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House of Grace #1
House of Grace
It’s 1950 and all sixteen-year-old Grace Granville has ever wanted is to become a successful dress designer. She dreams of owning her own fashion house and spends her spare time sketching outfits. Her father, Lord Granville, sees this frivolous activity as nonsense and wants to groom her into a good wife for someone of his choosing...
Grace is about to leave Greenemere, a boarding school in Brighton. She’s blissfully unaware of her father’s plans when she embarks on a new adventure. The quest includes a trip to Bolton’s Palais where she meets coal miner, Jack Gilmore. Grace’s life is never the same again.
Travel with Grace through two decades as she struggles with family conflict, poverty and tragedy. Is Grace strong enough to defy Lord Granville’s wishes and find true love? Will she become a successful fashion designer? Where will she turn for help?
Grace is about to leave Greenemere, a boarding school in Brighton. She’s blissfully unaware of her father’s plans when she embarks on a new adventure. The quest includes a trip to Bolton’s Palais where she meets coal miner, Jack Gilmore. Grace’s life is never the same again.
Travel with Grace through two decades as she struggles with family conflict, poverty and tragedy. Is Grace strong enough to defy Lord Granville’s wishes and find true love? Will she become a successful fashion designer? Where will she turn for help?
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2017
334 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Patricia M. Osborne
17 books26 followersPatricia M Osborne is married with grown-up children and grandchildren. She was born in Liverpool but now lives in West Sussex. In 2019 she graduated with an MA in Creative Writing (University of Brighton).
Patricia writes novels, poetry and short fiction, and has been published in various literary magazines and anthologies. Her first poetry pamphlet ‘Taxus Baccata’ was published by Hedgehog Poetry Press in July 2020.
She has a successful blog at whitewings.com where she features other writers and poets. When Patricia isn’t working on her own writing, she enjoys sharing her knowledge, acting as a mentor to fellow writers and as an online poetry tutor with Writers’ Bureau.
The Coal Miner’s Son is the second book in the House of Grace trilogy.
Patricia writes novels, poetry and short fiction, and has been published in various literary magazines and anthologies. Her first poetry pamphlet ‘Taxus Baccata’ was published by Hedgehog Poetry Press in July 2020.
She has a successful blog at whitewings.com where she features other writers and poets. When Patricia isn’t working on her own writing, she enjoys sharing her knowledge, acting as a mentor to fellow writers and as an online poetry tutor with Writers’ Bureau.
The Coal Miner’s Son is the second book in the House of Grace trilogy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
April 23, 2019
I read "House of Grace" in one evening. I couldn't put it down. I was enthralled in the life of Grace Granville. I fell in love with the characters who were so well developed, I felt as if I knew them personally. The novel is set in post-war times. The plot was fluid and enjoyable throughout. I shed tears of joy and of sadness as I went with Grace through different events in her life. A deeply emotional and moving story of love and loss. Desperation and hope. Success and failure. This novel should be made a movie. It would be splendid on Turner's Classics or Masterpiece Theatre. I highly recommend "House of Grace". An exceptional read.
December 6, 2017
Patricia Osborne's debut novel is a delightful read, with elements reminiscent of early Barbara Bradford Taylor. Grace Gilmore is born into aristocracy and destined for a 'good marriage'. But she has other plans, other desires and the choices she makes impact significantly on Grace herself, on her family and on her friends. Beginning in the 1950s and running through to the 1970s, it is a well-researched piece of writing that will bring back lots of memories for readers of 'a certain age'. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to more from this author.
January 25, 2024
House of Grace (House of Grace #1) by Patricia M. Osborne
The story moves at a steady pace with well developed characters. Attention to detial, engaing dialog, emotionally charged.
With a belivable true to life feel I was hooked from the first page. Compelling, thought provoking, memorable.
Overall I found House of Grace quite enjoyable. I highly recoomend to those who enjoy Historical fiction.
The story moves at a steady pace with well developed characters. Attention to detial, engaing dialog, emotionally charged.
With a belivable true to life feel I was hooked from the first page. Compelling, thought provoking, memorable.
Overall I found House of Grace quite enjoyable. I highly recoomend to those who enjoy Historical fiction.
September 11, 2021
I absolutely loved this book .I couldn't put it down until I finished.
I loved getting to know all the characters.
I recommend reading this if you love family sagas .
It is brilliant and i can't wait to read the next two in the series.
I loved getting to know all the characters.
I recommend reading this if you love family sagas .
It is brilliant and i can't wait to read the next two in the series.
January 21, 2021
My Review of House Of Grace by Patricia M Osborne
House of Grace is an emotional coming of age story. I really like Katy and Grace in this book. Grace is much more of a simple soul, she’s learning who she wants to be and what her talents are. Whereas Katy is very much a wild child, feels like she knows where she wants life to go and how to get it. I felt they complimented each other as friends. I also liked how even though they both come from money and class that the two families couldn’t be more different in the way they looked after each other. Katy’s parents were much more loving, let her go off by herself, and dealing with whatever happened when it happened kinda people. Whereas Grace never really seem to know her parents and related more to nanny’s and staff who helped bring her up.
The story itself follows Grace and Katy as they leave school and fall into the world of boys and freedom. Grace find Jack and Katy Eddy and slowly they both become enthralled in love. But Grace is already destined to Marry a man of her father’s choosing and Jack is no more than a miner. Will Katy and Grace come up with a plan to keep Grace free to be with Jack? Or will Grace end the year married to someone her father chooses? You must read this book to find out.
I liked Jack’s character too, he seemed a kind at heart person and a hard worker wanting to make his father proud by going down the mines and living as his family always had. I thought some of the moments he spent with Grace were touching and you could tell he had a respectful way about him compared to Eddy.
I also felt that the author did a great job at showing how Grace had dreams that were more than being a house wife, but still she could do both if she wanted.
I did have tears in my eyes towards the end of this book, many parts of Grace’s life and Katy were very sad and you could very much feel Grace’s pain throughout. But also her strength in how she picked herself up and showed resilience.
I also really liked uncle Max, he was a very balanced man and stood by his wife in a very hard time. But still, he could see that where his wife blamed and ran, he needed to be home and not hold blame where there was none.
I highly recommend this book if you enjoy coming of age stories with interesting characters and emotional family moments.
House of Grace is an emotional coming of age story. I really like Katy and Grace in this book. Grace is much more of a simple soul, she’s learning who she wants to be and what her talents are. Whereas Katy is very much a wild child, feels like she knows where she wants life to go and how to get it. I felt they complimented each other as friends. I also liked how even though they both come from money and class that the two families couldn’t be more different in the way they looked after each other. Katy’s parents were much more loving, let her go off by herself, and dealing with whatever happened when it happened kinda people. Whereas Grace never really seem to know her parents and related more to nanny’s and staff who helped bring her up.
The story itself follows Grace and Katy as they leave school and fall into the world of boys and freedom. Grace find Jack and Katy Eddy and slowly they both become enthralled in love. But Grace is already destined to Marry a man of her father’s choosing and Jack is no more than a miner. Will Katy and Grace come up with a plan to keep Grace free to be with Jack? Or will Grace end the year married to someone her father chooses? You must read this book to find out.
I liked Jack’s character too, he seemed a kind at heart person and a hard worker wanting to make his father proud by going down the mines and living as his family always had. I thought some of the moments he spent with Grace were touching and you could tell he had a respectful way about him compared to Eddy.
I also felt that the author did a great job at showing how Grace had dreams that were more than being a house wife, but still she could do both if she wanted.
I did have tears in my eyes towards the end of this book, many parts of Grace’s life and Katy were very sad and you could very much feel Grace’s pain throughout. But also her strength in how she picked herself up and showed resilience.
I also really liked uncle Max, he was a very balanced man and stood by his wife in a very hard time. But still, he could see that where his wife blamed and ran, he needed to be home and not hold blame where there was none.
I highly recommend this book if you enjoy coming of age stories with interesting characters and emotional family moments.
September 5, 2023
Grace Granville, teenager and budding fashion designer, falls in love and makes a choice which takes her a long way from her privileged, familiar world. ‘House of Grace’ is first in the ‘House of Grace’ family saga trilogy by Patricia M Osborne.
Grace’s story starts in 1950 as she leaves boarding school in Brighton and travels to Lancashire to stay with her best friend from school, Katy. Coming from a sheltered childhood with a strict father and little emotional closeness, Grace is keen to make her own way in life. But when she sees the new Katy, free from the restrictions of school rules – she smokes, has a boyfriend who she disappears into the bushes with – Grace is shocked, and intrigued. Katy’s family, though wealthy, are friendly, emotionally open and mix with people from different backgrounds. Completely the opposite to Grace’s parents. When Grace meets Katy’s cousin Jack, a coal miner’s son, she falls in love. Their summer romance is brought to an abrupt halt by Grace’s father who insists she marry one of the eligible suitors he has lined up for her. He is adamant that her new life as a wife and mother must begin now. But Grace, having seen the freedom of Katy’s family life, now knows there’s another way. She loves Jack and still dreams of designing and making clothes. The decision she makes changes everything.
‘House of Grace’ is a story of social conflict at a time when women, exploring freedoms glimpsed during World War Two, wanted more than a domestic bliss as imagined by men. This is an easy-to-read family saga of a young woman’s life, which I read over a weekend, with clearly-drawn characters and striking parallels between the social classes and inequalities of the 1950s and 60s. This is a more a family story rather than a focus on the battle to established Grace’s fashion business, this happens in the background and I was quite curious to know more about it.
A quick refreshing read, ideal if you need a change of pace. I really enjoyed it and am intrigued to read the next in the trilogy, ‘The Coal Miner's Son,’ and to find out what’s in store for Grace’s children, George and Alice.
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-revie...
Grace’s story starts in 1950 as she leaves boarding school in Brighton and travels to Lancashire to stay with her best friend from school, Katy. Coming from a sheltered childhood with a strict father and little emotional closeness, Grace is keen to make her own way in life. But when she sees the new Katy, free from the restrictions of school rules – she smokes, has a boyfriend who she disappears into the bushes with – Grace is shocked, and intrigued. Katy’s family, though wealthy, are friendly, emotionally open and mix with people from different backgrounds. Completely the opposite to Grace’s parents. When Grace meets Katy’s cousin Jack, a coal miner’s son, she falls in love. Their summer romance is brought to an abrupt halt by Grace’s father who insists she marry one of the eligible suitors he has lined up for her. He is adamant that her new life as a wife and mother must begin now. But Grace, having seen the freedom of Katy’s family life, now knows there’s another way. She loves Jack and still dreams of designing and making clothes. The decision she makes changes everything.
‘House of Grace’ is a story of social conflict at a time when women, exploring freedoms glimpsed during World War Two, wanted more than a domestic bliss as imagined by men. This is an easy-to-read family saga of a young woman’s life, which I read over a weekend, with clearly-drawn characters and striking parallels between the social classes and inequalities of the 1950s and 60s. This is a more a family story rather than a focus on the battle to established Grace’s fashion business, this happens in the background and I was quite curious to know more about it.
A quick refreshing read, ideal if you need a change of pace. I really enjoyed it and am intrigued to read the next in the trilogy, ‘The Coal Miner's Son,’ and to find out what’s in store for Grace’s children, George and Alice.
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-revie...
October 25, 2019
If you follow my blog, you will know that my preferred genre for novels is crime. However, you will also know that I do stray and I had heard such excellent things about this debut novel by Patricia M Osborne, House of Grace.
House of Grace is the first novel in a family saga trilogy and centres on the life of Grace Granville. The novel starts in England in the 1950s when we meet the sixteen-year-old Grace and learn that all she has ever wanted is to become a successful dress designer. She is talented and industrious and dreams of owning her own fashion house. Grace spends her spare time sketching outfits. Her father, Lord Granville, sees this frivolous activity as nonsense and wants to groom her into a good wife for someone of his choosing.
When Grace is about to leave Greenemere, a boarding school in Brighton. She’s blissfully unaware of her father’s plans when she embarks on a new adventure. The quest includes a trip to Bolton’s Palais where she meets coal miner, Jack Gilmore, her friend’s cousin and Grace’s life is never to be the same again.
I very much enjoyed my travels with Grace through two decades as she struggled with family conflict, poverty and tragedy.
House of Grace is a beautifully written novel. It captured my interest: kept me awake at nights when I didn’t want to stop reading and really made me think carefully about the attitudes and social stresses many families endured as recently as the 20th Century.
I have no doubt that House of Grace would make an excellent book group read and I highly recommend it.
The Author
Patricia M Osborne was born in Liverpool and spent time in Bolton as a child. She now lives in West Sussex. Apart from novel writing, Patricia writes poetry and short fiction. She is a regular delegate at Swanwick Writers’ Summer School. Her poetry and short stories have been published in various literary magazines and anthologies. She is studying for an MA in Creative Writing with University of Brighton. Patricia has recently become Poet in Residence at a local Victorian park. House of Grace is her first novel.
Val Penny
House of Grace is the first novel in a family saga trilogy and centres on the life of Grace Granville. The novel starts in England in the 1950s when we meet the sixteen-year-old Grace and learn that all she has ever wanted is to become a successful dress designer. She is talented and industrious and dreams of owning her own fashion house. Grace spends her spare time sketching outfits. Her father, Lord Granville, sees this frivolous activity as nonsense and wants to groom her into a good wife for someone of his choosing.
When Grace is about to leave Greenemere, a boarding school in Brighton. She’s blissfully unaware of her father’s plans when she embarks on a new adventure. The quest includes a trip to Bolton’s Palais where she meets coal miner, Jack Gilmore, her friend’s cousin and Grace’s life is never to be the same again.
I very much enjoyed my travels with Grace through two decades as she struggled with family conflict, poverty and tragedy.
House of Grace is a beautifully written novel. It captured my interest: kept me awake at nights when I didn’t want to stop reading and really made me think carefully about the attitudes and social stresses many families endured as recently as the 20th Century.
I have no doubt that House of Grace would make an excellent book group read and I highly recommend it.
The Author
Patricia M Osborne was born in Liverpool and spent time in Bolton as a child. She now lives in West Sussex. Apart from novel writing, Patricia writes poetry and short fiction. She is a regular delegate at Swanwick Writers’ Summer School. Her poetry and short stories have been published in various literary magazines and anthologies. She is studying for an MA in Creative Writing with University of Brighton. Patricia has recently become Poet in Residence at a local Victorian park. House of Grace is her first novel.
Val Penny
December 11, 2021
A beautifully signed copy of The House of Grace was gifted to me by the author in a writing group. Ah, I have already read the other two books in this trilogy, I’m not sure how this will take me back, from the two books I was already delighted with. Holding the lovely matt feel of this book in my hands, with its captivating cover, enticing blurb, I flicked through its pages and new I had to read Grace’s story from the start. After all, I didn’t want to miss out on her journey. And I’m so glad I did. Remembering what it was like to have an ambition, like Grace, at sixteen, I needed to see how she overcomes the wishes of her aristocrat father, and put her dream plan of becoming a fashion designer into reality. Grace is a strong, well fleshed out character and I’m on edge as to her wellbeing as the story unfolds, a little faster paced after the first couple of chapters. Patricia M Osborne writes beautifully, taking me through two decades of this family saga, with many struggles, including family poverty and tragedy, which is heaped with a mix of emotion. Much research has clearly gone into this wonderfully crafted book as the author portrays a fine example of life in the 1950’s -60’s. If you are looking for a truly engrossing easy read story, with light hearted romance, believable descriptive scenes, and fine detail, you will love this. So pleased I back tracked.
August 31, 2020
This is a family saga with a difference. More often than not, sagas involve a young woman overcoming poverty to reach whatever fulfilment it is she desires. In Grace’s case, she is the daughter of a lord and is expected to marry a man of his choice that will benefit his business interests. Grace has other ideas, she has fallen in love with Jack Gilmore, a coal-miner and cousin of her best friend at boarding school, Katy, but their marriage is tragically short-lived. Grace must make her own way in the world and care for her three children. She reluctantly agrees to her young son, George, being brought up by his grandparents to give him a better start in life, then devotes the rest of her time to establishing a fashion house using her own designs. Many times over the years she tries to win George back but meets much opposition, not least from George himself who feels he has been betrayed.
I really enjoyed this story but would have loved to have learned more about Grace having to cope with living in poverty as Jack’s wife, how she coped and adapted. Sadly that is not included. It jumps straight from the wedding to several years and three children later. I felt that the edition of this part of her life would have made not just a good book but a great one.
I really enjoyed this story but would have loved to have learned more about Grace having to cope with living in poverty as Jack’s wife, how she coped and adapted. Sadly that is not included. It jumps straight from the wedding to several years and three children later. I felt that the edition of this part of her life would have made not just a good book but a great one.
February 19, 2021
An eventful, fast-moving story set in the Fifties about a young woman, Grace Granville, born into a titled family, whose life changes dramatically after visiting the home of her boarding school room-mate, Katy Gilmore, in Bolton. Accompanying Katy and her boyfriend on a blind date, she meets Jack, a coal miner’s son, who happens to be the nephew of Katy’s father, Max. She warms to Katy’s parents and when her own father, Lord Granville, refuses to accept her ambition to become a fashion designer, she goes to live with them. Grace is soon to fall in love with Jack and her life seems set as a miner’s wife and mother, until a devastating turn of events forces her to start all over again. Struggling with a young family to build her career in the world of fashion, she is faced with the hardest choice any mother could be expected to make. This heartfelt story is studded with surprises in the rollercoaster life of Grace Granville, who needs the strength of those closest to her to achieve the happiness and success she deserves. I eagerly await the second book in Patricia M. Osborne's trilogy, “The Coal Miner’s Son”.
June 19, 2021
House of Grace
An eventful, fast-moving story set in the Fifties about a young woman, Grace Granville, born into a titled family, whose life changes dramatically after visiting the home of her boarding school room-mate, Katy Gilmore, in Bolton. Accompanying Katy and her boyfriend on a blind date, she meets Jack, a coal miner’s son, who happens to be the nephew of Katy’s father, Max. She warms to Katy’s parents and when her own father, Lord Granville, refuses to accept her ambition to become a fashion designer, she goes to live with them. Grace ffalls in love with Jack, her life seems set as a miner’s wife and for a while happiness reigns, until a devastating turn of events forces her to start over again. Struggling with a young family to build a career in the world of fashion, she is faced with the harshest choice any mother could be expected to make. This heartfelt story is studded with surprises in the rollercoaster life of Grace Granville, who needs the strength of those closest to her to achieve the happiness and success she deserves. I eagerly await the second book in her trilogy, “The Coal Miner’s Son”.
An eventful, fast-moving story set in the Fifties about a young woman, Grace Granville, born into a titled family, whose life changes dramatically after visiting the home of her boarding school room-mate, Katy Gilmore, in Bolton. Accompanying Katy and her boyfriend on a blind date, she meets Jack, a coal miner’s son, who happens to be the nephew of Katy’s father, Max. She warms to Katy’s parents and when her own father, Lord Granville, refuses to accept her ambition to become a fashion designer, she goes to live with them. Grace ffalls in love with Jack, her life seems set as a miner’s wife and for a while happiness reigns, until a devastating turn of events forces her to start over again. Struggling with a young family to build a career in the world of fashion, she is faced with the harshest choice any mother could be expected to make. This heartfelt story is studded with surprises in the rollercoaster life of Grace Granville, who needs the strength of those closest to her to achieve the happiness and success she deserves. I eagerly await the second book in her trilogy, “The Coal Miner’s Son”.
January 9, 2020
A light romantic read for Christmas. I started reading this in the aftermath of a book which was quite harrowing, so shying away from dark psychological thrillers for a while, I found this a breath of fresh air. I was immediately pulled into this historic saga of a young girl who dreams of being a fashion designer - stays with her best friend in the holidays - but falls madly in love when the two girls attend a dance. Filled with 50s/60s nostalgia, the era is beautifully depicted, from the stringent rules of the upper classes to the hardship and poverty of the workers. I describe this as a rags to story with tragedy and heartbreak along the way, and the ultimate betrayal.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it.
January 27, 2017
This is a truly warm hearted story of one young woman's ambition in the face of hardship and family estrangement. We follow her life from schooldays through marriage and career, keeping hope alive alongside Grace, the main character, rooting for her at every turn.
Patricia M Osborne has recreated the fifties era beautifully in the novel with all its class and gender barriers. The locations and detail are convincing.
There are engaging credible characters, whom you grow to love and care about. The story is well plotted and the romantic interest is sustained throughout. There are some heartrending moments which are delicately handled.
Patricia M Osborne has recreated the fifties era beautifully in the novel with all its class and gender barriers. The locations and detail are convincing.
There are engaging credible characters, whom you grow to love and care about. The story is well plotted and the romantic interest is sustained throughout. There are some heartrending moments which are delicately handled.
January 21, 2017
I really connected with the main character, Grace, through her eventful and at times courageous journey through two decades. Patricia is able to hold her audience as each chapter progresses and I found I was engaged with the storyline from start to finish, which doesn't always happen when I read this genre of book. House of Grace brings together a complete storyline but one that lends itself nicely to later sequels and I look forward to the next instalment. It would certainly be on my 'have to read' book list!
October 25, 2020
Tricia the author I knew as children and teenagers, I would never have guessed she could write such a marvellous novel. I found it very hard to put down and read it to the early hours of the morning. I just had to see what happened next. House of Grace was written as a very easy read. I can't wait to read Tricia's next.
novel.
House of Grace made me cry at times because you could feel Grace's heartbreak as if it was your own.
novel.
House of Grace made me cry at times because you could feel Grace's heartbreak as if it was your own.
April 13, 2017
House of Grace is a very well written book. The characters are relatable and thus make you want to learn more about what happens to them. This was one of very few books to make me cry. Saying that, House of Grace is mostly an uplifting book making the emotional events more poignant. I would recommend you to read this book and see for yourself.
October 12, 2019
A thoroughly great read from start to finish. The reader is drawn into the lives of the characters so much so that you want to jump in, rescue and comfort them especially Grace. I kept my copy with me so I could read it any chance I got.
January 15, 2017
Gripping story with some dramatic twists, the author took me on an epic journey, look forward to the next instalment
May 28, 2024
Set in Brighton, England, in the 1950s, "House of Grace: A Family Saga" by Patricia M. Osborne captures the essence of a young woman's struggle against societal expectations and personal ambitions. Grace Granville, fresh out of boarding school and full of dreams, persuades her aristocratic father to allow her a brief adventure in Lancashire. Her journey, however, takes a surprising turn when she falls in love with a charming coal miner. Osborne skillfully depicts the conflict between Grace's desire to become a fashion designer and her domineering father's insistence that she return to Brighton to meet suitors of his choice. In a desperate attempt to avoid this fate, Grace devises a hasty plan, completely unaware of the profound consequences.
"House of Grace" is a title that perfectly encapsulates the novel's essence. As the story unfolds, the meaning behind the title becomes clear, adding depth to the narrative. The novel is full of emotions, eliciting tears in moments of loss and joy in times of celebration. Osborne's depiction of Christmases is especially moving, emphasizing the true value of family, which goes beyond blood relations.
This family saga explores social conflicts at a time when women, having glimpsed newfound liberties during World War II, desired more than the domestic bliss envisioned by men. The plot is simple to follow, with well-drawn characters and a vivid depiction of 1950s and 1960s social classes and inequalities.
While the novel is primarily about Grace's personal and family struggles, her ambition to start a fashion business simmers in the background, capturing my interest. Grace Granville is an engaging and relatable character and I found myself rooting for, especially as she overcame obstacles and adversaries.
I thought "House of Grace: A Family Saga" was a compelling story of love, ambition, and resilience, and I recommend it to fans of historical fiction and family sagas. Patricia M. Osborne has written a story that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking and it remained in my mind long after I turned the last page.
"House of Grace" is a title that perfectly encapsulates the novel's essence. As the story unfolds, the meaning behind the title becomes clear, adding depth to the narrative. The novel is full of emotions, eliciting tears in moments of loss and joy in times of celebration. Osborne's depiction of Christmases is especially moving, emphasizing the true value of family, which goes beyond blood relations.
This family saga explores social conflicts at a time when women, having glimpsed newfound liberties during World War II, desired more than the domestic bliss envisioned by men. The plot is simple to follow, with well-drawn characters and a vivid depiction of 1950s and 1960s social classes and inequalities.
While the novel is primarily about Grace's personal and family struggles, her ambition to start a fashion business simmers in the background, capturing my interest. Grace Granville is an engaging and relatable character and I found myself rooting for, especially as she overcame obstacles and adversaries.
I thought "House of Grace: A Family Saga" was a compelling story of love, ambition, and resilience, and I recommend it to fans of historical fiction and family sagas. Patricia M. Osborne has written a story that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking and it remained in my mind long after I turned the last page.
February 11, 2024
The House of Grace by Patricia M. Osborne is the first book in this family saga set in England in the 1950’s and1960’s. Grace Granville is a young teen with big dreams of becoming a famous fashion designer. Unfortunately, in her emotionless, aristocratic world in “polite society,” women are meant to make a good marriage in with a man with a similar privileged background, run a household staff, and produce babies, preferably male. Never having known anything different, this is normal for Grace, but she yearns for more. While away at finishing school, Grace becomes best friends with Katy whose family has similar wealth, but not the generational status Grace’s family requires. Upon spending the summer with Katy, Grace is elated to find a loving family, open affections, respect and equality, and a whole world of possibilities. She also meets Katy’s cousin Jack, a coal miner, and immediately falls in love. Her defiant act sets the stage for a myriad of consequences.
Ms. Osborne is a wonderful storyteller. All her vivid scenes and authentic characters came to life and had me immediately invested in their stories. I was captivated by Grace and her strength, bravery, independence, and exuberance for life, especially in a time in history when the divisions of class were so embedded in the culture. The period was well researched. I felt I had stepped into the 1950’s.
This family saga is a coming-of-age story about a young woman who dares to take her future into her own hands, the results of which change her life, family, and friends in many ways. It’s emotional, poignant, and uplifting. I highly recommend this book and look forward to continuing to follow this family’s saga.
Ms. Osborne is a wonderful storyteller. All her vivid scenes and authentic characters came to life and had me immediately invested in their stories. I was captivated by Grace and her strength, bravery, independence, and exuberance for life, especially in a time in history when the divisions of class were so embedded in the culture. The period was well researched. I felt I had stepped into the 1950’s.
This family saga is a coming-of-age story about a young woman who dares to take her future into her own hands, the results of which change her life, family, and friends in many ways. It’s emotional, poignant, and uplifting. I highly recommend this book and look forward to continuing to follow this family’s saga.
June 24, 2025
Grace Granville’s story stayed with me long after I turned the final page. Set against the backdrop of post-war England, this coming-of-age novel is a beautifully told journey of self discovery, love, and defiance.
From the start, I was drawn in by Grace’s quiet strength and creative spirit. Her passion for fashion design isn't just a hobby, it's her lifeline, her rebellion, and ultimately, her identity. Watching her go from a sheltered girl at Greenemere to a woman fighting for her dreams in a society that constantly tries to box her in was both inspiring and heartbreaking.
The contrast between her aristocratic upbringing and the gritty realism of Jack Gilmore’s coal-mining world is handled so well. Their relationship is not just a love story — it’s a collision of class, culture, and expectation. The scenes at Bolton’s Palais were some of my favorites; they had a cinematic quality and a sense of possibility that made me root for them from the start.
What truly sets this novel apart is its emotional depth. Grace’s journey spans years of hardship, family rejection, financial struggle, loss, but the author never lets her become a victim. Instead, Grace evolves. There are moments of real tragedy, but they are met with equal moments of triumph. I especially appreciated how her artistic vision remains a constant thread throughout the story, reminding us that passion can survive even the darkest times.
This is more than a historical romance, it’s a story of resilience, of choosing your own path when everything around you says you shouldn’t. Highly recommended for readers who love strong heroines, rich historical detail, and stories that don’t shy away from the complexities of life and love.
From the start, I was drawn in by Grace’s quiet strength and creative spirit. Her passion for fashion design isn't just a hobby, it's her lifeline, her rebellion, and ultimately, her identity. Watching her go from a sheltered girl at Greenemere to a woman fighting for her dreams in a society that constantly tries to box her in was both inspiring and heartbreaking.
The contrast between her aristocratic upbringing and the gritty realism of Jack Gilmore’s coal-mining world is handled so well. Their relationship is not just a love story — it’s a collision of class, culture, and expectation. The scenes at Bolton’s Palais were some of my favorites; they had a cinematic quality and a sense of possibility that made me root for them from the start.
What truly sets this novel apart is its emotional depth. Grace’s journey spans years of hardship, family rejection, financial struggle, loss, but the author never lets her become a victim. Instead, Grace evolves. There are moments of real tragedy, but they are met with equal moments of triumph. I especially appreciated how her artistic vision remains a constant thread throughout the story, reminding us that passion can survive even the darkest times.
This is more than a historical romance, it’s a story of resilience, of choosing your own path when everything around you says you shouldn’t. Highly recommended for readers who love strong heroines, rich historical detail, and stories that don’t shy away from the complexities of life and love.
April 7, 2024
This is the second book I’ve read by Patricia Osborne. I loved her novel The Oath so much that I decided to read her previous work. All I can say is that House of Grace won’t be the last one I read. That’s a given. I look forward to the other two books in this series.
Grace is a wonderful character. Born to great wealth, she doesn’t hesitate to give it all up when she falls madly in love with a coal miner. She pour herself into their life together. Her background and his don’t matter: love does. A strong woman, even in her young years, Grace endures what she must to follow her heart.
That’s about all I want to say about the plot: no desire to ruin it for anyone.
What draws me into this author’s work is Osborne's storytelling, her understanding of family (good, bad, and in-between), and the emotions that her characters and their respective situations stir in me. She isn't afraid to take us where her characters lead—whether that be in the sunshine or the dark shade. Her writing is relatable and strong—her stories compelling.
For readers who love family drama, I highly recommend this author and this book.
Grace is a wonderful character. Born to great wealth, she doesn’t hesitate to give it all up when she falls madly in love with a coal miner. She pour herself into their life together. Her background and his don’t matter: love does. A strong woman, even in her young years, Grace endures what she must to follow her heart.
That’s about all I want to say about the plot: no desire to ruin it for anyone.
What draws me into this author’s work is Osborne's storytelling, her understanding of family (good, bad, and in-between), and the emotions that her characters and their respective situations stir in me. She isn't afraid to take us where her characters lead—whether that be in the sunshine or the dark shade. Her writing is relatable and strong—her stories compelling.
For readers who love family drama, I highly recommend this author and this book.
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April 6, 2020I found the House of Grace an excellent read. It was a great example of the rollercoaster of life. I love the way the book gave an example of one’s extreme happiness and by contrast another persons disappointment in life. I liked the fact it was remarkable when the happiness was robbed through life’s circumstances, but this happy character clung onto putting her faith in the future in the hope for a better life and waiting patiently for the tide to turn.
The moral of the story in one character rushing into a relationship too quickly and the other character waiting patiently to make sure it was correct two times in her life proved to be the best decision to make. There is still something to be said for old-fashioned courtship in this fast paced world we find ourselves in.
The fact that we as humans make mistakes, when we think at the time, it is the right move shows that we are not perfect, even though we try to do the best thing for ourselves and others sometimes.
A perfect example of Shakespeare’s line
‘There is neither good nor bad but thinking makes it so’
The moral of the story in one character rushing into a relationship too quickly and the other character waiting patiently to make sure it was correct two times in her life proved to be the best decision to make. There is still something to be said for old-fashioned courtship in this fast paced world we find ourselves in.
The fact that we as humans make mistakes, when we think at the time, it is the right move shows that we are not perfect, even though we try to do the best thing for ourselves and others sometimes.
A perfect example of Shakespeare’s line
‘There is neither good nor bad but thinking makes it so’
August 3, 2017
House of Grace, a romantic novel covering love, loss and determination has an interesting storyline and absorbing plot. It’s easy style makes for a great holiday read. Grace Granville is an engaging character that you want to root for especially when she needs to deal with despicable others.
Patricia M Osborne brings the era 1950 -1970, with all its social changes, alive in the readers mind with the right amount of sensitivity and detail, enabling the reader to empathise and feel compassion for the choices Grace feels forced to make. The story is heart-breaking when Grace is faced with adversity and despair and inspiring when she sets to overcome her greatest fears.
I would definitely recommend this book and look forward to reading her next – The Coalminer’s Son, which I believe is the second in the trilogy.
Patricia M Osborne brings the era 1950 -1970, with all its social changes, alive in the readers mind with the right amount of sensitivity and detail, enabling the reader to empathise and feel compassion for the choices Grace feels forced to make. The story is heart-breaking when Grace is faced with adversity and despair and inspiring when she sets to overcome her greatest fears.
I would definitely recommend this book and look forward to reading her next – The Coalminer’s Son, which I believe is the second in the trilogy.
October 28, 2021
What An Epic Read!
House of Grace: A Family Saga is the story of the life of a "poor, little rich girl" who was raised on a family estate, sent to an exclusive boarding school for her education, and then basically disowned when she chose to marry for love to a coal miner. When Grace's husband died in a mining accident, her wealthy parents responded by taking her son and raising him to be the next patriarch of the family. Grace and her son were not to see one another for years. Read this book to learn of the love she had never known as a child and tried to give her children and about Grace's success in her chosen life work.
I enjoyed this book, read late into the night, and finished this afternoon. I hope you enjoy it also.
House of Grace: A Family Saga is the story of the life of a "poor, little rich girl" who was raised on a family estate, sent to an exclusive boarding school for her education, and then basically disowned when she chose to marry for love to a coal miner. When Grace's husband died in a mining accident, her wealthy parents responded by taking her son and raising him to be the next patriarch of the family. Grace and her son were not to see one another for years. Read this book to learn of the love she had never known as a child and tried to give her children and about Grace's success in her chosen life work.
I enjoyed this book, read late into the night, and finished this afternoon. I hope you enjoy it also.
April 7, 2024
In Patricia M. Osborne’s House of Grace: A Family Saga, the wealthy 16-year old Grace falls in love with a coal miner, Jack while visiting a classmate. Her family, the mighty Granvilles, disown her and she goes on to marry Jack and lives in poverty but has a home filled with love as she mothers three children. Then the unthinkable happens. Jack dies and she has to ask her family for help. They agree but only with serious clauses, such as taking her first born son, George. This family saga is indeed a page-turner and will keep the reader scrolling forward or turning pages to see how things will turn out for poor Grace. Pick up this first book in a series of three and be prepared to go on a riveting adventure!
March 14, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, and I found it to be quite an addictive read. It is billed as historical fiction, but I would have to call it historical fiction “light.” The plot wrapped around a young woman who came from an upper class of family in England who falls in love with the poor cold minor. She defies her parents and Mary’s her true love. She becomes estranged from her biological family, and as she gets a little older She experiences heartbreak and betrayal. I believe this is book one of the series. It was a very gripping story, but I only am giving it four stars because I didn’t think it really lives up to all of the tenants of historical fiction. I will likely read books two, three, and four though in this series because it was that good.
August 3, 2023
Having been born in the early 1950s myself, I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written book and read it in a couple of days. Grace Gilmore is born into an aristocratic family and expected to make a suitable marriage. However, when she falls in love with the son of a coal miner, her family are appalled and determined to prevent her from ruining her life. This is a wonderfully moving love story as Grace struggles to deal with family confrontations, heartbreak and loss but also endeavours to carve out a successful career as a fashion designer. I recommend this book and am looking forward to reading The Coal Miner’s Son, the next in the series, soon.
July 6, 2021
House of Grace
House of Grace is the perfect title for this book. Partway through the story, I had figured out that by the end, what the title meant. That written, never did I figure out any other parts of this story. Love is present in abundance and quite necessary with the myriad of happenings going on. I liked the 60s vibe for sure. This book made me cry in times of loss, and happy in times of good things going on. The Christmases evoked worth and truly, family isn't always blood. So true. Five stars!
House of Grace is the perfect title for this book. Partway through the story, I had figured out that by the end, what the title meant. That written, never did I figure out any other parts of this story. Love is present in abundance and quite necessary with the myriad of happenings going on. I liked the 60s vibe for sure. This book made me cry in times of loss, and happy in times of good things going on. The Christmases evoked worth and truly, family isn't always blood. So true. Five stars!
July 26, 2021
I was completely captivated by this book! The characters really resonated with me - they were so real! The story itself is beautifully plotted, and flows seamlessly. I was immediately drawn in to Grace’s story, and her emotional journey. Grace and Jack and their trials and tribulations made my heart hurt! I couldn’t put this book down - I had to keep reading, and for me, that is the sign of a great story! The satisfying ending left me wanting to know more - So part II is a must-read for me!! Highly recommended.
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