This one got me. My husband did not die, but this story so closely parallels my own in a few ways. It really made me emotional in a few places. It was well written, the characters were relatable and lovable, the network of friends remarkable. It was such a lovely example of meeting people where they are at and loving them for who they are. The only thing I had trouble wrapping my head around was dropping my kids off at summer camp for 8 weeks, but that’s a me problem, not a problem with the story. Josh and Gracie were a great pair.
4 stars for sure.

I'm going to begin this review by telling you I cried through the last quarter of this book. And I cried not just because this is a book about grief (although it's definitely that, too), but because this is really about the beauty of relationships and memories and the people we find through life. It's a book that is so authentic and raw in the way it talks about grief from so many angles, and yes, grief is sad, but the way it does this is relatable and real and just a book I so, so needed in my life because grief is a journey that is never ending. From a plot perspective, this is a story about Gracie who has found fame as the queen of grief by writing an essay about the loss of her husband. For the summer, with her kids at summer camp and needing to finish a book, she decides to work on a house she bought with her husband before his dead. A neighbor recommends his brother to help - Gracie and Josh find a connection, and they have to figure out just what this is for them. I'll say again that this book is emotional and beautiful and just so, so good. It's the kind of book that I finished and immediately wanted to read again to be back in those feels. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the early look at this July 2025 release.

Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton for the arc!!

I just love a good "bought a house in a small town after a personal tragedy and fell in love with the contractor" type of romance 🤭🤭

In general this was a heartfelt story about starting over and finding yourself after loss.

I found the writing to be emotional and easy to connect with, and the relationship between Gracie and Josh feels real. Some parts, like how quickly Gracie’s kids adjust to everything, might feel a little too perfect, but it doesn’t take away from the overall story.

Overall, it’s an uplifting read about overcoming tough times and finding new beginnings. A great pick for anyone looking for a feel-good, emotional story. :)

In a time of great grief for myself, I found this book to be freeing. I’m not sure where my journey through grief will take me but I understand Gracie’s need to write about it, to be authentic while also holding back some pieces that are closest to her. I loved her growth in this and her willingness to be vulnerable. I started this book before my tragedy and was so grateful to have it in this time.

<b>3.5 Stars Rounded up to 4</b>

For the first 30% of this book, I felt like I was reading a memoir. And Gracie is my twin. Does anyone else hate hugs? Physical contact is not my love language unless you are my husband or someone close to me.

Gracie goes through grief and becomes famous. She is a heck of a writer. She needs to get away to finish her real memoir so while the girls are at summer camp. She does just that. Goes away to her old house that needs remodeling. In walks the contractor, "you can call him Josh," she did too. The relationship, chemistry, and everything are so real and emotional.

Kate Nash did an excellent job with this book. Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Group Dutton for the ARC in exchange for providing an honest review.

I could NOT put this book down! As someone who has lost many people in my life, this book ruined me. Kate Hash does a wonderful job at exploring grief. Not just the typical grief we see displayed on television or in media, but also the ugly truths. That grief shows up when you least expect it, that you can feel relived within your grief, that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

I loved this book and I think one aspect that made it so meaningful for me was the inclusion of ACTUAL parts from Gracie’s (FMC) book. I felt that it gave us a bit of insight into Gracie and how she was dealing with her grief and how in some ways, she was stuck in it.

Along with the amazing representation of grief and how it may show up for us, the romance in this book was TOP TIER. After losing a significant other, how do you move on? I feel that this is a widely debated topic in modern day. However, as this book explores and proves- it is not that easy. Sometimes it’s not about moving on intentionally, it is putting yourself out there.

Overall, this book made me laugh and it made me snot cry.

A charming and hopeful read. Gracie’s memoir writing and pre-publicity engagements are the main focus of the story, and since Gracie’s memoir is about her first year as a widow, her grief takes center stage. With the big exception of losing her husband in a sudden and devastating way, Gracie seems to have a perfect life—two homes (and an attractive, single, and very talented contractor renovating her Craftsman), two well-behaved children, staff, wealth, beauty, fame, admiration, an NYT column, a lucrative book deal, etc. She manages to ace her interviews, finds many hours to successfully write each day, almost everyone loves her and wants to be her friend. Josh is also incredibly talented, wealthy, handsome, single, loves children, This perfectness made both characters a little less compelling to me though I do think they had lovely chemistry. A nice story if you are in the mood for an escapist, wholesome read.

Thank you to Dutton and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

I loved everything about this book! Gracie’s heartfelt journey of grief and figuring out who she is now in this ‘new normal’ was so interesting and endearing. The characters were well developed and the story layered and beautifully written. I was rooting for Gracie the entire way through and wanting her to heal and find love again. Her banter with Josh and the way in which their relationship developed what I think I loved the most. Above all else her personal growth was what this book was really about. It was raw and emotional and also funny. The perfect balance of romance and grief. I especially love that the intent wasn’t to move on or get over, but was to move forward.
This book will stay with me for a long time to come.

Note: NetGalley Advanced Reader Copy Review - Thank you to Dutton Imprint and Penguin Publishing

Follow Gracie Harris as she navigates her life a year after her husband’s sudden passing. What started as a cathartic release has inadvertently earned her the unofficial and unwanted title of the Queen of Grief when it turned into a gig with the New York Times and a in progress memoir. While working on herself and through her grief she decides to spend a summer at her summer home that badly needs repairs. Luckily her friendly realtor knows just the man to help.

Easily a 6 star read for me. I absolutely love the voice Kate Hash brought to Gracie and her ability to make you fall in love with her characters. Such a touching story and one of the most realistic depictions of a love story I’ve read. Nary a miscommunication trope in sight which truly makes my heart happy.

As special as this book was to read I would highlight in warning the amount of grief discussed. While it is handled impeccably well in my opinion, I do think for anyone in the thick of grief it is probably too much to read too soon.

Kate Hash will be on my must read list for her future novels.

I found this one to be a great book about navigating grief but it didn't read like a rom com or a romance. It read more like love story and women's fiction than a than anything else. That's not a bad thing, it still a great story. Knowing that it's not a traditional romance going in would have had me liking the book more.

Gracie Harris is Under Construction
By Kate Hash
I’m certain this will be a “book club” hit. It’s emotional, hopeful and heartbreaking. Overall, such a positive story about moving forward with grief and showing up for yourself.
Gracie Harris is a single mom, who became a viral sensation when her essay took over the internet. People immediately connected with her story and couldn’t help but root for her. Ben, Gracie’s husband has been gone for over a year. Between her writing, grief and family, Gracie needs an escape to feel like herself again. The kids are off to camp and Gracie goes back to their summer house. She hasn’t been back since Ben died. And with many projects left unfinished, Gracie hires Josh (a local general contractor). Gracie finds herself opening up again and having meaningful conversations with Josh. She didn’t think it was possible after the loss of her husband. But Josh just might be her second chance at love.
💕 out JULY 29th!!
Thank you, NetGalley for the advanced copy.


Goodreads (Brenda (Jadore_2read))

Thank you to NetGalley, Kate Hash, and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book is incredibly beautiful. I have no notes. If you love the way Annabel Monaghan delivers an emotional but hopeful story then you will enjoy this debut. This story follows Gracie navigating grief from losing her husband suddenly. She’s the mother of two incredible children. She is writing a memoir about her life with her husband and how she is dealing with the grief of losing him. She unexpectedly finds herself crushing on Josh who is helping renovate their second home in a heartwarming small town. I loved every second of this book. I could not put it down. I highly recommend it! Please pick up this book. It deserves all the hype it will receive.

This book brought our so many feels - grief and longing and attraction and fear and shame…

Gracie Harris’ husband dies unexpectedly and she unintentionally becomes the Queen of Grief. After a fist round talk show interview, she takes refuge in the summer house she and her husband bought just 10 days before he dies. With the help of Josh, the contractor fixing up her house, Gracie learns how to be herself and to find love again. I can’t wait to read this book again and again!

I’m starting this book at 80% completion, as I don’t think there are any surprises left to uncover.

This story is a slow day-by-day unraveling, much like grief. It paints a very realistic portrait of life after loss, especially when it confronts delayed grief and emotional breakdowns. The way they manifest gradually, through uncontrollable movements or new mannerisms.

This is a lovely love story — but the main characters are in a different place of life than me. The story was quite serious the entire time and there isn’t any graphic spice, but I wouldn’t necessarily call it cozy. It’s just a hyper realistic contemporary fiction that I think many would enjoy.

Thanks #NetGalley for this ARC.

—

Note: Updates TK if I am indeed surprised by the ending!

This. Ok has a lot of depth and emotion. It is a cute fast read that gives insight into heartbreak from loss of a spouse. It has some spicy but mostly fades to black. Great characters.

Read this if you love…
🏡 small town settings
🩷 Katherine Center
✨ stories about healing

Gracie Harris didn’t set out to become the “queen of grief,” but a viral essay penned after her husband’s funeral thrusts her into the limelight. Over a year later, she’s got a popular column in the New York Times and a book deal. A summer in the mountain home she and Ben purchased right before his death is what Gracie needs to finish her memoir while the kids attend summer camp. Her realtor recommends a charming contractor to fix up the place while Gracie writes, setting off a summer of change Grace never saw coming.

Books like this are the reason why I love NetGalley. What a stunning debut. I’ll compare Kate Hash’s style loosely to Katherine Center’s—it’s a nice blend of rom-com and women’s fiction that allows for maximum character growth alongside swoony romance. The tone is conversational with bits of Gracie’s writing incorporated throughout for dramatic effect.

Gracie’s arc truly moved me. It made me think deeply about the ways that grief changes us. I can’t imagine going through the loss she endured. I like how the author showed a healthy grieving process: Gracie attends therapy and leans on her community throughout the novel. She doesn’t bravely soldier on through the pain; it’s raw and real and I definitely cried towards the end.

As for the romance, I appreciated Josh and how attuned he was to Gracie’s emotional state. They have deep conversations and genuinely care about one another as friends before anything romantic happens. They are very sweet together.

Also, I looooved the small town setting and all of the little details Hash incorporates to make it feel real. The quirky coffee shop, the famous local BLT, the friend group get togethers… I wish this town was real!

For the closed door girlies, I’d call this cracked door or fade to black (still more than I prefer though). As well, Gracie frankly discusses her intimate life before and after her husband’s passing.

Thank you to Dutton Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I absolutely loved this book! While it is undeniably a romance, there is so much more to it than just that. The way the author approached grief and the process of moving on was both poignant and real. It was refreshing to see the characters experience and confront their emotions without becoming consumed by them, offering a balance that made the story feel authentic and hopeful.

The small town setting was another highlight for me. The charm of the community and the richness of the supporting characters were so well portrayed. It felt incredibly real and cozy, adding a layer of warmth to the narrative that made me feel like I was right there with the characters. Each person in the town played a part in enriching the story, making it all the more enjoyable.

I also appreciated how the book handled the inevitable conflict. The big blowup wasn’t overdramatic or unrealistic, and the way it was resolved was practical and satisfying. The resolution felt earned, and the ending was simply perfect—leaving me with a sense of fulfillment and joy.

All in all, this was an amazing book, and I was shocked to learn that the author is a debut writer. Her storytelling was exceptional, and I can’t wait to read more from her in the future. Highly recommended!

This book has it all: humor, grief, romance, rediscovering yourself. I was hooked after the first page and couldn’t put it down. I loved Gracie and Josh. Will definitely be recommending this one.

What a beautiful unputdownable debut. So much emotion and love on each and every page. Seeing Gracie deal with her grief while finding herself in this new light was so inspiring. This story made me laugh, made me cry and made me want a physical copy for my bookshelf. I’ll be thinking about this one for a while!

Ok, wow. I LOVED this book. We meet Gracie Harris when she's doing a talkshow interview talking about grief - specifically the death of her husband, Ben. After the disastrous interview she seeks solace in the vacation home that she and Ben bought together as a fixer upper. Enter very hot and very lovely contractor Josh who helps may be there to fix the house but ends up fixing Gracie. This was a very thoughtful book that showed the full spectrum of what grief takes from us - but also what it can give us. I found this to be a tenderhearted and lovely read, maybe one of my favorite romances of the year. (Content warning: death and grief) (Spice warning: like 1.5 peppers).