The Saving Graces is an excellent story, well written, with good characterization. The plot is straightforward, with a little twist. I never put this book down. The strong theme of enduring friendships of women runs throughout the tale.

Really sounded like a book I would love, but I didn't...and I really tried. I finished it but only because it's what I do. Even as it wrapped up, I had very little interest in what happened to them. Personally, I don't feel the author helped me to get to know them very well or care about them. I didn't feel they had any depth. I wouldn't recommend this book.

Note: I just read all the other reviews and I have to admit that I am flabbergasted. Wow. I did NOT get that at all from this book.

This seemed like a slow start for me to read but it also could have been the mood I was in when I read it. The book did end up being a very fun book to read and a very serious one at times too - I related to all 4 women the story was in about - in some way or another. I really like the writing style of this author and will read more by her, a good book to read.

A good story of long-lasting friendship Great Girlfriend book!!!

A sweet book about female friendship and love. It tells of friendship, with its compassion and impatience. The women characters in the book are real and honest, if imperfect.

Unlike the Graces of Greek mythology, the ones in Patricia Gaffney's feel-good novel, The Saving Graces, are not in the business of dispensing charm and beauty. Though they possess some measure of good looks, Gaffney's Graces are more focused on the less ethereal problems of life: men, careers, babies, death. And there are four, rather than three, of them (Emma, Rudy, Lee, and Isabel), who have been getting together for regular dinners in their Washington, D.C., homes for 10 years.
The narration of The Saving Graces rotates among the four women and gets right to the heart of each Grace--the stories they tell stick close to the territory of their emotional lives. This intimate directness makes Gaffney's women seem, well, womanly. Serene Isabel, who has always been "the best champion, the kindest friend" to all the other Graces, is dying of breast cancer. Rudy needs to leave her ultra-controlling husband. Lee, usually the rational one, is possessed by her desire to have a baby. Ironic Emma wants to write a novel and has a hard crush on a married man. This group feels messy and real: they keep secrets from each other, grate on one another's nerves, and analyze each other. But ultimately, all four know that they've lucked into a very good thing. Not just because they share the sweetness and silliness that comes with friendship, but also because they are willing to act as soldiers for each other. When Rudy finally gets up the nerve to leave her husband, for example, she doesn't do it alone: "Isabel stood on my right, Lee on my left. Emma had taken a seat on the bed--an escalation of the offense, usurping more enemy territory." In Gaffney's universe, women armed with grace, humor, and a couple of good girlfriends can transcend even the most painful events in their lives.

...a beautiful tale of four woman whose deep affection keeps them together through the changing tides of life. It is a toast to women.

Good "chick" book about friendship between four women over a period of ten years and how they grow together.

This ode to friendships between women could easily become the northern version of Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood. Rich, loively, an intimate portrait of friendships through the eyes of four unforgettable women. I hated to put it down!

I have not read Gaffney before but I was pleasantly surprised. The characters are strong and the best part of the novel is that each woman is able to tell her story in her own words.
strial -carpeted Rudy's battle with depression and a controlling husband and the way she believes she needs to be saved is a lesson for many of us. The graces "save" her by letting her know she can "save" herself and does not need to be enveloped by a husband who diminishes her. Isabel has the strongest voice in her stoicism in her pain. She describes the diagnostic cancer ward as "I've discovered purgatory. Not hell--it's too boring. Purgatory is low--lit and industrial--carpeted, mauve-walled, library-quiet...It's called the Diagnostic Imaging Center." this is an example of the descriptive words Gaffney uses to paint a picture of Isabel's outlook on her malady.

"Life's a circle, not a straight line, the longer the better. The circle never ends, it only widens." This may be a "chick lit" book; however, I think some of the insightful words like those above reflect the struggles and triumphs of each woman. Gaffney's book ranks higher on the chain of the "beach reads."

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I enjoyed this chick lit novel aimed towards more middle-aged women. It was a nice story of four women who are all friends. It was a little _Sex and the City_-ish, but more mature and less humourous, but overall, it was entertaining and it was nice how each chapter came from a different P.O.V. It would be a good book for a book club.

For 10 years, Emma, Rudy, Lee, and Isabel have shared a deep affection that has helped them deal with the ebb and flow of expectations and disappointments common to us all. Calling themselves the Saving Graces, the quartet is united by understanding, honesty, and acceptance-a connection that has grown stronger as the years go by... Though these sisters of the heart and soul have seen it all, talked through it all, Emma, Rudy, Lee, and Isabel will not be prepared for a crisis of astounding proportions that will put their love and courage to the ultimate test.

A great beach read!

This would be a great book club selection. They each have their own distinct personalities and have some great experiences together. This would be a fun summer read.

I read this book many time because I can relate to little bit of all 4 women. It will make you smile, misty and angry with frustration. Really good book about friendship among women.

one of my favorites. the book is a little worn on outside edge. 4 best friends that call themselves the saving graces have been together through ups and downs for 10 years. Though these sisters of heart and soul haave seen it all, talked through it all, they will not be preparded for a crisis of astounding proportions that will put their love and courage to the ultimate test.

Emma, Rudy, Lee, and Isabel have shared a deep affection that has helped them deal wtih the ebb and flow of expectations and disappointments common to us all. Calling themselves the Saving Graces, the quartet is united by understanding, honesty, and acceptance-a connection that has grown stronger as the years go by..

Though these sisters of the heart and soul have seen it all, talked through it all, Emma, Rudy, Lee, and Isabel will not be propared for a crisis of astounding proportions that wil put their love and courage to the ultimate test.

Enjoyed this authors portrayal of womens friendships. This is the first book I have read by this author.

Beautiful, dramatic and a satisfying read on a rainy night or a lazy warm afternoon.

I loved this book! It made me laugh and cry, and reminded me to treasure my friends, and to live life to the fullest. Excellent read!

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