What do you think?
Rate this book
A Little Bit of Grace
A heartfelt story about family, forgiveness, and starting over when the happy ending ends, and handling it all with a little bit of grace.
Family is everything--Grace Adams McHale's mom must have said it to her a thousand times before she died. Before Grace's dad ran off with an aspiring actress half his age. Before only-child Grace found out she was unable to have children of her own. Before Brian--her childhood best friend, business partner, and finally her husband--dropped a "bombshell" on her in the form of her stunning new replacement.
Which means Grace now has...nothing.
Until she receives a letter from a woman claiming to be a relative Grace never knew she had, sending her on a journey from the childhood home she had to move back into, to a Florida island to meet a total stranger who embraces her as family. There, Grace starts to uncover answers about the eccentric woman her family never mentioned: an octogenarian who is the keeper of a secret held for more than fifty years.
Family is everything--Grace Adams McHale's mom must have said it to her a thousand times before she died. Before Grace's dad ran off with an aspiring actress half his age. Before only-child Grace found out she was unable to have children of her own. Before Brian--her childhood best friend, business partner, and finally her husband--dropped a "bombshell" on her in the form of her stunning new replacement.
Which means Grace now has...nothing.
Until she receives a letter from a woman claiming to be a relative Grace never knew she had, sending her on a journey from the childhood home she had to move back into, to a Florida island to meet a total stranger who embraces her as family. There, Grace starts to uncover answers about the eccentric woman her family never mentioned: an octogenarian who is the keeper of a secret held for more than fifty years.
320 pages, Paperback
First published August 11, 2020
About the author
Phoebe Fox
6 books267 followersAuthor Phoebe Fox has been a contributor and regular columnist for a number of national, regional, and local publications, including the Huffington Post, Elite Daily, and She Knows. A former actor on stage and screen, Phoebe has been suspended from wires as a mall fairy; was accidentally concussed by a blank gun; and hosted a short-lived game show. She has been a relationship columnist; a movie, theater, and book reviewer; and a radio personality, and is a close observer of relationships in the wild. She currently lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and two excellent dogs.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
June 4, 2026
3.5 stars
Her beloved mother just passed, her father hasn't been seen with years and her finalized divorce is taking a toll.
She finds out about the existence of a long-lost aunt and on impulse buys a ticket to Florida to join her (to escape having to watch her ex-husband move in his pregnant new girlfriend next door).
Once there, Grace learns that her Aunt Millie (81 and going strong) is an internet love guru (helping older (and younger) couples find their happily ever after...and has chosen Grace to be her latest victim.
But the longer she stay, the more she begins to wonder - what led to Millie's estrangement?
Why does no one in her family talk about her?
And what will happen to this "new" Grace once she's forced back to her hometown?
Overall thoughts - this one was quite the fun read.
Millie was a lovely side character and honestly stole the show. I loved her eclectic van and her never-ending parading of clients.
Grace felt a little too stiff but by the end of it, I was quite pleased with the way she loosened up.
I do feel like this book felt a bit safe. Not enough real tension or danger.
It had a lot of potential to really go for the emotions (Grace being barren, Millie's family situation) but ultimately it stayed moreso to the cheery aspects without delving into the hardship.
All in all though, it was a fun, quick read.
With thanks to Netgalley, Berkley Publishing and Phoebe Fox for sending me a free ebook in exchange for an honest review
YouTube | Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat @miranda_reads
Grace has hit a crossroads.
"I deserved better, Brian told me, tears I'd never seen before streaming down his face. I deserved someone who was crazy about me."
Her beloved mother just passed, her father hasn't been seen with years and her finalized divorce is taking a toll.
When her ex-husband moves in his pregnant girlfriend (fertility is a sore spot) next door, Grace decides it is TIME for a change.
"Why was I always so content to bob along on the path of least resistance?"
She finds out about the existence of a long-lost aunt and on impulse buys a ticket to Florida to join her (to escape having to watch her ex-husband move in his pregnant new girlfriend next door).
Once there, Grace learns that her Aunt Millie (81 and going strong) is an internet love guru (helping older (and younger) couples find their happily ever after...and has chosen Grace to be her latest victim.
One whirlwind makeover later, Grace is left spinning...and feeling more like herself than ever before.
"You deserve so much more than what you're asking for, my dear. You deserve someone who really sees you - just as you are - and thinks that person is simply marvelous."
But the longer she stay, the more she begins to wonder - what led to Millie's estrangement?
Why does no one in her family talk about her?
And what will happen to this "new" Grace once she's forced back to her hometown?
Overall thoughts - this one was quite the fun read.
Millie was a lovely side character and honestly stole the show. I loved her eclectic van and her never-ending parading of clients.
Grace felt a little too stiff but by the end of it, I was quite pleased with the way she loosened up.
I do feel like this book felt a bit safe. Not enough real tension or danger.
It had a lot of potential to really go for the emotions (Grace being barren, Millie's family situation) but ultimately it stayed moreso to the cheery aspects without delving into the hardship.
All in all though, it was a fun, quick read.
With thanks to Netgalley, Berkley Publishing and Phoebe Fox for sending me a free ebook in exchange for an honest review
YouTube | Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat @miranda_reads
August 19, 2020
Favorite Quotes:
‘Because I told Mandy she could have Grandmother’s chair over my dead body, and I’m nothing if not a woman of my word.’ Mrs. Fielding had taken that vow to the extreme, I reflected, breathing through my mouth as I looked at where her body sat slumped in that same chair, thinking that new upholstery might not be enough to get the smell of her decomposing body out of the antique for Ms. Yeager.
I wish I understood young people’s obsession with their own genitalia and capturing it for posterity… Honey, there’s not one thing you can do about a man who lacks any class and the sense God gave him and insists on foisting his frank and beans onto your phone screen.
Gracie, you’re a beautiful young woman… But you’re a peacock dressing like a pigeon.
