Eleven year old Peanut Giovanni describes the explosive aftermath of her mother's decision to run away with her lover (a priest), taking her three young daughters with her, leaving behind her home, marriage, and two teenaged sons in Mary Saracino's latest novel, Finding Grace. From the beginning it's clear to Peanut that her mother has made a terrible mistake. The idyllic life in "Happy Town" and harmonious family Marie Giovanni envisioned does not materialize. Instead, tragedy further devastates the family. Seeking to escape an intolerable situation and be reunited with her father, Peanut instead finds Grace and it is memories of Grace which give peanut the strength to protect herself from her mother's neurotic attachments and to forge her own identity as Regina Giovanni. Find Grace is a compelling story of love, loss, grief, betrayal, hope, and redemption. Mary Saracino is a uniquely talented author who work is as literate as it is engaging.

Mary Sacacino has written a story that will touch your soul. This story will make you laugh; and there will be moments when you find it difficult to read through tear-filled eyes. Finding Grace is about a mother's love for a man who has left the priesthood, and has forgotten the meaning of Christianity. They have hastily gathered the three youngest girls and the barest of necessities and fled before her husband returned, leaving her two older sons to cope with the devastation of having their family torn in half - and not being included. The girls are forced to cope with an alcoholic man and the abuse he heaps on the entire family. His favoritism is apparent with the attention the youngest girl is shown, and it is clear he is the child's father. The two oldest girls run away and are found by Grace; a woman who not only provides a sense of peace and quiet in their otherwise tormented lives, but teaches them how to find the inner tranquility and strength in their soul to continue. This is a touching story, with many turns and facets. I would highly recommend this book.

I picked up this book at Northwest Bookfest in Seattle last week because the author was there signing copies and I liked her. It is turning out to be a wonderful read. I find it hard to put down, too. The characters are exasperating but sympathetic, and I keep wondering what will happen to them.

An excellent book. Mary Saracino has created a powerful story, that is wonderfully written. I also recommend her novel, Finding Grace. In fact, I recommend reading the two books together.

This book was a real page turner. It's a powerful read with interesting characters. The story is well written and it's told from the perspective of a ten-year old girl. It's a coming of age story, but it's definitely an adult novel. The author's sequel just came out this fall and I can't wait to read it.