Caffeinated Reviewer

A fellow blogger reviewed The Audacity of Sara Grayson by Joani Elliott. After reading her thoughts, I immediately wanted to read it. This women’s fiction offers self-growth, a touch of romance, and a bit of a mystery. Grab an iced coffee and see why it’s is the perfect summer read…

What happens when your mother’s dying wish becomes your worst nightmare?

What happens when the world’s greatest literary icon dies before she finishes the final book in her best-selling series?

And what happens when she leaves that book in the hands of her unstable, neurotic daughter, who swears she’s not a real writer?

Sara Grayson is a thirty-two-year-old greeting card writer about to land the toughest assignment of her life. Three weeks after the death of her mother—a world-famous suspense novelist—Sara learns that her mother’s dying wish is for her to write the final book in her bestselling series.

Sara has lived alone with her dog, Gatsby, ever since her husband walked out with their Pro Double Waffle Maker and her last shred of confidence. She can’t fathom writing a book for thirty million fans—not when last week’s big win was resetting the microwave clock.

But in a bold move that surprises even herself, Sara takes it on. Against an impossible deadline and a publisher intent on sabotaging her every move, Sara discovers that stepping into her mother’s shoes means stumbling on family secrets she was never meant to find—secrets that threaten her mother’s legacy and the very book she’s trying to create.

The Audacity of Sara Grayson is Joani Elliott’s debut novel, and it’s a winner. From the characters to the interesting storyline, setting(s), and mystery it pulled in me from the very beginning.

Sara Grayson is thirty-two, divorced, and teaches writing. She also works a gig writing greeting cards. Once upon a time she dreamed of becoming a writer. A respected critic of her first novel shattered her self-confidence, and she pushed writing aside. When her mother Cassandra Bond, the best-selling author of the Ellery Dawson series dies of pancreatic cancer, her dying wish is that Sara writes the conclusion to the series.

The story that unfolds had depth, genuine characters, and a flow that carried you along as it hooked you. Sara is our protagonist, and the story is told from her perspective. Along the way, get to know her sister, Anna- Kath, Phil, her mother’s lover and the man who critiqued Sara’s first novel.

We spend time in the city before escaping to a seaside community in Maine. We also spend some time abroad. We watch Sara faces her insecurities and begin writing. The author made us privy to her struggles, self-doubt, lack of faith from the publisher, and her attempts to identify with Ellery Dawson. At first she tries to emulate her mother but while good, the story lacks spark. Of course, Sara isn’t Cassandra and must find her own path. As the story progresses, she learns about herself and experiences personal growth. It was brilliantly done and allowed me to connect.

A thread concerning a scandal and secret kept from the sisters was interesting. I love how the author weaved it into the storyline. It flowed wonderfully and caused this reader to shed a few tears.

We get a touch of romance with a few surprises. It was sweet and felt genuine. Even though this wasn’t the primary focus, the author gave the romantic interest with a backstory that tugged at my heartstrings. I enjoyed time spent developing their relationship.

The ending did not disappointment, and I closed the book with a smile and a tear. The Audacity of Sara Grayson is the perfect beach read for book lovers and fans of women’s fiction.

Amazon | Audible

About Joani Elliott

Joani Elliott believes in the magic of stories, a good cup of tea, and the power of living a creative life. She has taught writing at the University of Maryland and Brigham Young University. She lives with her husband and two daughters near Salt Lake City, Utah.

Website | Twitter | Instagram

About Kimberly

Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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