'First time stripping the taco? … The lady portal. The bizniz. Sweeping the stairway to heaven.' I stared. 'Come on, you know—waxing Madame Bovary. First time you got the full monty?' She made a diamond of her hands around her groin area.
Sugar, when the day comes that someone has to live here with me and wipe my helpless bottom, I assure you he will be far younger, well-muscled, and more macho than you are.
Don’t you know our state mottoes? ‘Florida: home of the newly wed and nearly dead.’ ‘Death’s doorstep.’ ‘Where America goes to die.’ There is a lot of fertile ground here for estate planning.
My Review:
I tumbled right into this engaging, cleverly written, and delightful tale that was packed with all the feels. I reveled in Ms. Fox’s witty descriptions and clever use of humor while navigating the painfully insightful inner musings of the endearing and lovable character of Grace. Grace was struggling to come to grips with a series of devastating losses and unpleasant surprises. The final straw that proved too much for the normally mild and placid woman to withstand had her boiling over with a level of emotion that shocked her, as much as her impulsive yet clever act of retribution had appalled and dismayed her – she quickly fled town under the cover of darkness for a much-needed vacation.
Phoebe Fox has a smooth and sneaky way of implanting me behind her characters’ eyes. I was right there feeling all of Grace’s feels, my chest was tight when she was devastated, I fist-pumped when she finally got mad, and my eyes burned and lower lip quivered as she sweetly detailed incidents of her childhood with her mother to her long-lost aunt. I think I may have even walked funny after Grace had her first waxing experience. Most of us have known a Grace at some point during our sojourn on earth; Grace was the ultimate small-town “good girl,” sweet, kind, considerate, trustworthy, admirable, unassuming, smart, overlooked, plainly dressed, prepared, making do, and patiently waiting. Full disclosure - I have never been a Grace.
The storyline was superbly crafted and unfailingly entertaining while the writing was witty and wryly amusing yet also thoughtful, emotive, poignant, and keenly insightful. The narrative was vividly detailed with humorous and colorful observations that often had me smirking. I adore Ms. Fox’s endearingly flawed, lovable, and relatable characters; even her secondary characters continually enticed and plucked at my curiosity and had me wanting to know more about them. I adored the ebullient and feisty Aunt Millie, whose inner beauty and indefatigable kindness despite her family’s long-standing history of rejection stung my eyes and made my heart hurt. Literally ;)
‘Because I told Mandy she could have Grandmother’s chair over my dead body, and I’m nothing if not a woman of my word.’ Mrs. Fielding had taken that vow to the extreme, I reflected, breathing through my mouth as I looked at where her body sat slumped in that same chair, thinking that new upholstery might not be enough to get the smell of her decomposing body out of the antique for Ms. Yeager.
I wish I understood young people’s obsession with their own genitalia and capturing it for posterity… Honey, there’s not one thing you can do about a man who lacks any class and the sense God gave him and insists on foisting his frank and beans onto your phone screen.
Gracie, you’re a beautiful young woman… But you’re a peacock dressing like a pigeon.
'First time stripping the taco? … The lady portal. The bizniz. Sweeping the stairway to heaven.' I stared. 'Come on, you know—waxing Madame Bovary. First time you got the full monty?' She made a diamond of her hands around her groin area.
Sugar, when the day comes that someone has to live here with me and wipe my helpless bottom, I assure you he will be far younger, well-muscled, and more macho than you are.
Don’t you know our state mottoes? ‘Florida: home of the newly wed and nearly dead.’ ‘Death’s doorstep.’ ‘Where America goes to die.’ There is a lot of fertile ground here for estate planning.
My Review:
I tumbled right into this engaging, cleverly written, and delightful tale that was packed with all the feels. I reveled in Ms. Fox’s witty descriptions and clever use of humor while navigating the painfully insightful inner musings of the endearing and lovable character of Grace. Grace was struggling to come to grips with a series of devastating losses and unpleasant surprises. The final straw that proved too much for the normally mild and placid woman to withstand had her boiling over with a level of emotion that shocked her, as much as her impulsive yet clever act of retribution had appalled and dismayed her – she quickly fled town under the cover of darkness for a much-needed vacation.
Phoebe Fox has a smooth and sneaky way of implanting me behind her characters’ eyes. I was right there feeling all of Grace’s feels, my chest was tight when she was devastated, I fist-pumped when she finally got mad, and my eyes burned and lower lip quivered as she sweetly detailed incidents of her childhood with her mother to her long-lost aunt. I think I may have even walked funny after Grace had her first waxing experience. Most of us have known a Grace at some point during our sojourn on earth; Grace was the ultimate small-town “good girl,” sweet, kind, considerate, trustworthy, admirable, unassuming, smart, overlooked, plainly dressed, prepared, making do, and patiently waiting. Full disclosure - I have never been a Grace.
The storyline was superbly crafted and unfailingly entertaining while the writing was witty and wryly amusing yet also thoughtful, emotive, poignant, and keenly insightful. The narrative was vividly detailed with humorous and colorful observations that often had me smirking. I adore Ms. Fox’s endearingly flawed, lovable, and relatable characters; even her secondary characters continually enticed and plucked at my curiosity and had me wanting to know more about them. I adored the ebullient and feisty Aunt Millie, whose inner beauty and indefatigable kindness despite her family’s long-standing history of rejection stung my eyes and made my heart hurt. Literally ;)
February 10, 2018
Grace MacAdams has always done the right thing; she had the words ingrained in the head "Family is Everything" by her mother while she was growing up. She's had a run of bad luck lately her mom has passed away after a long illness, which has left her emotionally drained. Her best friend/ex-husband who she runs her estate planning practice with has just told her he is moving in an ex-girlfriend who he has reconnected with after several years into the home she lived while married to him. The worst part is that it's a few doors down from where she lives now. Grace has always held on to a spark of hope that they would get back together but this is too much for her to deal with, believe me, she lets them know she's not happy with this arrangement. I love the way the get's her revenge on Brian and his new bride to be.
