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Goodness, Grace and Me
When Harriet’s husband, Nick, throws in his safe, but boring job in order to set up a new business during the current recession, Harriet is distraught. More so when she realises Amanda, her and best friend Grace's old enemy from school is back in their lives. Amanda, it turns out, is Nick’s new boss’s wife and, because of her legal and language skills, will be accompanying Nick on his business trips to Italy. How will Nick not succumb to the ruthless charms of the utterly gorgeous Amanda once he’s away from Yorkshire and in glamorous Milan? Knowing Nick is being seduced is bad enough, but when Grace falls madly in love with Sebastian, Amanda’s precious, much younger son, it can only mean trouble ahead. Determined to fight for her man, Harriet’s seduction techniques go into overdrive. Unfortunately she is hampered in her attempts by two bolshy teenagers, an increasingly eccentric mother and a job teaching horrible children. Not to mention something very strange going on at the bottom of her garden! Can Harriet save her marriage, and also her friendship with Grace? And what will happen if Nick’s new venture fails, especially now that the one thing Harriet has not even considered in all this mess appears to be staring her right in the face…?
About the Author
Julie Houston started writing when a child in her class told her she had the biggest tits he’d ever seen! Her horror turned to uncontrollable hysterics when he added, “My last teacher’s were nowhere as big and always in red - never in green!” She knew she just had to get it down in writing and ‘Goodness, Grace and Me’ was the result. She was taken on by agent Anne Williams at KHLA in London and Bristol and, whilst she still teaches part time, (and still finds ten-year-old kids hugely funny) she is working on the sequel which she hopes will continue to make people laugh. Julie lives in West Yorkshire, where her novels are set, with a long-suffering husband, two bolshy teenagers of her own and a mad Cockapoo called Lincoln. She is a teacher and magistrate and loves nothing more than dancing round the kitchen practising her Gangnam Style moves while polishing her granite.
You can contact Julie at:
joolshouston2002@yahoo.co.uk
Twitter: @juliehouston2
Julie Houston on Facebook at:
http:www.facebook.com/Julie.houston
About the Author
Julie Houston started writing when a child in her class told her she had the biggest tits he’d ever seen! Her horror turned to uncontrollable hysterics when he added, “My last teacher’s were nowhere as big and always in red - never in green!” She knew she just had to get it down in writing and ‘Goodness, Grace and Me’ was the result. She was taken on by agent Anne Williams at KHLA in London and Bristol and, whilst she still teaches part time, (and still finds ten-year-old kids hugely funny) she is working on the sequel which she hopes will continue to make people laugh. Julie lives in West Yorkshire, where her novels are set, with a long-suffering husband, two bolshy teenagers of her own and a mad Cockapoo called Lincoln. She is a teacher and magistrate and loves nothing more than dancing round the kitchen practising her Gangnam Style moves while polishing her granite.
You can contact Julie at:
joolshouston2002@yahoo.co.uk
Twitter: @juliehouston2
Julie Houston on Facebook at:
http:www.facebook.com/Julie.houston
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2013
403 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 24, 2020
Harriet Westmoreland is anxious. In the middle of a recession, her husband, Nick, casts aside a great job to invest in a new business. Making things more tense, one of his business associates is Amanda, a former classmate and enemy, who just might be trying to seduce Nick. All signs point to an impending disaster … And that’s before Harriet’s best friend, Grace, falls in love with Amanda’s son.Toss in recalcitrant teens, an unruly classroom, and a secret or two and— well, it’s just another day for Harriet.
The thing about Julie Houston’s novels is that they have a way of sneaking up on the reader. As her work unfolds, it can seem so obvious how everything will eventually unravel. Harriet believes Amanda is attempting to seduce her husband— surely that’ll be the focus. And yet, Houston whisks the reader off at breakneck speed, weaving in out of scenes like an uncomfortable dinner party, a burning shed, and a nutty class reunion. All plots are eventually tidied up, but it’s one hell of a fun ride through the end.
While these scenes are hilarious and original in their own right, they’re pushed over the edge by the character of Harriet. She’s such a realistic main character with genuine worries that it’s impossible not to root for her. Money problems. Kid problems. Marriage. Work. Friends. Family. She’s bogged down with a host of issues, as all mothers are, she tackles each of them head-on. Sure, she has moments where the world is too much, but it’s brilliant reading as she gains confidence and takes control of each increasingly stressful situation she’s faced with.
Of course, she doesn’t have to go it alone. Houston has peppered this book with a charming cast of secondary characters. Grace is the perfect best friend— argumentative when necessary, but always caring. These two conspire against Amanda, their former enemy and apt foil. Yet some of the most touching scenes stem from Harriet interacting with her own family. Her mother struggles with memory issues and secrets of her own, and this subplot is explored in a beautifully surprising way. There are plenty of other great characters, and a lesser author would have balked at the task of navigating so many people and their throughlines, but Houston brings everything together in a more than satisfying narrative.
Goodness, Grace and Me is deliciously frenetic in the best way possible. Julie Houston combines wacky situations, real characters, and a ton of heart into a perfect novel.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book through NetGalley.
The thing about Julie Houston’s novels is that they have a way of sneaking up on the reader. As her work unfolds, it can seem so obvious how everything will eventually unravel. Harriet believes Amanda is attempting to seduce her husband— surely that’ll be the focus. And yet, Houston whisks the reader off at breakneck speed, weaving in out of scenes like an uncomfortable dinner party, a burning shed, and a nutty class reunion. All plots are eventually tidied up, but it’s one hell of a fun ride through the end.
