ARC Review Book Review

ARC Book Review | Hadley & Grace by Suzanne Redfearn

Title: Hadley & Grace
Author: Suzanne Redfearn 
Genre: Fiction
Published On: February 1, 2021
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Source: digital
Pages: 344

Synopsis:

The author of In an Instant delivers a heart-pounding and emotional roller-coaster ride of self-discovery in the tradition of Thelma and Louise.

Needing to escape her abusive marriage, Hadley flees with her two kids, knowing it might be her only chance. A woman who can’t even kill a spider, Hadley soon finds herself pushed to the limits as she fights to protect her family.

Grace, new mother of baby Miles, desperately wants to put her rough past behind her for good, but she finds it impossible when her path crosses with Hadley’s, and her quest for a new start quickly spirals out of control and turns into a terrifying flight for survival.

Stronger together than apart, the two find their fates inextricably entwined, and as the danger closes in, each must decide how much she is willing to risk for the other.

A powerful story of self-discovery, Hadley and Grace is the heart-racing tale of two women facing insurmountable odds, racing to stay one step ahead of the trouble that is chasing them, and discovering new kinds of love and family along the way.

My thoughts

(Spoiler free)

What a ride! Hadley & Grace by Suzanne Redfearn had me rooting for these accidental criminals forced into an unforgettable road trip when things go from bad to worse, lives are changed forever, and friendships are born from necessity.

“Time is a thief, she thinks. You believe you have an infinite amount of it, but then you blink and everything that was has been replaced with something else entirely.”

Suzanne Redfearn, Hadley & Grace

Hadley & Grace is my first novel by Redfearn, although I own her previous novel, In an Instant, which I’m even more exited to read now. Redfearn has created characters in Hadley and Grace that are strong, vibrant, and moldable—growing and learning from their experiences, which is refreshing and exciting.

I was thrilled when the author invited me to read an early copy of this novel on Instagram. (Yay for positive social media experiences!) I have a thing for road trips, so anytime I come across a book that features one, I’m instantly intrigued. Not to mention the idea of a modern-day Thelma & Louis—but with kids in tow! I was hooked by the synopsis. And I’m happy to say, Redfearn delivers! I never found myself doubting the plot—even though some aspects might be considered a stretch. I was so wrapped up in the characters and action, all other logical considerations went out the window. And while this story is mostly about mothers and friendship, it also includes some very well-written romance, which makes this hopeless romantic very happy.

I have to mention the kids. Sometimes in books you feel like kids are only added to round out the main characters, but not here. The kids in this book feel fully-formed and essential to the story. And the relationship between the kids and the women is so real, written with honesty and love. My heart broke and soared for these kids.

I could definitely see this one as a movie. You might think it’s already been done, but not like this. I think it’s time we had an updated version! The only thing I would change—more diversity. I really wanted some people of color in this great cast of characters. So happy I picked this one up, and I can’t wait to read more from the author.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy.

(All quotes are taken from the advance copy and are subject to change in final print.)

Rating:

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Indiebound | Bookshop

About the Author

Suzanne Redfearn
Suzanne Redfearn

Suzanne Redfearn is the award-winning author of four novels: Hush Little Baby, No Ordinary Life, In an Instant, and Hadley & Grace. In addition to being an author, she’s also an architect specializing in residential and commercial design. She lives in Laguna Beach, California, where she and her husband own two restaurants: Lumberyard and Slice Pizza and Beer.

(Her website includes a section for writers with tips and downloadables!)

A Song For A Book

On Bookstagram I created a hashtag for when I include a song that reminds me of the book I’m sharing, #ASongForABook, I thought I’d make it a regular feature on my reviews, too.

One of my favorite “road trip” songs is Butterfly Boucher’s “Another White Dash.” I was surprised by how well the lyrics fit Hadley & Grace.

There is something exciting
About leaving everything behind
There is something deep and pulling
Leaving everything behind
Something about having everything
You think you’ll ever need
Sitting in the seat next to you


And I watch another white dash
Another white dash
Another white dash
Fly beside us

Have you read Hadley & Grace? Will you be adding it to your TBR? Let me know in the comments!

Happy Wandering!

2 thoughts on “ARC Book Review | Hadley & Grace by Suzanne Redfearn”

  1. Oh, this does sound like a good story. A roadtrip, but one with adventure and escape at its core. I love your review and your selection of the song to go with it. Great review, Dedra.

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