One day she receives a postcard addressed to her mother, it's from an Aunt that lives in Florida who would love to get reacquainted with her. Grace has never been aware of any other family members this is confusing to her, who is this woman and why hasn't she heard of her before. Grace decides to get to the bottom of this, she calls this woman and informs her of her mother's recent death. During the phone call, her great-aunt extends the invitation to Grace who accepts. What could it hurt, she's had enough on her plate, and it will only be a week, long enough for her to come to term with the news she just received about Brian.
Grace flies down to Florida and is met at the airport by a group of rowdy senior citizens. She thinks what in the world have I gotten myself into? The fun is just beginning; she's discovering a lifestyle that she had been too afraid to live before, carefree and spontaneous were the last words one would use to describe Grace.
I instantly fell in love with Aunt Millie, who is in her 80's but you couldn't tell by her active lifestyle. There are several laugh out loud moments when Grace is getting to know what her Aunt does for a living. You will fall in love with her too from her bright red Telsa to the strange female cave where she does her funky art and has her quirky workout worm.
Grace makes some decisions regarding her life, and I can't wait to see what Ms. Fox has planned for Grace's new future.
Disclosure: I received this e-galley in exchange for my honest review. My opinion of this novel is my own.
One day she receives a postcard addressed to her mother, it's from an Aunt that lives in Florida who would love to get reacquainted with her. Grace has never been aware of any other family members this is confusing to her, who is this woman and why hasn't she heard of her before. Grace decides to get to the bottom of this, she calls this woman and informs her of her mother's recent death. During the phone call, her great-aunt extends the invitation to Grace who accepts. What could it hurt, she's had enough on her plate, and it will only be a week, long enough for her to come to term with the news she just received about Brian.
Grace flies down to Florida and is met at the airport by a group of rowdy senior citizens. She thinks what in the world have I gotten myself into? The fun is just beginning; she's discovering a lifestyle that she had been too afraid to live before, carefree and spontaneous were the last words one would use to describe Grace.
I instantly fell in love with Aunt Millie, who is in her 80's but you couldn't tell by her active lifestyle. There are several laugh out loud moments when Grace is getting to know what her Aunt does for a living. You will fall in love with her too from her bright red Telsa to the strange female cave where she does her funky art and has her quirky workout worm.
Grace makes some decisions regarding her life, and I can't wait to see what Ms. Fox has planned for Grace's new future.
Disclosure: I received this e-galley in exchange for my honest review. My opinion of this novel is my own.
June 19, 2020
The cover alone sold me on this novel, as it looks so welcoming. However, I did not know what to expect from the story. It definitely matched the feeling I got just from looking at it!
I loved the travel aspect of A Little Bit of Grace. It made me feel like I was on a virtual vacation with all the descriptions of the beaches and other locations. It also made me miss my Miami trip from last year. Millie seemed like so much fun and the family secret endeared her to me even more. There was a really funny part with a misunderstanding that I couldn't stop laughing about. I also got teary-eyed when the family secret was revealed.
I really enjoyed this story and getting to know the characters. I liked seeing Grace's growth throughout. Phoebe Fox covered a topic that not many books talk about within this genre and I appreciated it. I felt it was well-researched and handled sensitively.
This is the book you're going to want to put in your virtual beach bag (unless it's safe for you to go to the beach) later this summer. It's a sweet story that you will enjoy from the moment you pick it up!
Movie casting suggestions:
Grace: Sarah Levy
Millie: Ann-Margret
Brian: James Lafferty
Angelica: Elyse Levesque
Jason: Jason Ritter
Bridget: Katherine Barrell
Helene: Kristin Chenoweth
I loved the travel aspect of A Little Bit of Grace. It made me feel like I was on a virtual vacation with all the descriptions of the beaches and other locations. It also made me miss my Miami trip from last year. Millie seemed like so much fun and the family secret endeared her to me even more. There was a really funny part with a misunderstanding that I couldn't stop laughing about. I also got teary-eyed when the family secret was revealed.
I really enjoyed this story and getting to know the characters. I liked seeing Grace's growth throughout. Phoebe Fox covered a topic that not many books talk about within this genre and I appreciated it. I felt it was well-researched and handled sensitively.
This is the book you're going to want to put in your virtual beach bag (unless it's safe for you to go to the beach) later this summer. It's a sweet story that you will enjoy from the moment you pick it up!
Movie casting suggestions:
Grace: Sarah Levy
Millie: Ann-Margret
Brian: James Lafferty
Angelica: Elyse Levesque
Jason: Jason Ritter
Bridget: Katherine Barrell
Helene: Kristin Chenoweth
August 13, 2020
From the very first page, I was in love with the main character of this compelling and endearing novel. Grace was adrift, lonely, and a little bit broken. A divorce and the death of her mother have left her stuck in the past, unable to let go and move on. Then a picture postcard of a beautiful beach, sent by someone she’s never heard of, provides her the boost she needs to shed not only the Missouri winter, but also the pain that is weighing her down. Grace’s journey and transformation were sometimes painful, always honest and real and heartfelt. My connection to her was so strong, I hurt with her and for her, I grieved with her, I shared her anger, I celebrated with her, and I was cheering for her to find her hope and happiness. A Little Bit of Grace is a book I read with my whole heart, with a character who I will long remember, and a story that is heartwarming and uplifting and wonderful.
September 9, 2017
So excited for this book!
August 11, 2020
This one is being compared to one of my very favorite authors, Kristan Higgins which made me both super excited but also slightly hesitant. KH is a legend to me and I’ve never read this author before but I’m glad I did because the comparison was very accurate and now I have another new author to follow!
This follows Grace as she’s at a sort of crossroads in her life. She’s newly divorced but still very enmeshed in her ex husbands life (and he in hers) as they are law partners and neighbors and she’s just basically stuck in a monotonous rut. She’s also still grieving the loss of her mother and when she gets a postcard from from an aunt she never even knew existed she decides to go to Florida and meet her. It sets her off on a new path that she desperately needs and it was just such a delight following along as she finds herself again.
