The owner of a sophisticated boutique called Romantically Yours, Gracie Hart is the Diva of Romance. Who could have guessed that she has no intention of ever falling in love again, no matter how loud her biological clock keeps ticking? Until, that is, her new tenants, Carson Price and his six-year-old daughter Izzie arrive on the scene and proceed to wreak havoc in her life-and her heart.
Republished in 2018 as Dance into My Heart by Maddie James/Sophie Jacobs
The author of 70+ romantic novels, novellas, and short stories, Maddie James pens romance and suspense stories in contemporary and paranormal worlds. Her contemporary worlds often lean toward small towns and western settings, complete with cowboys, Alpha men, and strong, take-charge women.
Her romance writing career launched in 1997 as a traditionally published author with Kensington Books. Currently publishing as an independent author, she writes full time from her Midwest, small town home, where she also gardens, cooks, and chases the dog.
Affaire de Coeur says, “James shows a special talent for traditional romance,” and RT Book Reviews claims, “James deftly combines romance and suspense, so hop on for an exhilarating ride.”
Falling for Grace, by Maddie James is a sweet, old-fashioned romantic story. Gracie and Carson have sadness and tragedy in their pasts. Carson’s six year old daughter is also suffering from a serious loss that Carson is trying to make better by giving up his career as a lawyer to spend more time with her.
Technically 3.5 stars. I enjoyed this sweet small-town romance, though it took a while for the author to draw me into the story. The story alternates between Carson's and Grace's points of view. The characters were engaging and I thoroughly loved 6-year-old tomboy Izzie! Gracie hasn't moved on from her two lost loves - her fiancé and her dancing career, even though she thinks she has. I did feel for Grace and her awful past, but after 10 years it is time to move on with her life! I cheered when she finally let the past go and was ready to embrace the present. However, she just wanted to curl up and die alone, aka run away, when she wouldn't let Carson explain what happened during his ex's visit. He did make some mistakes dealing with that situation, but they were in character so it did not cause a problem for me as a reader. There were some terrific moments like when Carson and Gracie go for a drive, and when Carson confronts her with his feelings and points out that she is running away all over again. I also got a kick out of the gift Izzie gave to Gracie at the end. It was a delightful scene! This book was a simple, sweet romance. I was not bowled over by the story, but I did enjoy it. It had its moments...
This book captured my attention from the beginning. It had me in laughter and tears, with its conflict and surprises throughout. It was easy to love the main characters, Gracie, Carson and Izzy, and root for them to be a family. I recommend this book and look forward to reading others by Maddie James.
A warning though, there are some errors and typos that should be corrected in the next proofing.
Eh. Tragedy, tragedy and a cute kid. Pretty ho hum romance SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!
I don't care what is going on. When your ex unexpectedly drops in to see the kid she has blown off for the most part, you do not ignore your lover who lives across the hall for two days while your ex stays with you. Nope. Nada. Nyet. Non. Nein. You do not do this. And when your fella says it was all just so sudden and he didn't know how to handle the situation but he knows he messed up because you're pissed off and breaking up with him, turn around and run. Because, he's going to just keep doing stupid sh*! cuz, duh, it appears that's just how he rolls. So kindly explain to him that while he and his kid are cute and all, and, while, if he was an adult enough to know how to handle his personal issues in a grown up way, you, might be interested, you never, ever want to be the new wife, stepmother in this scenario. Just imagine the next time the ex decides to show up. The kid thinks it's okay for mom to play sleep over cuz that's what dad did. Hmmm, don't want the ex to spend the night in your home. So sad for you because, I can guarantee, you're going to get to play bad cop in this situation. So, no, I do not see a happily ever after this dysfunctional foursome.
I absolutely loved this book.....loved....loved.....loved. I craved a sweet light hearted book that would touch my heart and this was perfect, just perfect. The hesitation to give your heart to someone after it has been broken is normal, doing it is heroic. This book reminded me that second chances are gifts that you should cherish and not run from. I also fell head over heels for Izzy. She craves a family and when her plans do not go as planned, she just decides there is a better plan and pushes it. She gets what she wants and a bubble bath and fake champagne to boot. I love that kid and I loved this book.
Reviewed by JoAnne eBook provided by publisher for review
This book captured my attention from the beginning. It had me in laughter and tears, with its conflict and surprises throughout. It was easy to love the main characters, Gracie, Carson and Izzy, and root for them to be a family. I recommend this book and look forward to reading others by Maddie James.
A warning though, there are some errors and typos that should be corrected in the next proofing.
A cute story of a woman broken from so much loss scared to open up again. I've never enjoyed a child character in a book as much as I enjoyed Izzy. I could feel her life at round me as I read
Falling for Grace is the 1st book I have read by Maddie James and look forward to reading others by her. It was a sweet romance and I was rooting for Gracie, Carson and Izzy to become a family.