The Saving Graces: A Novel

Rating:
Summary: BEATS THE YA-YA'S HANDS DOWN!
Review: While I liked the Ya-Ya's, the characters were so superficial. I didn't "like" them. Not so with the "Graces". I read this book over a weekend and wasn't ready for it to end. I have been recommending to all my friends. Not what you would call a deep book, but who says everything you read has to be?

Rating:
Summary: Nothing more than an engaging soap opera
Review: While there is nothing wrong with an engaging soap opera, I can't agree with all of these five star reviews. The stories of the four women were interesting in the way that All My Children is. But all of these women were going through terrible experiences, all at the same time, which I found unbelievable and a little tiring after a while. Also the novel is supposed to be told by four different women, but the narrative seemed to be told by the same person in four different moods, which made it difficult to follow at first. The ending also was way, way too pat. All of a sudden, their problems are over. Just a little too simplistic. All that said, I did enjoy it and stayed up until almost midnight last night reading it. It's not quite a guilty pleasure, but it verges on it. I wouldn't recommend it if you are looking for something substantial, just a light read, perfect for a long plane ride or a weekend away.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent book on female bonding
Review: I was so touched by this book. Its amazing how such a bond was formed by 4 women that had only known each other for 10years. Usually a bonding like what they had, starts from childhood. I felt Isabel was the one that kept the group together, Sharing her wisdom and strength helped each of these women find their true selves in the end.I so enjoyed this book, hated to see it end.

Rating:
Summary: Gaff is Graced!
Review: You have to understand--I know Pat Gaffney. We went to college together. I thought I was one of the saving graces, but alas, I was passed over. Nonetheless, having gotten over that emotional hurdle, I went on and immersed myself in the huddle of Gaff's (nickname from the old days!) other friends. It was a winning experience,even if I was left out! Go get 'em Gaff, I hear another is on the way. Give us grace to wait.

Rating:
Summary: A book for those who need to feel life...
Review: This book is number one on my list. I am recommending it to all women over the age of 40. I'm 44 and there wasn't a character that I didn't have in my life. There are many more eloquent reviews than this one..all I know is that it touched every aspect of my life... To Ms. Gaffney...I'm looking forward to your next book.

Rating:
Summary: Read it slow, so the book won't be over too quickly.
Review: This book illustrates how friends can be there to support all the risks we need to take. Also, how a friends' wisdom can nudge us into all sorts of necessary change. Patricia Gaffney weaves a tale of four wonderful friends, with all their quirks. A great book.

Rating:
Summary: Blows the YaYas out of the water!!!
Review: If you liked Secrets Of The YaYa Sisterhood you are going to LOVE this book!!! By the end I felt like I knew each of the Graces personally. I cried with them, laughed with them and loved each of them. I was even a little jealous of the bond of friendship these four women share. It is so well written that you can easily think you are reading personal journals instead of fiction.

Rating:
Summary: COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN!!!!
Review: This book was wonderful. I have purchased several copies because I keep loaning it out and it keeps getting passed on. I recommend this book to all women. It was funny, sad and very realistic. Excellant work.

Rating:
Summary: A masterpiece. Buy this book. You won't regret it.
Review: Gaffney's extraordinary "chick flick" is warm and wonderful, sleek and sophisticated, earthy and wise, uplifting and depressing, thought-provoking and inspiring. I was continually awed and humbled by the power of the characters--their warmth, wit, friendship, courage, and wisdom. I read the book slowly, savoring every bit of it, not wanting it to end. Don't miss out! Read this book!

Rating:
Summary: This book will renew your belief in the power of friendship!
Review: "The Saving Graces" takes the reader through a series of emotions, some which may have been forgotten or locked away long ago. This book is written through the remembrances of four fascinating and, in each her own way, courageous, friends. If you have a circle of friends like the "Graces", this book will make you know how lucky you are. If you don't, you will wish you did. The "Graces" will make you laugh, cry, emphathize and sympathize. Their all-too-true-to-life crises are the kind that touch everyone at one time or another, either directly or indirectly. "The Saving Graces" made me believe again in the strength and sweetness that unconditional friendship can bring into one's life.