While I really liked Grace I was obsessed with her Aunt Millie. She’s a vivacious and larger than life woman in her eighties and there was a mystery about why she was estranged from her family that isn’t revealed until the second half of the book. She was such a fantastic character full of wisdom and life lessons for Grace and I couldn’t get enough of her antics and bold personality. This was a light read for the most part even though it does deal with some heavier material but overall it’s a feel good, uplifting read that I really enjoyed!
This follows Grace as she’s at a sort of crossroads in her life. She’s newly divorced but still very enmeshed in her ex husbands life (and he in hers) as they are law partners and neighbors and she’s just basically stuck in a monotonous rut. She’s also still grieving the loss of her mother and when she gets a postcard from from an aunt she never even knew existed she decides to go to Florida and meet her. It sets her off on a new path that she desperately needs and it was just such a delight following along as she finds herself again.
While I really liked Grace I was obsessed with her Aunt Millie. She’s a vivacious and larger than life woman in her eighties and there was a mystery about why she was estranged from her family that isn’t revealed until the second half of the book. She was such a fantastic character full of wisdom and life lessons for Grace and I couldn’t get enough of her antics and bold personality. This was a light read for the most part even though it does deal with some heavier material but overall it’s a feel good, uplifting read that I really enjoyed!
January 2, 2018
This book was quintessential chick lit and not a genre I read often. However, I found A Little Bit of Grace to be an enjoyable read, albeit slow at times.
Grace is at a cross-point in her life and when she learns of a long lost relative, she takes a vacation from her everyday and flies south to Florida to try and connect with her great-aunt. For the most part Grace's thoughts and feelings were understandable and I loved that although there was the burgeoning of a romance, Grace is strong enough to know she needs to work through this transition in life on her own and doesn't rush into this relationship.
Millie (her aunt) has a secret that is the reason for her exile from the family years ago. I loved that we got to know Millie as a person before the secret was revealed. Fox does a great job at creating this character and getting you to love her for who she is.
This would make a great beach read (or in my case, a winter read under the covers).
Grace is at a cross-point in her life and when she learns of a long lost relative, she takes a vacation from her everyday and flies south to Florida to try and connect with her great-aunt. For the most part Grace's thoughts and feelings were understandable and I loved that although there was the burgeoning of a romance, Grace is strong enough to know she needs to work through this transition in life on her own and doesn't rush into this relationship.
Millie (her aunt) has a secret that is the reason for her exile from the family years ago. I loved that we got to know Millie as a person before the secret was revealed. Fox does a great job at creating this character and getting you to love her for who she is.
This would make a great beach read (or in my case, a winter read under the covers).
August 15, 2020
I had no idea what this book was going to be about. I mean sure it had a summary of course, but in the sea of women’s fiction, many of the summaries as well as the covers tend to blend together.
That’s what was happening for me with this book. The cover was cute but didn’t really stand out for me, the title also cute but didn’t grab me, and the summary sounded nice but not memorable.
But let me tell you what was memorable—-the little notecard that came with the ARC stating ‘be a peacock not a pigeon’. It brought the biggest smile to me face and I immediately put it on my fridge. I loved it and every morning that I opened my fridge for the coffee creamer, it made me laugh and look forward to reading this book.
This book while giving the appearance of a feel good fluffy women’s fiction novel, is full of thought provoking content and issues. I was totally taken by surprise by this book but in a good way. Ultimately it was a feel good novel and when it ended I felt satisfied and content, but along the way there were some things like infertility that the author didn’t shy away from and I thought that was bold and exciting.
At times the pacing of the book felt a little slow and some of the filler could have been paired down some but it wasn’t bad but it just surprised me that it could be slow in spots because it was on the shorter side (just over 300 pages). But it wasn’t ‘slow’ just felt like it lagged a bit in places but what kept me reading of course were the characters. I loved how Grace just up and decides to leave her life behind to fly to Florida with nothing but a post card from her long lost aunt. I thought that spoke volumes about her character and I loved how she just went for it. That’s what made me really identify with Grace and throughout the story I found myself appreciating her character and growing with her.
I liked this novel a lot more than I was anticipating. I loved the themes that it explored and how the author showed the audience that everything happens for a reason and change is inevitable. Love, family, forgiveness, and second chances are the major themes of this book and I am so glad that I read this book. It came at a time in my life when I was needing something uplifting with just the right amount of changes for the character to feel relevant for me. While this book might have looked like ‘just another’ women’s fiction book, it was far from that and I am happy to say how much I enjoyed it.
I also still have the notecard on my fridge.
See my full review here
That’s what was happening for me with this book. The cover was cute but didn’t really stand out for me, the title also cute but didn’t grab me, and the summary sounded nice but not memorable.
But let me tell you what was memorable—-the little notecard that came with the ARC stating ‘be a peacock not a pigeon’. It brought the biggest smile to me face and I immediately put it on my fridge. I loved it and every morning that I opened my fridge for the coffee creamer, it made me laugh and look forward to reading this book.
This book while giving the appearance of a feel good fluffy women’s fiction novel, is full of thought provoking content and issues. I was totally taken by surprise by this book but in a good way. Ultimately it was a feel good novel and when it ended I felt satisfied and content, but along the way there were some things like infertility that the author didn’t shy away from and I thought that was bold and exciting.
At times the pacing of the book felt a little slow and some of the filler could have been paired down some but it wasn’t bad but it just surprised me that it could be slow in spots because it was on the shorter side (just over 300 pages). But it wasn’t ‘slow’ just felt like it lagged a bit in places but what kept me reading of course were the characters. I loved how Grace just up and decides to leave her life behind to fly to Florida with nothing but a post card from her long lost aunt. I thought that spoke volumes about her character and I loved how she just went for it. That’s what made me really identify with Grace and throughout the story I found myself appreciating her character and growing with her.
