Patrick Hess is a private investigator hired by Kristopher Lehrer to locate his missing ex-wife Margo and their little daughter Jeannie. From his investigation, Patrick feels that Margo has possibly changed her identity going by the name of Grace. When he finally meets the woman, she is not the sophisticated woman, as described by Kristopher. Arriving in Faucet, Oregon, Patrick does a little switching of his own. Grace needs money since her funds are running low, and Patrick needs a job while he works on a book. He explains to Grace he is a writer, working on a detective thriller, and has worked on a farm before, so knows about farm work. Patrick is willing to work. He hopes by convincing her he is a writer, he can win her trust. This will give him time to do some snooping and find Jeannie. Once he has what he needs, he can hightail it back to Buffalo, get his money, and be on his way. Unfortunately, Patrick and Grace bond in a way neither has ever bonded. As they are slowly pulled closer into a blossoming relation, Patrick still hasn’t seen Jeannie, and the more time he spends with Grace his heart falls deeper and deeper in love.

Saving Grace is a heartfelt story so moving, that I could share in the reaction of Grace and Patrick in each of their encounters. Grace has an enormous amount of strength with everything she has been through with the abuse, and I admire the determination that she endures to try to get over her bitter past. The emotions are incredibly visual in this heart-stirring read. I was caught up in the bit of danger that builds up in the book with Kristopher. I love Patrick’s description when he looks at Grace with flour on her hands, and thinks of her as wholesome, that was such a sweet thought. Patrice Moore digs deep to sketch convincing and attention-grabbing characters. The way she paints, Grace and Patrick, I couldn’t help but warm up to them. She does a good job in making Kristopher a well-developed villain. This overwhelming tale of heartache, spousal abuse, betrayal, and trust pulls the reader deep into the lives of Grace and Patrick, and holds firmly long after the story is over. They will live in my heart always.

Reviewed by: Linda L.