What do you think?
Rate this book
Forever Grace
In the aftermath of a tragedy, twenty-six-year-old Blake Kendall has all but given up on relationships. It seems that nobody truly gets her, until she meets the enigmatic owner of a charitable bookstore called Forever Grace. Landon Farrar's dry humor couldn't clash more with her cynical wit, but she senses there's more to the sharp-tongued Landon than meets the eye. He acts like he's the only thing keeping the bookstore together, but as Blake gets to know him better, she suspects it's the other way around, and that even the odd name Forever Grace holds special significance.
Undeterred by his coldness, Blake pushes to learn more about the stranger whose scars seem to run deeper than her own. She never imagined that the ghosts of their pasts may not be all that different. When Landon's guard falters and Blake discovers the connection between them, she's faced with a decision: reveal their shared history and risk everything, or keep quiet and salvage the semi-relationship they've found?
Turns out, you can't control fate, the past doesn't always stay in the past, and the things that connect two people can often tear them apart.
*Contains sensitive subject matter. 17+
Undeterred by his coldness, Blake pushes to learn more about the stranger whose scars seem to run deeper than her own. She never imagined that the ghosts of their pasts may not be all that different. When Landon's guard falters and Blake discovers the connection between them, she's faced with a decision: reveal their shared history and risk everything, or keep quiet and salvage the semi-relationship they've found?
Turns out, you can't control fate, the past doesn't always stay in the past, and the things that connect two people can often tear them apart.
*Contains sensitive subject matter. 17+
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2016
23 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Holly Hall
6 books321 followersHolly Hall survives on coffee and red wine, would love to travel for a living, thinks animals are often better than humans, can count on one hand the number of things she loves more than reading and Texas A&M football (that might be an exaggeration), and couldn’t handpick a better family than her enormous one. She resides with her husband, daughter, and German shepherd in Houston, Texas.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 18, 2018
What an intriguing storyline ..... the intervention of fate .... and in this case, both cruel and jubilant. This is a sexy romance with witty dialogue. There are choices to be made as well; forgive and live life to the fullest, or keep living in the past full of regrets, painful memories and shame.
The oober seductive H, Landon, and the none too shy h, Blake, really enjoy each other's company, but Landon will only commit to hookups and Blake knows she is in no position to want more. Both have deep scars from their past, which gets in the way of what could be an amazing, everlasting relationship.
This is Holly Hall's debut novel, and I was extremely impressed. Will be reading more of her work for sure!
January 29, 2018
This was one hell of a debut novel! I didn't want to put this book down. The two main characters, Landon and Blake, are both broken and shaken by a tragedy. Neither feels they deserve the right to be happy despite the fact they are alive and good people and that might be one of the most heartbreaking concepts but a very real concept for many people. Hall took every day obstacles and shined a light on them making you think about the way you view life. I could have never seen the turn this book took but it was phenomenal! The way Hall added the twist that could have destroyed the blooming romance between Landon and Blake was so eloquently written in. I'm also a sucker for happy endings and Hall delivered on that! The twist only made them made them stronger rather than breaking them.
This book pulls at the heart strings, when Blake cried I cried with her and when Landon finally let his guard down I cheered for joy because they both deserved so much more than they were allowing themselves.
This book pulls at the heart strings, when Blake cried I cried with her and when Landon finally let his guard down I cheered for joy because they both deserved so much more than they were allowing themselves.
April 29, 2017
Such a great story and this is her first novel!! I was hooked after reading a few pages. Blake and Landon relationship is not your typical romance relationship. Their banters was what made it for me. I found myself chuckling at their retorts and antics. I enjoyed how flawed and broken at times her they were. I would had to say I found myself a little teary eyed in a few scenes and thats huge haha. Definitely recommend it to all my friends that like romance novel, you will be swooning with Landon ;)
May 9, 2017
To each his own...If you have 100 people in one room that have to describe one thing, they will all come up with their own version of the story. For me this was a beautifully told story. It was cute, it was touching, it felt real.... i loved the chemistry the two characters build throughout the book. My one star short of the five star, i have to say it felt a little dragging. This was my first read by this author and I will definitely look for more.
Well done Holly!
Well done Holly!
September 16, 2019
2.5 stars. IIRC this is [one of?] the first books written by this new-to-me-author, so I'm being a bit more lenient. Overall, I enjoyed the writing style and the story as well. However I felt it was way too drawn and repetitive for my taste. I will definitely try out other books by the author as I feel potential there.
December 29, 2017
Hard to believe this is the author’s first book. I loved the way she told this story. Couldn’t help but love Landon!
