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Grace Falls #1
Grace Falls
ASIN B00I5UVVN2 moved to the more recent edition
Dr Maddie Marinelli is looking for a fresh start, she's leaving behind the ghost of a failed relationship and looking forward to starting a new job and life in San Francisco...what she didn't count on was car trouble and the colorful residents of Grace Falls.
Alex Milne has spent most her adult life putting other people’s needs first. She is busy raising her daughter in her hometown while running her business and the last thing she expects is to be attracted to Grace Falls' newest, albeit reluctant, resident.
Sometimes you don't know what it is you're looking for, until it comes along and finds you.
Dr Maddie Marinelli is looking for a fresh start, she's leaving behind the ghost of a failed relationship and looking forward to starting a new job and life in San Francisco...what she didn't count on was car trouble and the colorful residents of Grace Falls.
Alex Milne has spent most her adult life putting other people’s needs first. She is busy raising her daughter in her hometown while running her business and the last thing she expects is to be attracted to Grace Falls' newest, albeit reluctant, resident.
Sometimes you don't know what it is you're looking for, until it comes along and finds you.
197 pages, ebook
First published January 30, 2014
58 people are currently reading
451 people want to read
About the author
H.P. Munro
7 books213 followersH.P. Munro lives near Edinburgh, she started writing in 2010 when a new job took her away from home a lot and she found herself in airports, on flights and in hotel rooms with room service for one. The job didn't last but the love of writing did.
Her début novel Silver Wings won the Golden Crown Literary Society Historical Fiction award in 2014.
Her novels Grace Falls and Stars Collide were published in 2014 and quickly became lesbian romance bestsellers with Stars Collide selected as a finalist in the Goldies 2015 Traditional Contemporary Romance category.
Her fourth novel Saving Grace, a companion book to Grace Falls, was published in October 2016.
Mutual Benefits, her first book set in Scotland, won the Goldie for Humorous Novel in 2021.
You can contact H.P. through twitter - @munrohp
Her début novel Silver Wings won the Golden Crown Literary Society Historical Fiction award in 2014.
Her novels Grace Falls and Stars Collide were published in 2014 and quickly became lesbian romance bestsellers with Stars Collide selected as a finalist in the Goldies 2015 Traditional Contemporary Romance category.
Her fourth novel Saving Grace, a companion book to Grace Falls, was published in October 2016.
Mutual Benefits, her first book set in Scotland, won the Goldie for Humorous Novel in 2021.
You can contact H.P. through twitter - @munrohp
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
March 19, 2019
This book reminds me a lot of The Secret of St. Claire by Robin Alexander; a doctor ends up in a small town filled to the brim with quirky characters and ends up falling for one of its inhabitants who happens to have daughter.
There were quite a few moments where I found myself laughing at the antics of certain characters (especially Jessica). I really didn't expect the book to be as funny as it was but that turned out to be a very pleasant surprise.
Those same characters however can become a little overwhelming since there are so many of them. Not only that but the author chose to use the third person omniscient POV which I'm not a fan of because of all the head hopping that occurs.
Although both of the main characters are very likable, they lack chemistry and I found myself not at all invested in their story. Sadly insta-love is a thing and both Maddie and Alex fall victim to it.
The final nail in the coffin why I can't rate this higher than the 3* it's getting is because the book has a lot of errors like missing words and spelling mistakes.
Oh well, at least I learned a new word: vajaydar! How have I never heard that one before? Doesn't matter, I'll be using it from now on. Who knows when my vajaydar senses might start tingling.
There were quite a few moments where I found myself laughing at the antics of certain characters (especially Jessica). I really didn't expect the book to be as funny as it was but that turned out to be a very pleasant surprise.
Those same characters however can become a little overwhelming since there are so many of them. Not only that but the author chose to use the third person omniscient POV which I'm not a fan of because of all the head hopping that occurs.
Although both of the main characters are very likable, they lack chemistry and I found myself not at all invested in their story. Sadly insta-love is a thing and both Maddie and Alex fall victim to it.
The final nail in the coffin why I can't rate this higher than the 3* it's getting is because the book has a lot of errors like missing words and spelling mistakes.
Oh well, at least I learned a new word: vajaydar! How have I never heard that one before? Doesn't matter, I'll be using it from now on. Who knows when my vajaydar senses might start tingling.
March 9, 2014
A sweet romance with characters I liked and understood. The book seemed short, or rather quick to read, but maybe I was just enjoying something that didn't tax me too much. The setting was clear without being shoved down my throat with endless description. Support characters were interesting but not intrusive, and both leads were well written. The dialog didn't feel forced or intent on convincing me everybody in the world is a witty comic; it felt natural. In fact the writing reminded me of some of Robin Alexander's work - and that's definitely no insult.
A tighter edit would have fixed a few little annoyances, however. Grammar at times was a bit perturbing. Sentences here and there were kind of mixed and confused. And the punctuation needs work! A bit too frequently commas were either missing, or in the wrong place. It unfortunately made reading slightly jarring on occasion, but ...I still very much enjoyed the writing, and the story. The small problems didn't spoil the whole for me, but I still expect a better editing job when paying to read.
Definitely a fun, sweet little story, quibbles aside. I'll be sure to check out more work from this author.
A tighter edit would have fixed a few little annoyances, however. Grammar at times was a bit perturbing. Sentences here and there were kind of mixed and confused. And the punctuation needs work! A bit too frequently commas were either missing, or in the wrong place. It unfortunately made reading slightly jarring on occasion, but ...I still very much enjoyed the writing, and the story. The small problems didn't spoil the whole for me, but I still expect a better editing job when paying to read.
Definitely a fun, sweet little story, quibbles aside. I'll be sure to check out more work from this author.
August 10, 2014
I know it's supposed to be fiction, contemporary romantic fiction, but I struggled to deal with the over sweet, over chummy group of friends and relatives in Grace Falls. Trying to conceive (ha) of the implausible ending scenes in this novel was more than my brain or my rolling eyes could handle.
Editing issues aside, books which rely too heavily on bright little pixy children to resolve plot issues and move the story along just don't work for me. Others might find adorable kids, well, adorable. I just find them annoying.
Maddie and Alex were interesting characters and their moments together on page and in the bedroom were a delight to read. I had trouble with the secondary characters. Some were well drawn like cranky Mack and friendly ex Sully. The rest of the cast were introduced but not fleshed out well enough for me to care what they had to say or how they contributed to the story as a whole.
A nice love story many will enjoy. Just not my cuppa.
Editing issues aside, books which rely too heavily on bright little pixy children to resolve plot issues and move the story along just don't work for me. Others might find adorable kids, well, adorable. I just find them annoying.
Maddie and Alex were interesting characters and their moments together on page and in the bedroom were a delight to read. I had trouble with the secondary characters. Some were well drawn like cranky Mack and friendly ex Sully. The rest of the cast were introduced but not fleshed out well enough for me to care what they had to say or how they contributed to the story as a whole.
A nice love story many will enjoy. Just not my cuppa.
January 23, 2021
I really liked it and was in the mood for it... all of it - The banters, the sweetness, the sappiness, the angsty scene, the pull & push factor, sexy scenes which are not over the top, cute and (Really!) supportive friends. And I learn something new as well... a new word 😉
But I must add...that epilogue is a bit much. What are the odds of all that happening at the same time?? Not a dealbreaker for me though and like I said... I really do like Grace Fall 😀
Ratings: 4+ ⭐️
But I must add...that epilogue is a bit much. What are the odds of all that happening at the same time?? Not a dealbreaker for me though and like I said... I really do like Grace Fall 😀
Ratings: 4+ ⭐️
November 15, 2020
What a stunningly good book - 2nd time round and still totally under It's spell. This is real class by which other books should be measured against. Loved it.
November 22, 2025
I absolutely could picture this as a light, romantic comedy movie. Loved the humor, characters, witty dialogues, small town family vibes. On to the faves pile this goes.
February 8, 2018
Bit too cutesy and the end too way over the top. But enjoyable while reading.
Bit too many editing issues for my taste.
Bit too many editing issues for my taste.
August 8, 2016
A sweet story, but in need of a good editor. Just two stars because of serious editing issues.
October 30, 2020
A darn fun kindle unlimited read. If you like quirky small towns with big characters, and funny banter, this is a must read for you!
I really enjoyed all the members of the small town of Grace Falls and how big their hearts were. The fun antics kept a big ole smile on my face, as did the sweet community spirit.
Maddie had been hurt and was running away, Alex didn't want a casual thing. But these two are so attracted to eachother, it just couldn't be stopped. There is a bit of a black moment, but that's usual for the genre.
The super sweet epilogue and happily ever after's for everyone was a tiny bit on the nose, but I can't really complain, can I?
I really like HP Munro's stuff, and look forward to reading the next installment from Grace Falls Saving Grace
I really enjoyed all the members of the small town of Grace Falls and how big their hearts were. The fun antics kept a big ole smile on my face, as did the sweet community spirit.
Maddie had been hurt and was running away, Alex didn't want a casual thing. But these two are so attracted to eachother, it just couldn't be stopped. There is a bit of a black moment, but that's usual for the genre.
The super sweet epilogue and happily ever after's for everyone was a tiny bit on the nose, but I can't really complain, can I?
I really like HP Munro's stuff, and look forward to reading the next installment from Grace Falls Saving Grace
April 1, 2022
3 stars
It was well done but can't say it made a lasting impression. The MCs were nice, the townspeople annoyingly nosy and the kid oscillated between acting/talking like an adult and acting like a toddler.
Can't say those switches didn't annoy me a bit. But overall decent
It was well done but can't say it made a lasting impression. The MCs were nice, the townspeople annoyingly nosy and the kid oscillated between acting/talking like an adult and acting like a toddler.
Can't say those switches didn't annoy me a bit. But overall decent
February 11, 2025
So, it’s Doc Hollywood with lesbians. I love HP Munro’s humor and I so wish she was still writing. I enjoyed this book and it was an easy read. There were a few too many characters for me to get to know properly and I think some of them could have been eliminated to focus on the MCs more.
December 22, 2015
Such Fun
A year after Maddie gets left by her wife she decides to move to San Francisco to head up an ER Department. Along the way her car breaks down and she finds herself stuck in a small town. Maddie agrees to be the town Dr until her car is fixed...then she meets Jessica and her mom Alex. Will love give these two a chance at happiness or will they find they are just too different to make it work?
I adored this story. Its a bit Doc Hollywood and even makes reference to that in the book. I found the crazy cast of characters a hoot. They were so realistic just like in the small town I grew up in. Everyone has their quirks and everyone knows what and who everyone else is doing. The growing attraction between Maddie and Alex is so sweet and tender and fragile. I fell in love with both of them and my heart broke my heart a bit when Maddie felt forced to leave. Little Jessica is just a precocious pip that breathed fresh air into tense situations. The ending was more perfect than I could have hoped for. This is a thoroughly wonderful book to be treasured.
A year after Maddie gets left by her wife she decides to move to San Francisco to head up an ER Department. Along the way her car breaks down and she finds herself stuck in a small town. Maddie agrees to be the town Dr until her car is fixed...then she meets Jessica and her mom Alex. Will love give these two a chance at happiness or will they find they are just too different to make it work?
I adored this story. Its a bit Doc Hollywood and even makes reference to that in the book. I found the crazy cast of characters a hoot. They were so realistic just like in the small town I grew up in. Everyone has their quirks and everyone knows what and who everyone else is doing. The growing attraction between Maddie and Alex is so sweet and tender and fragile. I fell in love with both of them and my heart broke my heart a bit when Maddie felt forced to leave. Little Jessica is just a precocious pip that breathed fresh air into tense situations. The ending was more perfect than I could have hoped for. This is a thoroughly wonderful book to be treasured.
December 14, 2018
That this story started out as a fanfic isn't hard to believe, but I wish I'd known before I read it. I also assume it's self-published because it needs editing (comma placement and incorrect words throughout). It also has the u-haul trope firmly in effect.
As if that wasn't enough, a ridiculously contrived misunderstanding drags on and on from about the two thirds point, and even though multiple characters tell Maddie the truth about what happened she still stubbornly clings to her hurt feelings. Then a 7 year old child pulls off a flight across country that would never happen in a million years, but not to worry, because we have a happy ending that results despite no discussion about what happened by the two leads. Not content with this though, the author piles on not one, but two ridiculous epilogues. Save your time and money.
As if that wasn't enough, a ridiculously contrived misunderstanding drags on and on from about the two thirds point, and even though multiple characters tell Maddie the truth about what happened she still stubbornly clings to her hurt feelings. Then a 7 year old child pulls off a flight across country that would never happen in a million years, but not to worry, because we have a happy ending that results despite no discussion about what happened by the two leads. Not content with this though, the author piles on not one, but two ridiculous epilogues. Save your time and money.
March 16, 2015
I'd have loved to give this one a higher rating because I really did like the story and the characters - all of them - but the editing errors (or lack of editing errors) just make it impossible for me to give it higher than three stars.
That said, I enjoy the author's voice very much. Even with all of the UKisms that were present in a book set in Alabama and San Francisco, I couldn't stop reading. And that's normally a big pet peeve of mine.
That said, I enjoy the author's voice very much. Even with all of the UKisms that were present in a book set in Alabama and San Francisco, I couldn't stop reading. And that's normally a big pet peeve of mine.
October 24, 2021
As I said in one of my intermediate remarks on this book, other than the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy I have never encountered so many quirky characters in just one book. So far John Irving has been a close second, but here I’d say that H.P. Munro takes the cake!
Not only are her characters quirky but also funny and lovable, the dialogues had me in stitches a couple of times and smiling at the rest. On top of that the romance could not be any sweeter or cuter. In all the plot just blows all your ideas of generic plot devices to smithereens, thanks to my absolutely favourite character in this story, Jessica. I won’t say any more to avoid spoilers. You simply have to read this for yourself!
Not only are her characters quirky but also funny and lovable, the dialogues had me in stitches a couple of times and smiling at the rest. On top of that the romance could not be any sweeter or cuter. In all the plot just blows all your ideas of generic plot devices to smithereens, thanks to my absolutely favourite character in this story, Jessica. I won’t say any more to avoid spoilers. You simply have to read this for yourself!
April 25, 2017
Coming back to this book, after having read so many excellently written lesbian fiction books, I have to drop my rating from 5 stars to 4; because although I still love the story and the characters, the editing is quite honestly, atrocious.
November 27, 2016
Kind of a silly story that is supposed to take place in Alabama but is full of Britishisms.
October 19, 2017
It's a quick and fun read, the overly cheesy ending was unnecessary though.
September 26, 2020
Great and warm-hearted read. 4.5 star read. Recommend.
July 31, 2021
6/10
A cute short sapphic story with a smarta*s kid that I finished in one sitting.
The town was weird but kinda nice at the same time? The people in it as well. Haven't lived anywhere other than the 1.5 million people city I was born in and since I haven't had other experiences I liked having this one. Books really are amazing.
I have also a weird feeling when it comes to the MCs, as well. Like, I liked them, I really did but I didn't ship them. I didn't feel any real connection or chemistry between them. I liked more the moments Maddie had with Alex' kid. I think there was potential, though, for it to be much bigger than it really was. I guess the length of the book, sadly, hid the missing moments that I needed.
Can't imagine any kid pulling that sh*t off, though. Felt like a telenovela then to me.
I'll be reading other books by H.P. Munro for sure!
A cute short sapphic story with a smarta*s kid that I finished in one sitting.
The town was weird but kinda nice at the same time? The people in it as well. Haven't lived anywhere other than the 1.5 million people city I was born in and since I haven't had other experiences I liked having this one. Books really are amazing.
I have also a weird feeling when it comes to the MCs, as well. Like, I liked them, I really did but I didn't ship them. I didn't feel any real connection or chemistry between them. I liked more the moments Maddie had with Alex' kid. I think there was potential, though, for it to be much bigger than it really was. I guess the length of the book, sadly, hid the missing moments that I needed.
Can't imagine any kid pulling that sh*t off, though. Felt like a telenovela then to me.
I'll be reading other books by H.P. Munro for sure!
January 14, 2017
This is kind of like Doc Hollywood, except with 100% more lesbians and 100% less rich white boy antics, so two thumbs up. There's even a Michael J. Fox reference!
The timeline on the love story is way too fast and there's a precocious child character whose actions far exceed what should be capable for her age, which are both plot devices I'm not a fan of. But somehow it doesn't really matter with this book. It was just fun to read, and I found it very enjoyable.
(Except the epilogue. Things don't need to be wrapped up with nice bows, especially exceedingly elaborate bows that defy expectations of what is reasonable.)
The timeline on the love story is way too fast and there's a precocious child character whose actions far exceed what should be capable for her age, which are both plot devices I'm not a fan of. But somehow it doesn't really matter with this book. It was just fun to read, and I found it very enjoyable.
(Except the epilogue. Things don't need to be wrapped up with nice bows, especially exceedingly elaborate bows that defy expectations of what is reasonable.)
May 31, 2014
Great book, funny and lively. Reminds me so much of Ann Mcman's Jericho, especially when the 2 main characters are by the same name Maddie.
March 5, 2021
I have two problems with this book.
1. The unrealistic moment when Jessica flew to see Maddie??? Would’ve been more realistic by bus
2. All of them being pregnant at the end???
1. The unrealistic moment when Jessica flew to see Maddie??? Would’ve been more realistic by bus
2. All of them being pregnant at the end???
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2020
Easy, fun, relaxing read. Even though you are sure where the story will go it is funny and just a bit of angst.
June 17, 2023
Sweetness. Bantz. Angst(minimal). I really enjoyed this and can I say the precociousness of that kid was hilarious.
November 5, 2020
This was the romance story I needed to get lost in. H.P. Munro is a very enjoyable author, more cozy romance with funny supporting characters. The main characters are well-developed. I want to move to Grace Falls.
May 2, 2014
Doctor Madeleine Marinelli, (Maddie)has decided it’s time for a change. After being dumped by her partner, Joanna, of twelve years, she has no reason to stay in Atlanta. Maddie lines up a prestigious job as head of an ER in San Francisco. Unfortunately, or may be fortunately, Maddie didn’t make it to San Francisco. Her beloved T-Bird broke down en route, just outside of the tiny town of Grace Falls. Her car is going to take a while to repair due to some shenanigans by the mechanics at the garage. Meanwhile, Maddie gets caught up in the laid back way of life in a small town and meeting some of it’s quirky residents.
Alex Milne has spent most of her life caring for others, now she’s raising her young daughter, Jessica, while running her own coffee shop. When Alex meets Maddie, she is immediately attracted to her. But she can’t chance getting involved with her. Maddie will not be staying in town. She’ll be leaving as soon as her car is fixed. Alex simply can’t risk her heart, can she?
This is the first book I’ve read by H.P. Munro. I have to say, it won’t be the last as I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story is a true delight to read. The two main characters, Maddie and Alex are so obviously made for each other. Both are multi-faceted with a fantastic back up cast of secondary characters all interacting wonderfully well together to progress the story forward. Alex’s daughter, Jessica, was the star of this book. She’s humorous and years older than her actual biological age. In fact, she had me literally laughing out loud at some of her antics.
I loved that this book was set in a small American town where everyone knew everyone else’s business. In some cases, even before they knew it themselves. It all added to the closeness of the characters, although it in turn caused some problems. Which added to the entertainment value.
The one thing I would have liked to know was ‘what happened to the Grace family that Grace Falls is named after’. They were alluded to and I kept waiting for them to either put in an appearance or for some sort of explanation. There was a small mention of Alex and Charlotte Grace, but that was all. Just a minor point and it didn’t spoil the story one bit. There was so much going on at all times.
There were a few typos and grammatical errors, but nothing that pulled me out of the story.
I would love to meet these characters again. A sequel would be more than welcome.
Alex Milne has spent most of her life caring for others, now she’s raising her young daughter, Jessica, while running her own coffee shop. When Alex meets Maddie, she is immediately attracted to her. But she can’t chance getting involved with her. Maddie will not be staying in town. She’ll be leaving as soon as her car is fixed. Alex simply can’t risk her heart, can she?
This is the first book I’ve read by H.P. Munro. I have to say, it won’t be the last as I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story is a true delight to read. The two main characters, Maddie and Alex are so obviously made for each other. Both are multi-faceted with a fantastic back up cast of secondary characters all interacting wonderfully well together to progress the story forward. Alex’s daughter, Jessica, was the star of this book. She’s humorous and years older than her actual biological age. In fact, she had me literally laughing out loud at some of her antics.
I loved that this book was set in a small American town where everyone knew everyone else’s business. In some cases, even before they knew it themselves. It all added to the closeness of the characters, although it in turn caused some problems. Which added to the entertainment value.
The one thing I would have liked to know was ‘what happened to the Grace family that Grace Falls is named after’. They were alluded to and I kept waiting for them to either put in an appearance or for some sort of explanation. There was a small mention of Alex and Charlotte Grace, but that was all. Just a minor point and it didn’t spoil the story one bit. There was so much going on at all times.
There were a few typos and grammatical errors, but nothing that pulled me out of the story.
I would love to meet these characters again. A sequel would be more than welcome.
October 25, 2020
Enjoyable!
I really liked this book. It had a small town feel, unique people and a gossip train that moved faster than a bullet. You have Maddie a doctor escaping her home town and Alex owner of the local coffee shop , two people that have gone through so much. Maddie who was passing through Grace Fall, Alabama has car trouble and the mechanic gets an idea. Since Maddie’s car is a classic, even though he has the parts in his own collection, to hold her here tells her the parts will take about two and half weeks. All for the sake of his wife, who is scheduled to give birth in that time but there is no longer a doctor in their town and they now have to travel to the next town. All of this unravels with so many ups and downs ultimately leaving Maddie at her final destination, San Francisco and Alex in Alabama each nursing a broken heart. The story is well written and you are excited to get to the ending knowing it will be good. And it was!
I really liked this book. It had a small town feel, unique people and a gossip train that moved faster than a bullet. You have Maddie a doctor escaping her home town and Alex owner of the local coffee shop , two people that have gone through so much. Maddie who was passing through Grace Fall, Alabama has car trouble and the mechanic gets an idea. Since Maddie’s car is a classic, even though he has the parts in his own collection, to hold her here tells her the parts will take about two and half weeks. All for the sake of his wife, who is scheduled to give birth in that time but there is no longer a doctor in their town and they now have to travel to the next town. All of this unravels with so many ups and downs ultimately leaving Maddie at her final destination, San Francisco and Alex in Alabama each nursing a broken heart. The story is well written and you are excited to get to the ending knowing it will be good. And it was!
February 7, 2014
It kind of reminded me of Doc Hollywood. It's a sweet story about Grace Falls, a town somewhere in the middle of nowhere and how Maddie falls in love with the little town and its inhabitants and most importantly with one (and a half) inhabitant. I loved the characters (quirky, fun, Mack ;)...) and how their lives and stories interact. Thumbs up!
March 3, 2014
The book was entertaining. Loved this crazy cooky town and the people that reside in it. They made the book enjoyable and had me laughing many times. The end seemed rushed and I didn't understand the need for 2 epilogues.. but over all it was an enjoyable read for a couple of hours. I would like to read more of the town, that was definitely a highlight of the book for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews