In Finding Grace, Honor has it all- a loving husband, a wonderful daughter, and a beautiful life. But her longing for another child shakes the foundation of it all. When a shocking event changes everything, the choices made in its aftermath send ripple effects through two families. Years later, secrets resurface, love is tested, and lives collide in unexpected ways.

I literally had to do a double take at the end of the first chapter. Nothing could have prepared me for that twist. From there, I was totally hooked. The story is emotional, messy, and full of moments that made me stop and think. Loved the characters, even when they made frustrating choices. Just a really good, thought-provoking read.

I also loved the narrator’s voice; it really pulled me in. Funny side note: for a while I thought the main character’s name was Ana because of the British accent, not Honor!

I went into Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild almost entirely blind. Based on the description, I assumed it would be a story about motherhood or something close to it. I’d been eagerly awaiting this book for months, drawn in by the beautiful copy. So when I got the email offering the chance to listen to the audiobook ARC, I genuinely gasped.

The story started off a little slow for me, but then—suddenly—a quiet turning point shifted everything. I won’t say more (spoilers!), but it might be helpful for sensitive readers to check content or trigger warnings before diving in. This is a slow-burn novel, yet I found myself increasingly drawn into its subtle emotional landscape. There’s a cinematic quality to it—I kept picturing it as a film, whispering to myself, “Oh no, oh no, this won’t end well.” And yet, I understood. I might’ve made the same choices.

The relationships here are layered and complicated, full of silences, secrets, and emotional fog. There’s something beautifully unsettling about the way Rothschild writes—like a memory you almost remember, or a dream you once had but never unpacked. It feels fresh and familiar at the same time. I couldn’t name a single title it reminded me of, but I did come up with my dream cast for the movie. (HA)

By the final chapter, I was struck by how quietly honest it all was. Truthfully, I did find the ending a bit rushed though. Finding Grace doesn’t try to dazzle you with big twists or sweeping gestures—it simply lays bare what happens when people try to move forward in life while carrying things they haven’t yet let go. It’s a great quiet read, especially for people who enjoy watching characters navigate morally gray decisions—the kind where you know it’s wrong, and yet… you understand.

Best enjoyed with headphones and a quiet afternoon. For mood readers especially, it’s more about slow, steady tension than overt emotion. The story hums with quiet complexity that lingers, even when it doesn’t shout.

Many thanks to @stmartinspress, @Macmillan Audio, and @NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this advance audiobook. Fiona Button’s narration is steady and quietly powerful—perfectly in tune with the tone of the book.

#FindingGrace #NetGalley #MacmillanAudio

4.5 stars, rounded up ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Finding Grace is unlike any other novel I’ve read. It’s unique, and the synopsis is intentionally vague. To say too much would be to take away the unfolding sense of discovery that gives this book its emotional weight (however, please search the trigger warnings if you are concerned, as some themes included in this book might not be for all; I would be spoiling the entire plot if I listed all of them here, however, the most central trigger warning I would say is infertility).

This is a deeply layered story about love, grief, forgiveness, and what it means to rebuild a life after the unthinkable. It pulled me in from the very first sentence - the first chapter was gripping. The writing is elegant yet unpretentious. The story holds an abundance of both heartbreak and hope. I especially appreciated the unique narrative voice and the dual timelines that slowly unveil the truth. While I had very complex feelings about one of the main characters, it’s a testament to the author’s skill that I remained fully invested, even when I struggled with the choices that were made. The characters are flawed and deeply human. I also learned a lot of small facts while reading this book, and loved the poems that were referenced throughout! I was pulled in by the beautiful and mysterious cover as well.

I listened to the audiobook, and Fiona Button’s narration was absolutely phenomenal. This story takes place in England, and she voiced different regional UK accents for some of the characters, which was wonderful. Overall, her voice brought nuance and emotional depth to every scene. I’d absolutely recommend the audiobook for a fully immersive experience for this particular story!

This was a bold, emotional, and unique debut. I’ll be curious to see what Loretta Rothschild writes next.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Macmillan Audio for the advanced listening copy.
Publication Date: July 08, 2025

I hadn't seen much talk of this book on social media but it came up as one I might like so I decided to go for it and I am so glad that I did. I really loved everything about this book.

This is definitely one that it's best to go in without much knowledge of it -- I was shocked by some of what happened and it made my heart ache in the way only good writing can. I loved the tension and tone of the book, and I really felt for the characters and grew to care for them deeply.

I listened to this one and absolutely adored the narrator, Fiona Button -- I am excited to listen to more by her! I didn't want to turn this off and found myself totally enthralled with what would happen next.

I recommend this to anyone who likes literary fiction with an edge, doesn't mind sad and hard topics and complex character actions. I cannot believe this was a debut and I am so excited to see what Loretta Rothschild writes in the future! I will be eagerly awaiting it.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book!

It took me a long time to complete this audiobook. I loved the narrator, I thought she did a wonderful job voicing distinct characters. I was not as drawn in by the story as I wanted to be. I found Tom to be insufferable despite his grief. Lauren becoming some sort of villain was reductive and not well developed through the narrative- it made her character very one dimensional. I thought the fallout from Grace discovering the secret was the most profound part of the story- Tom healing and become closer with Colette, sorting through Honore and Chloe's things, and coming clean with Henry. This was all for nothing though, because Grace came back at the end. Sometimes its ok to have a character suffer a real consequence and I feel like the novel would have been more profound had Tom simply had to live with this loss of his own making.

Finding Grace was a very impressive debut! I went into this one blind and I’m so glad I did.

This book sucked me in from the start! I was shocked at the end of the first chapter and didn’t want to put it down. It was a very unique POV that I really enjoyed.

While this book could be stressful at times, I was engrossed the entirety. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I was anticipating what would happen. I felt it tied up a little too nicely but felt satisfied with the ending.

This was a super quick read and I will be excited to see what the author comes out with next!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc

4-1/2 stars

Honor has a daughter she adores and a husband who wants her to have what she desires. But her quiet longing for more slowly builds until one unexpected moment changes everything. Years later, a single decision sets off a chain of events that connects two women in messy ways. As the past collides with present half-truths, the consequences are anything but simple.

This book launched with a literal bang from chapter one and refused to let me go. I was completely magnetized by this story. It was emotional, intense, and addictive from start to finish. Rothschild’s writing does not feel like a debut. Her pacing, tension, and character development were so strong, I found myself deeply invested in every twist and turn. This book straddles genres beautifully, delivering emotional depth for contemporary fiction readers and enough jaw-dropping drama to satisfy thriller lovers too.

I won’t spoil a thing, but let’s just say: it gets messy in all the right ways. My only small critique is that the ending wrapped up a little too neatly for a story that was otherwise so unhinged and emotionally volatile. I wanted more emotional wreckage! Still, I’m giving it 4.5 stars for the gripping story and a full 5 stars for Fiona Button’s narration. Her performance was flawless and brought every twist to life with so much depth, feeling, and dimension.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advance listening copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Wow I lovedddd this book! Super different premise from anything I’ve ever read before… and I love how it wrapped up at the end. Kept me engrossed the whole time even as I listened to it on audiobook!

Fantastic debut novel unlike anything I’ve read before. The first chapter is a gut punch. Go into this novel blind, seriously. It will be so much more impactful if you don’t know what it’s about.

The characters are so well developed that I enjoyed the entire book despite loathing the MMC. I’m not entirely sure I liked the ending but on the whole it is a great book.

Fiona Button’s narration is outstanding and brings so much to the story. Highly recommend.

From the beginning, you were left shocked and sad. This is a story of love, tragedy, and love again. There is no way to describe this book without spoilers. However, when tragedy leads to a second chance at love that you didn't think was available, you take it, no matter the cost, when it presents itself.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio of another amazing audiobook.

I really enjoyed this unique, debut novel. The story was very emotional. It's a very difficult book to review, without spoiling the story. I went into this book blind, and after finishing, I went back and read the synopsis, which was very vague-for good reason. I think it's best to go into this story blind as well. It makes it so much more enjoyable. I thought the author did an amazing job writing these characters. I was blown away by the first couple of chapters. This book really starts off with a bang.
The audiobook was really well done. The narrator did a fantastic job bringing these characters to life.


Thank you to Macmillan Audio for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook.

Wow wow wow. What a way to start a book!

Absolutely riveting, Finding Grace will dig its way into your core. Cue emotional damage. ❤️‍🩹

The perspective that Rothschild uses to tell the story is so compelling and profound. It’s pure genius.

I highly recommend going into this book blind with the caveat that it covers very triggering and difficult content. If you are a sensitive reader, please proceed with care.

I recommend this for readers looking for a shocking story with complicated characters. I loved this book, in spite of having strong negative feelings towards the MMC. So maybe skip this one if you’re the kind of reader who needs the main characters to be likable. 😉

My rating: 4.75⭐️

🎧 Fiona Button’s narration is phenomenal! I highly recommend this format for maximum emotional impact.

I really liked this book... even though the main character had stalker vibes and his love interest/victim - rather than pressing charges - ended up with him in the end. It was riveting and even though the ending was a bit hard for me to believe, I found myself actually cheering for the bastard half of the time.

Thanks to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for the review copy.

Finding Grace is a readable, emotionally rich debut novel. Book starts with a powerful event that draws you in quickly. But from there, the story has a predictable plot that really drags out in its revelation. Book is very readable, love the narration character (no spoilers) and has genuine moments of tenderness and conflict. But the drawn out pace and build up to the inevitable had me at times skipping ahead some of the details. Ideal for patient readers who appreciate emotionally complex stories and can appreciate the slow build. Thank you Macmillan Audio and Net Galley for this advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest and own review. Book releases July 8, 2025.

Loretta Rothschild’s debut novel opens with a gripping, almost cinematic first chapter that immediately pulls the reader into the heart of chaos. A tragic accident, a mysterious letter, and a haunting revelation promise a story charged with emotion and suspense. Rothschild demonstrates a strong command of atmosphere and intrigue in the opening pages, leaving readers eager to unravel the threads of the protagonist’s troubled past.

Unfortunately, that momentum doesn’t carry through the rest of the novel. As the chapters unfold, the story loses its intensity, gradually slipping into a meandering pace. What begins as a compelling mystery fades into a slow-moving narrative filled with underdeveloped plotlines and repetitive introspection. The characters, especially Grace herself, become increasingly difficult to connect with often making choices that feel inconsistent or frustratingly opaque. Secondary characters are similarly underwhelming, lacking depth or relatability.

While Rothschild clearly has a talent for setting the stage, Finding Grace ultimately fails to deliver on the promise of its opening. The emotional resonance and urgency of the first chapter dwindle as the book progresses, leaving a sense of disappointment. For readers who crave character-driven stories with a strong, sustained arc, this novel may not fully satisfy.

*Thank you so much to NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for the audiobook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Apologies in advance for a vague review, I do not want to give anything away! What an incredible debut though! I loved that the description gives very little away, but that very early in the book you will find that your jaw drops and that the tears are flowing. The characters are incredible - so real that you believe they are sitting next to you. The emotions flow effortlessly. The story is unique and you never know what to expect on the next page. The writing is beautiful, despite the heartbreak. It is about another chance at life and love. Discovering yourself even when experiencing the worst that life has to offer. The book made me think from start to finish and despite the tears that flowed, I am so glad that I read this incredible debut.

Thank you netgalley for my advanced reader copy.

The cover and description is what initially drew me in. I enjoyed this audio book and thought it was well written. It was hopeful and emotional at times, this digs into many themes such as loss, parenthood, grief and love. Lots of trigger warnings. There was certain times where the narrator frustrated me (but we’re all flawed). Overall enjoyed the audiobook.

Loving. Longing. Shocking...and that's just the first chapter...

"Finding Grace" has an intentionally vague synopsis, but as you read, you'll discover the nuggets along the way. It's edgy and a bit of a nail-biter, but it's also quiet and intense. Very intense, actually, and challenging to put down when life gets in the way.

I loved spending time getting to know these characters, listening to their stories, and learning about each of them. They are diverse, complex, and mostly likable, and all of them hold this story together.

The writing is lyrical and straightforward, and I love how the author chose to narrate the story. It fits just right. I appreciate the touches of humor that help to lighten the atmosphere a bit, as well.

This was an immersion read; the audiobook is narrated by Fiona Button, whose voicing skills brings the story to life. The author's words flow effortlessly through her voice; she doesn't read the story, she becomes the story. She's quickly becoming one of my favorite English narrators.

"Finding Grace" is an impressive debut, and I'll be there for Loretta Rothschild's next novel, too!

4.25⭐

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and Loretta Rothschild for the gifted DRC and ALC through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Thanks, St. Martin's Press, for the opportunity to read a review copy. Unfortunately, I found the main character grating and couldn't get engaged in the story with her narrating. The big twist at the beginning was jarring and threw me out of the story. I wasn't a good fit as a reader for this one, but I have seen many favorable reviews.

Of note, the audiobook's narrator sounded perfect: a crisp, posh British accent.

Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild (book cover is in image) unfortunately was not the book for me. The plot was cringy and the narration by Fiona Button came off as monotone and found myself easily distracted. Since I had the eBook as well, I switched over to that, but still found it hard engage in this book. I am sure that there is an audience for this one, but I am not it.

Thank you to St Martins Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC and listen to the ALC. All opinions are my own.

Rating: 2 Stars
Pub Date: Jun 10 2025

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