Meet The Saving Graces, Four Of The Best Friends A Woman Can Ever Have.
For ten years, Emma, Rudy, Lee, and Isabel have shared a deep affection ...
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May 16, 2011
Jo Ann
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This is the 4th time I've read this book...I've read it for various groups: with varied friends/groups of friends, book club, and now, for a "book club" with my 3 sisters-in-laws. Each time I've read it, the "star ratings" increase. That is perhaps because I've lived more of life, and appreciate more and more the sharings and discussions between friends (and yes, I consider my sisters-in-laws true friends). I appreciate FRIENDS and the wonder and depth and fun they bring
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Feb 04, 2010
Yang
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Es geht um vier unterschiedliche Frauen, die sich über zehn Jahre regelmässig treffen, ihre großen und kleinen Probleme besprechen und ihre Geheimnisse teilen. Jede dieser Frauen hat Schwierigkeiten, die sie überwinden muss: Kinderlosigkeit, die Liebe zu einem verheirateten Mann, eine Krebserkrankung und einen überaus dominanter Ehemann. Gemeinsam überwinden sie jedoch alles und jeden und alles wird gut.
Die Grundlage der Geschichte ist auch gleichzeitig ihre Schwäche: die Probleme sind so More...
Die Grundlage der Geschichte ist auch gleichzeitig ihre Schwäche: die Probleme sind so More...
Aug 05, 2009
Wicked Incognito Now
rated it: 
This is simply the story of four best friends.
This is the sort of book I would normally avoid like the plague. I read for escapism, not to experience middle aged women and all their various (real-life) issues. Plus, lately I've been reading exclusively romance and YA, because I figure: Why not just read the books I really WANT to read, instead of reading the books that others think only the "intelligent" people read? I love the guarantee of a happily ever after that r More...
This is the sort of book I would normally avoid like the plague. I read for escapism, not to experience middle aged women and all their various (real-life) issues. Plus, lately I've been reading exclusively romance and YA, because I figure: Why not just read the books I really WANT to read, instead of reading the books that others think only the "intelligent" people read? I love the guarantee of a happily ever after that r More...
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Jul 16, 2010
Dawn
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Gaffney has a nice style of authoring The Saving Graces: Emma (vibrant and sassy - fun, but full of desire for the kind of love it seems she's destined to go without), Rudy (big-hearted and searching for healing from a rough childhood), Isabel (the older of the Saving Graces, very classy, gentle, and wise), and Lee (organized, prepared, lucky in love) each take turns telling this story from their own points of view. There is no "outside narrator." This gives the reader an inside look a
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Jul 07, 2009
Rebecca
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Each chapter alternates between the thoughts and events of four friends who have maintained a 10 yr plus friendship. I.e. chpter one is titled Ruth. She describes her life and the life of her friends through her eyes, with her opinions and thoughts that are not always expressed to the women. A unique way to read/write a book and I enjoyed the concept of it. An easy read. However, unneeded was the swear words (some are pretty strong) and the use of the "G" word. I did finish the book,
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Nov 25, 2011
Caroline
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This book tells the intertwining stories of 4 women, close friends who make up a women's club (NOT a book club), meeting for dinner every month. Essentially it's four different narratives, with the overlaying story of their friendship connecting everything. I found the most interesting part to be about how they all relate to each other and support each other over the 10 years over which the book is set. There are many trials and tribulations, of course--each character has her own struggle, cover
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Jun 15, 2011
Brittaney
rated it:
I was ordering some books on Barnes & Noble's website, and I was up to about $22. If you order $25 worth of books, then you get free shipping. So, I skipped to the bargain books and added this to my cart on a whim. Some things are just meant to be.
I loved the story lines in this book. I never wanted to put it down because I wanted to know what was going to happen next for each of the women in the book. As a bonus, the book is based in DC. Books based in your own city are always a lit More...
I loved the story lines in this book. I never wanted to put it down because I wanted to know what was going to happen next for each of the women in the book. As a bonus, the book is based in DC. Books based in your own city are always a lit More...
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Oct 05, 2009
Dymphna
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The Saving Graces by Patricia Gaffney takes us on a journey of friendship between 4 women who have been together so long, and are so close, they have a name for themselves. Each chapter is narrated by one of the women in turn, so we get each one's story from all 4 perspectives.We follow their lives and the decisions they make, becoming exasperated and exhilarated by their stories.
During the time this book takes place, each of the women are hit with real adversity and affliction vir More...
During the time this book takes place, each of the women are hit with real adversity and affliction vir More...
Nov 26, 2011
Jeanne
rated it: 
When women bond, something truly special happens. Patricia Gaffney has captured that something special is this story of four women - Emma, Rudy, Lee and Isabel. Together, they refer to themselves as the Saving Graces.
Each woman is at a crossroads in her life. Marital woes, illness, or family crisis all can be weathered when supported by true friends. There are misunderstandings and hurt feelings among the women, but these are worked through.
My Aunt Peg had a group of fr More...
Each woman is at a crossroads in her life. Marital woes, illness, or family crisis all can be weathered when supported by true friends. There are misunderstandings and hurt feelings among the women, but these are worked through.
My Aunt Peg had a group of fr More...
Apr 03, 2010
Lauren
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Feb 24, 2009
Jayci
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In The Saving Graces, Patricia Gaffney gives us a story of four women tied together by the bond of friendship. Covering a decade in time, this alliance, known as the "Saving Graces", supports each other through the pit-falls and the great joys of life. When these women feel they have conquered all, a devastating crisis will make them question everything. Can their unity hold together this love through even the ultimate test?
Touching, funny, at times frightening....Gaffn More...
Touching, funny, at times frightening....Gaffn More...
Oct 08, 2010
Suzanne
rated it:
The “Saving Graces” are a group of friends that are there for each other through thick and thin. They got their name after hitting a dog, then saving it by carrying it to the vet. Later the dog was named … Grace and found a home with Isabelle. Isabelle has been diagnosed with breast cancer and as she reflects on her life she remains positive, living day-by-day. Other members of the group include, Rudy, trapped in a controlling marriage, Emma, in love with a married man, and Lee, who is unsucc
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Sep 18, 2010
Howsefrau32
rated it:
Excellent! This is the first book I ever read that I cried buckets of tears, I was distraught and probably could have used therapy, it was that moving! My daughter found me like this and was amazed that a book could move me in this way. I have re read this one many times, I just have it in a little paperback novel, and it is so beat up and worn, yet it is one of my most cherished books. It was my first read of this author and I just love her. One of her next novels, "A Circle of Three"
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May 17, 2010
Lynn
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This was one of my all time favorite books. I recommended this to my sisters and they recommended it to their friends and within a month (without exaggeration) there were at least a dozen of us who had read the book and were all in love with it. It was witty and full of the substance of life. I didn't want it to end! From the first page I was "part of their lives" and didn't want to "come home." I laughed out loud and cried ... not little tear ... BIG SLOPPY WET TEARS!
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May 09, 2010
Renee
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This is a definite "chick flick" in a literary form. I enjoyed the book plot -- a tale of 4 women's lives woven together through a social club -- and also the storytelling format -- chapter by chapter is through the voice of another woman. I just felt like at times the characters were a bit contrived and that the author tries "too hard" to work their individual voices.
Still, the tale of unwavering friendship that last the test of time was an easy, comfortable read More...
Still, the tale of unwavering friendship that last the test of time was an easy, comfortable read More...
Feb 11, 2011
Zeek
rated it:
Told from the perspective of four friends who call themselves The Saving Graces, we get a story of friendship that endures through the ups and downs of life. That seems so trite as I write it but, as we all know, the ups and downs are far from trivial and what they experience touches on some of the hardest things women have to go through. Each chapter is told by one of the graces points of view, so we get a close up look at all of them, but it's what they say when the other one is speaking that
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Sep 09, 2007
Karschtl
rated it:
This book is about 4 women who meet regularly, cook together and share their problems. I also have three best friends who I know since childhood.
But the problems of these women are more severe than ours. One woman fights against cancer, the second against childlessness, the third (together with her therapist)against her craziness and (together with her friends) against her bastard of a husband. The fourth woman fights against the feelings she has for a married man. Since the first t More...
But the problems of these women are more severe than ours. One woman fights against cancer, the second against childlessness, the third (together with her therapist)against her craziness and (together with her friends) against her bastard of a husband. The fourth woman fights against the feelings she has for a married man. Since the first t More...
Aug 07, 2011
Maria
rated it:
Okay, this I had not expected. When I last read this, I gave it 5 stars and listed it as one of my favourites. I've dialled down a rating before, but never before by this much!
Back in 2004 I wrote: A very sweet book about lasting friendship. Nice light book, but still has enough depth to leave you thinking about things. I ended up feeling really jealous of the people in the book. I would LOVE to have so many such good girl friends...
Yes, it is a sweet and light book with quit More...
Back in 2004 I wrote: A very sweet book about lasting friendship. Nice light book, but still has enough depth to leave you thinking about things. I ended up feeling really jealous of the people in the book. I would LOVE to have so many such good girl friends...
Yes, it is a sweet and light book with quit More...
Oct 16, 2011
Gypsy Lady
rated it:
Page 256
... he’s one of those rare men who don’t feel bound to have an opinion on everything. Or worse, a solution.
Page 260
Yesterday’s revelations continue. Ultimately, in the very grand scheme of things, it’s irrelevant whether my life lasts fifty more years, or five. Or two. The point is to live it, not wait through it. And I’m alive now – I can pick flowers, pet the dog, eat cinnamon toast. How foolish I would be to let my mortality, which has been there all along More...
... he’s one of those rare men who don’t feel bound to have an opinion on everything. Or worse, a solution.
Page 260
Yesterday’s revelations continue. Ultimately, in the very grand scheme of things, it’s irrelevant whether my life lasts fifty more years, or five. Or two. The point is to live it, not wait through it. And I’m alive now – I can pick flowers, pet the dog, eat cinnamon toast. How foolish I would be to let my mortality, which has been there all along More...
May 17, 2011
Kw
rated it:
I found this tedious, as it is told in the first person by FOUR first people. Took me a while to sort them out, and mercy, what a mess their lives are! Middle-age angst all over the place. Issues many
deal with - infertility, immaturity, insecurity, unfaithfulness, even cancer - but while their first resort seems to be their friendship, alcohol is definitely always on the menu.
This just plodded along for me. Way too wordy. I do not recommend it at all.
deal with - infertility, immaturity, insecurity, unfaithfulness, even cancer - but while their first resort seems to be their friendship, alcohol is definitely always on the menu.
This just plodded along for me. Way too wordy. I do not recommend it at all.
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Feb 17, 2010
Marta
rated it:
This was one of the best "girl friend books" I have ever read. Well written, each chapter from the view point of one of the four main characters. Love, support, hindsight, encouragement. Seriousness, fun, wanting. A real page turner that involves you in the lives of the four women who have formed a "womens group", and the trials they go through without, and with, each other.
Kleenex box should be handy during the final few chapters. Yes, I cried.
Kleenex box should be handy during the final few chapters. Yes, I cried.
Apr 06, 2010
Mariah
rated it:
The relationships between the four women in this book are very realistic. When they get together for dinners, disagree with each other, and support each other, you feel like you are right there. Every action makes sense, and each woman's unique personality contributes to the importance of friendship during difficult times. Anyone who has best friends to cry with, anyone who has had a loved one with cancer can appreciate this book.
Aug 20, 2011
got attached to the women characters in this book as I got further into it, so some chapters towards the end were rather sad but realistic, I thought. I liked the writing style - each characters spoke in first person in her own chapters. This and the fact that they were all part of a club (called the Saving Graces) made it similar in style and make-up to Lorna Ludvik's Angry Housewives Eating Bon-Bons. This was a good book!
Jun 10, 2010
Kelly
rated it:
Loaned to me by a member of my women's group, I thought it looked a little "chick litty" but I could not put it down, turned off Judge Judy to finish it.
A touching and funny depiction of friendship that is similar to Sex and the City without the product placement.
And it led me to look up the word "meretricious." I even composed a sentence using it, "Some criticize Sex and the City by calling it meretricious but one wonders if they also take some guilty More...
A touching and funny depiction of friendship that is similar to Sex and the City without the product placement.
And it led me to look up the word "meretricious." I even composed a sentence using it, "Some criticize Sex and the City by calling it meretricious but one wonders if they also take some guilty More...
Jan 14, 2012
Judy
rated it:
The book kept me company during some sleepless nights. The four women were close friends, all with their own unique personalities and situations, which at times reminded me of the TV show "Desperate Housewives." Sometimes I was bored but then my interest was piqued in some chapters by the author's descriptions of each woman's life circumstances we've all identified with at one time or another.
Mar 01, 2010
Grace
rated it: 
I have a circle of friends, whom I have known since elementary school. Though we are at different ends of the world, we are connected by a strong bond that has spanned more than 20 years. In choosing and reading this book, I imagined that some of the sentiments could/would be recreated. I was disappointed in the book, not for the reasons that set me reading this book, but others.
First of all, how can one connive a situation to form and forge friendships?
Secondly, it was a bit too s More...
First of all, how can one connive a situation to form and forge friendships?
Secondly, it was a bit too s More...
Jan 25, 2009
Jen
rated it:
Wonderful story of four best friends--sort of like the Traveling Pants books for adults. It deals with some heavy life issues--affairs, divorce, health, infertility--in short, real life stuff. I loved reading how these women supported and loved each other through everything life throws at them. Again, with the language disclaimer though--not lots, but ocassionally BAD. All in all though, a wonderful book about women.
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Nov 23, 2011
Lola425
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Initially I thought I might enjoy this book. I felt that it had the potential to be ab interesting examination of the sustaining nature of relationships among women. In the end it was just too chick-lity for me. I also had a hard time distinguishing between each woman, except for Emma, probably because of all of them I related to her the most. Still, this was way too Lifetime movie for me.
Feb 02, 2009
Tara
rated it:
Every woman needs a few close friends who would die for you, but mostly support you in whatever you do. These characters were more cliched, yet their bond to one another was nice. One flaw was thinking they could add someone to their group. And where did they get the men in their lives? Except for Lee's husband... It's nice to have friends, but my husband fills all my needs.
Aug 03, 2011
Stacey
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The Saving Graces is a beautiful story about friendship, love & loss, trial & error, hardships, & success, fears & conquests, and the bond between four women who were lucky enough to have each other in their lives.
This story was so well written that it would be hard for the reader not see a part of themselves in each of these women, to find a characteristic or two of one of your own friends mirrored in the Graces and you will long to be one of them. Lee, Emma, Ruby, & Isabel will get in More...
This story was so well written that it would be hard for the reader not see a part of themselves in each of these women, to find a characteristic or two of one of your own friends mirrored in the Graces and you will long to be one of them. Lee, Emma, Ruby, & Isabel will get in More...
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