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I, Gracie
A young woman must find her way in the world again after years of nursing her ailing mother in this novel by the bestselling author of Once in a Blue Moon I, Gracie, survived . . . When Mama announced to our family that she had dementia, my brother and sisters insisted they couldn’t help. They had their own lives elsewhere, after all. So, I gave up my dreams and spent the next nine years caring for Mama alone, losing her bit by bit, and nearly losing myself in the process. I, Gracie, started over . . . After Mama finally let go of this world, I let go of that world, too. I left the nightmare of my life with Mama, my family, and West Texas to start over in a new place, far away. It took some doing, but I have a new job, a safe place to live, and even new friends and a man who loves me, broken as I am. But . . . I, Gracie, am scarred . . . Until my past is buried like Mama, I keep my man waiting—struggling with what was and not trusting what is or could be. I, Gracie . . . Am on hold . . .still trying to let go.Praise for New York Times and USA Today–bestselling author Sharon Sala“Sharon Sala is a consummate storyteller.” —Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author“Sala hooks you from the first page.” —Fresh Fiction
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2020
101 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Sala
279 books2,300 followersBiography
Sharon Sala is a Native Oklahoman and still lives within a two hour drive of where she was born.
First published in 1991, she is a New York Times/USA Today, best-selling author with a 135 plus books published in seven different genres, including Romantic suspense, Mystery, Young Adult, Western, Fiction, Women’s Fiction and Non-Fiction.
Industry Awards include:
Eight-time RITA finalist. (Romance Industry award)
The Janet Dailey Award.
Five-time Career Achievement winner from RT Magazine.
Five time winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award.
Five time winner of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence.
Heart of Excellence Award.,
Booksellers Best Award.
Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award RITA, presented by RWA.
Centennial Award from RWA for recognition of her 100th published novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
July 17, 2024
Maybe ⭐️⭐️ 1/2. The book had a good premise to go on, but it fell very flat for me. I empathized with Gracie. Nine years is a very long time to put your life on hold to care for a parent with dementia. She basically had no life and no support. But the romance was a little basic, the storyline of her siblings went nowhere, and it all felt like a cheap version of a Hallmark movie. I wouldn’t recommend. 😏
November 10, 2020
A book for all seasons
This story is one of most heartfelt tale written by an author who went the care of own .other so able to put all her and love into a beautiful story about bitter sex and the you text being the caregiver and the best of the best
I started this book this evening sitting in my kitchen feeling the pain in my knees from the steroid shots in my knees this afternoon. I should have to bed and rested but I couldn't this I, Gracie down to the end at two o'clock in the morning. Thank you Sharon Sala for another remarkable and a way to forget the pain. Hugs from Kansas to a Oklahoma friend.
This story is one of most heartfelt tale written by an author who went the care of own .other so able to put all her and love into a beautiful story about bitter sex and the you text being the caregiver and the best of the best
I started this book this evening sitting in my kitchen feeling the pain in my knees from the steroid shots in my knees this afternoon. I should have to bed and rested but I couldn't this I, Gracie down to the end at two o'clock in the morning. Thank you Sharon Sala for another remarkable and a way to forget the pain. Hugs from Kansas to a Oklahoma friend.
November 4, 2020
Love
Gracie's life journey took an unexpected turn when her mother announced that she had dementia. She steps up to care for her mother while her siblings abdicate all responsibility. For nine years she struggles with her mother 's decline and the purgatory that became her life. Gracie has kept her promise to care for mother now it is time to go restart her journey to find her own life.
Sharon Sala gives an accurate account of the struggles of caregivers of a dementia family member and journey to define themselves after the struggles are over.
Gracie's life journey took an unexpected turn when her mother announced that she had dementia. She steps up to care for her mother while her siblings abdicate all responsibility. For nine years she struggles with her mother 's decline and the purgatory that became her life. Gracie has kept her promise to care for mother now it is time to go restart her journey to find her own life.
Sharon Sala gives an accurate account of the struggles of caregivers of a dementia family member and journey to define themselves after the struggles are over.
December 23, 2025
I loved the way most of this was written. Gracie is a strong character who has a lot of logic when it comes to her life. I also appreciated the ending in that not all the loose ends had to be tied. Some of the dialogue and interaction fell flat for me, but I overall loved the feel of this story.
November 22, 2020
So good!
Could not put this down. But it was over to soon! Love you Sharon. Keep up the good work. Can’t wait to see what is next.
Could not put this down. But it was over to soon! Love you Sharon. Keep up the good work. Can’t wait to see what is next.
