Sara Grayson is the daughter of famous author, Cassandra Bond. She is 32 years old, divorced, has a dog named Gatsby and a job writing greeting cards. That is, until her mother passes away and leaves Sara to write the last installment of the best-selling Ellery Dawson series. Our friend Sara has absolutely no idea what to do with this news. Honor her mother’s dying wish? Because that’s what every decent daughter would try to do, right? Or should she pass this buck back to her mother’s publishing company and attempt to avoid the humiliation that’s almost certain to follow? Against her better judgment, Sara decides to step out of her comfort zone and write the book. What follows is an adorable, heartwarming tale that just may inspire you to push your own limits, as well.

This is Joani Elliott’s debut novel, so I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. Her insight into the writing process was informative and interesting. The characters could use a little more development, but they are likable and fun to root for. Despite dealing with death and family secrets, this book was pretty lighthearted and uplifting.

The book comes out next month (May 2021). Great read for a long weekend away or lounging by the pool!

Thanks to Joani Elliot, Meryl Moss Media, and Netgalley for the ARC in return for my honest review.

The Audacity of Sara Grayson
Joani Elliott

Five Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Audacity of Sara Grayson is a debut novel by author Joani Elliott. The word that was drifting through my brain while reading this book was inspirational. I found Sara’s journey from an insecure greeting card writer to writing the fifth novel in her mother's best selling literary series, a joy to read and follow. This book is witty, emotional, humorous and exciting. I was hooked from the very first page until the very end.

Publishers Blurb: What happens when the world’s greatest literary icon dies before she finishes the final book in her best-selling series?

And what happens when she leaves that book in the hands of her unstable, neurotic daughter, who swears she’s not a real writer?

Sara Grayson is a thirty-two-year-old greeting card writer about to land the toughest assignment of her life. Three weeks after the death of her mother—a world-famous suspense novelist—Sara learns that her mother’s dying wish is for her to write the final book in her bestselling series.

Sara has lived alone with her dog, Gatsby, ever since her husband walked out with their Pro Double Waffle Maker and her last shred of confidence. She can’t fathom writing a book for thirty million fans—not when last week’s big win was resetting the microwave clock.

But in a bold move that surprises even herself, Sara takes it on. Against an impossible deadline and a publisher intent on sabotaging her every move, Sara discovers that stepping into her mother’s shoes means stumbling on family secrets she was never meant to find—secrets that threaten her mother’s legacy and the very book she’s trying to create.

My Take: I think it’s because I identified so closely with Sara’s insecurity and her feelings of inadequacy that made this book such a joy for me to read. The author (in a DEBUT novel!) created such realistic characters that I was able to feel their emotional journey along with them. I felt Sara’s journey was empowering, and inspirational.

The writing flowed nicely and the author mixed humor and wit alongside the drama and emotions of the characters. As I said before, I was totally hooked from the first page to the very last.

Sara’s journey also led her to some family secrets that helped the pacing of the book. I couldn't wait to find out what was so important to hide from her, and these secrets kept me turning the pages until I found out everything.

The Author: Joani Elliott believes in the magic of stories, a good cup of tea, and the power of living a creative life. She has taught writing at the University of Maryland and Brigham Young University. She lives with her husband and two daughters near Salt Lake City, Utah. For book club resources, virtual author chats, and more, visit joanielliott.com.

My recommendation: I highly recommend this book, especially to anyone who feels insecure or inadequate sometimes. (and who doesn’t?)

Many thanks to Netgalley and Meryl Moss Media for this advanced readers copy.

If you want a permanent smile tattooed on your face and feeling the boiling warmth surrounding your heart and slowly melting it, this is the best absolutely feeling good book choice you never want to miss!

As a writer I easily understand how giving birth of a book as painful, nurturing but also challenging experience so it’s so easy to relate with Sara Grayson who needs to learn to live bolder and to write more audacious. I felt her suffer, her insecurities, the pressure on her shoulders, her desire to create something close to perfect to realize her mother’s dying wish by finishing her series in her own way.

Cassandra Bond is a shining star of Ellery Dawson series, loses her battle to pancreatic cancer at young age without finishing last installment and her last dying wish is her daughter Sara’s finishing the fifth book.

