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Grace Grows

by Shelle Sumners (Goodreads Author)

3.94 of 5 stars 3.94 · rating details · 339 ratings · 174 reviews

Grace Barnum’s life is precariously balanced on sensible choices and uncomfortable compromise.She dutifully edits textbooks that, shefears, may be more harmful than helpful to kids. She is engaged to a patent attorney who is steady and reliable.She has a cautious relationship with herfascinating father, a renowned New York painter, and she prefers her mom slightly drunk.

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Paperback, 325 pages

Published October 30th 2012 by St. Martin's Griffin

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Best YA/New Adult Contemporary Romance

279th out of 288 books — 1,292 voters

The Wednesday Daughters by Meg Waite Clayton

Best Beach Reads 2013

87th out of 146 books — 564 voters

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Community Reviews

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Nov 13, 2012 ♥Rachel♥ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley-e-book

4.5 Stars

Oh the heartache! The swoony, achy feel this story gave me! I felt LOVESICK over a freaking book!! I couldn’t stop reading. I was so bowled over with angsty feelings and I just had to know how it ended. This was another one of those books that I read long into the night. I peeked at the clock at my bedside after I finished and it was 5:30 IN THE MORNING! Even when I closed the book and my eyes I still couldn’t fall asleep because the scenes kept replaying over and over again in my head....more

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Aug 10, 2012 Aryn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: own, won-in-giveaway, fiction, chick-lit, romance, young-adult

I won this book from Goodreads Giveaways and found myself thoroughly enjoying it. I started out intrigued by the style choices when reading from Grace's point of view. She may have been 27, but she didn't curse, didn't smoke, didn't "talk dirty," was an all around innocent. It made reading her character feel a lot more like this book was a Young Adult novel rather than an Adult Romance. In fact, for the first quarter of the novel, Grace annoyed the bejeezus out of me: she was just too perfectly...more I won this book from Goodreads Giveaways and found myself thoroughly enjoying it. I started out intrigued by the style choices when reading from Grace's point of view. She may have been 27, but she didn't curse, didn't smoke, didn't "talk dirty," was an all around innocent. It made reading her character feel a lot more like this book was a Young Adult novel rather than an Adult Romance. In fact, for the first quarter of the novel, Grace annoyed the bejeezus out of me: she was just too perfectly innocent. It was unrealistic that she'd made it to 27, from a mostly broken home, living in NYC and was still so Gods Damned Innocent. It's like she made it into the adult world, but only by the skin of her teeth and her attitudes had never aged beyond her 16 year old self.

However, Grace Grows was an appropriate title for the novel. As Grace's life pulls a 360 and falls apart, and she actually starts to pull it apart so that she can make the changes in her life that she wants, I began to like her more and more. Angsty, upset Grace was a much more believable, relatable, and understandable character. It makes her stubborn and cranky and unsure of herself and she becomes a procrastinator. Maybe I liked Grace when shit was hitting the fan because her coping mechanisms remind me a lot of my own: completely nonexistent. She tries to run away every time she's cornered into doing something good for herself that's going to hurt. She refuses to leave her chair. She cries for no reason and with no prompting. Sure it's dramatic, but she's self conscious and hurting; it was the way she coped with being forced to tear everything down to build it up that made me like her, made me think of myself. Don't real good books make you put yourself in the main character's shoes?

Tyler, the love interest, is a sparkly perfect sexy new-to-the-city dog walker that she meets on his first week in the city. He's moved to New York to try to sell his music. Slowly, but surely, he becomes a perfect rock star, with stalker fans and false news all over the internet. While perhaps he is too perfect and has too few flaws, his and Grace's relationship is shown perfectly through Grace's eyes. Her self consciousness comes out in thinking that he's sexually and socially over confident, which of course just makes her think that she couldn't possibly be good enough for the magic rock star. Even his perfectness (lack of flaws) can be attributed to seeing him through Grace's eyes. You know those boys that just make you want to crawl into yourself when they're at their most confident because then you can't feel good enough, not by a mile? They may love the girl and they may never do anything to hurt her, but she can't see past her own issues? That's Tyler and Grace.

Looking for a good Beach Read? This is perfect for that. It's simply written, but engaging and hilarious. I found myself giggling quite a few times. Romance novels are not always my cup of tea, but this was a Romance and a Coming of Age all rolled into one. It's sort of too bad that this doesn't come out until October, because it really would be a perfect summer read.

I do see this book succeeding on the strength of the voice of Grace, and the strength and unique characters of the people she is surrounded by.(less)

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Oct 12, 2012 Joanna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

Won this through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway! Thanks, Goodreads.

I read this while on vacaction and the timing couldn't have been more perfect. The pace of this book is so relaxed and the characters so familiar that it was the ideal read while taking a break from reality.

What the plot lacked in intricacy it made up for in endearment. I loved Tyler and Grace and their relationship. I loved how it realistically spanned years, because not all relationships go through all the ups and downs in s...more

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Nov 28, 2012 Staci rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: goodreads-books, romantic-reads

I started reading this book thinking that it would be a light, fun read, but I was only half right. This book was a fun one, but it had a lot more depth than I thought when I first set out reading the first few sections. I read the last 2/3rds of this book in one afternoon and into the evening because I just couldn’t put it down. The emotion in this book touched me so deeply that I was stunned by the end of it and I loved it. Very few books can really reach inside me so easily and with such litt...more

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Sep 02, 2012 Robyn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, first-read-wins, own, romance

I won this book on goodreads and was super excited to read it. I was not disappointed!