I liked this novel a lot more than I was anticipating. I loved the themes that it explored and how the author showed the audience that everything happens for a reason and change is inevitable. Love, family, forgiveness, and second chances are the major themes of this book and I am so glad that I read this book. It came at a time in my life when I was needing something uplifting with just the right amount of changes for the character to feel relevant for me. While this book might have looked like ‘just another’ women’s fiction book, it was far from that and I am happy to say how much I enjoyed it.
I also still have the notecard on my fridge.
See my full review here
September 25, 2020
There were a few bits of dialogue that were hysterical, so kudos to that. But otherwise this was one big pile of “Meh.”
August 8, 2020
“Great wrongs are done to us all at some point. The question is, do we use them as a justification or an opportunity.”
This was such a sweet, fun, and fast summer read. It's also a book that reminded me of how important LGBTQ representation is in the publishing industry. Even with the light stuff. To be able to see yourself in a story. To feel represented in a work of art. It helps you feel seen, heard, and known in real life.
This is not a deep, literary work of art like “The Vanishing Half” but it doesn’t need to be. It is a fun and cheerful chic lit book about a lawyer named Grace who’s trying to find herself again after the death of her mother and divorce of from her husband. She receives a mysterious postcard from a woman she doesn't know in Florida. So she decides to look into it.
That's when the vibrant, larger than life Aunt Millie steals the show. Millie is Grace’s long lost Aunt she never knew she had. She’s an 80 year old who drives a bright red Tesla (In Ludicous Mode, no less) and offers dating advice and matchmaking via a YouTube Channel and blog. Grace never had the chance to know Millie growing up because Millie was disowned by the family for her life choices. Those choices aren’t revealed until later in the book, but I loved that because as a reader we get to fall in love with who Millie is as a person first. You meet the person, not the choice.
“Everyone needs the freedom to stretch their wings and find out what they’re made of.”
This is a quick, fun summer read with heart that does a great job of honoring the LGBTQ community while addressing issues of forgiveness, identity, and family. I enjoyed the theme of turning negative moments in your life into positive momentum to lead your forward, as well as the need for showing compassion and unconditional love for others, no matter their choices.
The storyline with Grace is all very predictable. I wish the author went a little deeper into the issues of infertility. But I also did enjoy that she kept things light even though the subject matter was deeper.
This was such a sweet, fun, and fast summer read. It's also a book that reminded me of how important LGBTQ representation is in the publishing industry. Even with the light stuff. To be able to see yourself in a story. To feel represented in a work of art. It helps you feel seen, heard, and known in real life.
This is not a deep, literary work of art like “The Vanishing Half” but it doesn’t need to be. It is a fun and cheerful chic lit book about a lawyer named Grace who’s trying to find herself again after the death of her mother and divorce of from her husband. She receives a mysterious postcard from a woman she doesn't know in Florida. So she decides to look into it.
That's when the vibrant, larger than life Aunt Millie steals the show. Millie is Grace’s long lost Aunt she never knew she had. She’s an 80 year old who drives a bright red Tesla (In Ludicous Mode, no less) and offers dating advice and matchmaking via a YouTube Channel and blog. Grace never had the chance to know Millie growing up because Millie was disowned by the family for her life choices. Those choices aren’t revealed until later in the book, but I loved that because as a reader we get to fall in love with who Millie is as a person first. You meet the person, not the choice.
“Everyone needs the freedom to stretch their wings and find out what they’re made of.”
This is a quick, fun summer read with heart that does a great job of honoring the LGBTQ community while addressing issues of forgiveness, identity, and family. I enjoyed the theme of turning negative moments in your life into positive momentum to lead your forward, as well as the need for showing compassion and unconditional love for others, no matter their choices.
The storyline with Grace is all very predictable. I wish the author went a little deeper into the issues of infertility. But I also did enjoy that she kept things light even though the subject matter was deeper.
January 10, 2018
*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I have wanted to read a book by this author for a while, but I have never gotten round to it. When I spotted this on NetGalley, I immediately grabbed the chance.
This story follows Grace, she works at an estate planning law firm, together with Brian, her ex hsuband/best friend. Things are not easy between them, especially when his new girlfriend comes to town, things get complicated. Throughout the book we learn about their past and the life they had together.
Grace then receives a letter from her a woman, claiming to be her relative. Or should I say her mother got the letter. Garce's mum is dead though. Out if the blue Grace decides to call that woman and it turns out, Millie is her great aunt. She takes a step more and flys to Florida and visits her. Millie is a very interesting woman, especially when you look at her job. Let's just say, she is kind of a dating and relationship expert. Garce discovers a lot about her family there and it also changes her way of thinking, especially about her mum. Her mum always said "family is everything", well is it?!
And then there is still Brian and her feelings for him. She also meets Jason in Florida, so there might be a chance for a change, a good change in her life.
Phoebe Fox did a marvellous job with Grace. The character has a lit of depth and is very well lined out. The book is very much about family and it's captured beautifully in the writing. I was hooked from the start. The descriptions are vivid and fresh and colourful. It's emitional too and I can say that I now am a big fan of Phoebe Fox, what a talented author.
I have wanted to read a book by this author for a while, but I have never gotten round to it. When I spotted this on NetGalley, I immediately grabbed the chance.
This story follows Grace, she works at an estate planning law firm, together with Brian, her ex hsuband/best friend. Things are not easy between them, especially when his new girlfriend comes to town, things get complicated. Throughout the book we learn about their past and the life they had together.
Grace then receives a letter from her a woman, claiming to be her relative. Or should I say her mother got the letter. Garce's mum is dead though. Out if the blue Grace decides to call that woman and it turns out, Millie is her great aunt. She takes a step more and flys to Florida and visits her. Millie is a very interesting woman, especially when you look at her job. Let's just say, she is kind of a dating and relationship expert. Garce discovers a lot about her family there and it also changes her way of thinking, especially about her mum. Her mum always said "family is everything", well is it?!