Sara has already lost her courage a few years back when she tried to write her first novel which was brutally criticized by Phil- owner of the Iris publishing company her mother has been working with for years and her mother’s last lover.

She’s trapped in her greeting cards writing business, 32, divorced after 6 years long marriage as her perfectionist sister Anna- Kath is having an exemplary happy life with her beautiful house, healthy lifestyle, two smart kids and rich, successful husband.

Now she is forced to finish her mother’s legacy. But let me rephrase everything for you to understand how intimidating her job is gonna be: the fourth book of the series is sold 15 million copies at its first month ( her mother literally kicked Mr. King’s precious ass) and the movie adaptation shattered the box office numbers with $450 million ( equal to Star Wars: the last Jedi’s 2017 opening numbers)

In no way she can manage to do that! And she’ll tell her decision to the meeting with the publishers but when she is insulted by Jane- working under Phil, rigid, perfectionist, experienced publisher of the company, she loses it and she decides to take the challenge and write the book even though it means she will shed every gracious, creative potential including her blood into those papers.

But Jane has every intention to sabotage her work by assigning a new editor to her who might die on her.

So Sara gathers her courage to take a trip to NY to meet Phil and admit why she stopped writing and why she truly needs his help to write a great book that her mother would be proud of .

In the meantime she has to face with her past and so many family secrets, including Meredith Lamb who has inherited millions of dollars after her mother’s death. That woman sued her woman decades ago for plagiarism! Could her mother steal another woman’s work and give her hush money to prevent a scandal ?

She realizes that writing something in her heart will take courage and if she has to create something remarkable she has to connect with her roots to relate with her character’s origins which takes her a journey to Maine where her mother did most of her writing job and to England to solve the great mystery of her family!

This book is refresh, inspirational, powerful, helping us face our inner fears, past traumas and teaching us the art of moving on, living audaciously without looking back! We’re literally told to be MAN UP!

The characters are amazing. Romance parts are heartwarming, emotional! My feelings are everywhere. I cried. I laughed. I sang. I danced. I cheered. I high five-d with random people at the street. This is freaking amazing!

I think from now on I’m truly volunteered to read anything the author writes! This is one of the best women’s fiction read I’ve read this year!

Special thanks to NetGalley and Meryl Moss Media/ Post Hill Press for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

4 stars

This book surprised me in a good way; there is more to it than I was expecting.

Sara, the m.c., is in her early 30s and fancies herself a writer, though not in ways she is particularly proud of: teaching freshman composition part-time and writing for a greeting card company. This is particularly challenging in the face of her earlier desires to be a writer of novels, like her mother, who is quite famous for doing exactly this. When the novel begins, Sara's mother dies and promptly leaves Sara with one final task: writing the final book of her mother's extremely successful series. As anyone can guess, this puts a wild amount of pressure on Sara and initiates a long and growing list of questions about her mother and herself.

One task Elliott accomplishes expertly is pinpointing the simultaneous discomfort of and elation in writing. Anyone who has ever written anything - particularly under a deadline - will immediately appreciate the realism in Sara's impostor syndrome, her angst, and her enthusiasm. This aspect is so well articulated that I often found myself stressed out on Sara's behalf (and thinking about my own projects)!

Fortunately, there's some fun to be had here, too. Sara's mother's death does lead to the appearance of various mysteries, and it is enjoyable to follow Sara's journey as she attempts to solve those and to learn more about herself.

While I do feel a bit let down by the ending of the novel and could have done without the chapter initiating writerly quotes, I enjoyed the journey quite a bit and recommend this, especially for folks drawn to those aforementioned sentiments about writing.

Every minute of this book was a joy to read. It is funny, witty, charming, heartwarming and hopeful. It's not all roses, though. I like that the characters and circumstances are imperfect, making it more relatable and realistic. The wit and humour add to the storylines but it's not over the top or saccharine. The Croatia references grab me particularly as Istria is near and dear to my heart and when I speak of it, as does Nik, the passion shows!

Sara Grayson's famous author mom has a unique wish for her upon her death, a wish that Sara shrinks from until challenged. Her mom saw in her daughter something special in her writing so requested that she finish the fifth and final book in her Ellery Dawson series. Sure, Sara enjoys writing but to tackle a highly-anticipated book with a deadline? She feels out of her league. But with encouragement and inspiration from Nik she tackles the daunting project. Part of the process is discovering herself which, in turn, turns up secrets which turn her world inside out.

This book has appeal for General Fiction, Women's Fiction and even Mystery readers. It is a light read but has verve that can be lacking in cozy books. The emails back and forth and chapter quotes are a nice touch.

My sincere thank you to Meryl Moss Media and NetGalley for the privilege of reading the e-ARC of this wonderful book!

WoW! I couldn't put this book down! The characters were believable and real. The writing flowed beautifully.
Very good cute, romcom. And I'm looking forward to this pub date!

I won't lie that this book took a bit to get into. It started off ok, but I didn't really get into it until chapter 11. From this point on I thought it was interesting to go through the process of writing with Sara. I feel like this book is relatable to all writers and artist,

The book starts with Sara learning that her mother’s dying wish is for her to write the final book in her bestselling series. She gets told about an impossible deadline and the publishers intentions to sabotage her every move. We follow Sara through the ups and downs of wanting to write the book.
(This was the part for me that made it hard to get into.)

But then Sara stumbles on family secrets she was never meant to find—secrets that threaten her mother’s legacy and the very book she’s trying to create.
(This is when the book picked up for me.)

Overall, I enjoyed the book. Like I said it takes you through the feels of being a writer/artist. It was also refreshing to read about a women in her thirties, divorced and still trying to figure things out. The setting takes place in multiple cities and made me want to visit Maine again. It's a happy ending and makes you wanting to know more. I would like to know if her book sold well or was well received by readers. There are many other questions I have but don't want to spoil anything.

I'm not the target audience, but I enjoy this. It's well written, has some humorous moments, and is ultimately uplifting. I hope the author writes more. Recommended.

Thanks very much for the ARC for review!!

THE AUDACITY OF SARA GRAYSON: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I kept picking up and putting down this book but am super glad that I stuck with it. Right around chapter 8, I fell in love with the story and let is sweep me up in some good old-fashioned self-lovin’. I really liked Sara as a character and the author had the potential to really make her dreary, which she wasn’t at all.

NOTE: I was provided an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of THE AUDACITY OF SARA GRAYSON by Joani Elliott in exchange for an honest review. Sara Grayson finds her life underwhelming. Overshadowed by her bestselling novelist mother and discouraged by harsh criticism of her own novel, Sara gave up her early dreams of writing literature and simply teaches it. Sara’s comfortably disappointing life is overturned by her mother’s sudden collapse, swift decline, and death. Sara is further shaken by her mother’s request that Sara create and pen the last novel in her mother’s bestselling action series. Sara knows she can’t do it; she is absolutely incapable of living up to her mother’s expectations. However, when the publisher agrees that Sara lacks the talent and ability to do credit to her mother’s legacy, Sara finds herself unexpectedly digging in her heels, stepping out of her comfort zone, and accepting her mother’s dare: “be audacious.”

I enjoyed this book and recommend it to fans of women’s fiction.

#TheAudacityofSaraGrayson #NetGalley

I loved reading The Audacity of Sara Grayson: A Novel by Joani Elliott. From the beginning, I knew it would be interesting and I could hardly wait to really get into the book. Sara Grayson and her sister Anna=Kath are mourning the death of their mother. They had planned to be with her through this journey until the end, but she slipped from this life while both girls were away from her room. Now Sara has discovered her mother who was a best-selling novelist has left a request for Sara to write the final, book five, to her popular Ellery Dawson series.
Sara teaches writing, but she has not been successful in making the connection of words, emotions, and characters come alive. She has decided to refuse to write the novel and let Iris Books assign a writer for her mother's final book. When Jane Harnois insults Sara at a meeting between the publishers and editors, Sara suddenly decides to honor her mother's dying wish and write this book. Sara thinks if she goes by the draft or preliminary manuscript her mother has finished, it should go smoothly. Sara soon realizes there is no draft or even notes for the unpublished Ellery Dawson Book Five! She doubts her abilities and so does most of the staff of Iris Books.
Sara learns a lot about herself and finds there are secrets in her father and mother's past. How far will she have to go as she seeks answers? Can she pull out of her fear and write the best she has ever dreamed possible to honor her mother's legacy?
I did have some problems reading with the NetGalley Shelf App. The font was extremely small, and I could not highlight various passages as I was reading. It was awkward trying to read on my phone, so I hope NetGalley will make some adjustments to this app.
Publication Date: December 1, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, Joani Elliott, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

When Sara's mother, a superstar novelist, dies, the last book in her famous series hasn't yet been written, and thirty million fans are left wanting. Then the family attorney notifies Sara that her mother has left a stipulation that Sara write the last book. This throws Sara into a tizzy, because she is living a very small life, afraid to use her creative gifts and relegating herself to writing greeting card verse. Now she must step into the Madison Avenue-level life of her famous mother, complete with a complicated publishing team. Each member has his or her own agenda, and Sara will have to navigate that world on the path to completing the novel. Clearly, Mom was trying to do Sara a favor by forcing her to use her gifts. But Sara is tempted to give up, because that is what Sara mostly does. She is paralyzed by insecurity and negativity. She has low expectations for herself. She drinks tea and cries a lot. Eventually, she rallies to romance and the solving of a family mystery set in London having to do with her late father, mother, and an estranged aunt. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

The download format is proving difficult, so unable to preview text - the blurb sounds delightful though!

Sara's mother has just died. Cassandra was a mega-famous author and the world was waiting for the last and final book in her much loved and made into a movie series Ellery. When Sara and her sister go to the reading of their mother's will - she is astounded and appalled that Cassandra wanted Sara to write the final book in the series. To say that Sara is unsecure is putting it mildly. Her first attempt at a novel years before had been rejected and she now spends her days writing greeting cards and coupons. Her husband has left her and she has only her dog, Gatsby to keep her company. Her sister is very supportive but she isn't the one who's been asked to write the book that the world is waiting for. Sara decides NOT to write the book until the publisher makes fun of her at a business lunch. She decides then and there that she WILL write the book and it will be successful. Along the way she discovers some hidden family secrets that cause her to question what she knew about her mother. Will Sara become strong enough to write the book that her mother has requested - will she be able to become strong enough to move past the criticism and her failed first novel? And if she does, how will it affect her life and her view of herself?

I really like the character of Sara. Yes she was insecure - not unstable as the blurb says. But why not, this final request from her mother is a huge responsibility. This is a book that will give you a main character to enjoy but also to laugh with. This is a debut novel and I look forward to future books from this author.

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own

Cassandra Bond is one of the most famous authors in the world. Her daughter, Sara Grayson writes coupons and greeting cards. When Cassandra passes away, she stipulates in her will that Sara should be the one to write the last book in her Ellery mystery series. Stuck with an impossible deadline, an editor who doesn’t believe she can write this book and a heaping dose of self doubt, Sara must figure out a way to make this work.
The Audacity of Sara Grayson by Joani Elliott is the best book I’ve read this year. Sometimes, you find an author whose voice just speaks to you and that’s what happened here. This was just such a fun book. The storyline flowed beautifully and every character was believable. Sara is such a relatable character, I will be thinking about her long after I finished this book. I can’t wait to read more by Joani Elliott.

Sorry--this format doesn't work for me and my staff so we won't be able to review it.

Thanks anyway! Have a great day!

Oh the AUDACITY!

How could Sara’ mother, Cassandra, as her dying wish, ask that her daughter write book five-the FINALE to her best selling suspense series, Ellery Dawson-when the most Sara has written in the past has been greeting cards and cutie coupons?

No Pressure!

Book four only sold 15 million copies in its first month, and still sits at #1 on the bestseller lists- a record setting 21 weeks later. The movie, based on the first book in the series shattered the box office numbers opening weekend earning $450 million!

Armed with a lack of confidence and only her yellow lab, Gatsby, (who failed to pass as a Companion Dog from the Louisville Companion dog School) to cheer her on, Sara is about to say NO.

But, when Jane, the publisher from Iris Books insults her at lunch, it motivates Sara to prove her wrong, and she finds herself saying YES !

The story is peppered with emails and newspaper articles, as part of Sara’s journey to find her voice, and all of the family secrets, before her looming deadline.

I didn’t find Sara to be neurotic, as the blurb suggests, and I thought based on the title and cover that this book would be funnier.

Instead I discovered a FRESH premise with a RELATABLE lead character in Sara, and more of light but empowering story about a woman coming into her own, after her mother gave her the greatest gift-belief in her daughter’s talent.,

If you enjoy books about books, bookish people, the writing process, and the Publishing world, then you will enjoy this book as well!!

Thank you to Post Hill Press for my gifted copy!
It was my pleasure to provide a candid review!

Available May 25, 2021.

Looking for a book that will keep you in your beach lounge chair until the sun goes down? Well, put on plenty of sunscreen and grab “The Audacity of Sara Grayson”. You’ll love this book- each and every paragraph sparkles.

The book has an audacious premise. Cassandra Bonds is a mega-successful author. (Think Jackie Collins or Danielle Steel). She has written many bestsellers, and her latest “Ellery Dawson” series is universally acclaimed. But author Bonds dies of cancer before she writes the fifth and final book in the series, a book that the whole world is holding its breath for. Of course, her publisher will now have to choose a new author to write the final book. Except- Cassandra had a different author in mind- her daughter. Her “dying wish” is that her daughter Sara write Book 5.

We first meet befuddled 32 year old Sara at the movie premiere of “Ellery Dawson”. Sara’s gown was supposed to be emerald green but the dress shop goofed and sent her a gray dress. And that fits Sara’s image of herself. She is gray, lost, confused. Fortunately, she has a lovely family, and they see more than a vague, puzzled girl in gray. Sara’s Mum the author is kind, wise and caring. She taught her girls to make a “comfort drawer.” Sara’s older sister Anna-Kath is focused, organized and fondly protective of Sara. Their British Dad died when they were young, and they all remember his loving, creative presence. Each character in this book is so real.

Sara spends much of the story trying not to write the book. Her thoughts are quirky and humorous as she deals with the publishing world and her mother’s death. She also discovers some mysteries about her sweet family. “Audacity” means to be willing to take bold risks. As her words come to her, she learns that she doesn’t have to be bold. She just has to know herself and believe in herself.

This is the debut novel for author Joani Elliott. And this book is a success that Cassandra Bond would have envied. This story is a deft mix of the craft and business of writing, with a gently humorous romance for Sara, and a few mysteries. Each chapter begins with a writing-related quote, which delighted me, too.

Many thanks to Meryl MossMedia and Post Hill Press for an advance digital review copy. This is my honest review.

Summary
Sara Grayson is a thirty-two-year-old greeting card writer about to land the toughest assignment of her life. Three weeks after the death of her mother, Cassandra, a world-famous suspense novelist. Sara learns that her mother’s dying wish is for her to write the final book in her bestselling series.

In a bold move that surprises even herself, Sara takes it on. Against an impossible deadline and a publisher intent on sabotaging her every move, Sara discovers that stepping into her mother’s shoes means stumbling on family secrets she was never meant to find—secrets that threaten her mother’s legacy and the very book she’s trying to create

Review
Sara is such a likable character. She is full of self doubt and overwhelmed at the thought of filling her Mother’s shoes as she is grieving This book takes you on her journey to get out of her own way and become the author she was meant to be. There are wonderful quotes from various authors at the start of each chapter. They support the struggles that Sara encounters in finding her own voice. Along the way she meets Nic, dealing with his own heartache. He is a poet, teaching at a small college, unable to leave his circle of comfort. There are mysterious circumstances surrounding provisions in Cassandra’s will which will lead Sara to question her parent’s marriage and Cassandra’s integrity. She travels to her Mother’s house in Maine and her childhood home in London in order to find her words. And finally she finds closure, redemption, confidence and love.

I really liked this read and easily recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy.

*Thank you very much to the publisher, author and Netgalley for providing me with an E-ARC of "The Audacity of Sara Greyson" in exchange for an honest review.*

I really liked this. Sara is completely relatable, both in terms of feeling stuck in her life, and the pressures everyone (especially herself) puts on her.