Susie Orman Schnall

I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Grace May is happily married and the mom of two boys, now she's about to embark upon her fortieth birthday. Not only that, but she's looking forward to some new changes in her life. Both of her children will finally be in school all day, which opens up her days allowing her to return into the work force. She's been looking forward to this and the perfect job falls into her lap. Within one week, not only does she lose the job before she even gets the chance to begin, her world begins to unravel and fall apart.

"On Grace" is a wonderful story about dealing with a crisis while finding one's self and path at the age of forty. Grace is an amazing character that every woman can connect with in some way. She teaches us about forging on, and forgiveness and not succumbing to everyone's expectations. This book had moments of laughter and moments of tears, as Grace rationalizes her family crisis and comes to terms with her situation. This is a great chick lit novel, one that is quite meaningful that every woman will enjoy.… (más)

First, this is my second novel by Susie Orman Schnall. I first discovered her when I read The Subway Girls, an amazing book which you should definitely read.

This is the story of Max and Vivi based in Queens, New York. Each has a life trajectory that veers far off course. Vivi is an up and coming starlet in Hollywood who is sent to the World's Fair Aquade to star in their water show. Max is a journalism student at NYU who is hoping for a place at the New York Times but ends up writing for the daily paper of the World's Fair. Each quickly learns that their destiny was to end up there where they did.

Each woman deals with issues pushed upon them by their gender and the way others feel women should behave. Eventually, the women cross paths and become the strength that the other needs to move on with their lives in order to be happy.

The author can be counted on to show the strength of women as individuals and as friends. She also takes events in history that may not be so well known and sets a whole world around them. I have learned about events that occurred in New York where I grew up that I had never heard of and now have had the chance to research.… (más)

It's no secret - I love historical fiction from the 20's-50's... and this was a highly anticipated book for me. I downloaded it on pub day without hesitation and then my fabulous book dealer gifted me with the paperback!⠀

The book follows Vivi and Max to the 1939 New York World's Fair, Max as a journalist and Vivi as a synchronized swimmer in the Aquacade. Both attended an event and met by chance, bonding and then agreeing to help each other overcome their individual hurdles in a male-dominated world.⠀

From the first page, I was in love with this book. @SusieOrmanSchnall does a fabulous job of putting me at the World's Fair and everything it has to offer. Sometimes, I would close my eyes while listening to the audio and pretend I was there. I loved the narration!⠀

I cannot stop bragging about my excitement for this book and all it entails. Fabulous writing, seemless integration of two character storylines, and great story. If you like historical chick-lit, you MUST own this one!⠀… (más)