There is tragedy in this book, but also a great love story! The way she had the story unfold was perfect!
Will definitely be looking for more from this author!
There is tragedy in this book, but also a great love story! The way she had the story unfold was perfect!
Will definitely be looking for more from this author!
February 25, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this book by new author Holly Hall. I was very intrigued by the storyline right away. It's a beautiful story about hope and forgiveness. Don't pass this one up!
February 9, 2017
Very rarely do I ever read the blurb of a book, one click it, and then immediately start reading. 99% of the time it just gets added to my never ending TBR pile (it's way beyond a list at this point), and I'll read it when and if I remember. This time was different though. After checking out the blurb I knew I needed to read it asap.
My interest was piqued from the very beginning as the prologue opened up with the accident that changed Blake's life. The exact details come later on in the story but it's safe to say she harbors a lot of guilt and regret that has tremendously impacted the way she lives her life. When she wanders into Forever Grace, a not for profit bookstore, she's instantly drawn to its standoffish (mostly rude) owner, Landon. He's all too eager to push her away and avoid any kind of connection, but it's too late for that, Blake is already beyond intrigued by his less than pleasant demeanor and determined to get to know Landon whether he likes it or not.
What ensues is an endearing battle of emotions between two equally damaged souls. They push and pull each other, as their game of give and take brings them closer together. Slowly but surely Blake and Landon navigate through their feelings and rediscover what it is to live and be happy outside of their guilt. But there's always a catch isn't there? Especially when one isn't being entirely truthful...
The pacing of this story was perfect, with each scene playing out exactly as it needed to, neither rushed nor dragged out. Holly Hall did an amazing job of engaging my interest and keeping me fully invested in Blake and Landon's journey. I found the writing to be flawless, the editing on point, and delivery of it all well worth the 5 stars it so rightfully earned. As I've already told Holly, I was especially impressed with the ending. At the risk of spoiling it for other readers I'll just say that it goes in a direction I wish most books in this genre would. I can't wait to read more from this new-to-me author!
My interest was piqued from the very beginning as the prologue opened up with the accident that changed Blake's life. The exact details come later on in the story but it's safe to say she harbors a lot of guilt and regret that has tremendously impacted the way she lives her life. When she wanders into Forever Grace, a not for profit bookstore, she's instantly drawn to its standoffish (mostly rude) owner, Landon. He's all too eager to push her away and avoid any kind of connection, but it's too late for that, Blake is already beyond intrigued by his less than pleasant demeanor and determined to get to know Landon whether he likes it or not.
What ensues is an endearing battle of emotions between two equally damaged souls. They push and pull each other, as their game of give and take brings them closer together. Slowly but surely Blake and Landon navigate through their feelings and rediscover what it is to live and be happy outside of their guilt. But there's always a catch isn't there? Especially when one isn't being entirely truthful...
The pacing of this story was perfect, with each scene playing out exactly as it needed to, neither rushed nor dragged out. Holly Hall did an amazing job of engaging my interest and keeping me fully invested in Blake and Landon's journey. I found the writing to be flawless, the editing on point, and delivery of it all well worth the 5 stars it so rightfully earned. As I've already told Holly, I was especially impressed with the ending. At the risk of spoiling it for other readers I'll just say that it goes in a direction I wish most books in this genre would. I can't wait to read more from this new-to-me author!
February 22, 2017
Blake and Landon's story started with lots of tragedy and guilt. But somehow these two souls found comfort within each other in order to heal. Their story is not the usual love story, and it's not the usual ending. Their story is different because of their past and how they are connected without yet knowing it.
April 11, 2018
Pretty awesome
I gotta say I really love it when I stumble onto a new writer that is as good as this one promises to be. This was a great little book and I was sorry to finish it, simply because finding good stories is getting harder and harder. And usually when I risk reading a writer I'm not familiar with, I regret it. This was an unexpected treat.
I'm an angst junkie, but I get it that many aren't. For them, this probably isn't the right book. This is a highly emotional story with strong characters. Landon for sure really got to me, but if I have a complaint it would be directed at Blake. I didn't feel like she was consistent and perhaps could have been developed a little better. She did a few things that didn't quite jive, in particular around the 80% mark.
I thought what she did was a little cold. Yes, she was involved and had her own issues regarding her part in it, but she didn't lose anyone. Landon was the one who lost everything and as soon as she connected the dots, she should have told him. Omission in that case was a definite lie. He was completely justified in what he did and why and when he came back to talk I was utterly shocked when she sent him away and I'm sorry but it would have served her right if he'd moved on.
But all's well that ends well.
This is a single - person POV book, which I loved. Landon had one chapter, and the book didn't suffer for it. Landon was very well-developed and the writer did a bang up job conveying his thoughts and motivations. The sex was tasteful and more fade to black than anything.
4 stars, and highly recommended.
I gotta say I really love it when I stumble onto a new writer that is as good as this one promises to be. This was a great little book and I was sorry to finish it, simply because finding good stories is getting harder and harder. And usually when I risk reading a writer I'm not familiar with, I regret it. This was an unexpected treat.
I'm an angst junkie, but I get it that many aren't. For them, this probably isn't the right book. This is a highly emotional story with strong characters. Landon for sure really got to me, but if I have a complaint it would be directed at Blake. I didn't feel like she was consistent and perhaps could have been developed a little better. She did a few things that didn't quite jive, in particular around the 80% mark.
I thought what she did was a little cold. Yes, she was involved and had her own issues regarding her part in it, but she didn't lose anyone. Landon was the one who lost everything and as soon as she connected the dots, she should have told him. Omission in that case was a definite lie. He was completely justified in what he did and why and when he came back to talk I was utterly shocked when she sent him away and I'm sorry but it would have served her right if he'd moved on.
But all's well that ends well.
This is a single - person POV book, which I loved. Landon had one chapter, and the book didn't suffer for it. Landon was very well-developed and the writer did a bang up job conveying his thoughts and motivations. The sex was tasteful and more fade to black than anything.
4 stars, and highly recommended.
March 6, 2019
5 AMAZING STARS!!!
This debut novel by Holly Hall was unbelievably good! I read all the 5 star reviews and figured they had to have some merit. I'm so glad they were spot on! This book was all they said and more! I can't stop recommending it to my friends and family!
Blake had a tragedy in her life 4 years ago that cost her her fiance and her life as she knew it. She doesn't talk about. She works nights as a nurse in the ER and merely exists.
She meets quiet, taciturn Landon, when her friend takes her to a small used books store just a few blocks from her apartment. He is memoralizing his dead fiancee whose name was Grace. There are instant sparks between Landon and Blake but Landon fights it tooth and nail. He hasn't dated anyone in the 4 years since her death.
The push and pull between Landon and Blake is a flawless dance old as time. It's so beautiful to watch, almost as pretty as the photographed he takes. This book made me laugh and it made me ugly cry. The book is well edited and such a fantastic read! I challenge you to read it and give it less than a 5 star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟. Which is what I'm giving it!
This debut novel by Holly Hall was unbelievably good! I read all the 5 star reviews and figured they had to have some merit. I'm so glad they were spot on! This book was all they said and more! I can't stop recommending it to my friends and family!
Blake had a tragedy in her life 4 years ago that cost her her fiance and her life as she knew it. She doesn't talk about. She works nights as a nurse in the ER and merely exists.
She meets quiet, taciturn Landon, when her friend takes her to a small used books store just a few blocks from her apartment. He is memoralizing his dead fiancee whose name was Grace. There are instant sparks between Landon and Blake but Landon fights it tooth and nail. He hasn't dated anyone in the 4 years since her death.
The push and pull between Landon and Blake is a flawless dance old as time. It's so beautiful to watch, almost as pretty as the photographed he takes. This book made me laugh and it made me ugly cry. The book is well edited and such a fantastic read! I challenge you to read it and give it less than a 5 star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟. Which is what I'm giving it!
March 30, 2020
Edit
This book appeared in a list of free books on kindle and after checking up the reviews here on Goodreads, I thought "that's definitely something I have to try and read".
The book is very good.
It started a bit slow, in my opinion, especially after Holly decided to open the book with such a teaser. I think I saw the 'big revelation' and what linked the main characters miles away (am I reading too much?), but even so it was very impactful. I found all the characters (main and secondary) very well written, with clear and distinct personality traits. There's nothing that pisses me off more than characters that blend together.
The romance aspect of it didn't seem forced and I think it evolved naturally taking into account the characters and their own individual journeys.
_____________________________________________
Not able to rate immediately, but I enjoyed it a lot. It seemed real.
This book appeared in a list of free books on kindle and after checking up the reviews here on Goodreads, I thought "that's definitely something I have to try and read".
The book is very good.
It started a bit slow, in my opinion, especially after Holly decided to open the book with such a teaser. I think I saw the 'big revelation' and what linked the main characters miles away (am I reading too much?), but even so it was very impactful. I found all the characters (main and secondary) very well written, with clear and distinct personality traits. There's nothing that pisses me off more than characters that blend together.
The romance aspect of it didn't seem forced and I think it evolved naturally taking into account the characters and their own individual journeys.
_____________________________________________
Not able to rate immediately, but I enjoyed it a lot. It seemed real.
May 11, 2017
For this being a debut author I am blown away and stunned because this book was one of the most beautiful stories I have ever read! The flow and the characters and the storyline is so perfect I wish I could give this story more than 5 stars! The story of Blake and Landon is so beautiful even in the tragedy they both endure and obstacles they have to get through. I loved their banter and I loved a uniqueness of their story. Through heartache and pain they learn about forgiveness and finding your light in the darkness. This is such a powerful, beautiful, angsty story! I will miss these two sooooo much! I highly recommend this book!!!
November 9, 2021
I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down. The characters are believable and the progression of the storyline is so realistic. I enjoyed Blake's character, she's got a troubled past but doesn't reek of it so much that we have to spend the story feeling sorry for her. She's a normal woman with issues but doing enough to live with them.
I fell in love with the author's portrayal of Landon(love the name) , he's a troubled man with a decent sense of humor. Their love story is beautiful without being to good to be true.
This is a great read if you're a fan of author's like Brittainy Cherry and Jewel E Ann.
I fell in love with the author's portrayal of Landon(love the name) , he's a troubled man with a decent sense of humor. Their love story is beautiful without being to good to be true.
This is a great read if you're a fan of author's like Brittainy Cherry and Jewel E Ann.
May 9, 2017
Beautifully Broken
The two lead characters are filled with sorrow and regret. They are broken. Tragedy destroyed each of them, but love mended them. They are beautifully broken. I loved everything about this book. I can't wait to read more of Holly's work.
The two lead characters are filled with sorrow and regret. They are broken. Tragedy destroyed each of them, but love mended them. They are beautifully broken. I loved everything about this book. I can't wait to read more of Holly's work.
February 25, 2019
Emotional
I could not put this book down. This is Holly Hall’s debut book and the quality of the writing and character development is a good indication of her ability to keep her readers invested in her craft!
I could not put this book down. This is Holly Hall’s debut book and the quality of the writing and character development is a good indication of her ability to keep her readers invested in her craft!
May 19, 2017
Great debut
This book is well written. I should wait to write thus review until I process but it's a very well written for a debut author
This book is well written. I should wait to write thus review until I process but it's a very well written for a debut author
May 26, 2017
Great Read
It took me a bit to finish this book because, well life, I'm so glad I finally did. I enjoyed the story line and how they overcome the obstacles they faced.
It took me a bit to finish this book because, well life, I'm so glad I finally did. I enjoyed the story line and how they overcome the obstacles they faced.
January 3, 2018
Review Coming Soon!
January 7, 2018
Really liked
I really liked this book. The characters were great. The pacing and editing were very well done too. A fabulous debut book, thank you.
I really liked this book. The characters were great. The pacing and editing were very well done too. A fabulous debut book, thank you.
February 15, 2017
3.5 Debut Stars!
This caught my attention on my Goodreads feed, I noticed that it did not have many reviews. I read the blurb, and realized it is a debut author. I decide to give it a try.
I enjoyed it, although I did figure out the twist about half way though, I was still connected with the characters. I continued to read, and I have to say I really liked how she ended this one. I felt the ending really fit the story, along with it not feeling rushed. I see she has just completed another stand-alone book, and I plan to read that one in the near future.
This caught my attention on my Goodreads feed, I noticed that it did not have many reviews. I read the blurb, and realized it is a debut author. I decide to give it a try.
I enjoyed it, although I did figure out the twist about half way though, I was still connected with the characters. I continued to read, and I have to say I really liked how she ended this one. I felt the ending really fit the story, along with it not feeling rushed. I see she has just completed another stand-alone book, and I plan to read that one in the near future.
December 16, 2016
Holly Hall! What a great debut novel. I was hooked from the beginning. If you are wanting to read a classic romance novel with a twist that you don't see coming, then this is your pick! I instantly was able to relate to Blake, the protagonist, with her lifestyle and sometimes apprehensive outlook on life. The plot may seem like it's been done before but I promise that once you get to the bombshell, it'll be unlike any novel you've read thus far!
March 27, 2017
Great Debut! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Holly's writing was so crisp, that it was easy to get lost in the story. I like imperfect characters and romance that doesn't follow a straight path, I'm a sucker for moody men and Landon definitely fit the bill. The chemistry between Blake and Landon was chemistry was undeniable and I liked how the author developed their love story.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews