starting over | Book Girl & Little Bear

Gracie Harris is Under Construction by Kate Hash

The book cover is funny because Gracie doesn’t actually paint any walls during her house remodel. She does wallpaper her bedroom closet, though, which I think sounds cool. Gracie Harris is on a journey of self-discovery and grief after her husband Ben suddenly dies. She has two great kids and money does not seem to be an issue as the house being remodeled in a small North Carolina town is her second home. I really enjoyed the scene when her bookshelves were being put together because it means she can go on a shopping spree at the local indie bookstore. Imagine having multiple new bookcases to fill, and plenty of money to fill them! I think I’d really enjoy visiting Gracie’s remodeled house.

This summer, Gracie’s kids are spending 8 weeks at a sleep-away camp 30 minutes from town. Gracie is writing a memoir and trying to do interviews but has a rough time with nerves and grief during her first major interview. Josh, her realtor’s brother, is remodeling the Craftsman house part-time for Gracie. Over lunches, Josh asks Gracie questions she might face at future interviews, and gives her advice on the best coffee shop for her writing sessions. To no one’s surprise except Josh and Gracie, they fall for each other. Even Gracie’s daughter thought they might start dating.

Not a rom-com, and not a steamy romance, this is a sweet and tender story about starting over and second chances, plus some good advice about working through the messy seasons of grief. Well, the romance is kind of steamy, but the bedroom door stays almost closed for the reader. This is Kate Hash’s first novel, and it’s a memorable, compelling read. I look forward to seeing what she rights next.

Brenda

The Beginning of Everything by Jackie Fraser

This is a sweet contemporary novel of starting over, set in Wales. Jess Cavendish, 45, has hit rock bottom. Escaping from an angry, unfaithful boyfriend, Jess communicates with her family and friends only by text or short phone calls. In Caerwyddon, Wales, she camped in a tent in a graveyard for several weeks, then found a job as dishwasher in a nice restaurant (she showers at a local gym). Recently, Jess discovered Sunnyside, a recently sold but still vacant house and is camping out in a room there. When she’s discovered by the new owner, Gethin, he surprisingly asks her to stay and help with re-decorating the house.

Reluctantly, she agrees to stay, if he’ll allow her to pay rent. Jess gets a better job, stays friends with Maura from the restaurant, and helps Gethin strip wallpaper, pick out paint colors, and shop for furniture for the house. Jess teaches Gethin to cook, and he drives them to ruined castles where they picnic. Gethin is just out of a very long relationship with Vanessa, a television personality, and is slowly reconnecting with family and friends in the Caerwyddon area. At 47, he’s very nice and also lonely. His mum likes Jess while his sister Abby is naturally suspicious. They become friends, then lovers, then friends again. I enjoyed the Welsh setting, the house and garden, and especially Jess and Gethin, two very appealing characters. Readalikes include books by Abbi Waxman, Jennifer Crusie, and Maggie Moves On by Lucy Score.

Brenda