Sailing For Grace

by Joseph Bauer

Wilton and Grace Goodbow' s long marriage was frequently marked by political disagreement— she was the progressive activist, he the conservative, successful businessman. But their love was deep and bonded by a common passion for the sea aboard their ocean sailing yacht, The Sails of Grace. About to die, Grace elicits her husband' s promise to set aside his political beliefs and take on her last the reunification of Central American parents separated from their children at the El Paso border. Will risks his own freedom to keep his word.Sometimes the letter of the law and the right thing to do meet head-on. Sailing for Grace is a suspenseful exploration of the intersection of law, morality, and personal choice.

Genres: Book Club

410 pages, Paperback

Published September 15, 2024

Reviews

[Sheila Samuelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Thank you to Books Forward for sending me this FREE EBOOK to promote and review for Joseph as part of the Book Tour this week.

This was my first time reading a Contemporary Fiction by Joseph so I wasnt sure what to expect but I have to say this isn't your typical Contemporary Fiction Novel because this book had all the emotions that most don't offer.

The Characters were fun and enjoyable to read about. I really liked Will and Grace I felt like they were a good fit until the sadness came in and saw how they struggled.

The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like I was actually in the book while reading especially when the scenery was described.

Overall a Good Emotional Contemporary Fiction about a Couple who seem to have it all until they receive unexpected Medical News!!

Can't wait to read more by Joseph in the future!!

[Roz Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a thought-provoking, beautifully written story about love, loss, promises, friendship and doing the right thing even if that means getting into trouble and going way out of your comfort zone to achieve it. 

This is my first book by this author, so I did not know what to expect. I loved the writing style, which flowed well. The characters were well developed, and they and the scenery were described beautifully with sensitivity and emotion. It was hard not to be more by the plight of the immigrants who just wanted to be reunited with their children. I loved the cast of characters, which included some really caring, empathetic, and selfless individuals. It was nice to see this side of the issue highlighted. People working to make things better no matter how challenging. 

It is an emotional journey of a man's quest to fulfil the dying wish of his beloved wife. It really got me thinking about the political issues the book focuses on and the separation of children from their parents. It is hard to fathom how, as a society, we can see that as acceptable. This story will get you thinking about your own moral compass and how far you would be willing to go in the face of injustice and immoral practices. People's lives should not be used for political point scoring and scare mongering. As the saying goes, 'There but for the grace of God go I.'

With thanks to the author, publisher, and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book.  This is my honest review, which I'm leaving voluntarily. 

[Jody Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thought provoking novel about the separation of immigrant families at the border. It acknowledges they are illegal. It mentions that some families are seeking asylum, some have injured or sick children, some are bilingual and some speak only Spanish. While I believe the practice of separating families at the border doesn't happen any more it was done automatically at one time. This book looks at the problems it creates and includes many workers who try to treat the immigrants with compassion and dignity. The main character is a very, very, very rich man who promises his wife as she is dying that he will try and reunite families. He is reluctant, but he loves his wife, so he devises a plan, with alot of money and alot of help, to reunite 12 families. He is charged, placed on trial but ultimately is acquitted due to a technicality (and a very astute and expensive lawyer). Made me think, once again, about the border and the issues of immigration. It is a very complex and divisive issue.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love books that make me think, and this one definitely did that. It's raised all sorts of moral questions for me, about immigration and families, and doing what's right versus what's legal. I'll admit that I don't know anything about immigration law in the US, so I read this with a totally open mind.

Sister Hope Annie was definitely my favourite character. She had very strong beliefs, which were clear in everything that she did. But she was also a little bit of a rebel. I really liked the names of a lot of the characters too. They were really unique and unforgettable, like Burp and Huff. I thought the interactions between everyone felt genuine and realistic, and the characters were all well rounded.

The storyline definitely delivered on what the blurb said about it being "a suspenseful exploration of the intersection of law, morality, and personal choice." At times I was worried that the children wouldn't be reunited with their parents, or that something really awful would happen. As I said previously, it also really made me think about what I would do if I were in a, similar situation. Would I do what is right, or what is legal?

Of you want to be challenged on all you ever thought about morality and the law, or want to think about immigration and the impact on families, then this is the book for you.

[Muhammed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joseph Bauer’s Sailing for Grace is a poignant, emotionally resonant novel that follows Wilton Goodbow as he fulfills his late wife Grace’s final wish - to help reunite displaced Central American children with their families. Through this mission, what begins as a journey of grief becomes a transformative exploration of love, justice, and moral responsibility. Bauer handles politically sensitive themes like immigration and border control with nuance, keeping the human story at the heart of it all. Rather than preaching, the novel gently provokes thought, making readers reflect on what it truly means to do the right thing.

Bauer’s writing is clear, moving, and filled with emotional intelligence. The characters - especially the quietly courageous Wilton and the fiery, memorable Sister Hope Annie - are crafted with sincerity. While some side characters could have been more fully developed, the overall cast adds warmth and depth to the narrative. The novel balances personal and political stakes, showing how ordinary people can become agents of change when driven by love and conscience.

Ultimately, Sailing for Grace is not just a story of crossing borders, but of bridging emotional and moral divides. It leaves readers questioning where they stand on the line between legality and morality, and how far they would go to protect what’s right. It’s a thoughtful, heartful read that lingers long after the final chapter.

[Faith J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basically, it’s a story about a wealthy, conservative guy named Will who’s just lost his wife, Grace. They shared opposing political views. She was an activist, and on her deathbed, she makes him promise to finish her last project: reuniting families that were split up at the border. Will is a rich white guy, so he’s completely out of his element, but he takes his boat and goes for it anyway.
The reality of many migrant families is sad. It was semi unbelievable how quickly he changed his mind when actually on the border watching families being torn apart.
There are many rich republican white people that probably need to read this book. The "rich guy saves the day" trope is definitely there, but the emotional side of it is just a husband trying to honor his wife. It is sad it took his wife dying for him to see the light, but still thought provoking. The pacing was a bit slow for me coming off of a lot of other stuff I've read lately, but it was still a good read.

[Iron John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wasn’t your average adventure story, it was one of those rare reads that sneaks up on you and leaves you thinking about life, choices, and what really matters.

Bauer writes with this raw honesty that makes you feel like you’re right there with him, battling the waves and wrestling with his past.

Grief, forgiveness, and figuring out who you are when life throws everything it’s got at you is what this book nails. I loved how personal it felt, like listening to a good friend open up about the stuff they usually keep buried.

If you’re into real, reflective stories about chasing peace and dealing with life’s mess, this one’s worth your time. It’s a suspenseful story about love, loss, and a man’s promise to honour his late wife by risking everything to do what’s right.

It’s heartfelt, human, and honestly kinda beautiful.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readalong for
Sailing for Grace by Joseph Bauer.
I really loved this readalong. It did make me think. I loved the characters. I loved sister hope Annie she was my favourite. I did like the other characters who helped Will. I loved the different settings. Everything was so well described. I could see everything in my mind as it was happening. This was beautifully written. The cover was gorgeous. It covered tough topics so well. Love, loss, and promises. I would recommend this book.

[Mary Early · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book I have read in a long time. I loved the portrayal of love and friendship. It is captivating as it moves thru countries and societies but maintains focus on fundamental human values.. Just captivating!

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before his wife, Grace, dies, she makes her husband promise that he will rescue childrenseparated from their parents at the border as they tried to escape a dangerous regime. Although he didn't hold the same political views as his wife, he would do anything she asked. So, Will employs his friend to sail his boat to help Will find a way to get to Central America to get the parents who were deported back to the US to re-unite with their children. The journey takes him on a dangerous and possibly illegal journey to fulfill his promise to his wife. A beautiful love story. 

[Debra O'Dair · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was wonderful book! It's about reuniting immigrant children with their parents and the man who does it for them. A lot of interesting characters. It left me with a nice, warm feeling.

[Emmie Mere · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Will, who promised his wife Grace on her deathbed that he’d take up her cause of reuniting children and parents separated at the border into the States. It wasn’t a cause Will had previously been passionate about but meant the world to Grace.

The theme of the book is right v. wrong, morality v. legality. As Will moves through his new path he’s confronted with those questions at every turn.

The book is well-written and I enjoyed the author’s writing style. His prose has an easy flow, albeit with a difficult topic. I wasn’t sure about a book with a main character of a man in his 70s so credit to the author for making Will lovable and engaging. I adored the character of Sister Hope Annie and wanted more from her!

Despite the tough topic, overall I enjoyed this book.

I was provided a free paperback ARC from Love Book Tours and Running Wild Press.

All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Bekky Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible. From start to finish I was invested. I knew from when I read the blurb that this was going to have me feeling all of the emotions and I was not wrong!

Will is such a brilliantly written character from the start and the promise he made to Grace all the way through to his actions in the course of the book my heart went out to him at every step. The relationship building between him and Huff, Lane and Sister Hope Annie is so well done. The fear of the parents and the gratitude at the end. All written so perfectly to make for a heart wrenching rollercoaster of emotions.

It really makes you thing on what right and wrong truly is, what people will do for the people they love, how people navigate grief and truly the scale of problems throughout the world and how people overcome adversity just to try and make a better life for themselves.

This will make you think, will make you cry, will break your heart and then piece it back together again in such a way that the words are beautifully put together in a way that makes you never want to stop reading.

[Mandy Lehti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sailing for Grace is the kind of novel that slips into your chest and rearranges the furniture of your heart. Joseph Bauer crafts an emotionally charged, morally rich story that balances love, duty, politics, and justice with a storyteller’s elegance.

What stands out most is the dynamic between Wilton and Grace two people who could not be further apart politically, yet remain bound by fierce love, shared history, and a deep devotion to the sea. Grace’s final request is both heartbreaking and heroic, and watching Wilton honor it despite the law, despite the risks, despite himself gives the book a powerful moral gravity.

The scenes aboard The Sails of Grace feel cinematic, drenched in emotion, memory, and saltwater. Bauer brilliantly captures the collision of law and compassion, showing how personal love can ripple outward into acts of radical humanity. Readers who love character driven stories with moral stakes, legal tension, and gut level emotional honesty will find Sailing for Grace unforgettable.

[Bianca Duthie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book to read if you like to think and debate. What's right, what's wrong. Morality versus legality. Politics versus humanity. There's a lot packed into this that would make for great book club discussions.
I did find it a little slow to start. I think I'd been expecting more with Grace and Will, so it didn't quite connect for me till Will reached Honduras.
I really liked all the characters, especially Sister Hope Annie - with her sass, smoking, and sneakers, she seemed totally bad-ass!
I really like how such a real topic, can be fictionalised in this way, and it taught me a lot about a situation I knew a little of, but not enough to fully understand what goes on across the waters from my own life.
I think it's a well-written book and that it will do very well.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed it - it kept my attention from chapter to chapter. I would have thought the trial would have lasted a little bit longer, but the ending was very good.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Sailing for Grace", Joseph Bauer tells a powerful story of transformation, love, and moral courage. After the death of his beloved Grace, conservative businessman Will Goodbow is asked to fulfill her final wish: to help reunite Central American children at the El Paso border with their parents. Though conflicted, Will sets out on a risky journey with the help of an eccentric yacht captain and a progressive, mischievous nun. As parents make their way north by land and sea, Will’s mission unfolds, only to be complicated by two FBI agents tracking his journey. The result is a moving and thought-provoking tale that explores the complexities of justice, belief, and compassion.

One of the standout elements of "Sailing for Grace" is Joseph Bauer’s masterful use of third-person omniscient point of view. This narrative style allows readers to intimately experience the thoughts, emotions, and internal struggles of a diverse cast of characters, both protagonists and antagonists. By granting access to everyone’s perspectives, Bauer humanizes each character, revealing their flaws, motivations, and vulnerabilities. This depth made the characters feel authentic and complex, and ultimately enhanced my emotional investment in their journeys.

The pacing of the novel was another strength. Bauer maintains a steady rhythm that keeps the reader engaged without feeling overwhelmed. There is always meaningful action or dialogue propelling the story forward, yet the narrative takes its time to build emotional depth and tension. This balance creates a satisfying sense of momentum and allows the moral complexity of the story to unfold naturally.

Finally, the plot structure is both tight and purposeful. Each event, no matter how subtle, feels like a deliberate part of a larger, well-orchestrated plan. The rising action leads smoothly to a powerful climax and a thought-provoking resolution, leaving a lasting impression. Bauer’s execution is both skillful and intentional, making the novel not only enjoyable but also deeply reflective.

I highly recommend "Sailing for Grace" to readers who enjoy historical fiction layered with contemporary relevance. It’s a moving, morally rich story that challenges beliefs and encourages compassion. It is an emotionally charged journey that blends political tension with human empathy, reminding readers that it’s never too late to choose grace.

[Valery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joseph Bauer’s Sailing for Grace is a moving, finely crafted novel that melds themes of love, loss, redemption, and political urgency with extraordinary emotional intelligence. At its heart lies the story of Wilton Goodbow, a man whose grief over his wife's death becomes a catalyst for transformation as he attempts to fulfill his late wife Grace’s final, heartrending wish: to reunite young, displaced Central American children with their estranged families. Though the story unavoidably touches on charged issues like immigration and border policy, Bauer approaches these subjects with nuance and care, never allowing them to overshadow the deeply personal journey at the story’s core.

Rather than leaning into polemic, Sailing for Grace anchors itself in human connection. The story opens with the poignant image of Grace, terminally ill, leaving behind a message not of self-pity, but of hope and unfinished work. Will, overwhelmed and adrift in his sorrow, has little understanding of her past humanitarian efforts. Still somehow, he chooses to honor her legacy—not through any sense of obligation, but through the quiet courage of love. That act of devotion becomes the soul of the novel, revealing a portrait of marriage shaped not by easy harmony but by profound respect and sacrifice.

Bauer’s prose is unflinching yet beautiful, infused with a weathered wisdom that elevates the tale from just an adventure into a meditation on grief, moral responsibility, and the power of redemption. Will’s nautical voyage is as internal as it is physical—he sails not only toward a geographical destination but also toward self-understanding and self-forgiveness of his moral failures. As the plot unfolds, readers witness his transformation from a passive, grief-filled man to an active catalyst for change, willing to risk everything for a cause larger than himself.

The novel excels in portraying the intricacies of modern relationships, particularly those tested by ideological and political differences. Grace and Will’s marriage is depicted with a mature honesty that honors their love and their unique perspectives. In the end, Sailing for Grace is not merely a story about crossing borders—it’s about transcending the emotional distances we place between ourselves and others.

With authenticity and grace, Bauer has penned a deeply reflective work that stays with you long after the final page. It is a story of immense heart, touching, redemptive, and utterly unforgettable.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚Sailing For Grace
✍🏻Joseph Bauer
Blurb:
Wilton and Grace Goodbow' s long marriage was frequently marked by political disagreement— she was the progressive activist, he the conservative, successful businessman. But their love was deep and bonded by a common passion for the sea aboard their ocean sailing yacht, The Sails of Grace. About to die, Grace elicits her husband' s promise to set aside his political beliefs and take on her last the reunification of Central American parents separated from their children at the El Paso border. Will risks his own freedom to keep his word.Sometimes the letter of the law and the right thing to do meet head-on. Sailing for Grace is a suspenseful exploration of the intersection of law, morality, and personal choice.
My Thoughts:
Before his wife, Grace, dies, she makes her husband promise that he will rescue children separated from their parents at the border as they tried to escape a dangerous regime; Will employs his friend to sail his boat to help Will find a way to get to Central America to get the parents who were deported back to the US to re-unite with their children. The theme of the book is right v. wrong, morality v. legality. As Will moves through his new path he’s confronted with those questions at every turn.Sailing for Grace is a well-woven plot full of twists and turns that keep the reader engaged. Many of the characters are multi-dimensional, well-developed, and empathetic true to literary fiction. The conflicts within the protagonists and the events around them propel the story forward. They are also used as a tool used to gain the reader’s sympathy for a certain political position. Since Bauer is a good writer, most would find it effective. Readers do need to be aware that there is language that some might find objectionable. A heartfelt, unforgettable story of devotion and healing.
Thanks NetGalley, Running Wild Press and Author Joseph Bauer for the complimentary copy of "Sailing For Grace" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#RunningWildPress
#JosephBauer
#SailingForGrace
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Teresa Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sailing for Grace
Joseph Bauer
09/15/2024
Running Wild Press

Saving Grace covers tough topics. Those of love, loss, promises and morality. Each of these issues are handled with great care. Parents and children who are separated at the border is and has been a problem in the United States and no matter what side of the aisle you sit on, it needs to be addressed.
This book should be read with a partner or in a book club. The discussion topics are immensely important. When the law of the land, your faith and your marriage intersect, decisions need to be made. This book is full of emotions. As I read, I wanted to let it sink in and digest the words and consider how I would handle myself in Will’s situation. If you want a book that will make you take a good hard look at right versus wrong, navigating grief, and honoring others, this is a must read for you.

BLURB
Wilton and Grace Goodbow' s long marriage was frequently marked by political disagreement— she was the progressive activist, he the conservative, successful businessman. But their love was deep and bonded by a common passion for the sea aboard their ocean sailing yacht, The Sails of Grace. About to die, Grace elicits her husband' s promise to set aside his political beliefs and take on her last the reunification of Central American parents separated from their children at the El Paso border. Will risks his own freedom to keep his word.Sometimes the letter of the law and the right thing to do meet head-on. Sailing for Grace is a suspenseful exploration of the intersection of law, morality, and personal choice.

[Scovia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sailing for Grace by Joseph Bauer is a fictional story about Will Goodbow. He had a kind wife with a heart as big as the ocean. She had spent her life dedicated to reuniting immigrant families. She was aware of the problems at the border; families were being separated trying to enter the USA. The families were on this dangerous journey in the hopes of finding work and a better future for their children. The government, however, made it such that people were scared of the idea of illegal immigrants, though some actually were. Grace had cancer, and she was dying, but before she did, she asked Will to make her a promise to reunite the children with their parents. He wasn't ready or even really wanted to, but he made her a promise anyway. He took the journey to keep his promise to his wife.He did not know that this trip to the border just to see what it's like would end up with him actually trying to reunite the families. The border was dangerous, and he even saw a family being separated from their sick daughter on the day he arrived. He got help from some nice people working there, and he had to travel to different places to see this mission through.This is a fictional story with so much potential information about what families trying to flee from dangerous countries face on a daily basis while trying to illegally enter a neighboring country in the hopes of a better life. It shows both sides, from the government's perspective to the immigrant's view. I really enjoyed this book; it's enlightening and leaves you more curious after every chapter. I would definitely recommend reading this book.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Sailing for Grace, Wilton Goodbow—a semi-retired businessman from Newport, Rhode Island—embarks on a deeply personal journey that challenges everything he once believed. After the death of his wife, Grace, a passionate human rights advocate, Will honors her final wish: to help reunite families separated at the U.S.–Mexico border due to harsh immigration policies.

Will's journey, which begins aboard his yacht Grace, soon leads him into the heart of a broken system. In El Paso, he meets Sister Angela, a tough yet compassionate nun sheltering asylum seekers at the Sacred Heart Mission, and witnesses firsthand the despair of mothers like Mariela, who haven’t seen their children in months. As he travels further—into ICE detention centers and eventually across the border into Honduras—Will confronts stories of extortion, cartel violence, and desperate hope. He also becomes entangled with Agent Gonzales, a complex character who challenges Will’s assumptions about law enforcement.

Despite his conservative upbringing and initial detachment, Will evolves. He abandons political neutrality in favor of moral clarity, choosing empathy over legality. The novel mixes elements of thriller, legal drama, and human rights narrative, but at its core, it is about love, redemption, and the courage it takes to keep a promise. In honoring Grace’s legacy, Will discovers his own capacity for grace—and the true meaning of justice.

[Katherine Wacker · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Sailing for Grace by Joseph Bauer, Wil Goodbow makes a promise to his wife on her deathbed, and he feels he is bound to keep it. Ironically, it’s a promise based on a political issue with which he doesn’t agree. To keep his word, Will must take a journey that might cost him more than money, but his freedom as well. Wil must navigate the line between legality and morality to see this journey through. Will the price he pays be worth it?

Sailing for Grace is a well-woven plot full of twists and turns that keep the reader engaged. Many of the characters are multi-dimensional, well-developed, and empathetic true to literary fiction. The conflicts within the protagonists and the events around them propel the story forward. They are also used as a tool used to gain the reader’s sympathy for a certain political position. Since Bauer is a good writer, most would find it effective. Readers do need to be aware that there is language that some might find objectionable.

Sailing for Grace has strong political themes throughout which seem surprising for a book in the literary fiction genre. The advocacy towards a more liberal immigration policy feels a bit over the top. Furthermore, putting certain national figures in a negative light can be distracting from the overall quality of writing and the divert attention from policy the author wants to change. Apart from this concern, Sailing for Grace is a very intriguing story.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bauer's latest release, "Sailing For Grace" tells of a man's journey to fulfill the last wish of his dying wife. Semi-retired Rhode Island businessman Will Goodbow and his activist wife Grace have enjoyed a long marriage and bonded over their love for sailing despite their political differences. When Grace falls ill with cancer, she asks Will to keep a final promise to her. He promises to help reunite children who have been separated from their parents at the border. Will sails to the border city of El Paso, TX to learn more about the border situation. There, he meets Lane Williams, an aid worker with Human Rights First, Manny Angeles, a border officer, and Sister Hope Annie. Will is confronted with the harsh realities many of these immigrant families face at the border. Will's journey is one of self-understanding and self-forgiveness as readers see his progress over the course of the book. Despite touching on politically charged topics like immigration and border policies, ultimately this is a story about love, loyalty, and redemption.

[Constance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joseph Bauer’s Sailing for Grace is a beautiful story that follows Will Goodbow, as he tries to fulfill his wife’s dying wish- reuniting young Central American children separated from their parents.

Upon glancing at the synopsis, one may think this to be a politically charged novel- and while it certainly does deal with immigration and border issues, Bauer handles it with such class. Looking past its political side, this book is even more about love and going to the ends of the earth for those you cherish.

The opening is particularly pointed. Dying of what seems to be cancer, Grace leaves a final message for Wilton. But Will doesn’t know the first thing about what she needs. He takes it upon himself to learn about her life’s work and continue it.

This selflessness for one’s partner is what the book concentrates on. And it’s that recurring theme of love that makes it stand out.

[Eliza Reock · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a refreshing book in such a divisive time! Sailing for Grace is more than a just compelling adventure and beautiful love story. Like so many people, I’ve felt worn down by the constant noise and extreme viewpoints surrounding immigration. This book was a welcome change.
Through a thoughtful narrative, Bauer explores the issue of children being separated from their families at the border from multiple perspectives, offering compassion and legitimacy to everyone involved, from families, nonprofits and law enforcement to conservatives and liberals alike.
And the characters are such a joy to read. Will and Burp’s friendship felt especially familiar and admirable, the kind that stays with you after you turn the last page. I’ll definitely be introducing this as my next book club read.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sailing for Grace by Joseph Bauer is a beautifully written novel that blends emotional depth with nautical adventure. Wilton and his wife Grace share a deep love for sailing, even as political differences strain their bond. When Grace falls terminally ill, her final wish is for Wilton to sail to the El Paso border to reunite with her estranged parents. This journey becomes a powerful act of love and redemption. Bauer masterfully explores the tensions of modern relationships, the meaning of loyalty, and the redemptive power of one last voyage. A heartfelt, unforgettable story of devotion and healing. Definitely worth four stars.

[Hannah Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sailing For Grace is a moving and thoughtful novel centered on love, promises, and moral courage. The relationship between Wilton and Grace feels genuine, shaped by years of marriage, disagreement, and a shared love of the sea.
Grace’s final request pushes Wilton into a difficult position where law and conscience collide, and his struggle is both believable and engaging. The story doesn’t preach, it simply asks readers to consider what they would do when doing the right thing comes at a personal cost.
With its reflective tone and meaningful themes, Sailing For Grace is a compelling read that balances quiet emotion with real ethical tension.

[Daisy Hollands · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fascinating, compelling read. I learnt a lot from this book and it did give me a lot to think about. It started slowly but then the pace picked up. I don’t mind that actually. Sometimes I prefer a story to gently unfurl, rather than to hit the ground running from the first page. I know at least one host has suggested this already, but if you are looking for your next book club read, this would be an amazing choice. Plenty of moral dilemmas to debate over. Overall, a really good read and one that will stay with me

[Mackenze Webber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book not knowing much about the plot and was surprised at how relevant, modern, and political it was. While many political specifics are not my cup of tea when I want to read a novel, I can see that the author took his time to present basic and accurate facts.

This book was heartwarming and captivating, but in a contrived and forced way. It is one of those stories that you know how it will end before you finish the first chapter. It wasn't a bad book, but I felt there was so much more potential for character development and scene setting. It felt rushed in several places, and I struggled with feeling anything towards some of the main characters and their plight. Almost like the author was dragging the character through their choices rather than it feeling like a natural move.

There were some characters that had such unrealized promise, like Burp and even Juan, but overall, I struggled with the characters being very expected and stereotypical, even if the author was writing them to go against obvious norms. I finished the book wanting less of some characters and more of others that were left on the sidelines.