Raising Grace

by Mia Pride

Brent
In college, I had everything I could ever want: A budding career and the love of my life, Crystal Macintosh. She was my high school sweetheart and my twin sister’s best friend. But one night, a practical joke went bad, and the joke was on me. I lost Crystal that day, and along with her, all I ever wanted. Soon, I had a daughter to raise, but when Grace was diagnosed with autism, her mother took off. I was all alone… until the day Crystal walked into a conference room with the key to my daughter’s success, and the key to my heart. However, convincing her I’m worth a second chance is proving much harder than I ever imagined, and asking her to meet Grace and face the ghosts from our past may be more than either of us are ready for.

Crystal
Brent Stevenson broke my heart in college. I never knew why he did what he did, but it took years for me to bury the pain — with bad dates, one-night stands, and my passion for working with kids with autism. Just when all my hard work was about to pay off, I discovered the man who ripped my heart out years ago was now the financial investor of my biggest project. Now, I have to convince him to fund my life’s work, and he isn’t going to make it easy. After being assigned to work with his daughter, in his home, I find myself facing some hard truths. The circumstances that drove us apart aren’t what they seem, I’m still in love with Brent, and… I’m falling in love with his daughter, Grace. The baby that once drove us apart, is now the little girl bringing us together.
Raising Grace is a full-length steamy, romantic comedy that will tug at your heartstrings and prove that love knows no boundaries, nor does autism.

Genres: Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Romance

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 14, 2018

About the author

Mia is an award-winning author and mother of two human boys and many furry creatures residing in the SF Bay Area. How she manages to get anything done is a wonder to all, including herself.

As a child, she often wrote fantasy stories, preferring to live in a world where the line between reality and fantasy didn’t exist. In High school, she entered writing contests and had some stories published in small newspapers or school magazines. As life continued, so did her love of writing.

Mia received her Bachelors in Health Science from CSUEB and recently completed her editing certificate with UC Berkeley. Currently, Mia is both self-published and small-press-published with Dragonblade Publishing.

When Mia isn’t writing books or hanging with her family and pets at home, she loves to get lost in a good book, buy anything with pugs on it, and drink massive margaritas with her friends. Her happy place is the Renaissance Faire, where you can find her at the joust, rooting for the shirtless highlander in a kilt.

Reviews

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Something very special about this book .
Wether it’s the subject of Autism, which is covered so
tactfully and thoughtfully, or even the quality of the writing I’m not sure .
Maybe it’s both , but I loved everything about it and I’m not a contemporary fan .
This one tugs at your heart and not just with the child Grace, but with Brent and Crystal and Amber too.
From a situation where everyone was hurt by one careless prank from a person who got away untouched by the fallout, to all of them coping with the end result and dealing the best way they can .
It’s a real heartbreaker and one I grabbed for a few tissues reading .
Brent destroyed by a mistake that was forced upon him .
Crystals confusion and hurt and lack of trust because of his betrayal.
Ambers total breakdown and denial dealing with the parenting of a child with autism , all forced on her at too immature an age , even if it was her own deviousness that caused it .
No one comes out of his one untouched by the stupidity of one man and his stupid joke/deceit .
Well done Mia , a really difficult subject covered stunningly well .
Highly Recommended!
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review

[Kari Maass · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I usually don’t care for first person stories, reading this book in this format really works and I can’t imagine it unfolding any other way. I really enjoyed reading all of the trials Brent and Crys endured to their HEA. I hoped at some point Brent would tell Crys what happened that night in college as it is a current topic college men and women have to cope with. I look forward to reading secondary characters Monica’s story and even Ambers. I really enjoyed this story.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Raising Grace” treats the reader to flawed but relatable characters.