And then there is still Brian and her feelings for him. She also meets Jason in Florida, so there might be a chance for a change, a good change in her life.
Phoebe Fox did a marvellous job with Grace. The character has a lit of depth and is very well lined out. The book is very much about family and it's captured beautifully in the writing. I was hooked from the start. The descriptions are vivid and fresh and colourful. It's emitional too and I can say that I now am a big fan of Phoebe Fox, what a talented author.
Read
August 26, 2020I learned about A Little Bit of Grace through - you guessed it - Melissa! In this case, she actually introduced me to the author via FB Messaging. So I immediately bought the book and got to it right away. The only potential problem was...what if I didn't much care for it? The fact that Melissa liked it a lot made me feel a little bit more confident that I would too. But there's no guarantee! Well, there was no need to worry. I enjoyed the heck out of ALBoG. Here's the blurb, and then I've got stuff to tell you:
Family is everything - Grace Adams McHale's mom must have said it to her a thousand times before she died. Before Grace's dad ran off with an aspiring actress half his age. Before only-child Grace found out she was unable to have children of her own. Before Brian - her childhood best friend, business partner, and finally her husband - dropped a "bombshell" on her in the form of her stunning new replacement.
Which means Grace now has...nothing.
Until she receives a letter from a woman claiming to be a relative Grace never knew she had, sending her on a journey from the childhood home she had to move back into to a Florida island to meet a total stranger who embraces her as family. There, Grace starts to uncover answers about the eccentric woman her family never mentioned: a larger-than-life octogenarian who is the keeper of a secret held for more than fifty years, and the ultimate inspiration to always be true to yourself. As Grace gets to know this woman and picks up the pieces of her own shattered life, she is forced to question whether she can find forgiveness for the unforgivable.
Let me start the actual review part of this post by saying A Little Bit of Grace is simply delightful (one of my mother-in-law's favorite words). And it sure applies in this case. That is not say there is no substance. How do I know this?...because I got a takeaway from Grace. This only happens every 50-75 books. But it happened here. Let me quote the passage: "I just mean...maybe you and Brian were together for the part of your paths that ran the same direction...until they didn't anymore. And that was going to happen regardless of anything either of you did or didn't do. You just each moved on to a different part of your map." I'm going to keep this in mind when I encounter obstacles. Thanks, Phoebe!
Here's the other thing about this book. Phoebe has come up with some of the best visuals I can remember ever reading. Here are just a few examples of many:
"His forehead wrinkled like a shar-pei's."
"...people were bursting through the door like the Kool-Aid man..."
"I couldn't have felt more awkward if I'd broken in like Goldilocks and helped myself to a comfortable bed."
There are a dozen more where those came from. So many that I would have had to devote an entire post to these very clever similes/metaphors/comparisons. And if I did that, you would be missing out on a whole bunch of occasions to smile and nod your head. I don't want to take that pleasure away from you! More importantly, read A Little Bit of Grace. It's just what the doctor (any doctor!) ordered.
Family is everything - Grace Adams McHale's mom must have said it to her a thousand times before she died. Before Grace's dad ran off with an aspiring actress half his age. Before only-child Grace found out she was unable to have children of her own. Before Brian - her childhood best friend, business partner, and finally her husband - dropped a "bombshell" on her in the form of her stunning new replacement.
Which means Grace now has...nothing.
Until she receives a letter from a woman claiming to be a relative Grace never knew she had, sending her on a journey from the childhood home she had to move back into to a Florida island to meet a total stranger who embraces her as family. There, Grace starts to uncover answers about the eccentric woman her family never mentioned: a larger-than-life octogenarian who is the keeper of a secret held for more than fifty years, and the ultimate inspiration to always be true to yourself. As Grace gets to know this woman and picks up the pieces of her own shattered life, she is forced to question whether she can find forgiveness for the unforgivable.
Let me start the actual review part of this post by saying A Little Bit of Grace is simply delightful (one of my mother-in-law's favorite words). And it sure applies in this case. That is not say there is no substance. How do I know this?...because I got a takeaway from Grace. This only happens every 50-75 books. But it happened here. Let me quote the passage: "I just mean...maybe you and Brian were together for the part of your paths that ran the same direction...until they didn't anymore. And that was going to happen regardless of anything either of you did or didn't do. You just each moved on to a different part of your map." I'm going to keep this in mind when I encounter obstacles. Thanks, Phoebe!
Here's the other thing about this book. Phoebe has come up with some of the best visuals I can remember ever reading. Here are just a few examples of many:
"His forehead wrinkled like a shar-pei's."
"...people were bursting through the door like the Kool-Aid man..."
"I couldn't have felt more awkward if I'd broken in like Goldilocks and helped myself to a comfortable bed."
There are a dozen more where those came from. So many that I would have had to devote an entire post to these very clever similes/metaphors/comparisons. And if I did that, you would be missing out on a whole bunch of occasions to smile and nod your head. I don't want to take that pleasure away from you! More importantly, read A Little Bit of Grace. It's just what the doctor (any doctor!) ordered.
February 29, 2020
PAPERBACK uncorrected proof...
I really like Grace, the main character of the book, who is telling the story from her first person. That is not always the case with me and first person stories, but in this book, Grace is my favorite. She is less sure of herself than she should be and very humble. A year before the time of the book, her husband, whom she still loves dearly and apparently always will, asked her for a divorce and she acceded to his wishes. They were childhood friends, and lived three doors from each other in a small town. both had become lawyers and then partners, continuing after their divorce, in the same small town.
My heart wrenches for Grace. She is such a good and decent person, and I can want only the best for her, but her ex-husband is so nice to her, so loving, so - THERE - still three doors down and in her office every day. It would be better if he were an ogre, mean and nasty, but he is not. This is as it is when the story starts.
