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The One Saving Grace
Harriet Westmoreland did not expect to go into labour in the Harvey Nichol's men's underwear department!
Nor did she expect that at exactly the moment she does she would set eyes on Alex Hamilton, and mark the start of a year of madness... For her, her family and, at times, it seems most of the West Yorkshire village of Midhope.
Giving birth only two months after Harriet, her lifelong best friend Grace has her own craziness to contend with. As both women hurtle down unexpected and very different paths, they flounder in a maelstrom of passion and confusion, perilously clinging on as the chain of events threatens not only their comfortable, ordinary lives but also their very existence...
Warm, witty and wonderful, the unputdownable bestseller from Julie Houston is perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Milly Johnson, Katie Fforde and Jill Mansell.
Nor did she expect that at exactly the moment she does she would set eyes on Alex Hamilton, and mark the start of a year of madness... For her, her family and, at times, it seems most of the West Yorkshire village of Midhope.
Giving birth only two months after Harriet, her lifelong best friend Grace has her own craziness to contend with. As both women hurtle down unexpected and very different paths, they flounder in a maelstrom of passion and confusion, perilously clinging on as the chain of events threatens not only their comfortable, ordinary lives but also their very existence...
Warm, witty and wonderful, the unputdownable bestseller from Julie Houston is perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Milly Johnson, Katie Fforde and Jill Mansell.
478 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 8, 2019
The continuing adventures of Harriet Westmoreland. I requested this book and its predecessor at the same time on NetGalley, I liked the first book so I was looking forward to reading this one but unfortunately I did not enjoy it as much as the first.
Just a short time ago Harriet was a teacher with three children, she and her husband were struggling financially, her mother in law was living with them and she was afraid that her old school nemesis/crush was trying to steal her husband.
Now Harriet and Nick are financially secure, she has given up her job, she is about to give birth to twins and she is secure in the knowledge that Nick would never look at another woman. Her best friend Grace is also pregnant with her toy-boy Sebastian's baby, son of the aforementioned nemesis. But things never go according to plan, just as Harriet starts to emerge from the roundabout of children and housework and cooking she falls madly in love with the handsome Alex Hamilton (in Harvey Nicks of all places) and Grace gets a severe case of post-natal depression.
This seemed to be almost the opposite of the first book in which Harriet was the poor put-upon, drown-trodden, overworked mother coping single-handedly while her husband is working abroad with a predatory, beautiful woman. In this book Harriet is a woman of, relative, leisure with a godsend housekeeper/babysitter taking all the pressure, she's selfish, reckless and frankly unlikable. I struggled desperately in the middle of the book, forcing myself past the need to DNF the book, I only read on because I was interested to find out what happened with Grace, even then I was disappointed. Although the book picked up towards the end for me the damage was done.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Just a short time ago Harriet was a teacher with three children, she and her husband were struggling financially, her mother in law was living with them and she was afraid that her old school nemesis/crush was trying to steal her husband.
Now Harriet and Nick are financially secure, she has given up her job, she is about to give birth to twins and she is secure in the knowledge that Nick would never look at another woman. Her best friend Grace is also pregnant with her toy-boy Sebastian's baby, son of the aforementioned nemesis. But things never go according to plan, just as Harriet starts to emerge from the roundabout of children and housework and cooking she falls madly in love with the handsome Alex Hamilton (in Harvey Nicks of all places) and Grace gets a severe case of post-natal depression.
This seemed to be almost the opposite of the first book in which Harriet was the poor put-upon, drown-trodden, overworked mother coping single-handedly while her husband is working abroad with a predatory, beautiful woman. In this book Harriet is a woman of, relative, leisure with a godsend housekeeper/babysitter taking all the pressure, she's selfish, reckless and frankly unlikable. I struggled desperately in the middle of the book, forcing myself past the need to DNF the book, I only read on because I was interested to find out what happened with Grace, even then I was disappointed. Although the book picked up towards the end for me the damage was done.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
March 8, 2019
I’ll be honest in that I read this before the ‘introduction’ story to Grace and Harriet, but that didn’t make much difference in the grand scheme- the friendship, the humor and the missteps and mistakes were clearly outlined and the stories didn’t suffer from lack of information. What did come into play here, however, was the portrayal of two women who have lost their way, and perhaps a bit of themselves and good sense along the way. While Grace, with a severe case (and honest descriptions) of her post-natal depression and the hopelessness that came to stand over her making even the simplest tasks too much to bear, had an actual and understandable reason for her behaviors, Harriet’s missteps and deliberate dissembling to act a fool with Alex were not engaging any empathy, nor did she feel like anything more than a teen in a crush.
That’s probably a spoiler of sorts – this story contains Harriet’s adultery, her guilt and the actual ‘wager’ that was the impetus for Alex coming on to her so strongly – and her putting everything aside – friends, children, household work – you name it – to enjoy her moments when she thought and believed that Alex wanted her for more – all while her husband Nick is flying hither, thither and yon with the new, growing and very successful business.
I don’t see the “hilarious’ comments here – even though moments were funny and the opening scene was hilarious -but this felt more like a tale of all that could go wrong when life throws those curves and you can’t seem to dig out. Or, in Harriet’s case, don’t want to dig out. The story did give a solid sense of post-natal depression with Grace, however, and her wanting a baby for so long only to find herself gripped in that malaise of hopelessness was really well done and her progress did manage to save me from too much of Harriet’s stupidity. If I weren’t being kind I would say, with all the help and support, that Harriet’s leap into another man’s bed was more a fact of her having too much time to herself, far more than a mother of five with new-ish twins should have, and failing to realize what everyone on the face of the earth saw in Nick’s love for her. I’m more than torn with this – as I despise adultery and Harriet didn’t give me any real ‘reason’ why she’d actually stray – (hint – boredom doesn’t cut it), and her part in the book was substantial.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review. All conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
That’s probably a spoiler of sorts – this story contains Harriet’s adultery, her guilt and the actual ‘wager’ that was the impetus for Alex coming on to her so strongly – and her putting everything aside – friends, children, household work – you name it – to enjoy her moments when she thought and believed that Alex wanted her for more – all while her husband Nick is flying hither, thither and yon with the new, growing and very successful business.
I don’t see the “hilarious’ comments here – even though moments were funny and the opening scene was hilarious -but this felt more like a tale of all that could go wrong when life throws those curves and you can’t seem to dig out. Or, in Harriet’s case, don’t want to dig out. The story did give a solid sense of post-natal depression with Grace, however, and her wanting a baby for so long only to find herself gripped in that malaise of hopelessness was really well done and her progress did manage to save me from too much of Harriet’s stupidity. If I weren’t being kind I would say, with all the help and support, that Harriet’s leap into another man’s bed was more a fact of her having too much time to herself, far more than a mother of five with new-ish twins should have, and failing to realize what everyone on the face of the earth saw in Nick’s love for her. I’m more than torn with this – as I despise adultery and Harriet didn’t give me any real ‘reason’ why she’d actually stray – (hint – boredom doesn’t cut it), and her part in the book was substantial.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review. All conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
February 14, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Another absolutely fabulous, hilarious book by Julie Houston. I was holding my sides with tears rolling down my cheeks I was laughing so hard. Who knew that picturing a "mentally defective hyena" could make me laugh out loud.
Another visit with Harriet Westmoreland and her best friend Grace is a perfect combination. Only Harriet (pregnant with twins) could go into labour in the men's knickers department at Harvey Nichols. Grace almost gets arrested for erratic driving out of the parking area to grab Harriet to get her to the hospital. Grace herself is 7 months pregnant at this point.
Grace who has had nothing on her mind except babies, is having difficulties adjusting to motherhood. Ms. Houston touches on the subject of Postpartum depression in a humourous but very sensitive way. She has Grace see a doctor who doesn't understand what PPD really is and tries to treat her in an archaic way. Until Harriet steers her towards a doctor who understands and truly is able to help Grace.
With a family of 7 in the Westmoreland household (5 kids including the newborn twins) there is a lot of insane fun and laughter to go around. Like how do you get 8 people into a car that only has 7 seats.....
Once again Ms. Houston deserves more than the allotted 5 stars because she brought a lot of laughter with this book.
Another absolutely fabulous, hilarious book by Julie Houston. I was holding my sides with tears rolling down my cheeks I was laughing so hard. Who knew that picturing a "mentally defective hyena" could make me laugh out loud.
Another visit with Harriet Westmoreland and her best friend Grace is a perfect combination. Only Harriet (pregnant with twins) could go into labour in the men's knickers department at Harvey Nichols. Grace almost gets arrested for erratic driving out of the parking area to grab Harriet to get her to the hospital. Grace herself is 7 months pregnant at this point.
Grace who has had nothing on her mind except babies, is having difficulties adjusting to motherhood. Ms. Houston touches on the subject of Postpartum depression in a humourous but very sensitive way. She has Grace see a doctor who doesn't understand what PPD really is and tries to treat her in an archaic way. Until Harriet steers her towards a doctor who understands and truly is able to help Grace.
With a family of 7 in the Westmoreland household (5 kids including the newborn twins) there is a lot of insane fun and laughter to go around. Like how do you get 8 people into a car that only has 7 seats.....
Once again Ms. Houston deserves more than the allotted 5 stars because she brought a lot of laughter with this book.
February 19, 2019
A fabulous sequel to Goodness, Grace and Me, I have completely immersed myself in this novel today.
Continuing on from where the first book leaves off, we find a very pregnant Harriet going into labour in a department store of all places. With her best friend Grace due to give birth in two months' time, we following their lives, loves and relationships - and that of those surrounding them - in this riveting read. A change of fortunes may make life easier, but with two teenagers, a six year old, newborn twins and a husband who travels a lot - and I mean a LOT - for business, Harriet doesn't really have a lot of spare time; not even for her best friend Grace who seems to have her own worries.
Wow .. what a book! There's never a dull moment with the main personalities as well as a non-stop parade of other characters. Whilst this one has it's funnier moments, there are some serious issues covered within the pages and it all adds up to a fabulous, sparkling read! I am so happy to have been able to read both these novels together; I have been completely immersed in the world surround Midhope and have loved every single word. Without rushing anything, all the matters raised were sorted out by the final page. Beautiful writing, well-crafted characters and a flowing writing style has just added to my enjoyment of this author's work and, as well as recommending this novel, I would be happy to endorse all of her novels. Five HUGE sparkling, shiny stars!
Continuing on from where the first book leaves off, we find a very pregnant Harriet going into labour in a department store of all places. With her best friend Grace due to give birth in two months' time, we following their lives, loves and relationships - and that of those surrounding them - in this riveting read. A change of fortunes may make life easier, but with two teenagers, a six year old, newborn twins and a husband who travels a lot - and I mean a LOT - for business, Harriet doesn't really have a lot of spare time; not even for her best friend Grace who seems to have her own worries.
Wow .. what a book! There's never a dull moment with the main personalities as well as a non-stop parade of other characters. Whilst this one has it's funnier moments, there are some serious issues covered within the pages and it all adds up to a fabulous, sparkling read! I am so happy to have been able to read both these novels together; I have been completely immersed in the world surround Midhope and have loved every single word. Without rushing anything, all the matters raised were sorted out by the final page. Beautiful writing, well-crafted characters and a flowing writing style has just added to my enjoyment of this author's work and, as well as recommending this novel, I would be happy to endorse all of her novels. Five HUGE sparkling, shiny stars!
March 9, 2019
Harriet and her best friend Grace are both pregnant at the same time with Harriet expecting twins but when Harriet goes into labour in Harvey Nics she claps eyes on Alex for the first time! When she later comes across him again as a business acquaintance of her husband she is led astray and starts a trail of lies and deceptions but where will that all end!
Great to be back with Grace and Harriet to continue their stories, again a great fun book as with all of the books by this author. I would recommend reading Goodness, Grace and me first though
Great to be back with Grace and Harriet to continue their stories, again a great fun book as with all of the books by this author. I would recommend reading Goodness, Grace and me first though
February 22, 2015
I have to confess straight off, I am a 'cover tart' and I absolutely love the cover for this and Julie's last novel Goodness, Grace & Me - they make you want to pick them up to start with.
This book gets off to a hilarious start that had me laughing and cringing in equal measures - never again will I be able to visit Harvey Nicks without a detour to the mens 'smalls dept' for a giggle. Harriet, the lead female in this novel and her best friend Grace are both expecting, due within weeks of each other. They are on a little shopping trip when Harriet goes into premature labour - she's not due for another two months! What ensues is nothing short of 'Comedy Gold'. The two women spark off each other with an ease that is only seen with long term friends - add to the mix a drop dead, gorgeous, hunk of a knight in shining armour and a couple of scrapes with the law, as the girls try to execute an escape back to Yorkshire from Manchester wanting the babies (she's expecting twins) to be born on home turf, was like a scene from 'Thelma and Louise'. If I tell you I sat grinning like a slightly insane person, laughing out loud regularly and you've got the measure of this book from the off.
The story really begins to split into two once the babies for both women are born. Harriet's twins make five children for her with Grace giving birth to her first. Julie describes with ease, two very different reactions to pregnancy and birth, one had no real plans, was very laid back and the other had the pregnancy, birth and post labour organised down to the last detail. Suffice to say life isn't easy for either of the women, Grace's plans go by the wayside and Harriet needs an extra 12 hours in every day just to stay on top of day to day life - they begin to drift apart without realising it, their friendship stretched beyond recognition in the end.
It's clear to the reader that Grace is suffering from Post Natal Depression, something that best friend Harriet doesn't even realise for a long time because she literally doesn't have a minute left in her day for anything other than grabbing a few minutes sleep. Such a serious topic could so easily have dragged the mood down but Julie deals with it in a sensitive but realistic way, balancing it with snippets of humour usually caused by Harriet's chaotic household.
What I wasn't prepared for, was the other storyline. Harriet and Nick live happily with their brood of five, they clearly adore each other but neither has any time - Nick is always travelling with work, trying to build his business as security for his family and poor Harriet is worked to the bone. As one day ends, the next instantly begins - the clock ticking faster than she'd like, there are simply not enough hours in the day. The scene has been set so when Harriet finds herself locking eyes with the hunk from Harvey Nicks, in her living room of all places, she goes into a melt-down. Such was Julie's description I could literally feel the attraction fizzing off the page.
Julie introduced a supporting cast of family, friends and relations that read like a page from Ancestry.Com - everyone was seemingly connected or related to each other in some way - so and so's brother's, sister's, mother's, uncle that married .... You get the picture? I thought I'd never keep up but it all slotted together, surprisingly quickly I'm glad to say and there wasn't a single one that I thought was un-necessary to the plot. Some I liked more than others, but that's real life isn't it?
There are many twists and turns, things don't always happen as you'd expect and some things were definitely not as clear cut as I initially thought. It's this and the pacing that kept me turning the pages - wanting to see if my guesses were right (they mainly weren't). Both women reached rock bottom before they could climb back up and re-build their lives - many relationships were shattered along the way some irretrievably and it was difficult at times to see how there could be any positive outcomes at all. I thought Julie bravely, but sensitively dealt with both the post natal depression and the infidelity in such a way that the reader is left in no uncertain terms as to the wider ripples caused by both. I was left thinking and analysing long after the final page. This wasn't your classic happy ever after chick lit, girl meets boy, falls in love, runs off into the sunset. It was a million times better than that - because it was about real life and real life isn't all hearts and roses every day. We get up in a morning and don't know what curve balls are coming our way. One thing Julie demonstrated particularly well, is that the grass isn't always greener on the other side and time is a great healer. We cannot force issues, people heal and build themselves back up at their pace and in their own time and only they know if they can move forward or need to take a different path. But , true love runs deep and if you love someone you have to let them go - if it's meant to be, they'll come back.
This book is the authors second novel but can easily be read as a stand alone. I loved it, even if I did get a bit confused at times ;D - there are some truly hilarious moments amongst the serious bits, Julie has brilliant comic timing and some of her terminology was hilarious. I'd love to know who her characters were based on and how much of herself is in this book
This book gets off to a hilarious start that had me laughing and cringing in equal measures - never again will I be able to visit Harvey Nicks without a detour to the mens 'smalls dept' for a giggle. Harriet, the lead female in this novel and her best friend Grace are both expecting, due within weeks of each other. They are on a little shopping trip when Harriet goes into premature labour - she's not due for another two months! What ensues is nothing short of 'Comedy Gold'. The two women spark off each other with an ease that is only seen with long term friends - add to the mix a drop dead, gorgeous, hunk of a knight in shining armour and a couple of scrapes with the law, as the girls try to execute an escape back to Yorkshire from Manchester wanting the babies (she's expecting twins) to be born on home turf, was like a scene from 'Thelma and Louise'. If I tell you I sat grinning like a slightly insane person, laughing out loud regularly and you've got the measure of this book from the off.
The story really begins to split into two once the babies for both women are born. Harriet's twins make five children for her with Grace giving birth to her first. Julie describes with ease, two very different reactions to pregnancy and birth, one had no real plans, was very laid back and the other had the pregnancy, birth and post labour organised down to the last detail. Suffice to say life isn't easy for either of the women, Grace's plans go by the wayside and Harriet needs an extra 12 hours in every day just to stay on top of day to day life - they begin to drift apart without realising it, their friendship stretched beyond recognition in the end.
It's clear to the reader that Grace is suffering from Post Natal Depression, something that best friend Harriet doesn't even realise for a long time because she literally doesn't have a minute left in her day for anything other than grabbing a few minutes sleep. Such a serious topic could so easily have dragged the mood down but Julie deals with it in a sensitive but realistic way, balancing it with snippets of humour usually caused by Harriet's chaotic household.
What I wasn't prepared for, was the other storyline. Harriet and Nick live happily with their brood of five, they clearly adore each other but neither has any time - Nick is always travelling with work, trying to build his business as security for his family and poor Harriet is worked to the bone. As one day ends, the next instantly begins - the clock ticking faster than she'd like, there are simply not enough hours in the day. The scene has been set so when Harriet finds herself locking eyes with the hunk from Harvey Nicks, in her living room of all places, she goes into a melt-down. Such was Julie's description I could literally feel the attraction fizzing off the page.
Julie introduced a supporting cast of family, friends and relations that read like a page from Ancestry.Com - everyone was seemingly connected or related to each other in some way - so and so's brother's, sister's, mother's, uncle that married .... You get the picture? I thought I'd never keep up but it all slotted together, surprisingly quickly I'm glad to say and there wasn't a single one that I thought was un-necessary to the plot. Some I liked more than others, but that's real life isn't it?
There are many twists and turns, things don't always happen as you'd expect and some things were definitely not as clear cut as I initially thought. It's this and the pacing that kept me turning the pages - wanting to see if my guesses were right (they mainly weren't). Both women reached rock bottom before they could climb back up and re-build their lives - many relationships were shattered along the way some irretrievably and it was difficult at times to see how there could be any positive outcomes at all. I thought Julie bravely, but sensitively dealt with both the post natal depression and the infidelity in such a way that the reader is left in no uncertain terms as to the wider ripples caused by both. I was left thinking and analysing long after the final page. This wasn't your classic happy ever after chick lit, girl meets boy, falls in love, runs off into the sunset. It was a million times better than that - because it was about real life and real life isn't all hearts and roses every day. We get up in a morning and don't know what curve balls are coming our way. One thing Julie demonstrated particularly well, is that the grass isn't always greener on the other side and time is a great healer. We cannot force issues, people heal and build themselves back up at their pace and in their own time and only they know if they can move forward or need to take a different path. But , true love runs deep and if you love someone you have to let them go - if it's meant to be, they'll come back.
This book is the authors second novel but can easily be read as a stand alone. I loved it, even if I did get a bit confused at times ;D - there are some truly hilarious moments amongst the serious bits, Julie has brilliant comic timing and some of her terminology was hilarious. I'd love to know who her characters were based on and how much of herself is in this book
Read
February 11, 2019A sparkling sequel which lives up to the promise of the first tale about the Westmorelands. This does not disappoint at all. Funny, engaging and at times heart rending. A thoroughly enjoyable read. I was hooked by the end of the first page and devoured the whole book in a couple of days. I’m quite disappointed to say goodbye to the family. I miss them already!
Thank you Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley
April 7, 2019
I hadn't read the first book in the series but still enjoyed this one. I will now read the first one - Goodness, Grace and Me. Interesting storyline, good characters and made me laugh in places. A story of family, friendships and relationships.
Recommended - I did enjoy it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Recommended - I did enjoy it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2015
THE ONE SAVING GRACE Julie Houston
Genre: Contemporary romance
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
I hadn’t read the first book, but though this one follows on from that involving the same characters, its a complete standalone and where needed the history is given so that was fine.
Poor Harriet, just when everything was picking up and life was looking easy, financially better with Nick’s business going great, she finds she’s pregnant – with twins. They already have Lib who’s 17, Kit who’s 15 and baby of the family 7 year old India and now at almost 40 its time for babies once more. Harriet’s best friend Grace is finally pregnant too – she thought she was infertile but after her husband left her she fell in love again, with 24 year old Sebastian. At 15 years his senior his mother wasn’t best pleased they got together. She’s Nick’s partner's wife, and has bad history with Grace and Harriet from school, and tried for a fling with Nick in the last book. Still with me? Well, enjoy as there’s a bittersweet story to come, more tangled relationships, and a mix of humour and pathos that had me laughing one moment and on the edge of tears the next...I used to help at primary school when my kids were there, and one of the teachers said to me one day that she was very careful when she spoke to parents, as so often the dad of one was living with the mother of another child in the same class, and then the next week it could be all change again!!
Its been great having a novel involving older characters – too often it seems only the under 25’s are allowed to have romance and once past that age we’re dead to it! Not so, and I do love books like these that bring in so much reality of life, experience of being older and feel like events I've either had myself or know friends who have lived it. Its kind of easy to see how easily Harriet, staunchly anti cheating, fell into an affair with the delicious Alex. She’s feeling vulnerable, older, and unattractive after the birth of the twins, when she spends the day in practical food and milk stained comfy clothes, and there’s barely time to brush her hair never mind full make up and pressed, flattering outfits. With five kids and a home to look after, and a husband who’s abroad more than at home, its easy to see how seductive Alex came along just as she needed a boost. She pushes him away at first then kids herself that its just a kiss, but its not long before she’s in the full throes of an affair and we just know its all going to end badly. Then there’s Grace, living just down the lane with a two month old, much wanted baby, but in a run down farmhouse that she and Sebastian were going to do up – at the moment though its almost derelict, and add on that she’s suffering from post natal depression, though no-one yet recognises it and Sebastian is out of his depth. His mother, the well pressed and strong minded Amanda comes along, and takes over care of baby Jonty. Grace goes from bad to worse, and eventually they move into Amanda's home. It seems as though this gives Sebastian a reprieve, Amanda takes over the baby and Grace feels even more helpless. Usually Harriet would be there helping, and she’d have got her the help she desperately needs, but but she’s engrossed in her personal life and doesn’t realise just how bad things have got until they reach crisis point. The two friends who share everything are now so far apart they can’t see what’s happening to the other.
We can see from the outside just how its all going to fall apart, and it looks a simple story but its anything but that. The friendships encompass others, there’s the school gate bitchiness, the dinner party chaos, Nick’s mother’s wedding to a Lord, which has sent her off in delusions of grandeur...Harriet always felt she wasn’t seen as good enough for Nick by Sylvia and now she’s marrying Nick’s ex girlfriend's father, and of course as Anna will be at the wedding Harriet wants to look good. There was a lot of acrimony when Nick left Anna, even though they were still young, and Anna’s always resented Harriet – now she’s a Countess or some such and Harriet still feels inside like the council house girl she was ( yep – I was too, and somehow that feeling always stays. People aren’t openly sneering but there’s a lot of prejudiced discrimination about what sot of person you are).
Its a read that takes you on a journey, covers a timespan of maybe a year – 18 months or so, and is full of drama and tears, laughter and humour. Just when you’re feeling really sad something happens that’s funny, and just when you think things can’t get worse they they do, with events that ought to have been foreseen but weren’t. It all culminates with a bang, with revelations all round and some real surprises about some of the events, and is a crashing finish. Its got the perfect ending for me, and shows how strong true love can be.
Stars: Five, a real treat, a story full of reality and sadness and yet tempered with genuine humour to lighten it.
Arc supplied by author
Genre: Contemporary romance
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
I hadn’t read the first book, but though this one follows on from that involving the same characters, its a complete standalone and where needed the history is given so that was fine.
Poor Harriet, just when everything was picking up and life was looking easy, financially better with Nick’s business going great, she finds she’s pregnant – with twins. They already have Lib who’s 17, Kit who’s 15 and baby of the family 7 year old India and now at almost 40 its time for babies once more. Harriet’s best friend Grace is finally pregnant too – she thought she was infertile but after her husband left her she fell in love again, with 24 year old Sebastian. At 15 years his senior his mother wasn’t best pleased they got together. She’s Nick’s partner's wife, and has bad history with Grace and Harriet from school, and tried for a fling with Nick in the last book. Still with me? Well, enjoy as there’s a bittersweet story to come, more tangled relationships, and a mix of humour and pathos that had me laughing one moment and on the edge of tears the next...I used to help at primary school when my kids were there, and one of the teachers said to me one day that she was very careful when she spoke to parents, as so often the dad of one was living with the mother of another child in the same class, and then the next week it could be all change again!!
Its been great having a novel involving older characters – too often it seems only the under 25’s are allowed to have romance and once past that age we’re dead to it! Not so, and I do love books like these that bring in so much reality of life, experience of being older and feel like events I've either had myself or know friends who have lived it. Its kind of easy to see how easily Harriet, staunchly anti cheating, fell into an affair with the delicious Alex. She’s feeling vulnerable, older, and unattractive after the birth of the twins, when she spends the day in practical food and milk stained comfy clothes, and there’s barely time to brush her hair never mind full make up and pressed, flattering outfits. With five kids and a home to look after, and a husband who’s abroad more than at home, its easy to see how seductive Alex came along just as she needed a boost. She pushes him away at first then kids herself that its just a kiss, but its not long before she’s in the full throes of an affair and we just know its all going to end badly. Then there’s Grace, living just down the lane with a two month old, much wanted baby, but in a run down farmhouse that she and Sebastian were going to do up – at the moment though its almost derelict, and add on that she’s suffering from post natal depression, though no-one yet recognises it and Sebastian is out of his depth. His mother, the well pressed and strong minded Amanda comes along, and takes over care of baby Jonty. Grace goes from bad to worse, and eventually they move into Amanda's home. It seems as though this gives Sebastian a reprieve, Amanda takes over the baby and Grace feels even more helpless. Usually Harriet would be there helping, and she’d have got her the help she desperately needs, but but she’s engrossed in her personal life and doesn’t realise just how bad things have got until they reach crisis point. The two friends who share everything are now so far apart they can’t see what’s happening to the other.
We can see from the outside just how its all going to fall apart, and it looks a simple story but its anything but that. The friendships encompass others, there’s the school gate bitchiness, the dinner party chaos, Nick’s mother’s wedding to a Lord, which has sent her off in delusions of grandeur...Harriet always felt she wasn’t seen as good enough for Nick by Sylvia and now she’s marrying Nick’s ex girlfriend's father, and of course as Anna will be at the wedding Harriet wants to look good. There was a lot of acrimony when Nick left Anna, even though they were still young, and Anna’s always resented Harriet – now she’s a Countess or some such and Harriet still feels inside like the council house girl she was ( yep – I was too, and somehow that feeling always stays. People aren’t openly sneering but there’s a lot of prejudiced discrimination about what sot of person you are).
Its a read that takes you on a journey, covers a timespan of maybe a year – 18 months or so, and is full of drama and tears, laughter and humour. Just when you’re feeling really sad something happens that’s funny, and just when you think things can’t get worse they they do, with events that ought to have been foreseen but weren’t. It all culminates with a bang, with revelations all round and some real surprises about some of the events, and is a crashing finish. Its got the perfect ending for me, and shows how strong true love can be.
Stars: Five, a real treat, a story full of reality and sadness and yet tempered with genuine humour to lighten it.
Arc supplied by author
April 9, 2021
This book has everything! Affairs, sadness, twisted revenge, but, also such humour. The chapter with the wedding is hilarious! So glad I've got more books by Julie Houston to read.
May 29, 2022
So many emotions whilst reading this! Loved it!
September 20, 2020
Stumbled upon Julie Houston via Kindle
The blurb definitely caught my attention and seemed like a fun read
I was not disappointed
I highly recommend this book for readers looking for new authors that have that chick-lit/womens fiction combined
I see myself reading more of Julies work
The blurb definitely caught my attention and seemed like a fun read
I was not disappointed
I highly recommend this book for readers looking for new authors that have that chick-lit/womens fiction combined
I see myself reading more of Julies work
October 4, 2016
Sigh. I enjoyed the writing and the humor, but as soon as I realized what she was doing I literally skipped to the end. Nope. Don't like it. Surprise it went that way.
July 1, 2019
As I went through each one of three books I chose to read as an introduction to author Julie Houston, I watched her develop as a writer. Her plots have become more complex, her characters have more depth, and she has found a balance that uses less vulgar language.
The One Saving Grace is the second book about Harriet and her long-time friend Grace. They did everything together as children, adored and hated “Little Miss Goodness” Amanda in unison as teenagers, and now they find themselves torqued around as adults by Amanda again. But Amanda is the least of their worries as the past becomes enmeshed in the future with unpredictable romances popping up and Harriet’s husband’s ex-girlfriend lurking the the background with revenge on her mind.
In the first book about Harriet and Grace, Harriet is confronted with an unplanned pregnancy she can not cope with on many levels. In this book, her moral dilemma is an affair. As I read the book, the author led me to somewhat understand Harriet’s temptation. As I stand back, book finished, and look at her predicament, however, I have a hard time reconciling the Harriet who was devastated by the suspicion of her husband having an affair with the the Harriet who is willing to lose her family to temporarily satisfy her carnal desires. Sex is a major theme in the book, but is never described in detail.
The best part of The One Saving Grace is the surprises that reveal motivation and the resolution of conflicts. The theme of postnatal depression is also important in this book and one not to be overlooked as it affects not only Grace, who desperately wanted a baby, but also her family and friends.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Aria for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The One Saving Grace is the second book about Harriet and her long-time friend Grace. They did everything together as children, adored and hated “Little Miss Goodness” Amanda in unison as teenagers, and now they find themselves torqued around as adults by Amanda again. But Amanda is the least of their worries as the past becomes enmeshed in the future with unpredictable romances popping up and Harriet’s husband’s ex-girlfriend lurking the the background with revenge on her mind.
In the first book about Harriet and Grace, Harriet is confronted with an unplanned pregnancy she can not cope with on many levels. In this book, her moral dilemma is an affair. As I read the book, the author led me to somewhat understand Harriet’s temptation. As I stand back, book finished, and look at her predicament, however, I have a hard time reconciling the Harriet who was devastated by the suspicion of her husband having an affair with the the Harriet who is willing to lose her family to temporarily satisfy her carnal desires. Sex is a major theme in the book, but is never described in detail.
The best part of The One Saving Grace is the surprises that reveal motivation and the resolution of conflicts. The theme of postnatal depression is also important in this book and one not to be overlooked as it affects not only Grace, who desperately wanted a baby, but also her family and friends.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Aria for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2022
Julie Houston has a way of painting a picture with her words, making the book come to life. She is also hilarious!
I didn't realize this was the second installment of this series as it's not clearly indicated anywhere, including Goodreads. However, the book reads just fine as a stand-alone. I will not go back and read the first book since every plot point was explained in this book, but if there's a third book, I will read it.
This is the kind of contemporary fiction I love. It has real life events, relationship issues (martial, parental, and friendship), and the characters face real consequences for their decisions and mistakes. The characters were honest and dynamic.
Larner Wallace-Taylor narrating was only okay to me. I love accents, especially in audiobooks. However, there was very little range with her voice for the characters. It almost seemed that her accent was to suffice as differentiating the characters and nothing more.
I rated it 4.5 stars because there were some things I personally found offensive (repeatedly calling a possibly gay man a tranny, underage drinking with parental consent, teen dating adult because "there's nothing that can be done about it"). These may all be cultural differences, so I rounded up to 5 stars.
Thank you to Saga Egmont Audio for providing me with an ALC.
I didn't realize this was the second installment of this series as it's not clearly indicated anywhere, including Goodreads. However, the book reads just fine as a stand-alone. I will not go back and read the first book since every plot point was explained in this book, but if there's a third book, I will read it.
This is the kind of contemporary fiction I love. It has real life events, relationship issues (martial, parental, and friendship), and the characters face real consequences for their decisions and mistakes. The characters were honest and dynamic.
Larner Wallace-Taylor narrating was only okay to me. I love accents, especially in audiobooks. However, there was very little range with her voice for the characters. It almost seemed that her accent was to suffice as differentiating the characters and nothing more.
I rated it 4.5 stars because there were some things I personally found offensive (repeatedly calling a possibly gay man a tranny, underage drinking with parental consent, teen dating adult because "there's nothing that can be done about it"). These may all be cultural differences, so I rounded up to 5 stars.
Thank you to Saga Egmont Audio for providing me with an ALC.
February 25, 2019
I loved the book!! I immediately started reading this after I finished Goodness, Grace and Me. The book picks up with Harriet and Grace in their last months of pregnancy. It definitely had the same feel as the first book, except for one tiny part. That is the only part of the book that I hated. I didn't hate it enough to dislike the actual book. I still loved Harriet but was so disappointed in her. I honestly never thought she would do anything like that, especially since that was what the first book centered around with Nick and Amanda. Nick is a wonderful husband and perfect for Harriet. Definitely loved the wedding scene. I love owls but if I ever see one at a wedding I will duck and take cover. Hopefully they will not become the new "thing" for weddings. Who lets something with wings carry a very expensive ring? Christmas dinner was another fun day for Harriet and her family. So much craziness packed into a few short hours. Libby's little secret finally gets revealed. Harriet and Nick definitely have their hands full with their children.
I loved the story, characters and writing style. Grace showed another side of having a baby and it seemed very realistic. Amanda grew on me and is actually a nice person. Then there was Anna. Such a vile and horrible person. Yes, Harriet is accountable for her actions, but what type of person actually wants to break up a family and is happy about it ? (looking at you crazy pants Anna) Loved the addition of Lilian and Rebecca. I was happy everything got sorted at the end.
Definitely recommend the book. I wouldn't mind reading another book about the adventures of Harriet and her family and friends.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Aria through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I loved the story, characters and writing style. Grace showed another side of having a baby and it seemed very realistic. Amanda grew on me and is actually a nice person. Then there was Anna. Such a vile and horrible person. Yes, Harriet is accountable for her actions, but what type of person actually wants to break up a family and is happy about it ? (looking at you crazy pants Anna) Loved the addition of Lilian and Rebecca. I was happy everything got sorted at the end.
Definitely recommend the book. I wouldn't mind reading another book about the adventures of Harriet and her family and friends.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Aria through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 19, 2019
I decided to read and review 'Goodness Grace and Me' and 'The One Saving Grace' together as they are a series and feature the same main characters. If you are a fan of laughter when you read, you will enjoy these stories, which have great characters, and even greater insight into family life and relationships.
The plot is varied and peppered with funny, poignant and romantic moments. It’s written in a visual style, so it’s like watching a film as the plot unfolds.
A lovely romantic comedy series which highlights with charm and humour family life, relationships and the problems women face in society.
I received a copy of these books from Aria Fiction via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The plot is varied and peppered with funny, poignant and romantic moments. It’s written in a visual style, so it’s like watching a film as the plot unfolds.
A lovely romantic comedy series which highlights with charm and humour family life, relationships and the problems women face in society.
I received a copy of these books from Aria Fiction via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
February 20, 2019
Wow. I wished I had found out about Julie Houston earlier. I found her entertaining and extremely funny. I have had the privilege of visiting London on more than one occasion. I know that is not where Julie's books take place, but I love England and everyplace town I have ever visited there. Julie's writing voice and the way she intertwines the British sayings, brought me back to some wonderful memories. I can't wait to read another of her books. I found myself laughing so hard, I had tears running down my checks. What a great book about friendship too. I would highly recommend this book. I received a copy of this book from the publisher Aria through Net Galley. The opinions in this review are my own.
February 5, 2020
Mixed view on this one
Started well, liked the dynamic of the two lead character friendship. got a bit fed up of the middle and Harriet s cliche, stopped reading at one point. Did go back to it and for a burst at the end it drew me back in and then perhaps a little cliche again... Wasn't a huge fan of the style of writing, at times flowed well at times a bit summary and not so engrossing. 2 stars feels too harsh, for the bits that had promise 3.
Started well, liked the dynamic of the two lead character friendship. got a bit fed up of the middle and Harriet s cliche, stopped reading at one point. Did go back to it and for a burst at the end it drew me back in and then perhaps a little cliche again... Wasn't a huge fan of the style of writing, at times flowed well at times a bit summary and not so engrossing. 2 stars feels too harsh, for the bits that had promise 3.
June 10, 2019
Enjoyable sequel but read it second!
I don't think it would stand alone so well without reading the first book first as it has a lot of summarising and recapping and in parts feels like a postcript. However it's witty and thorough and the action does not veer into farcical. I will be reading her other titles for sure. A cosy easy read with strong themes.
I don't think it would stand alone so well without reading the first book first as it has a lot of summarising and recapping and in parts feels like a postcript. However it's witty and thorough and the action does not veer into farcical. I will be reading her other titles for sure. A cosy easy read with strong themes.
June 26, 2019
Enjoyed it. Well written, maybe misleading title ?
September 16, 2019
Not bad! Not stellar but I'd give it 3 1/2 stars if I could!
September 28, 2019
I was also looking forward to reading this book but found it a bit tedious and I nearly gave up but was determined to finish it.
January 6, 2021
This was just as well written as all Julie Houston's novels but Harriet made me so cross I couldn't possibly give it more than 2 stars.
October 13, 2023
Great Read
Yet another wonderful book from Julie Houston.
Heartwarming and uplifting despite dealing with serious issues, I couldn't put it down
Yet another wonderful book from Julie Houston.
Heartwarming and uplifting despite dealing with serious issues, I couldn't put it down
September 16, 2022
DNF
Thanks netgalley for my ARC
Thanks netgalley for my ARC
March 21, 2015
I was asked a while ago to review this book and am so glad I finally got around to it. Unfortunately I didn’t read her first book Goodness, Grace and Me but wish I had as I would have got to know the characters in this book a bit more first, although I was able to follow who the characters were, it would have been nice to already know who was married to who etc!!
Harriet, who is the main character, is married to Nick and has a best friend called Grace. They have both recently had babies (Harriet having twins) but what I loved about this book is that the author deals with the serious subject of Post Natal Depression in a serious, but also very, very funny way.
There were a few laugh out loud moments in the book and don’t want to give anything away, but when Harriet falls whilst getting out of the bath and injures her nether regions make me actually LOL!! Also naming the “Ducks” was another funny moment!
I really liked the character of Harriet, but can’t help feeling disappointed in her, but I guess that’s the point of a good author is that you can like/dislike a character and they somehow feel real!
I will definitely read more of Julie Houston’s books and will hopefully read her first one (wouldn’t be the first time I have read books in the wrong order!). She is also a lovely person to know on Facebook and Twitter as she always replies to your tweets etc! And the fact that she mentioned one of my favourite programmes The Peaky Blinders made it even better!!
For me, the only reason why I didn’t give this book 5 stars is because I felt there were a bit too many characters and had to check sometimes who was who, but apart from that a great read and some real laugh out loud moments along with some very serious and, at times, sad moments. Well done Julie2!!
Harriet, who is the main character, is married to Nick and has a best friend called Grace. They have both recently had babies (Harriet having twins) but what I loved about this book is that the author deals with the serious subject of Post Natal Depression in a serious, but also very, very funny way.
There were a few laugh out loud moments in the book and don’t want to give anything away, but when Harriet falls whilst getting out of the bath and injures her nether regions make me actually LOL!! Also naming the “Ducks” was another funny moment!
I really liked the character of Harriet, but can’t help feeling disappointed in her, but I guess that’s the point of a good author is that you can like/dislike a character and they somehow feel real!
I will definitely read more of Julie Houston’s books and will hopefully read her first one (wouldn’t be the first time I have read books in the wrong order!). She is also a lovely person to know on Facebook and Twitter as she always replies to your tweets etc! And the fact that she mentioned one of my favourite programmes The Peaky Blinders made it even better!!
For me, the only reason why I didn’t give this book 5 stars is because I felt there were a bit too many characters and had to check sometimes who was who, but apart from that a great read and some real laugh out loud moments along with some very serious and, at times, sad moments. Well done Julie2!!
May 30, 2016
I thought Julie Houston's first novel was really good but, amazingly, this one is even better. I'm not saying anything about the plot other than I thought it was brilliant. Towards the end of the novel you're on the edge of your seat wondering what's going to happen next and how all will be resolved. The main characters, Harriet and Grace, are joined by the same supporting cast of family and friends with the addition of some newcomers notably Anisim, the Russian oligarch Harriet's husband is doing business with and Lilian, the Mrs Doubtfire nanny who saves the day more than once. The children have grown up a bit since the first book and there's the addition of the new baby twins into Harriet's family. And Grace finally achieves her desire to become a mum and is joined in her part of the story by baby, Jonty. Narrated by Harriet herself, the novel draws the reader so closely into Harriet's dilemmas and emotions that you feel you know her in real life. A fantastically enjoyable novel from Julie Houston and I'm going straight on to read her latest, Looking for Lucy.
January 2, 2022
No, this one wasn’t for me. I had not read the first book but this was no real setback. The book begins with a humorous scene, with Harriet going into labour in a department store but after this the book went downhill for me. Harriet gives birth to twins but manages to lead a fairly privileged life with a wealthy home, dream housekeeper and babysitter, and a husband who adores her. While her friend Grace grapples with postnatal depression and losing her home, and possibly even her baby to her manipulative mother-in-law, Harriet is totally self-absorbed and pursues a shallow affair with her husband’s attractive colleague Alex Hamilton. There is not even any real explanation for the affair, other than that she is maybe bored and simply flattered by the attention. Her husband Nick is meanwhile, hardworking, supportive and loves her dearly. Nah sorry, not a particularly well-drawn or likeable main character, and other than the postnatal depression part, not a particularly insightful book.
March 13, 2015
The One Saving Grace is this Author's second novel and follows on from Goodness, Grace and Me. Although I didn't find it essential to have read the first book as all the characters seem to be introduced well again here.
I have to admit to being a bit trepidatious. Chick Lit is generally really not my preferred genre.
However I will put my hands up and admit, I have been more than a little converted. The author has created an assemble of characters that were witty, vibrant, very funny and probably what struck me most they were real. Just like you and me they made silly decisions at times. I was screaming at Hat at one point for being so silly.
A highly entertaining, light hearted, romantic comedy, with a touch of reality of everyday life. It made me laugh lots and for that I can strongly recommend it.
I would actually relish reading in future the next instalment for all of those concerned in this book.
I have to admit to being a bit trepidatious. Chick Lit is generally really not my preferred genre.
However I will put my hands up and admit, I have been more than a little converted. The author has created an assemble of characters that were witty, vibrant, very funny and probably what struck me most they were real. Just like you and me they made silly decisions at times. I was screaming at Hat at one point for being so silly.
A highly entertaining, light hearted, romantic comedy, with a touch of reality of everyday life. It made me laugh lots and for that I can strongly recommend it.
I would actually relish reading in future the next instalment for all of those concerned in this book.
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