Tuesday, September 4, 2018

Manhattan Grace by Clarice James


Manhattan GraceManhattan Grace
Clarice G. James

Elk Lake Publishing
June 1, 2018
eBook $7.99
Print $12.99


About the Book:
When a door opens for Gracie Camden to leave Cape Cod and move to Manhattan as a nanny for a Juilliard drama instructor, she fully expects God to use her acting talent and launch her to stardom. She’s been here been six months. What’s taking him so long?

Seymour Kaufman relocates to New York City from Iowa due to a shortage of mohels (circumcisers) in the tri-state Messianic congregations. Secretly, he hopes to explore a deeper relationship with Metropolitan Opera star and fellow Moldovan, Polina Zelenka. Seymour is conflicted when he meets her less complicated, widowed cousin.

Meanwhile, fresh from Palm Beach, the Chief plans to cap off his short yet lucrative career as an international jewel thief with a multi-million dollar heist during the Met’s gala in Polina’s honor. His usual modus operandi is to work alone—but this time is different.

While Seymour celebrates every closed door by believing God will open a better one, Gracie whines and wonders why God doesn’t bless her plans. Gracie finally learns success is not about making it big in the Big Apple, but about living God’s perfect plan for your life.

My Review
I just like these characters and this fun story. Gracie has a ways to go to grow up, but don’t we all? I loved her grandmother who kept her grounded with fun sagacity and the always funny “say goodnight, Gracie” schtick that never grows old. I thought Seymour was a hoot, especially since I have family near Postville and really enjoy hearing how people adapt to the craziness of America.

I wondered how on earth these two stories were going to intertwine and, while I occasionally got a little impatient waiting for something to happen, was thoroughly entertained by a jewel thief, ala Cary Grant, prepping for his biggest heist. I figured out several whos, and loved finding out the why, which all came together in a symphonic, justifiable end.

Written from multiple viewpoints, readers follow a young woman on her way to fame and fortune and a middle-aged Jewish immigrant on the hunt for his soulmate. Strangers not for long in the Big Apple, they blunder and assist each other to the good and Godly life.


About the Author
Author Clarice G. James writes smart, fun, relatable contemporary women's fiction. When she's not writing, Clarice is reading, planning another New England Christian Authors Round Table Talk, or involved in a home decorating project. She and her husband, David, live in southern New Hampshire. Together, they have five married children and ten grandchildren.


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