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Finding Grace
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Debut Novel (2025)Honor seems to have everything. She adores her daughter Chloe and her husband Tom (even if he does work one hundred hours a week). But her longing for another baby threatens to eclipse all of it―until a shocking event changes their lives forever.
Years later Tom makes a decision that ripples through their families' lives in ways he could not have foreseen. As the consequences of that fateful choice unfold, two women's paths become irrevocably intertwined. But when old love clashes with new, who will be left standing? And what happens when your secrets come back to haunt you?
Years later Tom makes a decision that ripples through their families' lives in ways he could not have foreseen. As the consequences of that fateful choice unfold, two women's paths become irrevocably intertwined. But when old love clashes with new, who will be left standing? And what happens when your secrets come back to haunt you?
336 pages, Hardcover
First published July 8, 2025
4216 people are currently reading
92002 people want to read
About the author
Loretta Rothschild
1 book548 followersLoretta is originally from London and she now lives with her husband, Nat, their young son and her beloved dogs. Finding Grace is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,709 reviews
December 18, 2025
the synopsis did not prepare me for the first chapter of this book.
and the first chapter did not prepare me for the rest of it.
https://emmareadstoomuch.substack.com...
the thing about writing a synopsis that is only accurate to the first, oh, 10 pages or so is that literally no one gets what they signed up for.
i can't even write about this book, or how much it aggravated me, without spoiling it. because i can't tell you what the horrible evil plot is. because i can't tell you how much these characters suck. because i can't tell you how manipulative and annoying this book is. because i can't tell you about the obnoxious narrator.
BECAUSE THERE IS NO ACTUAL SYNOPSIS FOR THIS BOOK.
i was getting too annoyed by the e-arc (thanks to the publisher) to keep reading this, so i switched to an audiobook (thank you libro.fm).
i kept turning the audiobook off out of frustration, so i made myself go for a walk to knock some of it out by force.
i got so angry that i accidentally walked 2.5 miles muttering to myself and stomping, and then had to walk 2.5 miles back.
it started raining.
all of those negative emotions still paled in comparison to the ones this book gave me.
okay, i give up. here is what the synopsis of this book says: "Honor seems to have everything. She adores her daughter Chloe and her husband Tom (even if he does work one hundred hours a week). But her longing for another baby threatens to eclipse all of it―until a shocking event changes their lives forever."
here is what actually happens:
THE FIRST CHAPTER.
but that is actually only a fraction of what makes this book so awful to read.
there is so much to hate beyond that— — but i can't tell you any of that either.
because this was all a trick!
and maybe some of that would be forgivable. but it isn't so it's not.
i hated every second of reading it.
i had to rant the entire synopsis to a table of near-strangers at my friend's law school grad party in order to get some of the rage out, knowing i'd have to hold back with you all. so if you hated this too, dm me. i need you now.
bottom line: this might not be a bad book for you. it was an infuriating nightmare for me.
and the first chapter did not prepare me for the rest of it.
https://emmareadstoomuch.substack.com...
the thing about writing a synopsis that is only accurate to the first, oh, 10 pages or so is that literally no one gets what they signed up for.
i can't even write about this book, or how much it aggravated me, without spoiling it. because i can't tell you what the horrible evil plot is. because i can't tell you how much these characters suck. because i can't tell you how manipulative and annoying this book is. because i can't tell you about the obnoxious narrator.
BECAUSE THERE IS NO ACTUAL SYNOPSIS FOR THIS BOOK.
i was getting too annoyed by the e-arc (thanks to the publisher) to keep reading this, so i switched to an audiobook (thank you libro.fm).
i kept turning the audiobook off out of frustration, so i made myself go for a walk to knock some of it out by force.
i got so angry that i accidentally walked 2.5 miles muttering to myself and stomping, and then had to walk 2.5 miles back.
it started raining.
all of those negative emotions still paled in comparison to the ones this book gave me.
okay, i give up. here is what the synopsis of this book says: "Honor seems to have everything. She adores her daughter Chloe and her husband Tom (even if he does work one hundred hours a week). But her longing for another baby threatens to eclipse all of it―until a shocking event changes their lives forever."
here is what actually happens:
THE FIRST CHAPTER.
but that is actually only a fraction of what makes this book so awful to read.
there is so much to hate beyond that— — but i can't tell you any of that either.
because this was all a trick!
and maybe some of that would be forgivable. but it isn't so it's not.
i hated every second of reading it.
i had to rant the entire synopsis to a table of near-strangers at my friend's law school grad party in order to get some of the rage out, knowing i'd have to hold back with you all. so if you hated this too, dm me. i need you now.
bottom line: this might not be a bad book for you. it was an infuriating nightmare for me.
August 29, 2025
okay WOW i went into this expecting a drastically different story than what it was, but i am pleasantly surprised with where we ended up! thriller? romance? mystery? yeah a little sprinkle of each, what a fun read
July 10, 2025
My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
The Book Review Crew Blog
I went over it again and again on how to write this review, as I don't want to give anything away. This is the type of book where you're better off going in blind. I will say that it's about a woman named Honor who has a daughter named Chloe and a husband named Tom. This book is twisty, full of secrets, very very emotional, and it's an excellent debut. Right from the start I was sucked into this story. It starts with a bang, and then the story shifts. I am not usually surprised by books these days, but this one shocked me. I couldn't put it down after that; I had to know what was going to happen next.
If you enjoy stories about love, loss, and second chances at happiness, this is the book for you. It’s so emotional, and the characters feel realistic. They go through so much, and I had such sympathy for them. Tom went through a lot, and I just wanted the best for him. The best part of the book is how the story is told from a really unique point of view. It made the book so much more powerful and very personal that way. It’s a beautiful, heartbreaking, and hopeful story that will stick with me for a long time. I can't believe this is a debut novel! Highly recommend! All. The. Stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The Book Review Crew Blog
I went over it again and again on how to write this review, as I don't want to give anything away. This is the type of book where you're better off going in blind. I will say that it's about a woman named Honor who has a daughter named Chloe and a husband named Tom. This book is twisty, full of secrets, very very emotional, and it's an excellent debut. Right from the start I was sucked into this story. It starts with a bang, and then the story shifts. I am not usually surprised by books these days, but this one shocked me. I couldn't put it down after that; I had to know what was going to happen next.
If you enjoy stories about love, loss, and second chances at happiness, this is the book for you. It’s so emotional, and the characters feel realistic. They go through so much, and I had such sympathy for them. Tom went through a lot, and I just wanted the best for him. The best part of the book is how the story is told from a really unique point of view. It made the book so much more powerful and very personal that way. It’s a beautiful, heartbreaking, and hopeful story that will stick with me for a long time. I can't believe this is a debut novel! Highly recommend! All. The. Stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
July 28, 2025
DNF - I don't know, you guys. I see so much love for this book, but it's not grabbing me at all.
First off, the story is so weird. There's interesting weird, like I haven't seen this before but please tell me more cause I'm intrigued. And then there's just plain weird and vaguely repulsive, so please, don't tell me anymore. And this one definitely fell squarely in the latter.
The characters were all so unlikable, but none more so than Honor. So to tell the story from her perspective was especially grating. Then when the narration switched to what is effectively third-person omniscient, it became even more strange and awkward.
The writing didn't flow naturally. It felt like the author was constantly trying put little jabs into every scene she could, making fun of people, parents, consumerism, etc. But it didn't come across funny at all. Like, was I supposed to laugh or find insight in the jabs? It was so strange and jarring.
And that flippant and stilted tone was really at odds with what should've been an emotional tale. The topics and themes in here are ones that usually would've had me blubbering, yet I felt nothing at all. I don't care what happens to any of these characters, which is always a bad sign.
Every time I went to pick up this book, I dreaded it. I held on for a few days, but it's not getting any better. Supposedly there are all these surprises and secrets coming up, but if they're anything like the first chapter, I don't really care to find out. So that's that.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
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✧ This was a pick for my BOTM box. Get your first book for $5 here.
First off, the story is so weird. There's interesting weird, like I haven't seen this before but please tell me more cause I'm intrigued. And then there's just plain weird and vaguely repulsive, so please, don't tell me anymore. And this one definitely fell squarely in the latter.
The characters were all so unlikable, but none more so than Honor. So to tell the story from her perspective was especially grating. Then when the narration switched to what is effectively third-person omniscient, it became even more strange and awkward.
The writing didn't flow naturally. It felt like the author was constantly trying put little jabs into every scene she could, making fun of people, parents, consumerism, etc. But it didn't come across funny at all. Like, was I supposed to laugh or find insight in the jabs? It was so strange and jarring.
And that flippant and stilted tone was really at odds with what should've been an emotional tale. The topics and themes in here are ones that usually would've had me blubbering, yet I felt nothing at all. I don't care what happens to any of these characters, which is always a bad sign.
Every time I went to pick up this book, I dreaded it. I held on for a few days, but it's not getting any better. Supposedly there are all these surprises and secrets coming up, but if they're anything like the first chapter, I don't really care to find out. So that's that.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
✧ Connect with me ✧ Instagram ✧
✧ This was a pick for my BOTM box. Get your first book for $5 here.
July 15, 2025
The main character, Tom, needs to go to therapy.
If I was married to Tom and taking a bath and he told me that our child was crying and threatening me not to have another child if I couldn't take care of this one, I would tell him, "Oh. I am really glad that you have ears. Maybe you should get off your high horse and take care of her yourself. Or if you can't get past your man-childishness, I suggest you contact the concierge and send for a babysitter. Oh and if you threaten me again, I will see you in divorce court. Now I am going back to soaking in serenity. Tootles." I don't suffer fools.
Or Tom was telling Grace that she should let Chloe push the buttons on the elevator. Really, Tom? You couldn't just let that one go? Because your partner just loves hearing a bombardment of complaints on the daily? Learn to pick your battles. And reprimanding your spouse publicly and in front of your child, bad form.
So Tom wouldn't even get a second date from me, and yet this entire book followed him. Yikes!
Additionally, this trope, miscommunication/hiding a secret, is my least favorite trope. I just want to skip to the big reveal.
The Green Light at the End of the Dock (How much I spent):
Softcover Text – Free/Nada/Zilch through publisher
Audiobook - $84.99 per year through Everand
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If I was married to Tom and taking a bath and he told me that our child was crying and threatening me not to have another child if I couldn't take care of this one, I would tell him, "Oh. I am really glad that you have ears. Maybe you should get off your high horse and take care of her yourself. Or if you can't get past your man-childishness, I suggest you contact the concierge and send for a babysitter. Oh and if you threaten me again, I will see you in divorce court. Now I am going back to soaking in serenity. Tootles." I don't suffer fools.
Or Tom was telling Grace that she should let Chloe push the buttons on the elevator. Really, Tom? You couldn't just let that one go? Because your partner just loves hearing a bombardment of complaints on the daily? Learn to pick your battles. And reprimanding your spouse publicly and in front of your child, bad form.
So Tom wouldn't even get a second date from me, and yet this entire book followed him. Yikes!
Additionally, this trope, miscommunication/hiding a secret, is my least favorite trope. I just want to skip to the big reveal.
The Green Light at the End of the Dock (How much I spent):
Softcover Text – Free/Nada/Zilch through publisher
Audiobook - $84.99 per year through Everand
Connect With Me!
Blog Threads BookTube Facebook Insta My Bookstore at Pango
January 8, 2025
Wow! This is a phenomenal debut! I almost passed this book up, but the cover made me do a double take 😉, and I am so glad that I read this! This book took me by surprise, and just sucked me right in. There were many emotions throughout this book, and I even cried early on in Chapter Two!
I feel that I cannot give even the briefest description of what this book is about, because then I feel I would be giving away major spoilers. I suggest picking this book up, and just reading the pages. You will fall in love with Honor, Tom, and Grace. You will feel their thoughts, and feel each ounce of pain and grief that they go through.
This book is unlike any book that I have ever read, and I love the uniqueness. I learned many new things/facts from reading this book, and I now have a new favorite poem, “Hymn to Beauty” ~ by Baudelaire.
This book is about grieving, it’s heartbreaking, it’s about finding love again. I just loved everything about it! I say add this book to your shelf immediately as it is worth it!
(4.5 stars- rounded up!)
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and the author for a DRC of this book which I had the pleasure of reading. All opinions are my own.
Publication date: June 10, 2025
I feel that I cannot give even the briefest description of what this book is about, because then I feel I would be giving away major spoilers. I suggest picking this book up, and just reading the pages. You will fall in love with Honor, Tom, and Grace. You will feel their thoughts, and feel each ounce of pain and grief that they go through.
This book is unlike any book that I have ever read, and I love the uniqueness. I learned many new things/facts from reading this book, and I now have a new favorite poem, “Hymn to Beauty” ~ by Baudelaire.
This book is about grieving, it’s heartbreaking, it’s about finding love again. I just loved everything about it! I say add this book to your shelf immediately as it is worth it!
(4.5 stars- rounded up!)
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and the author for a DRC of this book which I had the pleasure of reading. All opinions are my own.
Publication date: June 10, 2025
July 8, 2025
“WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOUR SECRETS COME BACK TO HAUNT YOU?”
Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild
Narrated by Fiona Button 👍🏻
10 hours 43 minutes at 1x
7 hours 9 minutes at 1.5x
I love that the Publisher only teased us with a vague synopsis (when so many others have given away too much) and that fellow reviewers have honored that as well-as this story is so much more impactful when you go in blind!
So what can I say that might make you interested in picking this book up, without saying too much?
The opening sentence: “The last time we were at the Ritz in Paris, I had my fifth miscarriage at breakfast.” *
*subject to change by publication date
The title, “Finding Grace” is a double entendre.
The start of the book is SHOCKING and immediately GRIPPING.
A letter is sent to the wrong recipient.
This letter will put in play a MORAL DILEMMA.
The ending felt a bit abrupt, but overall, an IMPRESSIVE debut!
Intrigued yet? I hope so!
AVAILABLE NOW!
Listing Trigger Warnings would spoil this story. If you are sensitive to something specific, feel free to ask me in comments and I will respond privately by DM. No animal deaths.
A buddy read with MarilynW and DeAnn! Be sure to check out their reviews as well!
This was an immersive read as I had written and audiobook copies, both provided through NetGalley. Thank You to Macmillan Audio and St. Martin’s Press for the gifted ARCs.
Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild
Narrated by Fiona Button 👍🏻
10 hours 43 minutes at 1x
7 hours 9 minutes at 1.5x
I love that the Publisher only teased us with a vague synopsis (when so many others have given away too much) and that fellow reviewers have honored that as well-as this story is so much more impactful when you go in blind!
So what can I say that might make you interested in picking this book up, without saying too much?
The opening sentence: “The last time we were at the Ritz in Paris, I had my fifth miscarriage at breakfast.” *
*subject to change by publication date
The title, “Finding Grace” is a double entendre.
The start of the book is SHOCKING and immediately GRIPPING.
A letter is sent to the wrong recipient.
This letter will put in play a MORAL DILEMMA.
The ending felt a bit abrupt, but overall, an IMPRESSIVE debut!
Intrigued yet? I hope so!
AVAILABLE NOW!
Listing Trigger Warnings would spoil this story. If you are sensitive to something specific, feel free to ask me in comments and I will respond privately by DM. No animal deaths.
A buddy read with MarilynW and DeAnn! Be sure to check out their reviews as well!
This was an immersive read as I had written and audiobook copies, both provided through NetGalley. Thank You to Macmillan Audio and St. Martin’s Press for the gifted ARCs.
November 26, 2025
If the first 30 pages of this novel don't leave you shell-shocked and breathless, check your pulse.
The opening of Finding Grace hit me like cinematic shrapnel—raw, shattering, and impossible to forget. Imagine the harrowing realism of Saving Private Ryan’s beach landing colliding with the emotional gut punch of The Last of Us’s second season's the most unforgettable moments. I actually paused, rubbed my eyes, and reread it, hoping I’d misinterpreted. I hadn’t. What followed was an emotional journey I won’t soon recover from—and wouldn't want to.
In this heartbreaking yet profoundly hopeful debut, we meet Honor: a woman seemingly living a fairytale life in Paris's Ritz Hotel, wrapped in the glow of her daughter Chloe and her once-charming, always-distracted husband Tom. She's holding onto love, reading him French poetry in the middle of the night, while anxiously awaiting word from the surrogate mother they've placed their future hopes in. But just beneath the glittering surface of this perfect family is a quiet ache, a longing for something more—until one seismic tragedy splinters their world, changing everything in a single breath.
Years later, a seemingly small act—a misdirected letter—sets off a chain of revelations that unearth secrets buried deep in the past. Tom’s choice to intervene links Honor’s life with that of Grace, a woman whose presence unravels what was once hidden. As timelines converge and fates collide, the novel digs deep into questions of love, loss, parenthood, and what it means to start over when everything has been torn away.
What makes this debut so unforgettable is not just its gripping plot but its emotional clarity. Rothschild paints human fragility with unflinching honesty—grief, guilt, loneliness, and longing all course through these pages with stunning realism. Every character is deliciously imperfect, navigating moral gray zones where right and wrong blur, and redemption isn't handed out—it’s earned.
And yet, through the heartbreak, there’s hope. Finding Grace is ultimately a story about second chances—not just in love, but in life, in forgiveness, in rediscovering the parts of ourselves we buried out of fear or sorrow. It’s about confronting the darkest corners of the past in order to carve out a new future.
This isn’t just a novel—it’s an emotional reckoning wrapped in a literary page-turner. It surprised me, moved me, and left me thinking long after the final chapter.
Put this on your radar now. It’s a stunning, multilayered, genre-defying debut that will leave you wrecked and grateful in the best possible way. I cannot wait to see what this extraordinary new voice brings to the literary world next.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the digital review copy.
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The opening of Finding Grace hit me like cinematic shrapnel—raw, shattering, and impossible to forget. Imagine the harrowing realism of Saving Private Ryan’s beach landing colliding with the emotional gut punch of The Last of Us’s second season's the most unforgettable moments. I actually paused, rubbed my eyes, and reread it, hoping I’d misinterpreted. I hadn’t. What followed was an emotional journey I won’t soon recover from—and wouldn't want to.
In this heartbreaking yet profoundly hopeful debut, we meet Honor: a woman seemingly living a fairytale life in Paris's Ritz Hotel, wrapped in the glow of her daughter Chloe and her once-charming, always-distracted husband Tom. She's holding onto love, reading him French poetry in the middle of the night, while anxiously awaiting word from the surrogate mother they've placed their future hopes in. But just beneath the glittering surface of this perfect family is a quiet ache, a longing for something more—until one seismic tragedy splinters their world, changing everything in a single breath.
Years later, a seemingly small act—a misdirected letter—sets off a chain of revelations that unearth secrets buried deep in the past. Tom’s choice to intervene links Honor’s life with that of Grace, a woman whose presence unravels what was once hidden. As timelines converge and fates collide, the novel digs deep into questions of love, loss, parenthood, and what it means to start over when everything has been torn away.
What makes this debut so unforgettable is not just its gripping plot but its emotional clarity. Rothschild paints human fragility with unflinching honesty—grief, guilt, loneliness, and longing all course through these pages with stunning realism. Every character is deliciously imperfect, navigating moral gray zones where right and wrong blur, and redemption isn't handed out—it’s earned.
And yet, through the heartbreak, there’s hope. Finding Grace is ultimately a story about second chances—not just in love, but in life, in forgiveness, in rediscovering the parts of ourselves we buried out of fear or sorrow. It’s about confronting the darkest corners of the past in order to carve out a new future.
This isn’t just a novel—it’s an emotional reckoning wrapped in a literary page-turner. It surprised me, moved me, and left me thinking long after the final chapter.
Put this on your radar now. It’s a stunning, multilayered, genre-defying debut that will leave you wrecked and grateful in the best possible way. I cannot wait to see what this extraordinary new voice brings to the literary world next.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the digital review copy.
blog
July 8, 2025
5 stars!
2025 Favourites Shelf 🏆
“You can’t boycott grief, unless you want to boycott happiness with it.”
Emotional. Poignant. Compelling. Heavy. Insightful. Thought provoking.
A unique, haunting and moving story about motherhood/parenthood, marriage, grief and healing.
This storyline is like no other. I highly recommend going into this book blind, avoiding reading too many (any!) reviews for worry that it will spoil your reading experience as there are some major cliff hangers and shocking moments. You simply need to know this will be a gut wrenching, shocking, unforgettable, sad but hopeful story.
The writing is exquisite! It surprises me over and over again when I think about this being a debut novel. There is a maturity and wisdom to these words that makes me feel as though this author has been writing books for decades and knows the perfect formula for sinking into her readers’ hearts and minds. I connected to her writing from page one and it never lost its grip on me.
Friendships and support systems are a large piece of this plot and I loved the connectivity those aspects brought to the storyline for me. Healing and forgiveness are explored in depth and I found those aspects of the plot very thought provoking.
The narrative is clever and unforgettable. Through the unique narrative, the characters share their vulnerability that had me invested and longing for them to find the answers they yearned for. Searching for happiness after extreme loss is another theme that I strongly connected to.
My one tiny critique is that there was a tad too much drama at the end that prevented me from giving a 5+ but nothing that took away from my overall connection or enjoyment. I just would have preferred a more subtle way to incorporate a piece of the plot.
This book will always hold a very special place in my heart as I read it during an extremely difficult life experience. Through these pages, I was able to find comfort and help process some thoughts and feelings. I am thankful that reading has always provided me a comforting escape.
Thank you to the publisher for my review copy!
Mark your calendars — this publishes on July 8th! You absolutely MUST plan to get your hands on a copy!
2025 Favourites Shelf 🏆
“You can’t boycott grief, unless you want to boycott happiness with it.”
Emotional. Poignant. Compelling. Heavy. Insightful. Thought provoking.
A unique, haunting and moving story about motherhood/parenthood, marriage, grief and healing.
This storyline is like no other. I highly recommend going into this book blind, avoiding reading too many (any!) reviews for worry that it will spoil your reading experience as there are some major cliff hangers and shocking moments. You simply need to know this will be a gut wrenching, shocking, unforgettable, sad but hopeful story.
The writing is exquisite! It surprises me over and over again when I think about this being a debut novel. There is a maturity and wisdom to these words that makes me feel as though this author has been writing books for decades and knows the perfect formula for sinking into her readers’ hearts and minds. I connected to her writing from page one and it never lost its grip on me.
Friendships and support systems are a large piece of this plot and I loved the connectivity those aspects brought to the storyline for me. Healing and forgiveness are explored in depth and I found those aspects of the plot very thought provoking.
The narrative is clever and unforgettable. Through the unique narrative, the characters share their vulnerability that had me invested and longing for them to find the answers they yearned for. Searching for happiness after extreme loss is another theme that I strongly connected to.
My one tiny critique is that there was a tad too much drama at the end that prevented me from giving a 5+ but nothing that took away from my overall connection or enjoyment. I just would have preferred a more subtle way to incorporate a piece of the plot.
This book will always hold a very special place in my heart as I read it during an extremely difficult life experience. Through these pages, I was able to find comfort and help process some thoughts and feelings. I am thankful that reading has always provided me a comforting escape.
Thank you to the publisher for my review copy!
Mark your calendars — this publishes on July 8th! You absolutely MUST plan to get your hands on a copy!
May 27, 2025
You know the rom-com where one person isn’t completely truthful about who they are and it backfires?
So there’s that here, but without the comedy.
There are two ways to look at it.
Option A. The person who isn’t completely truthful is a liar who doubles down when caught. They are toxic and not to be trusted. Ever. Run!
Option B: their heart is in the right place and they deserve forgiveness and understanding.
If you believe in Option A: you will hate this book
If you believe in Option B: you will love this book
Me? I’m vacillating. The author did a good job in pulling at my heartstrings making me wanting a HEA. But yet.
Yeah I know it’s fiction, lighten up. But our family has been a victim of a liar, which caused untold heartache & misery. Once a liar, always a liar. So I’m option A. But, yet.
Sigh…..I don’t like the word "trigger" but a reader's personal experiences will affect how they approach a book. I don’t think this theme, as portrayed here, belongs in what is essentially a romance novel. So I guess as much as I hate the word, I was "triggered".
No spoilers here. No plot synopsis. The less you know going in, the better.
so 3 stars or 4 stars? I'm struggling.
I’m vacillating between 3 and 4 stars but I'm going to go with 4 stars despite some reservations because it’s well-written and tugged at my heartstrings. It also introduced me to the beautiful poem Hymn To Beauty by Charles Baudelaire. But I have reservations because I hate the plot point which drove the entire story forward but I loved the writing and the story.
I’m sure I'm an outlier. I enjoyed the author’s writing and will definitely look for what she does next,
* I received a digital review audio copy via NetGalley all opinions are my own
So there’s that here, but without the comedy.
There are two ways to look at it.
Option A. The person who isn’t completely truthful is a liar who doubles down when caught. They are toxic and not to be trusted. Ever. Run!
Option B: their heart is in the right place and they deserve forgiveness and understanding.
If you believe in Option A: you will hate this book
If you believe in Option B: you will love this book
Me? I’m vacillating. The author did a good job in pulling at my heartstrings making me wanting a HEA. But yet.
Yeah I know it’s fiction, lighten up. But our family has been a victim of a liar, which caused untold heartache & misery. Once a liar, always a liar. So I’m option A. But, yet.
Sigh…..I don’t like the word "trigger" but a reader's personal experiences will affect how they approach a book. I don’t think this theme, as portrayed here, belongs in what is essentially a romance novel. So I guess as much as I hate the word, I was "triggered".
No spoilers here. No plot synopsis. The less you know going in, the better.
so 3 stars or 4 stars? I'm struggling.
I’m vacillating between 3 and 4 stars but I'm going to go with 4 stars despite some reservations because it’s well-written and tugged at my heartstrings. It also introduced me to the beautiful poem Hymn To Beauty by Charles Baudelaire. But I have reservations because I hate the plot point which drove the entire story forward but I loved the writing and the story.
I’m sure I'm an outlier. I enjoyed the author’s writing and will definitely look for what she does next,
* I received a digital review audio copy via NetGalley all opinions are my own
July 24, 2025
4.5
Buried secrets and unexpected twists make this a fast read.
Topics… loss, grief, infertility, egg donation, lies, second chances..
A very quick read!
Go in blind if possible!
Available now!
Thank you to Netgalley and St Martins Press for the Arc!
Buried secrets and unexpected twists make this a fast read.
Topics… loss, grief, infertility, egg donation, lies, second chances..
A very quick read!
Go in blind if possible!
Available now!
Thank you to Netgalley and St Martins Press for the Arc!
August 5, 2025
Loving. Longing. Shocking...and that's just the first chapter...
Finding Grace has an intentionally vague synopsis, but as you read, you'll discover the nuggets along the way. It's edgy and a bit of a nail-biter, but it's also quiet and intense. Very intense, actually, and challenging to put down when life gets in the way.
I loved spending time getting to know these characters, listening to their stories, and learning about each of them. They are diverse, complex, and mostly likable, and all of them hold this story together.
The writing is lyrical and straightforward, and I love how the author chose to narrate the story. It fits just right. I appreciate the touches of humor that help to lighten the atmosphere a bit, as well.
This was an immersion read; the audiobook is narrated by Fiona Button, whose voicing skills brings the story to life. The author's words flow effortlessly through her voice; she doesn't read the story, she becomes the story. She's quickly becoming one of my favorite English narrators.
Finding Grace is an impressive debut, and I'll be there for Loretta Rothschild's next novel, too!
4.25⭐
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and Loretta Rothschild for the gifted DRC and ALC through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Finding Grace has an intentionally vague synopsis, but as you read, you'll discover the nuggets along the way. It's edgy and a bit of a nail-biter, but it's also quiet and intense. Very intense, actually, and challenging to put down when life gets in the way.
I loved spending time getting to know these characters, listening to their stories, and learning about each of them. They are diverse, complex, and mostly likable, and all of them hold this story together.
The writing is lyrical and straightforward, and I love how the author chose to narrate the story. It fits just right. I appreciate the touches of humor that help to lighten the atmosphere a bit, as well.
This was an immersion read; the audiobook is narrated by Fiona Button, whose voicing skills brings the story to life. The author's words flow effortlessly through her voice; she doesn't read the story, she becomes the story. She's quickly becoming one of my favorite English narrators.
Finding Grace is an impressive debut, and I'll be there for Loretta Rothschild's next novel, too!
4.25⭐
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and Loretta Rothschild for the gifted DRC and ALC through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
March 24, 2025
1.5 stars
This really disappointed me. I don’t think this book was for me.
I was expecting more from it because the first chapter actually made me go, "Hahh??!!" The ending of that chapter came out of nowhere. I thought the book would be gut-wrenching and emotionally devastating, but instead, it went downhill from there.
I didn’t like Tom’s character. Honestly, I didn’t like any of the characters in this book. That made it even harder to stay engaged.
This book made me lose interest and drained my motivation to finish both this book and another one I was reading. It took me a long time to get through it.
Note: Thank you to the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This really disappointed me. I don’t think this book was for me.
I was expecting more from it because the first chapter actually made me go, "Hahh??!!" The ending of that chapter came out of nowhere. I thought the book would be gut-wrenching and emotionally devastating, but instead, it went downhill from there.
I didn’t like Tom’s character. Honestly, I didn’t like any of the characters in this book. That made it even harder to stay engaged.
This book made me lose interest and drained my motivation to finish both this book and another one I was reading. It took me a long time to get through it.
Note: Thank you to the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 24, 2025
what a debut!! i started this on audio on a whim and if you like books that grab you right away (i’m talkin chapter 1) you NEED to pick this up 😳😳 i was shocked and hooked immediately!
this would be a great book club choice bc there is SO much to talk about. i was constantly telling my husband and friends about it on vacation as i read bc i couldn’t believe what was happening!!
my #1 tip is to go in BLIND (which i never say btw) bc the shock factor is so impactful. i was constantly thinking about it when i wasn’t reading and wondering how it would end. bc of that, it was feeling like a 4.5/5 star book for me up right until the ending but it was still a strong book and i highly recommend it. the audio was fab too 🎧
that’s all i’m saying bc again i highly recommend going in blind! if you like books that are morally grey and make you really question like the ethics of people’s choices and telling the truth, this is a goodie! and made for book clubs to discuss 👏🏼
for those who have read it… lets chat about that ending 👀
this would be a great book club choice bc there is SO much to talk about. i was constantly telling my husband and friends about it on vacation as i read bc i couldn’t believe what was happening!!
my #1 tip is to go in BLIND (which i never say btw) bc the shock factor is so impactful. i was constantly thinking about it when i wasn’t reading and wondering how it would end. bc of that, it was feeling like a 4.5/5 star book for me up right until the ending but it was still a strong book and i highly recommend it. the audio was fab too 🎧
that’s all i’m saying bc again i highly recommend going in blind! if you like books that are morally grey and make you really question like the ethics of people’s choices and telling the truth, this is a goodie! and made for book clubs to discuss 👏🏼
for those who have read it… lets chat about that ending 👀
April 10, 2025
Is there someone you know?
You’re loving them so
But taking them all for granted?
You may lose them one day
Someone takes them away
And they don't hear the words you long to say
I would give anything I own
I'd give up my life, my heart, my home
I would give everything I own
Just to have you back again
Just to touch you once again ~ Everything I Own written by David Gates, performed by Bread.
The publisher kept the premise extremely vague, so I will do the same.
Tom, Honor and Chloe make the perfect little family, and Honor is focused on adding another baby to their family. If only they could have foreseen the future…
Simply put, this book is about love, loss, and renewal.
The book starts off with a big bang, then settles into a steady flow. I was deeply immersed in the storyline and thoroughly vested in seeing how this was going to work out.
This was a debut from Loretta Rothschild. I would definitely be interested in reading her future books.
🎧 the audio is narrated by Fiona Button who gave a brilliant performance.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio
You’re loving them so
But taking them all for granted?
You may lose them one day
Someone takes them away
And they don't hear the words you long to say
I would give anything I own
I'd give up my life, my heart, my home
I would give everything I own
Just to have you back again
Just to touch you once again ~ Everything I Own written by David Gates, performed by Bread.
The publisher kept the premise extremely vague, so I will do the same.
Tom, Honor and Chloe make the perfect little family, and Honor is focused on adding another baby to their family. If only they could have foreseen the future…
Simply put, this book is about love, loss, and renewal.
The book starts off with a big bang, then settles into a steady flow. I was deeply immersed in the storyline and thoroughly vested in seeing how this was going to work out.
This was a debut from Loretta Rothschild. I would definitely be interested in reading her future books.
🎧 the audio is narrated by Fiona Button who gave a brilliant performance.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio
May 11, 2025
A story of love, an unfolding mystery and a tragic event.
I went in blind and think it is best to avoid reviews because of so many spoilers that are easy to spill.
I enjoyed the story overall. It was easy to read with a good flow and I was taking a specific character's side. There is a unique narrator, some predictability, a string of coincidences and one shocking, earth shattering event.
Overall, an exciting debut.
Thx to NG for my ARC. This one is out on July 8, 2025
I went in blind and think it is best to avoid reviews because of so many spoilers that are easy to spill.
I enjoyed the story overall. It was easy to read with a good flow and I was taking a specific character's side. There is a unique narrator, some predictability, a string of coincidences and one shocking, earth shattering event.
Overall, an exciting debut.
Thx to NG for my ARC. This one is out on July 8, 2025
July 31, 2025
RATING BREAKDOWN
Characters: 3⭐️
Setting: 4⭐️
Plot: 4⭐️
Themes: 4⭐️
Emotional Impact: 4⭐️
Personal Enjoyment: 5⭐️
Total Rounded Average: 4⭐️
I had the best time reading this book! The narrative structure and style were unique, which gave the whole book a special hue. While the characters are likeable, relatable, and engaging, they do lack some of the depth and nuance I appreciate in other works. However, the overall concept, setting, and plot are moving and emotional throughout. Watching the story unfold, given the context the reader is given at the onset, just magnifies all the plot beats.
This is a story about grief, about marriage and parenthood, and it's about friendship. I loved how the narration gave this precious quality to even the most mundane moments and interactions in the story. I loved how time was presented, and how non-linear grief and healing were portrayed. While the characters were simple, their arcs showed how people contain multitudes and aren't always what they seem on the surface. The story shows how intent and action can be at odds, and that people receive and see what they expect to most of the time, and that isn't always accurate.
Overall, the story gave me a deep appreciation for my life, a gentle reminder not to take it for granted, and an urge to pay more attention to the people in my life and what they are actually communicating with me. It's a tall tale, too crazy to be real, but it's grounded in very real emotions and experiences. I also found the romantic interaction to be beautifully true, realistic, and sexy in an everyday, mundane kind of way.
I just had the best time. Also, this cover is gorgeous.
Characters: 3⭐️
Setting: 4⭐️
Plot: 4⭐️
Themes: 4⭐️
Emotional Impact: 4⭐️
Personal Enjoyment: 5⭐️
Total Rounded Average: 4⭐️
I had the best time reading this book! The narrative structure and style were unique, which gave the whole book a special hue. While the characters are likeable, relatable, and engaging, they do lack some of the depth and nuance I appreciate in other works. However, the overall concept, setting, and plot are moving and emotional throughout. Watching the story unfold, given the context the reader is given at the onset, just magnifies all the plot beats.
This is a story about grief, about marriage and parenthood, and it's about friendship. I loved how the narration gave this precious quality to even the most mundane moments and interactions in the story. I loved how time was presented, and how non-linear grief and healing were portrayed. While the characters were simple, their arcs showed how people contain multitudes and aren't always what they seem on the surface. The story shows how intent and action can be at odds, and that people receive and see what they expect to most of the time, and that isn't always accurate.
Overall, the story gave me a deep appreciation for my life, a gentle reminder not to take it for granted, and an urge to pay more attention to the people in my life and what they are actually communicating with me. It's a tall tale, too crazy to be real, but it's grounded in very real emotions and experiences. I also found the romantic interaction to be beautifully true, realistic, and sexy in an everyday, mundane kind of way.
I just had the best time. Also, this cover is gorgeous.
October 13, 2025
BFF: "You have to read this book."
ME: "What's it about?"
BFF: "Best if you don't know. Just read it."
ME: "Alright, well what genre is it? Thriller? Mystery? Drama? Romance?"
BFF: "Yes."
<:>•<:>•<:>•<:>•<:>•<:>•<:>•<:>•<:>•<:>•<:>•<:>•<:>•<:>
Finding Grace is the multilayered, genre-defying debut novel of Loretta Rothschild.
At the risk of sounding like a parrot...
What's it about?
Best if you don't know. Just read it.
Let go of expectations and embrace not knowing where the story will land.
So, how do you review a book without talking about anything that happens in it?
By treading very carefully.
What I can tell you is that the novel's collection of characters as a whole are difficult to like.
Every one is flawed and achingly human.
This web of interconnected people all tie back to our narrator, Honor — a successful UK children’s book author, wife and mother, who's desperate to have another child via surrogate.
Told from dual points of view — italicized flashbacks and a present day narrative in regular type — Rothschild explores some big themes, all beautifully intertwined: how past choices influence the present; complex family dynamics; grief; guilt; secrets...and their consequences.
The novel doesn’t shy away from the messy realities of grief, love, and moral compromise. Love exists alongside deception. Hope emerges from tragedy.
Ready for a book club read that will get the whole group talking?
You've found it.
Will readers love/hate/love-hate Finding Grace?
Absolutely.
ME: "What's it about?"
BFF: "Best if you don't know. Just read it."
ME: "Alright, well what genre is it? Thriller? Mystery? Drama? Romance?"
BFF: "Yes."
<:>•<:>•<:>•<:>•<:>•<:>•<:>•<:>•<:>•<:>•<:>•<:>•<:>•<:>
Finding Grace is the multilayered, genre-defying debut novel of Loretta Rothschild.
At the risk of sounding like a parrot...
What's it about?
Best if you don't know. Just read it.
Let go of expectations and embrace not knowing where the story will land.
So, how do you review a book without talking about anything that happens in it?
By treading very carefully.
What I can tell you is that the novel's collection of characters as a whole are difficult to like.
Every one is flawed and achingly human.
This web of interconnected people all tie back to our narrator, Honor — a successful UK children’s book author, wife and mother, who's desperate to have another child via surrogate.
Told from dual points of view — italicized flashbacks and a present day narrative in regular type — Rothschild explores some big themes, all beautifully intertwined: how past choices influence the present; complex family dynamics; grief; guilt; secrets...and their consequences.
The novel doesn’t shy away from the messy realities of grief, love, and moral compromise. Love exists alongside deception. Hope emerges from tragedy.
Ready for a book club read that will get the whole group talking?
You've found it.
Will readers love/hate/love-hate Finding Grace?
Absolutely.
June 22, 2025
4.5-5⭐️ I am purposefully omitting a synopsis here as there is virtually no way to share one without spoiling this book. If you notice the publisher’s synopsis - there is next to nothing about the overall plot. I am therefore going to keep my review short, sweet, and to the point.
I really had to parse out my feelings towards this book versus my feelings towards the MMC. I struggled very hard to connect with him and his decisions throughout the entirety of the book. I think the narration itself really amped up my dislike of him, and I would be so curious as to why the author used the narrator she did.
And yet, and yet, I think the quality of the story, the writing, the character development is outstanding, particularly for a debut novel. Hence my very complicated feelings towards this story, and another reason it is becoming a standout to me - it’s clearly lingering in my psyche even days later.
🎧 I chose to do this as an immersive read, utilizing both the physical/ebook and the audiobook, to fully immerse myself in the story. Fiona Button does an outstanding job of bringing this emotionally wrought story to life.
Read if you like:
▪️unique narrators
▪️complex family dramas
▪️thought-provoking stories
▪️dual timelines
▪️emotional reads
‼️ There are quite a few triggers. Please research or DM me prior to reading if you are sensitive to them.
Pub: July 8, 2025
Check out my Bookstagram post here ♥
Thank you St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copies.
I really had to parse out my feelings towards this book versus my feelings towards the MMC. I struggled very hard to connect with him and his decisions throughout the entirety of the book. I think the narration itself really amped up my dislike of him, and I would be so curious as to why the author used the narrator she did.
And yet, and yet, I think the quality of the story, the writing, the character development is outstanding, particularly for a debut novel. Hence my very complicated feelings towards this story, and another reason it is becoming a standout to me - it’s clearly lingering in my psyche even days later.
🎧 I chose to do this as an immersive read, utilizing both the physical/ebook and the audiobook, to fully immerse myself in the story. Fiona Button does an outstanding job of bringing this emotionally wrought story to life.
Read if you like:
▪️unique narrators
▪️complex family dramas
▪️thought-provoking stories
▪️dual timelines
▪️emotional reads
‼️ There are quite a few triggers. Please research or DM me prior to reading if you are sensitive to them.
Pub: July 8, 2025
Check out my Bookstagram post here ♥
Thank you St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copies.
January 8, 2026
3.5
Truly confused as to what to think of this book! Such an interesting debut by Loretta Rothschild.
Starting with chapter 1…. SORRY WHAT? That was maybe one of the strongest and most unexpected opening chapters I have read. I was then reduced to actual tears by page 28 and felt immediately drawn to these characters.
The middle portion got a bit mundane for me, which is always a surprise when a 300 page book feels long. I then got hooked back in with some insane twists, and eventually did not love the conclusion.
This is truly a book filled with surprises. It’s a bit devastating, it’s a bit heartwarming, it’s a bit eerie. Some of the human connections in this story hit straight into my soul.
But overall? I’m just left at a bit of a loss, need some time to process this one! 😂
Truly confused as to what to think of this book! Such an interesting debut by Loretta Rothschild.
Starting with chapter 1…. SORRY WHAT? That was maybe one of the strongest and most unexpected opening chapters I have read. I was then reduced to actual tears by page 28 and felt immediately drawn to these characters.
The middle portion got a bit mundane for me, which is always a surprise when a 300 page book feels long. I then got hooked back in with some insane twists, and eventually did not love the conclusion.
This is truly a book filled with surprises. It’s a bit devastating, it’s a bit heartwarming, it’s a bit eerie. Some of the human connections in this story hit straight into my soul.
But overall? I’m just left at a bit of a loss, need some time to process this one! 😂
August 14, 2025
You can feel it unmistakably immediately… a quiet pull that lures you in before shifting with an unexpected snap at the close of the first chapter.
Heart-wrenching, soul-stirring, & utterly unforgettable!
From the moment I opened Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild, I was completely absorbed. Every word pulled me deeper into the characters’ lives, and I found myself emotionally invested from start to finish. The story is heavy at times, raw, and profoundly affecting, yet threaded with hope in a way that made my heart ache and lift all at once.
💭 Mood reader moment: I had not planned on reading this yet, but while browsing at the bookstore, the bold cover and daring title practically leapt into my hands. It sparked my curiosity enough to pick it up, and I am so glad I followed that instinct.
I felt fully connected to the characters’ journey. Every decision, every interaction, every emotional moment hit hard and stayed with me. It is the kind of book that grabs your heart and does not let go.
Key Impressions
📚 Deeply emotional, had me holding my breath through key moments.
💡 Thought-provoking, made me reflect on love, loss, and family.
💖 Gut-wrenching yet hopeful, perfectly balancing heartache and warmth.
This is a deeply moving read I will remember for a long time. I highly recommend Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild to anyone who wants a story that truly resonates.
Norma’s Stats
Cover: Curious and intriguing, drew me in enough at the bookstore to pick it up even if it did not grab me instantly.
Title: Meaningful and fitting, capturing the reflective, thought-provoking themes.
Writing/Prose: Immersive, beautiful, and gripping. I'm blown away this is a debut novel! Reading it was more emotionally intense than listening.
Plot: Emotional, poignant, and consistently compelling.
Ending: Satisfying and memorable, left me feeling fulfilled and emotionally connected.
Overall: A heartfelt and resonant story. Highly recommended.
📖 Purchased by me, physical copy.
🎧 Thanks to Libro.fm for the ALC.
Heart-wrenching, soul-stirring, & utterly unforgettable!
From the moment I opened Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild, I was completely absorbed. Every word pulled me deeper into the characters’ lives, and I found myself emotionally invested from start to finish. The story is heavy at times, raw, and profoundly affecting, yet threaded with hope in a way that made my heart ache and lift all at once.
💭 Mood reader moment: I had not planned on reading this yet, but while browsing at the bookstore, the bold cover and daring title practically leapt into my hands. It sparked my curiosity enough to pick it up, and I am so glad I followed that instinct.
I felt fully connected to the characters’ journey. Every decision, every interaction, every emotional moment hit hard and stayed with me. It is the kind of book that grabs your heart and does not let go.
Key Impressions
📚 Deeply emotional, had me holding my breath through key moments.
💡 Thought-provoking, made me reflect on love, loss, and family.
💖 Gut-wrenching yet hopeful, perfectly balancing heartache and warmth.
This is a deeply moving read I will remember for a long time. I highly recommend Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild to anyone who wants a story that truly resonates.
Norma’s Stats
Cover: Curious and intriguing, drew me in enough at the bookstore to pick it up even if it did not grab me instantly.
Title: Meaningful and fitting, capturing the reflective, thought-provoking themes.
Writing/Prose: Immersive, beautiful, and gripping. I'm blown away this is a debut novel! Reading it was more emotionally intense than listening.
Plot: Emotional, poignant, and consistently compelling.
Ending: Satisfying and memorable, left me feeling fulfilled and emotionally connected.
Overall: A heartfelt and resonant story. Highly recommended.
📖 Purchased by me, physical copy.
🎧 Thanks to Libro.fm for the ALC.
September 20, 2025
This book ripped my heart out at the end of Chapter 1 and had me crying in Chapter 2. I just wish the rest of the story carried that same type punch. After such a powerful start, the pace slowed down, and what first felt beautifully descriptive started to feel a bit too drawn out in the middle. I did enjoyed the storyline, especially since it’s told from such an unconventional perspective (no spoilers), a really good ending, just need a bit more pace to follow such a powerful start.
January 6, 2026
4/5
Omg what a book!! Wow!! If you want to read a book about an unlikeable main character, pick this one up because the mmc is the worsttttt!! This is one of those books that was just pure fun to follow and you could literally see the hurricane of mess brewing from the start! Such a fun one!
Omg what a book!! Wow!! If you want to read a book about an unlikeable main character, pick this one up because the mmc is the worsttttt!! This is one of those books that was just pure fun to follow and you could literally see the hurricane of mess brewing from the start! Such a fun one!
February 14, 2025
Fuck this whole book.
When I read the synopsis, I was expecting a story about women, AKA "women's fiction" as promised in the blurb. I was NOT expecting the ghost of a murdered wife narrating how her husband, an actual sociopath, started hooking up with her doppelgänger, who doesn't know she's the biological mother of his only surviving child (via egg donation). I wasn't aware that Women's Fiction existed to tell the story of a toxic man and his son.
So Tom manipulates, gaslights and straight up lies to Grace about almost EVERYTHING from moment one. In fact, he tracks her down against her explicit wishes and then lies to her about why he's in her place of business. And every time he has an opportunity to tell the truth, he doubles down on the lies. He encourages Grace to believe in a fictional version of their relationship and he's more than ok allowing this woman that he "loves" to enter into a marriage and build a family under false pretenses. As long as HE'S happy, am I right? THEN he gets irritated that his friends aren't lining up to support his falsehoods, and he guilts them when they urge him to tell Grace the truth. The only reason I kept reading was in the hopes that he got some sort of comeuppance... and somehow, even after this happens, we're still supposed to be rooting for him! What the actual fuck?? His friends encourage him to chase her down again after 6 months of her ignoring his efforts, like is EVERYONE stupid in this town? And then... AND THEN SHE COMES BACK TO HIM AT CHRISTMAS WITH THE BLESSING OF ALL HER FEMALE FRIENDS WHO ARE FULLY AWARE OF WHAT HE'S DONE TO HER. (Grown-ass women who, BTW, are referred to as "girls" throughout this work of "Women's Literature".)
And guess what else happens? The VILLAIN of this story is the only woman willing to tell Grace the truth about Tom's gaslighting, because bitches be crazy, I guess? And in the end, a genuinely good woman settles for a miserable piece of shit and I guess this is a victory. Whatever.
Man, this story sucks.
I appreciate NetGalley and the publisher for access to a digital ARC. My honest review is my own opinion.
When I read the synopsis, I was expecting a story about women, AKA "women's fiction" as promised in the blurb. I was NOT expecting the ghost of a murdered wife narrating how her husband, an actual sociopath, started hooking up with her doppelgänger, who doesn't know she's the biological mother of his only surviving child (via egg donation). I wasn't aware that Women's Fiction existed to tell the story of a toxic man and his son.
So Tom manipulates, gaslights and straight up lies to Grace about almost EVERYTHING from moment one. In fact, he tracks her down against her explicit wishes and then lies to her about why he's in her place of business. And every time he has an opportunity to tell the truth, he doubles down on the lies. He encourages Grace to believe in a fictional version of their relationship and he's more than ok allowing this woman that he "loves" to enter into a marriage and build a family under false pretenses. As long as HE'S happy, am I right? THEN he gets irritated that his friends aren't lining up to support his falsehoods, and he guilts them when they urge him to tell Grace the truth. The only reason I kept reading was in the hopes that he got some sort of comeuppance... and somehow, even after this happens, we're still supposed to be rooting for him! What the actual fuck?? His friends encourage him to chase her down again after 6 months of her ignoring his efforts, like is EVERYONE stupid in this town? And then... AND THEN SHE COMES BACK TO HIM AT CHRISTMAS WITH THE BLESSING OF ALL HER FEMALE FRIENDS WHO ARE FULLY AWARE OF WHAT HE'S DONE TO HER. (Grown-ass women who, BTW, are referred to as "girls" throughout this work of "Women's Literature".)
And guess what else happens? The VILLAIN of this story is the only woman willing to tell Grace the truth about Tom's gaslighting, because bitches be crazy, I guess? And in the end, a genuinely good woman settles for a miserable piece of shit and I guess this is a victory. Whatever.
Man, this story sucks.
I appreciate NetGalley and the publisher for access to a digital ARC. My honest review is my own opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2025
"Finding Grace" is a rare find.
Be prepared to laugh, cry, and feel your jaw drop.
From its explosive start, this knockout domestic drama was riveting, gasp-worthy, unpredictable, and unputdownable.
Poignant, compelling, twisty, emotionally jolting, and character-driven, the author brilliantly explores love, heartbreak, parenthood, and resilience with her unique signature style.
TW: Secondary infertility.
This is talented author Loretta Rothschild's first book and it is a very, very impressive debut.
I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Fiona Button.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
All the stars.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
One of my besties of 2025!
May 30, 2025
The first chapter was absolutely wild, I was hooked right away. But after that, the story started to drag and honestly felt like it lost its direction. I kept waiting for it to pick back up, but it never quite did. The ending felt super abrupt too, like there were still pieces missing. Not a bad read, just not what I expected after such a strong start.
Thank you St Martins Press for sending me a copy💗
Thank you St Martins Press for sending me a copy💗
July 4, 2025
Finding Grace is a stunning debut novel that poses the question: which is a heavier burden to carry, grief or guilt?
After reading the blurb, I was very intrigued and thought I kind of, sort of knew what kind of story I was heading into. Maybe a love triangle. Or cheating. Perhaps a broken marriage all in the name of a much longed for second child. Nothing could have prepared me for the emotional journey Loretta Rothschild was about to take me on!! And that was only the first chapter!
This one is poignant, unique, and was hard to put down. My only gripe is the pacing. Somewhere in the middle it began to feel repetitive. I'm sure due in part to my lack of patience and the need to know where this story was headed. Finding Grace is a book I will think about for a long time to come and Loretta Rothschild is an author I can't wait to read again!
Thank you to Macmillan Audio, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for early copies in exchange for my honest review.
4 stars & some spice sprinkled in.
After reading the blurb, I was very intrigued and thought I kind of, sort of knew what kind of story I was heading into. Maybe a love triangle. Or cheating. Perhaps a broken marriage all in the name of a much longed for second child. Nothing could have prepared me for the emotional journey Loretta Rothschild was about to take me on!! And that was only the first chapter!
This one is poignant, unique, and was hard to put down. My only gripe is the pacing. Somewhere in the middle it began to feel repetitive. I'm sure due in part to my lack of patience and the need to know where this story was headed. Finding Grace is a book I will think about for a long time to come and Loretta Rothschild is an author I can't wait to read again!
Thank you to Macmillan Audio, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for early copies in exchange for my honest review.
4 stars & some spice sprinkled in.
August 13, 2025
My true rating is 4.5 stars
“You can’t boycott grief, unless you want to boycott happiness with it. You don’t get the meat without the bones.”
A stellar debut by this author. That opening chapter was mind blowing 🤯 Needless to say I was hooked immediately.
The best way to go into this book is by knowing nothing specific. Let the book carry you on the journey where you will feel all the emotions. I certainly went through them as equally as the characters themselves. I absolutely loved some and loathed others. A sign of a good book indeed is when you feel fully invested.
I took a half star off of the ending. Overdone in my opinion. A simpler ending would have been the chef’s kiss and redemption enough.
JCH this book is on its way to you shortly! ✈️
“You can’t boycott grief, unless you want to boycott happiness with it. You don’t get the meat without the bones.”
A stellar debut by this author. That opening chapter was mind blowing 🤯 Needless to say I was hooked immediately.
The best way to go into this book is by knowing nothing specific. Let the book carry you on the journey where you will feel all the emotions. I certainly went through them as equally as the characters themselves. I absolutely loved some and loathed others. A sign of a good book indeed is when you feel fully invested.
I took a half star off of the ending. Overdone in my opinion. A simpler ending would have been the chef’s kiss and redemption enough.
JCH this book is on its way to you shortly! ✈️
August 2, 2025
If chapter 1 doesn’t drop your jaw, nothing will!
I went in blind, as others had recommended, and so should you! It’s told from a unique narrator perspective that stems from chapter 1. I barely knew these characters, yet my heartstrings were pulled early on.
You will need to arm yourself with some suspension of disbelief at where the storyline goes from there. But I find that easier to do when the story is well written like this one. The tension is subtle, but taut, as a fragile house of cards is built on a lie of omission, and could topple at any moment.
It’s not marketed as a thriller, yet somehow I expected some banger grand reveal ending to explain a lingering “how is this possible?” But like the rest of the book, the conclusion was satisfying yet understated, with a few slanting Ts left uncrossed.
If you like your books bittersweet, and can root for a character who makes questionable choices, add this debut novel to your TBR!
I went in blind, as others had recommended, and so should you! It’s told from a unique narrator perspective that stems from chapter 1. I barely knew these characters, yet my heartstrings were pulled early on.
You will need to arm yourself with some suspension of disbelief at where the storyline goes from there. But I find that easier to do when the story is well written like this one. The tension is subtle, but taut, as a fragile house of cards is built on a lie of omission, and could topple at any moment.
It’s not marketed as a thriller, yet somehow I expected some banger grand reveal ending to explain a lingering “how is this possible?” But like the rest of the book, the conclusion was satisfying yet understated, with a few slanting Ts left uncrossed.
If you like your books bittersweet, and can root for a character who makes questionable choices, add this debut novel to your TBR!
May 28, 2025
marriage is scary because what if he’s like tom
longer rtc
thank you to the publishers for the e-arc
longer rtc
thank you to the publishers for the e-arc
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