October 31, 2020
This is one of the best books I have read in a very long time. It’s keeps you hooked from the very first page. I had a very hard time putting it down. It is so real life. It makes you look on your own life and see if it’s going like it should. I had my mother in law suffered from dementia and it turns everyone’s life upside down and there’s nothing you can do but live it. This is life for so many and Sharon sala brought it to life the only way someone can. She lived it also with her mom so she knows how it is. So all I can say is find a comfortable place to relax and enjoy. You won’t want to put it down.
December 15, 2023
What started out as a good book about dementia and family relationships in coping with it ended up being a bad Hallmark movie. So disappointing.
September 25, 2021
I don't usually read "romance" novels and I didn't even know this was a romance novel until near the end when things started happening in Branson. That whole part of the book felt kind of fake and a little too perfect compared to the depth and potential for searing truths in the first part of the book. I felt like it was a lot of pain and suffering to put someone through just to have her end up at the marriage alter. I found it off-putting that one of the strongest female characters I've read in a long time would want or allow herself to be infantalized so much by her man. I didn't understand that whole part about Maimie's transformation. What was the purpose of that if Gracie had written them off. It just seemed like filler. I also didn't find it believable that she would not reach out and insist her siblings help financially. Just because they didn't want to be there, they could have still been told things were falling apart and the air conditioner broke. It wasn't plausible. Someone as strong as Gracie would get on the phone and whoop their butts into writing some checks. There would have been fights. Maybe if she had, her mother could have been in one of the "good" nursing homes. I read this book based on the very strong recommendation from someone in a chat. The recommendation was so strong I flat out bought this without even doing a sample first. It would have been a much better book if it ended when Gracie left for Branson. Just my opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2020
One of the best books I've ever read
I have always loved Sharon Sala's books and have read most of her books. This book,I,Gracie, is not one of her Blessings book series or any other series but hits on a subject that hits close to my heart. Ms.Sala in this book deals with how a caregiver picks up the pieces and rebuilds her life after the death of a parent she has cared for nine years but it is much more than her story.
I empathize with this story because having took care of my mother and this book is like Ms. Sala was living with our family. I like how she showed how the death of the mother affected the siblings to the pastor in the town and how the death changed. Even showing how Gracie had to enter the job market and how care giving wasn't considered a job even as an unpaid one.
The two things that really hit me was that Gracie like myself didn't do this as an obligation but as an act of love. The other was the lesson that her mom had taught her and that was: Get the job done. Anyone who has taken care of a loved one knows that it is not only a physical job but a job that takes an emotional toll on a person. I highly recommend reading this book and it would really be a great book for book clubs.
I have always loved Sharon Sala's books and have read most of her books. This book,I,Gracie, is not one of her Blessings book series or any other series but hits on a subject that hits close to my heart. Ms.Sala in this book deals with how a caregiver picks up the pieces and rebuilds her life after the death of a parent she has cared for nine years but it is much more than her story.
I empathize with this story because having took care of my mother and this book is like Ms. Sala was living with our family. I like how she showed how the death of the mother affected the siblings to the pastor in the town and how the death changed. Even showing how Gracie had to enter the job market and how care giving wasn't considered a job even as an unpaid one.
The two things that really hit me was that Gracie like myself didn't do this as an obligation but as an act of love. The other was the lesson that her mom had taught her and that was: Get the job done. Anyone who has taken care of a loved one knows that it is not only a physical job but a job that takes an emotional toll on a person. I highly recommend reading this book and it would really be a great book for book clubs.
December 18, 2020
One of the most emotional stories that I have read this year. The youngest of her siblings, Gracie has graduated from college and is ready to begin her career. At a family gathering, minus her father who was killed in an accident, Gracie’s mother Delia announces that she has been diagnosed with dementia. The four siblings are stunned but Gracie is the only one that immediately offers to stay and take care of her mother. As her mother’s condition worsens, times become very difficult for Gracie. Her siblings cannot deal with this new reality so Gracie is on her own. When her mother passes, Gracie must find a new home and a future that does not include her siblings. Gracie is a strong female lead who admits that she is not okay, but she will be. After staying home with her mother for nine years, Gracie has a life to find…and maybe love? For anyone who has been a caretaker for someone with dementia, the sadness of this disease is balanced with the good memories that will live with Gracie forever. Beautiful story that will warm your heart. (by paytonpuppy)
December 4, 2022
If I could give this book more stars I would. I had put off reading it for a while due to the content being so real and close to home. The author did such a wonderful job of addressing a horrid medical condition. The reality of losing someone long before their death. The betrayal of family, friends and townsfolk. Left to face it all alone, she became so strong. The story certainly wasn't gloomy. Gracie got a chance at life after stalling for 9 years. Seeing her mother's body off and dealing with her siblings was her last connection to that life. I loved that things fell into place for her, a new start. A home that was the perfect choice for her and new friends. The reality of trying to find a job and the strength to walk away. Disaster struck and I thought this poor girl how much more can she take.
Such a beautiful ending, Gracie sure deserved it.
Wonderful story, I highly recommend it.
#libraryebook #supportyourlocallibrary
Such a beautiful ending, Gracie sure deserved it.
Wonderful story, I highly recommend it.
#libraryebook #supportyourlocallibrary
August 27, 2024
this book has three of the most despicable characters ever
I have never read a Sharon Sala/ Diana McCall that I didn’t love. She is an excellent story teller and has me riveted until the last page. I felt Grace’s despair and her numbness. I believe in fate so John was always hers but she just had to get to the right place.
My grandmother had dementia and I was her caretaker in my teens. It’s so horrible to have the person who cared for you not know you. I believe everyone does the best they can. Grace’s siblings are an embarrassment to the human race. That was their ‘best’ and I ENJOYED the guilt they suffered.
Joel is a minor character but stood out because he was a saint putting up with the narcissistic sister, Mamie. Of the four siblings she was still out of pocket after Grace’s come to Jesus after the funeral. She failed being loyal once but figured out who matters in her life. She actually redeemed herself.
I have never read a Sharon Sala/ Diana McCall that I didn’t love. She is an excellent story teller and has me riveted until the last page. I felt Grace’s despair and her numbness. I believe in fate so John was always hers but she just had to get to the right place.
My grandmother had dementia and I was her caretaker in my teens. It’s so horrible to have the person who cared for you not know you. I believe everyone does the best they can. Grace’s siblings are an embarrassment to the human race. That was their ‘best’ and I ENJOYED the guilt they suffered.
Joel is a minor character but stood out because he was a saint putting up with the narcissistic sister, Mamie. Of the four siblings she was still out of pocket after Grace’s come to Jesus after the funeral. She failed being loyal once but figured out who matters in her life. She actually redeemed herself.
January 9, 2021
This book should be required reading.
I, Gracie could/should read I, (Caregivers everywhere insert your name). The emotions, the sacrifice, the reality for many Caregivers is found in this book. Gracie's bittersweet, and sweet, story was oh so real. I was afraid to begin this book. Now I am so very glad I found the courage to open to that first page and begin.
I won't lie. It was not always an easy read. I will admit to feeling a lot of emotional ups and downs as I followed Gracie's story. Empathy. This book should be required reading for all who have a relative suffering from dementia type diseases.
I, Gracie could/should read I, (Caregivers everywhere insert your name). The emotions, the sacrifice, the reality for many Caregivers is found in this book. Gracie's bittersweet, and sweet, story was oh so real. I was afraid to begin this book. Now I am so very glad I found the courage to open to that first page and begin.
I won't lie. It was not always an easy read. I will admit to feeling a lot of emotional ups and downs as I followed Gracie's story. Empathy. This book should be required reading for all who have a relative suffering from dementia type diseases.
January 13, 2021
Sharon Sala has done it again.
Oh my goodness, the emotions she brings out in the person reading her stories is proof that she is not wasting what God gave her.
I have never read a book by her that I did not love, but this book hit me with every emotion I have. There is love and anger and sadness but most of all there is power in her words. And what a true warrior woman is about.
Thank you for sharing this book with us. And I have followed you for so long now, I did see places in this book of your little mama, and chuckled again at the things I recognized.
Be blessed Sharon! And anyone reading this know this is not a story you want to miss.
Oh my goodness, the emotions she brings out in the person reading her stories is proof that she is not wasting what God gave her.
I have never read a book by her that I did not love, but this book hit me with every emotion I have. There is love and anger and sadness but most of all there is power in her words. And what a true warrior woman is about.
Thank you for sharing this book with us. And I have followed you for so long now, I did see places in this book of your little mama, and chuckled again at the things I recognized.
Be blessed Sharon! And anyone reading this know this is not a story you want to miss.
January 14, 2021
There should be ten stars for Sharon Sala books
I really can't decide what is the worst part of Ms. Salas books, I have been reading her books for years. But the problem is that I just can't put them down so that often leads to sleep lost. The other problem is that I hate when the book get t s to the end. I feel as if I lost a friend. All her books are great but this one is wonderful. Love Gracie, she is who I would like to be. Strong, courageous, huge heart .and the power to do the right thing. For herself and her love ones. Thank you again Ms. Sala , can't wait to see what you write for us next. Blessings
I really can't decide what is the worst part of Ms. Salas books, I have been reading her books for years. But the problem is that I just can't put them down so that often leads to sleep lost. The other problem is that I hate when the book get t s to the end. I feel as if I lost a friend. All her books are great but this one is wonderful. Love Gracie, she is who I would like to be. Strong, courageous, huge heart .and the power to do the right thing. For herself and her love ones. Thank you again Ms. Sala , can't wait to see what you write for us next. Blessings
April 19, 2024
I enjoyed the book. However, the book was like another Sala book that I finished before reading this one. The editing is atrocious. In both books there were extra words in many sentences. In other sentences there were words missing. I would have to reread the sentence 2 or 3 times before I could figure out what was being said. This messed up the rhythm of reading. There were also name mix-ups in both books. Daphne was called Darlene for instance. What happened to editing? Sala's older books do not have this problem. This seems to be a problem with a lot of today's books. I guess editors no longer have jobs.
May 15, 2021
Excellent book by Sharon Sala-I, Gracie
Where have you been hiding this little gem Sharon Sala? I downloaded it to my Kindle a few months back, and for some reason it wandered down the page of current reads. Opened it last night, and read right through to the end this morning. Gracie Dunham is one of the strongest characters it has been my pleasure to read in a long time. I encourage you to purchase and take the journey of self discovery and new beginnings with Gracie. Would highly recommend.
Where have you been hiding this little gem Sharon Sala? I downloaded it to my Kindle a few months back, and for some reason it wandered down the page of current reads. Opened it last night, and read right through to the end this morning. Gracie Dunham is one of the strongest characters it has been my pleasure to read in a long time. I encourage you to purchase and take the journey of self discovery and new beginnings with Gracie. Would highly recommend.
May 17, 2021
I loved this amazing story!
Gracie has grit, heart,love, hope, guts and shear determination as she cares for her mother for nine long years.
She gives up her life, her job and her friends as she takes on this role.
Now that her mom has left for heaven she needs a new start, a new life and new goals for herself!
This novel is that beautiful, heart wrenching journey!
You will love Gracie and applaud her with each new step she takes ,as I did!
I will not forget Gracie as I am quite sure you won't either, when you get to know her between the pages of this book!
Well done!
Gracie has grit, heart,love, hope, guts and shear determination as she cares for her mother for nine long years.
She gives up her life, her job and her friends as she takes on this role.
Now that her mom has left for heaven she needs a new start, a new life and new goals for herself!
This novel is that beautiful, heart wrenching journey!
You will love Gracie and applaud her with each new step she takes ,as I did!
I will not forget Gracie as I am quite sure you won't either, when you get to know her between the pages of this book!
Well done!
December 13, 2023
3.5 Stars. The story was gripping, and spoke to the tragedy family turning its back when someone has dementia. I ached for Gracie, for her feeling alone and forgotten. I was impressed by her ability to to pull herself up by her bootstraps and make a different life after the death of her mother. I understand her anger with her siblings. On the whole, well done. My complaint was the implication of the title of I, Gracie. It seemed to fade at times, and blossom at others. My experience is that kind of self definition is that it underlines nearly everything. That’s why it’s not 4 Stars.
November 9, 2020
Absolutely Beautiful!!!
I love Sharon Sala books and have read most if not all of them, but I, Gracie is by far the BEST... I nearly cried through the whole book - even the funny and witty parts brought tears. It also brought back so many memories, as my Mom passed from Alzheimer’s a few years back and this book brought back those memories both good and bad and it was so realistic ALL of it!
I love Sharon Sala books and have read most if not all of them, but I, Gracie is by far the BEST... I nearly cried through the whole book - even the funny and witty parts brought tears. It also brought back so many memories, as my Mom passed from Alzheimer’s a few years back and this book brought back those memories both good and bad and it was so realistic ALL of it!
December 2, 2020
Bravo, Sharon Sala for an outstanding story of a woman coming into her own!
Sharon Sala can really pluck the heartstrings. Be warned: this is a three hankie story beautifully told. The first part was poignant and sad. The second part was Gracie’s emergence into the world and finding her HEA that she felt would never happen. This story will resonant with the reader for a long time.
Sharon Sala can really pluck the heartstrings. Be warned: this is a three hankie story beautifully told. The first part was poignant and sad. The second part was Gracie’s emergence into the world and finding her HEA that she felt would never happen. This story will resonant with the reader for a long time.
December 13, 2020
Rebuilding life
Gracie was totally loyal to her mother. She put her life on hold for nine years. She deals with so much totally alone. When her mother passes , she notifies her selfish siblings. She completes all her mother asked before dementia destroyed the real person. She left Texas to heal and begin her life.
This holds so much emotion. It is a book you never want to stop reading.
Ms Sale is a story teller who weaves magic
Gracie was totally loyal to her mother. She put her life on hold for nine years. She deals with so much totally alone. When her mother passes , she notifies her selfish siblings. She completes all her mother asked before dementia destroyed the real person. She left Texas to heal and begin her life.
This holds so much emotion. It is a book you never want to stop reading.
Ms Sale is a story teller who weaves magic
August 31, 2021
Couldn’t put it down
Sharon Sala always delivers! Gracie faced a situation that many today are dealing with. Parents with dementia, too expensive decent care homes beyond the reach of most. She faced it with dignity and love and cared for her mother to the end despite being abandoned by those should have shared the burden and in the end rediscovers herself, finds a new family and built a new life. Very heartwarming. Keep a tissue nearby
Sharon Sala always delivers! Gracie faced a situation that many today are dealing with. Parents with dementia, too expensive decent care homes beyond the reach of most. She faced it with dignity and love and cared for her mother to the end despite being abandoned by those should have shared the burden and in the end rediscovers herself, finds a new family and built a new life. Very heartwarming. Keep a tissue nearby
November 25, 2023
This is a well-written and realistic story about grief, betrayal, and love. I was afraid to start it—to open up old feelings of loss and hardship—but relieved to find how relatable Gracie’s thoughts and memories of her experiences were to my own. It was freeing in a way. This is not an easy topic to write about and Sharon Sala made it seem effortless! I read it in a couple of days. She is a fantastic storyteller.
January 23, 2024
When this book was released in 2020, I was not ready to relive the heartbreak of dementia, after having lived through the nightmare with both my parents. A week or so ago I saw a review for I, Gracie, so I decided to try it. I was hooked in the first page. Ms. Sala captured the very real emotions that are present when one is a caretaker for a loved one. I couldn't put the book down! In true Sharon Sala fashion, the characters were so real, they felt alive. 5 stars, highly recommended!
November 6, 2020
Heartache and happiness
This book was a gut wrenching one for a good part of it. It had family love as well as tears. You felt for Gracie as she suffered . Then it turned. It made you happy for her. If it doesn't bring tears to your eyes there's something wrong with you.
I highly recommend it
This book was a gut wrenching one for a good part of it. It had family love as well as tears. You felt for Gracie as she suffered . Then it turned. It made you happy for her. If it doesn't bring tears to your eyes there's something wrong with you.
I highly recommend it
November 9, 2020
An absolute awesome book! I think Sharon Sala is one of the best authors out there. This book hit very close to home as I was a care giver for my parents. My father had Alzimers, but we were fortunate that he knew us right up to the end. He was one of the lucky ones; his disease did not accelerate as fast as they thought. This book is such a good read.
November 29, 2020
I, Gracie
What a FANtastic book! Sharon Sala really outdid herself with this one. Gracie went from a college student with a promising career ahead of her, to caretaker of her mother for nine very long years. This story was told with such depth and emotion that you almost feel as if you are living it with her. More than I usually spend on a book, but it was worth every penny.
What a FANtastic book! Sharon Sala really outdid herself with this one. Gracie went from a college student with a promising career ahead of her, to caretaker of her mother for nine very long years. This story was told with such depth and emotion that you almost feel as if you are living it with her. More than I usually spend on a book, but it was worth every penny.
February 28, 2021
Heartfelt
I loved this book so much. It truly speaks to heart and the heartache of caring for a parent with dementia. And most of all it shows that there is a life after they pass, that you can survive & remember the good memories over the bad are more important.
Thank you, Mrs. Sala for the most amazing story!
I loved this book so much. It truly speaks to heart and the heartache of caring for a parent with dementia. And most of all it shows that there is a life after they pass, that you can survive & remember the good memories over the bad are more important.
Thank you, Mrs. Sala for the most amazing story!
August 3, 2021
Read it in one sitting
I loved it. It made me cry and smile. I had been the caretaker for my mom before she went home to be with the Lord last year. Dementia is a series of goodbyes. This book portrayed it perfectly - though my mom never grew violent. I'm still learning who I am on the other side. But this story, so true and timely, fills me with hope.
I loved it. It made me cry and smile. I had been the caretaker for my mom before she went home to be with the Lord last year. Dementia is a series of goodbyes. This book portrayed it perfectly - though my mom never grew violent. I'm still learning who I am on the other side. But this story, so true and timely, fills me with hope.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews