The most unlikely friendship. The most unexpected consequences.
When Anna’s husband cheats on her, she’s sure she’ll never be happy again. But then she meets 94-year-old Grace. Despite an age gap of more than fifty years, the pair set out together on a life-changing journey halfway across the country in search of some answers.
Sometimes the only way to move on is to revisit the past. But will Anna and Grace be prepared for what they find?
A story about love, female friendship, heartbreak and learning to forgive.
Dear Grace by Clare Swatman was published on 25 June 2021. I'm delighted to share my review as part of this #RandomThingsTours blog tour today.
Having really enjoyed Clare Swatman's previous two novels, I was really looking forward to reading Dear Grace. This author has such a knack for creating realistic characters who the reader can really relate to, and she has done it again in this endearing and uplifting story of friendship and discovery.
Anna is in her forties and going through a divorce. She's living in a bland flat with no soul as she waits for the marital home to be sold. She no longer has a car and travels to work as a carer on a motorcycle. It's fair to say that she's fed up and doubting herself. She thinks longingly of the home that she created with her ex, the house that she loved so much. She remembers the pain she felt when she found out that her husband was cheating on her. She feels washed up and fears that she will never be happy again.
Grace is Anna's newest client. Ninety-four years old and recently widowed, she's as independent as she can be, but welcomes Anna's visits, even though she's really not in need of a great deal of care.
Anna and Grace click immediately. Despite the vast age-gap, Grace seems to know just exactly what Anna is going through, she's perceptive, sometimes blunt, but always right. Grace feels that her age allows her a touch of honesty that Anna may not get from those who know her well.
Having lived for over ninety years, Grace has many stories of her own, and as she slowly reveals her past to Anna, their bond becomes tighter.
The only fly in the ointment is Tom; Grace's great-nephew. Tom is very protective of his Aunt and has suspicions about Anna's motives, whilst Grace would like nothing more than for Tom and Anna to get closer, and Anna is really not interested at all.
I honestly don't think there is anything more valuable than a strong female friendship and Dear Grace shows how two people from different eras, with different backgrounds can form a bond that becomes unbreakable. This story is an utter delight, and whilst there are sadnesses and heartbreak at times, there is also so much joy and understanding of the human nature.
Perceptive, moving and a delight to read. Once more Clare Swatman proves that she can create characters to love and a story to get lost in.
Her latest novel, Dear Grace, is inspired by her love of Lowestoft, the town where she spent many happy holidays with her late grandparents.
Clare lives in Hertfordshire in the UK with her husband and two boys. Even the cat is male, which means she's destined to be outnumbered forever.
You can find out more about her books at www.clareswatmanauthor.com, or follow her on Facebook at Clare Swatman Author, Insta @clareswatmanauthor, and twitter, where she's @clareswatman
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