Grace Grows by Shelle Sumners
Published by: Allen & Unwin (1st Mar 2013)
Received a copy from the publisher for review, thank you!
The blurb:
Like many young women, Grace Barnum's life is a precarious mix of sensible choices and uncomfortable compromise. She dutifully edits children's textbooks that she fears may be more harmful than helpful. She is engaged to a patent attorney with whom she has a reliable relationship. She's wary of her fascinating father, a renowned New York painter, and she prefers her mother slightly drunk.
Always organised, always a planner, Grace carries her life around in a handbag - that is, until the responsibility-challenged Tyler Wilkie shows up, with his warm eyes and a smile that makes Grace drop things. Worst of all, he writes tender, loving, devastating songs - about her.
Tyler reaches something in Grace, something she needs, but can't admit to. Something she wants, but won't succumb to. Falling in love with him would ruin everything. And yet...
The first time I saw this gorgeous cover was when the lovely ladies at Novelicious tweeted about it last year and it made my heart flip! It's stunning and chic - I reckon the actual cover will blow you away as there will be glittery details and touches. So, I was thrilled when a publicist from Allen & Unwin emailed me regarding this book.
Grace Grows, ahh.. Every time I think of it, my stomach has this warm, gooey feeling which makes me long for the book. You know why? Tyler Wilkie is why.
What I thought about it:
Have you ever stumble upon a book which seems to be a sort of mediocre, but once you finish it, you're left wanting more, speechless that it ended so quickly? If you have, then we have shared something - a connection with the book, if I may say so. I was a bit cynical towards the story, I'm so ashamed to admit it, but I was.
But oddly, after eyeing it for some time, it reeled me. It made me want to read it. I have no idea why, but I thought, why not? So I started on it and I was literally blown away by the book. It just shows, life never prepares you for surprises and I was chuffed to have read this beautiful story on falling in love and surrendering what you have to fate.
As you can see, the blurb has said it all. Everything you need to know about the story, but it doesn't really delve into the plot. Not quite, I'm afraid so you have to be prepared - don't worry, I don't mean tissue boxes and stocking up on rom-coms. Just be prepared for all the book has to offer, mainly Tyler Wilkie.
For me, Grace was a bit of a tough nut to crack at first. She was somehow very reserved, she would not show her emotions and at times, tense. I have to admit, I didn't warm up to her initially, what with her strained conversations with her parents and fiancé. Then as the book starts to pick up speed, when I say speed, I mean whirlwinds-that-would-blow-you-away kind of speed, all down to Tyler's presence, I really liked her. She became more relaxed, full of life and enjoy life more. I dare say, since Tyler appeared in her life, she has changed for the better. The rest, you'll have to read about it yourself.
The book is written from Grace's perspective, so you'll get lots of quirky observations through her, like a funky viewfinder. She takes you on her journey where she rediscovers herself. So what if your life is perfect - perfect job, man, stable income, etc.? The book is sort of a memoir written by Grace, her side of her story on how she discovers love again and the happiness she deserves. Of course, it revolves around Tyler too, from his sudden rise to stardom to the happy ending they both deserve.
Shelle Sumner's writing is unique and manages to capture you with her flow of words, I found her writing style really warm and inviting as she led the story of Grace and Tyler with perfect synchronisation with the plot. The addition of the songs performed by Tyler were stunning and captivating. If you're wondering, yes. The lyrics are real, composed by Shelle's husband, Lee Morgan.
Verdict:
A wonderful debut novel by Shelle Sumners. The lyrics fit perfectly with the plot and they will make you want more - the soundtrack of their lives. I am so thrilled to have read it and I'm sure you will want to too, I'm sure of it. If you love books set in New York, pick it up. If you want a fresh, funny and heartwarming love story, pick it up.
Rating: 5/5
RACHEL McADAMS as Grace
I adore Rachel McAdams, so after watching The Vow, I have a really vivid imagination of Rachel as most of the chick lit heroines I've read about!
CHANNING TATUM as Tyler.
OK, I know Channing and Rachel have been cast together for The Vow, but their online chemistry is undeniably palpable.
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