven year old Grace is at point in her life where she thinks everything is on track and how it should be. She has a job editing educational textbooks. She’s been living with her steady boyfriend for more than half a year. He’s ten years older and a successful patent attorney. They have a comfortable relationship, nothing too exciting, and plan on getting engaged when they’ve lived together for one year. Everything is figured out and well-ordered. Or so it seems.
On closer inspection, Grace’s “dream” editing job is not so much. She’s often tasked with removing bits that are deemed offensive, questionable, or controversial. The mention of condoms in a sex education text book must be removed. In a story, fruit salad is substituted for ice cream, because you wouldn’t want to encourage unhealthy eating. Then the ratio of male and female must be even for equality sake.
These kinds of changes are slowly chipping away at Grace’s soul, but she plods along and doesn’t speak up, in fear for her job.
Then there is her boyfriend. What I noticed from the beginning is the sheer amount of time they spent apart, even when they could be together. In my mind, if you don’t want to spend time with your boyfriend/husband, most of what they do doesn’t appeal to you or what you do doesn’t appeal to them, you’ve got problems. He might tick all the appropriate boxes, like being able to provide a stable and secure future, but if you can’t meet with your passions and mind, someone else will creep in. Guaranteed.
In spite of Grace’s intentions, this is what happens. This is where we meet Tyler Wilkie, and this is where he wrecks her life.
Tyler is twenty-seven, like Grace, but does not have his life ordered AT ALL. He’s come to New York to try his hand a becoming a singer. He definitely has an abundance of talent, but he’s a college drop-out and doesn’t even have health insurance *GASP*! I have to tell you, if I were Grace, I’d be running far, far, away as well! I’m so about responsible. She runs into Tyler outside of her apartment, he’s a dog walker for a neighbor, and they strike up an unlikely friendship. She’s drawn in by Tyler’s outlook on life. He sees things with fresh eyes. He wants more, but she continually pushes him away, and so she should. She’s committed to someone else. I hate cheating books so I was pleased that this wasn’t one of them. This story takes you on their journey with obstacles a plenty, but I loved every single page! There’s a slow change in Grace, and in Tyler, each changing and growing because of each other’s influence. And oh, man, did I fall head-over-heels in love with Tyler Wilkie!!
I found the writing of the story subtle, it didn’t beat you over the head telling you how you should view or think of a character or situation, and you’re left to make your own conclusions. I felt like I made all the same discoveries or revelations at the same time Grace did. There were a few times I did want to slap Grace upside the head and tell her to get a clue, but I could see her point of view. I wanted these two to have their HEA after so many close calls and misses!
Like I said, I couldn’t stop reading this until I knew what happened. I have to give a high rating to a story that claims my attention so absolutely. I’m still haunted and consumed by this story.
A copy was provided by St. Martin's Griffin through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
You can find this review and more at The Readers Den.
April 10, 2020
An sich eine niedliche new adult Geschichte, die mir damals als Einstieg echt hätte gefallen können. Doch für meine jetzigen Ansprüche hatte das Buch keine Besonderheiten.
August 9, 2018
He shook my shoulder gently. “Come on! Why does everyone always expect me to do all the singing?”
“You are the professional. Please, this is why I married you.”
“So I’d sing to you in bed?”
“Certainly.”
“I feel so cheap. And I like it!”
- Shelle Sumners, Grace Grows
This book is humorous, serious and interesting to read from the beginning to the end.
What I have liked the most about this book is its theme - the psychological impact of growing up with, in this case without, two unhappy parents on their children. And, the author has so logically presented the irrational fears of Grace about falling in love, that the readers are bound to empathize with her.
I have fallen in love with the character of Tyler. He is funny, kind, patient and in Grace's words, "unselfish". I am not sure how many guys, in reality, would tolerate such irrational behaviors from the girl they love.
It is good to read how Grace gradually breaks the mentel shackles of her fear of loving and trusting a man.
The author has beautifully written a romantic novel without boring the readers with psychological issues of Grace.
I have really loved this book.
“You are the professional. Please, this is why I married you.”
“So I’d sing to you in bed?”
“Certainly.”
“I feel so cheap. And I like it!”
- Shelle Sumners, Grace Grows
This book is humorous, serious and interesting to read from the beginning to the end.
What I have liked the most about this book is its theme - the psychological impact of growing up with, in this case without, two unhappy parents on their children. And, the author has so logically presented the irrational fears of Grace about falling in love, that the readers are bound to empathize with her.
I have fallen in love with the character of Tyler. He is funny, kind, patient and in Grace's words, "unselfish". I am not sure how many guys, in reality, would tolerate such irrational behaviors from the girl they love.
It is good to read how Grace gradually breaks the mentel shackles of her fear of loving and trusting a man.
The author has beautifully written a romantic novel without boring the readers with psychological issues of Grace.
I have really loved this book.
February 7, 2013
Originally reviewed here @ Angieville
I received a pitch for this book a few months back and dithered around on it a bit before deciding to give it a shot. But I had to wait, of course, for the right moment. And that moment came the other night after putting everyone to bed and coming off a rather unsatisfying read the night before. It helped that I haven't really read any true chick lit for awhile. What didn't help was the cover and the title. Nope. Not representative of the book at all, as far as I'm concerned. So if you're put off by either, don't leave yet. Because I settled in with GRACE GROWS and did not surface again until I had finished it. The thing is it made me laugh right off the bat. In fact, I'd read a passage aloud to my husband before I was three chapters in--a sure sign I'm enjoying a book immensely. If he has to hear a bit of it aloud as I am reading it, then he knows I'm in it for the long haul. Turns out GRACE GROWS is so readable and engrossing that the "long haul" felt very short indeed. That's not to say that it's without its problems. On the contrary, it has it's fair share. But I haven't been able to get it out of my head since finishing. So let's discuss the highs and lows and see where we wind up, shall we?
Grace Barnum (yes, like the circus) is comfortable. She has a live-in boyfriend she's been with for awhile now. She has a job that keeps her busy and a pleasantly distant relationship with both of her parents (who have been estranged ever since she was a little girl). She has friends to go out with on the weekends and time to herself to sit in the Cloisters and recharge her batteries, so to speak. Everything's fine. Really. But then one morning on her way to work, she meets a dog walker outside her building who changes everything. Or wrecks everything. It all depends on your point of view. But one thing is for sure, this sometime dog walker, full time up-and-coming musical sensation has no intention of exiting Grace's life. Which presents problems on several levels for peace-and-quiet-loving Grace, because she can't seem to let go of their . . . friendship . . . either. And it's messing with her mojo, seeing as Ty is as chaotic and charismatic and fun-loving as Grace is steady and quiet and set in her ways. But Tyler Wilkie is dead set on two things in his life: getting famous and getting Grace. Which presents a problem for her nice, normal boyfriend who suddenly seems to be heading toward fiance territory. And so time passes and the two of them circle and reach out to each other and drift away and come together again in a kind of excruciating cycle neither of them know how to break. Until the strength of their connection forces them to act, that is. And then things get even more complicated.
Like I said, I started laughing immediately and didn't stop. Shelle Sumners has a wonderfully dry and lively wit and it sparkled in Grace's interactions with Tyler, with her friends and co-workers, and with her inexplicable parents. I cared for her right away. In fact, I cared about every single character in this book. They are each of them delineated carefully and thoughtfully, and while the bulk of my emotions were tied up in Grace and Ty's relationship, I was attached to each of the secondary characters as well. Which is why the whole messy, beautiful thing meant so much to me, I think. And why it was so clenchingly painful when the course of true love did not run smooth. And let me tell you, it really, really doesn't. I can understand why some reviewers want to kick Grace to the curb about two-thirds of the way through. She brings the pain, this girl does. She's been the recipient of her fair share of it as well, and for that (and her parents' dysfunction) I cut her some slack. But that doesn't mean it isn't difficult to watch her sabotage Tyler's happiness (and her own, of course) in such desperate ways. And since Tyler is about as adorable as a basket of puppies, it's . . . well, it's hard to watch. But the dream of them is so compelling, I did. I watched it right through to the very end.
This, their second meeting, is an incredibly simple passage, I know. But it really does give you a feel for Ty's easy charm and Grace's awkward honesty when she's around him. There's no denying their chemistry. This is one of those protracted relationships. It develops over years. And nothing, but nothing, resolves when you want it to. Honestly, I did come to tire of the never ending passing like ships in the night. Similarly, I wish the plot point that finally forces them to act was not what it was. It took away from the payoff for me. I wish Grace had found the courage to take control of what lay between them without it, and I wish we'd been allowed to spend a little more time with Grace-and-Tyler before their fragile little entity was overwhelmed by life and the consequences of the long string of decisions (both bad and good) that brought them where they are. That said--I really cared, you guys. I really cared. It hurt reading this book. It hurt and tickled and irritated and delighted. Recommended for fans of Liza Palmer and Kate Saunders.
I received a pitch for this book a few months back and dithered around on it a bit before deciding to give it a shot. But I had to wait, of course, for the right moment. And that moment came the other night after putting everyone to bed and coming off a rather unsatisfying read the night before. It helped that I haven't really read any true chick lit for awhile. What didn't help was the cover and the title. Nope. Not representative of the book at all, as far as I'm concerned. So if you're put off by either, don't leave yet. Because I settled in with GRACE GROWS and did not surface again until I had finished it. The thing is it made me laugh right off the bat. In fact, I'd read a passage aloud to my husband before I was three chapters in--a sure sign I'm enjoying a book immensely. If he has to hear a bit of it aloud as I am reading it, then he knows I'm in it for the long haul. Turns out GRACE GROWS is so readable and engrossing that the "long haul" felt very short indeed. That's not to say that it's without its problems. On the contrary, it has it's fair share. But I haven't been able to get it out of my head since finishing. So let's discuss the highs and lows and see where we wind up, shall we?
Grace Barnum (yes, like the circus) is comfortable. She has a live-in boyfriend she's been with for awhile now. She has a job that keeps her busy and a pleasantly distant relationship with both of her parents (who have been estranged ever since she was a little girl). She has friends to go out with on the weekends and time to herself to sit in the Cloisters and recharge her batteries, so to speak. Everything's fine. Really. But then one morning on her way to work, she meets a dog walker outside her building who changes everything. Or wrecks everything. It all depends on your point of view. But one thing is for sure, this sometime dog walker, full time up-and-coming musical sensation has no intention of exiting Grace's life. Which presents problems on several levels for peace-and-quiet-loving Grace, because she can't seem to let go of their . . . friendship . . . either. And it's messing with her mojo, seeing as Ty is as chaotic and charismatic and fun-loving as Grace is steady and quiet and set in her ways. But Tyler Wilkie is dead set on two things in his life: getting famous and getting Grace. Which presents a problem for her nice, normal boyfriend who suddenly seems to be heading toward fiance territory. And so time passes and the two of them circle and reach out to each other and drift away and come together again in a kind of excruciating cycle neither of them know how to break. Until the strength of their connection forces them to act, that is. And then things get even more complicated.
Like I said, I started laughing immediately and didn't stop. Shelle Sumners has a wonderfully dry and lively wit and it sparkled in Grace's interactions with Tyler, with her friends and co-workers, and with her inexplicable parents. I cared for her right away. In fact, I cared about every single character in this book. They are each of them delineated carefully and thoughtfully, and while the bulk of my emotions were tied up in Grace and Ty's relationship, I was attached to each of the secondary characters as well. Which is why the whole messy, beautiful thing meant so much to me, I think. And why it was so clenchingly painful when the course of true love did not run smooth. And let me tell you, it really, really doesn't. I can understand why some reviewers want to kick Grace to the curb about two-thirds of the way through. She brings the pain, this girl does. She's been the recipient of her fair share of it as well, and for that (and her parents' dysfunction) I cut her some slack. But that doesn't mean it isn't difficult to watch her sabotage Tyler's happiness (and her own, of course) in such desperate ways. And since Tyler is about as adorable as a basket of puppies, it's . . . well, it's hard to watch. But the dream of them is so compelling, I did. I watched it right through to the very end.
I reached up and tapped him on the shoulder. He turned.
"Hi," I said.
"Hey!" he said. "It's you!"
He gave me that radiant smile and the gawk factor inexplicably transferred from him to me. Suddenly he was grace, and I wasn't.
"You're shorter than this morning," he said.
"Oh, yes." My face was getting warm. Annoying! "I had on those tall shoes."
"Yeah, they were pointy."
"Yes, I was trying to--well, I don't usually dress like that."
He nodded. "It looked hot, but painful."
This, their second meeting, is an incredibly simple passage, I know. But it really does give you a feel for Ty's easy charm and Grace's awkward honesty when she's around him. There's no denying their chemistry. This is one of those protracted relationships. It develops over years. And nothing, but nothing, resolves when you want it to. Honestly, I did come to tire of the never ending passing like ships in the night. Similarly, I wish the plot point that finally forces them to act was not what it was. It took away from the payoff for me. I wish Grace had found the courage to take control of what lay between them without it, and I wish we'd been allowed to spend a little more time with Grace-and-Tyler before their fragile little entity was overwhelmed by life and the consequences of the long string of decisions (both bad and good) that brought them where they are. That said--I really cared, you guys. I really cared. It hurt reading this book. It hurt and tickled and irritated and delighted. Recommended for fans of Liza Palmer and Kate Saunders.
August 10, 2012
I won this book from Goodreads Giveaways and found myself thoroughly enjoying it. I started out intrigued by the style choices when reading from Grace's point of view. She may have been 27, but she didn't curse, didn't smoke, didn't "talk dirty," was an all around innocent. It made reading her character feel a lot more like this book was a Young Adult novel rather than an Adult Romance. In fact, for the first quarter of the novel, Grace annoyed the bejeezus out of me: she was just too perfectly innocent. It was unrealistic that she'd made it to 27, from a mostly broken home, living in NYC and was still so Gods Damned Innocent. It's like she made it into the adult world, but only by the skin of her teeth and her attitudes had never aged beyond her 16 year old self.
However, Grace Grows was an appropriate title for the novel. As Grace's life pulls a 360 and falls apart, and she actually starts to pull it apart so that she can make the changes in her life that she wants, I began to like her more and more. Angsty, upset Grace was a much more believable, relatable, and understandable character. It makes her stubborn and cranky and unsure of herself and she becomes a procrastinator. Maybe I liked Grace when shit was hitting the fan because her coping mechanisms remind me a lot of my own: completely nonexistent. She tries to run away every time she's cornered into doing something good for herself that's going to hurt. She refuses to leave her chair. She cries for no reason and with no prompting. Sure it's dramatic, but she's self conscious and hurting; it was the way she coped with being forced to tear everything down to build it up that made me like her, made me think of myself. Don't real good books make you put yourself in the main character's shoes?
Tyler, the love interest, is a sparkly perfect sexy new-to-the-city dog walker that she meets on his first week in the city. He's moved to New York to try to sell his music. Slowly, but surely, he becomes a perfect rock star, with stalker fans and false news all over the internet. While perhaps he is too perfect and has too few flaws, his and Grace's relationship is shown perfectly through Grace's eyes. Her self consciousness comes out in thinking that he's sexually and socially over confident, which of course just makes her think that she couldn't possibly be good enough for the magic rock star. Even his perfectness (lack of flaws) can be attributed to seeing him through Grace's eyes. You know those boys that just make you want to crawl into yourself when they're at their most confident because then you can't feel good enough, not by a mile? They may love the girl and they may never do anything to hurt her, but she can't see past her own issues? That's Tyler and Grace.
Looking for a good Beach Read? This is perfect for that. It's simply written, but engaging and hilarious. I found myself giggling quite a few times. Romance novels are not always my cup of tea, but this was a Romance and a Coming of Age all rolled into one. It's sort of too bad that this doesn't come out until October, because it really would be a perfect summer read.
I do see this book succeeding on the strength of the voice of Grace, and the strength and unique characters of the people she is surrounded by.
However, Grace Grows was an appropriate title for the novel. As Grace's life pulls a 360 and falls apart, and she actually starts to pull it apart so that she can make the changes in her life that she wants, I began to like her more and more. Angsty, upset Grace was a much more believable, relatable, and understandable character. It makes her stubborn and cranky and unsure of herself and she becomes a procrastinator. Maybe I liked Grace when shit was hitting the fan because her coping mechanisms remind me a lot of my own: completely nonexistent. She tries to run away every time she's cornered into doing something good for herself that's going to hurt. She refuses to leave her chair. She cries for no reason and with no prompting. Sure it's dramatic, but she's self conscious and hurting; it was the way she coped with being forced to tear everything down to build it up that made me like her, made me think of myself. Don't real good books make you put yourself in the main character's shoes?
Tyler, the love interest, is a sparkly perfect sexy new-to-the-city dog walker that she meets on his first week in the city. He's moved to New York to try to sell his music. Slowly, but surely, he becomes a perfect rock star, with stalker fans and false news all over the internet. While perhaps he is too perfect and has too few flaws, his and Grace's relationship is shown perfectly through Grace's eyes. Her self consciousness comes out in thinking that he's sexually and socially over confident, which of course just makes her think that she couldn't possibly be good enough for the magic rock star. Even his perfectness (lack of flaws) can be attributed to seeing him through Grace's eyes. You know those boys that just make you want to crawl into yourself when they're at their most confident because then you can't feel good enough, not by a mile? They may love the girl and they may never do anything to hurt her, but she can't see past her own issues? That's Tyler and Grace.
Looking for a good Beach Read? This is perfect for that. It's simply written, but engaging and hilarious. I found myself giggling quite a few times. Romance novels are not always my cup of tea, but this was a Romance and a Coming of Age all rolled into one. It's sort of too bad that this doesn't come out until October, because it really would be a perfect summer read.
I do see this book succeeding on the strength of the voice of Grace, and the strength and unique characters of the people she is surrounded by.
September 2, 2012
I won this book on goodreads and was super excited to read it. I was not disappointed!
Grace Grows grabbed me right from the beginning, and spun me through a roller coaster of emotions. Grace is an editor and writer for a text book publisher, and lives with her long-term boyfriend Steven. As Steven is out of town a lot on business, Grace befriends the neighbors dog walker, Tyler Wilkie, who has just moved to the city in hopes of busting into the music business. Grace, and her best friend Peg, have a great time showing Tyler around the city and attending his gigs at local bars. Before long, Tyler is head over heels for Grace, writing her songs and calling at all times of day and night. But she makes it very clear to him that they are strictly friends, and that she is "taken". Will Grace continue on with her so-called Perfect Life or for once listen to her heart and make some big life-altering changes.
Grace Barnum was at times a very annoying main character. Sometimes I just wanted to knock her upside the head, and tell her to open her eyes! I wanted to ask her why in the world she would do the stupid things she does through-out the story. She made me mad and frustrated. But at the same time she was a very realistic character. Not all women in their late 20's are mature, grown up and well-rounded in the dating world, even though we like to think we are. Grace Grows made me laugh out loud, and even cry. My chest at one point actually ached for both her and Tyler. And, unlike most contemporary romances these days, Grace Grows took place through years rather than days or weeks. I had a feeling of what would happen in the end, but with all the twists and turns Shelle Sumners took us on, I wasn't entirely sure. I read this book deep into the night, as I had a very hard time putting it down ... and even though I never usually read ahead, this book forced me to take a peak into the future and then go back and continue reading. That's how badly I wanted to know what would happen next, and if everything would turn out okay in the end.
It has been a long time since I've read a good sized book 300+ pages in less than a week.
Grace Grows grabbed me right from the beginning, and spun me through a roller coaster of emotions. Grace is an editor and writer for a text book publisher, and lives with her long-term boyfriend Steven. As Steven is out of town a lot on business, Grace befriends the neighbors dog walker, Tyler Wilkie, who has just moved to the city in hopes of busting into the music business. Grace, and her best friend Peg, have a great time showing Tyler around the city and attending his gigs at local bars. Before long, Tyler is head over heels for Grace, writing her songs and calling at all times of day and night. But she makes it very clear to him that they are strictly friends, and that she is "taken". Will Grace continue on with her so-called Perfect Life or for once listen to her heart and make some big life-altering changes.
Grace Barnum was at times a very annoying main character. Sometimes I just wanted to knock her upside the head, and tell her to open her eyes! I wanted to ask her why in the world she would do the stupid things she does through-out the story. She made me mad and frustrated. But at the same time she was a very realistic character. Not all women in their late 20's are mature, grown up and well-rounded in the dating world, even though we like to think we are. Grace Grows made me laugh out loud, and even cry. My chest at one point actually ached for both her and Tyler. And, unlike most contemporary romances these days, Grace Grows took place through years rather than days or weeks. I had a feeling of what would happen in the end, but with all the twists and turns Shelle Sumners took us on, I wasn't entirely sure. I read this book deep into the night, as I had a very hard time putting it down ... and even though I never usually read ahead, this book forced me to take a peak into the future and then go back and continue reading. That's how badly I wanted to know what would happen next, and if everything would turn out okay in the end.
It has been a long time since I've read a good sized book 300+ pages in less than a week.
July 15, 2012
I received this book in advance through a Goodreads, first-reads, giveaway. It does not go on sale until October.
Very rarely do I give a book 5/5 stars. I've also never been a person that is drawn to stories of love. However, this book deserved 5 stars as it truly was amazing. From the moment I opened it I could not put it down. When I wasn't reading it all I was thinking about was reading it.
It is the story of the ups and downs and the growth of a relationship (and a woman). One that many will be able to relate to. When I first began reading it it had a familiar taste; reminding me of David Nicholls' "One Day." I even thought "this is going to be a movie." This makes sense as the author, Shelle Sumners, is also a screenwriter.
I highly recommend this book. It's a great book to cuddle up to on a rainy day and will be a great book club read!
I can't wait for another book from Shelle Sumners!
Very rarely do I give a book 5/5 stars. I've also never been a person that is drawn to stories of love. However, this book deserved 5 stars as it truly was amazing. From the moment I opened it I could not put it down. When I wasn't reading it all I was thinking about was reading it.
It is the story of the ups and downs and the growth of a relationship (and a woman). One that many will be able to relate to. When I first began reading it it had a familiar taste; reminding me of David Nicholls' "One Day." I even thought "this is going to be a movie." This makes sense as the author, Shelle Sumners, is also a screenwriter.
I highly recommend this book. It's a great book to cuddle up to on a rainy day and will be a great book club read!
I can't wait for another book from Shelle Sumners!
April 16, 2021
**This review contains spoilers** Only one star because there are some characters whose traits and actions seemed rather toxic to me, made me angry while reading and feel the need to write a little rant-review:
1. Tyler doesn't respect Grace's boundaries, doesn't accept her "no's" and continues to pursue her anyways. He shouldn't just have stopped this because she was in a relationship, but because he made her seemingly UNCOMFORTABLE. Especially when he's drunk and gropes her. Even though the author tries to make him seem all so "innocent and nice" so that we are supposed to forgive him, I can't look over his harassing in the beginning and accept him as the perfect romantic lead he's painted to be. This storyline adds to the classic friendzoned Nice Guy trope that encourages creepy and persuasive behaviour in male-female-friendships with one-sided-attraction, because the woman is supposed to just realize at one point that he is oh so good for her, knows better what is good for her than herself and that she is the one who made the mistake to not see that in the first place.
It also makes it an unrealistic turn for me that Grace, after trying to escape his advances for such a long time, suddenly realizes she lOvEs HiM oH sO mUcH.
2. Grace is a such an "I'm not like the other girls"-character! She continuously contrasts her looks and likes with those of the women who are fans of Tyler. While they wear high-heels, thongs and lots of make-up, she only does that once to make a statement at her job while stressing that that's not her usual style. In one scene she gets ready putting on only a little bit of make-up to look like a "graceful woman" - as if the other women weren’t graceful at all. She paints the female fans of Tyler as if they were sexually aggressive, dumb and mean (mostly to her), even though she barely knows them. Yes, here and there they are mean to her, but on the other hand, she seems to give off an "I'm better than all of you"-attitude towards the other women, so it makes sense they also aren't all too nice to her either. Grace also assumes that all of them just want to fuck Tyler without knowing if it is so - maybe they just like his music. It also bugged me that Sumners described all these women as beautiful, blond, big-breasted and tall, just to contrast them with Grace and put them into the drawer of the dumb blonde sexually available female which we are supposed to dislike and look down upon. As a matter of fact, sexiness is more diverse than that and isn’t exclusive to intelligence and likeableness.
On top of that, Grace is so judgmental of others, too. Even though she isn't painted as perfect, criticizes herself a lot in the second half of the book and goes through some pain because she thinks she's not good enough for Tyler (or rather: not classically "cool girl"- or "hot girl"-like enough for him from her point of view), she continuously states that she hates this or that behaviour of her friends, family or Tyler and sometimes sees them in a very bad light. At times it felt like she didn't even appreciate the great support system her friends and mostly her parents gave her.
For example, Grace sees Tyler as a womanizer just because in her stereotypical world view of a rockstar whose fans are all so sexy he must be like that - and because she reads about it on the internet. She never actually asks him about his relationships to others - she just assumes and accuses. She acts like all he wants is promiscuity and not commitment, without asking him if it is like that and even though he always just actively pursues her. She also assumes her parents would still hate each other and not be able to get along, while they actually do once they meet again and support her together.
I also didn't agree with her character arc being about mental growth - as the title suggests. I liked the part where she doesn't hop into the next relationship after ending her engagement with Steve, but rather gets a new job and moves to her friend’s place. But other than that, she procrastinates taking important decisions and has others take them for her - while continuously excusing her irrational and at times egoistical behaviour with her self-pity. I get that she has some traumas due to her parents failed relationship - but then why not just go to therapy or talk about it with her parents, or Tyler for that matter??? Which brings me to...
3. The main couple doesn't talk about their feelings at all! They don't seem to act like 20- and then 30-somethings developing a relationship - but like teens who haven't learned how to communicate their feelings. Their relationship arc relies on exterior, physical powers like illnesses and (**spoiler**) accidental pregnancies to make them grow together and go from not talking at all for some time to forming a perfect family. And till the end they rather watch TV series together than just fucking talk about what happened between them and how they really feel for each other - besides the set phrase "I love you" and Tyler's songs.
So, in conclusion, I wouldn't recommend this book, especially not to teens, as it romanticizes harassment and puts down women who enjoy make-up and sexy clothing. On top of that, it acts like emotional traumas like fear of love and commitment issues can be resolved without talking or therapy but with just the right man coming along and life throwing in a few surprises.
1. Tyler doesn't respect Grace's boundaries, doesn't accept her "no's" and continues to pursue her anyways. He shouldn't just have stopped this because she was in a relationship, but because he made her seemingly UNCOMFORTABLE. Especially when he's drunk and gropes her. Even though the author tries to make him seem all so "innocent and nice" so that we are supposed to forgive him, I can't look over his harassing in the beginning and accept him as the perfect romantic lead he's painted to be. This storyline adds to the classic friendzoned Nice Guy trope that encourages creepy and persuasive behaviour in male-female-friendships with one-sided-attraction, because the woman is supposed to just realize at one point that he is oh so good for her, knows better what is good for her than herself and that she is the one who made the mistake to not see that in the first place.
It also makes it an unrealistic turn for me that Grace, after trying to escape his advances for such a long time, suddenly realizes she lOvEs HiM oH sO mUcH.
2. Grace is a such an "I'm not like the other girls"-character! She continuously contrasts her looks and likes with those of the women who are fans of Tyler. While they wear high-heels, thongs and lots of make-up, she only does that once to make a statement at her job while stressing that that's not her usual style. In one scene she gets ready putting on only a little bit of make-up to look like a "graceful woman" - as if the other women weren’t graceful at all. She paints the female fans of Tyler as if they were sexually aggressive, dumb and mean (mostly to her), even though she barely knows them. Yes, here and there they are mean to her, but on the other hand, she seems to give off an "I'm better than all of you"-attitude towards the other women, so it makes sense they also aren't all too nice to her either. Grace also assumes that all of them just want to fuck Tyler without knowing if it is so - maybe they just like his music. It also bugged me that Sumners described all these women as beautiful, blond, big-breasted and tall, just to contrast them with Grace and put them into the drawer of the dumb blonde sexually available female which we are supposed to dislike and look down upon. As a matter of fact, sexiness is more diverse than that and isn’t exclusive to intelligence and likeableness.
On top of that, Grace is so judgmental of others, too. Even though she isn't painted as perfect, criticizes herself a lot in the second half of the book and goes through some pain because she thinks she's not good enough for Tyler (or rather: not classically "cool girl"- or "hot girl"-like enough for him from her point of view), she continuously states that she hates this or that behaviour of her friends, family or Tyler and sometimes sees them in a very bad light. At times it felt like she didn't even appreciate the great support system her friends and mostly her parents gave her.
For example, Grace sees Tyler as a womanizer just because in her stereotypical world view of a rockstar whose fans are all so sexy he must be like that - and because she reads about it on the internet. She never actually asks him about his relationships to others - she just assumes and accuses. She acts like all he wants is promiscuity and not commitment, without asking him if it is like that and even though he always just actively pursues her. She also assumes her parents would still hate each other and not be able to get along, while they actually do once they meet again and support her together.
I also didn't agree with her character arc being about mental growth - as the title suggests. I liked the part where she doesn't hop into the next relationship after ending her engagement with Steve, but rather gets a new job and moves to her friend’s place. But other than that, she procrastinates taking important decisions and has others take them for her - while continuously excusing her irrational and at times egoistical behaviour with her self-pity. I get that she has some traumas due to her parents failed relationship - but then why not just go to therapy or talk about it with her parents, or Tyler for that matter??? Which brings me to...
3. The main couple doesn't talk about their feelings at all! They don't seem to act like 20- and then 30-somethings developing a relationship - but like teens who haven't learned how to communicate their feelings. Their relationship arc relies on exterior, physical powers like illnesses and (**spoiler**) accidental pregnancies to make them grow together and go from not talking at all for some time to forming a perfect family. And till the end they rather watch TV series together than just fucking talk about what happened between them and how they really feel for each other - besides the set phrase "I love you" and Tyler's songs.
So, in conclusion, I wouldn't recommend this book, especially not to teens, as it romanticizes harassment and puts down women who enjoy make-up and sexy clothing. On top of that, it acts like emotional traumas like fear of love and commitment issues can be resolved without talking or therapy but with just the right man coming along and life throwing in a few surprises.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2012
Grace Grows is a novel that interested me as soon as I saw it. I loved the cover, most of all, that’s what drew me to it originally – the two dogs with the man and woman holding on to them. I love dogs, so y’know, I loved the cover. I also like novels where characters crash into people’s lives. I live the spontaneity that Tyler and Grace only met because he came to walk her neighbour’s dogs one morning. It’s a brilliant idea for a novel. I loved how Tyler and Grace just seemed to spark off each other immediately and that Tyler, as a man-child, had the spontaneity to write songs about Grace, to hang around with Grace even when Grace didn’t really want him around. For a long time, Tyler had this naivety to him that just totally blew me away. I was as convinced as Grace that he was young, much younger than her, even though he wasn’t.
In parts, this novel took my breath away. Like I said, the spark between Grace and Tyler was something else. The intensity with which Tyler lived his life was just so all-consuming. The way he was just always there. The way he didn’t let Grace’s coldness or hard shell get in the way of telling the truth about his feelings for her, even if she didn’t reciprocate. He was just so honest. And I adored him. He’s the type of character that right from the get go you just love. He was just so sweet-natured. Even when he swore, it just seemed odd coming from Tyler Wilkie’s mouth. The friction between Grace and Tyler was amazing. I was sort of disappointed how that seemed to actually peter out as the novel wore on, strange as it is, and I will get to that in a bit.
As for Grace. I don’t know how to talk about Grace. Grace was… an enigma I suppose. She (understandably) didn’t acknowledge her feelings for Tyler right away, which is fair enough, but at times I found her to be a bit disengaged. A bit cold. She had flashes of warmth, but for the most part I found it hard to engage with her. She was a bit of a cold fish, in truth. Obviously she was scarred from what occurred during her childhood, growing up with just her mom and with an estranged-until-her-teen-years father, but I just wanted Grace to just let go. Be less uptight. To care less. I think it speaks volumes that the first character I chose to talk about was Tyler, and not Grace who is our main character. It was Tyler who kept me reading, not Grace.
The plot of Grace Grows was great, the writing was good (more Emily Giffin than Sophie Kinsella, and yes, Emily and Sophie’s writing styles do differ, believe me) and overall I liked the book. However, instead of going for the big Chick Lit ending we all know and love (I do, anyway), where there’s a big fight or something similar and then a declaration of love and then The End, instead it’s different. Something else occurs during the last third of the novel that just… it sort of petered out. I wanted my shout-y showdown between Tyler and Grace and the big I love you’s and stuff. I like my endings like that. I like the warm feeling it gives and the sense of relief that it’s all worked out. The ending wasn’t bad, don’t get me wrong, and it was kind of satisfying, but it all just felt a bit too perfect. I was, in total honesty, waiting for the ball to drop. I felt certain that it was all just too engineered, if I’m being totally honest. I’d definitely recommend the novel, it was a solid read, I just found the ending to be not to my tastes. It sounds strange to complain about it, really, as I’m usually whinging about there not being enough of an ending most of the time, but well, as it turns out, I like my not-enough endings, clearly. Grace Grows is a great debut novel, and I can’t wait to see what Shelle Sumners brings us next.
In parts, this novel took my breath away. Like I said, the spark between Grace and Tyler was something else. The intensity with which Tyler lived his life was just so all-consuming. The way he was just always there. The way he didn’t let Grace’s coldness or hard shell get in the way of telling the truth about his feelings for her, even if she didn’t reciprocate. He was just so honest. And I adored him. He’s the type of character that right from the get go you just love. He was just so sweet-natured. Even when he swore, it just seemed odd coming from Tyler Wilkie’s mouth. The friction between Grace and Tyler was amazing. I was sort of disappointed how that seemed to actually peter out as the novel wore on, strange as it is, and I will get to that in a bit.
As for Grace. I don’t know how to talk about Grace. Grace was… an enigma I suppose. She (understandably) didn’t acknowledge her feelings for Tyler right away, which is fair enough, but at times I found her to be a bit disengaged. A bit cold. She had flashes of warmth, but for the most part I found it hard to engage with her. She was a bit of a cold fish, in truth. Obviously she was scarred from what occurred during her childhood, growing up with just her mom and with an estranged-until-her-teen-years father, but I just wanted Grace to just let go. Be less uptight. To care less. I think it speaks volumes that the first character I chose to talk about was Tyler, and not Grace who is our main character. It was Tyler who kept me reading, not Grace.
The plot of Grace Grows was great, the writing was good (more Emily Giffin than Sophie Kinsella, and yes, Emily and Sophie’s writing styles do differ, believe me) and overall I liked the book. However, instead of going for the big Chick Lit ending we all know and love (I do, anyway), where there’s a big fight or something similar and then a declaration of love and then The End, instead it’s different. Something else occurs during the last third of the novel that just… it sort of petered out. I wanted my shout-y showdown between Tyler and Grace and the big I love you’s and stuff. I like my endings like that. I like the warm feeling it gives and the sense of relief that it’s all worked out. The ending wasn’t bad, don’t get me wrong, and it was kind of satisfying, but it all just felt a bit too perfect. I was, in total honesty, waiting for the ball to drop. I felt certain that it was all just too engineered, if I’m being totally honest. I’d definitely recommend the novel, it was a solid read, I just found the ending to be not to my tastes. It sounds strange to complain about it, really, as I’m usually whinging about there not being enough of an ending most of the time, but well, as it turns out, I like my not-enough endings, clearly. Grace Grows is a great debut novel, and I can’t wait to see what Shelle Sumners brings us next.
September 21, 2017
I won this book as a giveaway through Goodreads First Reads. I was really excited, the synopsis sounded good, and I really wanted to like it. Unfortunately, I can't say that I did like it. It ended up boring me and I was in a rush for it to be over.
Grace Barnum is a practical, somewhat dull textbook editor, living in New York City with her dull, practical fiance. She hates her job, doesn't know how to navigate her relationships with her famous artist father and tough-as-nails mom but she has a few loyal friends and life seems okay. Until Tyler Wilkie shows up. He's everything Grace isn't: reckless, wild, and not afraid to take a chance. Tyler's just arrived in NYC to pursue his music career and he quickly becomes Grace's best friend. The only problem is, Tyler has no qualms about openly admitting he's in love with Grace and Grace, against her own wishes, is starting to fall for him.
The main problem with the book was the poor quality of the writing. Shelle Sumners tried to have a distinctive voice but it ended up feeling forced and gimmicky. For example, she had numerous sentences that weren't actually sentences but sentence fragments, thrown willy-nilly throughout the text. She'd be writing about a party and randomly write, "Jazz band." And this sort of writing pervaded the novel. To me it was very off-putting. The dialogue was stilted and the characters were constantly saying unnatural things that people don't really say. It felt fake! Sumners also had a tendency to be unnecessarily crude, in a too-much-information kind of way. She would have Grace (the narrator) say for no apparent reason that wearing a thong felt like flossing her butt. Gross.
The main characters were utterly annoying. Grace spent most of her time correcting Tyler's grammar and over analyzing everything. She was neurotic and not in a lovable way. Tyler was brash and overwhelming and he didn't feel like a romantic lead. I really liked Grace's dad and a few other supporting characters. The book was just way too littered with Grace's mental rants and there were too many pages of song lyrics that Tyler wrote for Grace. Yes, Tyler was a musician but all the songs said the same thing so a couple of them would have been enough to get the point across. Instead there were eight songs, written out in full throughout the novel and it definitely slowed things down. Paraphrasing a few would have been more appropriate.
I wouldn't recommend Grace Grows. It was a novel that couldn't decide if it was humorous chick-lit or bed-banging romance. Sumner's attempts at humor fell flat and I didn't care enough about the characters to care about their romance.
Grace Barnum is a practical, somewhat dull textbook editor, living in New York City with her dull, practical fiance. She hates her job, doesn't know how to navigate her relationships with her famous artist father and tough-as-nails mom but she has a few loyal friends and life seems okay. Until Tyler Wilkie shows up. He's everything Grace isn't: reckless, wild, and not afraid to take a chance. Tyler's just arrived in NYC to pursue his music career and he quickly becomes Grace's best friend. The only problem is, Tyler has no qualms about openly admitting he's in love with Grace and Grace, against her own wishes, is starting to fall for him.
The main problem with the book was the poor quality of the writing. Shelle Sumners tried to have a distinctive voice but it ended up feeling forced and gimmicky. For example, she had numerous sentences that weren't actually sentences but sentence fragments, thrown willy-nilly throughout the text. She'd be writing about a party and randomly write, "Jazz band." And this sort of writing pervaded the novel. To me it was very off-putting. The dialogue was stilted and the characters were constantly saying unnatural things that people don't really say. It felt fake! Sumners also had a tendency to be unnecessarily crude, in a too-much-information kind of way. She would have Grace (the narrator) say for no apparent reason that wearing a thong felt like flossing her butt. Gross.
The main characters were utterly annoying. Grace spent most of her time correcting Tyler's grammar and over analyzing everything. She was neurotic and not in a lovable way. Tyler was brash and overwhelming and he didn't feel like a romantic lead. I really liked Grace's dad and a few other supporting characters. The book was just way too littered with Grace's mental rants and there were too many pages of song lyrics that Tyler wrote for Grace. Yes, Tyler was a musician but all the songs said the same thing so a couple of them would have been enough to get the point across. Instead there were eight songs, written out in full throughout the novel and it definitely slowed things down. Paraphrasing a few would have been more appropriate.
I wouldn't recommend Grace Grows. It was a novel that couldn't decide if it was humorous chick-lit or bed-banging romance. Sumner's attempts at humor fell flat and I didn't care enough about the characters to care about their romance.
April 20, 2015
I started reading this book thinking that it would be a light, fun read, but I was only half right. This book was a fun one, but it had a lot more depth than I thought when I first set out reading the first few sections. I read the last 2/3rds of this book in one afternoon and into the evening because I just couldn’t put it down. The emotion in this book touched me so deeply that I was stunned by the end of it and I loved it. Very few books can really reach inside me so easily and with such little notice until it’s too late to do anything about it but just embrace it.
Grace Barnum is an extremely prepared woman working as a textbook editor in New York City. She’s dating Steven in a rather seriously and professional relationship when one morning she runs into her neighbor’s new dog walker, Tyler, in the hallway and stops to help him. Tyler’s new to NYC and is seeking out a career as a singer/songwriter, but the surprise is that he’s actually really good at it. After meeting Tyler everything becomes different. Grace rethinks her job, her relationship, her life … and to top it all off, she finds that one of Tyler’s songs is written about her. It’s really a story about whether or not people are prepared to change and what is important enough for them to hang onto in a changing world. And through it all, Grace grows.
I highly recommend this read to people (guys, you’d probably like this book too) high school and above. There’s some sexuality, but it’s tastefully done and not explicit. Grace lives a rather clean life and the book also teaches the stressed use of protection during sex. It’s fun, funny, serious, sad, emotional, and inspirational all between the cover of one book.
**I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
Grace Barnum is an extremely prepared woman working as a textbook editor in New York City. She’s dating Steven in a rather seriously and professional relationship when one morning she runs into her neighbor’s new dog walker, Tyler, in the hallway and stops to help him. Tyler’s new to NYC and is seeking out a career as a singer/songwriter, but the surprise is that he’s actually really good at it. After meeting Tyler everything becomes different. Grace rethinks her job, her relationship, her life … and to top it all off, she finds that one of Tyler’s songs is written about her. It’s really a story about whether or not people are prepared to change and what is important enough for them to hang onto in a changing world. And through it all, Grace grows.
I highly recommend this read to people (guys, you’d probably like this book too) high school and above. There’s some sexuality, but it’s tastefully done and not explicit. Grace lives a rather clean life and the book also teaches the stressed use of protection during sex. It’s fun, funny, serious, sad, emotional, and inspirational all between the cover of one book.
**I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
January 22, 2013
Grace Barnum has her life perfectly planned out. From her steady and dependable boyfriend, Steven, to her job editing text books and her big green leather shoulder bag containing anything she might need to survive any situation – I think Grace would even be able to withstand a zombie apocalypse with the contents of Big Green. And then she meets Tyler Wilkie. Tyler is everything Steven is not. He’s seemingly young, spontaneous and perpetually late – much to Grace’s displeasure.
These two characters have chemistry from the start during their amusing – if not somewhat ridiculous - encounter in the hallway. Their conversations are flirty, sweet and so romantic. But the best thing about these characters is that they are not perfect. Grace, with her beauty and perfect life, is still insecure and awkward at times. Her family history has affected her present and throughout the novel she comes to realize that you cannot possibly plan for every situation. Tyler is equally flawed. However his vulnerability somehow just adds to his appeal. Singer/Songwriter Tyler pens some incredibly gorgeous love songs. One of the highlights of this book is that those love songs Tyler composes during the novel were written and recorded by Shelle Sumners’ husband, Lee Morgan, and can be listened to on the book’s website.
Grace Grows is a beautiful story of opposites attract with charming characters, a beautiful love story and a fantastic sound track. I adored this book and devoured it in a matter of hours.
These two characters have chemistry from the start during their amusing – if not somewhat ridiculous - encounter in the hallway. Their conversations are flirty, sweet and so romantic. But the best thing about these characters is that they are not perfect. Grace, with her beauty and perfect life, is still insecure and awkward at times. Her family history has affected her present and throughout the novel she comes to realize that you cannot possibly plan for every situation. Tyler is equally flawed. However his vulnerability somehow just adds to his appeal. Singer/Songwriter Tyler pens some incredibly gorgeous love songs. One of the highlights of this book is that those love songs Tyler composes during the novel were written and recorded by Shelle Sumners’ husband, Lee Morgan, and can be listened to on the book’s website.
Grace Grows is a beautiful story of opposites attract with charming characters, a beautiful love story and a fantastic sound track. I adored this book and devoured it in a matter of hours.
January 4, 2015
I was lucky to win this book through Goodreads' First Reads giveaways, and it was one of the novels that I couldn't wait to read, so began as soon as it arrived in the mail.
The beginning started a bit slow, but it quickly picked up and kept me from putting the book down. Tyler and Grace's characters are two you grow fond of throughout the chapters, although at times I wanted to make each of them realize the obvious. I felt for both of the character's, especially in the middle of the book when their friendship makes progress and Grace makes a big decision.
There were plenty of moments with laughter, tears, frustration, and so much more leading to the two falling in love. I smiled and laughed throughout the novel, along with shedding a few tears as well. As the story neared to the end, I squealed at moments and felt warmth the next for the two, and the surprise that shocked both of them.
Grace Grows is a beautifully written debut novel by Shelle Sumners. It is a novel that will leave you aching for more of Tyler and Grace's story.
The beginning started a bit slow, but it quickly picked up and kept me from putting the book down. Tyler and Grace's characters are two you grow fond of throughout the chapters, although at times I wanted to make each of them realize the obvious. I felt for both of the character's, especially in the middle of the book when their friendship makes progress and Grace makes a big decision.
There were plenty of moments with laughter, tears, frustration, and so much more leading to the two falling in love. I smiled and laughed throughout the novel, along with shedding a few tears as well. As the story neared to the end, I squealed at moments and felt warmth the next for the two, and the surprise that shocked both of them.
Grace Grows is a beautifully written debut novel by Shelle Sumners. It is a novel that will leave you aching for more of Tyler and Grace's story.
September 5, 2012
I won this book as a FirstRead.
Grace Grows follows much of the same general formula as other chick lit, so in that respect, it met expectations. However, I did not find Grace to be a likeable character at all. She cries all the time, and she held little regard for her relationship with her boyfriend/fiance, Steven, in the first half of the book. She does stop herself just short of having sex with Tyler before dumping Steven but apparently feels no remorse at kissing Tyler sneaking behind Steven's back to spend time with Tyler. I also didn't get much of an idea about what made her fall in love with Tyler, other than his smile. While she seems to communicate well with every other character in the book, her relationship with Tyler seems to be built around her lying to him and avoiding him - not a healthy way to behave in a relationship.
Grace Grows follows much of the same general formula as other chick lit, so in that respect, it met expectations. However, I did not find Grace to be a likeable character at all. She cries all the time, and she held little regard for her relationship with her boyfriend/fiance, Steven, in the first half of the book. She does stop herself just short of having sex with Tyler before dumping Steven but apparently feels no remorse at kissing Tyler sneaking behind Steven's back to spend time with Tyler. I also didn't get much of an idea about what made her fall in love with Tyler, other than his smile. While she seems to communicate well with every other character in the book, her relationship with Tyler seems to be built around her lying to him and avoiding him - not a healthy way to behave in a relationship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2012
I absolutely loved this book. I just finished and want to read it again! Ty is such a loveable character and I found myself hurting for him through half the book. I wanted to jump into the story and tell Grace to wake up and see how incredible Ty was and how lucky she was to have something so special. I also really appreciated the family support that Ty and Grace had throughout the story. I appreciated the growth in Grace's relationship with her father and the support she gained from her mom. Ty,s family was great, too - especially Rebecca! This story showe ed the good side of people thay, I feel, is sometimes lost in books today. Also, the soundtrack is incredible! It really helps the book become more real and makes you wish someone was writing those songs for you!
April 4, 2016
I won this novel through Goodreads First Reads.
It was fantastic, comical, and realistic. I fell in love with the characters and found myself laughing at Tyler's persistence - he does not give up if he finds someone attractive! This was a perfect read for the quiet weekend that I've been needing recently.
It was fantastic, comical, and realistic. I fell in love with the characters and found myself laughing at Tyler's persistence - he does not give up if he finds someone attractive! This was a perfect read for the quiet weekend that I've been needing recently.
June 18, 2012
Loved this book -- it is warm and funny and insightful, a realistic love story!
February 26, 2014
Ah, Contemporary Romance novel which sucks me in from page one, completely taking over both my mind and my time until it just...doesn't hold my interest any more. We meet again.
Grace Grows is rather endearing, a charming romantic tale that, in my opinion, had a few too many misunderstandings to completely win over my heart. Sumners has a unique writing style, though, and if nothing else, she managed to have me emotionally involved in her characters. When we first meet Grace, she is living with a steady boyfriend, a reliable job, and loyal friends. And then, she bumps into Ty. Ty, the dog walker for her next-door neighbor, is a budding musician with a dream of making it big. Although Grace makes it clear to him that she is in a relationship, Ty nevertheless pursues her, becoming her friend almost unexpectedly. Despite Grace's best efforts to push Ty away, he perseveres, forcing Grace to re-evaluate not only her life, but her heart as well.
Admittedly, I wasn't Team Ty within the opening chapters. If anything, I found him a little too...forward. As an intensely personal person, Ty's easy relationship with Grace surpassed the awkward stages of meaningless chit-chat, getting straight to the casual comfort one would maintain with a best friend or sibling. Needless to say, I wasn't surprised when Grace pushed Ty away, wanting the distance from him myself. But when he was gone, being ignored by Grace, I missed him. Ty's presence is much like Sumners writing - easy to take advantage of and gloss over until absent. While Grace is responsible and collected, a cool cookie whose life is planned out and orderly (much like her bookshelves), Ty is a whirlwind of emotion, bringing his passion for music to New York alongside his optimism at making a life for himself despite starting out with little. Moreover, he is an optimist through-and-through, always smiling and eager to please. While I struggled with both Sumners writing style and her initial portrayal of Ty, I grew to love and appreciate both as the novel wore on. Much like Grace, I just couldn't stay away, reservations and all.
Grace and Ty's friendship, and subsequent romance, is potent and strong. While Grace is a rock for Ty to lean on, a support system to him always (not to mention source of inspiration for is songs!), Ty propels Grace to re-evaluate exactly what it is she wants from life. Working as a textbook editor, Grace must follow guidelines of including diversity and nutrition in these nonfiction works while completely skipping the sex-ed facts she wants to include. In other words, she is being forced to comply with company policies instead of actually educating high school students. Despite her unhappiness with her job, though, it is a secure position which Grace never even dreams of rising above until Ty enters her life. Additionally, her relationship with her boyfriend is rocky - not to her, but to the reader. Grace enjoys spending time apart from her significant other, not minding in the least when he takes business trips across the globe while she stays back in New York. Seeing Grace and Ty's friendship contrasting with Grace's relationship sends warning signals in our heads. Surely enough, though Grace and Ty develop feelings for one another over the course of their time spent together, thankfully Grace Grows doesn't involve cheating.
In fact, what I truly appreciated about this novel was that in-between Grace's relationship with her original boyfriend and her relationship with Ty, she takes time off for herself to regroup; to find a job she loves, to spend time with the friends she wants, to discover exactly what it is she wants to do opposed to what she's expected to do. Up until this point, Grace Grows was on a surefire track to earn at least 4 Stars, if not a higher rating, from me. I couldn't stop flipping the pages, desperate to see what happened with Grace and Ty, hoping against all hope that despite his rising career and her disgruntled one, they'd find a way to be together.
Well. Long story short: Ty and Grace find a way to be together. After a long time apart. And then...something...happens. And then the book just falls apart. Basically.
It's difficult to impart more concrete details without divulging spoilers, but Grace and Ty tentatively attempt to forge a relationship despite the push-and-pull of their lives; Ty touring the country, Grace figuring her life out. Yet, with Ty's life moving forward while Grace's staying at a stand-still, a whole new slew of hurdles are thrown in their paths. Instead of working through these, however, the manner in which Grace and Ty eventually find their way back to one another wasn't a story arc I particularly enjoyed. First and foremost, I felt tense the entire time while I read because of the uncertainty of their future together and, moreover, the lack of communication between the two. I understood where both these characters were coming from, but the sudden jump from practically zero conversation to complete acceptance threw me off. And from that point on, the rest of Grace Grows felt like fan-service, dragging out the lives of these two in incredible (and unrealistic) detail. Essentially, by the end, I felt cheated. Grace Grows builds and builds the tension and relationship of Grace and Ty until readers - and me - are practically shaking with emotion, but instead of launching off of that foundation, I found that the novel went down a path that didn't gratify me. It's a personal qualm, it seems, from the rave reviews of this novel around the blogosphere, and I will certainly be picking up another Sumners novel, whenever she chooses to publish one, but an overwhelming sense of loss hangs over my post-Grace Grows glow.
Sumners's debut is written in a stark, original manner with realistic characters, intense character relationships featuring both love (romantic & familial) and friendship, and entertaining dialogue to boot. It may not be my favorite romance novel out there, but it's definitely worth a read.
Grace Grows is rather endearing, a charming romantic tale that, in my opinion, had a few too many misunderstandings to completely win over my heart. Sumners has a unique writing style, though, and if nothing else, she managed to have me emotionally involved in her characters. When we first meet Grace, she is living with a steady boyfriend, a reliable job, and loyal friends. And then, she bumps into Ty. Ty, the dog walker for her next-door neighbor, is a budding musician with a dream of making it big. Although Grace makes it clear to him that she is in a relationship, Ty nevertheless pursues her, becoming her friend almost unexpectedly. Despite Grace's best efforts to push Ty away, he perseveres, forcing Grace to re-evaluate not only her life, but her heart as well.
Admittedly, I wasn't Team Ty within the opening chapters. If anything, I found him a little too...forward. As an intensely personal person, Ty's easy relationship with Grace surpassed the awkward stages of meaningless chit-chat, getting straight to the casual comfort one would maintain with a best friend or sibling. Needless to say, I wasn't surprised when Grace pushed Ty away, wanting the distance from him myself. But when he was gone, being ignored by Grace, I missed him. Ty's presence is much like Sumners writing - easy to take advantage of and gloss over until absent. While Grace is responsible and collected, a cool cookie whose life is planned out and orderly (much like her bookshelves), Ty is a whirlwind of emotion, bringing his passion for music to New York alongside his optimism at making a life for himself despite starting out with little. Moreover, he is an optimist through-and-through, always smiling and eager to please. While I struggled with both Sumners writing style and her initial portrayal of Ty, I grew to love and appreciate both as the novel wore on. Much like Grace, I just couldn't stay away, reservations and all.
Grace and Ty's friendship, and subsequent romance, is potent and strong. While Grace is a rock for Ty to lean on, a support system to him always (not to mention source of inspiration for is songs!), Ty propels Grace to re-evaluate exactly what it is she wants from life. Working as a textbook editor, Grace must follow guidelines of including diversity and nutrition in these nonfiction works while completely skipping the sex-ed facts she wants to include. In other words, she is being forced to comply with company policies instead of actually educating high school students. Despite her unhappiness with her job, though, it is a secure position which Grace never even dreams of rising above until Ty enters her life. Additionally, her relationship with her boyfriend is rocky - not to her, but to the reader. Grace enjoys spending time apart from her significant other, not minding in the least when he takes business trips across the globe while she stays back in New York. Seeing Grace and Ty's friendship contrasting with Grace's relationship sends warning signals in our heads. Surely enough, though Grace and Ty develop feelings for one another over the course of their time spent together, thankfully Grace Grows doesn't involve cheating.
In fact, what I truly appreciated about this novel was that in-between Grace's relationship with her original boyfriend and her relationship with Ty, she takes time off for herself to regroup; to find a job she loves, to spend time with the friends she wants, to discover exactly what it is she wants to do opposed to what she's expected to do. Up until this point, Grace Grows was on a surefire track to earn at least 4 Stars, if not a higher rating, from me. I couldn't stop flipping the pages, desperate to see what happened with Grace and Ty, hoping against all hope that despite his rising career and her disgruntled one, they'd find a way to be together.
Well. Long story short: Ty and Grace find a way to be together. After a long time apart. And then...something...happens. And then the book just falls apart. Basically.
It's difficult to impart more concrete details without divulging spoilers, but Grace and Ty tentatively attempt to forge a relationship despite the push-and-pull of their lives; Ty touring the country, Grace figuring her life out. Yet, with Ty's life moving forward while Grace's staying at a stand-still, a whole new slew of hurdles are thrown in their paths. Instead of working through these, however, the manner in which Grace and Ty eventually find their way back to one another wasn't a story arc I particularly enjoyed. First and foremost, I felt tense the entire time while I read because of the uncertainty of their future together and, moreover, the lack of communication between the two. I understood where both these characters were coming from, but the sudden jump from practically zero conversation to complete acceptance threw me off. And from that point on, the rest of Grace Grows felt like fan-service, dragging out the lives of these two in incredible (and unrealistic) detail. Essentially, by the end, I felt cheated. Grace Grows builds and builds the tension and relationship of Grace and Ty until readers - and me - are practically shaking with emotion, but instead of launching off of that foundation, I found that the novel went down a path that didn't gratify me. It's a personal qualm, it seems, from the rave reviews of this novel around the blogosphere, and I will certainly be picking up another Sumners novel, whenever she chooses to publish one, but an overwhelming sense of loss hangs over my post-Grace Grows glow.
Sumners's debut is written in a stark, original manner with realistic characters, intense character relationships featuring both love (romantic & familial) and friendship, and entertaining dialogue to boot. It may not be my favorite romance novel out there, but it's definitely worth a read.
June 29, 2018
Ich habe das gekürzte Hörbuch gehört, wusste aber erst am Ende, dass es eine gekürzte Fassung ist. Leider war ich ziemlich enttäuscht. Vieles war sehr seltsam und Grace war mir oft unsympathisch. Vielleicht ist die ungekürzte Version besser aber das Hörbuch hat mir überhaupt nicht gefallen. Die Geschichte an sich wäre nicht schlecht gewesen, aber so wie sie war und erzählt wurde konnte sie mich nicht überzeugen. Auch die Sprecherin war nicht meins...
January 30, 2022
I listened to this as an audiobook while walking the dog.
I liked the writing, but the protagonist 'Grace' was too stupid to live, so I kept hoping someone would kill her.
I liked the writing, but the protagonist 'Grace' was too stupid to live, so I kept hoping someone would kill her.
November 21, 2012
I picked up Grace Grows by Shelle Sumners not sure what to expect. I normally stick to contemporary romance and steer clear of books classified as “chick lit.” After reading this synopsis, I decided to make an exception. AHH I AM SO GLAD I DID. I have some CAPSLOCK ENTHUSIASM for this read, y’all.
First of all: Grace Grows has an original soundtrack. Could things get any better? Tyler Wilkie, the male MC, is a musician. The songs he writes and sings in the book have actually been recorded. Plus, the lyrics don’t suck. I’m normally pretty blah about books with original lyrics/poems/etc. in them because I feel awkward about it when they aren’t very good or meaningful and don’t add much to the story. Luckily, these are fabulous.
where she’s just the world to me
just a girl who knows
I could be good I could be bad
I could be what she’s never had
And I can be wrong but you can be sure
I could be anything for her
Maybe now that I’m an old lady (I turned 26 this year, y’all. TWENTY-SIX.), I just appreciate the chick lit genre more than I used to. Seeing a relationship develop over years and have consequences and difficulties was a breath of fresh air – Grace Barnum and Tyler Wilkie have an extremely complicated relationship that takes a lot of time and effort to finally succeed.
When Grace Grows begins, Grace is in another relationship. Tyler Wilkie is a recent transplant to the city – just another musician trying to make it. Even though she can barely tolerate how he disrupts her need for order – she can’t quite make herself stay away from him. Maybe it is the gorgeous angsty music he writes about her – or how hotttt he is. (Seriously, this dude IS hot.) As the years go by, their interactions change and evolve as they become friends, more than friends, awkward acquaintances…
Their hard times just made me want it that much more – for them to be together. Same goes for their faults – both Grace and Tyler make PLENTY of mistakes and bad decisions. Seeing them misstep made them feel all the more real.
Seriously you guys, I was so wrapped up in the Gralkie (Grace + Wilkie – yes, no?) soap opera. I laughed, I cried, I yelled. (Luckily, the yelling was only internal. Mostly.) I was SO INVESTED in this story that it might have been a little unhealthy.
I read Grace Grows as an egalley, but this is definitely a story I will be investing in so I can set a copy on my shelves to reread in the future. Multiple times. I haven’t had nearly enough time with these characters and their story.
To Sum it Up:
-YOU GUYS. If this is any indication of what I’ve been missing by not reading more chick lit, consider me a convert.
-Watching two people live their lives and make mistakes over the course of many years was a nice change from the straight up romance novels I usually stick to.
-I was completely invested in these characters – I read Grace Grows in one sitting, dying to see where they would end up and if they’d end up there together.
First of all: Grace Grows has an original soundtrack. Could things get any better? Tyler Wilkie, the male MC, is a musician. The songs he writes and sings in the book have actually been recorded. Plus, the lyrics don’t suck. I’m normally pretty blah about books with original lyrics/poems/etc. in them because I feel awkward about it when they aren’t very good or meaningful and don’t add much to the story. Luckily, these are fabulous.
where she’s just the world to me
just a girl who knows
I could be good I could be bad
I could be what she’s never had
And I can be wrong but you can be sure
I could be anything for her
Maybe now that I’m an old lady (I turned 26 this year, y’all. TWENTY-SIX.), I just appreciate the chick lit genre more than I used to. Seeing a relationship develop over years and have consequences and difficulties was a breath of fresh air – Grace Barnum and Tyler Wilkie have an extremely complicated relationship that takes a lot of time and effort to finally succeed.
When Grace Grows begins, Grace is in another relationship. Tyler Wilkie is a recent transplant to the city – just another musician trying to make it. Even though she can barely tolerate how he disrupts her need for order – she can’t quite make herself stay away from him. Maybe it is the gorgeous angsty music he writes about her – or how hotttt he is. (Seriously, this dude IS hot.) As the years go by, their interactions change and evolve as they become friends, more than friends, awkward acquaintances…
Their hard times just made me want it that much more – for them to be together. Same goes for their faults – both Grace and Tyler make PLENTY of mistakes and bad decisions. Seeing them misstep made them feel all the more real.
Seriously you guys, I was so wrapped up in the Gralkie (Grace + Wilkie – yes, no?) soap opera. I laughed, I cried, I yelled. (Luckily, the yelling was only internal. Mostly.) I was SO INVESTED in this story that it might have been a little unhealthy.
I read Grace Grows as an egalley, but this is definitely a story I will be investing in so I can set a copy on my shelves to reread in the future. Multiple times. I haven’t had nearly enough time with these characters and their story.
To Sum it Up:
-YOU GUYS. If this is any indication of what I’ve been missing by not reading more chick lit, consider me a convert.
-Watching two people live their lives and make mistakes over the course of many years was a nice change from the straight up romance novels I usually stick to.
-I was completely invested in these characters – I read Grace Grows in one sitting, dying to see where they would end up and if they’d end up there together.
July 22, 2012
First thoughts
I won this from the Goodreads first-read program and I was super excited because, I entered hundreds of those contest and didn’t think it was possible to win. So now I have proof that real people do win, and I’m one of them.
My thoughts
Grace grows is a great debut for Author Shelle Sumners. I loved this book from the very first page until the very last. In all honesty I wanted the story of Ty and Grace to continue past the pages provided. This book had a lot of plus for me and one negative (which is it ending haha).I loved the writing style, the development of characters, the pace of the story, and the overall realness of the plot.
First, let’s start with the characters. We have Grace, who is a list-making, snack carrying, and all around prepared women. Who is content in her life, but not really happy? She has a job that she really doesn’t like, a boyfriend that she has no spark with, and parents that just don’t get her. The only plus she has is her friends Peg and Ed. Whom make great secondary characters. They were so supportive and genuinely loved Grace and wanted her to be happy. Then we have pretty boy (yes I will call him that) Tyler Wilkie, who has recently moved to the big city of New York from small town Pennsylvania to pursue his music career with longtime friend Bogue (yes that is his name haha).Tyler is the constant charmer and always so happy. I loved that about him. He goes out of his way to be a great friend and let Grace know that he is there for her. They met when Tyler as a little incident with the dogs he’s walking and the rest is history, or the story of Grace grows LOL! As the story progresses, through the seasons we see their connection go from strangers, to friends, and then to something more.
One main reason I loved Grace grows because their story wasn’t all snowflakes and rainbows, there where bumps along the way. There will be some up and downs, highs and lows, and in the end they must decide what course in life they will take, whether it is together or not. I’m not a fan of insta-love because I feel that it doesn’t exist. This story is told over the course of years split up in different season. That’s what made it real for me, and the reason I enjoyed this book.
Overall, Grace grows was a winner in my eyes because of the realistic plot, strong characters, and the love between Grace and Ty. Plus it was never short on laughs! Shelle Sumners brought her a game to this book and it did NOT disappoint!
P.S This story contains in original Soundtrack written by the author’s husband and I loved that. It was like a little added bonus that I really enjoyed!
Characters: 5/5
Writing/error: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Ending: 5/5
Would I recommend it: Yes!
I won this from the Goodreads first-read program and I was super excited because, I entered hundreds of those contest and didn’t think it was possible to win. So now I have proof that real people do win, and I’m one of them.
My thoughts
Grace grows is a great debut for Author Shelle Sumners. I loved this book from the very first page until the very last. In all honesty I wanted the story of Ty and Grace to continue past the pages provided. This book had a lot of plus for me and one negative (which is it ending haha).I loved the writing style, the development of characters, the pace of the story, and the overall realness of the plot.
First, let’s start with the characters. We have Grace, who is a list-making, snack carrying, and all around prepared women. Who is content in her life, but not really happy? She has a job that she really doesn’t like, a boyfriend that she has no spark with, and parents that just don’t get her. The only plus she has is her friends Peg and Ed. Whom make great secondary characters. They were so supportive and genuinely loved Grace and wanted her to be happy. Then we have pretty boy (yes I will call him that) Tyler Wilkie, who has recently moved to the big city of New York from small town Pennsylvania to pursue his music career with longtime friend Bogue (yes that is his name haha).Tyler is the constant charmer and always so happy. I loved that about him. He goes out of his way to be a great friend and let Grace know that he is there for her. They met when Tyler as a little incident with the dogs he’s walking and the rest is history, or the story of Grace grows LOL! As the story progresses, through the seasons we see their connection go from strangers, to friends, and then to something more.
One main reason I loved Grace grows because their story wasn’t all snowflakes and rainbows, there where bumps along the way. There will be some up and downs, highs and lows, and in the end they must decide what course in life they will take, whether it is together or not. I’m not a fan of insta-love because I feel that it doesn’t exist. This story is told over the course of years split up in different season. That’s what made it real for me, and the reason I enjoyed this book.
Overall, Grace grows was a winner in my eyes because of the realistic plot, strong characters, and the love between Grace and Ty. Plus it was never short on laughs! Shelle Sumners brought her a game to this book and it did NOT disappoint!
P.S This story contains in original Soundtrack written by the author’s husband and I loved that. It was like a little added bonus that I really enjoyed!
Characters: 5/5
Writing/error: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Ending: 5/5
Would I recommend it: Yes!
February 17, 2013
The first thing that struck me when I saw Grace Grows was the excellent idea on the front and back covers. The ARC copy I received has the usual testimonials you see, but this time they are with a twist – they’re written by people at the publishing house. Such an awesome idea. The people have spoken – this is one of the sweetest stories you’ll read for a very long time.
Before you think, ‘Ugh, I don’t like sweet and it’s probably all predictable anyway’ – STOP. This is not to a formula. Grace Grows takes the formula, adds reality, twists and the most lovable hero for a long time. People, it’s that good. I can’t recommend it highly enough – and you’ll see why it’s quirky, funny and gorgeous from the first line, “The first time I met Tyler Wilkie, I was dressed like a call girl”. Now, Grace, our protagonist is actually a textbook writer/editor, so we know that this is probably wrong for a cautious young lady who carries the world in her named bag (Big Green) and lives a safe life with her boyfriend in New York.
The first time we meet Tyler, he’s walking a bunch of dogs that can’t get their feet wet. Why? Because he’s a struggling musician trying to make it big in New York.
The immediate chemistry between Grace and Tyler should cause the book to carry a warning for electric shocks but Sumners teases things out. She tells us how gorgeous Tyler (Ty to his friends) is, writes his songs in full (complete with Ty’s lack of knowledge of your/you’re) and taunts us with ‘oh so close’ moments.
Then Grace’s life begins to unravel and her cautious, predictable life ends in a heap. Even though Grace’s pain seeps through the pages, this is where things become exciting for the reader as the plot becomes unpredictable. Things happen in the wrong order and it looks like Grace will never admit her feelings for Ty. I haven’t seen such an edge of your seat relationship since Carrie and Mr Big. Both Grace and Ty’s parents are quirky and/or memorable – Grace’s mother is an uptight lawyer while her father is a world famous artist who has premonitions – but only about Grace. Ty’s parents aren’t averse to smoking the odd banned substance, but their love is palpable as they work together as florists. It’s these little touches that make Grace Grows sparkle – and plants the book firmly in your memory.
Sumners has an incredible talent for feelings – I haven’t had a crush on a book character for a long time, but Ty would be the type. But as we know so much about Grace and have suffered with her, I can’t crush on him because he just belongs with Grace.
I read this for so long that the bath water went cold and I didn’t finish my lunch. It’s that addictive!
Thanks to Allen & Unwin and The Reading Room for the ARC copy.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
Before you think, ‘Ugh, I don’t like sweet and it’s probably all predictable anyway’ – STOP. This is not to a formula. Grace Grows takes the formula, adds reality, twists and the most lovable hero for a long time. People, it’s that good. I can’t recommend it highly enough – and you’ll see why it’s quirky, funny and gorgeous from the first line, “The first time I met Tyler Wilkie, I was dressed like a call girl”. Now, Grace, our protagonist is actually a textbook writer/editor, so we know that this is probably wrong for a cautious young lady who carries the world in her named bag (Big Green) and lives a safe life with her boyfriend in New York.
The first time we meet Tyler, he’s walking a bunch of dogs that can’t get their feet wet. Why? Because he’s a struggling musician trying to make it big in New York.
The immediate chemistry between Grace and Tyler should cause the book to carry a warning for electric shocks but Sumners teases things out. She tells us how gorgeous Tyler (Ty to his friends) is, writes his songs in full (complete with Ty’s lack of knowledge of your/you’re) and taunts us with ‘oh so close’ moments.
Then Grace’s life begins to unravel and her cautious, predictable life ends in a heap. Even though Grace’s pain seeps through the pages, this is where things become exciting for the reader as the plot becomes unpredictable. Things happen in the wrong order and it looks like Grace will never admit her feelings for Ty. I haven’t seen such an edge of your seat relationship since Carrie and Mr Big. Both Grace and Ty’s parents are quirky and/or memorable – Grace’s mother is an uptight lawyer while her father is a world famous artist who has premonitions – but only about Grace. Ty’s parents aren’t averse to smoking the odd banned substance, but their love is palpable as they work together as florists. It’s these little touches that make Grace Grows sparkle – and plants the book firmly in your memory.
Sumners has an incredible talent for feelings – I haven’t had a crush on a book character for a long time, but Ty would be the type. But as we know so much about Grace and have suffered with her, I can’t crush on him because he just belongs with Grace.
I read this for so long that the bath water went cold and I didn’t finish my lunch. It’s that addictive!
Thanks to Allen & Unwin and The Reading Room for the ARC copy.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
September 2, 2012
I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway.
When I saw the title for the book, I was intrigued. Who is Grace, and how does she grow? Then, I read the start of the book summary, and I thought..."I need to read this book." You see, Grace is a planner. I'm a planner. Grace is a textbook editor. I edit textbooks. Granted, that's really where our similarities end, but I was excited to read anyway. I think I held out hopes that this overly responsible, overly-planning bookworm would be swept away by fairy-tale-like love (who doesn't want that, right?).
What I found instead was a more real story of the development of love and of the need to be open to unexpected twists of fate that might enter one's life. At the beginning of the book, I was interested that Tyler might fall for Grace since they come from such different backgrounds; and I wasn't totally surprised that Grace rejected his pursuits, given that she had already carefully planned out her life, making some very responsible choices. I would have done the same thing. They didn't belong together.
As Tyler continued, over time, to pursue Grace, I became more and more annoyed with her refusal to recognize his dedication to her and with her constant mistrust of his intentions. At this point, I was very frustrated with the book and with Grace. Why couldn't she accept Tyler? That's what would happen in a fairy tale, right? The boy would come in and "save" the girl, and she would be so grateful to let him do that. Why wouldn't Grace be open to letting Tyler enrich her life? Why would she always wonder if he really was committed to her? What was her problem? Things don't happen this way in books!
When I thought about why I was so annoyed, I realized that I was frustrated because Grace reminded me a little bit of myself and of real life. Once I recognized this fact, I started to really enjoy the book. The book reminded me that we all have to be open to new possibilities that might present themselves to us and that we have to, at times, be willing to take a risk for something better in our lives (no matter how good our initial life plans were). In the end, I really enjoyed this look into how Grace Grows. It wasn't entirely what I expected. It wasn't just a love story. It was about learning who you are and being able to adapt and change...and grow...when life doesn't go exactly as planned. True, it's still a book with a happy ending (and life doesn't always turn out that way), but I appreciated the insights the book gave me through an entertaining story.
When I saw the title for the book, I was intrigued. Who is Grace, and how does she grow? Then, I read the start of the book summary, and I thought..."I need to read this book." You see, Grace is a planner. I'm a planner. Grace is a textbook editor. I edit textbooks. Granted, that's really where our similarities end, but I was excited to read anyway. I think I held out hopes that this overly responsible, overly-planning bookworm would be swept away by fairy-tale-like love (who doesn't want that, right?).
What I found instead was a more real story of the development of love and of the need to be open to unexpected twists of fate that might enter one's life. At the beginning of the book, I was interested that Tyler might fall for Grace since they come from such different backgrounds; and I wasn't totally surprised that Grace rejected his pursuits, given that she had already carefully planned out her life, making some very responsible choices. I would have done the same thing. They didn't belong together.
As Tyler continued, over time, to pursue Grace, I became more and more annoyed with her refusal to recognize his dedication to her and with her constant mistrust of his intentions. At this point, I was very frustrated with the book and with Grace. Why couldn't she accept Tyler? That's what would happen in a fairy tale, right? The boy would come in and "save" the girl, and she would be so grateful to let him do that. Why wouldn't Grace be open to letting Tyler enrich her life? Why would she always wonder if he really was committed to her? What was her problem? Things don't happen this way in books!
When I thought about why I was so annoyed, I realized that I was frustrated because Grace reminded me a little bit of myself and of real life. Once I recognized this fact, I started to really enjoy the book. The book reminded me that we all have to be open to new possibilities that might present themselves to us and that we have to, at times, be willing to take a risk for something better in our lives (no matter how good our initial life plans were). In the end, I really enjoyed this look into how Grace Grows. It wasn't entirely what I expected. It wasn't just a love story. It was about learning who you are and being able to adapt and change...and grow...when life doesn't go exactly as planned. True, it's still a book with a happy ending (and life doesn't always turn out that way), but I appreciated the insights the book gave me through an entertaining story.
September 10, 2012
I won a copy of Grace Grows in a Goodreads giveaway. Let’s say the book was really… beautiful!
Let’s start with the résumé. Susannah Grace Barnum is a woman who works for a school book editor. She lives in New York and also with her boyfriend, Steven. She wants to marry him. Steven travels a lot for his work. So she spends a lot of time with her friend Peg. Also, she meets someone else. A man, Tyler, who takes care of the neighbor’s dogs. He is a singer, kind and cute. They become really good friends. For her, that’s it…but for him, it’s a little bit harder than that, more special. So there they are, friends, unmarried but almost and him, with fans, women fans.
At first, I thought: « This book is not hard to read, easy to enter in and easy to go out. » A good transition book to read in the middle of two difficult one. And yes, it is this type of books, but this one really interesting. There are so many feelings. I cried. I was on my bed, crying, wanting the best for the two. Seriously, you hope it will finish like you want. You know it will probably be that, but you still hope. I like the story from the beginning. For a young adult like me, it is a love story that makes us dream. It is all so… romantic.
I also love the way she wrote. It simple, easy to write and it has good rhythm. It is like a music, for those who red it, you will know what I am talking about. Let’s say it is, easy to hear. The type of writing is certainly for young adult. You won’t find any deep psychology, this is why it’s that easy to read, but I think it’s hard to say no to a simple story sometimes.
To conclude, I liked this book and I will certainly recommend it to anyone who wants to read a good love story just under Nicholas Sparks type.
Let’s start with the résumé. Susannah Grace Barnum is a woman who works for a school book editor. She lives in New York and also with her boyfriend, Steven. She wants to marry him. Steven travels a lot for his work. So she spends a lot of time with her friend Peg. Also, she meets someone else. A man, Tyler, who takes care of the neighbor’s dogs. He is a singer, kind and cute. They become really good friends. For her, that’s it…but for him, it’s a little bit harder than that, more special. So there they are, friends, unmarried but almost and him, with fans, women fans.
At first, I thought: « This book is not hard to read, easy to enter in and easy to go out. » A good transition book to read in the middle of two difficult one. And yes, it is this type of books, but this one really interesting. There are so many feelings. I cried. I was on my bed, crying, wanting the best for the two. Seriously, you hope it will finish like you want. You know it will probably be that, but you still hope. I like the story from the beginning. For a young adult like me, it is a love story that makes us dream. It is all so… romantic.
I also love the way she wrote. It simple, easy to write and it has good rhythm. It is like a music, for those who red it, you will know what I am talking about. Let’s say it is, easy to hear. The type of writing is certainly for young adult. You won’t find any deep psychology, this is why it’s that easy to read, but I think it’s hard to say no to a simple story sometimes.
To conclude, I liked this book and I will certainly recommend it to anyone who wants to read a good love story just under Nicholas Sparks type.
October 22, 2012
Grace Grows by debut novelist Shelle Sumners proves once again that opposites attract. After growing up in the wake of her parents’ ugly divorce, sensible Grace Barnum has worked hard to create an ordered world for herself. She knows that her life is on the right track. She has a safe job editing textbooks. Grace lives with her boyfriend Steven, a reliable patent attorney who she is comfortable with but isn’t certain she truly loves. She carries anything that she could possibly need throughout the day in her purse (which she calls Big Green), so she is never caught unprepared. Grace is a perfectionist, and she works hard to live up to her own expectations. Then, she meets her neighbor’s dogwalker Tyler Wilkie. Tyler is a musician who just moved to New York City. His life is as different from Grace’s ordered world as you could possibly imagine. As their friendship deepens, Grace is confused by her feelings for Tyler who writes beautiful songs to share his feelings about her from the start. Grace has to learn to let go of perfection and open her heart to the love and life that she wants and needs. Sumners tells the story of this slow-building romance with wit and honesty, making readers want Tyler and Grace to overcome the obstacles and find a way to be happy together. This is a love story that will appeal to fans of Emily Giffin and Jennifer Weiner.
Tyler’s handsome exterior and poet’s soul charms the reader along with Grace. Sumners brings his voice to the novel through the soulful lyrics of his original songs, which were written by her husband, singer-songwriter Lee Morgan. The soundtrack to Grace and Tyler’s story is available on the author’s website (http://www.shellesumners.com/grace-gr...).
e-galley from Netgalley
Tyler’s handsome exterior and poet’s soul charms the reader along with Grace. Sumners brings his voice to the novel through the soulful lyrics of his original songs, which were written by her husband, singer-songwriter Lee Morgan. The soundtrack to Grace and Tyler’s story is available on the author’s website (http://www.shellesumners.com/grace-gr...).
e-galley from Netgalley
October 12, 2012
I got this ARC through Goodreads Firsts. I am so glad that I won this book because I enjoyed the humorous aspect of the book. I even got so frustrated with the main character Gracie and didn't understand why she thought the way it was. Maybe it was her self-esteem issues, but I definitely love the story, especially with Ty barging into her life when she helped him bagging the dogs' paws for a walk as a part of his job.
The book - I love it. I laughed at some scenes and some others I want to throw the book and scream at Gracie for moronic decisions that she created (Read it, you'll understand why I think that way.. OR maybe you can understand where she's coming from), but I couldn't put it down.. Well I had to at some point because of sleep and school. But that was pretty it.
I had to get used to the chapter formats. It doesn't come in the traditional sense where the end of chapter will end with either a lot of white space or a little left then the next page will have a # or a quirky chapter name to continue the next scene. Rather, the author made it flow (even though it was a little awkward for me at first). The end of the chapter then the next chapter (with a quirky title, not a #) will start on the same page. Usually I HATE that and it reminds me of some classic books and it threw me off. However, after a while, I get used to it and it actually makes sense why the author did it.
Again, I am glad that I get to win this one through a giveaway! Yay! Thank you Shelle Sumners!
The book - I love it. I laughed at some scenes and some others I want to throw the book and scream at Gracie for moronic decisions that she created (Read it, you'll understand why I think that way.. OR maybe you can understand where she's coming from), but I couldn't put it down.. Well I had to at some point because of sleep and school. But that was pretty it.
I had to get used to the chapter formats. It doesn't come in the traditional sense where the end of chapter will end with either a lot of white space or a little left then the next page will have a # or a quirky chapter name to continue the next scene. Rather, the author made it flow (even though it was a little awkward for me at first). The end of the chapter then the next chapter (with a quirky title, not a #) will start on the same page. Usually I HATE that and it reminds me of some classic books and it threw me off. However, after a while, I get used to it and it actually makes sense why the author did it.
Again, I am glad that I get to win this one through a giveaway! Yay! Thank you Shelle Sumners!
October 23, 2012
Grace Grows
by
Shelle Sumners
My " in a nutshell" summary...
Grace appears to have fallen in love with the "wrong" man. Or has she?
My thoughts after reading this book...
I found this to be a really sweet and lovely book. I loved Grace...was not so much in love with Ty...at first...but that is because the good girl in me wanted her to keep the great apartment, the wealthy boyfriend and the three diamond engagement ring. Grace was funny even while she was a little bit damaged. I love a cool story in a New York setting and this book was cool enough to keep me reading and interested. It's a growing sort of story full of fascinating characters. It's written in a fun and stylish manner. It's sort of like a year in Grace's life...with some ups and downs and growth and changes. Key is her relationship to Ty and how she resists it.
What I loved about this book...
It's not a very serious book so there wasn't much I didn't enjoy. I loved Grace's quirky personality. I loved her parents. I even loved the dogs next door!
What I did not love...
Oh...one thing...I hated when she lost her big green bag...I loved that bag and all of Grace's necessary items! And I often have a fear of losing things!
Final thoughts...
This is a fun light book about two very different people who may surprise you with their ending! It was written well and I loved all of the quirky humor!
by
Shelle Sumners
My " in a nutshell" summary...
Grace appears to have fallen in love with the "wrong" man. Or has she?
My thoughts after reading this book...
I found this to be a really sweet and lovely book. I loved Grace...was not so much in love with Ty...at first...but that is because the good girl in me wanted her to keep the great apartment, the wealthy boyfriend and the three diamond engagement ring. Grace was funny even while she was a little bit damaged. I love a cool story in a New York setting and this book was cool enough to keep me reading and interested. It's a growing sort of story full of fascinating characters. It's written in a fun and stylish manner. It's sort of like a year in Grace's life...with some ups and downs and growth and changes. Key is her relationship to Ty and how she resists it.
What I loved about this book...
It's not a very serious book so there wasn't much I didn't enjoy. I loved Grace's quirky personality. I loved her parents. I even loved the dogs next door!
What I did not love...
Oh...one thing...I hated when she lost her big green bag...I loved that bag and all of Grace's necessary items! And I often have a fear of losing things!
Final thoughts...
This is a fun light book about two very different people who may surprise you with their ending! It was written well and I loved all of the quirky humor!
August 16, 2012
I love that “Big Green” is on the front cover, and that Grace and Ty are sitting on the stoop right next to where they met.
I will admit, the first 75-ish pages were very hard for me to read. The story seemed a bit slow. However, I read from someone that she said that it was by far one of her favorite books that she’d come across all year, so I knew I had to finish it. I am SO glad that I did.
I find that I am a lot like Grace. We both write lists for every plan. We’re both punctual and a perfectionist in some ways. Which can also make you seem boring, in a stable, routinely kind of way. That is me. That is Grace. That is the first quarter of the book.
Grace lives with her boyfriend, Steven. She meets Tyler Wilkie, a fun-loving, free spirited kind of guy, who recently moved to the area. He got a job as a singer at a night club and as a dog-walker. He is very unstable and is always late. They run into each other often, and eventually become friends. Grace becomes torn between two men, and eventually decides to take on a new perception of everything in her life, giving her a completely different direction.
This story is a tear-jerker in several spots. Once you get past a certain point, you will not be able to put the book down! It’s a keeper. I even think I already want to re-read the story, and it’s only been a day.
I will admit, the first 75-ish pages were very hard for me to read. The story seemed a bit slow. However, I read from someone that she said that it was by far one of her favorite books that she’d come across all year, so I knew I had to finish it. I am SO glad that I did.
I find that I am a lot like Grace. We both write lists for every plan. We’re both punctual and a perfectionist in some ways. Which can also make you seem boring, in a stable, routinely kind of way. That is me. That is Grace. That is the first quarter of the book.
Grace lives with her boyfriend, Steven. She meets Tyler Wilkie, a fun-loving, free spirited kind of guy, who recently moved to the area. He got a job as a singer at a night club and as a dog-walker. He is very unstable and is always late. They run into each other often, and eventually become friends. Grace becomes torn between two men, and eventually decides to take on a new perception of everything in her life, giving her a completely different direction.
This story is a tear-jerker in several spots. Once you get past a certain point, you will not be able to put the book down! It’s a keeper. I even think I already want to re-read the story, and it’s only been a day.
September 15, 2012
This was such a good read! It was lighthearted and fast paced, and I found that I was smiling to myself quite often while reading. Grace's situation is pretty relatable, in that it is so easy to get complacent and just stay in a relationship because that's how it has been and it almost doesn't occur to her that she could end it. She is an extremely likable protagonist. Shelle Sumners creates great illustrations of everyday situations in her life, such as awful work meetings and a boyfriend who is always gone.
Tyler Wilkie is a huge contrast to stable, predictable Grace. He is a little flighty in a cute way, and lives in the present moment. He is a free spirit, and the interaction between these two opposites is really fun to read.
Through the majority of the book, Grace is resisting Tyler's forward manner, convincing herself that it would not be a good decision for her. But as the story progresses, Grace slowly changes, with Tyler's help (whether he realizes it or not), and comes to make choices that truly benefit her and make her happy, in a way that is completely realistic. It is in this way that Grace "grows" as a person. There are unexpected twists and music lyrics along the way, which only add to the story. Altogether, this is the perfect read for a lazy weekend.
**I Received This Book In A FIrstReads Giveaway**
Tyler Wilkie is a huge contrast to stable, predictable Grace. He is a little flighty in a cute way, and lives in the present moment. He is a free spirit, and the interaction between these two opposites is really fun to read.
Through the majority of the book, Grace is resisting Tyler's forward manner, convincing herself that it would not be a good decision for her. But as the story progresses, Grace slowly changes, with Tyler's help (whether he realizes it or not), and comes to make choices that truly benefit her and make her happy, in a way that is completely realistic. It is in this way that Grace "grows" as a person. There are unexpected twists and music lyrics along the way, which only add to the story. Altogether, this is the perfect read for a lazy weekend.
**I Received This Book In A FIrstReads Giveaway**
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