While these scenes are hilarious and original in their own right, they’re pushed over the edge by the character of Harriet. She’s such a realistic main character with genuine worries that it’s impossible not to root for her. Money problems. Kid problems. Marriage. Work. Friends. Family. She’s bogged down with a host of issues, as all mothers are, she tackles each of them head-on. Sure, she has moments where the world is too much, but it’s brilliant reading as she gains confidence and takes control of each increasingly stressful situation she’s faced with.
Of course, she doesn’t have to go it alone. Houston has peppered this book with a charming cast of secondary characters. Grace is the perfect best friend— argumentative when necessary, but always caring. These two conspire against Amanda, their former enemy and apt foil. Yet some of the most touching scenes stem from Harriet interacting with her own family. Her mother struggles with memory issues and secrets of her own, and this subplot is explored in a beautifully surprising way. There are plenty of other great characters, and a lesser author would have balked at the task of navigating so many people and their throughlines, but Houston brings everything together in a more than satisfying narrative.
Goodness, Grace and Me is deliciously frenetic in the best way possible. Julie Houston combines wacky situations, real characters, and a ton of heart into a perfect novel.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book through NetGalley.
March 9, 2019
Harriet is always having to juggle life being a busy mother, teacher and wife to Nick, and things are not helped when Nick gives up his solid job to set up business.......... especially when she finds out that the wife of one of his new associates is Amanda, her enemy from school. Convinced that Amanda is out to seduce her husband she feels that on top of everything else in her life she needs to up her game to keep Nick from Amanda's clutches!
A great book with loads of laugh out loud moments and I think I had a permanent smile on my face while reading it!
A great book with loads of laugh out loud moments and I think I had a permanent smile on my face while reading it!
February 13, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Julie Houston has written another book that had me laughing out loud, with tears rolling down my face! Such a truly delightful story about Harriet - wife, mother and school teacher. Married to Nick whom she feels has totally turned their lives upside down by quitting his stable job to go in on a new business venture. Adding to her meltdown is the fact that the man that Nick will be working with, well she knows his wife Amanda, very well. They are enemies from their old school days. Her best friend in the world, Grace has found out that her husband has had enough of their marriage because she is obsessed with having a baby.
Harriet's mother might have dementia or so she thinks because she's booking holidays and not telling Harriet's dad about them. She's also looking for someone named Patricia all the time. Oh and there may or may not have been a fire in the garden shed.
An absolutely wonderful, funny, laugh out-loud story, that deserves 5+ stars!!
Julie Houston has written another book that had me laughing out loud, with tears rolling down my face! Such a truly delightful story about Harriet - wife, mother and school teacher. Married to Nick whom she feels has totally turned their lives upside down by quitting his stable job to go in on a new business venture. Adding to her meltdown is the fact that the man that Nick will be working with, well she knows his wife Amanda, very well. They are enemies from their old school days. Her best friend in the world, Grace has found out that her husband has had enough of their marriage because she is obsessed with having a baby.
Harriet's mother might have dementia or so she thinks because she's booking holidays and not telling Harriet's dad about them. She's also looking for someone named Patricia all the time. Oh and there may or may not have been a fire in the garden shed.
An absolutely wonderful, funny, laugh out-loud story, that deserves 5+ stars!!
June 25, 2020
A bit of chic lit, the story of Harriet, Nick, their 3 children and Grace, Harriet’s childhood friend. I found it funny, sometimes sad, but very entertaining as Harriet struggles with possible bankruptcy, the thought that Nick might be having an affair with her old school nemesis and Grace’s affair with a much younger man. A real
Mood boosting read.
Mood boosting read.
April 25, 2019
Warm hearted...
For once a book that said it was funny and was indeed at times very funny! Also understood all of the chars personas. Good writing and very enjoyable, wish it would continue into another novel following that family.
For once a book that said it was funny and was indeed at times very funny! Also understood all of the chars personas. Good writing and very enjoyable, wish it would continue into another novel following that family.
July 10, 2019
Another gem!
Ms Houston has the talent and the insight to turn a run of the mill “romantic” tale into an absorbing story with genuine, amusing and interesting characters.
Ms Houston has the talent and the insight to turn a run of the mill “romantic” tale into an absorbing story with genuine, amusing and interesting characters.
September 20, 2020
A page turner of a book.A laugh out loud read.could not put it down
December 9, 2020
A nice easy read with feel good factor.
May 23, 2020
This is 1st of a 3 part series. Enjoyable read !
With this I finish the set.
With this I finish the set.
March 13, 2015
(actual rating 4.5)
Posted originally http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk/2015...
Goodness, Grace and Me is an inviting, enjoyable debut novel, which draws upon everyday, easy-to-relate to life with a wit that makes it all a bit mad. And very entertaining. I’m always curious and maybe a little doubtful when a synopsis is already telling you a book will be hilarious, but I did find this one a lot funnier than I had possibly expected and it had me laughing out loud quite a few times. It took me a little bit of time to really connect with the story, but once I did this book became difficult to put down. Goodness, Grace and Me was a light-hearted yet at times quite sensitive novel, written well, and I’m looking forward to reading the sequel.
Harriet was a lovely character and I really found myself rooting for her. She’s realistically written, with all the normal worries that a woman of her age might have in real life – money issues, stroppy teenagers, stresses over her parents and work…She does seem to have relentlessly bad luck but luckily she has best friend Grace to keep her sane, or maybe a little insane. I loved Harriet and Grace’s friendship. It was honest, funny, sweet, and honestly a little crazy, but great to read. They have their arguments but mostly they’re on the same page. When a blast from their past arrives in the shape of Amanda Goodners, somebody they went to school with, their friendship is affected in more ways than one. Little Miss Goodness’ return allows Harriet and Grace to recall some of their school memories and the highs and lows, but Amanda’s appearance and apparent tendency to spend all of her time with Harriet’s husband Nick causes some issues... As does Grace’s building feelings for Amanda’s son, Sebastian.
There were so many situations Harriet was put in that I just loved to read. Moments that I don’t really want to spoil the humour of but I’m sure there’s got to be quite a few things any reader would laugh at. The antics of Harriet’s teenage son and his friends are just one thing in particular that stands out, but Harriet’s own antics have their moments too. One part I did enjoy was Harriet and Grace’s school reunion, as horrible as a thought of a school reunion sounds to me. I liked seeing them re-connect with some of their old friends as they recalled some funny events and caught up on all the gossip. It was nice to see that their school life hadn’t just been about Amanda Goodners, as much as she does take over.
Aside from the easy humour that comes from Harriet’s narration of her everyday life, there is a more moving aspect to this book with the ill health of Harriet’s mum. This part was tenderly written and as the story progressed, it was quite sad and heart-warming at the same time. There’s more to Goodness, Grace and Me than just your average rom-com, I feel, and Harriet is one of my favourite protagonists, with a story difficult not to connect with. I wanted Harriet to have more faith and confidence in herself and was interested to see whether that would work out or not. This was a funny, chaotic road to discovery and I enjoyed every last bit of it.
*Book received in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2019
Three and a half stars.
Harriet is approaching 40. A married mother of two teenagers and a five year old she is also a teacher at the local school and still as much in love with her gorgeous husband Nick as she was the first day she saw him at university. Then Nick suddenly announces that he has given up his safe, steady job (the one he took after his own business went to the wall at the start of the recession) to go into business with a local millionaire who just happens to be married to Mandy, Harriet's girl-crush from school who led her brother a merry dance before dumping him.
Soon Nick is off to Milan with the gorgeous Mandy, to help with translating the legal documents, while Harriet deals with her mother's increasingly bizarre behaviour, two teenagers, her best friend's marriage disintegrating, her wilderness garden, straitened financial circumstances and the joys of public school teaching.
I liked this book but I didn't love it, in retrospect there was just too much going on, too many threads and it all got a bit frenetic, then everything got resolved in one chapter - so quickly that I actually turned over two pages at once and accidentally missed the end, I was knee deep in the 'six months later' epilogue.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release and to correct typos.
Harriet is approaching 40. A married mother of two teenagers and a five year old she is also a teacher at the local school and still as much in love with her gorgeous husband Nick as she was the first day she saw him at university. Then Nick suddenly announces that he has given up his safe, steady job (the one he took after his own business went to the wall at the start of the recession) to go into business with a local millionaire who just happens to be married to Mandy, Harriet's girl-crush from school who led her brother a merry dance before dumping him.
Soon Nick is off to Milan with the gorgeous Mandy, to help with translating the legal documents, while Harriet deals with her mother's increasingly bizarre behaviour, two teenagers, her best friend's marriage disintegrating, her wilderness garden, straitened financial circumstances and the joys of public school teaching.
I liked this book but I didn't love it, in retrospect there was just too much going on, too many threads and it all got a bit frenetic, then everything got resolved in one chapter - so quickly that I actually turned over two pages at once and accidentally missed the end, I was knee deep in the 'six months later' epilogue.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release and to correct typos.
March 6, 2019
Hat and Nick have three children, a granny flat with Nick’s mum in residence, a hectic life with constantly balancing money in and money out after Nick’s textile business went toes up. Hat has been teaching again, and Nick has, unbeknownst to her decided to venture off in a new business start-up, leaving her the only breadwinner with ever increasing bills as their son is a voracious teen, the eldest daughter will be heading to university soon, and the new job will mean Nick will be traveling for extended periods of time. When you mix in Hat’s best friend Grace’s husband moving on with his side piece, the old head girl and nemesis from their school days also being all too involved in Nick’s new business venture and Grace finding consolation and entertainment in the arms of her nemesis’ son, a twenty four year old young man in a situation that could prove disastrous for Nick’s new business, things are just about at total overload. Until Hat comes up pregnant, and her mother’s increasing confusion seems to be leading to signs of dementia.
This is one of those stories, and lives, that shows with perseverance, friendship and humor, and a willingness to overlook the detritus collecting when late starts and quick exits push cleaning to the end of the to do list. With Harriet’s frequent mood-swings from pregnancy and a certain propensity to over-think EVERYTHING, are frequently offset by her rather wacky and scattered behavior, often quite funny, and her genuine good-nature and inability to sulk for more than a handful of moments at a time. With ridiculous moments offset with true family time, a husband who is genuinely in love with her, and her own ability to overreact for England and forget it the next moment, this is a story of a family, through good and bad, making their way through as best they can.
Clever insets of interactions between friends, the unearthing of a long-buried mystery, some truly quick recoveries and plenty of moments that every couple has seen and endured, the story is quick to read and clever for the honesty, even in ridiculously twisted situations that seem to work out – at least at the moment.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review, all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
This is one of those stories, and lives, that shows with perseverance, friendship and humor, and a willingness to overlook the detritus collecting when late starts and quick exits push cleaning to the end of the to do list. With Harriet’s frequent mood-swings from pregnancy and a certain propensity to over-think EVERYTHING, are frequently offset by her rather wacky and scattered behavior, often quite funny, and her genuine good-nature and inability to sulk for more than a handful of moments at a time. With ridiculous moments offset with true family time, a husband who is genuinely in love with her, and her own ability to overreact for England and forget it the next moment, this is a story of a family, through good and bad, making their way through as best they can.
Clever insets of interactions between friends, the unearthing of a long-buried mystery, some truly quick recoveries and plenty of moments that every couple has seen and endured, the story is quick to read and clever for the honesty, even in ridiculously twisted situations that seem to work out – at least at the moment.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review, all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
February 19, 2019
I can't believe it's taken me so long to discover Julie Houston's books - they're a riot!
Harriet is horrified when her husband Nick gives up his safe job in order to set up in business - again. When it turns out that the wife of the man he's going into business with is married to her old enemy from school, the luscious Amanda, Harriet becomes a bit nervous about her husband's fidelity - knowing Mandy's reputation only too well. Her attempts at keeping their love life alive are not easy, what with two teenagers - who bring their own issues - and a lively four-year-old to contend with. Then there's the matter of her best friend Grace's antics with sex-god Sebastian, son of Amanda ...
This is, without any doubt, once of the funniest rom-coms I have ever come across. Having previously read another of Julie's books, I knew I would like this but nothing - absolutely nothing - could have prepared me for the mirth this novel caused. My poor long suffering husband turned over in bed muttering what sounded similar to 'it's like trying to sleep with Muttley' as the bed rocked with my laughter. When he asked me what was so funny, I emitted this loud sort of squeak - well, my fist and a good bit of the sheet were in my mouth by then! I couldn't speak for giggling almost maniacally and had to explain over breakfast this morning.
Fun and laughter aside, there is a really solid storyline to this novel covering several issues, all intertwined with normal family life. I am so happy to have the sequel lined up to read next - I'm not sure I could wait! There are several hysterically funny scenes which will stay with me - gardening will never be the same again!! Would I recommend this? You bet! Treat yourself today and place yourself in Harriet's shoes for a few hours - you'll feel so much better for it!
Harriet is horrified when her husband Nick gives up his safe job in order to set up in business - again. When it turns out that the wife of the man he's going into business with is married to her old enemy from school, the luscious Amanda, Harriet becomes a bit nervous about her husband's fidelity - knowing Mandy's reputation only too well. Her attempts at keeping their love life alive are not easy, what with two teenagers - who bring their own issues - and a lively four-year-old to contend with. Then there's the matter of her best friend Grace's antics with sex-god Sebastian, son of Amanda ...
This is, without any doubt, once of the funniest rom-coms I have ever come across. Having previously read another of Julie's books, I knew I would like this but nothing - absolutely nothing - could have prepared me for the mirth this novel caused. My poor long suffering husband turned over in bed muttering what sounded similar to 'it's like trying to sleep with Muttley' as the bed rocked with my laughter. When he asked me what was so funny, I emitted this loud sort of squeak - well, my fist and a good bit of the sheet were in my mouth by then! I couldn't speak for giggling almost maniacally and had to explain over breakfast this morning.
Fun and laughter aside, there is a really solid storyline to this novel covering several issues, all intertwined with normal family life. I am so happy to have the sequel lined up to read next - I'm not sure I could wait! There are several hysterically funny scenes which will stay with me - gardening will never be the same again!! Would I recommend this? You bet! Treat yourself today and place yourself in Harriet's shoes for a few hours - you'll feel so much better for it!
June 5, 2019
Complicated relationships are at the center of Julie Houston’s Goodness, Grace, and Me. Harriet (Hat) has been best friends with Grace since they were eleven, and they both idolized Amanda who along the way picked up the title “Little Miss Goodness.” Twenty years later, Grace and Harriet assume they are rid of her influence when she suddenly re-enters their lives. Despite all warnings, Harriet’s husband Nick becomes involved in business with Amanda’s husband and thus Amanda. Grace’s brother continues to be under Amanda’s spell.
Life is not easy for Harriet, mother of three, who had to return to teaching because of economic problems. Also Nick’s mother has come to live with them. Although her situation is complicated, Harriet pushes hard for stability for her family.
This is my second Julie Houston book to read and I like it much better than the first. The main character is strong, likable, and has moral character. There is a subplot involving Harriet’s mother, possible dementia, and a secret. I wasn’t sure how the plot would sort itself out, but it did and I enjoyed watching it happen.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Aria for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Life is not easy for Harriet, mother of three, who had to return to teaching because of economic problems. Also Nick’s mother has come to live with them. Although her situation is complicated, Harriet pushes hard for stability for her family.
This is my second Julie Houston book to read and I like it much better than the first. The main character is strong, likable, and has moral character. There is a subplot involving Harriet’s mother, possible dementia, and a secret. I wasn’t sure how the plot would sort itself out, but it did and I enjoyed watching it happen.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Aria for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 19, 2019
I decided to read and review 'Goodness Grace and Me' and 'The One Saving Grace' together as they are a series and feature the same main characters. If you are a fan of laughter when you read, you will enjoy these stories, which have great characters, and even greater insight into family life and relationships.
The plot is varied and peppered with funny, poignant and romantic moments. It’s written in a visual style, so it’s like watching a film as the plot unfolds.
A lovely romantic comedy series which highlights with charm and humour family life, relationships and the problems women face in society.
I received a copy of these books from Aria Fiction via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The plot is varied and peppered with funny, poignant and romantic moments. It’s written in a visual style, so it’s like watching a film as the plot unfolds.
A lovely romantic comedy series which highlights with charm and humour family life, relationships and the problems women face in society.
I received a copy of these books from Aria Fiction via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
January 16, 2018
Such a fun read
Harriet is that wacky friend you love to meet for coffee because her life is a roller coaster and she always takes you along for a thrilling ride. If you are not in the best mood or if your life is not living up to the hype, read Grace and Me and let yourself be carted away into the madcap household of Hat and Nick. Julie Houston writes freely and fluidly - never pausing to let you take a breath...and you won’t want to.
Harriet is that wacky friend you love to meet for coffee because her life is a roller coaster and she always takes you along for a thrilling ride. If you are not in the best mood or if your life is not living up to the hype, read Grace and Me and let yourself be carted away into the madcap household of Hat and Nick. Julie Houston writes freely and fluidly - never pausing to let you take a breath...and you won’t want to.
February 25, 2019
Loved the book!! I kept wondering what would happen next. Between the cling wrap incident, Nick running out to the burning garden shed naked and the cops showing up at son's party (just to name a few), Harriet lived quite the life and kept me giggling throughout the book. I absolutely loved Harriet and was definitely my favorite character in the book. Harriet and Grace have such a wonderful friendship. The reunion and the after party at the "Eighties Night" club was quite the night.
I loved the story, characters and writing style. The prologue had me confused if I was going to like the book, but as soon as I read the first chapter I knew I would love the book. Harriet's family is something else. There could be a book just about her parents, sister and brother. I definitely needed to find out about Patricia. Was she real or a figment of imagination for Harriet's mom? I mean the woman did hold conversations with her long dead mother. Then there was Amanda, or Mandy as she likes to go by now. She was a constant flirt and the continuous use of Nicky was annoying. Her husband is a saint and must really love her. By the end of the book, I didn't hate her
I fell in love with Julie Houston's books after reading A Village Affair and now I get so happy when there's a new one to read. The books make me smile (not in a creepy way). This book was just a fun read with wonderful characters and very entertaining. I definitely recommend the book and will immediately start reading One Saving Grace.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Aria through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I loved the story, characters and writing style. The prologue had me confused if I was going to like the book, but as soon as I read the first chapter I knew I would love the book. Harriet's family is something else. There could be a book just about her parents, sister and brother. I definitely needed to find out about Patricia. Was she real or a figment of imagination for Harriet's mom? I mean the woman did hold conversations with her long dead mother. Then there was Amanda, or Mandy as she likes to go by now. She was a constant flirt and the continuous use of Nicky was annoying. Her husband is a saint and must really love her. By the end of the book, I didn't hate her
I fell in love with Julie Houston's books after reading A Village Affair and now I get so happy when there's a new one to read. The books make me smile (not in a creepy way). This book was just a fun read with wonderful characters and very entertaining. I definitely recommend the book and will immediately start reading One Saving Grace.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Aria through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 6, 2017
Goodness, Grace and Me
This could almost be read as a slap stick comedy of errors. Hattie has problems and her husband has gone off to Italy with her high school nemesis. Can things be more wrong? Is he going to leave her for the other woman? And what if her friend Grace? Her husband left her for a younger woman. There was a lot going on. So there are more books to read.
This could almost be read as a slap stick comedy of errors. Hattie has problems and her husband has gone off to Italy with her high school nemesis. Can things be more wrong? Is he going to leave her for the other woman? And what if her friend Grace? Her husband left her for a younger woman. There was a lot going on. So there are more books to read.
September 10, 2017
Great little English tale.
When your imagination runs away with you, it's hard to see anything in its true light. Add to it your daily problems and the fears of a new job and new people and kids it's easy to imagine all sorts of things. Very well written story.
When your imagination runs away with you, it's hard to see anything in its true light. Add to it your daily problems and the fears of a new job and new people and kids it's easy to imagine all sorts of things. Very well written story.
September 17, 2019
Excellent! Brilliantly written. Loved the flashbacks & 80s references, to which I could relate to. My only slight disappointment was it all ended too quickly:
There has to be a part 2/3/4 to this sage! Will the author read this?!:)
There has to be a part 2/3/4 to this sage! Will the author read this?!:)
April 7, 2020
Fun, lighthearted read. But seriously Harriet, get a grip. Working full time, with minor children, a husband out of the country, and she can't even bothered to make sure she can use her cell phone. Come on!
March 26, 2017
Loved Harriett! Laughed out loud.
Loved Harriett! Laughed out loud. Enjoyed the way, all the characters were connected. I will be reading more Julie Houston.
Loved Harriett! Laughed out loud. Enjoyed the way, all the characters were connected. I will be reading more Julie Houston.
April 19, 2020
Great read
Funny, sad, heartwarming and very true to life. People aren’t perfect and this book shows life with all it’s frailties. Really enjoyed it.
Funny, sad, heartwarming and very true to life. People aren’t perfect and this book shows life with all it’s frailties. Really enjoyed it.
March 14, 2023
As always, amazing!!!!
October 8, 2023
Wonderful Read
This book covers many issues, but has laugh out loud passages as well
Such a clever writer, Julie Houston gets it right every time
This book covers many issues, but has laugh out loud passages as well
Such a clever writer, Julie Houston gets it right every time
March 14, 2014
When Harriet’s husband, Nick, throws in his safe, but boring job in order to set up a new business during the current recession, Harriet is distraught. More so when she realises Amanda, her and best friend Grace's old enemy from school is back in their lives. Amanda, it turns out, is Nick’s new boss’s wife and, because of her legal and language skills, will be accompanying Nick on his business trips to Italy. How will Nick not succumb to the ruthless charms of the utterly gorgeous Amanda once he’s away from Yorkshire and in glamorous Milan? Knowing Nick is being seduced is bad enough, but when Grace falls madly in love with Sebastian, Amanda’s precious, much younger son, it can only mean trouble ahead. Determined to fight for her man, Harriet’s seduction techniques go into overdrive. Unfortunately she is hampered in her attempts by two bolshy teenagers, an increasingly eccentric mother and a job teaching horrible children. Not to mention something very strange going on at the bottom of her garden! Can Harriet save her marriage, and also her friendship with Grace? And what will happen if Nick’s new venture fails, especially now that the one thing Harriet has not even considered in all this mess appears to be staring her right in the face…?
I was honoured when Julie Houston contacted me on Twitter asking if I would like to review her book as it sounded like the type of book I would usually read, but it did have it’s parts that seemed new to me, which intrigued me further. The book describes itself as being hilarious which I have to say worried me a little just in case I got my hopes up for a funny novel, but it was exactly right!
I don't want to give much of the plot away because I think this book is well worth a read! Harriet is happily married to the Nick and has been for 15 years, she is a mother of three and a teacher in a school alongside her best friend Grace. Harriet's life doesn't make you feel like it is made up, as you can often find in some books, she is written as a normal woman with a normal family and has problems that most people encounter at some point in their life. Each character in the novel is is well written and described to us, the relationship between Harriet and Grace is shown to us like any friendship between real women is, there are laughs, fights, crying and craziness. Harriett handles her problems in the same way any of us probably would, with a few witty and crazy things thrown in.
I loved how Julie described everyday life in such good detail, which I presume must have been taken from her own life, with some extra humour added. I think this makes you enjoy the book that much more because it's believable, yet so crazy it’s funny! The whole book just flows and is written so well which makes it so much easier to read and enjoy. You could relate to the novel and Harriet herself with the stresses of life, work and family. Julie makes you feel empathy for Harriet yet want to carry on reading to see what else might happen to her. I very much enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of Julie's novels in the future. I would definitely recommend this book if you want something you can relate to or as an escape book.
I was honoured when Julie Houston contacted me on Twitter asking if I would like to review her book as it sounded like the type of book I would usually read, but it did have it’s parts that seemed new to me, which intrigued me further. The book describes itself as being hilarious which I have to say worried me a little just in case I got my hopes up for a funny novel, but it was exactly right!
I don't want to give much of the plot away because I think this book is well worth a read! Harriet is happily married to the Nick and has been for 15 years, she is a mother of three and a teacher in a school alongside her best friend Grace. Harriet's life doesn't make you feel like it is made up, as you can often find in some books, she is written as a normal woman with a normal family and has problems that most people encounter at some point in their life. Each character in the novel is is well written and described to us, the relationship between Harriet and Grace is shown to us like any friendship between real women is, there are laughs, fights, crying and craziness. Harriett handles her problems in the same way any of us probably would, with a few witty and crazy things thrown in.
I loved how Julie described everyday life in such good detail, which I presume must have been taken from her own life, with some extra humour added. I think this makes you enjoy the book that much more because it's believable, yet so crazy it’s funny! The whole book just flows and is written so well which makes it so much easier to read and enjoy. You could relate to the novel and Harriet herself with the stresses of life, work and family. Julie makes you feel empathy for Harriet yet want to carry on reading to see what else might happen to her. I very much enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of Julie's novels in the future. I would definitely recommend this book if you want something you can relate to or as an escape book.
January 16, 2014
At the end of 2013 I was contacted by author Julie Houston with the question whether I wanted to review her debut novel, ‘Goodness, Grace and Me.’ The cover straight away caught my interest (I love the Autumn feel of it) and the blurb also promised an enjoyable tale, described by the author as a ‘hilarious, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy.’ I was quite curious to start reading and discover whether the book would fit that promise!
Harriet is happily married to her husband Nick; they met in college and now lead a good life in a wonderful home with their three children. Harriet works as a teacher, but her safe life is suddenly turned upside down when Nick decides to quit his secure job and go into business with entrepreneur David Henderson. Suddenly, Nick is hardly at home anymore, and Harriet’s suspicions only get worse when she finds out how much time her husband is spending with Amanda, David’s wife and her old high school enemy. When Harriet’s best friend Grace, who has just split up with her husband, starts a steamy affair with David and Amanda’s son, everything starts to get even more chaotic and problematic in Harriet’s life...
‘Goodness, Grace and Me’ is a fast-paced novel with a great heroine at its centre. After just a few pages I already really liked Harriet who is a character many female readers will be able to identify themselves with easily. She is trying to deal with various things in her life: her children, her relationship, her friendship with her best friend Grace; and the reader is taken on this journey with her. The novel is easy to read, includes relatable family and relationship issues, has a few twists and turns I did not see coming, and next to that, it managed to make me laugh out loud on several occasions.
I really enjoyed reading about Harriet’s life, most particularly her relationship with her best friend Grace. They have known each other for a really long time and they’ve been through a lot; in the book they are forced to deal with particular situations, and I loved seeing how their friendship evolved. As I said before, there’s quite a lot going on in this novel, but I personally quite liked that, because it made me want to keep on reading. ‘Goodness, Grace and Me’ is a quick-paced, thoroughly enjoyable read that will make you smile, and a book I recommend to any chick lit or romantic comedy fan. I look forward to reading more of Julie Houston’s work in the future!
Review written for my blog: http://spoonfulofhappyendings.blogspo...
Harriet is happily married to her husband Nick; they met in college and now lead a good life in a wonderful home with their three children. Harriet works as a teacher, but her safe life is suddenly turned upside down when Nick decides to quit his secure job and go into business with entrepreneur David Henderson. Suddenly, Nick is hardly at home anymore, and Harriet’s suspicions only get worse when she finds out how much time her husband is spending with Amanda, David’s wife and her old high school enemy. When Harriet’s best friend Grace, who has just split up with her husband, starts a steamy affair with David and Amanda’s son, everything starts to get even more chaotic and problematic in Harriet’s life...
‘Goodness, Grace and Me’ is a fast-paced novel with a great heroine at its centre. After just a few pages I already really liked Harriet who is a character many female readers will be able to identify themselves with easily. She is trying to deal with various things in her life: her children, her relationship, her friendship with her best friend Grace; and the reader is taken on this journey with her. The novel is easy to read, includes relatable family and relationship issues, has a few twists and turns I did not see coming, and next to that, it managed to make me laugh out loud on several occasions.
I really enjoyed reading about Harriet’s life, most particularly her relationship with her best friend Grace. They have known each other for a really long time and they’ve been through a lot; in the book they are forced to deal with particular situations, and I loved seeing how their friendship evolved. As I said before, there’s quite a lot going on in this novel, but I personally quite liked that, because it made me want to keep on reading. ‘Goodness, Grace and Me’ is a quick-paced, thoroughly enjoyable read that will make you smile, and a book I recommend to any chick lit or romantic comedy fan. I look forward to reading more of Julie Houston’s work in the future!
Review written for my blog: http://spoonfulofhappyendings.blogspo...
November 20, 2013
I always enjoy reading a book by a new author and Julie Houston's book did not disappoint. One of the first things I noticed was the book is slightly larger than usual with an almost laminated cover, the bright white paper and good sized black type inside made this an easy read for someone like me who reads into the wee small hours of the night.
Harriet's life has changed since her husband lost his business,she has had to go back to teaching full time and her mother in law has moved in taking over the best part of the house to help pay the bills which has rescued them from having to selling it. Nick has taken a job he is not happy with but needs and Harriet just knows he's about to throw it away to go into business with a man she's been advised not to trust. It only get worse when she finds out that Nick's potential business partner's wife Amanda is a face from her past she would rather not see again. With two teenagers and a five year old thrown into the mix it's no wonder life is hectic for Harriet.
There is so much going on in this book. Harriet and Grace's friendship, Grace's struggle to have a baby, a mother who is becoming stranger by the day and a husband who may be having an affair with her nemesis.
I laughed my way through this book from bonfires and girl's nights out to problems with parents and a neighbour with binoculars. It has the right mix of believable fun and sincerity.
Harriet is a wonderful character,someone you could imagine you would be friends with. She is so scared that if things go wrong in her husband's new venture that this time they will loose everything.
There were lots of funny lines from the children in Harriet's class at school and I would have loved to have heard more from them. There are many life changing events in this book and a few brought tears to my eyes.
I absolutely loved the ending and also the last chapter telling us what was happening after six months has passed.
A little bird tells me that Julie Houston is now writing a sequel and I can't wait to find out where Harriet and Grace and their families are now.
The author has showed herself to be great at writing comedy but also a sensitive writer when the storyline calls for it. This book is well worth a read and will cheer you up after a hard day Christmas shopping.
Harriet's life has changed since her husband lost his business,she has had to go back to teaching full time and her mother in law has moved in taking over the best part of the house to help pay the bills which has rescued them from having to selling it. Nick has taken a job he is not happy with but needs and Harriet just knows he's about to throw it away to go into business with a man she's been advised not to trust. It only get worse when she finds out that Nick's potential business partner's wife Amanda is a face from her past she would rather not see again. With two teenagers and a five year old thrown into the mix it's no wonder life is hectic for Harriet.
There is so much going on in this book. Harriet and Grace's friendship, Grace's struggle to have a baby, a mother who is becoming stranger by the day and a husband who may be having an affair with her nemesis.
I laughed my way through this book from bonfires and girl's nights out to problems with parents and a neighbour with binoculars. It has the right mix of believable fun and sincerity.
Harriet is a wonderful character,someone you could imagine you would be friends with. She is so scared that if things go wrong in her husband's new venture that this time they will loose everything.
There were lots of funny lines from the children in Harriet's class at school and I would have loved to have heard more from them. There are many life changing events in this book and a few brought tears to my eyes.
I absolutely loved the ending and also the last chapter telling us what was happening after six months has passed.
A little bird tells me that Julie Houston is now writing a sequel and I can't wait to find out where Harriet and Grace and their families are now.
The author has showed herself to be great at writing comedy but also a sensitive writer when the storyline calls for it. This book is well worth a read and will cheer you up after a hard day Christmas shopping.
July 26, 2016
When Julie contacted me to ask if I would like to review her book, it did look like a fun and entertaining read and I didn't hesitate to say yes.
Harriet and Nick Westmoreland have been together since university days and have weathered life’s up’s and downs – one of the biggest downs being the folding of Nick’s textile business in the recession. They now have to share a house with Nick’s mother Sylvia and when Nick puts their meagre finances at even greater risk by going into business with businessman David Henderson, Harriet comes face to face with her nemesis – David’s wife Mandy Goodners (the ‘Goodness’ of the title), a not so old ‘friend’ from school. With Mandy seemingly having the power over Harriet’s life and marriage, Harriet must somehow get a grip of her chaotic life and fight for what is hers.
I really enjoyed this book and became very fond of Harriet. She is a very real person with with problems that any of us could have - coping with a difficult teaching job, three children (including two belligerent teenagers) and worrying about the health of her ageing parents; however her life is about to get even more difficult when she suspects her handsome husband Nick of having an affair with his business partner’s wife.
Harriet and Grace (her best friend from school) were wonderful characters with an enduring friendship that I was quite envious of. It was clear that the author had used some incidents from her own life as a teacher when creating this very engaging novel. The storyline never loses pace at all, there is always something going on to keep the reader turning the pages with a few surprises along the way.
With well-developed characters, witty writing and a confidently written storyline, this was an extremely enjoyable read. The term "rom-com" may not do this book justice - yes, it is very funny, but it does have an underlying seriousness. Whilst it takes an awful lot to make me laugh out loud, I had many ‘chuckle out loud’ moments and this is a debut novel that I would certainly recommend. I definitely want to read the sequel!
My thanks to the author for the digital copy to review.
Harriet and Nick Westmoreland have been together since university days and have weathered life’s up’s and downs – one of the biggest downs being the folding of Nick’s textile business in the recession. They now have to share a house with Nick’s mother Sylvia and when Nick puts their meagre finances at even greater risk by going into business with businessman David Henderson, Harriet comes face to face with her nemesis – David’s wife Mandy Goodners (the ‘Goodness’ of the title), a not so old ‘friend’ from school. With Mandy seemingly having the power over Harriet’s life and marriage, Harriet must somehow get a grip of her chaotic life and fight for what is hers.
I really enjoyed this book and became very fond of Harriet. She is a very real person with with problems that any of us could have - coping with a difficult teaching job, three children (including two belligerent teenagers) and worrying about the health of her ageing parents; however her life is about to get even more difficult when she suspects her handsome husband Nick of having an affair with his business partner’s wife.
Harriet and Grace (her best friend from school) were wonderful characters with an enduring friendship that I was quite envious of. It was clear that the author had used some incidents from her own life as a teacher when creating this very engaging novel. The storyline never loses pace at all, there is always something going on to keep the reader turning the pages with a few surprises along the way.
With well-developed characters, witty writing and a confidently written storyline, this was an extremely enjoyable read. The term "rom-com" may not do this book justice - yes, it is very funny, but it does have an underlying seriousness. Whilst it takes an awful lot to make me laugh out loud, I had many ‘chuckle out loud’ moments and this is a debut novel that I would certainly recommend. I definitely want to read the sequel!
My thanks to the author for the digital copy to review.
December 26, 2016
Nick lost his business due to the recession. He and his wife Harriet managed to keep their house, but they had to make sacrifices, which means they're now living there together with Nick's mother. Harriet and Nick have three children, so they have quite a busy household. By working fulltime they can only just keep their heads above water. When Nick meets the wealthy David he has the chance to start another business and the opportunity is too good to pass up. It means less financial stability and Harriet is the main breadwinner all of a sudden. Harriet is even more unhappy when she discovers that David is married to Amanda. Harriet and her best friend Grace went to school with her and know how ruthless the woman can be.
Harriet's future depends on David and Amanda and when both Grace and Harriet's brother have a confession to make that involves her it starts to look pretty grim. While Nick is in Italy with Amanda Harriet has plenty of time to worry. When she might lose everything she holds dear and does a discovery that makes things even worse Harriet is about to have a breakdown. Can she save her marriage, her lifelong friendship and her children or is everything already lost?
Goodness, Grace and Me is a story about a strong woman who has a lot of bad luck. Harriet is honest in a sometimes crude way, which made me like her from the start. She's funny, she's disorganized and she loves with all her heart, which also means she can easily get hurt. While juggling a fulltime job with motherhood, strange neighbors and remaining one step ahead of an evil seductress Harriet tries to stay sane. Her life is chaotic, but Julie Houston is great at keeping her story organized and understandable, which is a fascinating combination.
Harriet isn't perfect. She makes mistakes, there are fabulous uneasy situations and she's both naïve, childish, accomplished and incredibly mature at the same time. I loved her versatile and flexible personality. Julie Houston has managed to come up with a fantastic main character. I really enjoyed reading Goodness, Grace and Me and can't wait to read more about the dynamic Harriet and her busy life.
Harriet's future depends on David and Amanda and when both Grace and Harriet's brother have a confession to make that involves her it starts to look pretty grim. While Nick is in Italy with Amanda Harriet has plenty of time to worry. When she might lose everything she holds dear and does a discovery that makes things even worse Harriet is about to have a breakdown. Can she save her marriage, her lifelong friendship and her children or is everything already lost?
Goodness, Grace and Me is a story about a strong woman who has a lot of bad luck. Harriet is honest in a sometimes crude way, which made me like her from the start. She's funny, she's disorganized and she loves with all her heart, which also means she can easily get hurt. While juggling a fulltime job with motherhood, strange neighbors and remaining one step ahead of an evil seductress Harriet tries to stay sane. Her life is chaotic, but Julie Houston is great at keeping her story organized and understandable, which is a fascinating combination.
Harriet isn't perfect. She makes mistakes, there are fabulous uneasy situations and she's both naïve, childish, accomplished and incredibly mature at the same time. I loved her versatile and flexible personality. Julie Houston has managed to come up with a fantastic main character. I really enjoyed reading Goodness, Grace and Me and can't wait to read more about the dynamic Harriet and her busy life.
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