Book Tour for His Saving Grace by Sharon Cullen (Review & GIVEAWAY)

As a fan of historicals I'm thrilled to bring you His Saving Grace by Sharon Cullen, an emotionally intense read about the ravages of war and enduring love.  Keep reading to get a glimpse of this book as well as getting my impressions of it.  You can learn even more about this book by visiting the other blogs hosting this tour.  Make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a $25 bookstore GC and a Loveswept mug and tote bag!

Perfect for fans of Mary Balogh, Sharon Cullen’s captivating novel tells the deeply emotional tale of two devoted lovers facing the ravages of war.

For months now, Lady Grace Ashworth has mourned the death of her beloved husband—until the day a very-much-alive Michael arrives at her front door. It’s nothing less than a miracle. However, Grace soon realizes that this Michael isn’t the same man who left for the Crimean War. She’s stunned to learn that he has suffered a devastating head injury. Putting all her own desires aside, Grace resolves to devote herself to Michael’s recovery and to love him no matter what troubles may come.
Convinced that his wife is wasting her time on a broken man, Michael attempts to shield Grace from a life of inconvenience by driving her away. But Grace will have none of that. Despite every obstacle Michael throws in her path, she stubbornly soldiers on, fighting not only for their marriage but for the love they once shared. In the end, will her determination alone be enough to save Michael from the darkness that threatens to consume him?

FIND AT GOODREADS here.

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON  |  BN  |  iTUNES  |  KOBO

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

As a disabled person I'm drawn to stories dealing with the issues surrounding living life in a body unknown to you at times.  And with my father's recent head injury I found myself even more engaged in the journey the once proud Michael takes towards recovery as it resonates very deeply in my own life for many reasons.

Grace has loved Michael since she was very young and each moment they were together is forever etched in her memory.  When she heard of his death a little of her died too.  After being shuffled off to the dower house by an uncaring and pompous brother-in-law life looks to be a lonely one until Nigel, the new Earl of Blackbourne, informs her of her impending marriage.  As her intended is nothing more than a friend to her she's desperate to end her engagement.  The arrival of a dark carriage might at first offer salvation but soon immerses her in the unknown as the return of her husband doesn't go as she dreamed it would.  Michael is back but he's changed and to reach HEA they'll both have to work hard and let love be their guide.

Michael went away to war with dreams of gallantry but returned lost and broken after a catastrophic head injury changed him irrevocably.  The once proud Earl now has trouble remembering words and events, is sometimes overcome with rage, and has excruciating headaches and memories from the war.  His body is like a stranger and it scares him.  It kept him from returning home as he wanted to hide from what he'd become.  He feels less than the man he once was and fears he won't be able to live up to his duties.  His fears have him pushing Grace away instead of holding her close as he wants to do.  It all leads to a marriage that was once so strong now rocky as insecurities from both of them weigh heavily.  To be the man Grace and his earldom needs he'll have to accept that which can't be changed and let Grace in completely as an equal so they can stand together in solidarity when the outside world comes to judge him.

Grace and Michael are a strong and compelling couple.  Grace is smart and caring and through everything her love for him never waned.  She felt frustrated and alienated by Michael's reliance on the stranger Tarik for help early on but it forced her to accept reality and from there on she was Michael's biggest champion.  She was loyal and dedicated and had more faith in Michael than he had in himself.  Michael's pain, physical and mental, was palpable.  It was easy to get caught up in his frustrations and self-loathing at what he's become.  The glimpses of the old Michael though remind us of what brought him together with Grace and give us hope for their future.  This story puts readers through the emotional wringer with lots of tears and a few smiles along the way.  It was both heartbreaking and heartwarming and I credit Ms. Cullen with its realism.  It's an emotionally draining journey that I feel privileged to have taken as the characters are richly depicted, their actions believable, and the message of love conquering all vividly witnessed.  Though this is the fourth installment in the Secrets & Seduction series it can be read on its own, but I hope to see this couple again in the future as they left an indelible mark on me.

My rating for this is an A

*I got this book from NetGalley for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

AUTHOR INFO:

Sharon Cullen is the author of the historical romances The Notorious Lady Anne, Loving the Earl, and Pleasing the Pirate, as well as many novels of romantic suspense, paranormal romance, and contemporary romance. If you’d like to find out more about the author and her books, you can visit her blog or her website. She is addicted to social networking so you can find her on Facebook and Twitter. Friend her! Like her! Follow her! She’d love to hang out with you and talk about her passion: books.

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