Beyond Grace's Rainbow - by Carmel Harrington

Original Cover

My own copy

The blurb:

Grace is a young single mother, who receives life changing news. She has cancer and her best chance of surviving, is to find a bone marrow transplant from a family member. As Grace is adopted and her previous attempt at connecting with her birth mother failed, this causes her some problems. With the help of her friends she bravely embarks on a journey of discovery to find out who her biological parents are. This search will bring her from Dublin to Wexford where she must unravel a web of lies and deceit that has spanned over thirty years.

And just when she thinks life can get no more complicated, Jack’s father Liam is back in town full of remorse and he’s made it clear that he’s not leaving until he’s won her back. Liam was the love of Grace’s life but can she trust him ever again?

Helping Grace muddle her way through her cancer treatment and complicated love life are her friends – Tara, Sean, Abby, Tom and Gerry. Tara is Grace’s cousin and is happily married to Sean and they are desperate for a baby of their own; Abby, Grace and Tara’s friend from college is single and looking for her one true love which is proving difficult, whilst Tom would be happy if his boyfriend Gerry for once didn’t max out their credit card!

Beyond Grace’s Rainbow will bring the reader into Graces world where friendship, courage, loyalty, laughter and above all love are abundant. The story will bring you on an emotional journey with Grace and her friends that will have the reader both laughing and crying at the turn of a page.

My Opinion:

*Book provided by author in exchange for an honest review*

Grace is a beautiful and strong character and they way Carmel included Grace’s cancer into the story is amazing. It’s such a delicate and difficult topic, but Grace’s character and personality were ready to fight it no matter what.

I think it’s so courageous to include this in a novel and Carmel did it brilliantly.

I was able to dive into this story and it took me on a journey full of emotions including, laughter, sadness, love, loyalty, friendship, strength and more.

Well, Grace is the main character and I loved her instantly. She seemed so real and authentic. So did the other characters, her friends Tara, Sean, Abby, Tom and Gerry. They are such a strong bunch and it was great to read that they would do anything for each other. We got to read about the stories of all Grace’s friends and every single one of them had their own special and unique story to share.

Then there was Liam, Grace’s ex and the father of her son. He returns into her life just as she’s diagnosed.

He was an alcoholic, but he’s changed now and he’s an awesome character. You can feel his love for Grace and Jack through the book and he’s so sweet, caring and perfect.

Now to Jack, cute and adorable Jack, Grace and Liam’s son. I love that little boy, full of energy and such a darling. They way he is with Grace and Liam too, so sweet. I adored the scene where Jack and Liam prepared a little surprise for Grace with a drawing Jack made.

Grace was adopted and we also get to know her real mum Catherine. Her story is hard and she has difficulties sharing it. The way Grace’s and her relationship developed, was so nice to read about.

I cried a lot during this book, I’m really emotional so that’s pretty normal. This novel is so emotional, gripping, charming, touching, funny, sad, poignant and just BRILLIANT. It made me laugh at one time and cry soon after, that’s a great gift for an author to have. Carmel is such a talented writer with a beautiful style and fascinating ideas. I can’t wait to read more of her stories, MARVELLOUS!!! ♥ ♥ ♥

Rating:

My possible cast:

Grace: Scarlett Johansson

Liam: Chris Hemsworth

Jack

Tara: Lyndsy Fonesca

Carmel on Twitter: @happymrsh
Website: http://carmelharrington.com