What do you think?
Rate this book
Secrets & Seduction #4
His Saving Grace
Perfect for fans of Mary Balogh, Sharon Cullen’s captivating novel tells the deeply emotional tale of two devoted lovers facing the ravages of war.
For months now, Lady Grace Ashworth has mourned the death of her beloved husband—until the day a very-much-alive Michael arrives at her front door. It’s nothing less than a miracle. However, Grace soon realizes that this Michael isn’t the same man who left for the Crimean War. She’s stunned to learn that he has suffered a devastating head injury. Putting all her own desires aside, Grace resolves to devote herself to Michael’s recovery and to love him no matter what troubles may come.
Convinced that his wife is wasting her time on a broken man, Michael attempts to shield Grace from a life of inconvenience by driving her away. But Grace will have none of that. Despite every obstacle Michael throws in her path, she stubbornly soldiers on, fighting not only for their marriage but for the love they once shared. In the end, will her determination alone be enough to save Michael from the darkness that threatens to consume him?
Praise for Sharon Cullen
“The Notorious Lady Anne has everything I look for in a romance—swashbuckling adventure, a hero and heroine with sizzling chemistry, and nonstop, leap-off-the-page action. Cullen’s debut is a sexy, fun, and thrilling read.”—Bestselling author Shana Galen
“Loving the Earl is charming and fast-paced. It’s filled with passion, intrigue, a resourceful heroine you’ll love, and a delicious hero you’ll fall in love with. An absolute delight!”—New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jacquie D’Alessandro
“A sizzling, smart relationship that evolves beautifully to capture readers’ hearts as well as their imaginations . . . Cullen crafts an engaging romance that is as much a tribute to the past as it is a tale of two unlikely lovers.”—RT Book Reviews, on Pleasing the Pirate
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
For months now, Lady Grace Ashworth has mourned the death of her beloved husband—until the day a very-much-alive Michael arrives at her front door. It’s nothing less than a miracle. However, Grace soon realizes that this Michael isn’t the same man who left for the Crimean War. She’s stunned to learn that he has suffered a devastating head injury. Putting all her own desires aside, Grace resolves to devote herself to Michael’s recovery and to love him no matter what troubles may come.
Convinced that his wife is wasting her time on a broken man, Michael attempts to shield Grace from a life of inconvenience by driving her away. But Grace will have none of that. Despite every obstacle Michael throws in her path, she stubbornly soldiers on, fighting not only for their marriage but for the love they once shared. In the end, will her determination alone be enough to save Michael from the darkness that threatens to consume him?
Praise for Sharon Cullen
“The Notorious Lady Anne has everything I look for in a romance—swashbuckling adventure, a hero and heroine with sizzling chemistry, and nonstop, leap-off-the-page action. Cullen’s debut is a sexy, fun, and thrilling read.”—Bestselling author Shana Galen
“Loving the Earl is charming and fast-paced. It’s filled with passion, intrigue, a resourceful heroine you’ll love, and a delicious hero you’ll fall in love with. An absolute delight!”—New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jacquie D’Alessandro
“A sizzling, smart relationship that evolves beautifully to capture readers’ hearts as well as their imaginations . . . Cullen crafts an engaging romance that is as much a tribute to the past as it is a tale of two unlikely lovers.”—RT Book Reviews, on Pleasing the Pirate
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 23, 2014
22 people are currently reading
301 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Cullen
32 books206 followersAfter earning a degree in journalism from Ohio University, Sharon found the stories inside her head were more interesting than what was going on in the world around her. Yet, it wasn’t until years later that she decided to pursue her secret dream of writing a romance novel. Since then she’s been published in romantic suspense, paranormal romance and contemporary romance and historical romance.
Sharon’s other job descriptions include chauffer, laundress, cook and mediator to her three very busy kids, her husband and two dogs. She lives in southwest Ohio with her brood although her dream is to someday retire to St. Maarten and live on the beach.
If you’d like to find out more about Sharon and her books, you can visit her at her website. She’s addicted to social networking so you can find her on Facebook and Twitter. Friend her! Like her! Follow her! She’d love to hang out with you and talk about her passion—books.
Sharon’s other job descriptions include chauffer, laundress, cook and mediator to her three very busy kids, her husband and two dogs. She lives in southwest Ohio with her brood although her dream is to someday retire to St. Maarten and live on the beach.
If you’d like to find out more about Sharon and her books, you can visit her at her website. She’s addicted to social networking so you can find her on Facebook and Twitter. Friend her! Like her! Follow her! She’d love to hang out with you and talk about her passion—books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
September 7, 2016
I've given this a B+ at AAR, so 4.5 stars.
I’m not sure exactly what I expected when I picked up this book for review. The synopsis speaks of the deeply emotional tale of two devoted lovers facing the ravages of war, and – well, this is going to sound silly, but – that’s exactly what this story is. I suppose I’m so used to reading a book blurb and struggling to relate it to the actual book that when I find one that’s more or less exactly as described, it’s something of a shock!
In any case, His Saving Grace is indeed a deeply emotional tale which explores the problems faced by a married couple when the husband, presumed to have been killed during the Crimean War, returns home rather a different man than the one who left almost a year previously. There is, obviously, a strong romantic element to the story, but it’s really a book about the protagonists learning to deal with the difficulties they face in re-making their life together, and for the hero in particular to find a way to move on with his life and look for the positives rather than dwelling on the things he can no longer do and the man he no longer is.
At the beginning of the book, Lady Grace Ashworth, the Dowager Countess of Blackbourne, is summoned to meet with her brother-in-law Nigel, the earl since his brother’s death, and is informed that he has decided she should marry again. Grace is upset and annoyed; for one thing, only ten months have elapsed since she was devastated by the news of the death of her husband, whom she had loved very much, and for another, she’s well aware that Nigel wants to get her off his hands so the income she receives from the estate can be diverted into his own pockets.
Nigel’s gossipy wife, Clara, very quickly disseminates the news of Grace’s impending marriage to Sir Clayton Timmons (who is continually, erroneously, and annoyingly referred to as “Sir Timmons” instead of “Sir Clayton”) – a young, handsome and kindly man – and Grace, while not appreciative of Nigel’s methods or motivations, finds herself wavering. She’s heartsick and lonely, and thinks that perhaps a marriage for the sake of companionship might not be a terrible idea.
But before she can dwell any further on that thought, she receives a completely unexpected visitor in the form of her husband, Michael – alive and perhaps not exactly well, but her husband nonetheless.
Grace is naturally overjoyed – but quickly realises that all is not well, and that the man she is only too glad to welcome back is a very different man to the one she had married.
Michael received a severe head injury during a battle and would have died on the field were it not for the fact that he was discovered and taken away by a Cossack warrior, named Tarik. Tarik cared for Michael during the long period of his recovery and has travelled with him to England. At first, Grace is suspicious and resentful of this large, taciturn man, whom she believes has usurped her place as the person caring for her husband. But as she comes to know more about Michael, the nature of his injury and how it continues to affect him, she becomes grateful for the Tarik’s insight and care.
Michael’s injury has left him with a number of problems, most of them concerning his memory and ability to retain information. He is constantly frustrated by his inability to find the right words; for example, early in the story he thinks of his wife’s hair as “yellow”, being unable to remember the word “blonde”. Or rather, it’s not a case of his not being able to remember, sometimes, it’s as though he never knew the word at all. Having only recently come into the earldom, he is anxious about his ability to be able to carry out all the duties incumbent upon the management of a large estate, worried that his brother may try to oust him – and is filled with despair because he hates the idea that he has saddled his beloved wife with a broken man.
Michael and Grace have many obstacles to overcome in their attempts to adjust themselves to a new way of living. Grace is an incredibly strong woman, determined to do whatever it takes to keep Michael with her and to help him to adjust, but she is up against an equally strong personality who is so adamant about his failings that he finds it difficult to see beyond them. That’s not to say that he doesn’t have reasons for that, and I suspect that, were I in a similar situation, I’d find Grace’s determined optimism annoying at times, too!
I can’t deny that this is, at times, quite a difficult read. Grace is desperate to help Michael and while he wants to be with her, he also continually tries to push her away, not wanting to subject her to the ravages his disability continues to wreak upon him. But ultimately, it’s an uplifting and very emotionally satisfying story, and from reading the author’s notes, it’s clearly a story that has great meaning for her – and that shows in the care with which she has crafted it. His Saving Grace is a very well written novel and both protagonists are strongly characterised. The emotions that lie between them – both good and bad – are well realised and in fact, those moments in which one or other of them snaps under the stress of their situation serve to make them feel like real people rather than just characters in the pages of a book.
You may be asking why I haven't made this a DIK. That's mostly because one of the criteria I use to award a DIK is that the book is one I could stand to re-read. And while HSG is certainly a very well-written and poignant tale, it's a little too emotionally"raw" a story to be one I can see myself returning to very often. Nonetheless, His Saving Grace is an intense and moving story, and I have no hesitation in recommending it highly.
For anyone interested in reading about the real-life inspiration for this story, you can read my interview with Sharon Cullen at All About Romance, too.
I’m not sure exactly what I expected when I picked up this book for review. The synopsis speaks of the deeply emotional tale of two devoted lovers facing the ravages of war, and – well, this is going to sound silly, but – that’s exactly what this story is. I suppose I’m so used to reading a book blurb and struggling to relate it to the actual book that when I find one that’s more or less exactly as described, it’s something of a shock!
In any case, His Saving Grace is indeed a deeply emotional tale which explores the problems faced by a married couple when the husband, presumed to have been killed during the Crimean War, returns home rather a different man than the one who left almost a year previously. There is, obviously, a strong romantic element to the story, but it’s really a book about the protagonists learning to deal with the difficulties they face in re-making their life together, and for the hero in particular to find a way to move on with his life and look for the positives rather than dwelling on the things he can no longer do and the man he no longer is.
At the beginning of the book, Lady Grace Ashworth, the Dowager Countess of Blackbourne, is summoned to meet with her brother-in-law Nigel, the earl since his brother’s death, and is informed that he has decided she should marry again. Grace is upset and annoyed; for one thing, only ten months have elapsed since she was devastated by the news of the death of her husband, whom she had loved very much, and for another, she’s well aware that Nigel wants to get her off his hands so the income she receives from the estate can be diverted into his own pockets.
Nigel’s gossipy wife, Clara, very quickly disseminates the news of Grace’s impending marriage to Sir Clayton Timmons (who is continually, erroneously, and annoyingly referred to as “Sir Timmons” instead of “Sir Clayton”) – a young, handsome and kindly man – and Grace, while not appreciative of Nigel’s methods or motivations, finds herself wavering. She’s heartsick and lonely, and thinks that perhaps a marriage for the sake of companionship might not be a terrible idea.
But before she can dwell any further on that thought, she receives a completely unexpected visitor in the form of her husband, Michael – alive and perhaps not exactly well, but her husband nonetheless.
Grace is naturally overjoyed – but quickly realises that all is not well, and that the man she is only too glad to welcome back is a very different man to the one she had married.
Michael received a severe head injury during a battle and would have died on the field were it not for the fact that he was discovered and taken away by a Cossack warrior, named Tarik. Tarik cared for Michael during the long period of his recovery and has travelled with him to England. At first, Grace is suspicious and resentful of this large, taciturn man, whom she believes has usurped her place as the person caring for her husband. But as she comes to know more about Michael, the nature of his injury and how it continues to affect him, she becomes grateful for the Tarik’s insight and care.
Michael’s injury has left him with a number of problems, most of them concerning his memory and ability to retain information. He is constantly frustrated by his inability to find the right words; for example, early in the story he thinks of his wife’s hair as “yellow”, being unable to remember the word “blonde”. Or rather, it’s not a case of his not being able to remember, sometimes, it’s as though he never knew the word at all. Having only recently come into the earldom, he is anxious about his ability to be able to carry out all the duties incumbent upon the management of a large estate, worried that his brother may try to oust him – and is filled with despair because he hates the idea that he has saddled his beloved wife with a broken man.
Michael and Grace have many obstacles to overcome in their attempts to adjust themselves to a new way of living. Grace is an incredibly strong woman, determined to do whatever it takes to keep Michael with her and to help him to adjust, but she is up against an equally strong personality who is so adamant about his failings that he finds it difficult to see beyond them. That’s not to say that he doesn’t have reasons for that, and I suspect that, were I in a similar situation, I’d find Grace’s determined optimism annoying at times, too!
I can’t deny that this is, at times, quite a difficult read. Grace is desperate to help Michael and while he wants to be with her, he also continually tries to push her away, not wanting to subject her to the ravages his disability continues to wreak upon him. But ultimately, it’s an uplifting and very emotionally satisfying story, and from reading the author’s notes, it’s clearly a story that has great meaning for her – and that shows in the care with which she has crafted it. His Saving Grace is a very well written novel and both protagonists are strongly characterised. The emotions that lie between them – both good and bad – are well realised and in fact, those moments in which one or other of them snaps under the stress of their situation serve to make them feel like real people rather than just characters in the pages of a book.
You may be asking why I haven't made this a DIK. That's mostly because one of the criteria I use to award a DIK is that the book is one I could stand to re-read. And while HSG is certainly a very well-written and poignant tale, it's a little too emotionally"raw" a story to be one I can see myself returning to very often. Nonetheless, His Saving Grace is an intense and moving story, and I have no hesitation in recommending it highly.
For anyone interested in reading about the real-life inspiration for this story, you can read my interview with Sharon Cullen at All About Romance, too.
November 23, 2014
It’s the journey through a tale that makes a book a total emotional delight, whether or not you’ve already figured out the end. The journey through Sharon Cullen’s His Saving Grace will shred your heart one moment, leave you hopeful the next and have your reaching for a tissue more often than you would like to admit.
When the Earl of Blackbourne, Michael Ashworth left his young bride for war, he was to return to his love, but fate had other plans. Lady Grace Ashworth has mourned the loss of her husband for almost a year as her cruel brother-in-law installs himself in her home and relegates her to a broken down dower house on the grounds. Now he wishes to relieve himself of the burden of caring for her by marrying her off to whoever will take her.
But Grace’s deepest wish came true when a black carriage pulled up and her Michael stepped out. But was this her Michael? Damaged both physically and mentally, he is a stranger to her and her to him. A strange man who has arrived with him knows his every need, and that is her job, not his. Can Grace help Michael recover from the trauma of war? Can she sooth away his nightmares with her love? Can her determination help him to heal as much as possible or will he reject her, thinking he is freeing her to find a new and better life?
Sharon Cullen has been true to the ways of the past, while telling a heart-wrenching tale that repeats itself to this day. Her heroine is strong, determined and in love. Her hero is damaged, broken and has given up, not the normal swarthy hero of the heaving bosom-type romances, that are so readily available in historical romances. Ms. Cullen has drawn a bleak world and added the light of hope to brighten a story of strength, love and determination. Wonderfully romantic, brutally raw and completely enthralling!
I received an ARC edition from Loveswept in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Secrets & Seductions - Book 4
Publication Date: December 23, 2014
Publisher: Loveswept
ISBN: 9780553391572
Genre: Historical Romance
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
When the Earl of Blackbourne, Michael Ashworth left his young bride for war, he was to return to his love, but fate had other plans. Lady Grace Ashworth has mourned the loss of her husband for almost a year as her cruel brother-in-law installs himself in her home and relegates her to a broken down dower house on the grounds. Now he wishes to relieve himself of the burden of caring for her by marrying her off to whoever will take her.
But Grace’s deepest wish came true when a black carriage pulled up and her Michael stepped out. But was this her Michael? Damaged both physically and mentally, he is a stranger to her and her to him. A strange man who has arrived with him knows his every need, and that is her job, not his. Can Grace help Michael recover from the trauma of war? Can she sooth away his nightmares with her love? Can her determination help him to heal as much as possible or will he reject her, thinking he is freeing her to find a new and better life?
Sharon Cullen has been true to the ways of the past, while telling a heart-wrenching tale that repeats itself to this day. Her heroine is strong, determined and in love. Her hero is damaged, broken and has given up, not the normal swarthy hero of the heaving bosom-type romances, that are so readily available in historical romances. Ms. Cullen has drawn a bleak world and added the light of hope to brighten a story of strength, love and determination. Wonderfully romantic, brutally raw and completely enthralling!
I received an ARC edition from Loveswept in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Secrets & Seductions - Book 4
Publication Date: December 23, 2014
Publisher: Loveswept
ISBN: 9780553391572
Genre: Historical Romance
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
March 14, 2015
I liked this book well enough. I thought the H was a little self-absorbed - although it could have been his injury. His decision to return home seemed like selfishness and plot device rather than return to a beloved wife. So, why a just ok 2-stars? I'm not sure I will re-read. The story and characters lacked the depth needed to make me empathize; and I expect a little research especially in forms of address.
November 5, 2014
This emotionally charged novel is not for the slight of heart. His Saving Grace by Sharon Cullen is tale fraught with sadness as well as hope.
Lady Grace Ashworth has been in mourning for the beloved husband she lost during the Crimean War. Being expelled to the Dower House by her inconsiderate brother-in-law, Nigel, the new Earl of Blackbourne. Expulsion, however is not enough for Nigel. He wants Grace to be someone else's financial responsibility, so he arranges a marriage for her, less than a year after losing her Michael. Grace is astonished at Nigel's lack of consideration for her. Michael was her one true love, and losing him tore her heart to shreds.
Just when Grace is about to accept her lot in life and give in to Nigel's demands, the unbelievable happens. Appearing in front of her, in the flesh and very much alive is her husband Michael. After her complete disbelief wanes and she realizes that Michael is in fact alive, she comes to find that this Michael is a very changed one due to the ravages of war.
Michael, the Earl of Blackbourne has been through much since he left for war. After being left for dead by his regiment. a Cossack saves him and nurses him through near death. Michael has suffered a severe brain injury and finds even simple tasks most difficult, if not impossible. Once he remembers who he is, he does not return home immediately, and once he does, he isn't quite sure that it was the right thing to do after all. For as much as he loves his wife and she him, will it be enough to overcome the fact that their lives will never be the same?
Has Saving Grace by Sharon Cullen is a wonderful story with its up and downs. It's a life lesson, showing us that love can truly make up for many discrepancies in one's life. Watching Grace take was she is given and make the best of it is fabulous. It doesn't matter to her that Michael may be different and needs her help, all she care about is that he is alive and so is their love. Convincing Michael that's all that matters however, is the journey of this story. A beautiful story with it's sadness and triumph, His Saving Grace by Sharon Cullen is so worth the possible tears.
November 6, 2014
I received an advanced reader copy from Net Galley for an honest review. I’m so glad I took a chance on this incredible story. It is a story that will haunt you and cling to your memory for days after you finish the book. This is a story of overcoming great odds and coming out of it a stronger and better person.
The deep emotional pain that Michael Ashworth, the Earl of Blackbourne experiences, ate at my soul and brought tears to my eyes. His utter despair at times is palpable. At times, I did get a bit irritated with Michael when he is at his lowest, but ultimately, he faces up to his challenges and begins to move forward. However, this is after he puts his wife, Grace, through a lot of needless pain.
While this story does have several secondary characters, it is primarily about Michael and Grace and their struggle to be together and learn to live with his disability, a disability that cannot be seen by the world. It is a disability that would torment anyone, and especially a strong, proud man such as Michael.
I love Grace’s determination and will to help Michael adapt to his changed world. She refuses to cower when he gives into his temper, anger he never had before his injuries. She is a true saint and never gives up on him, even when he is at his worst. She fights for their love, even when Michael attempts to send her away.
This is not an easy story to read. It’s filled with angst as Michael faces the changes his disability has caused in his personality. One thing that is never in doubt is the love they feel for each other, but this couple has to go through a lot to find their HEA.
The story line is quite unique and kept me turning the pages. Ms. Cullen does an excellent job with building tension, yet not so much that it frustrated me. The timing of the love scenes are close to perfect and highly charged with passion and deep emotion.
If you enjoy a well-written historical romance with great character development then this is a book you will want to read. I will be looking for other books from this talented author. Happy reading!
The deep emotional pain that Michael Ashworth, the Earl of Blackbourne experiences, ate at my soul and brought tears to my eyes. His utter despair at times is palpable. At times, I did get a bit irritated with Michael when he is at his lowest, but ultimately, he faces up to his challenges and begins to move forward. However, this is after he puts his wife, Grace, through a lot of needless pain.
While this story does have several secondary characters, it is primarily about Michael and Grace and their struggle to be together and learn to live with his disability, a disability that cannot be seen by the world. It is a disability that would torment anyone, and especially a strong, proud man such as Michael.
I love Grace’s determination and will to help Michael adapt to his changed world. She refuses to cower when he gives into his temper, anger he never had before his injuries. She is a true saint and never gives up on him, even when he is at his worst. She fights for their love, even when Michael attempts to send her away.
This is not an easy story to read. It’s filled with angst as Michael faces the changes his disability has caused in his personality. One thing that is never in doubt is the love they feel for each other, but this couple has to go through a lot to find their HEA.
The story line is quite unique and kept me turning the pages. Ms. Cullen does an excellent job with building tension, yet not so much that it frustrated me. The timing of the love scenes are close to perfect and highly charged with passion and deep emotion.
If you enjoy a well-written historical romance with great character development then this is a book you will want to read. I will be looking for other books from this talented author. Happy reading!
December 5, 2014
Best historical, no, best romance I've read this year. I loved it.
Read
December 29, 2015I have never come across a series that push all my buttons. "fiery" women with a family issue, something to prove, now a caretaker and her sick boy. lol Off to "not_interested" pile you go.
January 1, 2015
Rating 4 1/2 Stars
Posted on What I'm Reading
His Saving Grace is a beautifully written story about overcoming obstacles. Seriously, Grace has some major trials in the story, and most people would have thrown the towel and gave up. However, Grace stood her ground. She was such a strong character even though she didn't realize this. Here's why: 1) She dealt with her skeevy brother-in-law. 2) When her husband came back, she took it all in strive. 3) She didn't let anyone push her out, especially her husband. This makes Grace a remarkable person. Personally, I would have just said, "Fine; I'm done," but she didn't she hung in there.
Michael. Poor guy. He comes back from the war a changed man and he doesn't know how to cope with it. So, he turns to anger and frustration in hopes of pushing anyone who might care away. Fortunately, he has a stubborn wife who refuse to bend to his will. In essences we have the battle of wills going on between Michael and Grace.
I think it's important to mention this third character that plays the mediator between Michael and Grace, Tarik. Tarik is this strong, intimidating character, but he's also quiet and observant. He's the sounding board for Michael and Grace, so he helps them see where each of one is coming from. I love some of the wisdom that Tarik imparts at times. Example:
"Yes. He is different, but it is not a bad difference. You were expecting your husband to return to you the same as before, but war is not like that. Even if his head had not been injured, he would be a changed man. War does such things."
I liked him, and truth be told I would love to see Tarik have a happy ending. Just wishful thinking.
I enjoyed His Saving Grace, because it wasn't sugar-coated. It took a story about these two people who love one another and put them through a ringer. They both had to work to get to a happy ending. Sometimes that's hard, especially when one of the party isn't willing to the effort into making it work. You see that with Grace, and how she wanted to make their lives work. There were times where I had tears leaking out, because of Grace's struggles. I wasn't too upset with Michael's attitude, because it was his coping mechanism. Yes, a beautiful story that was well written with issues nobody likes to take into account. I believe, Sharon did a wonderful job portraying this couple with struggles that come with separation of war can have and the effects that it might cause (even if the characters are fictional).
Copy provided by Random House via NetGalley
Posted on What I'm Reading
His Saving Grace is a beautifully written story about overcoming obstacles. Seriously, Grace has some major trials in the story, and most people would have thrown the towel and gave up. However, Grace stood her ground. She was such a strong character even though she didn't realize this. Here's why: 1) She dealt with her skeevy brother-in-law. 2) When her husband came back, she took it all in strive. 3) She didn't let anyone push her out, especially her husband. This makes Grace a remarkable person. Personally, I would have just said, "Fine; I'm done," but she didn't she hung in there.
Michael. Poor guy. He comes back from the war a changed man and he doesn't know how to cope with it. So, he turns to anger and frustration in hopes of pushing anyone who might care away. Fortunately, he has a stubborn wife who refuse to bend to his will. In essences we have the battle of wills going on between Michael and Grace.
I think it's important to mention this third character that plays the mediator between Michael and Grace, Tarik. Tarik is this strong, intimidating character, but he's also quiet and observant. He's the sounding board for Michael and Grace, so he helps them see where each of one is coming from. I love some of the wisdom that Tarik imparts at times. Example:
"Yes. He is different, but it is not a bad difference. You were expecting your husband to return to you the same as before, but war is not like that. Even if his head had not been injured, he would be a changed man. War does such things."
I liked him, and truth be told I would love to see Tarik have a happy ending. Just wishful thinking.
I enjoyed His Saving Grace, because it wasn't sugar-coated. It took a story about these two people who love one another and put them through a ringer. They both had to work to get to a happy ending. Sometimes that's hard, especially when one of the party isn't willing to the effort into making it work. You see that with Grace, and how she wanted to make their lives work. There were times where I had tears leaking out, because of Grace's struggles. I wasn't too upset with Michael's attitude, because it was his coping mechanism. Yes, a beautiful story that was well written with issues nobody likes to take into account. I believe, Sharon did a wonderful job portraying this couple with struggles that come with separation of war can have and the effects that it might cause (even if the characters are fictional).
Copy provided by Random House via NetGalley
September 13, 2014
I got this one for an honest review.
Oh … I loved most of it!
It’s the story of Lady Grace Ashworth who lives as a dowager in a very run down dowager house because her husband died in the Crimean War about 10 months ago and his brother – a man you learn to hate within the first couple of pages – made her move there. She doesn’t care about many things anymore, lives in two of the rooms and the kitchen, eats with the only servant she has in the kitchen. But she is still young and beautiful and to get rid of her, and the fact that he has to pay her one third of the estates income, her brother in law wants her to get married again. Well, wants her to – that sounds rather nice. He arranges it.
Shortly before this can wedding can take place, Michael suddenly arrives. Her very-much-alive husband. A miracle. But he isn’t the same anymore. He is hurt. In pain. He comes with a Cossack servant, an impressive man who shields Grace from him, because Michael wants him to.
Because of the way he acts she hurts more than ever before. He tries not to see her, not to cross her path but on the other way he wants to take over the estate again, manage it so he has to give a show which is rather hard for him because there is one big secret – his head was hurt badly. He cannot remember things he said a minute before. But it isn’t just his short term memory, he doesn’t remember names, faces etc from the past either. Except for Grace and their past together.
Nevertheless he feels attracted to her. His body reacts when she is near him.
They have to remodel their life, hide things from everybody else around them. Try to show the world that nothing has changed … but so many things are different from a year before.
++
I think you cannot not fall in love with Grace because she isn’t perfect. She feels so real. So honest and realistic. She is not the beautiful, perfect heroine. No. She makes mistakes, is stubborn and still in love with her husband who doesn’t seem to care about her feelings for him anymore because Michael thinks that she cannot be in love with the person he become.
The way Sharon Cullen introduces Michael makes you dislike him but from chapter to chapter you learn to understand why he acts like he does and why he became the man he is now.
It’s one of the great romances to be told. It’s not romantic or very erotic it’s the tale of two people who were deeply in love, got separated by war and have to find together again because they know that there are not many possibilities.
5 stars!
Oh … I loved most of it!
It’s the story of Lady Grace Ashworth who lives as a dowager in a very run down dowager house because her husband died in the Crimean War about 10 months ago and his brother – a man you learn to hate within the first couple of pages – made her move there. She doesn’t care about many things anymore, lives in two of the rooms and the kitchen, eats with the only servant she has in the kitchen. But she is still young and beautiful and to get rid of her, and the fact that he has to pay her one third of the estates income, her brother in law wants her to get married again. Well, wants her to – that sounds rather nice. He arranges it.
Shortly before this can wedding can take place, Michael suddenly arrives. Her very-much-alive husband. A miracle. But he isn’t the same anymore. He is hurt. In pain. He comes with a Cossack servant, an impressive man who shields Grace from him, because Michael wants him to.
Because of the way he acts she hurts more than ever before. He tries not to see her, not to cross her path but on the other way he wants to take over the estate again, manage it so he has to give a show which is rather hard for him because there is one big secret – his head was hurt badly. He cannot remember things he said a minute before. But it isn’t just his short term memory, he doesn’t remember names, faces etc from the past either. Except for Grace and their past together.
Nevertheless he feels attracted to her. His body reacts when she is near him.
They have to remodel their life, hide things from everybody else around them. Try to show the world that nothing has changed … but so many things are different from a year before.
++
I think you cannot not fall in love with Grace because she isn’t perfect. She feels so real. So honest and realistic. She is not the beautiful, perfect heroine. No. She makes mistakes, is stubborn and still in love with her husband who doesn’t seem to care about her feelings for him anymore because Michael thinks that she cannot be in love with the person he become.
The way Sharon Cullen introduces Michael makes you dislike him but from chapter to chapter you learn to understand why he acts like he does and why he became the man he is now.
It’s one of the great romances to be told. It’s not romantic or very erotic it’s the tale of two people who were deeply in love, got separated by war and have to find together again because they know that there are not many possibilities.
5 stars!
January 2, 2015
The blurb on this book touted it as “perfect for fans of Mary Balogh” with the “deeply emotional tale of two devoted lovers facing the ravages of war.” Of course, there was no way I could resist a sell like that. And I have to say, the book delivers on its promise.
As the story begins, Grace is still mourning the loss of her husband. Michael has been presumed dead for nearly a year, ever since an intense battle in the Crimean War. The world thinks she should be ready to move on, but Grace loved Michael deeply and she isn’t ready to let him go. That turns out to be a good thing when he turns up alive on her front porch.
Grace is elated to have the love of her life return, but she learns quickly that he is not the man he once was. Michael suffered brain damage during the war and it affects him in many different ways. He has debilitating headaches; he has trouble reading and writing; his short term memory is terrible; and he is quick to anger. He is unlike the Michael of her memories, and yet, he is the man she is in love with, the man she mourned. Despite any of the obstacles, Grace is determined not to take their second chance for granted. This, as Michael questions whether she would have been better off without him.
I read a fair number of books with tortured heroes (since I tend to seek them out.) This one is a little different, though, in that the love of a good woman just isn’t enough to make everything ok. So often in these books, the happiness found in the heroine’s arms overshadows all the ugliness in the hero’s life. But this book doesn’t take that approach. It takes a hard look at whether love can be enough to hold these two together, even without the hope that everything else –or anything else– can be fixed. It can be hard to read at times. Michael has a very difficult road and he often makes it worse by pushing Grace away. But I like this dark realism. Yes, I like my fantasy sometimes that love conquers all, but does it really?
Both Grace and Michael are well drawn and sympathetic characters. Through their present day actions, intermingled with flashbacks, the author paints a very solid picture of real love between them. It’s lovely at times, but at other times heartbreaking or sexy, hopeless or hopeful. I won’t spoil the ending, but I appreciate that it strays a bit from the norm while still leaving me satisfied.
I would recommend.
Rating: B/B+
*ARC provided by publisher
As the story begins, Grace is still mourning the loss of her husband. Michael has been presumed dead for nearly a year, ever since an intense battle in the Crimean War. The world thinks she should be ready to move on, but Grace loved Michael deeply and she isn’t ready to let him go. That turns out to be a good thing when he turns up alive on her front porch.
Grace is elated to have the love of her life return, but she learns quickly that he is not the man he once was. Michael suffered brain damage during the war and it affects him in many different ways. He has debilitating headaches; he has trouble reading and writing; his short term memory is terrible; and he is quick to anger. He is unlike the Michael of her memories, and yet, he is the man she is in love with, the man she mourned. Despite any of the obstacles, Grace is determined not to take their second chance for granted. This, as Michael questions whether she would have been better off without him.
I read a fair number of books with tortured heroes (since I tend to seek them out.) This one is a little different, though, in that the love of a good woman just isn’t enough to make everything ok. So often in these books, the happiness found in the heroine’s arms overshadows all the ugliness in the hero’s life. But this book doesn’t take that approach. It takes a hard look at whether love can be enough to hold these two together, even without the hope that everything else –or anything else– can be fixed. It can be hard to read at times. Michael has a very difficult road and he often makes it worse by pushing Grace away. But I like this dark realism. Yes, I like my fantasy sometimes that love conquers all, but does it really?
Both Grace and Michael are well drawn and sympathetic characters. Through their present day actions, intermingled with flashbacks, the author paints a very solid picture of real love between them. It’s lovely at times, but at other times heartbreaking or sexy, hopeless or hopeful. I won’t spoil the ending, but I appreciate that it strays a bit from the norm while still leaving me satisfied.
I would recommend.
Rating: B/B+
*ARC provided by publisher
September 9, 2014
Review to come
Merged review:
A deeply emotional, heart-achingly romantic read, His Saving Grace was a fantastic historical romance. I really liked this book. It was a different romance about the constancy of love and I really enjoyed it.
Grace was a lovely heroine. No matter how difficult things became, she was determined to keep hold of her love and fight for her marriage. She was also realistic. She had her moments of grief and despair, but that didn't keep her from continuing her fight. And she proved that she could be a total badass and get things done (I loved how calmly and neatly she dug up information about Michael's scheming brother and blackmailed him into backing down). I thought she was a great character and I really liked her.
Michael was an interesting character. He had a head injury from the war and it damaged his short term memory so that he easily forgot new information. He had to deal with a whole lot of hopelessness and anger and fear that everyone might have been happier if he had stayed away. But, through it all he always thought of Grace and valued her love above everything else. He was a sweetie and I really liked him as well.
The romance was great. Grace and Michael loved each other deeply and I liked that, when things seemed darkest, they always made sure to say that they loved each other. And, they certainly had enough chemistry to turn up the heat. I thought they were a perfect couple.
The plot was steadily paced, with the focus more on the internal conflict of the characters, and I was kept engaged the entire way through. I really liked how clearly and realistically the emotions were portrayed in a way that made me really feel them and sympathize with the characters. I absolutely loved the story and the ending was perfect.
His Saving Grace was a gem of a read that I really loved. It was realistically and deeply emotional and wonderfully romantic and I enjoyed every bit of it. Romance lovers, this is a book you won't want to miss.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Merged review:
A deeply emotional, heart-achingly romantic read, His Saving Grace was a fantastic historical romance. I really liked this book. It was a different romance about the constancy of love and I really enjoyed it.
Grace was a lovely heroine. No matter how difficult things became, she was determined to keep hold of her love and fight for her marriage. She was also realistic. She had her moments of grief and despair, but that didn't keep her from continuing her fight. And she proved that she could be a total badass and get things done (I loved how calmly and neatly she dug up information about Michael's scheming brother and blackmailed him into backing down). I thought she was a great character and I really liked her.
Michael was an interesting character. He had a head injury from the war and it damaged his short term memory so that he easily forgot new information. He had to deal with a whole lot of hopelessness and anger and fear that everyone might have been happier if he had stayed away. But, through it all he always thought of Grace and valued her love above everything else. He was a sweetie and I really liked him as well.
The romance was great. Grace and Michael loved each other deeply and I liked that, when things seemed darkest, they always made sure to say that they loved each other. And, they certainly had enough chemistry to turn up the heat. I thought they were a perfect couple.
The plot was steadily paced, with the focus more on the internal conflict of the characters, and I was kept engaged the entire way through. I really liked how clearly and realistically the emotions were portrayed in a way that made me really feel them and sympathize with the characters. I absolutely loved the story and the ending was perfect.
His Saving Grace was a gem of a read that I really loved. It was realistically and deeply emotional and wonderfully romantic and I enjoyed every bit of it. Romance lovers, this is a book you won't want to miss.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
March 13, 2015
Now this historical romance was a real treat! A fine example of how to write this genre, I was surprised at some of the issues she explored and the sheer depth of emotions present.
When the male lead’s condition is revealed, I was surprised. What a unique twist…. It’s a truly harsh condition that even nowadays is hard to treat and diagnose. Back in 1855? Let’s just say I’m surprised Michael didn’t end up in an asylum. The author isn’t afraid to explore the darker side of his syndrome; even at the end of the novel, everything isn’t resolved. The shadow of his condition and past will be with him always, and the reader isn’t led to believe anything else.
Most of the emotional depth and drama is a result of the hero’s situation and how that relates to his marriage and position as an earl. The author sucked me into his struggle and Grace’s efforts to give him hope and resolution as they fought this struggle together. There are some truly dark times explored; they put into stark relief the power that the love these two share has in fighting those times. I adored how strong Grace was in meeting these challenges; her will shined with strength and she wasn’t about to take any gruff from Michael as they work towards a workable plan for the future.
This has become one of my favorite historical romances. Its emotional strength kept me reading, and it’s not afraid to explore some bleak material. I think it’s a strength in historical romances when they have a situation such as the hero’s in which everything in the end DOESN’T completely get resolved at the end. It makes the romance shine all the brighter, in my humble opinion. I highly recommend this romance to any lover of the genre. It’s definitely a favorite of mine now.
When the male lead’s condition is revealed, I was surprised. What a unique twist…. It’s a truly harsh condition that even nowadays is hard to treat and diagnose. Back in 1855? Let’s just say I’m surprised Michael didn’t end up in an asylum. The author isn’t afraid to explore the darker side of his syndrome; even at the end of the novel, everything isn’t resolved. The shadow of his condition and past will be with him always, and the reader isn’t led to believe anything else.
Most of the emotional depth and drama is a result of the hero’s situation and how that relates to his marriage and position as an earl. The author sucked me into his struggle and Grace’s efforts to give him hope and resolution as they fought this struggle together. There are some truly dark times explored; they put into stark relief the power that the love these two share has in fighting those times. I adored how strong Grace was in meeting these challenges; her will shined with strength and she wasn’t about to take any gruff from Michael as they work towards a workable plan for the future.
This has become one of my favorite historical romances. Its emotional strength kept me reading, and it’s not afraid to explore some bleak material. I think it’s a strength in historical romances when they have a situation such as the hero’s in which everything in the end DOESN’T completely get resolved at the end. It makes the romance shine all the brighter, in my humble opinion. I highly recommend this romance to any lover of the genre. It’s definitely a favorite of mine now.
December 1, 2014
His Saving Grace by Sharon Cullen is not your average historical romance. It is much more powerful and universal. Love is still the key element, but so is faith and hope.
Grace has been mourning her husband, Michael, as he did not return from Crimean War. She had been shuttled to live in unsuitable housing and promised in marriage to another against her will. One day, Michael comes home. Not as the vibrant intelligent man who left, but as a shadow of his former self. His issues all stem from a serious head injury that has caused him difficulty with memory, word finding and a temper. He thinks Grace should leave and be free of him.
Grace is a strong woman! I love her determination and hope. Sharon Cullen has fashioned a love story that is for the ages and appropriate for today. The universal theme of injures and war resonated with me. This is an awesome book.
Grace has been mourning her husband, Michael, as he did not return from Crimean War. She had been shuttled to live in unsuitable housing and promised in marriage to another against her will. One day, Michael comes home. Not as the vibrant intelligent man who left, but as a shadow of his former self. His issues all stem from a serious head injury that has caused him difficulty with memory, word finding and a temper. He thinks Grace should leave and be free of him.
Grace is a strong woman! I love her determination and hope. Sharon Cullen has fashioned a love story that is for the ages and appropriate for today. The universal theme of injures and war resonated with me. This is an awesome book.
January 19, 2015
It's a pain when the marketing "Perfect for fans of Mary Balogh" set the expectations high, so it is skepticism that I began His Saving Grace and, yet, I still was disappointed.
I didn't feel the character chemistry, things just felt too hollow. And while the story is not a lengthy tome at a little over 200 pages, I still desired to skim to get it over with.
I did appreciate the husband's dilemma of a brain injury from war. I suppose that is the comparison for Balogh's Survivor's Club series. There were some sentences and ideas that I thought nicely written, but the sum of it still fell short of a Good Read.
I didn't feel the character chemistry, things just felt too hollow. And while the story is not a lengthy tome at a little over 200 pages, I still desired to skim to get it over with.
I did appreciate the husband's dilemma of a brain injury from war. I suppose that is the comparison for Balogh's Survivor's Club series. There were some sentences and ideas that I thought nicely written, but the sum of it still fell short of a Good Read.
September 3, 2014
I like how they always tell each other "I love you". No withholding of love for this couple. And boy, do they need it. His injury is heartbreaking. Isn't it sad that having a leg injury would have been better?
I wanted to cheer for her at several places in the story.
The lake scene and dower house scene were so sad.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to cheer for her at several places in the story.
The lake scene and dower house scene were so sad.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2014
What I found refreshing in this Historical Romance is that the conflicts are emotional and involves a disability of the mind. Majority of the novels I read that have disabled men returning from war are physically disabled in some way or are readjusting to non-war life. I was able to feel what the characters felt and picture the descriptions. The book is well written and a good read.
March 24, 2015
The plot seemed very new and intriguing so I wanted to read this book. The author has personal experience with a husband who suffered a serious head injury so that lends an extra credibility to the story.
This book made my heart hurt from the very first page. But these characters are tough and forge ahead. Great book. Great new angle for an HR.
This book made my heart hurt from the very first page. But these characters are tough and forge ahead. Great book. Great new angle for an HR.
March 5, 2025
THIS WAS HARD TO READ - VERY EMOTIONALLY HEARTBREAKING. It's definitely not your average romance, it's about a married couple reunited, a wife fighting to save her marriage and a husband struggling to cope with his brain injury.
I cannot imagine being put in Grace's shoes. She was so bloody strong, and there are times when I felt Michael was too pessimistic - like he had given up. But, I can also understand where he's coming from. Imagine to lose some of your cognitive thoughts, and to have short-term memory loss, unable to read or write, unable to recognize supposedly familiar faces and not remembering certain words. It's hellish for sure. Michael no doubt felt emasculated.
Funny how I was reading a love advice today about how men wanted to feel as if they were important, not to be coddled and needed to feel good about themselves. It reflected a lot of Michael's feelings. Once a confident man, now he was half...I'm sure that settles like acid in one's stomach.
Both of them had to learn to "walk" again as a couple, but the ending was bittersweet. I didn't feel any sense of closure, because Grace and Michael were still trying, the healing process was still on-going and it's sad that they never had any children. A part of me was thinking that maybe a child could brighten up their days, then again, given Michael's tendency to forget and also quick to anger, it might not be a good idea.
The love between Michael and Grace WAS NEVER IN QUESTION, though he could be a dolt. Only their struggles to cope with Michael's condition, and his unwillingness to look forward was a giant brick wall.
OVERALL if you're looking for happy, this isn't it. It's terribly bittersweet and now I just feel sad. If I knew it would leave me feeling hollow, I wouldn't have picked this up at all.
I cannot imagine being put in Grace's shoes. She was so bloody strong, and there are times when I felt Michael was too pessimistic - like he had given up. But, I can also understand where he's coming from. Imagine to lose some of your cognitive thoughts, and to have short-term memory loss, unable to read or write, unable to recognize supposedly familiar faces and not remembering certain words. It's hellish for sure. Michael no doubt felt emasculated.
Funny how I was reading a love advice today about how men wanted to feel as if they were important, not to be coddled and needed to feel good about themselves. It reflected a lot of Michael's feelings. Once a confident man, now he was half...I'm sure that settles like acid in one's stomach.
Both of them had to learn to "walk" again as a couple, but the ending was bittersweet. I didn't feel any sense of closure, because Grace and Michael were still trying, the healing process was still on-going and it's sad that they never had any children. A part of me was thinking that maybe a child could brighten up their days, then again, given Michael's tendency to forget and also quick to anger, it might not be a good idea.
The love between Michael and Grace WAS NEVER IN QUESTION, though he could be a dolt. Only their struggles to cope with Michael's condition, and his unwillingness to look forward was a giant brick wall.
OVERALL if you're looking for happy, this isn't it. It's terribly bittersweet and now I just feel sad. If I knew it would leave me feeling hollow, I wouldn't have picked this up at all.
July 30, 2022
This is the first book by this author I've read. It was branded as a Rouge Regency, but is in fact Victorian.
July 26, 2019
This is a good story of Grace and Michael. Michael had gone to fight in the Crimean War and was declared dead. His younger brother Nigel takes over as the Earl. Grace is at his mercy. One day a carriage arrives with her husband aboard. He was badly injured in the war., but he did not die. His injury was a brain injury. He had to learn to talk, dress feed himself,etc. again.. He has a Cossack servant Tarik with him. Michael is forgetful of recent events, but remembers things from the distant past.. He and Grace must find ways to cope with the deficiencies he has.
March 13, 2023
What would you do if your husband returned from the dead? That's exactly what Grace has to deal with when her beloved husband returns alive. So much has changed but his arrival comes just in the nick of time.
They will have to navigate through secrets, an injury and the unknown if things will ever return to the way they were.
A wonderful story of true love and dedication.
I received an advance reader copy for a fair and honest review
They will have to navigate through secrets, an injury and the unknown if things will ever return to the way they were.
A wonderful story of true love and dedication.
I received an advance reader copy for a fair and honest review
February 19, 2018
His Saving Grace
I was disappointed that this didn't fall in line with the first three and continue with the same group of people but it was a cute story about love ,disappointment and disabilities.
I was disappointed that this didn't fall in line with the first three and continue with the same group of people but it was a cute story about love ,disappointment and disabilities.
June 28, 2020
This book is a stand-alone. It is not part of the series Secrets & Seduction. The story is set a hundred years after the stories of this series.
Victorian historical #1. Next is the story of Sara Emerson.
Victorian historical #1. Next is the story of Sara Emerson.
December 2, 2023
Boring
I have enjoyed every single book I’ve read written by this author. This book, however, was awful. It was very repetitive, and every time I thought there would be something exciting happening, I was disappointed. Even the ending was disappointing.
I have enjoyed every single book I’ve read written by this author. This book, however, was awful. It was very repetitive, and every time I thought there would be something exciting happening, I was disappointed. Even the ending was disappointing.
November 23, 2020
Beautiful
July 22, 2024
Personally I prefer heroes to do the chasing and putting effort into making the relationship work. Heroine is a stronger person than me because I’d have given up long ago.
September 11, 2014
His Saving Grace by Sharon Cullen
This is a sad, haunting story. There are moments of brevity and joy, but it was a realistic story of a couple finding their way back to one another. Michael shows up on Grace’s doorstep after she believes he died fighting in the Crimean War. But the Michael who steps out of the carriage is a mystery to her. She grieved so hard and long for her wonderful marriage, it should have been a joyous reunion, but Michael is still recovering from his head injury and not the man she knew.
From flashbacks of both characters, we learn of the charmed life they once lived. How they were young and in love with each other and life. Michael didn’t have a title of Earl yet, but they were so happy together in the country. They laughed, they were friends, and they were essentially soul mates. In all their time married, they never conceived a child, yet it was not a milestone around their necks, it just simply the way it was. And since they were so happy together, it wasn’t something they couldn’t get past together.
Now that Michael has returned, there is no togetherness. There are no more laughter or fun times. He is suffering from a brain injury that has taken some of his faculties with it. He is unable to recall words, has short term memory problems and has difficulty walking at times. He feels like a broken man and as much as he longs for his wife, he turns away from her because he can’t bear to live as he is now.
Grace is truly a saint. She has the patience of a thousand people. She never gives up. She doesn’t give up on finding ways to help Michael, to bring him back to the person he was and truly, truly accepts who he is now. She wants him in her life regardless of his injury and the things he perceives as flaws. She is one step ahead with ideas, suggestions, accommodations that will make his everyday life easier. She is committed to living with her husband and won’t accept his insistence that she’s better off without him.
The one place the two characters connect is the bedroom. Once Grace worms her way back into Michael’s bed, it is as if time never happened. They are passionate lovers and the intimacy they share is a big part of making the marriage work. The author is quite descriptive with the love scenes and you feel their joy that at least this part of their marriage isn’t work.
I loved the moments when Michael would just watch Grace and admire her. He truly loves her and that is why he came home rather than stays on the continent or commits suicide. His heart calls to her and he struggles every step to find a way to fit back together.
This book doesn’t have the miracle happy ending a lot of historical romance novels do, but rather a realistic hope that two people who love each other so much will make it work. Maybe that is the miracle. That after all they have been through, they are still willing to be together and to love one another for who they are now.
I shed a few tears reading this book, not because of how sappy or sad it was, but rather because of how touching and deep the love connection is. Most people would love to have someone in their life that completely accepted them as they are and loved them with no reservations. A lovely story to read.
Reviewed by www.kiltsandswords I received a copy from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review
This is a sad, haunting story. There are moments of brevity and joy, but it was a realistic story of a couple finding their way back to one another. Michael shows up on Grace’s doorstep after she believes he died fighting in the Crimean War. But the Michael who steps out of the carriage is a mystery to her. She grieved so hard and long for her wonderful marriage, it should have been a joyous reunion, but Michael is still recovering from his head injury and not the man she knew.
From flashbacks of both characters, we learn of the charmed life they once lived. How they were young and in love with each other and life. Michael didn’t have a title of Earl yet, but they were so happy together in the country. They laughed, they were friends, and they were essentially soul mates. In all their time married, they never conceived a child, yet it was not a milestone around their necks, it just simply the way it was. And since they were so happy together, it wasn’t something they couldn’t get past together.
Now that Michael has returned, there is no togetherness. There are no more laughter or fun times. He is suffering from a brain injury that has taken some of his faculties with it. He is unable to recall words, has short term memory problems and has difficulty walking at times. He feels like a broken man and as much as he longs for his wife, he turns away from her because he can’t bear to live as he is now.
Grace is truly a saint. She has the patience of a thousand people. She never gives up. She doesn’t give up on finding ways to help Michael, to bring him back to the person he was and truly, truly accepts who he is now. She wants him in her life regardless of his injury and the things he perceives as flaws. She is one step ahead with ideas, suggestions, accommodations that will make his everyday life easier. She is committed to living with her husband and won’t accept his insistence that she’s better off without him.
The one place the two characters connect is the bedroom. Once Grace worms her way back into Michael’s bed, it is as if time never happened. They are passionate lovers and the intimacy they share is a big part of making the marriage work. The author is quite descriptive with the love scenes and you feel their joy that at least this part of their marriage isn’t work.
I loved the moments when Michael would just watch Grace and admire her. He truly loves her and that is why he came home rather than stays on the continent or commits suicide. His heart calls to her and he struggles every step to find a way to fit back together.
This book doesn’t have the miracle happy ending a lot of historical romance novels do, but rather a realistic hope that two people who love each other so much will make it work. Maybe that is the miracle. That after all they have been through, they are still willing to be together and to love one another for who they are now.
I shed a few tears reading this book, not because of how sappy or sad it was, but rather because of how touching and deep the love connection is. Most people would love to have someone in their life that completely accepted them as they are and loved them with no reservations. A lovely story to read.
Reviewed by www.kiltsandswords I received a copy from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review
December 25, 2014
As a disabled person I'm drawn to stories dealing with the issues surrounding living life in a body unknown to you at times. And with my father's recent head injury I found myself even more engaged in the journey the once proud Michael takes towards recovery as it resonates very deeply in my own life for many reasons.
Grace has loved Michael since she was very young and each moment they were together is forever etched in her memory. When she heard of his death a little of her died too. After being shuffled off to the dower house by an uncaring and pompous brother-in-law life looks to be a lonely one until Nigel, the new Earl of Blackbourne, informs her of her impending marriage. As her intended is nothing more than a friend to her she's desperate to end her engagement. The arrival of a dark carriage might at first offer salvation but soon immerses her in the unknown as the return of her husband doesn't go as she dreamed it would. Michael is back but he's changed and to reach HEA they'll both have to work hard and let love be their guide.
Michael went away to war with dreams of gallantry but returned lost and broken after a catastrophic head injury changed him irrevocably. The once proud Earl now has trouble remembering words and events, is sometimes overcome with rage, and has excruciating headaches and memories from the war. His body is like a stranger and it scares him. It kept him from returning home as he wanted to hide from what he'd become. He feels less than the man he once was and fears he won't be able to live up to his duties. His fears have him pushing Grace away instead of holding her close as he wants to do. It all leads to a marriage that was once so strong now rocky as insecurities from both of them weigh heavily. To be the man Grace and his earldom needs he'll have to accept that which can't be changed and let Grace in completely as an equal so they can stand together in solidarity when the outside world comes to judge him.
Grace and Michael are a strong and compelling couple. Grace is smart and caring and through everything her love for him never waned. She felt frustrated and alienated by Michael's reliance on the stranger Tarik for help early on but it forced her to accept reality and from there on she was Michael's biggest champion. She was loyal and dedicated and had more faith in Michael than he had in himself. Michael's pain, physical and mental, was palpable. It was easy to get caught up in his frustrations and self-loathing at what he's become. The glimpses of the old Michael though remind us of what brought him together with Grace and give us hope for their future. This story puts readers through the emotional wringer with lots of tears and a few smiles along the way. It was both heartbreaking and heartwarming and I credit Ms. Cullen with its realism. It's an emotionally draining journey that I feel privileged to have taken as the characters are richly depicted, their actions believable, and the message of love conquering all vividly witnessed. Though this is the fourth installment in the Secrets & Seduction series it can be read on its own, but I hope to see this couple again in the future as they left an indelible mark on me.
Grace has loved Michael since she was very young and each moment they were together is forever etched in her memory. When she heard of his death a little of her died too. After being shuffled off to the dower house by an uncaring and pompous brother-in-law life looks to be a lonely one until Nigel, the new Earl of Blackbourne, informs her of her impending marriage. As her intended is nothing more than a friend to her she's desperate to end her engagement. The arrival of a dark carriage might at first offer salvation but soon immerses her in the unknown as the return of her husband doesn't go as she dreamed it would. Michael is back but he's changed and to reach HEA they'll both have to work hard and let love be their guide.
Michael went away to war with dreams of gallantry but returned lost and broken after a catastrophic head injury changed him irrevocably. The once proud Earl now has trouble remembering words and events, is sometimes overcome with rage, and has excruciating headaches and memories from the war. His body is like a stranger and it scares him. It kept him from returning home as he wanted to hide from what he'd become. He feels less than the man he once was and fears he won't be able to live up to his duties. His fears have him pushing Grace away instead of holding her close as he wants to do. It all leads to a marriage that was once so strong now rocky as insecurities from both of them weigh heavily. To be the man Grace and his earldom needs he'll have to accept that which can't be changed and let Grace in completely as an equal so they can stand together in solidarity when the outside world comes to judge him.
Grace and Michael are a strong and compelling couple. Grace is smart and caring and through everything her love for him never waned. She felt frustrated and alienated by Michael's reliance on the stranger Tarik for help early on but it forced her to accept reality and from there on she was Michael's biggest champion. She was loyal and dedicated and had more faith in Michael than he had in himself. Michael's pain, physical and mental, was palpable. It was easy to get caught up in his frustrations and self-loathing at what he's become. The glimpses of the old Michael though remind us of what brought him together with Grace and give us hope for their future. This story puts readers through the emotional wringer with lots of tears and a few smiles along the way. It was both heartbreaking and heartwarming and I credit Ms. Cullen with its realism. It's an emotionally draining journey that I feel privileged to have taken as the characters are richly depicted, their actions believable, and the message of love conquering all vividly witnessed. Though this is the fourth installment in the Secrets & Seduction series it can be read on its own, but I hope to see this couple again in the future as they left an indelible mark on me.
January 15, 2015
Three and a half stars
It amazes me that so many historical novels send their heroes off to war, yet rarely do they sustain any significant injuries. Usually a scar or a limp is the worst that occurs. In reality, the death tolls were high, and the wounded were numerous, even among the aristocracy. It stands to reason that many soldiers suffered traumas such as brain damage. Sharon Cullen deals with this issue realistically providing no quick fix for our hero in His Saving Grace.
Lady Grace Ashford, the Dowager Countess of Blackbourne, has been sent to the Dower House after her husband was killed in battle. Her brother in law, Nigel, doesn't care that she is still young and that the house is in disrepair. He's interested in the income she derives from the former Earl's estate as his widow. That's why Nigel has arranged for Grace to marry Sir Clayton Timmons, a kindly man who obviously dotes on her, yet one whom she still rejects. It's only been ten months since the true love of her life was killed in the Crimean War. Still, she is lonely and perhaps the gentle Sir Clayton would make a good companion. Then, miraculously, her husband returns from the dead. Grace is ecstatic, until she realizes that the post war Michael is very different from the loving husband she remembers.
Of course, there is a problem. Although Michael looks fine, he has a secret which he refuses to share, brain damage resulting in excruciating headaches and memory lose. Names elude him and the past is fuzzy. Instead of turning to Grace, Michael relies on his Cossack Servant, Tarik, who nursed him back to health out on the battlefront.
Although Michael continually rejects his wife and tries to push her away, Grace persists in her attentions, seducing him so that he eventually accepts her help and, together with Tarik's assistance, they learn to cope. The one glitch is Nigel who would take over the Earldom if he ever discovered the truth. Grace easily dispatches her brother-in-law before he becomes too much of a nuisance.
I have read and thoroughly enjoyed the other three books in the Secrets and Seduction series by Sharon Cullen, so I was looking forward to previewing His Saving Grace, a romance from the Victorian Era. Unfortunately, it was somewhat of a disappointment. Cullen usually has numerous twists and turns in her novels, but this book is pretty straight forward. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough plot to carry an entire novel which included too much repetition of the main characters' thoughts. Even though this topic is an issue which needs to be explored, there should have been some additional conflict. Perhaps more of the story could have involved the nasty Nigel, or the author could have delved into the life of the rejected suitor and found a romance for him. A novella might have been a better choice for this particular story.
Although His Saving Grace is well written, has stimulating sex scenes, and explores a difficult subject, it needed a little something more.
I can only give this book three and a half stars.
I would like to thank Loveswept Books and Netgalley for allowing me a free download in exchange for an honest review. This review is also posted on my blog, Gotta Read.
Clara
It amazes me that so many historical novels send their heroes off to war, yet rarely do they sustain any significant injuries. Usually a scar or a limp is the worst that occurs. In reality, the death tolls were high, and the wounded were numerous, even among the aristocracy. It stands to reason that many soldiers suffered traumas such as brain damage. Sharon Cullen deals with this issue realistically providing no quick fix for our hero in His Saving Grace.
Lady Grace Ashford, the Dowager Countess of Blackbourne, has been sent to the Dower House after her husband was killed in battle. Her brother in law, Nigel, doesn't care that she is still young and that the house is in disrepair. He's interested in the income she derives from the former Earl's estate as his widow. That's why Nigel has arranged for Grace to marry Sir Clayton Timmons, a kindly man who obviously dotes on her, yet one whom she still rejects. It's only been ten months since the true love of her life was killed in the Crimean War. Still, she is lonely and perhaps the gentle Sir Clayton would make a good companion. Then, miraculously, her husband returns from the dead. Grace is ecstatic, until she realizes that the post war Michael is very different from the loving husband she remembers.
Of course, there is a problem. Although Michael looks fine, he has a secret which he refuses to share, brain damage resulting in excruciating headaches and memory lose. Names elude him and the past is fuzzy. Instead of turning to Grace, Michael relies on his Cossack Servant, Tarik, who nursed him back to health out on the battlefront.
Although Michael continually rejects his wife and tries to push her away, Grace persists in her attentions, seducing him so that he eventually accepts her help and, together with Tarik's assistance, they learn to cope. The one glitch is Nigel who would take over the Earldom if he ever discovered the truth. Grace easily dispatches her brother-in-law before he becomes too much of a nuisance.
I have read and thoroughly enjoyed the other three books in the Secrets and Seduction series by Sharon Cullen, so I was looking forward to previewing His Saving Grace, a romance from the Victorian Era. Unfortunately, it was somewhat of a disappointment. Cullen usually has numerous twists and turns in her novels, but this book is pretty straight forward. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough plot to carry an entire novel which included too much repetition of the main characters' thoughts. Even though this topic is an issue which needs to be explored, there should have been some additional conflict. Perhaps more of the story could have involved the nasty Nigel, or the author could have delved into the life of the rejected suitor and found a romance for him. A novella might have been a better choice for this particular story.
Although His Saving Grace is well written, has stimulating sex scenes, and explores a difficult subject, it needed a little something more.
I can only give this book three and a half stars.
I would like to thank Loveswept Books and Netgalley for allowing me a free download in exchange for an honest review. This review is also posted on my blog, Gotta Read.
Clara
January 10, 2015
Disclosure: I received this review copy for this blog tour. Thank you to Sharon Cullen and Loveswept for the opportunity. Yes, this is an honest review.
* * *
Grace and Michael have had a fairy-tale story with a fairy-tale ending, except that Michael goes off to war shortly after their marriage and has vanished and is presumed dead by everyone. After nearly a year, Michael returns home to Grace. Michael's return is a miracle, and both of them should have celebrated their happy reunion, but Michael isn't the same man anymore -- the new Michael is a mystery to Grace: Who is Tarik? How did Michael learn Russian? Why does he keep pushing her away and keeping her at a distance?
Sharon Cullen's His Saving Grace takes a look at what happens to a marriage when things don't go as planned. Marriage has become a terrible battlefield for Michael and Grace: Michael has shored up his defences and fortified the walls to his heart, but Grace is determined to make things work. I have to admire Grace for her steadfast devotion to Michael and for her faith in their love. I can understand Michael's need to withdraw -- he knows he has changed and his flaws are greater now and he feels he doesn't deserve what Grace is offering him.
Cullen's use of flashbacks, showing us of the couple's happier times served to make their current challenge even more heartbreaking -- and the need to make things right more meaningful and urgent. There is no doubt that Grace and Michael love each other -- the question that faces them now is how do they live with the changes that has happened in their lives. This story is very emotional and honest about the struggles that any married couple face -- it's also very candid about the darkness that threatens to engulf us when we are at our most vulnerable.
His Saving Grace celebrates love's power to overcome any and all difficulty. It's inspiring to see Michael and Grace weather through their problems and see them work towards a new happily-ever-after for themselves.
* * *
Grace and Michael have had a fairy-tale story with a fairy-tale ending, except that Michael goes off to war shortly after their marriage and has vanished and is presumed dead by everyone. After nearly a year, Michael returns home to Grace. Michael's return is a miracle, and both of them should have celebrated their happy reunion, but Michael isn't the same man anymore -- the new Michael is a mystery to Grace: Who is Tarik? How did Michael learn Russian? Why does he keep pushing her away and keeping her at a distance?
Sharon Cullen's His Saving Grace takes a look at what happens to a marriage when things don't go as planned. Marriage has become a terrible battlefield for Michael and Grace: Michael has shored up his defences and fortified the walls to his heart, but Grace is determined to make things work. I have to admire Grace for her steadfast devotion to Michael and for her faith in their love. I can understand Michael's need to withdraw -- he knows he has changed and his flaws are greater now and he feels he doesn't deserve what Grace is offering him.
For so long, all he'd thought about was coming home to his Gracie. He'd just known that if he could be with her, everything would be fine. That thought kept him company through horrendous pain, nights when he was positive he wouldn't see the sun again and had so many doubts that he couldn't count them.
- loc 711
Cullen's use of flashbacks, showing us of the couple's happier times served to make their current challenge even more heartbreaking -- and the need to make things right more meaningful and urgent. There is no doubt that Grace and Michael love each other -- the question that faces them now is how do they live with the changes that has happened in their lives. This story is very emotional and honest about the struggles that any married couple face -- it's also very candid about the darkness that threatens to engulf us when we are at our most vulnerable.
"What do you need me to do?"
He wanted to hug her. Just hug her. Take her in his arms and feel her body next to his. They used to hug all the time. It had been one of the greatest joys of his life to hold his wife. He refrained. The old Michael would have done that, but the new Michael was still feeling his way and unsure of everything around him.
- loc 1021
His Saving Grace celebrates love's power to overcome any and all difficulty. It's inspiring to see Michael and Grace weather through their problems and see them work towards a new happily-ever-after for themselves.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews