Not bad! Not stellar but I'd give it 3 1/2 stars if I could!

**OMG! I cannot believe that these reviews haven't been done! I am so sorry they are so late!!!**

The One Saving Grace

by Julie Houston

As I went through each one of three books I chose to read as an introduction to author Julie Houston, I watched her develop as a writer. Her plots have become more complex, her characters have more depth, and she has found a balance that uses less vulgar language.

The One Saving Grace is the second book about Harriet and her long-time friend Grace. They did everything together as children, adored and hated “Little Miss Goodness” Amanda in unison as teenagers, and now they find themselves torqued around as adults by Amanda again. But Amanda is the least of their worries as the past becomes enmeshed in the future with unpredictable romances popping up and Harriet’s husband’s ex-girlfriend lurking the the background with revenge on her mind.

In the first book about Harriet and Grace, Harriet is confronted with an unplanned pregnancy she can not cope with on many levels. In this book, her moral dilemma is an affair. As I read the book, the author led me to somewhat understand Harriet’s temptation. As I stand back, book finished, and look at her predicament, however, I have a hard time reconciling the Harriet who was devastated by the suspicion of her husband having an affair with the the Harriet who is willing to lose her family to temporarily satisfy her carnal desires. Sex is a major theme in the book, but is never described in detail.

The best part of The One Saving Grace is the surprises that reveal motivation and the resolution of conflicts. The theme of postnatal depression is also important in this book and one not to be overlooked as it affects not only Grace, who desperately wanted a baby, but also her family and friends.

I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Aria for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 5/5

Category: General Fiction (Adult), Romance

Notes: This is the second book about Harriet and Grace, but works great as a standalone as Houston inserts background information as needed.

Publication: February 19, 2019—Aria

Memorable Lines:

I actually felt a bit miffed that someone else was after Mrs. Doubtfire…like when you were a teenager, you might not fancy that spotty, tongue tied guy with the bum fluff on his top lip who’s been drooling over you for months, but you certainly don’t want him going off with anyone else.

I’d make my way up to the gym machines to face Tina Trainer, who had obviously taken her instructions at the same place Dante got his inspiration for the Inferno.

Envy I’d always reckoned to be the most corrosive of all emotions, eating into one’s soul like a particularly pernicious acid….Envy is a mere novice, a total non-starter compared to her grown-up sister, Guilt.

This book is the second in the series but unfortunately it was poor in comparison to the first book
It can be read as part of the series or as a stand-alone.

I hadn't read the first book in the series but still enjoyed this one. I will now read the first one - Goodness, Grace and Me. Interesting storyline, good characters and made me laugh in places. A story of family, friendships and relationships.

Recommended - I did enjoy it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Julie Houston is my new favorite author for times I need to laugh out loud. The One Saving Grace is a sequel, and reading the first book is helpful, and you will most certainly want to own both books. I loved the characters and their story. The writing is well done. Thanks netgalley for the opportunity to read this fun book as an arc. The opinions are my own.

The continuing adventures of Harriet Westmoreland. I requested this book and its predecessor at the same time on NetGalley, I liked the first book so I was looking forward to reading this one but unfortunately I did not enjoy it as much as the first.

Just a short time ago Harriet was a teacher with three children, she and her husband were struggling financially, her mother in law was living with them and she was afraid that her old school nemesis/crush was trying to steal her husband.

Now Harriet and Nick are financially secure, she has given up her job, she is about to give birth to twins and she is secure in the knowledge that Nick would never look at another woman. Her best friend Grace is also pregnant with her toy-boy Sebastian's baby, son of the aforementioned nemesis. But things never go according to plan, just as Harriet starts to emerge from the roundabout of children and housework and cooking she falls madly in love with the handsome Alex Hamilton (in Harvey Nicks of all places) and Grace gets a severe case of post-natal depression.

This seemed to be almost the opposite of the first book in which Harriet was the poor put-upon, drown-trodden, overworked mother coping single-handedly while her husband is working abroad with a predatory, beautiful woman. In this book Harriet is a woman of, relative, leisure with a godsend housekeeper/babysitter taking all the pressure, she's selfish, reckless and frankly unlikable. I struggled desperately in the middle of the book, forcing myself past the need to DNF the book, I only read on because I was interested to find out what happened with Grace, even then I was disappointed. Although the book picked up towards the end for me the damage was done.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Harriet and her best friend Grace are both pregnant at the same time with Harriet expecting twins but when Harriet goes into labour in Harvey Nics she claps eyes on Alex for the first time! When she later comes across him again as a business acquaintance of her husband she is led astray and starts a trail of lies and deceptions but where will that all end!

