I really wanted to like this book. I loved the premise of the story and the beggining was very well delivered.

Even though Grace wasn't super old she talked like she was. Unfortunately this is something women are raised to believe, that as we grow old we lose our worth, and as Grace mentions when menopause arrives then we lose it all. I was expecting a challenge to society where she realised this and regained her own individuality.

Unfortunately as the book progressed both the story and the writing became - in my opinion - flat.

About the writing: Some parts simply did not make sense, for example: The way that the characters move - one point Isabelle is opening the door and screaming the next she is on the toaster. New information and characters appear out of nowhere as they've been there since the beginning. Sam being mentioned and Grace asking Otis if they were friends. Or when Otis mentioned that the painted. Grace reacted all normal saying how she missed seeing art and then being all surprised that the paintings on the bar were from Otis.

About the story: I think it was in the moment that Grace resumed her time with Fuzz that the story started to fell short for me, and simultaneously I was expecting this to be a pivotal moment for Grace. Her reaction and thinking path just don't make sense with the rest of the character story, the waspy detail that she kept talking and talking about, tends to come with a lot of pride and Grace just acted based on her hormones without an inch of doubt.
And this was what I continually felt afterwards, a mash of bad men and a 20s-like behaviour from Grace.

At the end, I hoped that Grace came to terms with herself and her individuality. Unfortunately her resolution was focused on the community she built (undoubtedly important), but only that. She continued to see herself only as a mother, a daughter, a lover and not in her as her own person and her growth.

Potentially Grace could be a role model for a lot of women and provide hope to many others that feel lost during middle age, but from my 30s POV this didn't gave me hope nor challenged the stereotypes as it could.
Overall I loved the premise but the delivery wasn't for me.

Anne Whitney Pierce's There But for Grace is a poignant and compelling novel that delves into the complexities of family dynamics, personal growth, and the enduring impact of past decisions. Pierce masterfully crafts authentic characters whose struggles and triumphs resonate deeply, set against a richly detailed backdrop. The narrative's emotional depth and insightful exploration of human resilience make it a thought-provoking read, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Geez, this book was like a warm hug. Like the awkward, odd, messy hugs you receive in life that actually warms your heart or cause you to finally break out into the tears you've been holding in. It felt like a call to the 90s Nora Ephron movies that have you nestled on the couch all day under a big blanket. You laugh. You cry. You cringe lol Grace was a tremendous character with tremendous thoughts and the supporting characters were so well written and placed perfectly. Gonna cross my fingers that this novel is adapted into a film or miniseries in the near future.

ARC read

I loved all of these characters so much. The time I got to spend with them all while reading this was such a joy!

My one biggest struggle with the whole thing was that Grace really isn’t that old? The way she spoke and thought of herself was just a very sad image, whereas a newly divorced woman at 53 living her new lease of life should have been much happier! That said, she definitely appreciated her little village, and it was lovely to read a book from such a well defined point of view… I just wish she thought more of herself.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of There But for Grace by Anne Whitney Pierce. This novel immerses the reader in the world of Cambridge, MA in the early 2000's. We get to meet Grace, who is a 53 year old new divorce. We follow along with Grace as she creates the life that she wants- the one that is true to her. Grace is brave, funny and I would love to have a cup of coffee with her. There But for Grace is the "All Fours" for women over 50. It is open door but in a way that will be ok for more sensitive readers. I was rooting for Grace - and loved this story of found family and self discovery.

I have not Literary Fiction in long while so this was a good pick me up. It's always refreshing to see more stories about women and their freedom/ autonomy in their life.