When injured police officer Sean McKittrick heads to his cottage, he’s planning on some much needed rest and recuperation. But the idyllic peace he expected to find is shattered by…children?
It’s not that Sean dislikes kids, he just isn’t interested in having any of his own. Or in settling down, for that matter. Ever. Unfortunately, the woman in charge of his young neighbors has an unsettling way of making him forget why.
Grace Daniels is attractive, single, and despite her brave face, overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for three nieces and a nephew. When she helps Sean out of a jam, he feels obliged to return the favor, but he soon realizes there’s more to this cobbled-together little family than meets the eye. Grace is hiding something, a secret that piques Sean’s cop suspicions—and stirs his protective instincts.
As Sean digs for the truth, however, the line between professional curiosity and personal interest becomes increasingly blurred. A family might not be quite what he had in mind for his future, but he’s beginning to wonder if he can live without this one…or if he wants to.
Lydia M. Hawke is the author of bold urban fantasy for women who know their power. When worlds collide or apocalyptic disaster strikes, Lydia’s mature, magical heroines are more than capable of saving themselves–and the world. Her paranormal women’s fiction novel Becoming Crone has won multiple awards and was featured on Felicia Day’s Felicitations! Book Club Show.
Lydia makes her home in Canada where she spends her free time drinking what some would argue is too much coffee, thoroughly enjoying the grandparenting stage of life, caring for her collection of pets, and tending to her ever-evolving garden.
Her self-appointed mission in life is to reclaim the title of “crone” as a positive thing on behalf of all women of a certain age.
Arc provided by Michem Publishing through Netagalley
Book Status: Already released ( April 24 th)
Trigger warnings: Domestic Violence
Having read and loved the first book in this series Gwynneth Ever After I was more than happy to sunk my metaphorical teeth in this one.
This is basically a four star book. As usual it is extremely well written. The characters pretty much have a life of their own, and the author was able to interwove a harsh reality with the promises of a new day. Hopefully a better one.
However _ for me _ since the story happens against the background of domestic abuse, I spend a third of the book wishing that the plot had been told during a longer time frame.
Grace and her nephews are living in the aftermath of a nightmare _that hasn't yet ended_ and I couldn't help feeling that the week they spend around Sean was just too little for the guy to have such an impact in their lives. Not that you don't feel a strong connection between those two, you do.
Also, I had some difficulty believing into Sean's change of heart. Here is someone who didn't want to have kids. And Grace has to take care of four... and the cuteness has an expiration date. :D Once again, I found everything too sudden.Yes, the situation has its nuances, and maybe his protective instincts have been activated, but...
I was happy to take a peek into Gwynn's and Connor's married life.
I liked how strong (mentally and psychically) Grace turned out to be. I especially loved the fact that she didn't need anyone to save her in the end.
And the fact that she landed Sean on his... posterior (both psychical as literal speaking) was an added bonus.
Bottom line, a good story, although I still prefer the first book in the series "Gwynneth Ever After" something not difficult to understand given the theme of this book.
Aaaah! If I hadn't already seen info about this book before reading the previous one, I'd have been a cranky reader. The previous story had a cliffhanger but happily it all works out.
There are two central conflicts between Sean and Grace. One is kids: Grace has them, Sean doesn't want any. It's lateish in the story before we find out why Sean is so resistant to having kids and I wish Poitevin had developed that more. The other conflict is that Grace is hiding something and Sean's cop instincts are roused. At one point he's worried that he'll have to arrest her. That could put a hitch in their relatioship. :D The whole story takes place over a week and it just seemed too fast. There was a lot happening and the time frame didn't work. Sean's change of heart about children, Grace's situation, their romance which was both slow burning and rapid, it all happened quickly.
The romance was sweet, the story behind Grace and the kids was heartbreaking, and I wanted Grace and Sean to get together but the relationship and events needed more time to play out. I liked the relationship between Grace and Sean, I liked how strong Grace was both emotionally and physically, she can rescue herself thank you very much, and I enjoyed the peek at Grace and Connor we get. I liked the story but had a hard time buying into how fast everything happens especially considering what the kids have been through. Both Grace and the kids have been on an emotional roller coaster so has Sean with his injury, and I think they all needed time to process and heal. Still, it's a tender story with humor, tension, romance, and action. I definitely prefer Poitevin's romances to her urban fantasy and I liked this one a lot.
*I received a free ARC of Forever Grace from Michem Publishing via Netgalley in exchange of an honest and unbiased review*
I needed quite a bit of tissues while reading Forever Grace, because while this is a romance, it was also filled with sadness and fear. Beautifully written, with strong characters, it will stay with me a while.
COYER Scavenger Hunt item #20 Read a book with a couple (two people) fully clothed on the front. (2 points)
Forever Grace, Linda Poitevin Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews Genre: Romance, I loved the first book in this series, and this one features Gareth’s cousin Sean. ( There are cameo appearances by Gareth, Gwyn and the kids) It’s not a book full of hot, steamy sex, but a romance that builds slowly, where the couple learn about each other, and the circumstances throw them together, letting them see sides of each other than may otherwise have been hidden. Sean is recovering from some severe injuries caused by an incident at work – he’s a cop. He’s come to film star Gareth’s secret hideout, an isolated cottage far away from crowds. Grace is looking after her three nieces and her nephew in the cottage next door, under the impression no-one else will be around. Once they meet it’s soon clear to Sean that the story she gives out about the little family doesn’t add up. As a cop his curiosity is piqued, and he wants to know more – why are they there, where are the parents, why aren’t the older three at school? Its a lovely read, with some great humour, Grace’s cooking and the kids advice to Sean to bin it.... I loved Grace. She’s upturned her whole life to look after the kids, and I needed to know – like Sean – just what they were escaping from. When I found out it was heart-breaking, and the kids actions made so much sense. they were great characters too – acted exactly as I’d imagine kids in their position would. Josh, ten going on fifty at times, I wanted to hug him. He’s seen things no kid of his age should, and was so protective of his sisters and helpful to Grace. The girls too each had their own personality and were wise beyond their years, apart from baby Annabelle, who was so young she missed most of the fear. I loved the “stuffies owie” episode!! Toddlers – when they get an idea often they just won’t be moved, and again I could envisage that scene so well. Its a really sad situation – fictional of course, but incredibly well portrayed, and sadly is real life for far too many families. Grace and Sean were two people that under normal circumstances would be unlikely to ever meet, and yet they were perfect for each other. There’s a beautiful romance developing but its only part of the story, its not a sex all the way book, but one that covers serious issues and had a solid suspense mystery behind it, and is balanced from the serious side by some wonderful humour .
Stars: Five, a beautiful read. ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
It’s stories like this that make me enjoy romance books. This is such a sweet and heartwarming story. I can easily remember it after several months, and several other books, and that makes it special.
I love the accurate portrayal of people, both adults and children. Children so rarely appear in romance stories, except as side notes, but in this entire series children play an important role in each family, and this book is no exception. They are realistic and adorable and amusing. The adults are much the same way, with very character having a fully developed personality, complete with good and bad parts.
The romance in this story is swoonworthy and sweet. It made for an enjoyable afternoon read, curled up in the world of dreams and possibilities. Like Sean himself, this book is a keeper.
This is the first book I have read by this author. I picked this up for my Mom & she said it was really good. Well I have to say I loved this book. The synopsis on the back cover caught my interest, and the title of the book reflects this book. The storyline captured my attention, and fell in love with the main characters... but for Barry - I loathed him. The children wrapped themselves around my heart throughout the story.... Sean McKittrick was quite the man. & Grace quite the lady ... well not so much her cooking.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover the story unfolds in the area around the town Perth and city Ottawa, Ontario Thank you Linda Poitevin for this wonderful book.
Grace was in the cottage with 3 kids, but they aren't hers. Her sister needed her and she step up and was there to help them heal and protect them. Sean a cop and needed time away from everything since he was shot on duty. His cottage next to Grace's and they became friends but something was starting to be more but Grace can't think about herself anymore. Great book.
A clean mysterious romantic story, bringing in characters from the previous book, but can be read as a stand alone tale. I appreciate that it is not necessarily a continuation of the last of the series, butif you have read that one, you'll pick up where it left off. Optimistic, and hope everlasting even when all seems lost. You will enjoy the humor, and curiosity of the children, and the ending of this particular story.
I loved every terrifying, tearful, realistic and heartwarming moment of this book. Real emotions and people who pull you into the story! The ending was awesome, this author is a master of her craft!
Sometimes I just want a really easy read. A book that isn’t going to grab my emotions too strongly. Sort of a palate cleanser. I saw Forever Grace by Linda Poitevin mentioned on another blog, and decided to read it on a whim.
Forever Grace is about Grace, who suddenly has to care for her sister’s four young children, and Sean, a police officer recovering from a gunshot wound. They meet because they are both staying way out in the country in the off season.
Grace is in a little over her head, having to take care of four young children. She’s absolutely doing the best she can, which is pretty amazing, but she’s always worrying about what the right thing to do is. Grace also has other things she’s dealing with, which is sort of a mystery aspect to the Forever Grace.
When Sean unexpectedly shows up, Grace and the kids are surprised, and Grace is wary. Sean needs help because his leg is in a cast, and so they form a connection. While I liked Grace, Sean and the kids, they never really tugged on my heartstrings. I could see why Sean and Grace would make a good couple, but, again, I can’t say I was all that worried about them, either. The romance is very PG-13.
The kids were pretty adorable, but I'm not really sure if I found them completely realistic. But, in all honesty, I rarely find the kids in romances very realistic. This really wasn't a huge issue for me.
So Forever Grace was pleasant enough, but nothing at all memorable. I will probably forget most of the story in a month or so. But it’s not a bad book, by any means.This review was originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook
Funny, romantic, tragic, exciting, happy ... Forever Grace runs the gamut of emotions that keeps the reader involved in the story and hating to put it down. Linda Poitevin knows how to bring characters and dialog to life, and better yet, makes you wish you knew these people.
When I read Forever Ever After I asked Linda if she could please, please write Sean's story -- and she did! While recovering from the life-threatening injury he sustained in Ever After, Sean decides to recuperate at a rustic cabin owned by his cousin, Gareth. With his leg in a clumsy cast, in pain, and nearly as grouchy as the bear sniffing around his cabin, Sean gets off to a rough start with his neighbor Grace and her brood of (gasp!) children, even if she is their aunt and legal guardian while her sister, a victim of spousal abuse, lies in a coma.
Sean, who claims he is no fan of kids, still finds himself drawn to Grace and her charges. Grace. with her own reasons not to trust anybody, particularly an unknown, yet compelling stranger, is inevitably drawn to Sean.
I won't write spoilers, but there was enough humor, tenderness, and romance to make me misty-eyed. Linda is a lovely writer who knows how to draw you into a story, to make her characters matter, and leave you with the promise of happiness and hope for her protagonists.
Grace is on the run with her sister's four children. Her sister is in a coma after been assaulted by her cop husband. Grace needs to keep them save as their father wants the children. She has being hiding with them by the lake in a friend's cabin. She has been careful to keep the children hidden but that is all about to change. Her next door neighbour Sean is a cop that he trying to recover from being shot on duty. He doesn't want children but he is so drew to Grace & the children, he knows that there is something very wrong. There are many things that he puts up but can it be true that she is a wanted kidnapper. Grace decides to trust him and he will do anything to protect her & the children for their father. Little do they both realise that they need each other but both are too scared to say it. This is a great story that moves at a easy pace. People can get second chances even though it comes at a big price. I loved the characters and what they brought to the story. Will be reading her other books. I was lucky enough to get a copy for Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Emotional and suspenseful are the best words I can think of to describe this book. It was very well written and you can truly feel the characters emotions through the entire book. The fear, paranoia, determination, helplessness, exhaustion, and the love are so powerful in this book. The suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat with not only what is going to happen but when. This is the fist book I have read by Linda Poitevin and I have fallen in love with her writing and the away she draws you into the story and the world her characters live in. She made the characters so real. Through all the fear, determination, and everything the book left me feeling complete and proud of the characters. I would recommend this book for anyone looking for a great suspenseful romance.
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review through The Next Great Read Book Blog.
This book was a-maze-ing! I was luck to win this book from Ms. Poitevin who has been won of my favorite authors since discovering her grigori and Gwynneth with two n's of course.
But I digress, this book picks up where the novella left off, with Sean recovering from his injury and happily ever after for Gareth and Gwyn. While we don't get to see a lot of our lovebird, we get to delve deeper in Sean's world and get a taste at the end of all Gareth and Gwynneth have to offer to our new friends.
Grace is an amazing woman, so strong after all the horrendous trials she has had to endure. I think that once she opens up to Sean there is no stoping the tidal wave. It's nice to see a happy ending after all the awful awful events in this book :-)
I really enjoy Ms. Poitevin's writing. It sucks you in and you find yourself finished before you know it! I'm not a huge fan of normal romance books. They seem too easy compared to life but ask I am pretty loyal to great authors I have to read this series. This was a sweet story. I loved the characters and the story itself had me hitting all emotions. So why not a 5 star book? It was too fast. If the meeting-learning-falling in love would have happened over even over month or so I would have been more inclined but a week? No. I'll let it slide in paranormal romances due to the whole mating thing and well it's paranormal. Also with Sean's issues and strong stands on kids it was hard to believe the way he changed his mind. Overall enjoyable story that I'll recommend.
Forever Grace is a story with a exciting plot and engaging emotions. Throughout the story the author manages to make you feel a part of Grace and Sean's story. I won't lie this story got me emotional thinking of Grace's situation. All in all it was sweet, romantic and cute mixed with danger, exciting, suspenseful with a dash of the sad realities of life. Sometimes people are just not good. This story highlights this however it balances it by also showing that not everyone is bad.
I first started reading it on Wattpad but once I got hooked chapters weren't releasing fast enough for me I bought the book of iTunes.
I started this on Wattpad and then bought it when it was released. And OH MAN. This is quite possible the best book I've read in 2015. I felt ALL the emotions in this book. It was sweet, sad, SUSPENSEFUL OMAHGOODNESS THE SUSPENSE. I loved the kids. Josh? Pretty much the best kid ever. And the romance. Whew. Not overbearing, but SO FRICKIN AWKWARD AND CUTE. I loved that we get to see some Gareth and Gwynn action. And overall, it was incredible. *20 bajillion stars*
Forever Grace is an awesome book. I had not read the first in the series before reading this and still totally enjoyed this book. Linda Poitevin has a way of drawing you into the story so that you become a part of it. The characters are real, as well as the setting. It is a romance, suspense, every-day life read. I had to go out and get the first one in the series as soon as I was done with this one(It is just as good!). I have added another author to my must follow list.
I think that this was a good novel, it was funny and there was enough humour to counteract the tensions that run rampant through the novel, but the main issue I have is toward the end when Grace finds out that her sister isn't ultimately back, and gets together with Sean, but like really. The family may have been anticipating the fate of the sister, but really that quick swift bounce back was extremely unbelievable.
Extremely well written. I love how Sean decides on a hunch to go to his cabin in the woods to recover. Grace seems so overwhelmed but she's strong under pressure which is something that you have to be in order to get through what she was going through during this book. It's an emotional roller coaster but its also a very good read. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
I loved this book, I haven't read the first book, even though those characters briefly appeared in the second one. I started reading this in instalments on Wattpad, but after one too many cliff hangers I decided to buy the book on kindle and it didn't disappoint. Definitly recommended for a good plot line with a mix of romance, sadness and thrills.
Forever Grace is a great book that will make you laugh and cry. Linda does a fantastic job of creating characters that you care about. I always look forward to her new books.