Grace finds out that she has an Aunt on her Mother's side that she never knew existed and who has sent her mother [now deceased] a postcard asking her to come visit. This, coupled with the appearance of a pregnant woman in her ex-husband's life, starts the action that will become the story of the book. It is a good story, moves quickly, and while I always want Grace to be happy, who knows what will make another person happy.
I won this uncorrected proof paperback book in a Goodread's giveaway. NOT a Kindle, a paperback.
I really like Grace, the main character of the book, who is telling the story from her first person. That is not always the case with me and first person stories, but in this book, Grace is my favorite. She is less sure of herself than she should be and very humble. A year before the time of the book, her husband, whom she still loves dearly and apparently always will, asked her for a divorce and she acceded to his wishes. They were childhood friends, and lived three doors from each other in a small town. both had become lawyers and then partners, continuing after their divorce, in the same small town.
My heart wrenches for Grace. She is such a good and decent person, and I can want only the best for her, but her ex-husband is so nice to her, so loving, so - THERE - still three doors down and in her office every day. It would be better if he were an ogre, mean and nasty, but he is not. This is as it is when the story starts.
Grace finds out that she has an Aunt on her Mother's side that she never knew existed and who has sent her mother [now deceased] a postcard asking her to come visit. This, coupled with the appearance of a pregnant woman in her ex-husband's life, starts the action that will become the story of the book. It is a good story, moves quickly, and while I always want Grace to be happy, who knows what will make another person happy.
I won this uncorrected proof paperback book in a Goodread's giveaway. NOT a Kindle, a paperback.
September 30, 2020
My 5 star review coming soon! I adored this book.
January 5, 2018
A Little Bit of Grace by Phoebe Fox would be in a genre that I rarely read, "chick lit", but it was worth the read.
Ms. Fox's descriptive writing, character development highlights the growth of Grace as she begins a new life for herself after discovering a family member that she has never known about before. With precision and grace, Ms. Fox depicts Grace's life as a "normal" life with family, love, divorce, heartache and then rebirth as she begins to grow within herself. Under the loving tutelage of her Aunt Millie, Grace discovers that there is more to life and herself than she ever imagined. A smoothly paced plot that allows the reader time to get to know the characters and maybe even look at life a little differently.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Henery Press via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
Ms. Fox's descriptive writing, character development highlights the growth of Grace as she begins a new life for herself after discovering a family member that she has never known about before. With precision and grace, Ms. Fox depicts Grace's life as a "normal" life with family, love, divorce, heartache and then rebirth as she begins to grow within herself. Under the loving tutelage of her Aunt Millie, Grace discovers that there is more to life and herself than she ever imagined. A smoothly paced plot that allows the reader time to get to know the characters and maybe even look at life a little differently.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Henery Press via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
March 28, 2018
This was not my first book by this author and it won't be my last.
I loved this story a lot. However, there did seem to be a lot of extra filler. I got the sense of rambling. I think a somewhat shortened version of the story would be a lot better.
However, I did enjoy the premise and the great aunt was a hoot!!
Thanks to Henery Press and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
I loved this story a lot. However, there did seem to be a lot of extra filler. I got the sense of rambling. I think a somewhat shortened version of the story would be a lot better.
However, I did enjoy the premise and the great aunt was a hoot!!
Thanks to Henery Press and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
August 26, 2020
Five stars for Phoebe Fox's A Little Bit of Grace! Grace Adam McHale's life has changed dramatically! Brian her best friend/business partner/husband, recently divorced her! Most of Grace's memories in Sugarberry, Missouri include Brian. They grew up together, spending so much time at each other's houses, that they felt like they had four parents each. Then Brian announced that his girlfriend, Angelica, is pregnant! So when a post card arrives addressed to her deceased mother, Grace decides to find out who it's from. Grace discovers that she has an aunt Millie Jenkins. With a chance to meet the only family she has left, Grace heads to Florida. As she gets to know Millie, she struggles to start her life over without Brian. This story reveals a long hidden family secret and encourages being true to yourself. I enjoyed Grace's journey to reinvent herself! This is a very entertaining book!
August 2, 2020
It’s been a year for poor Grace. First her husband left her because she was unable to have children, which she avoided dealing with by taking care of her mother in her failing health. Now her mom is gone, and her ex whom she stills shares the business with, is introducing her to his new girlfriend. His new pregnant girlfriend. When she receives a postcard from her moms Aunt that she never knew existed, Grace takes the opportunity to get away for a bit and meet the family she wishes she had always known.
This book made me laugh out loud at least 6 times. Like legit. Actually laugh out loud. Dave thought I was a crazy person. When they referred to a Brazilian wax as “stripping the taco” I almost cried I was laughing so hard! Anyway, this book was a great beach read, but had that little extra bit of substance that some beach reads don’t offer. I was so surprised to find out Millie’s secret, but it just made me love her and the entire book even more! The cast of characters Millie surrounded herself with was amazing and I just wanted to jump through the pages and join in on their fun! From page one I hated Brian. He broke up with Grace, yet kept her on a short leash with “friendship” and “as business partners.” It’s no wonder she was having trouble grieving for the loss of their marriage. This one was complete surprise book mail, and I just love when those turn into books I love! If this one isn’t on your radar and your looking to prolong the end of summer, I highly recommend it!
This book made me laugh out loud at least 6 times. Like legit. Actually laugh out loud. Dave thought I was a crazy person. When they referred to a Brazilian wax as “stripping the taco” I almost cried I was laughing so hard! Anyway, this book was a great beach read, but had that little extra bit of substance that some beach reads don’t offer. I was so surprised to find out Millie’s secret, but it just made me love her and the entire book even more! The cast of characters Millie surrounded herself with was amazing and I just wanted to jump through the pages and join in on their fun! From page one I hated Brian. He broke up with Grace, yet kept her on a short leash with “friendship” and “as business partners.” It’s no wonder she was having trouble grieving for the loss of their marriage. This one was complete surprise book mail, and I just love when those turn into books I love! If this one isn’t on your radar and your looking to prolong the end of summer, I highly recommend it!
