BOOK REVIEW: Amazing Grace by Kim Nash

Grace thought she had it all. Living in the beautiful village of Little Ollington, along with headteacher husband Mark and gorgeous son, Archie, she devoted herself to being the perfect mum and the perfect wife, her little family giving her everything she ever wanted.
Until that fateful day when she walked in on Mark kissing his secretary- and her perfect life fell apart.
Now she's a single Mum to Archie, trying to find her way in life and keep things together for his sake. Saturday nights consist of a Chinese takeaway eaten in front of the TV, clad in greying pyjamas, and she can't remember the last time she had a kiss form anyone aside from her dog, Becks.
Grace's life needs a shake-up fast. So when gorgeous gardener Vinnie turns up, his twinkling eyes suggesting that he might be interested in more than just her conifers, she might just have found the answers to her prayers. But as Grace falls deeper for Vinnie, ten-year-old Archie fears that his mum finding love means she'll never reconcile with the dad he loves.
So when ex-husband Mark begs her for another chance, telling her he's changed from the man that broke her heart, Grace finds herself with an impossible dilemma. Should she take back Mark and reunite the family that Archie loves? Or risk it all for a new chance of happiness?

Publisher: Hera Books

Pages: 257.

Kim Nash is a big presence in the book blogging world and always goes above an beyond to champion other author's books. I was so excited when she revealed that she had written her debut novel and did not hesitate to pre-order it. Amazing Grace is a fantastic debut and Kim's experience in the world of publishing shines through.
Grace is a single mum to Archie after her husband, Mark cheated on her. She works at and estate agents but dreams of owning a book shop. Archie and her dog, Becks are her whole world. Whilst she doesn't mind staying in on a Saturday night, maybe it is time for a little more excitement. Her best friend, Monica sets her up on some blind dates but Grace already has her sights set on her handsome new gardener, Vinnie. Just when she thinks life is coming together, her ex, Mark pleads to reconcile. Grace knows how happy this would make Archie but what about her own happiness?
Amazing Grace is full of warmth and humour. I think the author has the right balance between wit and poignancy. I loved the parts concerning Grace's mum who has sadly passed away, their closeness is clear to see from the beginning.
Monica is Grace's best friend and the source of much of the humour in the story. She sets Grace up on some disastrous blind dates but they are every entertaining.
I think Kim was very honest in her portrayal of being a single mum. Archie is everything to her and you can understand why she considers Mark's proposal in order to make her son happier.
I very much enjoyed the blossoming relationship between Grace and Vinnie, there is a spark from the very first encounter and I loved how the author built upon this.
Amazing Grace is a delightful and assured debut, I can't wait to see what Kim Nash does next!