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Finding Grace: A Novel
A young girl is in terrible danger ... but can they reach her in time? Somebody's coming for you Twelve-year-old Melanie has been in foster care her whole life, moving from home to home--unloved and unwanted. And although she has found relative contentment with her current foster parents, Melanie harbors a secret that, if discovered, would blow her world apart. Someone talks to Melanie, a presence no one else can see or hear, and this presence has a message for something bad is about to happen. New After years of battling with her troubled, unpredictable mother, Louise has managed to find peace in her solitary existence. Until the day Grace crashes back into her life and entreats Louise to help her save a child from imminent danger. Unwilling to get caught up in her mother's madness, Louise resists. But she realizes the only way to be rid of Grace once and for all is to play along. Louise and Grace set off across America in search of Melanie, driven by Grace's firm belief that they have to get there before the bad thing happens. To do that, Louise must first come to understand and trust her mother. But after a lifetime of pain and dysfunction, can the two finally heal old wounds in order to save one young girl?
518 pages, Paperback
First published April 12, 2022
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3334 people want to read
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June 29, 2022
Finding Grace by Janis Thomas
Narrated by: Elise Arsenault, Jesse Vilinsky, Suzanne Toren, Stacy Glemboski
Two women and a girl, connected in more ways than one. Louise doesn't even bother to battle the voices in her head, they drive her to act, even when that has meant walking away from her young daughter, long ago, over and over. Grace, daughter of a mother who is clearly mentally ill, has broken all contact, and lives in a kind of internal isolation, her bitterness towards her mother and her childhood exhibiting itself in such foul language I was ready to walk away during her parts of the story. And then there is twelve year old Melanie, having lived in foster home after foster home, some okay, others not so good. Louise is back in Grace's life and dragging her across the country to save Melanie and Grace knows this is her chance to put Grace where she needs to be, for good.
The four narrators of this story do such a good job. Louise, crazy as she is, also comes across as sincere in the things that she believes. She lays no blame for the things she's done and that she will have to do, she is doing what she must do. Grace's voice spews the foulness lodged in her heart, not willing to trust anyone's intentions, she's going to stew in her own bitterness and resentment until the day she dies. Sweet Melanie, so young but so worldly in what she's already lived and seen, with a special friend that conveys messages to her in a way that could get her in trouble if anyone found out.
Grace might have the most control over her life but she's the one that is the most lost, and as this story progresses we see her change into a Grace I'd want to know. This journey that Louse and Grace take together is worth the ride and I'm glad I took it. I'm going especially miss Melanie and would love to see her grow up.
Pub April 12th 2022
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks and NetGalley for this ARC.
Narrated by: Elise Arsenault, Jesse Vilinsky, Suzanne Toren, Stacy Glemboski
Two women and a girl, connected in more ways than one. Louise doesn't even bother to battle the voices in her head, they drive her to act, even when that has meant walking away from her young daughter, long ago, over and over. Grace, daughter of a mother who is clearly mentally ill, has broken all contact, and lives in a kind of internal isolation, her bitterness towards her mother and her childhood exhibiting itself in such foul language I was ready to walk away during her parts of the story. And then there is twelve year old Melanie, having lived in foster home after foster home, some okay, others not so good. Louise is back in Grace's life and dragging her across the country to save Melanie and Grace knows this is her chance to put Grace where she needs to be, for good.
The four narrators of this story do such a good job. Louise, crazy as she is, also comes across as sincere in the things that she believes. She lays no blame for the things she's done and that she will have to do, she is doing what she must do. Grace's voice spews the foulness lodged in her heart, not willing to trust anyone's intentions, she's going to stew in her own bitterness and resentment until the day she dies. Sweet Melanie, so young but so worldly in what she's already lived and seen, with a special friend that conveys messages to her in a way that could get her in trouble if anyone found out.
Grace might have the most control over her life but she's the one that is the most lost, and as this story progresses we see her change into a Grace I'd want to know. This journey that Louse and Grace take together is worth the ride and I'm glad I took it. I'm going especially miss Melanie and would love to see her grow up.
Pub April 12th 2022
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks and NetGalley for this ARC.
April 21, 2022
People, relationships, perspectives, secrets
“Finding Grace” is the story of three women Grace, Louise, and Melanie. The story opens with an event filled with apprehension and mystery. Grace is found on the George Washington Bridge, disoriented and troubled. Authorities call a number from her phonebook, her long estranged daughter, Louise. And then there is Melanie, a girl who needs help, a girl with a secret, a girl in danger. The paths of these characters intersect, and each person is changed by that connection.
The narrative goes back and forth in time to give readers insight into the past experiences that shaped these characters. Readers are pulled into the events and become both observers and confidantes. Sections are appropriately labeled with name and time period, and each account is distinctive and unique. Characters talk to others, talk to themselves, and talk directly to readers sharing thoughts, apprehensions, hopes. They also have secrets, big important secrets that must eventually be resolved.
As the drama unfolds, readers gain insight into each character. The relationships are multifaceted and complex. Some events are foreseeable and typical while others are unanticipated and surprising; all are compelling and illuminating.
“Finding Grace” is an account of refurbishing relationships, overcoming pain, rebuilding trust, and gaining a new perspective. I received a review copy of “Finding Grace” from Janis Thomas and Blackstone Publishing. “Finding Grace” is now available at independent bookstores, retail outlets, online booksellers, and public libraries in print, as an e-book, and as an audiobook.
“Finding Grace” is the story of three women Grace, Louise, and Melanie. The story opens with an event filled with apprehension and mystery. Grace is found on the George Washington Bridge, disoriented and troubled. Authorities call a number from her phonebook, her long estranged daughter, Louise. And then there is Melanie, a girl who needs help, a girl with a secret, a girl in danger. The paths of these characters intersect, and each person is changed by that connection.
The narrative goes back and forth in time to give readers insight into the past experiences that shaped these characters. Readers are pulled into the events and become both observers and confidantes. Sections are appropriately labeled with name and time period, and each account is distinctive and unique. Characters talk to others, talk to themselves, and talk directly to readers sharing thoughts, apprehensions, hopes. They also have secrets, big important secrets that must eventually be resolved.
As the drama unfolds, readers gain insight into each character. The relationships are multifaceted and complex. Some events are foreseeable and typical while others are unanticipated and surprising; all are compelling and illuminating.
“Finding Grace” is an account of refurbishing relationships, overcoming pain, rebuilding trust, and gaining a new perspective. I received a review copy of “Finding Grace” from Janis Thomas and Blackstone Publishing. “Finding Grace” is now available at independent bookstores, retail outlets, online booksellers, and public libraries in print, as an e-book, and as an audiobook.
April 23, 2022
Thank you Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook arc.
First off the narration was superb, I think multiple narrators really brought this audiobook to the table.
Grace is thought to have a mental illness, but it's actually so much more.
Louise is afraid that she might have inherited her mother's mental illness problems.
Melanie is in foster care, keeping her head down and grateful for a great foster home.
This book's character building was really good. The dual timelines for Grace and Louise really gave great insight and understanding into how their lives have turned out like it did. I felt connected with all three characters right through the entire book.
This is a great book that will tug a little on your heartstrings!
First off the narration was superb, I think multiple narrators really brought this audiobook to the table.
Grace is thought to have a mental illness, but it's actually so much more.
Louise is afraid that she might have inherited her mother's mental illness problems.
Melanie is in foster care, keeping her head down and grateful for a great foster home.
This book's character building was really good. The dual timelines for Grace and Louise really gave great insight and understanding into how their lives have turned out like it did. I felt connected with all three characters right through the entire book.
This is a great book that will tug a little on your heartstrings!
March 14, 2022
A very unexpected thriller - this story paints a picture of three women whose lives intersect in atypical ways. There is Grace, who is Louise’s mother - and has been in and out of psych wards for many years. Louise, who is trying to embark on a life of her own in New York but is still pulled into her mother’s orbit. And Melanie, a 12 year old in foster care on the other side of the U.S All very different people, but all three have premonitions in the most unique ways.
This multiple viewpoints and easy going style kept me pulled in as I tried to piece together how these three related to one another. It was a truly pleasurable read!
Pick up #FindingGrace to learn the stories of three remarkable people. It’s a tale you have not heard before nor will you guess the twists and turns.
This multiple viewpoints and easy going style kept me pulled in as I tried to piece together how these three related to one another. It was a truly pleasurable read!
Pick up #FindingGrace to learn the stories of three remarkable people. It’s a tale you have not heard before nor will you guess the twists and turns.
April 2, 2022
I was intrigued from start to finish. It is super quick paced and the Multiple POVs and timelines made it so intriguing that I had a hard time stopping. It has continuous suspense and amazing character built. I was at the edge of my seat with a quick hart pace throughout. Definitely a quick mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🤓 ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ:
Short Chapters
Continued suspense
Multiple POVs
ꜱʏɴᴏᴘꜱɪꜱ:
𝘊𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘢: 𝘛𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦-𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳-𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘔𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦, 𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦—𝘶𝘯𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘯𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴, 𝘔𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵, 𝘪𝘧 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥, 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵. 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘔𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘦, 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘯𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳: 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯.
𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘠𝘰𝘳𝘬: 𝘈𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘥, 𝘶𝘯𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘓𝘰𝘶𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦. 𝘜𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘴 𝘓𝘰𝘶𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘪𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳. 𝘜𝘯𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘶𝘱 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳’𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘓𝘰𝘶𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘴. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🤓 ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ:
Short Chapters
Continued suspense
Multiple POVs
ꜱʏɴᴏᴘꜱɪꜱ:
𝘊𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘢: 𝘛𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦-𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳-𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘔𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦, 𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦—𝘶𝘯𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘯𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴, 𝘔𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵, 𝘪𝘧 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥, 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵. 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘔𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘦, 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘯𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳: 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯.
𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘠𝘰𝘳𝘬: 𝘈𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘥, 𝘶𝘯𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘓𝘰𝘶𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦. 𝘜𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘴 𝘓𝘰𝘶𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘪𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳. 𝘜𝘯𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘶𝘱 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳’𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘓𝘰𝘶𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘴. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨.
July 23, 2022
FINDING GRACE
Janis Thomas
I started this book and in the first five minutes, I was ready to toss it in the DNF pile and move on. But for some reason, I kept on, and in minute six the fog cleared and everything leveled out.
I thought the book was fast-paced with some interesting characters. We were introduced to the characters through their POV as the story unfolded. There was Grandma, Grace, Louise, and twelve-year-old Melanie living in foster care. All four women are related and share a secret of dysfunction and family ties.
Grace has been committed to the loony bin several times by her mother who is raising Grace's daughter, Louise. Louise has issues from being exposed to her mother's craziness and the disappointment of her mother being unable to be a significant part of her life. Melanie lives in California with Dee and Ray and faces the disgust and contempt of other kids at school. She is fearful of being returned to the system and longs to be loved by someone.
But both Melanie and Grace are sure that something bad is going to happen. Melanie is watchful of the bad thing and Grace is doing everything she can to get to Melanie before the bad thing happens, only Grace is unwell. This means that Louise will have to step up and help.
This was surprisingly good. I enjoyed the plot, the dialogue fit the character profiles of the characters and the book moved a good clip. I have to say that I really believed Grace and understood why Louise distrusted so many and felt the way she did. Melanie was wide open, age-appropriate, well mannered and confrontational she wanted to survive.
Worth the read.
4.3 stars
Happy Reading!
Somebody’s coming
California: Twelve-year-old Melanie has been in foster care her whole life, moving from home to home—unloved and unwanted. And although she has found relative contentment with her current foster parents, Melanie harbors a secret that, if discovered, would blow her world apart. Someone talks to Melanie, a presence no one else can see or hear, and this presence has a message for her: something bad is about to happen.
New York: After years of battling with her troubled, unpredictable mother, Louise has managed to find peace in her solitary existence. Until the day Grace crashes back into her life and entreats Louise to help her save a child from imminent danger. Unwilling to get caught up in her mother’s madness, Louise resists. But she realizes the only way to be rid of Grace once and for all is to play along.
Louise and Grace set off across America in search of Melanie, driven by Grace’s firm belief that they have to get there before the bad thing happens. To do that, Louise must first come to understand and trust her mother. But after a lifetime of pain and dysfunction, can the two finally heal old wounds in order to save one young girl?
Janis Thomas
I started this book and in the first five minutes, I was ready to toss it in the DNF pile and move on. But for some reason, I kept on, and in minute six the fog cleared and everything leveled out.
I thought the book was fast-paced with some interesting characters. We were introduced to the characters through their POV as the story unfolded. There was Grandma, Grace, Louise, and twelve-year-old Melanie living in foster care. All four women are related and share a secret of dysfunction and family ties.
Grace has been committed to the loony bin several times by her mother who is raising Grace's daughter, Louise. Louise has issues from being exposed to her mother's craziness and the disappointment of her mother being unable to be a significant part of her life. Melanie lives in California with Dee and Ray and faces the disgust and contempt of other kids at school. She is fearful of being returned to the system and longs to be loved by someone.
But both Melanie and Grace are sure that something bad is going to happen. Melanie is watchful of the bad thing and Grace is doing everything she can to get to Melanie before the bad thing happens, only Grace is unwell. This means that Louise will have to step up and help.
This was surprisingly good. I enjoyed the plot, the dialogue fit the character profiles of the characters and the book moved a good clip. I have to say that I really believed Grace and understood why Louise distrusted so many and felt the way she did. Melanie was wide open, age-appropriate, well mannered and confrontational she wanted to survive.
Worth the read.
4.3 stars
Happy Reading!
Somebody’s coming
California: Twelve-year-old Melanie has been in foster care her whole life, moving from home to home—unloved and unwanted. And although she has found relative contentment with her current foster parents, Melanie harbors a secret that, if discovered, would blow her world apart. Someone talks to Melanie, a presence no one else can see or hear, and this presence has a message for her: something bad is about to happen.
New York: After years of battling with her troubled, unpredictable mother, Louise has managed to find peace in her solitary existence. Until the day Grace crashes back into her life and entreats Louise to help her save a child from imminent danger. Unwilling to get caught up in her mother’s madness, Louise resists. But she realizes the only way to be rid of Grace once and for all is to play along.
Louise and Grace set off across America in search of Melanie, driven by Grace’s firm belief that they have to get there before the bad thing happens. To do that, Louise must first come to understand and trust her mother. But after a lifetime of pain and dysfunction, can the two finally heal old wounds in order to save one young girl?
December 23, 2021
Are you ready to have your mind blown? If so, pre-order Finding Grace, NOW.
This book was absolutely incredible and is sure to break the internet on release day. I just don't have the words to truly review this book in all that it brings to the table.
Anything less than five stars would be a disgrace. Janis Thomas, you have a talent that shines on every page. I was instantly captivated from the first chapter. Every flip of the page became an addiction , an itch I had to scratch. I just had to know what was going on and I couldn't find out fast enough!
The suspense nearly killed me.
Do yourself a favor, read this book.
Five Stars.
This book was absolutely incredible and is sure to break the internet on release day. I just don't have the words to truly review this book in all that it brings to the table.
Anything less than five stars would be a disgrace. Janis Thomas, you have a talent that shines on every page. I was instantly captivated from the first chapter. Every flip of the page became an addiction , an itch I had to scratch. I just had to know what was going on and I couldn't find out fast enough!
The suspense nearly killed me.
Do yourself a favor, read this book.
Five Stars.
May 30, 2022
When troubled and unpredictable Grace turns up in a mental hospital in New York City, she pulls her estranged daughter, Louise, into a cross-country mission to save a twelve-year old girl from unseen danger. Fast-paced and delving into complex psychological and metaphysical arenas, I found this a fascinating read!
April 23, 2022
Finding Grace
Janis Thomas
Finding Grace is a page turner! I couldn’t put it down. I was so intrigued to learn in depth about each of the main characters. The dynamic between Grace and Louise was so well written. I couldn’t help but have a spot in my heart for Grace from the beginning, and I was happy when Louise finally learned the truth. I loved that I was totally wrong about certain people and events in the book. I love a book that keeps me guessing until the end. The author did a beautiful job of providing closure, although there was some sadness in that. I don’t want to give out any spoilers! This is a great thriller that will keep your attention from the beginning to the end. Five Stars!
Oh, and one last thing, I really thought something totally different about those darn brownies! Am I the only one??
This book is out now, it’s definitely worth picking up!
Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Janis Thomas
Finding Grace is a page turner! I couldn’t put it down. I was so intrigued to learn in depth about each of the main characters. The dynamic between Grace and Louise was so well written. I couldn’t help but have a spot in my heart for Grace from the beginning, and I was happy when Louise finally learned the truth. I loved that I was totally wrong about certain people and events in the book. I love a book that keeps me guessing until the end. The author did a beautiful job of providing closure, although there was some sadness in that. I don’t want to give out any spoilers! This is a great thriller that will keep your attention from the beginning to the end. Five Stars!
Oh, and one last thing, I really thought something totally different about those darn brownies! Am I the only one??
This book is out now, it’s definitely worth picking up!
Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 16, 2022
Not a bad story at all. Although the title should be Finding Edie/Melanie... Grace wasn't lost.
March 1, 2023
I didn't go into Finding Grace by Janis Thomas expecting to be blown away, but luckily for me, that is exactly what happened! I swear this one just got better and better as it went on and I wish I hadn't waited so dang long to get to it. Thomas' writing is pacy and the story felt very conversational since it is told in first person. It is a little bit of a slow burn, but thanks to the different viewpoints and the buildup of suspense, it didn't feel that slow at all. I knocked this book out in just 1 day because I had to know how it was going to end, and there was an element I wasn't expecting that made me wish the book would go on forever.
It took me a little bit to get the characters all straight, but once I did it was smooth sailing. It also really helps that the audiobook has a full cast and Stacey Glemboski, Elise Arsenault, Jesse Vilinsky & Suzanne Toren were all impeccable narrators. The relationship between Louise and Grace was strained but relatable, and I loved the way Thomas explored that strain and had a conclusion that made sense while also making Louise grow as a character. All of the characters and their corresponding narrators made this a joy to experience and trust me when I say the twists will blow your mind!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
It took me a little bit to get the characters all straight, but once I did it was smooth sailing. It also really helps that the audiobook has a full cast and Stacey Glemboski, Elise Arsenault, Jesse Vilinsky & Suzanne Toren were all impeccable narrators. The relationship between Louise and Grace was strained but relatable, and I loved the way Thomas explored that strain and had a conclusion that made sense while also making Louise grow as a character. All of the characters and their corresponding narrators made this a joy to experience and trust me when I say the twists will blow your mind!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 12, 2022
Huh? What the hell was that book revolving around? It was basically about a daughter and her mother's dysfunctional relationship, but there was nothing that made sense, the whole book was grace having episodes, louise getting cranky and Melanie being a creepy goody two shoes.
I really didn't understand the purpose of the book, the whole thing just seemed useless 🤦♀️🤦♀️
* I received an ARC of this book in exchange of an honest review via netgalley and the publisher*
I really didn't understand the purpose of the book, the whole thing just seemed useless 🤦♀️🤦♀️
* I received an ARC of this book in exchange of an honest review via netgalley and the publisher*
January 12, 2022
This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, Blackstone Publishing and by #NetGalley. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
Excellent commentary on mental health, life, anxiety. It’s a refreshingly honest look while enjoying a well written, fast-paced thriller,
Excellent commentary on mental health, life, anxiety. It’s a refreshingly honest look while enjoying a well written, fast-paced thriller,
May 22, 2022
Many thanks to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for providing me with a review copy of the book.
Finding Grace by Janis Thomas is a story told from 3 different perspectives.
One from Melanie, a girl growing up in different foster families in LA, who seems to have found her permanent foster parents. Her having to swith families so much in the past is generaly explained by her supernatural connection to an entity that lives in her left hand and occasionally writes to her.
The second, Louise, who had a struggled past with her mother. Being the reason why Louise stayed with her grandmother during her younger years, far away from her so called crazy mother, who gets wound up in strange situations and hides everything, especially from Louise.
And lastly, Grace, Louises mother herself, slowly drowning in the past she hid from her daughter.
Their story lines start out all seperately, sometimes going back into the past, or describing happenings in the present.
Most of the story was one big mystery as I tried to piece the 3 characters together from their respective chapters. Which for me was definitely a good thing, it kept me picking up this story everyday to try to find out more about our 3 ladies and how on earth they would be connected to each other.
About half way through, I did wonder why the book would be titled Finding Grace, while Grace herself and her daughter Louise go on a trip to find someone else.
In all, this is an interesting women powered mystery story about family and supernatural connections. Though it didn't really wow me. I was triggered enough by the mysterious nature of the story, but the outcome didn't wow me as I would have expected since the buildup towards its climax is pretty slow.
Finding Grace by Janis Thomas is a story told from 3 different perspectives.
One from Melanie, a girl growing up in different foster families in LA, who seems to have found her permanent foster parents. Her having to swith families so much in the past is generaly explained by her supernatural connection to an entity that lives in her left hand and occasionally writes to her.
The second, Louise, who had a struggled past with her mother. Being the reason why Louise stayed with her grandmother during her younger years, far away from her so called crazy mother, who gets wound up in strange situations and hides everything, especially from Louise.
And lastly, Grace, Louises mother herself, slowly drowning in the past she hid from her daughter.
Their story lines start out all seperately, sometimes going back into the past, or describing happenings in the present.
Most of the story was one big mystery as I tried to piece the 3 characters together from their respective chapters. Which for me was definitely a good thing, it kept me picking up this story everyday to try to find out more about our 3 ladies and how on earth they would be connected to each other.
About half way through, I did wonder why the book would be titled Finding Grace, while Grace herself and her daughter Louise go on a trip to find someone else.
In all, this is an interesting women powered mystery story about family and supernatural connections. Though it didn't really wow me. I was triggered enough by the mysterious nature of the story, but the outcome didn't wow me as I would have expected since the buildup towards its climax is pretty slow.
May 22, 2022
I really enjoyed this one! It was confusing at first but once I got a hang of the characters it really picked up for me. It was Interesting and exciting and I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen. The ending was happy and sad at the same time which is weird in and of itself but it was PERFECT! Highly recommend if you’re looking for something a little different.
May 14, 2022
What a weird and wild book! Thank you to Janis Thomas, Blackstone Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this book.
Without getting into too much detail, this was a really interesting one with a lot hinging on the connection between three generations of women. The end really threw me through a loop with its twist.
I highly recommend some anyone looking for a thriller with a twist.
Without getting into too much detail, this was a really interesting one with a lot hinging on the connection between three generations of women. The end really threw me through a loop with its twist.
I highly recommend some anyone looking for a thriller with a twist.
April 10, 2022
Finding Grace is a quick-paced suspenseful thriller. The story is told by the three main characters, Grace, Louise and Melanie. The chapters alternate between their points of view as well as toggle between different periods of time in their lives. That story layout works well especially with the development of the various characters.
The three, very different women’s lives intersect with one interesting trait that has created their problems but will be their ultimate saving. Author Janis Thomas accomplishes a lot in her story. She incorporates questions about mental health, issues of family dysfunctionality and the pitfalls of the foster care system. I enjoyed the lucidity of Grace’s narration juxtapose to her alleged mental illness.
Pick up Finding Grace to enjoy a well-written, fast-paced suspense, and be prepared to get so much more.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
The three, very different women’s lives intersect with one interesting trait that has created their problems but will be their ultimate saving. Author Janis Thomas accomplishes a lot in her story. She incorporates questions about mental health, issues of family dysfunctionality and the pitfalls of the foster care system. I enjoyed the lucidity of Grace’s narration juxtapose to her alleged mental illness.
Pick up Finding Grace to enjoy a well-written, fast-paced suspense, and be prepared to get so much more.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
May 11, 2022
This was an easy listen with multiple point of views and deep characters, but I don’t think it’ll be very memorable.
June 15, 2022
I loved the audio of this book - multiple narrators are always a huge plus for me! Not only for the book to be reflected well but also shows the publisher believes enough in this story to invest.
Such an amazing portrayal of so many marginalized people - mental health; mother/daughter relationships and impacts on future generations; foster care - always a HUGE plus for me; children who are branded difficult, thus sent to so many homes, viewed as tough to place, etc; inability to enter mainstream society - both Louise and Melanie, stigmatized by their family status.
Melanie was adopted at birth - unfortunately her parents were killed, forcing her into the foster care system. After several placements, Melanie has been with Ray and Delilah for a couple of years; still not comfortable, afraid to be sent away. She internalizes her issues - like bullying by her peers, concern over Delilah's mental health, and especially Penny.
Louise is tired of her mother, Grace. Constantly brining strife, stress, problems and just chaos, Louise enjoyed several years without contact. But now Grace is back. Forcing Louise to travel with her, Grace attempts to convince Louise the daughter she gave up at birth is in trouble. They must get there in time.
Grace knows Louise holds intense resentment over all the years Grace failed as a mother. Using all her tactics, Grace convinces Louise to travel with her, desperate to form any sort of relationship.
These characters are so well written. Gut wrenching suspense - who is a danger to Melanie?
The only issue I have is the glossing over of Louise accepting of Grace's gift.
Great book - highly recommend.
Such an amazing portrayal of so many marginalized people - mental health; mother/daughter relationships and impacts on future generations; foster care - always a HUGE plus for me; children who are branded difficult, thus sent to so many homes, viewed as tough to place, etc; inability to enter mainstream society - both Louise and Melanie, stigmatized by their family status.
Melanie was adopted at birth - unfortunately her parents were killed, forcing her into the foster care system. After several placements, Melanie has been with Ray and Delilah for a couple of years; still not comfortable, afraid to be sent away. She internalizes her issues - like bullying by her peers, concern over Delilah's mental health, and especially Penny.
Louise is tired of her mother, Grace. Constantly brining strife, stress, problems and just chaos, Louise enjoyed several years without contact. But now Grace is back. Forcing Louise to travel with her, Grace attempts to convince Louise the daughter she gave up at birth is in trouble. They must get there in time.
Grace knows Louise holds intense resentment over all the years Grace failed as a mother. Using all her tactics, Grace convinces Louise to travel with her, desperate to form any sort of relationship.
These characters are so well written. Gut wrenching suspense - who is a danger to Melanie?
The only issue I have is the glossing over of Louise accepting of Grace's gift.
Great book - highly recommend.
April 4, 2024
"The truth finds us, so we, too, find each other."
Melanie: Something is coming and no one else can know
Grace: Secrets, secrets, secrets. So many secrets and so many voices telling them.
Louise: No one can know about her. After years of disappointment from her mother, Louise won't let anyone in ever again and nothing can change that.
Finding Grace is a multiple POV thriller with a dual timeline and some incredibly surprising elements.
The multiple POVs and the dual timeline kept the pace of the book decently quick and engaging. However, it still felt a little slow, especially in the middle. Also the ending felt SO rushed. It felt like such a buildup and then the final scenes were over as quickly as they began.
Story wise, I found this book so interesting and engaging. I loved the surprises and the twists and I found the family aspect really added to the whole story.
Overall, 4/5 stars and I'm super excited to check out what else Janis Thomas has written.
Thank you to NetGalley, Janis Thomas, and Blackstone Publishing for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Melanie: Something is coming and no one else can know
Grace: Secrets, secrets, secrets. So many secrets and so many voices telling them.
Louise: No one can know about her. After years of disappointment from her mother, Louise won't let anyone in ever again and nothing can change that.
Finding Grace is a multiple POV thriller with a dual timeline and some incredibly surprising elements.
The multiple POVs and the dual timeline kept the pace of the book decently quick and engaging. However, it still felt a little slow, especially in the middle. Also the ending felt SO rushed. It felt like such a buildup and then the final scenes were over as quickly as they began.
Story wise, I found this book so interesting and engaging. I loved the surprises and the twists and I found the family aspect really added to the whole story.
Overall, 4/5 stars and I'm super excited to check out what else Janis Thomas has written.
Thank you to NetGalley, Janis Thomas, and Blackstone Publishing for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 24, 2022
I flew through this audiobook about deep-rooted misunderstandings and ultimately what it means to be a family, however flawed. The narrator is excellent and I had no trouble following along. The characters are well-drawn and heartfelt. There is some suspense which propels the plot forward nicely. This would be good for teens as well as adults.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Blackstone and Janis Thomas for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Blackstone and Janis Thomas for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
July 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5️⃣
March 30, 2022
Once again I would like to say thanks to NetGalley, the Publisher and the Author for allowing me to read an ARC and provide an honest review.
What an incredible book! I couldn’t bare to put this down , it took me three days to read in-between all the day to day tasks adults have to do . If left to my own devices I could have finished it in one sitting it was that good.
I wasn’t expecting Grace , Louise and Melanie to draw me in so much but they did, I was took on a wild thrilling ride told from three very different view points but all connecting together along the way. It was honestly an edge of your seat or sofa experience.
I really didn’t want this book to end , it’s like it needs more maybe a backstory /prequel about Grace and her adventures around the country and Louise’s teenage years and all that followed right up until Finding Grace Begins.
What an incredible book! I couldn’t bare to put this down , it took me three days to read in-between all the day to day tasks adults have to do . If left to my own devices I could have finished it in one sitting it was that good.
I wasn’t expecting Grace , Louise and Melanie to draw me in so much but they did, I was took on a wild thrilling ride told from three very different view points but all connecting together along the way. It was honestly an edge of your seat or sofa experience.
I really didn’t want this book to end , it’s like it needs more maybe a backstory /prequel about Grace and her adventures around the country and Louise’s teenage years and all that followed right up until Finding Grace Begins.
January 8, 2023
My 2nd 5 star books in 2 days 💕 and finished it less than 12 hours! Throughly enjoyed this book. But I'm a bit skeptical about Ray.. Does anyone else..?? 🤔
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2022
Finding Grace
Janis Thomas
Three stories interwoven.
Grace used the George Washington Bridge to get Louise’s attention. Mother and daughter had not seen each other in years; Louise moved to New York to avoid dealing with her mother’s mental illness and Grace was back again. Grace begged and pleaded for help; they must travel to California to save Eddie she was in grave danger. The mother and daughter began a journey that Louise will never forget. Her grandmother told her Grace was mentally ill, but is she? Or is she just different.
Melanie was adopted as a baby but now lives in a foster home. She likes her foster parents and has learned not to rock the boat. Melanie is a good student and a sweet girl she is also a girl in grave danger.
The point of view moves back and forth between the three women giving readers a look at the real story. This tale plays out in front of our eyes. I listened to this audiobook until late at night unable to stop. The narrators were wonderful and brought the characters to life. Each character was distinct, and one narrator could not have conveyed that. The success of this book hinged on the relationship/connection between, Grace, Louise, and Melanie. Grace had a gift, but she has been treated as if she is a mental patient. Louise was terrified she may have inherited mental illness. Melanie has a secret: someone lives in her hand. All Melanie wanted was for someone to love her. The relationship between Grace and Louise is incredible. For the first time Louise has to deal with her mother without her grandmother’s interference. Speaking of the grandmother…I see her as a wicked witch. She tried to destroy Grace because she was different.
This is the best book I have read this year!
November 20, 2021
Finding Grace tells the story of three women, Grace, Louise and Melanie, whose lives intersect. A bartender living in New York, Louise is estranged from her unreliable mother, Grace, who has been in and out of her life since she was 6 years old. Melanie is a 12-year-old girl who has been shuffled to different foster homes for most of her life. Their paths cross when Grace has a premonition that a young girl is in trouble.
One of the things I liked most about this book was how the story unfolded. The story alternates among the perspectives of each of the women and it also bounces back and forth between the past and the present day. While this had the potential to be confusing, it was woven together deftly and was very easy to follow. This narrative style kept me guessing and wondering what would happen next.
I also appreciated the distinct voices of each of the characters. With her calm demeanor and a deep wish to be loved, you root for Melanie right from the start. Louise’s strength pulls you in and Grace is written with just enough tenderness that you want her to be okay, despite your perception that she was a terrible mom to Louise.
I liked that there were both predictable elements and unexpected turns in this story that explores the depth of the bond between mother and daughter.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for providing a free e-ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
For more reviews, visit my blog, www.bookpicksandpics.com.
One of the things I liked most about this book was how the story unfolded. The story alternates among the perspectives of each of the women and it also bounces back and forth between the past and the present day. While this had the potential to be confusing, it was woven together deftly and was very easy to follow. This narrative style kept me guessing and wondering what would happen next.
I also appreciated the distinct voices of each of the characters. With her calm demeanor and a deep wish to be loved, you root for Melanie right from the start. Louise’s strength pulls you in and Grace is written with just enough tenderness that you want her to be okay, despite your perception that she was a terrible mom to Louise.
I liked that there were both predictable elements and unexpected turns in this story that explores the depth of the bond between mother and daughter.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for providing a free e-ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
For more reviews, visit my blog, www.bookpicksandpics.com.
May 13, 2022
Great Story!!
Janis Thomas delivers an action packed story about three dysfunctional but wonderful women - well, one is a young girl. The challenges they must overcome to find each other and themselves are wonderful reading. There’s heartbreak, tears, and pain along the way and Janis makes us feel everything they feel. Her craft is superlative! And once again she’s written I. A new genre for her, very successfully. In her acknowledgment she hopes to make readers feel, grow, or escape. She’s succeeded brilliantly in all three. I loved it and recommend it!!
Janis Thomas delivers an action packed story about three dysfunctional but wonderful women - well, one is a young girl. The challenges they must overcome to find each other and themselves are wonderful reading. There’s heartbreak, tears, and pain along the way and Janis makes us feel everything they feel. Her craft is superlative! And once again she’s written I. A new genre for her, very successfully. In her acknowledgment she hopes to make readers feel, grow, or escape. She’s succeeded brilliantly in all three. I loved it and recommend it!!
February 9, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this advance copy of Finding Grace
Finding Grace kept me interested until the end. This book was a very good and interesting read. If you want engaging material, then look no further. Finding Grace was well written and engaging. It evoked emotion. The story was beautifully written, with a consistent style and tone, and efficiency of description that didn't slow the pace.
Finding Grace kept me interested until the end. This book was a very good and interesting read. If you want engaging material, then look no further. Finding Grace was well written and engaging. It evoked emotion. The story was beautifully written, with a consistent style and tone, and efficiency of description that didn't slow the pace.
April 26, 2022
A Compelling, Fast-paced Read
I liked the characters and their relationships to each other. I enjoyed learning about their precognitive gifts that were demonstrated and revealed as the plot developed. The conflicts between mothers and daughters were believable and well developed. Most of all, I liked the author’s voice and humorous portrayal of the internal dialog of each character. I highly recommend this book to readers who are enthralled by paranormal events.
I liked the characters and their relationships to each other. I enjoyed learning about their precognitive gifts that were demonstrated and revealed as the plot developed. The conflicts between mothers and daughters were believable and well developed. Most of all, I liked the author’s voice and humorous portrayal of the internal dialog of each character. I highly recommend this book to readers who are enthralled by paranormal events.
June 11, 2022
Unusual and I loved it.
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