Grace Grows grabbed me right from the beginning, and spun me through a roller coaster of emotions. Grace is an editor and writer for a text book publisher, and lives with her long-term boyfriend Steven. As Steven is out of town a lot on business, Grace befriends the neighbors dog walker, Tyler Wilkie, who has just moved to the city in hopes of busting into the music business. Grace, and her best friend Peg, ha...more I won this book on goodreads and was super excited to read it. I was not disappointed!

Grace Grows grabbed me right from the beginning, and spun me through a roller coaster of emotions. Grace is an editor and writer for a text book publisher, and lives with her long-term boyfriend Steven. As Steven is out of town a lot on business, Grace befriends the neighbors dog walker, Tyler Wilkie, who has just moved to the city in hopes of busting into the music business. Grace, and her best friend Peg, have a great time showing Tyler around the city and attending his gigs at local bars. Before long, Tyler is head over heels for Grace, writing her songs and calling at all times of day and night. But she makes it very clear to him that they are strictly friends, and that she is "taken". Will Grace continue on with her so-called Perfect Life or for once listen to her heart and make some big life-altering changes.

Grace Barnum was at times a very annoying main character. Sometimes I just wanted to knock her upside the head, and tell her to open her eyes! I wanted to ask her why in the world she would do the stupid things she does through-out the story. She made me mad and frustrated. But at the same time she was a very realistic character. Not all women in their late 20's are mature, grown up and well-rounded in the dating world, even though we like to think we are. Grace Grows made me laugh out loud, and even cry. My chest at one point actually ached for both her and Tyler. And, unlike most contemporary romances these days, Grace Grows took place through years rather than days or weeks. I had a feeling of what would happen in the end, but with all the twists and turns Shelle Sumners took us on, I wasn't entirely sure. I read this book deep into the night, as I had a very hard time putting it down ... and even though I never usually read ahead, this book forced me to take a peak into the future and then go back and continue reading. That's how badly I wanted to know what would happen next, and if everything would turn out okay in the end.

It has been a long time since I've read a good sized book 300+ pages in less than a week. (less)

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May 09, 2013 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Summary:
Grace is uptight. She lives a fairly rigid life and follows what is expected of her. She has a stable and secure existence, even if there are several quirks that make her seem a little odd. She is a likeable person. Her life seems to be on the perfect path until she is thrust into situations with Ty. Ty is a musician. He is almost completely opposite to Grace, but opposites do attract. The two of them end of bumping into each other and there is definitely a spark, but timing always seems...more

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Mar 21, 2013 Julia rated it 3 of 5 stars

Grace is a slightly uptight textbook editor, leading a very controlled life and living with her seemingly perfect boyfriend. Into her life stumbles Tyler Wilkie, a struggling musician who walks her neighbour's dogs for extra income. He's like a puppy himself, slightly ungainly and cute as can be. They strike up a friendship. Tyler is keen on Grace from the outset and isn't afraid to tell her so repeatedly, although she rebuffs his attentions. Gradually she is forced to admit to herself that her...more

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Feb 22, 2013 Jackie rated it 4 of 5 stars

3.5 This one hit a lot of my sweet/worry spots: heroine editor; heroine who needs to be in control; heroine learning not to settle for just okay but to embrace the joys and the sorrows of deep love; class differences; hero as artist, and who gets famous writing love songs about heroine; nuanced secondary characters, especially the heroine's parents. Strong writing, too. Sumner really sucked me in.

Some books have me loving them so much that I get suspicious--the hardest ideology to see is the ide...more

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Feb 20, 2013 Traci rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-lit, contemporary, romance

This book really impacted me, and I'm not even sure why exactly. It is the first I have read from Shelle Sumners. I actually re-read it, skimmed it, the day after I finished it to try to figure out what exactly spoke to me so much. It is a story of Grace. Grace meets Tyler and her life is turned upside down. She is living with her boyfriend and Tyler is new to New York City trying to make it as a musician. Tyler writes songs for Grace, sharing his feelings, his frustrations, his love. Grace howe...more

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Feb 16, 2013 Sam rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone

Recommended to Sam by: ARC - thanks to Allen and Unwin and The Reading Room

The first thing that struck me when I saw Grace Grows was the excellent idea on the front and back covers. The ARC copy I received has the usual testimonials you see, but this time they are with a twist – they’re written by people at the publishing house. Such an awesome idea. The people have spoken – this is one of the sweetest stories you’ll read for a very long time.

Before you think, ‘Ugh, I don’t like sweet and it’s probably all predictable anyway’ – STOP. This is not to a formula. Grace Gr...more The first thing that struck me when I saw Grace Grows was the excellent idea on the front and back covers. The ARC copy I received has the usual testimonials you see, but this time they are with a twist – they’re written by people at the publishing house. Such an awesome idea. The people have spoken – this is one of the sweetest stories you’ll read for a very long time.

