The Audacity of Sara Grayson
by Joani Elliott
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?
Thanks to Meryl Moss Media, and Post Hill Press for an advance review copy.
“You know what it’s like when you discover a new writer whose witty and wise voice makes your heart sing? That’s Joani Elliott for me. …I stayed up too late turning pages. I loved it.” — Ann Garvin, USA Today bestselling author of I Like You Just Fine When You’re Not Around
I fell in love with this book when I first saw the cover! And when I read the book blurb I opened the book as fast as I could and never put it down until I finished, except when I was laughing so hard I had to catch my breath.
Fabulous book!
JENA’S REVIEW
The Audacity of Sara Grayson: A Novel by Joani Elliott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Looking for a book that will keep you in your beach lounge chair until the sun goes down? Well, put on plenty of sunscreen and grab “The Audacity of Sara Grayson”. You’ll love this book- each and every paragraph sparkles.
The book has an audacious premise. Cassandra Bonds is a mega-successful author. (Think Jackie Collins or Danielle Steel). She has written many bestsellers and her latest “Ellery Dawson” series is universally acclaimed. But author Bonds dies of cancer before she writes the fifth and final book in the series, a book that the whole world is holding its breath for. Of course, her publisher will now have to choose a new author to write the final book. Except- Cassandra had a different author in mind- her daughter. Her “dying wish” is that her daughter Sara write Book 5.
We first meet befuddled 32 year old Sara at the movie premiere of “Ellery Dawson”. Sara’s gown was supposed to be emerald green but the dress shop goofed and sent her a gray dress. And that fits Sara’s image of herself. She is gray, lost, confused. Fortunately, she has a lovely family, and they see more than a vague, puzzled girl in gray. Sara’s Mum the author is kind, wise and caring. She taught her girls to make a “comfort drawer.” Sara’s older sister Anna-Kath is focused, organized and fondly protective of Sara. Their British Dad died when they were young, and they all remember his loving, creative presence. Each character in this book is so real.
Sara spends much of the story trying not to write the book. Her thoughts are quirky and humorous as she deals with the publishing world and her mother’s death. She also discovers some mysteries about her sweet family. “Audacity” means to be willing to take bold risks. As her words come to her, she learns that she doesn’t have to be bold. She just has to know herself and believe in herself.
This is the debut novel for author Joani Elliott. And this book is a success that Cassandra Bond would have envied. This story is a deft mix of the craft and business of writing, with a gently humorous romance for Sara, and a few mysteries. Each chapter begins with a writing-related quote, which delighted me, too.
Many thanks to Meryl MossMedia and Post Hill Press for an advance digital review copy. This is my honest review.
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About the Author
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. For book club resources, virtual author chats, and more, visit joanielliott.com.
About the Author