Read full review in the 2019 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Rozzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Brent Stevenson and Crystal MacIntosh were younger they did everything together. They graduated high school together, depended on each other and were even living together. Crystal and Brent were meant to be together. Until one night at a frat party when a friend of Brent’s played a cruel trick on them both leaving Brent and Crystal broken hearted, this left their love for each other irreparable. Six years later when Brent and Crystal meet up again Brent is a successful investor and Crystal has built a robot to help children with Autism. Crystal can’t hide the strong feelings of animosity and hurt that she feels for Brent and Brent has never forgotten the love he has harbored for Crystal. When Crystal must work with Brent’s daughter Grace due to her Autism; her wall starts to crumble and she is in danger of losing her heart yet again. Will Crystal ever find the strength to forgive Brent for what he has done or will Crystal turn her back on him and his daughter when they need her help?
This wonderful book written with such strong emotion and poignancy ends up touching even the most cynical and hard hearted of romantics. It’s so true to life there is not only much happiness in love but also sadness with tears that you can’t help but cry too. All of the imperfect true to life characters end up leaving their indelible impression on your heart and soul. In a sense this contemporary romance will unsettle some because of its sensitive nature but there is a lot to like in it too. Crystal starts out as the carefree happy in love heroine but turns into the bitter, uncaring and cold hearted person she is today. Sure she has a lot to be upset about but she does have one redeeming quality her love of Autistic children. You want to hate her especially where it concerns how she treats Brent but you also can’t help but feel sad for the predicament that she was placed into by Brent. At times she is even a jerk to him especially how she uses him but it is all forgivable. Now Brent on the other hand is a great hero! Yes he makes a big mistake but he has always regretted it and never stopped loving Crystal. So that is what makes him so likable that he is willing to forgive himself, stand by his mistakes, be a good example of a single father and still be loving to everyone including the ones who hurt him the most. Hopefully there will be more stories of all the other characters in the future. This book is definitely a book that makes everyone feel the trials and tribulations of young heartbreak but love is just that much sweeter the second time around!

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed reading Mia Pride latest book it touched all my heartstrings with its focus on Autism and Grace is a wonderful child.

Brent and Crystal have everything that is wonderful there young there going to college together and there planning a future then one night changes all that all do to someone else's plan to tear them apart. Crystal flees and starts over she creates robots to help children with Autism and now she and Bret will have to come together again his company will provide the money for her project and he wants it to work he has a daughter with Autism Grace. Also he has waited a very long time to get a chance with Crys again if she will only give him the chance he never stopped loving her.

Crystal is horrified and infuriated to have and deal with Brent again it brings up so much pain and loss for her she thought she was past it but now he's back and if she wants her project to get of the ground she will have to work with Brent. Soon she is working with Grace his daughter more personally testing her robot project. Even though she comes to care for Grace his daughter its hard for her to give Brent a second chance.

Just as Grace decides to make things work and have a fresh start Brent's past showes up and Crystal cant handle it she leaves again. Brent will have one last chance to make things work and have the future he always wanted with Crystal.

This book had a great story and plot there was love, and anger disappointment. And it showed how hard forgiving someone you love can be truly a beatiful love story.

I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Shelly Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I've read from this author,,,, I really liked her work,,,,

This was kinda a feeling type book,,,, but I really enjoyed reading it,,,, Brent Stevenson and Crystal MacIntosh were together, it seemed, like always,,,, they were friends that hung out with each other, went to school with each other, and yes, eventually, they started dating, they fell in love with each other,,,, .now, they are a couple who are there for each other always, including living together,,, this was it for both of them,,,, this was true love from the start,,,, and then it happens,,,,people, like friends of Brent's, play a very cruel trick on him not thinking of the "what if's",,,,,, They put Brent in bed with another girl, and wouldn't you know, she gets pregnant,,,, unable to trust him anymore, Crystal leaves him,,,,, and the other shoe drops, and he's a single father to a little girl, named Grace,,,,,

Six years comes and goes and Brent is a successful investor and Crystal makes robots that help children with Autism,,,, and now she has to put all her feelings in a box because she has to work with Brent's daughter, Grace,,,, and all the old memories flood in and as much as she doesn't want,,,, her fortress she has built up around her starts cracking,, this is one of those "Second Chance" books you just CAN NOT go without reading,,,, you won't be sorry,,,, I know I'm not,,,, I would so totally recommend this book to anyone,,,, !!!

I have this ARC voluntarily to leave an honest review,,,,

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brent Stevenson & Crystal Macintosh were high school sweethearts and she’s his twin sister Monica’s best friend. But one night, a practical joke went bad, and the joke was on him. He lost Crystal and along with her, all he ever wanted. Soon, he had a daughter to raise, but when Grace was diagnosed with autism, her mother Amber took off.
Six years later the pair are thrown together when Crystal’s project comes to fruition only to find Brent is a partner in the firm interested in investing in her project
Contemporary romances aren’t one of my favourite reads but I’ve realised if one of my must read authors writes a different genre then 99% of the time I’ll love it - & I loved this book. Strong characters & a strong story that grabbed me at the beginning & didn’t let go until the end. My heart broke for the teenage Brent & Crystal & I would have willingly throttled Lawrence. Of course Grace utterly stole the book. At times a heartbreaking read but also warm & endearing as it was written with so much sensitivity. The launch event had tears streaming down my face, I only hope some of the secondary characters have their stories
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raising Grace is a story about second chances and the impact that one stupid move can have on your entire life, especially if it involves starting a baby! Brent falls prey to a mean college prank that ends his relationship with his childhood sweetheart Crystal. One bad night. Six years later they are both single and hurting but life is so much more complicated now. Grace is now his special-needs daughter to raise and she totally steals the show. Nothing better at Christmas than a love story that involves a special child and forgiveness. Brent's commitment to his daughter and her autism is wonderful and heartwarming but Crystal is afraid to trust him again. But the spark is still there and there is no denying the attraction and sexual tension they feel. Brent and Crystal were always good together. This book has lots of angst, pain and intensity as they pull back and forth, but never fear, there is a perfect Christmas ending. Be sure to read the postscript by Mia because this story and the subject of autism has a special meaning to her as well! This tale is a departure for Mia who normally rights historical fiction but it is so sweet. I volunteered to read an advanced copy and this is my review.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for this book to come out for awhile and it was well worth the wait. It is well researched and heartbreakingly personal to me, and I am sure other parents with children of ASD when they read stories like these. They make our children and our struggles human. This book is a powerful tool. It is well written. It also shines a light on the fact that men can also be raped, as they can be too incapacitated to consent to sex and be taken advantage of by women. Love is tenacious and Chrystal and Brent have to focus on that tenacity to get past all the hurt and find the goodness on the other side. “Looking back on it all, if it led me here every time, I would do it all over again, because sometimes it was the obstacles in our lives that guided us right back to where we always belonged. And, I was finally there.” This aptly describes the essence of this story that Mia Pride has so eloquently written. This is her first piece of contemporary work and she has done a fantastic job.

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful story that touches on so many subjects that are in the world today. Being young, Brent and Crystal seemed to have everything. Until suddenly they did not. But one terrible night, with a plan by someone else to break them apart and their lives changed forever. Crystal broken hearted and Brent, in the end, left with an autistic child, Grace to raise. It seemed everyone lost in this situation but really so much was gained. Even if they did not know it then.
But a fated meeting years later, when ironically (or was meant to be) Crystal's passion and work in life was for kids with autism. She meets Brent again when he is the financial investor in her biggest project to help the kids. Finding herself assigned to work with Grace at their home, brings them full circle, because you see, their love never died.
Told in first person which I really enjoyed because it brought you into the minds of the characters. Be prepared for a whirlwind of emotions that will tear at your heart in this well written and poignant story of lost chances and healing power of love.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE WICKEDLY AMAZING READ!!!
OMG! Talk about getting blown away from the start. Mia doesn't mess around. She doesn't pull her punches, no holds barred, take no prisoners intellect that can bring you to your knees in one second and standing tall the next. The characters are complex and believable with such depth and individuality it really digs deep. A whirlwind of emotions and events that really pulls those heartstrings and make the storyline pop. The characters and scenes are written with such realism it really pulls this little jewel together beautifully. Twists and turns abound with unexpected surprises and unpredictable circumstances that leave you reeling. The scenes are so graphically detailed and descriptive it's easy to picture each scenario as they play off one another in perfect balance. Mia did a remarkable job bringing this read to life brilliantly. Fantastic job Mia, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.

[iread · Rating 3 out of 5]

Raising Grace is a contemporary romance. It was not my cup of tea. I quickly tired of the f-bomb being dropped every few paragraphs. In my mind, that particular word is just foul and distracting. I did like the hero of the story Brent Stevenson. He is a man who walks in loyalty and honesty. I didn’t like the heroine of the story - Crystal Macintosh. Crystal’s character comes across shallow and bitter. She doesn’t respect herself or Brent.
I have enjoyed Ms Pride’s other books immensely. Her medieval romances are books that I can’t put down. But this book, it was a struggle to get through for me. I grew weary of Crystal’s shallow responses and of the language. She was also completely self centered. It’s hard to like a personality like that. There are quite a few steamy sex scenes in the story. And I'm not really sure why this book is being referred to as a romantic comedy? Just wasn't funny.
I will stick to Ms. Pride’s Medieval romances. I was gifted a copy of this book.

[Kathryn Bullivant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve taken a few days to contemplate how best to write this review, because the book was so wonderfully and eloquently written that I wanted to do it justice in my review.

Raising Grace deals with the aftermath of both an unexpected pregnancy, and a subsequent diagnosis of autism when the child was two years old. The first part of the book deals with the events leading up to the pregnancy, then clearly moves forward six years to when the child (Grace) is five years old.

The relationships between Grace and her therapists and caregivers were well written and believable in the aftermath of her diagnosis. The relationship between Crystal and Brent was also beautifully and realistically portrayed. I don’t want to spoil the book for anyone yet to read, but there’s a definite tearjerker moment towards the end.

I received an advanced copy of this book and chose to submit a review.

[Kat Tolle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so well written and the subject is so near to my heart. Since my nephew has autism I could really relate to Brent and how hard it is raising a child like Grace and the lack of funding it could take to get help with a child that is autistic. Raising Grace by Mia Pride is truly an original with lovable characters and more ups and downs than a roller coaster. This second chance at love is amazing and the way Mia wrote this story as both Crystal and Brent told their side of the story. I am in awe over this book. This story has heart-break, a horrible scheme, dedication, a best friend, kindness, abandonment, doing what’s right, misunderstanding, mistrust, caring and a love that never died. I very highly recommend this book!!

***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.

[Tracie Simister · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this Book a rating of 5 ✩’s
Title: Raising Grace
Series: Standalone
Genre: A contemporary Romantic Comedy
Author: Mia Pride
Format: Kindle Edition
Published on: Dec 14, 2018
>-< >-< >-< >-< >-<>-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-<
I voluntarily received a Courtesy Copy of this book from the author and am choosing to leave a review.
>-< >-< >-< >-< >-<>-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-<
What I liked/Didn’t Like: This was a very funny and heartfelt book about a single father raising an autistic child and a second chance romance. Very well written and the characters in this one will make you laugh and perhaps cry too.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/9/2021)! 🎁

[Ramona Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Graduation day, Brent, Monica, and Crystal were getting pictures taken by the parents. Brent and Monica are twin's, Crystal is Monica’s best friend and the love of Brent's life. Crystal and Brent go to college and moved in together with each other Crystal joins a sorority. Brent doesn't join a fraternity but spends quite a bit of time at a frat for his friends live. After they finish a week of extensive exams Crystal sorority and Brent's friends have parties to celebrate the end of exams. Lawrence a friend of Brent's gets Brent drunk and drugs at least one of his beers with ecstasy he passes out wakes up feels the woman next to thinks it's Crystal and has sex with her. Brent doesn't tell Crystal about what happened after she left the party at the frat house. After a month Brent decides to tell Crystal the truth about what happened only before he can tell her Amber girl he had sex with calls and tells them that she's pregnant and he's the father. Brent tells Crystal and she walks out on him. If you want to find out what happens Brent, Amber, and Crystal you have to read the book to discover what happens to the rest of the book.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional rollercoaster

This is Mia Pride's first contemporary. I hope she writes another one. Two best friends, Brent and Callie, become lovers and live together in college. A fraternity party changes their lives and for six years they never see each other. A business meeting forces them to face each other and to revisit their past. One little girl becomes the glue that will hold them together. I could tell this story was written from the heart. A beautiful love story.

[Rachel Smart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book!

I loved the autism angle to the story. The author hooked me in right away. I am glad I read this book. It is the first book by this author I have read and I WILL be reading more!

[Judy Schulz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

This is a great story with a lot of twists and turns that span a period of six years. It does bring attention to children with autism, which I think is great. But I do have some issues with the author's overly repetitious stating of the history of the two main characters.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story

I love stories about heartbreak and redemption. This was such a sweet story. My heart went out to each character and the journey that each one took. I applaud the author for also bringing autism awareness through a great read. I recommend this book.

[Annmarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!!! Congratulations Mia on such a great book!!! I loved everything about this book!! I really loved Grace! Everyone needs to read!!!

[Ryan Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Mia's clearly a very talented author.

[Jilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet romance which I did enjoy but could have done without some of the sex scenes. The dynamics of the relationship were interesting as was the autistic child although she did appear to be very high functioning. The development of the teaching robot for autistic children without access to therapists is an interesting cocept.

*****************************

Brent
In college, I had everything I could ever want: A budding career and the love of my life, Crystal Macintosh. She was my high school sweetheart and my twin sister’s best friend. But one night, a practical joke went bad, and the joke was on me. I lost Crystal that day, and along with her, all I ever wanted. Soon, I had a daughter to raise, but when Grace was diagnosed with autism, her mother took off. I was all alone… until the day Crystal walked into a conference room with the key to my daughter’s success, and the key to my heart. However, convincing her I’m worth a second chance is proving much harder than I ever imagined, and asking her to meet Grace and face the ghosts from our past may be more than either of us are ready for.

Crystal
Brent Stevenson broke my heart in college. I never knew why he did what he did, but it took years for me to bury the pain — with bad dates, one-night stands, and my passion for working with kids with autism. Just when all my hard work was about to pay off, I discovered the man who ripped my heart out years ago was now the financial investor of my biggest project. Now, I have to convince him to fund my life’s work, and he isn’t going to make it easy. After being assigned to work with his daughter, in his home, I find myself facing some hard truths. The circumstances that drove us apart aren’t what they seem, I’m still in love with Brent, and… I’m falling in love with his daughter, Grace. The baby that once drove us apart, is now the little girl bringing us together.

[Lois Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waiting on Love

What a wonderful book! "Raising Grace was an excellent read of loving someone and losing them because of jealousy, misunderstanding, and mistrust, combine them all and what a mess you have. There has to be an answer that only time can reveal. Crystal and Brent's love is the kind that we all desire and Mia Pride did an amazing job with her characters and bringing this story to life. Once you start reading it you won't want to put it down. If you want a sweet love story then I recommend you try " Raising Grace. "

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Raising Grace

This was a second chance story. They had been sweethearts since they were sixteen. But shortly after going to college they broke up due to a prank. He hadn't seen her since. Now they are needing to work together so that her company's newest business idea gets off the ground. His company has the backing needed. Can he get her to forgive him for what happened back then? Can she accept his daughter?

[Carol Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Now that was a great book. Even though it out my emotions through the ringer, it was amazing. Probably one of my favorites of all time. My oldest son has autism so I connected with the storyline. Great book.

[Marc Sanderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, heartwarming story with lively, fun characters. Mia Prides has a deft touch with both description and dialogue... and let's face it, she can write sizzling love scenes too. Highly recommended, especially if you have an interest in children with autism.

[Joe Ethel Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I chose this rating because of the 💘of family and the realistic happenings that really happen . I have two family members with autism knowing how that has bonded our family. The ups and downs and the price of accomplishment. So real. Lovely book well put together.

[sinag]

DNF @ 13%

This book had the driest and blandest storytelling I have ever read for a long time. I feel like I'm reading a grocery list and not a book. It also reminds me of why I hate college settings in romance. College guys are so fucking infuriating to read.