Before you think, ‘Ugh, I don’t like sweet and it’s probably all predictable anyway’ – STOP. This is not to a formula. Grace Grows takes the formula, adds reality, twists and the most lovable hero for a long time. People, it’s that good. I can’t recommend it highly enough – and you’ll see why it’s quirky, funny and gorgeous from the first line, “The first time I met Tyler Wilkie, I was dressed like a call girl”. Now, Grace, our protagonist is actually a textbook writer/editor, so we know that this is probably wrong for a cautious young lady who carries the world in her named bag (Big Green) and lives a safe life with her boyfriend in New York.

The first time we meet Tyler, he’s walking a bunch of dogs that can’t get their feet wet. Why? Because he’s a struggling musician trying to make it big in New York.
The immediate chemistry between Grace and Tyler should cause the book to carry a warning for electric shocks but Sumners teases things out. She tells us how gorgeous Tyler (Ty to his friends) is, writes his songs in full (complete with Ty’s lack of knowledge of your/you’re) and taunts us with ‘oh so close’ moments.

Then Grace’s life begins to unravel and her cautious, predictable life ends in a heap. Even though Grace’s pain seeps through the pages, this is where things become exciting for the reader as the plot becomes unpredictable. Things happen in the wrong order and it looks like Grace will never admit her feelings for Ty. I haven’t seen such an edge of your seat relationship since Carrie and Mr Big. Both Grace and Ty’s parents are quirky and/or memorable – Grace’s mother is an uptight lawyer while her father is a world famous artist who has premonitions – but only about Grace. Ty’s parents aren’t averse to smoking the odd banned substance, but their love is palpable as they work together as florists. It’s these little touches that make Grace Grows sparkle – and plants the book firmly in your memory.

Sumners has an incredible talent for feelings – I haven’t had a crush on a book character for a long time, but Ty would be the type. But as we know so much about Grace and have suffered with her, I can’t crush on him because he just belongs with Grace.

I read this for so long that the bath water went cold and I didn’t finish my lunch. It’s that addictive!

Thanks to Allen & Unwin and The Reading Room for the ARC copy.

http://samstillreading.wordpress.com (less)

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Feb 07, 2013 Angie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: good-uns

Originally reviewed here @ Angieville

I received a pitch for this book a few months back and dithered around on it a bit before deciding to give it a shot. But I had to wait, of course, for the right moment. And that moment came the other night after putting everyone to bed and coming off a rather unsatisfying read the night before. It helped that I haven't really read any true chick lit for awhile. What didn't help was the cover and the title. Nope. Not representative of the book at all, as far...more Originally reviewed here @ Angieville

I received a pitch for this book a few months back and dithered around on it a bit before deciding to give it a shot. But I had to wait, of course, for the right moment. And that moment came the other night after putting everyone to bed and coming off a rather unsatisfying read the night before. It helped that I haven't really read any true chick lit for awhile. What didn't help was the cover and the title. Nope. Not representative of the book at all, as far as I'm concerned. So if you're put off by either, don't leave yet. Because I settled in with GRACE GROWS and did not surface again until I had finished it. The thing is it made me laugh right off the bat. In fact, I'd read a passage aloud to my husband before I was three chapters in--a sure sign I'm enjoying a book immensely. If he has to hear a bit of it aloud as I am reading it, then he knows I'm in it for the long haul. Turns out GRACE GROWS is so readable and engrossing that the "long haul" felt very short indeed. That's not to say that it's without its problems. On the contrary, it has it's fair share. But I haven't been able to get it out of my head since finishing. So let's discuss the highs and lows and see where we wind up, shall we?

Grace Barnum (yes, like the circus) is comfortable. She has a live-in boyfriend she's been with for awhile now. She has a job that keeps her busy and a pleasantly distant relationship with both of her parents (who have been estranged ever since she was a little girl). She has friends to go out with on the weekends and time to herself to sit in the Cloisters and recharge her batteries, so to speak. Everything's fine. Really. But then one morning on her way to work, she meets a dog walker outside her building who changes everything. Or wrecks everything. It all depends on your point of view. But one thing is for sure, this sometime dog walker, full time up-and-coming musical sensation has no intention of exiting Grace's life. Which presents problems on several levels for peace-and-quiet-loving Grace, because she can't seem to let go of their . . . friendship . . . either. And it's messing with her mojo, seeing as Ty is as chaotic and charismatic and fun-loving as Grace is steady and quiet and set in her ways. But Tyler Wilkie is dead set on two things in his life: getting famous and getting Grace. Which presents a problem for her nice, normal boyfriend who suddenly seems to be heading toward fiance territory. And so time passes and the two of them circle and reach out to each other and drift away and come together again in a kind of excruciating cycle neither of them know how to break. Until the strength of their connection forces them to act, that is. And then things get even more complicated.

Like I said, I started laughing immediately and didn't stop. Shelle Sumners has a wonderfully dry and lively wit and it sparkled in Grace's interactions with Tyler, with her friends and co-workers, and with her inexplicable parents. I cared for her right away. In fact, I cared about every single character in this book. They are each of them delineated carefully and thoughtfully, and while the bulk of my emotions were tied up in Grace and Ty's relationship, I was attached to each of the secondary characters as well. Which is why the whole messy, beautiful thing meant so much to me, I think. And why it was so clenchingly painful when the course of true love did not run smooth. And let me tell you, it really, really doesn't. I can understand why some reviewers want to kick Grace to the curb about two-thirds of the way through. She brings the pain, this girl does. She's been the recipient of her fair share of it as well, and for that (and her parents' dysfunction) I cut her some slack. But that doesn't mean it isn't difficult to watch her sabotage Tyler's happiness (and her own, of course) in such desperate ways. And since Tyler is about as adorable as a basket of puppies, it's . . . well, it's hard to watch. But the dream of them is so compelling, I did. I watched it right through to the very end.

I reached up and tapped him on the shoulder. He turned.

"Hi," I said.

"Hey!" he said. "It's you!"

He gave me that radiant smile and the gawk factor inexplicably transferred from him to me. Suddenly he was grace, and I wasn't.

"You're shorter than this morning," he said.

"Oh, yes." My face was getting warm. Annoying! "I had on those tall shoes."

"Yeah, they were pointy."

"Yes, I was trying to--well, I don't usually dress like that."

He nodded. "It looked hot, but painful."

This, their second meeting, is an incredibly simple passage, I know. But it really does give you a feel for Ty's easy charm and Grace's awkward honesty when she's around him. There's no denying their chemistry. This is one of those protracted relationships. It develops over years. And nothing, but nothing, resolves when you want it to. Honestly, I did come to tire of the never ending passing like ships in the night. Similarly, I wish the plot point that finally forces them to act was not what it was. It took away from the payoff for me. I wish Grace had found the courage to take control of what lay between them without it, and I wish we'd been allowed to spend a little more time with Grace-and-Tyler before their fragile little entity was overwhelmed by life and the consequences of the long string of decisions (both bad and good) that brought them where they are. That said--I really cared, you guys. I really cared. It hurt reading this book. It hurt and tickled and irritated and delighted. Recommended for fans of Liza Palmer and Kate Saunders.(less)

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Jan 21, 2013 Kate rated it 5 of 5 stars

Grace Barnum has her life perfectly planned out. From her steady and dependable boyfriend, Steven, to her job editing text books and her big green leather shoulder bag containing anything she might need to survive any situation – I think Grace would even be able to withstand a zombie apocalypse with the contents of Big Green. And then she meets Tyler Wilkie. Tyler is everything Steven is not. He’s seemingly young, spontaneous and perpetually late – much to Grace’s displeasure.

These two character...more

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Jan 17, 2013 Ashley rated it 4 of 5 stars

I received a copy of Grace Grows from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. For questions about my review policy, see http://thebookfetishblog.com/about/

Shelle Sumners’ debut novel, Grace Grows is all about what happens when we’ve planned and life gets in the way. Grace Barnum’s life is plodding along. If not exactly happy, she’s more or less content. She edits textbooks, even though she sometimes worries that the content is more detrimental than helpful to students. She’s engaged to a...more I received a copy of Grace Grows from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. For questions about my review policy, see http://thebookfetishblog.com/about/

Shelle Sumners’ debut novel, Grace Grows is all about what happens when we’ve planned and life gets in the way. Grace Barnum’s life is plodding along. If not exactly happy, she’s more or less content. She edits textbooks, even though she sometimes worries that the content is more detrimental than helpful to students. She’s engaged to a solid, dependable man called Steven, and planning her wedding. If not exactly picture perfect, it’s enough for Grace. Then enter Tyler Wilkie. Although when Grace meets him, Tyler’s a dog walker, he’s on the cusp of making it big in the music industry, and he makes a big impact on Grace. What ensues is the story of what happens when we forget perfect planning and learn to live.

It took me a little bit to get into Grace Grows. At first I was exasperated with Grace’s overbearing correction of Tyler’s grammar, for example. But the more I got to know Grace and Tyler, the more I enjoyed the story. Grace is a more complex character than I initially anticipated. Tyler was a little harder to buy- does a guy so good-looking, caring, and on the cusp of major fame but still believably humble really exist? If so, send him my way…..- but still a likable character with whom I found myself empathizing the more I read. I feel like Grace shortchanged and underestimated him more than once and it cost them both… but where’s a romantic story without something conspiring to keep our heroine and hero apart?

The included song lyrics add dimension to the story, revealing feelings in a more raw and honest manner than simple dialog could have done. As a bonus, Shelle has at her website a soundtrack for the book, which is a cool enhancement to the reading experience. I also especially loved the quoted selections from Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet – which by the way is now in my reading queue. Without spoiling too much, one of the things I appreciate most about the book is the reminder that sometimes what is perfect for us on paper, doesn’t work in real life; and sometimes, what seems an awful match in reality is just what we’re destined for. Fans of chick lit and light romance will enjoy Grace Grows and I look forward to reading more from Shelle Sumners.

(less)

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Dec 09, 2012 Honour rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley-arc, female-first-person-pov, re-readable-books, début-authors-to-watch, reviewed-by-moi

Grace is in a relationship. She thinks she's content. She meets a young man who walks her neighbour's dogs and is new in the city. After a small kindness from her he starts considering her a friend and invites her to a bar where he'll be singing. Grace takes a friend along and they both realize this guy - Tyler - is enormously talented. Not much time passes by before this becomes apparent to a lot of other people and soon Tyler has a small but loyal following and then he gets an agent. While Tyl...more Grace is in a relationship. She thinks she's content. She meets a young man who walks her neighbour's dogs and is new in the city. After a small kindness from her he starts considering her a friend and invites her to a bar where he'll be singing. Grace takes a friend along and they both realize this guy - Tyler - is enormously talented. Not much time passes by before this becomes apparent to a lot of other people and soon Tyler has a small but loyal following and then he gets an agent. While Tyler's life is suddenly on the fast track to success his interest in Grace doesn't diminish. It's an interest Grace does nothing to encourage but she can't seem to keep him out of her life. She finds that she doesn't want to.

I liked this book a lot. It has one of the tropes I had formed an early dislike of, (view spoiler), but it manages to work the romance around that without piling on manufactured guilt or unnecessarily dragging the Big Misunderstanding along for too long. Well, actually it probably lasts about 20% of the book but the writer does an excellent job of exploring Grace's vulnerabilities and her fears, so we can easily forgive her. She does what I know I do when faced with a decision she's afraid of making - she pushes it to a later date. And somehow time passes quickly when you do that and then it's too late.

I also loved Tyler. He has faults but he's also vulnerable to Grace even though she doesn't realize it. He's a pretty great hero. For the Grace who emerges from the ashes of her old life, making a new path for herself, he's the perfect help mate.

[Edit: Cheating is an issue that brings out a wide range of emotions in different people. Readers also define cheating in different ways. For some it's the act of sex and for some it's kissing another guy and for yet other people it's spending time with someone who is not your boyfriend or husband. I don't know how I feel about this personally. In the case of Grace and Tyler, I forgive Grace because I simply didn't know much about her fiance/boyfriend and I was more invested in her emotions. Anyway, for readers for whom this might be a big issue, (view spoiler)]

DISCLAIMER: netgalley ARC.(less)

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Aug 23, 2012 Jessmc rated it 5 of 5 stars

I read this as an advance reader copy. It starts out a bit slow. I think I found the idea of Grace a bit dull & oddly naive for a nearly thirty year old New Yorker. She kind of bothered me at first. She quickly becomes engaged to a dull but very constant man that she has been with for awhile. All along though, she has this growing friendship with Tyler. He is a manchild that writes beautiful songs for & about Grace. As he becomes increasingly popular, her life begins to spin out of her c...more

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Mar 13, 2013 Susan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-lit

This book started out strong, but devolved into the titular heroine acting completely irrationally and immaturely. After the hunky, talented singer Tyler pursues her and writes beautiful songs professing his feelings, she suddenly decides she is just another notch on his belt and that he is engaged to another woman (because we all know that everything that gossip magazines print is 100% accurate). Much despairing and "oh, he can't possibly love me!" ensues. And then she does something really stu...more

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Oct 23, 2012 Patty rated it 4 of 5 stars

Grace Grows
by
Shelle Sumners

My " in a nutshell" summary...

Grace appears to have fallen in love with the "wrong" man. Or has she?

My thoughts after reading this book...

I found this to be a really sweet and lovely book. I loved Grace...was not so much in love with Ty...at first...but that is because the good girl in me wanted her to keep the great apartment, the wealthy boyfriend and the three diamond engagement ring. Grace was funny even while she was a little bit damaged. I love a cool story in a...more

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Feb 04, 2013 Dale Harcombe rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: couldn-t-finish

I was looking forward to reading this after all the endorsements and comments on the book telling me what a ‘gorgeous love story,’ and ‘compulsive read’ it was, ‘sweet as apple pie.’ etc. So I set out with high hopes. After a while I was left wondering if I could possibly be reading the same book, as I didn’t see what these fans of the book did. What I found instead were two characters that annoyed me from the start till I eventually gave up, more than half way through.
It was a case of opposite...more

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Feb 12, 2013 K rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: first-reads

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I really didn't enjoy this book. The writing was fantasic but I found the storyline unrealistic. It just happened that Grace and Ty ran into each other? Again. And again. Grace Barnum is a 27 year old text book editor, who basically takes herslef too seriously. Tyler wilkie is an up and coming singer/songwriter. They meet when Tyler starts walking Grace's next door neighbours dogs. Their relationship progresses from there. Grace is engaged, so naturally she would be wary or Ty's romantic inclina...more

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Jul 22, 2012 Crystal rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance, first-reads, romantic-comedy

First thoughts
I won this from the Goodreads first-read program and I was super excited because, I entered hundreds of those contest and didn’t think it was possible to win. So now I have proof that real people do win, and I’m one of them.

My thoughts
Grace grows is a great debut for Author Shelle Sumners. I loved this book from the very first page until the very last. In all honesty I wanted the story of Ty and Grace to continue past the pages provided. This book had a lot of plus for me and one n...more First thoughts
I won this from the Goodreads first-read program and I was super excited because, I entered hundreds of those contest and didn’t think it was possible to win. So now I have proof that real people do win, and I’m one of them.

My thoughts
Grace grows is a great debut for Author Shelle Sumners. I loved this book from the very first page until the very last. In all honesty I wanted the story of Ty and Grace to continue past the pages provided. This book had a lot of plus for me and one negative (which is it ending haha).I loved the writing style, the development of characters, the pace of the story, and the overall realness of the plot.

First, let’s start with the characters. We have Grace, who is a list-making, snack carrying, and all around prepared women. Who is content in her life, but not really happy? She has a job that she really doesn’t like, a boyfriend that she has no spark with, and parents that just don’t get her. The only plus she has is her friends Peg and Ed. Whom make great secondary characters. They were so supportive and genuinely loved Grace and wanted her to be happy. Then we have pretty boy (yes I will call him that) Tyler Wilkie, who has recently moved to the big city of New York from small town Pennsylvania to pursue his music career with longtime friend Bogue (yes that is his name haha).Tyler is the constant charmer and always so happy. I loved that about him. He goes out of his way to be a great friend and let Grace know that he is there for her. They met when Tyler as a little incident with the dogs he’s walking and the rest is history, or the story of Grace grows LOL! As the story progresses, through the seasons we see their connection go from strangers, to friends, and then to something more.

One main reason I loved Grace grows because their story wasn’t all snowflakes and rainbows, there where bumps along the way. There will be some up and downs, highs and lows, and in the end they must decide what course in life they will take, whether it is together or not. I’m not a fan of insta-love because I feel that it doesn’t exist. This story is told over the course of years split up in different season. That’s what made it real for me, and the reason I enjoyed this book.

Overall, Grace grows was a winner in my eyes because of the realistic plot, strong characters, and the love between Grace and Ty. Plus it was never short on laughs! Shelle Sumners brought her a game to this book and it did NOT disappoint!

P.S This story contains in original Soundtrack written by the author’s husband and I loved that. It was like a little added bonus that I really enjoyed!

Characters: 5/5
Writing/error: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Ending: 5/5
Would I recommend it: Yes!
(less)

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Aug 28, 2012 Antoinette rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, favorites

I was lucky to win this book through Goodreads' First Reads giveaways, and it was one of the novels that I couldn't wait to read, so began as soon as it arrived in the mail.

The beginning started a bit slow, but it quickly picked up and kept me from putting the book down. Tyler and Grace's characters are two you grow fond of throughout the chapters, although at times I wanted to make each of them realize the obvious. I felt for both of the character's, especially in the middle of the book when t...more

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May 14, 2013 Michele rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

This was a book I won from goodreads.. A wonderfully corky story of two complete opposites coming together. To think it all started because of two dogs who weren't aloud to get wet! There are many laugh out loud moments and Shelle Sumners keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting for what comes next. I absolutely loved this book and was unable to put it down!

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Apr 27, 2013 Deborah Gray rated it 4 of 5 stars

Despite its 'chick lit' feel, not my usual choice, I am an explorer and love to dabble in different genres if they're good. This debut is not only deftly written, but a very fun read with well developed characters and natural dialogue.

Grace lives with the solid, dependable, good provider Steven, who really doesn't have any challenging faults. I found that satisfying. The author doesn't take the easy way out and make him unlikable. You find yourself hoping he's going to be okay - or that they ma...more

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Mar 01, 2013 Megan Readinginthesunshine rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Grace Grows centers around Grace Barnum, who is very organised and has things in her life planned out. That is, until Tyler Wilkie shows up, a good-looking musician who is trying to make it in the city, and he’s completely the opposite of organised. But there’s something about him that Grace is drawn to…

This book was AMAZING! I started it early one evening and I actually stayed up until 3am just so that I could finish it, I continually just had to keep knowing what was going to happen next, and...more

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Aug 06, 2012 Laurel-Rain rated it 4 of 5 stars

In the lilting narrative voice of Grace Barnum, we follow her journey to love.

We meet her first when she is an editor for a textbook company: boring, predictable, responsible. Living with her equally predictable boyfriend Steven. Her life is pretty much all figured out.

And then she meets handsome, charming, responsibility-challenged Tyler Wilkie when he is walking the neighbor's dogs. And something subtly begins to change for Grace.

But she fights it. How can she possibly feel what she's feeling...more

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Oct 29, 2012 Leah rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-2012, for-review, netgalley

Grace Grows is a novel that interested me as soon as I saw it. I loved the cover, most of all, that’s what drew me to it originally – the two dogs with the man and woman holding on to them. I love dogs, so y’know, I loved the cover. I also like novels where characters crash into people’s lives. I live the spontaneity that Tyler and Grace only met because he came to walk her neighbour’s dogs one morning. It’s a brilliant idea for a novel. I loved how Tyler and Grace just seemed to spark off each...more Grace Grows is a novel that interested me as soon as I saw it. I loved the cover, most of all, that’s what drew me to it originally – the two dogs with the man and woman holding on to them. I love dogs, so y’know, I loved the cover. I also like novels where characters crash into people’s lives. I live the spontaneity that Tyler and Grace only met because he came to walk her neighbour’s dogs one morning. It’s a brilliant idea for a novel. I loved how Tyler and Grace just seemed to spark off each other immediately and that Tyler, as a man-child, had the spontaneity to write songs about Grace, to hang around with Grace even when Grace didn’t really want him around. For a long time, Tyler had this naivety to him that just totally blew me away. I was as convinced as Grace that he was young, much younger than her, even though he wasn’t.

In parts, this novel took my breath away. Like I said, the spark between Grace and Tyler was something else. The intensity with which Tyler lived his life was just so all-consuming. The way he was just always there. The way he didn’t let Grace’s coldness or hard shell get in the way of telling the truth about his feelings for her, even if she didn’t reciprocate. He was just so honest. And I adored him. He’s the type of character that right from the get go you just love. He was just so sweet-natured. Even when he swore, it just seemed odd coming from Tyler Wilkie’s mouth. The friction between Grace and Tyler was amazing. I was sort of disappointed how that seemed to actually peter out as the novel wore on, strange as it is, and I will get to that in a bit.

As for Grace. I don’t know how to talk about Grace. Grace was… an enigma I suppose. She (understandably) didn’t acknowledge her feelings for Tyler right away, which is fair enough, but at times I found her to be a bit disengaged. A bit cold. She had flashes of warmth, but for the most part I found it hard to engage with her. She was a bit of a cold fish, in truth. Obviously she was scarred from what occurred during her childhood, growing up with just her mom and with an estranged-until-her-teen-years father, but I just wanted Grace to just let go. Be less uptight. To care less. I think it speaks volumes that the first character I chose to talk about was Tyler, and not Grace who is our main character. It was Tyler who kept me reading, not Grace.

The plot of Grace Grows was great, the writing was good (more Emily Giffin than Sophie Kinsella, and yes, Emily and Sophie’s writing styles do differ, believe me) and overall I liked the book. However, instead of going for the big Chick Lit ending we all know and love (I do, anyway), where there’s a big fight or something similar and then a declaration of love and then The End, instead it’s different. Something else occurs during the last third of the novel that just… it sort of petered out. I wanted my shout-y showdown between Tyler and Grace and the big I love you’s and stuff. I like my endings like that. I like the warm feeling it gives and the sense of relief that it’s all worked out. The ending wasn’t bad, don’t get me wrong, and it was kind of satisfying, but it all just felt a bit too perfect. I was, in total honesty, waiting for the ball to drop. I felt certain that it was all just too engineered, if I’m being totally honest. I’d definitely recommend the novel, it was a solid read, I just found the ending to be not to my tastes. It sounds strange to complain about it, really, as I’m usually whinging about there not being enough of an ending most of the time, but well, as it turns out, I like my not-enough endings, clearly. Grace Grows is a great debut novel, and I can’t wait to see what Shelle Sumners brings us next.(less)

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Aug 17, 2012 Linda rated it 2 of 5 stars Recommends it for: 20 somethings, New Yorkers, girls with a crush on a pop star

Recommended to Linda by: won ARC from Goodreads

Received this book as an ARC from Goodreads. I was interested because of the description of a sort of coming of age story, the love angle, and it seemed a pleasant summer read. It reads easily and quickly and is a love story with a happy ending, so it meets those criteria. The lead character, Grace, just bothered me; she seems very young in the beginning, I would have guessed 21 by her behavior. Turns out she is 27, and I found her terribly immature, neurotic, and self involved for that age. (I...more

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May 11, 2013 Tanja Voosen rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: something-diffrent-contemporary, german-books-i-own, my-bookshelf, crestfallen-expected-more

2,5/5

Buchgestaltung

Ich finde beide Cover sehr gelungen, wobei mir das Deutsche noch etwas besser gefällt. Auch der deutsche Titel passt einfach ganz wunderbar und klingt dabei genauso witzig und charmant, wie Tylers Charakter im Buch ist. Grace Grows hat meiner Meinung nach weniger Bezug zur Handlung, auch, wenn sich ihr Charakter natürlich weiter entwickelt.

Meinung

Ich bin in der Annahme an den Roman herangegangen, das es sich hierbei um ein Jugendbuch handelt und da lag ich falsch. Als ich da...more

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Sep 02, 2012 MaryKay rated it 4 of 5 stars

I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway.

When I saw the title for the book, I was intrigued. Who is Grace, and how does she grow? Then, I read the start of the book summary, and I thought..."I need to read this book." You see, Grace is a planner. I'm a planner. Grace is a textbook editor. I edit textbooks. Granted, that's really where our similarities end, but I was excited to read anyway. I think I held out hopes that this overly responsible, overly-planning bookworm would be swept away by fa...more I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway.

When I saw the title for the book, I was intrigued. Who is Grace, and how does she grow? Then, I read the start of the book summary, and I thought..."I need to read this book." You see, Grace is a planner. I'm a planner. Grace is a textbook editor. I edit textbooks. Granted, that's really where our similarities end, but I was excited to read anyway. I think I held out hopes that this overly responsible, overly-planning bookworm would be swept away by fairy-tale-like love (who doesn't want that, right?).

What I found instead was a more real story of the development of love and of the need to be open to unexpected twists of fate that might enter one's life. At the beginning of the book, I was interested that Tyler might fall for Grace since they come from such different backgrounds; and I wasn't totally surprised that Grace rejected his pursuits, given that she had already carefully planned out her life, making some very responsible choices. I would have done the same thing. They didn't belong together.

As Tyler continued, over time, to pursue Grace, I became more and more annoyed with her refusal to recognize his dedication to her and with her constant mistrust of his intentions. At this point, I was very frustrated with the book and with Grace. Why couldn't she accept Tyler? That's what would happen in a fairy tale, right? The boy would come in and "save" the girl, and she would be so grateful to let him do that. Why wouldn't Grace be open to letting Tyler enrich her life? Why would she always wonder if he really was committed to her? What was her problem? Things don't happen this way in books!

When I thought about why I was so annoyed, I realized that I was frustrated because Grace reminded me a little bit of myself and of real life. Once I recognized this fact, I started to really enjoy the book. The book reminded me that we all have to be open to new possibilities that might present themselves to us and that we have to, at times, be willing to take a risk for something better in our lives (no matter how good our initial life plans were). In the end, I really enjoyed this look into how Grace Grows. It wasn't entirely what I expected. It wasn't just a love story. It was about learning who you are and being able to adapt and change...and grow...when life doesn't go exactly as planned. True, it's still a book with a happy ending (and life doesn't always turn out that way), but I appreciated the insights the book gave me through an entertaining story. (less)

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Feb 20, 2013 Kevin I Heart.. Chick Lit rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Review originally on I Heart.. Chick Lit.
www.iheart-chicklit.blogspot.com

What I thought about it:
Have you ever stumble upon a book which seems to be a sort of mediocre, but once you finish it, you're left wanting more, speechless that it ended so quickly? If you have, then we have shared something - a connection with the book, if I may say so. I was a bit cynical towards the story, I'm so ashamed to admit it, but I was.

But oddly, after eyeing it for some time, it reeled me. It made me want to re...more Review originally on I Heart.. Chick Lit.
www.iheart-chicklit.blogspot.com

What I thought about it:
Have you ever stumble upon a book which seems to be a sort of mediocre, but once you finish it, you're left wanting more, speechless that it ended so quickly? If you have, then we have shared something - a connection with the book, if I may say so. I was a bit cynical towards the story, I'm so ashamed to admit it, but I was.

But oddly, after eyeing it for some time, it reeled me. It made me want to read it. I have no idea why, but I thought, why not? So I started on it and I was literally blown away by the book. It just shows, life never prepares you for surprises and I was chuffed to have read this beautiful story on falling in love and surrendering what you have to fate.

As you can see, the blurb has said it all. Everything you need to know about the story, but it doesn't really delve into the plot. Not quite, I'm afraid so you have to be prepared - don't worry, I don't mean tissue boxes and stocking up on rom-coms. Just be prepared for all the book has to offer, mainly Tyler Wilkie.

For me, Grace was a bit of a tough nut to crack at first. She was somehow very reserved, she would not show her emotions and at times, tense. I have to admit, I didn't warm up to her initially, what with her strained conversations with her parents and fiancé. Then as the book starts to pick up speed, when I say speed, I mean whirlwinds-that-would-blow-you-away kind of speed, all down to Tyler's presence, I really liked her. She became more relaxed, full of life and enjoy life more. I dare say, since Tyler appeared in her life, she has changed for the better. The rest, you'll have to read about it yourself.

The book is written from Grace's perspective, so you'll get lots of quirky observations through her, like a funky viewfinder. She takes you on her journey where she rediscovers herself. So what if your life is perfect - perfect job, man, stable income, etc.? The book is sort of a memoir written by Grace, her side of her story on how she discovers love again and the happiness she deserves. Of course, it revolves around Tyler too, from his sudden rise to stardom to the happy ending they both deserve.

Shelle Sumner's writing is unique and manages to capture you with her flow of words, I found her writing style really warm and inviting as she led the story of Grace and Tyler with perfect synchronisation with the plot. The addition of the songs performed by Tyler were stunning and captivating. If you're wondering, yes. The lyrics are real, composed by Shelle's husband, Lee Morgan.

Verdict:
A wonderful debut novel by Shelle Sumners. The lyrics fit perfectly with the plot and they will make you want more - the soundtrack of their lives. I am so thrilled to have read it and I'm sure you will want to too, I'm sure of it. If you love books set in New York, pick it up. If you want a fresh, funny and heartwarming love story, pick it up.

Rating: 5/5(less)

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About Shelle Sumners

Shelle Sumners has held many jobs, among them waitress, actress, administrative assistant, copy editor, educational writer, bookseller, and wedding chapel receptionist. Her debut novel Grace Grows , published by St. Martin’s Press, is a Random House audio book, a Featured Alternate selection for Doubleday, Literary Guild and Rhapsody Book Clubs, and is being published internationally. It has a com...more

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Quotes from Grace Grows

“Look at this, Grace," Peg's e-mail said. "He's entrancing those people. I just realized. Taking them out of themselves. Ty is sort of like a medicine man. A shaman.
P.S. Have you called him?” — 1 person liked it

“Just be real, Grace. That's all I'm saying. Try to be real.” — 0 people liked it

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