February 15, 2021
I would give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. It's an easy read and follows an "ugly duckling" type story line. What made this book stand out was that it didn't take the easy road. Grace wasn't instant transformed by a new wardrobe, tan and highlights in her hair. At the end of the book it's clear that she's still in the process of finding her new path. The point being that she's taken the active steps to start down that new path, wherever it may lead. I loved this book as much as I loved "Swimming for Sunlight" and for similar reasons. I particularly loved the secondary characters that Grace meets in FL. I could read an entire book about Millie and her extraordinary life. And I do believe that this book is best read during the winter. It's a breath of humid, Florida air during a cold, rainy winter's day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2021
This was my first book by Phoebe Fox and I enjoyed it very much. The underlying themes of forgiveness and family secrets make it more than a beach reach, and the writing is beautiful and makes it a page turner.
I wasn't a fan of Grace as a person - nor Brian, to be honest - and wanted to shake Grace awake a few times and tell her to "get over it" and to make up her mind, but I absolutely loved her great-aunt Millie. The story has some twists toward the end, and they gave the plot a new depth.
I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys books about relationships and family. It would also be a wonderful book club pick.
I wasn't a fan of Grace as a person - nor Brian, to be honest - and wanted to shake Grace awake a few times and tell her to "get over it" and to make up her mind, but I absolutely loved her great-aunt Millie. The story has some twists toward the end, and they gave the plot a new depth.
I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys books about relationships and family. It would also be a wonderful book club pick.
August 19, 2024
This was a great summer read, where Grace and Aunt Millie were extremely likable characters. I enjoyed seeing Grace’s growth throughout and felt inspired by her change in heart (for the better) to enjoy her story in Florida, even if she didn’t know how it was going to end.
Aunt Millie was funny and light-hearted in the best way. She was animated and gave wisdom that I should probably listen to too. There were moments where I stopped to reread parts where Millie gave insight into life and love. Her story was powerful and shed light onto her past, which was quite moving.
I enjoyed the dynamic between Grace and her aunt, as Millie is the epitome of “age is just a number.” In many ways, Grace was strong and learned to put herself first.
Aunt Millie was funny and light-hearted in the best way. She was animated and gave wisdom that I should probably listen to too. There were moments where I stopped to reread parts where Millie gave insight into life and love. Her story was powerful and shed light onto her past, which was quite moving.
I enjoyed the dynamic between Grace and her aunt, as Millie is the epitome of “age is just a number.” In many ways, Grace was strong and learned to put herself first.
September 6, 2020
Audiobook format. Interesting story with important premise that does need exploring with its impact on family and individual. At times I found this book lagged a little. Narrated well.
September 12, 2020
Good story about new beginnings. Not what I thought it was going to be at first, but drew me in.
August 7, 2020
Review to come,
Quick thoughts:
I loved this book. It was light at times, but with life lessons that are so important.
Plus that cover- SO beautiful.
Quick thoughts:
I loved this book. It was light at times, but with life lessons that are so important.
Plus that cover- SO beautiful.
November 1, 2020
A beautiful, heartfelt, uplifting and funny story about a woman trying to escape the shackles of a recent divorce by jumping on a plane and heading south - toward strangers. This voice is warm, hopeful, a little fragile, and always funny, and the pages just slip by. A wonderful book for difficult times. Fox is a talent.
March 21, 2020
Grace's life is most accurately described as "average". Tucked away in small sleepy town she has lived her entire life, she followed her families dream and works at their law firm while still living on the same street she grew up on. Her marriage to her childhood sweetheart recently came to abrupt halt, and as he sprang forward in his new life Grace was left behind with little to show for. Doing something completely out of the ordinary, Grace hopped on a plane and flew to the sunny beaches of Florida. With only the postcard from a long lost relative, she decided to take more chances and live her life.
Without giving too much away, this story is both a fun cheerful read as well as touching on important subjects and making us address bigger questions. Easily a fun beach read or just a good book to put you in a sunnier state of mind.
Without giving too much away, this story is both a fun cheerful read as well as touching on important subjects and making us address bigger questions. Easily a fun beach read or just a good book to put you in a sunnier state of mind.
November 6, 2021
A thoroughly enjoyable book, with intriguing characters and a plot that pulled me along. And a sense of humor that kept it buoyant…
December 31, 2020
When I first started reading, I was pretty jealous of our main character Grace. 2020 was shockingly a bit of a hard year for me – no one else can say that, I know – and at one point I tweeted that I wished I was like a heroine in the chick lit novels I read that when my life gets rough, a long-lost family member appears and I get to put real life on pause while I live with them and learn about our family history. That tweet has not yet become a reality for me, but that’s what happened in A Little Bit of Grace and I loved every minute of watching Grace travel from the Midwest to Florida and live with her Aunt Millie.
I also deeply appreciated the modern plotlines that were discussed in this story. While the setting was beautiful, Grace was easy to root for, there was divorce and heartbreak and then a potential romance angle, there was also a human element to this book that I thought was very timely and incredibly well-written. I had a lot of feelings reading about Millie and her treatment from her family, how she endured through it, and how her life lessons were then passed on to Grace. When I first read the title, synopsis and glanced at the cover, I thought I knew what I would be reading and it was so much more.
I received a review copy
I also deeply appreciated the modern plotlines that were discussed in this story. While the setting was beautiful, Grace was easy to root for, there was divorce and heartbreak and then a potential romance angle, there was also a human element to this book that I thought was very timely and incredibly well-written. I had a lot of feelings reading about Millie and her treatment from her family, how she endured through it, and how her life lessons were then passed on to Grace. When I first read the title, synopsis and glanced at the cover, I thought I knew what I would be reading and it was so much more.
I received a review copy
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews