"Saving Graces" by Ruby Landers is an absolute triumph in contemporary sapphic romance. This third installment in "The Grace Notes" trilogy delivers a compelling story filled with rich character development, intense chemistry, and heartfelt moments that make it impossible to put down. Ruby Landers' captivating writing style draws you in from the very first page and holds you tight until the last.
Rosalie Carlson, a dedicated social worker who seems to have it all together professionally, is anything but in her personal life. Her close, complicated friendship with megastar Savannah Grace keeps her constantly on her toes. Meanwhile, Kinsey, a young musician trying to find her place in Nashville’s vibrant music scene, is eager to make her mark. When these two women meet, the sparks fly instantly, and their scorching chemistry leaps right off the page.
Landers excels in creating wonderfully diverse characters that are impossible not to love. Kinsey’s confidence in her talent and her deep self-awareness make her a captivating character, drawing readers in with her authenticity and passion. Her journey is one of courage and determination, and it’s impossible not to root for her as she navigates the complexities of love and chasing her dreams. Rosalie, on the other hand, is a great representation of how many women—especially caretakers, advocates, and those in service roles—often prioritize everyone else over themselves. Her reluctance to follow her own advice about self-care and therapy is relatable and adds depth to her character, making her growth throughout the book even more satisfying.
Rosalie's deep love for her sister Rachel adds another layer of emotional depth to the story. Rachel's story arc is incredibly impactful, and the way it unfolds throughout the novel is both heart-wrenching and beautifully crafted. Oh, Rachel... my heart just aches for her. Rachel's presence and impact in Rosalie and Savannah's life and the challenges they face after her loss add a poignant layer to the narrative, highlighting the importance of family and the deep bonds that shape us.
One of the standout elements of "Saving Graces" is the found family Landers has so beautifully crafted. The dual timeline structure, which allows us to see Savannah and Rosalie's friendship grow from the very beginning, is brilliantly executed. It gives new perspective to the previous books and really allows you to see the connection between these friends and how their friendship has ebbed and flowed throughout the years together. The line, "I'll always love you more," resonates deeply, showcasing the strength and enduring nature of their bond. This book is a wonderful example of how friendships build our community and are vital to our lives, offering both support and love in times of need.
Landers does a fantastic job capturing the push and pull between Kinsey and Rosalie, the tension of their initial resistance, and the unfolding of their undeniable attraction. The inner monologue of both characters is so well executed that it allows the reader to deeply understand their fears, desires, and the walls they've built around their hearts. It’s this emotional depth that makes their romance not just believable but genuinely touching.
The continuation of Savannah and Brynn’s HEA and Cassie and Lane’s story adds depth and richness to the narrative, highlighting the strong bonds of friendship, family and love that permeate Landers’ books. The sheer amount of queer love and representation in this series is so beautifyl, and it’s one of the many reasons why I can't get enough of Lander's writing.
The emotional depth of this book goes beyond a typical romance. This is a story of forgiveness, personal growth, and the courage to open up to new possibilities, even when the past has been painful. Rosalie’s resistance to love and her eventual realization that she deserves happiness is a beautifully crafted arc that adds layers to her character and makes her journey all the more rewarding.
And let’s not forget the STUNNING covers of this series that perfectly represent the beautiful stories held inside. They are a visual delight and a stellar representation of the heartfelt love in all it's forms that lies within.
The way Landers ends this book left me on the edge of my seat, eagerly anticipating what comes next. I really hope that we're not done with the Graces. I NEED MORE !! Pllllllleeeease can we have more?!
"Saving Graces" is a must-read for anyone who loves a beautiful, diverse, and emotionally rich romance. Ruby Landers has truly outdone herself with this one, delivering a book that is as much about finding oneself as it is about finding love. I devoured it in a day and already can't wait to see what Landers has in store next!
Thank you to Ruby Landers for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.