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Regency Refuge #1
His Saving Grace
Will she be able to save him from himself?
Grace finds herself wed to a man who loathes her. She is shunned and exiled to the farthest corner of the land. It wouldn't hurt so much if he hadn't once been her best friend.
Thomas became a duke long before he was ready. Now he can't go anywhere without women trying to entrap him into marriage. He expected better from his childhood friend.
How can friendship, let alone marriage, thrive in the face of bitterness, suspicion and misunderstanding? What's to be done when the hurtful choices made in anger have lasting consequences?
It takes a special kind of person to see past the pain to the beauty that lies beyond…
Grace finds herself wed to a man who loathes her. She is shunned and exiled to the farthest corner of the land. It wouldn't hurt so much if he hadn't once been her best friend.
Thomas became a duke long before he was ready. Now he can't go anywhere without women trying to entrap him into marriage. He expected better from his childhood friend.
How can friendship, let alone marriage, thrive in the face of bitterness, suspicion and misunderstanding? What's to be done when the hurtful choices made in anger have lasting consequences?
It takes a special kind of person to see past the pain to the beauty that lies beyond…
113 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2013
33 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
About the author
Heather Gray
23 books240 followersHeather loves coffee, God, her family, and laughter – not necessarily in that order! She writes approachable characters who, through the highs and lows of life, find a way to love God, embrace each day, and laugh out loud right along with her. And, yeah, her books almost always have someone who's a coffee addict. Some things just can't be helped.
Despite being born into different eras, Heather's characters share a common trait. Like her, they're all flawed...but loved anyway.
You can find Heather online at http://www.facebook.com/heathergraywr... and http://www.twitter.com/laughdreamwrite. She can also be found most days at The Inspired Inkpot, a street team, prayer group, and all around awesome place to hang out - http://www.facebook.com/groups/theins....
Despite being born into different eras, Heather's characters share a common trait. Like her, they're all flawed...but loved anyway.
You can find Heather online at http://www.facebook.com/heathergraywr... and http://www.twitter.com/laughdreamwrite. She can also be found most days at The Inspired Inkpot, a street team, prayer group, and all around awesome place to hang out - http://www.facebook.com/groups/theins....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
June 1, 2021
Misunderstandings should be the name of the book. Her best friend exiles bc he believes she schemed to become a Duchess. What an idiot! I see groveling in his near future.
August 24, 2013
I wanted to love this book, I really, really did. I enjoy angst ridden regency romances so much, but this book and I wrestled with each other for quite a while.
Ms. Gray's writing is good, her dialogue is fun and witty, but she forgot that the story was about the two main characters and it showed.
It's my own fault - I didn't realize that this was an 'inspirational' romance. They're just not my cup of tea. I like my romance kind of dirty and gritty, so that's certainly not Heather Gray's fault. Perhaps a little comment on the blurb or better tagging would have been appropriate though?
So what's it all about? Inc. spoilers:
Ms. Gray's writing is good, her dialogue is fun and witty, but she forgot that the story was about the two main characters and it showed.
It's my own fault - I didn't realize that this was an 'inspirational' romance. They're just not my cup of tea. I like my romance kind of dirty and gritty, so that's certainly not Heather Gray's fault. Perhaps a little comment on the blurb or better tagging would have been appropriate though?
So what's it all about? Inc. spoilers:
November 3, 2013
Grace and Thomas had been best friends since they were young. He was someone she could always turn to. So when she asked her father if she could have a Season and he said some very hurtful things, it was Thomas who gave her comfort. But when Lady Appleton found them in an embrace there was nothing to do but get married of ruin her reputation. But could she make him understand that it was a complete accident and she hadn't contrived to trap him into marriage or would he forever believe her capable of such an act?
Thomas had always loved Grace's spirit and outspokenness. Ever since childhood he had enjoyed spending time with her. Having inherited his father's estate and title as duke at a young age, women were constantly trying to trap him into marriage. When he was discovered comforting Grace and forced into marriage he assumed she had tricked him like so many others had tried and he was furious with her. But on their way to his castle in Northumberland, Thomas' conscience began plaguing him and he knew he had been treating Grace unfairly. Was his conscience also trying to tell him he loved her? Could they have a marriage in more than name only?
This was a short novella at only 113 pages but a very delightful story. I loved Grace's sharp wit and unconventional ways but I truly wanted to shake Thomas in the beginning. I warmed up to him quickly, though. Thomas' valet and friend, Rupert, was a delight especially once he loosened up. The story was believable and the characters were endearing. The attention to detail was was great also. Bottom line, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and if you love novellas set in England you will love it. Definitely recommended.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Astraea Press for my honest review. The opinions stated are mine and mine alone and I received no monetary compensation.
Thomas had always loved Grace's spirit and outspokenness. Ever since childhood he had enjoyed spending time with her. Having inherited his father's estate and title as duke at a young age, women were constantly trying to trap him into marriage. When he was discovered comforting Grace and forced into marriage he assumed she had tricked him like so many others had tried and he was furious with her. But on their way to his castle in Northumberland, Thomas' conscience began plaguing him and he knew he had been treating Grace unfairly. Was his conscience also trying to tell him he loved her? Could they have a marriage in more than name only?
This was a short novella at only 113 pages but a very delightful story. I loved Grace's sharp wit and unconventional ways but I truly wanted to shake Thomas in the beginning. I warmed up to him quickly, though. Thomas' valet and friend, Rupert, was a delight especially once he loosened up. The story was believable and the characters were endearing. The attention to detail was was great also. Bottom line, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and if you love novellas set in England you will love it. Definitely recommended.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Astraea Press for my honest review. The opinions stated are mine and mine alone and I received no monetary compensation.
January 12, 2015
Grace and Thomas are compromised and forced to marry. Thomas is furious at Grace. He learns too late that she was innocent of duplicity and by then he is already committed to serve overseas against Napoleon.
This book read like a Christian evangelist trying to reach out to romance readers. It was more focused on religion than on romance. The couple decided they were happily married halfway through the book - the rest of the book was irrelevant.
Also, the hero mistreated the heroine horribly at the beginning. He was actually cruel. I didn't like him at all. And the only reason he figured she was innocent was 'the look in her eyes'. Huh?
It was poorly written, and I didn't like the hero. I was actually hope the heroine and the valet would end up together.
This book read like a Christian evangelist trying to reach out to romance readers. It was more focused on religion than on romance. The couple decided they were happily married halfway through the book - the rest of the book was irrelevant.
Also, the hero mistreated the heroine horribly at the beginning. He was actually cruel. I didn't like him at all. And the only reason he figured she was innocent was 'the look in her eyes'. Huh?
It was poorly written, and I didn't like the hero. I was actually hope the heroine and the valet would end up together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2015
I am a fan of Christian fiction. Sometimes a romance gets over shadowed by all the erotic scenes, and I don't want or need that to love a well written story. Having said that, I was so disappointed in the lack of substance in this book. While I enjoyed the author's writing style, it felt like she was in such a hurry to get to the conclusion she raced through the plot to get there. Thomas is so angry about being tricked into marriage that he makes some pretty drastic choices. However within 48 hours of being married he's forgiven Grace and calling her his savior. It was a little to contrived for me...you really didn't feel the change of heart...one minute he's mad as a wet hen and the next hopelessly in love. Also, while I like a sweet romance, I still want the romance. When Grace discovers she is pregnant I was surprised because I wasn't even sure it they had consummated the marriage. I went back to find what I missed. Grace says she's amiable to having martial relations then the next thing you know they are arriving at the ancestral home. Some romantic touching, kissing, etc. would have been nice. I'm afraid it was hard to believe they were really in love. I've noticed this more and more in books that begin and end at about 100 pages. In the attempt at brevity, much of the story gets left behind.
July 27, 2016
I loved this story! Yes, it was on the shorter side, but it was so enjoyable that I couldn't give it less than 5 stars.
I thought, at first, the emotions Thomas felt were a little over-the-top, but once I learned more about his past it was more understandable...though he had been friends with Grace since childhood you'd have thought he'd have listened to her side of the story before making all the decisions he did.
I loved how Grace handled herself with Thomas. She could've behaved so differently and that more than likely would've resulted in a different outcome.
I highly recommend His Saving Grace to anyone that enjoys clean historical romance stories.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
I thought, at first, the emotions Thomas felt were a little over-the-top, but once I learned more about his past it was more understandable...though he had been friends with Grace since childhood you'd have thought he'd have listened to her side of the story before making all the decisions he did.
I loved how Grace handled herself with Thomas. She could've behaved so differently and that more than likely would've resulted in a different outcome.
I highly recommend His Saving Grace to anyone that enjoys clean historical romance stories.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
June 9, 2014
Sweet Historical Romance!
Once I picked up His Saving Grace I couldn't put it down. What a cute, romantic read! Grace stole my heart! She is strong willed, yet vulnerable and sweet. The way she handles how Thomas treats her through his anger is admirable and her giving heart is nothing less than commendable. I would have loved to read more of Rupert. I found him to be a very intriguing character. High praise to Heather Gray for another lovely story. I can honestly recommend this book!
Once I picked up His Saving Grace I couldn't put it down. What a cute, romantic read! Grace stole my heart! She is strong willed, yet vulnerable and sweet. The way she handles how Thomas treats her through his anger is admirable and her giving heart is nothing less than commendable. I would have loved to read more of Rupert. I found him to be a very intriguing character. High praise to Heather Gray for another lovely story. I can honestly recommend this book!
August 8, 2013
Wow. This book is bad. The character are so superficial...the duke finds her friend, Grace, crying. He tries to help her, they embrace one another, someone caught them. The duke turns in a monster. Hello?? He begins to mistreat her. In a question of moments, he discovers she is wonderful and fall in love. No way.
February 7, 2019
A sweet story. It was o.k., but not my sort of reading, just a little too pure for me. No sex obv. I won't be reading the rest of the series. 3☆
September 2, 2013
It started out good enough. Had a good foundation and seemed to promise a good story. It quickly went into silliness. Thomas was mad at Grace for nothing and stayed mad far too long. Then he was fine and in love far too quickly and left. From there the story droled on. Entire chapters could've disappeared and summed up into a few sentences. Then he's back, everyone is happy... the end.
No hot scenes, no funniness really, just kind of a blah story and ending. It filled my afternoon gap for a read, but I won't remember it.
I wish the story had been longer. Some things seemed left unfinished. What was he doing all while gone? I would have liked to hear his thoughts and heard his story along the way. More of their pasts maybe. Where Rupert came from and some of his back story. I also would like a story on Rupert. He was quite interesting and seemed to be a great character for a future story.
No hot scenes, no funniness really, just kind of a blah story and ending. It filled my afternoon gap for a read, but I won't remember it.
I wish the story had been longer. Some things seemed left unfinished. What was he doing all while gone? I would have liked to hear his thoughts and heard his story along the way. More of their pasts maybe. Where Rupert came from and some of his back story. I also would like a story on Rupert. He was quite interesting and seemed to be a great character for a future story.
November 7, 2013
I very much enjoyed this book. I liked both Grace and Thomas. Their reactions to the shocking turn of events that finds them married felt real. I admired Grace's forbearance with Thomas's incredibly unkind behavior and her willingness to forgive which helps Thomas adjust to his changed circumstances. I also found it delightful to read about Grace's efforts to help the local village children, it's heart-warming and funny. Grace and Thomas's relationship once the shock wears off is quite entertaining as well. There is a decent amount of Christian doctrine mixed in with the story but it feels natural and not overwhelming or anything. I would have liked the book to be a little longer so I could enjoy Grace and Thomas's relationship continue to develop (Thomas is gone for a good chunk of the book), but otherwise I loved it.
September 30, 2013
His Saving Grace is a sweet clean historical romance. It is very light on the romance and could easily be read by tweens and YA. For example do not expect details of the consummation of the marriage. There are some subtle Christian undertones. About half of the story is about Grace and the people of the castle. I would like to have had more interaction and tension between Grace and Thomas. I would also like to see Rupert (thomas' valet) get his own story. You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use of a book.
December 31, 2015
After reading Heather Gray's novella, Ten Million Reasons (click here to read my review), I had high hopes for this regency romance. The story was predictable and the scene of restoration somewhat anticlimactic. However, the leading lady was sweet and innocent, but with a strong heart (and will) and a drive for serving the Lord by serving those around her, where she was and despite her circumstances. My favorite character, though was the butler, Rupert. Once you read it, you'll understand why. This is a quick, light read, with some laugh-out-loud bits.
July 17, 2016
Lovely story!
I loved this book, especially the ending. Lots of authors can write good romance, but Ms. Gray really knows how to write other aspects of the male-female relationship. I love how the couple, like any real couple, learn to tease each other and aggravate each other. To me, that is such a special aspect of my relationship with my husband, but one seldom sees much of it in books. Ms. Gray has mastered the art.
I loved this book, especially the ending. Lots of authors can write good romance, but Ms. Gray really knows how to write other aspects of the male-female relationship. I love how the couple, like any real couple, learn to tease each other and aggravate each other. To me, that is such a special aspect of my relationship with my husband, but one seldom sees much of it in books. Ms. Gray has mastered the art.
June 3, 2014
Friends, enemies, and lovers
Forced into a marriage with his childhood friend to preserve her reputation, Thomas is certain she tricked him. He sets out to make her as miserable as he is and does quite an excellent job of it. However, just when you're certain he's beyond hope, he begins to see the truth.
This is a sweet story and a quick read.
Forced into a marriage with his childhood friend to preserve her reputation, Thomas is certain she tricked him. He sets out to make her as miserable as he is and does quite an excellent job of it. However, just when you're certain he's beyond hope, he begins to see the truth.
This is a sweet story and a quick read.
January 7, 2015
Just Average....
The author just didn't really have any depth to this book. There were moments where she seemed to capture the characters perfectly but for the most part this book just left you wanting more. I left feeling like I had read a short story when the book portrayed itself as a novel. I don't know...I liked it but honestly it was just average :/
The author just didn't really have any depth to this book. There were moments where she seemed to capture the characters perfectly but for the most part this book just left you wanting more. I left feeling like I had read a short story when the book portrayed itself as a novel. I don't know...I liked it but honestly it was just average :/
October 14, 2015
Sweet Regency Romance! Grace shows us that beauty isn't just skin deep, it shows in your actions and the way that you treat others. I really enjoyed this story! I liked the characters, it moved at a good pace, the characters worked well with each other. The only thing I could say is that I wish it was longer, I wanted more.
March 21, 2015
Boring, dull and trite. This tale has all been done before and done better. I set myself up with this read. I didn't realize it was a christian romance. I personally like to keep my romance and sermons separate.
Poorly written and edited, the plot got lost along the way in this very short read and the characters meh.....
Not my cuppa tea.
Poorly written and edited, the plot got lost along the way in this very short read and the characters meh.....
Not my cuppa tea.
December 5, 2015
I don't think I realized this was more a novella than an actual novel until I was halfway through it. I thought it was cute, but the synopsis provided by Goodreads was actually settled within the first half. Not that that's upsetting, I was just surprised. Anyway, I enjoyed it and was happy to spend a couple hours on it. :)
4 stars.
4 stars.
July 18, 2016
Grace unwittingly traps her childhood friend into a marriage that neither wants. Thomas is sure that it was deliberate and is sure that she is as conniving as the other predatory ladies of the Ton. His plan is to abandon her at his family's estate in the wilds of northern England to teach her a lesson, but learns something in return.
June 28, 2014
I wanted more. the story started off promising but lacked so much story. the characters were in consistent at some points it was as if the story wasn't about the main characters at all. to me it is as if there were a whole in the story that was plucked out.
October 10, 2014
Another delightful read by Heather Gray! it was hard to put down. The writing was great. I wanted to keep reading. I loved the sweet romance and personality of the characters. Most of all I loved the Inspirational thread running through the book.
January 22, 2016
Work of art
It may be a book to some, but I do so enjoy a good recency romance... and this is a good one. Makes you smile and makes you laugh. There is good and there is better. Grace is her Grace and a wonderful duchess. Truly lovely.
It may be a book to some, but I do so enjoy a good recency romance... and this is a good one. Makes you smile and makes you laugh. There is good and there is better. Grace is her Grace and a wonderful duchess. Truly lovely.
August 1, 2013
Great beginning, I just wish it was longer.
August 6, 2013
A solid 1.5 stars for me. The book was way too short. The story could have been drawn out for much longer.
November 10, 2013
too much Jesus!
September 4, 2013
3.5 Enjoyed it but could have been so much better.
Content: Clean
Content: Clean
October 13, 2013
Started out really good but kind of fell apart at the end. A short novella but it was just okay.
December 27, 2013
Well written story about an arranged marriage that goes south. A little frustrating because the main characters don't speak their mind, so of course there are assumptions that lead to bad decisions.
March 17, 2014
Though it starts out pretty rough, it turns into a very sweet romance. I really like Grace and Thomas is great once he smartens up. A very quick read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews