Saving Gracie

by Terry Lee, Michelle Babb (Narrator)

Kathryn Broussard has managed her life with dignity and an I know you have feelings, but I’m coming through anyway attitude. She exudes confidence and control over the land much as a reigning queen rules her court. Her main focus-Grace, her daughter. Although grown, Grace depends on her mother’s razor sharp decision-making ability for everything. All is well in the land of dysfunctional mother-daughterhood until the unthinkable happens. Kathryn dies. With her mother now gone, Grace is forced to manage her own life for the first time. And Kathryn must find a way to maintain control of her daughter, even though unusual circumstances from the “Other Side” present a fair share of obstacles to overcome.

A mother’s love, however dysfunctional, is a force to be reckoned with.

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Drama, Romance, Paranormal

Audible Audio

First published July 1, 2012

Reviews

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked this book! I have a daughter .

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful book. I loved the characters of Grace and Quinlan (Grace's Mom's 'heavenly name'). The interaction of someone who has always been a controller and someone who has always allowed herself to be controlled was hilarious. It is something that we all have to learn in order to delegate things off to others at our workplace or in our family. We must learn that just because things are not done the way that we would want it done doesn't make it wrong - it is just different. The interactions between Grace's alter ego or #2 was also well done - we all have these voices in our heads, maybe not as obvious as Grace's #2, but our conscience is always there telling us what we should be doing, thinking or acting upon. The family interactions were also well done, with the misunderstanding between Grace and her husband, as well as her deaf daughter and her independent son. I felt for Grace when her son went off to camps and she longed to hear from him on a daily basis - it's just not going to happen - and mothers need to "let go".

[MaryRhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story of personal growth

This is a very heart wrenching story about a mother's love for her daughter. Kathryn(Quinlan) has always "controlled" every aspect of Grace's life. After Kathryn dies, she believes she must go back to save Grace. Kathryn learns that Grace has become strong and it never was Kathryn's job to save Grace. Wonderful story about what the afterlife could be and the perceptions of the "deceased". Be prepared and have a pile of Kleenex close by.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I nearly stopped listening because I so don't need to hear about someone dying and crying so soon after starting the book wasn't a good start (I should point out I cry at Disney film's). Glad I didn't because once it got over the initial few chapters it became more interesting and I enjoyed it. It was a very different book to what I normally listen to but I found I wanted to keep listening to see what happens to the characters. The story is told by two characters the daughter who is learning to live without her mother and find her purpose in life now that she isn't under her thumb and by the mother who is a ghost and wants to come back to save her daughter. Both sides turned out to be fascinating as each character faced there own challenges and changed because of it.
Grace has always had her mother on speed dial or telling her how things should be done but her world comes crashing down around her the diagnosis of the c word. Rather than make the most of the time they have left Grace hides from the world and when the end finally comes she isn't ready to copy with it. Grace 's husband and two children, including a deaf daughter try to help her through it but when the husband has to leave the country for business, Grace has to find a way to move on. She does this by helping out at a summer camp for deaf children, where she befriends a little girl who needs more help than she does. By doing this she changes her life for ever. Kathryn knows how much her daughter needs her and will use every trick in the book to be able to get back to her. But the after life has rules and with all of them broken, will the high council let her return to earth to help her daughter? Is Gracie the real one that needs saving?
I really like Michele Babb as the narrator, she has a way of making the characters come to life, even the dead ones

[Lynda Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't get too far into this, only 8%, but didn't like it at all. The idea was a good one and it could've been really interesting but the execution took it off into proper fantasyland and I can't be doing with stories I can't at least believe a little. I packed it in when we reached the VSD doors. I'd been enjoying it till then, it was promising for sure but it was in no way how I thought it was going to go. Grace was very stroppy. She shouts a lot and from the little I read she needs to grow up and stand on her own two feet. She's a mother too, surprisingly enough !!
One sentence lost a word, possibly need ? "I'm going to more" but that was it for any mistakes, hence the 2* and not only 1.
I have another downloaded by this same author which also sounds good and I'll definitely give her another go. This just didn't work for me.

[Trisha c · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of a mother who couldn't let go of her adult daughter. Even after death she wanted to help her. She always thought Gracie was incapable, and she did things for her.
Gracie, as an adult, was enabled by her mom.. She had to learn to cope, when her mother passed away. It was a learning experience for Gracie and an eye opener for mother beyond the grave..
This is a story of reflections for the both of them. Gracie finds her mother's journal, she has an understanding why her mom was so protective and overbearing.
Interesting concept.
I enjoyed the very animated narration with singing by Michelle Babb
I was gifted this audio and gave my honest review.

[Suzan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting thought of what the afterlife might be like. I loved the thought that a Mom could be so in love with her daughter that she feels she must come back and help her out. This book is filled with love and laughter, and a few tears. Michelle Babb is the narrator of this audiobook. Michelle does a lovely job of narrating this book. I was gifted this book with the understanding that I would leave an honest review.

[Marie (UK) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely book about what might happen in the after life. The characters are fabulous and sparkle with humour and pathos in equal measure. It might be a true reflection of coming to terms with the loss of a loved one or with dying - then again it might not. Whatever it is i for one thoroughly enjoyed this delightful dive into divine living

[Kathryn Gregor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Close to my heart

Part of me didn't want this book to be so good. It is very emotionally touching if you have a mother that was difficult or you are a mother trying to figure out how to relate to your fault child. I laughed, cried and thought about this story.

[Sandy Samuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chapter 45 made me cry

But you have to read the whole book to understand why. Grace's part of the story was goo, but Quinlan totally stole the show, so to speak. With special mentions going to Edward, Ruby and Angela. I really enjoyed this book!

[Deedra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story.A woman tries to come to terms with her mother being gone as she goes about life with her deaf daughter and a new volunteer job. Michelle Babb is a fine narator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'

[Emma Cornish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy book to listen To and follow x

[Debbie DeMott · Rating 2 out of 5]

I could not get into this book at all.

[Dana Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting story. Gracie is hanging to find your terms with the loss of her mother. Having to move on is hard but life does go on.

[Saarah Niña · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Adorable....I can't find a fault with this audio book.

The story follows a young woman, Gracie, who has a lot on her shoulders, life is tough. Now, throw a control freak of a mother into the mix and you get quite a huge burden of stress.

This is what Gracie has been dealing with for all her life, it has resulted in low self-esteem and great vulnerability. But this she only discovers when she is faced with the death of her mother: Kathryn (Queenland as she becomes known in the 'next world'. And this is where the story really starts: with Gracie taking control of her own life. But of course, a control freak of a mother cannot resist the temptation to remain in control of Gracie's life, even if her being dead is quite the hindrance. So Queenland pursues Mission: Saving Gracie. Surprisingly, there are few disasters but there definitely are valuable moments of self discovery.

I have weirdly become quite fascinated with books which explore the 'beyond death' culture. It's always so interesting to read (or listen, in this case) about a writer's thoughts on the subject. In this book, Terry Lee describes a pleasant environment with friendly (but sometimes annoying) dead people. I must say of all the dead people, Ruby had to be my favourite. Michelle Babb, the narrator of the audiobook version, executed the character so humorously. I think this character was enough to make this book so adorable.

In equal measure, I liked Gracie's journey to finally be able to stand on her own two feet, to adapt the 'mother' role for her children, to step out of her comfort zone and help another helpless person. As well as, her strength in coping with a distant husband. It was appreciated to find that my feelings regarding her husband were so very wrong. Be warned though, there are some teary moments- obviously with the passing of her mother's death but other moments when we realise how Kathryn became so controlling.

The narrator, Michelle Babb, was wonderful with this book. The characters were performed excellently, and she certainly nailed the Ruby character. I have to say that this was one of the books where I can only recommend the audio book version, it is far more enjoyable. And with the flitting of character perspectives, between mother and daughter, it is definitely more helpful in making sense of what is going on.

I received the audio book for review.

[Julie Ramsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kathryn Broussard was a 59 yr old controlling momma who lived in Houston. Kathryn and her daughter, Gracie had a love/hate relationship. Gracie loved her, she just hated the know it all role that Kathryn played. Gracie valued her mother advise and was even willing to ask for it on many occasions. When Kathryn's exploratory surgery discovers that there is a malignant cluster around her heart, she learns that she will have 6 months to live. Gracie moves Kathryn in and does what any daughter would do to make her comfortable and peaceful. Kathryn even controls when she takes her last breath!

Upon drawing her last breath, Kathryn felt an inter peace and calmness. . . . when she opened her eyes, her sister Ruth was there waiting, like she promised. Kathryn has passed over to the other side and its nothing like you would think ! Her name has been changed to a Celestial name of Quinlan. She has one thing on her mind GRACIE, she doesn't think she can survive without her. Kathryn feels something is wrong. Her main focus is getting "back" to the other side. Seeing what Gracie is up to and how she can help or even control what she is doing ???

After the passing of her mother Gracie finds her self missing her mom and seeing her life as "boring". Gracie resorts back to listening to her alter ego's voice 1 and voice 2. Gracie receives a call from the Deaf Education Department seeking volunteers for their summer program, after some thinking she decides to embark on this need 3 week adventure. Will this be just the thing she needs to get her life on track? During this time a deaf child by the name of Cherry latches on to her and wins Gracie's heart. Her husband Adam up and leaves for a work related business trip and his behavior is just not normal. Her daughter has hit "puberty" and discovered boys and her son Josh is away at camp and sending letters that are just "to happy." We see Grace take control of her life yep there are ups and downs but she is taking it by the horns. Does her mother try to help from the "other side"?

I laughed and cried while reading this one. The "other side" was nothing that I would have pictured it sorta
had a twilight light twist to it. This is a for sure one sitting read!




Wende Sheets
4 stars

complimentary book given for a free review. juliesbookreview.blogspot.com

[Charissa Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This amazing story by Terry Lee was like nothing I have ever read. Having lost my mother several years ago to the monster that is cancer, I felt very much in tune with every emotion that Grace went through before and after the loss of her mother, Kathryn. What makes this novel even more magnificent is the fact that a reader can probably find something within the pages to which they can relate. Whether it is raising a child with a disabilit, surviving loss, marriage triumphs and troubles, or an overbearing mother, you will find it between the covers of Saving Gracie. The book tells the story of Grace and her mother Kathryn. Kathryn is a take charge, on my terms mother who believes her daughter cannot function on a day to day basis without her assistance. Grace aids in her mother's overbearing personality by calling her numerous times a day to get advice on anything from cooking to place settings at a dinner party. Grace's life is forever changed when her mother is taken from her by cancer and she is left to run her family without her mother's daily advice and phone chats. Grace has to raise her children, rejoin society, and save her marriage all on her own. On top of the grief she is still trying to deal with this can prove to be next to impossible at times. Kathryn finds herself trying to keep the promise to her daughter that she will find a way to take care of things from the "other side." There were so many little quirks and situations in this story that made it that much more wonderful. The little girl, Cherry that tugged at my heartstrings. Kathryn's sister Ruth. And the ever hilarious Ruby just to name a few. I went through at least a half of a box of tissues as I read Saving Gracie but still found myself laughing through the tears. If you are looking for a unique and heartwarming tale of loss, grief, and the afterlife, Ms. Lee has shot it out of the ballpark with Saving Gracie.

From Platinum Book Reviews by Charissa Nelson

[Thom Swennes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cancer, the “C” word, like the “D” word has become household words in today’s society. Everyone knows someone who’s either had it or has it. That knowledge forces the victims and their friends and family to face personal mortality. When someone dies the leave behind people that will both mourn and remember them but what happens to the victim after death? I don’t mean their bodies; they are either cremated or buried but what of the essence; the spirit? What happens to the dearly departed? Life after death; is there any truth in it? What hides behind those Pearly Gates? Is there a connection between the celestial and earthly worlds? Kathryn Broussard knew she was going to die soon. Most people try to get their house in order but Kathryn couldn’t. She worried about her daughter, Gracie. All Gracie’s life had been dependent on others. Kathryn or Gracie’s husband Adam held her up and moved her forward in life. What would Gracie do without her half for support? When Kathryn dies her dilemma is far from being solved, causing problems with her intake to heaven. The one thought she couldn’t shake was how she could save Gracie. Terry Lee weaves a tale filled with memorable characters (not the least Gracie’s inner being #2) and spices it with dark humor. Like a juggler or maybe a string quartet several stories are explored and move together to an inevitable but unexpected end. I don’t know what genre this story would fall under but for me it would be ‘delightful’.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book free in exchange for an honest review.
This was a very unique, interesting book. It's basically two stories simultaneously that come together at the end of the book. One is the story of Catherine, who dies and goes to heaven. Heaven is a place of tests and challenges and Catherine isn't doing well. She tends to bend the rules. Before she died, she did basically everything for her grown daughter, Grace. Now she feels that she must return to earth to help "Gracie" because she can't possibly handle life on her own.
The other half of the book is the story of Grace. Grace struggles at first with life without her mother. Then her husband is temporarily out of her home life and she must step up. She works at finding herself and what she wants to do with her life along the way.
The two worlds don't come together till the very end of the book, which surprised me. It was actually better that way. You meet other characters along the way and they get a chance to be developed. The best character portrayal was Ruby, someone who was to keep an eye on Catherine in heaven. She was a lot of fun and the best example of what Michelle Babb can do with character voices.
This was a light, very enjoyable book, but with some lessons thrown in along the way.

[Shaheen Darr · Rating 4 out of 5]

At 59 Kathryn Broussard is diagnosed with cancer, her daughter Grace or “Gracie” as her mother calls her finds it hard to accept her mother is dying; how on earth will she cope with life without her mother’s help? Terry Lee takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster, the trauma of losing a loved one and picking up the pieces afterwards are scenarios most readers will easily relate to. But then Terry Hill adds another twist to the story, Kathryn own journey after death. Does life stop for her or is there an after world which will help her find answers to her own life? Will she be able to ever connect with her daughter again or is it better for her just to let go?
Kathryn’s relationship with Gracie is so realistic; many mothers, including myself will see themselves mirrored in her. There were plenty of tear jerking moments and some amusing ones but Terry Lee’s book retained interest throughout. The picture that Terry Lee paints of life after death is intriguing but because it is too similar to earth in its details it missed that ”wow” factor for me.

[Anne Rightler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saving Gracie, by Terry Lee, is a fun story about growing up! And we are talking about grown-ups growing up! Gracie depended on her mom, Kathryn, to keep life balanced. Then Kathryn dies and Gracie realizes how lost she is. Can she step up to the plate and make good decisions and make something of herself without her mom there? Or is her mom really not there? Kathryn was in for quite a shock when she passed over and got quite a different look at what Heaven is. Do I really have to go to these orientation classes? I just want to go back and help save Gracie? Will the powers that be allow her to do so? And just what will the consequences be? How much control can Kathryn bargain for? A humorous look at a mother-daughter relationship made enjoyable by the narration work of Michelle Babb who, as usual, does a great job of giving voice to the various characters.
I was given a complimentary copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Dee Gurganus · Rating 5 out of 5]

The version of this story I read was an audible one narrated by Michelle Babb. Michelle really made the book come to life and I don't know that I would have enjoyed actually reading the book as much. I do know that this story will stick with me for a long time. We all struggle as parents to protect our children and we always want them to have the best and not to fail. But where does that parental desire become the undoing of our children. When we do so much for our children that they do not learn to do for them selves. This story is a good look into that scenario. As a mother, it made me question did I do the right thing as parent. I have to say I look at my daughter, see the amazing woman she has become, and hope that I did they right things by her. Read the book, even better listen to it. I will amazed if it doesn't pull at your heartstrings as it did mine.

[Debbie Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book so long ago on my kindle I had forgotten what it was about when I started reading. It was definitely not what I was expecting but I loved it. A story of personal growth, development and full of insight as well as a look at 'the other side'. I enjoyed reading of Kathryn's experiences in learning to let go paralleled with Grace's growth as she learns to cope without her mothers controlling influence. A great read which proves your never to old and it's never to late to make changes in your life, learn something new and keep reaching for new challenges. Sometimes in life you just have to pull up your big girl panties and roll with the punches. That's life and apparently death! :)

[Misfits farm · Rating 5 out of 5]

A poignant yet uplifting novel about a controlling mother who loves her daughter so much she wants to do everything for her. When she dies, that becomes another problem. Some mothers don't realise that control isn't the best way to help a child (or anyone) but teaching is another thing. give a man a fish or give him a fishing rod.......
This drove home my own relationship with a control freak of a mother but without several aspects of Kathryn and Grace's relationship and hence I felt what Grace was going through "feeling useless/hopeless/hapless" .
I think any daughter will relate to all or many of the things that are going on.
A lovely enjoyable read. (thank you Terry, a special one for me)

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gracie was raised by a mother who did everything, in her eyes, perfectly, and wanted to be sure that Gracie did as well. Gracie is a married woman with two children, educated as a teacher, but is able to stay at home and raise her children. However, Gracie always checks with her mother about decorations, recipes, etc. to be sure she is doing the right thing. When Gracie's mother passes, she falls into a deep depression and her mother, from heaven, decides she needs to return to "save" her.

Until I was about 40% into the book, I found it "hard to get into." But, after that, I finished reading in short order.

There is a life lesson to be learned.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

** I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **

In liked this story very much, and it was narrated quite well, Michelle always does a good job...What I didn't like was how they made Gracie look like an incapable twit at times.. If you can be a good mom to a special needs child, you are very capable...Gracie's moms lack of trust in how capable her daughter was, was quite controlling...even though she loved her daughter very much! I like how Both Gracie and Katherine learn how to let go...and I was very proud of both of them in the end...I did cry a bit, because this is a touching story...and it is well worth your time and a credit!!!

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a touching yet humorus story of coping with loss and developing a "new normal." I loved the reference to "Meet in the Middle," by Diamond Rio. I would like to think Grace would have occasionally felt her mother visit like in Diamond Rio song "I Believe."

Every now and then,
Soft as breath upon my skin,
I feel you come back again.

The narration was well done.The characters were well portrayed. I was bit surprised that there wasn't a southern accent, but Michelle Babb is enjoyable to listen to read.



“I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the narrator in exchange
for an honest review”

[Carolyn Mathews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grace and her devoted mother Kathryn are unexpectedly faced with changes in their lives requiring extensive adjustments to their ingrained behaviour patterns. It's a case of sink or swim for both of them and Terry Lee treats the reader to a highly imaginative scenario to explore along with Kathryn, where some valuable lessons are taught. Meanwhile Gracie, in a different location, grows up before our very eyes. Whether or not Kathryn can cope with her daughter's budding maturity keeps the cast of characters on their toes to the very end. Recommended as a novel to nourish heart and soul.

[Nancy Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This freebie from Book Bub turned out to be a winner. An over-controlling mom of a 40-year-old dies (pretty quickly from cancer) and goes to heaven. She deceives her handlers and finagles a way back to Earth so she can "fix" daughter Gracie who "can't live without me." Warmhearted and funny. There's a mysterious hunk up in heaven that smells really good, but differently, to everybody who meets him. This Mom says he smells like cinnamon rolls. What a thought (Jesus or God smells that good?! Like Cinnabon?? Is this blasphemy? Hope not!!)

[Julie, · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terry Lee does a fantastic job in this book at balancing the delicate and sensitive nature of a heartbreaking loss with humor. There are as many places to cry in this book as there are to laugh! From Gracie's alter ego conscious, #2, to Kathryn's bubble gum popping heaven escort, there's no shortage of laughs to balance the tears!

A heartwarming story about the love between mothers and daughters, and the lengths we'll go for each other--even if it means bending a few heavenly rules in the process ( :