{Review} Grace Unexpected by Gale Martin

ISBN #: 978-1935961611

Page Count: 273

Copyright: July 2, 2012

Publisher: Booktrope Editions

Description:

(Taken from back cover)

Thirty-something Grace Savage has slogged through crummy jobs and dead-end relationships with men who would rather go bald than say "I do." In search of respite from her current job, she visits Shaker Village in New Hampshire. Instead of renewal, she's unnerved to learn that Shaker men and women lived and worked side by side in complete celibacy. When her longtime boyfriend dumps her instead of proposing, Grace avows the sexless Shaker ways. Resolved to stick to her new plan - dubbed the Shaker Plan - despite ovaries ticking like time bombs, she returns to her life in Pennsylvania. Almost immediately, she's juggling two eligible bachelors: Addison, a young beat reporter; and True, a venerable anthropology professor. Both men have ample charms and soul mate potential to test her newfound Shaker-style self-control, and Grace appears to be on the fast track to a marriage proposal ... until secrets revealed deliver a death rattle to the Shaker Plan.

Charlene's Review:

After visiting a Shaker Village where celibacy was historically practiced, and reeling after an unexpected break-up, Grace decides that she, too, will follow the celibacy path and play "hard to get" in hopes of finally snagging a worthwhile man. All too soon, her resolve is tested as Addison and True both begin to compete for her affections. When the truth about both men comes out, Grace is faced with more drama than any woman ever needed. As she so eloquently puts it; "Imagine that. My love life was too skanky for Jerry Springer."

This is chick-lit at its finest. I believe all women will find themselves identifying with Grace as she muddles through her wretched love life and fights to stay on top of a job while up against a calculating opponent. There are many laugh out loud moments, as well as lessons in self-discovery. The supporting characters are just as enjoyable as Grace, herself. Wit, drama and surprise fill every page of this novel and make it a 5 star read. 273 pages of fun!


*A paperback copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.