Great to be back with Grace and Harriet to continue their stories, again a great fun book as with all of the books by this author. I would recommend reading Goodness, Grace and me first though

Despite my best efforts, I just could not get into this story. I didn’t feel a connection with the characters and as a result it prevented me from getting invested in the storyline.

I loved the book!! I immediately started reading this after I finished Goodness, Grace and Me. The book picks up with Harriet and Grace in their last months of pregnancy. It definitely had the same feel as the first book, except for one tiny part. That is the only part of the book that I hated. I didn't hate it enough to dislike the actual book. I still loved Harriet but was so disappointed in her. I honestly never thought she would do anything like that, especially since that was what the first book centered around with Nick and Amanda. Nick is a wonderful husband and perfect for Harriet. Definitely loved the wedding scene. I love owls but if I ever see one at a wedding I will duck and take cover. Hopefully they will not become the new "thing" for weddings. Who lets something with wings carry a very expensive ring? Christmas dinner was another fun day for Harriet and her family. So much craziness packed into a few short hours. Libby's little secret finally gets revealed. Harriet and Nick definitely have their hands full with their children.

I loved the story, characters and writing style. Grace showed another side of having a baby and it seemed very realistic. Amanda grew on me and is actually a nice person. Then there was Anna. Such a vile and horrible person. Yes, Harriet is accountable for her actions, but what type of person actually wants to break up a family and is happy about it ? (looking at you crazy pants Anna) Loved the addition of Lilian and Rebecca. I was happy everything got sorted at the end.

Definitely recommend the book. I wouldn't mind reading another book about the adventures of Harriet and her family and friends.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Aria through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I wasn’t aware of Julie Houston before being given The One Saving Grace to read and review, but now.fully intend to read the prequel to this book and look forward to any future offerings.
I loved this!. Brilliant characters, great storyline, this had everything I look for in a book.

Harriet is happily married and both she and her best friend Grace find themselves pregnant at the same time. When Harriet goes into labour in a department store she sets eyes on Alex Hamilton. Months later she is introduced to him as her husband’s business colleague.
. Whilst Harriet finds herself being led astray and following a very dark path, lying to her family to meet Alex in secret, Grace is struggling with her new role as a mother with a much younger partner.
There are several twists and turns involving family and friends which kept me engrossed throughout and I read it in a single sitting. Can’t wait to see what Julie Houston does next

Wow. I wished I had found out about Julie Houston earlier. I found her entertaining and extremely funny. I have had the privilege of visiting London on more than one occasion. I know that is not where Julie's books take place, but I love England and everyplace town I have ever visited there. Julie's writing voice and the way she intertwines the British sayings, brought me back to some wonderful memories. I can't wait to read another of her books. I found myself laughing so hard, I had tears running down my checks. What a great book about friendship too. I would highly recommend this book. I received a copy of this book from the publisher Aria through Net Galley. The opinions in this review are my own.

I decided to read and review 'Goodness Grace and Me' and 'The One Saving Grace' together as they are a series and feature the same main characters. If you are a fan of laughter when you read, you will enjoy these stories, which have great characters, and even greater insight into family life and relationships.

The plot is varied and peppered with funny, poignant and romantic moments. It’s written in a visual style, so it’s like watching a film as the plot unfolds.

A lovely romantic comedy series which highlights with charm and humour family life, relationships and the problems women face in society.

I received a copy of these books from Aria Fiction via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

A fabulous sequel to Goodness, Grace and Me, I have completely immersed myself in this novel today.

Continuing on from where the first book leaves off, we find a very pregnant Harriet going into labour in a department store of all places. With her best friend Grace due to give birth in two months' time, we following their lives, loves and relationships - and that of those surrounding them - in this riveting read. A change of fortunes may make life easier, but with two teenagers, a six year old, newborn twins and a husband who travels a lot - and I mean a LOT - for business, Harriet doesn't really have a lot of spare time; not even for her best friend Grace who seems to have her own worries.

Wow .. what a book! There's never a dull moment with the main personalities as well as a non-stop parade of other characters. Whilst this one has it's funnier moments, there are some serious issues covered within the pages and it all adds up to a fabulous, sparkling read! I am so happy to have been able to read both these novels together; I have been completely immersed in the world surround Midhope and have loved every single word. Without rushing anything, all the matters raised were sorted out by the final page. Beautiful writing, well-crafted characters and a flowing writing style has just added to my enjoyment of this author's work and, as well as recommending this novel, I would be happy to endorse all of her novels. Five HUGE sparkling, shiny stars!

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Another absolutely fabulous, hilarious book by Julie Houston. I was holding my sides with tears rolling down my cheeks I was laughing so hard. Who knew that picturing a "mentally defective hyena" could make me laugh out loud.

Another visit with Harriet Westmoreland and her best friend Grace is a perfect combination. Only Harriet (pregnant with twins) could go into labour in the men's knickers department at Harvey Nichols. Grace almost gets arrested for erratic driving out of the parking area to grab Harriet to get her to the hospital. Grace herself is 7 months pregnant at this point.

Grace who has had nothing on her mind except babies, is having difficulties adjusting to motherhood. Ms. Houston touches on the subject of Postpartum depression in a humourous but very sensitive way. She has Grace see a doctor who doesn't understand what PPD really is and tries to treat her in an archaic way. Until Harriet steers her towards a doctor who understands and truly is able to help Grace.

With a family of 7 in the Westmoreland household (5 kids including the newborn twins) there is a lot of insane fun and laughter to go around. Like how do you get 8 people into a car that only has 7 seats.....

Once again Ms. Houston deserves more than the allotted 5 stars because she brought a lot of laughter with this book.

I enjoyed this follow up book.... not quite as much as the first though. I was a little disappointed in the direction the main chatacter... but over all it was good.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. This is the second book in the series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Hopefully there will be a third one.

Julie has such a lovely way with her writing that it is full of humour, love and friendship that envelopes her readers into a wonderful story full of characters that you just love to be amongst.

A sparkling sequel which lives up to the promise of the first tale about the Westmorelands. This does not disappoint at all. Funny, engaging and at times heart rending. A thoroughly enjoyable read. I was hooked by the end of the first page and devoured the whole book in a couple of days. I’m quite disappointed to say goodbye to the family. I miss them already!

Thank you Netgalley

I read this immediately after the prequel, and couldn’t believe how different it was. Still very real, but much darker, and chapters 30-33 were like a chaotic rollercoaster of plot developments. That said it was nice to see most stories tied up nicely although i’ll lie awake wondering about the inclusion of the Russian oligarch and his bizarre subplot that Hattie seemingly never mentioned to Nick who might have been able to enlighten her about!!

I’ll be honest in that I read this before the ‘introduction’ story to Grace and Harriet, but that didn’t make much difference in the grand scheme- the friendship, the humor and the missteps and mistakes were clearly outlined and the stories didn’t suffer from lack of information. What did come into play here, however, was the portrayal of two women who have lost their way, and perhaps a bit of themselves and good sense along the way. While Grace, with a severe case (and honest descriptions) of her post-natal depression and the hopelessness that came to stand over her making even the simplest tasks too much to bear, had an actual and understandable reason for her behaviors, Harriet’s missteps and deliberate dissembling to act a fool with Alex were not engaging any empathy, nor did she feel like anything more than a teen in a crush.

That’s probably a spoiler of sorts – this story contains Harriet’s adultery, her guilt and the actual ‘wager’ that was the impetus for Alex coming on to her so strongly – and her putting everything aside – friends, children, household work – you name it – to enjoy her moments when she thought and believed that Alex wanted her for more – all while her husband Nick is flying hither, thither and yon with the new, growing and very successful business.

I don’t see the “hilarious’ comments here – even though moments were funny and the opening scene was hilarious -but this felt more like a tale of all that could go wrong when life throws those curves and you can’t seem to dig out. Or, in Harriet’s case, don’t want to dig out. The story did give a solid sense of post-natal depression with Grace, however, and her wanting a baby for so long only to find herself gripped in that malaise of hopelessness was really well done and her progress did manage to save me from too much of Harriet’s stupidity. If I weren’t being kind I would say, with all the help and support, that Harriet’s leap into another man’s bed was more a fact of her having too much time to herself, far more than a mother of five with new-ish twins should have, and failing to realize what everyone on the face of the earth saw in Nick’s love for her. I’m more than torn with this – as I despise adultery and Harriet didn’t give me any real ‘reason’ why she’d actually stray – (hint – boredom doesn’t cut it), and her part in the book was substantial.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review. All conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-ajA/” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>