Hadley and Grace: A Novel by Suzanne Redfearn
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Hadley and Grace: A Novel

4.4

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29,359 ratings


The author of In an Instant delivers a heart-pounding and emotional roller-coaster ride of self-discovery in the tradition of Thelma and Louise.

Needing to escape her abusive marriage, Hadley flees with her two kids, knowing it might be her only chance. A woman who can’t even kill a spider, Hadley soon finds herself pushed to the limits as she fights to protect her family.

Grace, new mother of baby Miles, desperately wants to put her rough past behind her for good, but she finds it impossible when her path crosses with Hadley’s, and her quest for a new start quickly spirals out of control and turns into a terrifying flight for survival.

Stronger together than apart, the two find their fates inextricably entwined, and as the danger closes in, each must decide how much she is willing to risk for the other.

A powerful story of self-discovery, Hadley and Grace is the heart-racing tale of two women facing insurmountable odds, racing to stay one step ahead of the trouble that is chasing them, and discovering new kinds of love and family along the way.

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ISBN-10

1542014387

ISBN-13

978-1542014380

Print length

347 pages

Language

English

Publisher

Lake Union Publishing

Publication date

January 31, 2021

Dimensions

5.5 x 1 x 8.25 inches

Item weight

2.31 pounds


Product details

ASIN :

B082WW397G

File size :

3615 KB

Text-to-speech :

Enabled

Screen reader :

Supported

Enhanced typesetting :

Enabled

X-Ray :

Not Enabled

Word wise :

Enabled


Editorial reviews

“Redfearn (In an Instant) tips a hat to Thelma & Louise in this entertaining, fast-paced romp about an unlikely friendship formed during a heist…Redfearn keeps the reader rooting for her engaging heroines. This rollicking tale of crime, friendship, and love delivers the goods.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Redfearn’s latest (after In an Instant) starts as a domestic drama but quickly morphs into an unexpected Thelma & Louise–style adventure. The quickly moving story and well-drawn characters will keep readers turning pages even if the madcap road chase and happy ending seem unlikely.” ―Library Journal

“Redfearn’s characters are sympathetic and appealing, and she highlights the strengths that both women bring to life-or-death decisions, as well as the ways the journey transforms everyone involved. This is tense, affecting relationship fiction with elements of domestic suspense, ideal for readers of Sally Hepworth and Kimberly Belle.” ―Booklist

“A thrilling novel from start to finish featuring two strong female characters. Just when you [think] things can’t get any worse, they do, but twists and turns make this a great story right to the very end.” ―Red Carpet Crash

“Hadley and Grace is a novel that defies easy categorization…This is also a novel that runs the full gamut of emotion, from horror to joy…Hadley and Grace pulses with energy and urgency, sucking us in fast and carrying us along at a swift pace, making it a fantastic choice for any upcoming book clubs.” ―Criminal Element

“Three children, two women, and one goal: freedom. Suzanne Redfearn takes us on a wild and highly entertaining cross-country romp with two lovable female fugitives hell-bent on starting anew. I cheered, I whooped, I cringed and cowered…this book captures every emotion. If you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced story with hilariously humane characters you grow to love, look no further than Hadley and Grace. Move over, Thelma and Louise…Hadley and Grace have arrived!” ―Lori Nelson Spielman, New York Times bestselling author of The Life List

“What a ride! Better get comfortable, because you will not be able to put this book down once you pick it up. The action hurtles forward at the speed of a bullet train, capturing the reader with not only plot but also characters who take us captive as we follow along on their wild journey. I adored both Hadley and Grace and the crazy crew of children, and I was rooting for them every second. One of the best books I’ve read in ages!” ―Barbara O’Neal, bestselling author of When We Believed in Mermaids

“Buckle in tight for the high-speed adventures of Hadley and Grace, the unlikely duo of diaper bag–toting outlaws who will go to harrowing lengths to protect their children. Full of humor, heartbreak, and charming acts of kindness, the twists in Redfearn’s road trip tale will have you dashing through its pages to the unpredictable finale.” ―Glendy Vanderah, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Where the Forest Meets the Stars

“I always enjoy a book that is different from what else is out in the market. Hadley and Grace was just that kind―an exciting read where every chapter left me with a ‘What will happen next?’ feeling. Two women on the run, three kids in tow, but not all is as it seems. Filled with heart, suspense, adventure, and thrills, this is a story that would equally feel at home on a screen.” ―Camille Di Maio, bestselling author of The Memory of Us

“Hadley and Grace is as much an adventure story of two women on the road as it is an exploration of the families we create versus the families we leave behind, and the journeys we take to find our true potential.” ―Kristin Fields, author of A Lily in the Light

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Sample

1

HADLEY

Her watch says 12:52, which means eight minutes remain to get the cupcakes. Plenty of time, yet Hadley feels her pulse ticking. She looks at the two women in front of her and wills the line to move faster. She doesn’t like to be late.

The woman at the counter is struggling to make her decision. “So, the special today is strawberry cheesecake?” she asks for the third time. She is older, with silver hair and a bend in her spine.

The salesgirl, perhaps sixteen, offers a patient smile. “Yes, but if your granddaughter just wants plain strawberry, we have that as well.”

“She told me strawberry,” the woman says, her voice unsure as she clutches her purse tight against her, a frayed black bag possibly as old as Hadley.

Impatience bleeds from the woman directly in front of Hadley, midforties and professional, her arms folded across her chest and her Prada wallet held at the ready, the blush-painted nail of her index finger tapping against it.

Hadley’s phone buzzes, and she looks down to see a text from Frank.

Truck ok? Mercedes will be dropped off this afternoon. How u holding up?

“The cheesecake one is very pretty,” the grandmother says. “She’s six. Did I mention it’s her birthday?”

The Prada woman rolls her eyes. The grandmother did mention it is her granddaughter’s birthday. She also mentioned she is turning six and that they’re celebrating with a picnic in the park beside her daughter’s apartment. Her daughter is bringing pizza, and the grandmother is supposed to bring a Sprinkles cupcake for dessert.

Hadley wants to tell her she should buy the original strawberry cupcake, not the special. If it’s what her granddaughter asked for, then it will be what she’s expecting, and anything other than strawberry will be a disappointment.

Strawberry has always been Mattie’s favorite as well. “Stwawbewwy, pwease,” she used to lisp when asked what flavor she preferred for cake, ice cream, or Jell-O. And Mattie would have been terribly let down if she’d been given strawberry cheesecake, especially on her birthday.

“The cheesecake is really good,” the counter girl says, trying to be helpful. She holds up the special. The pink frosting is decorated with red sprinkles and has a ruby-red candy in the shape of a strawberry on top. The strawberry cupcake literally pales in comparison—cream frosting, no sprinkles, no candy on top.

Hadley returns to her phone and pecks her answer back to her husband.

Truck is fine and I’m ok as long as I don’t think about it.

She feels the lie in her chest as she presses send.

Frank’s text is instant. Hang in there. Love u.

Prada woman lets out an audible groan, and the grandmother glances back to see her laser glare.

The grandmother returns to the salesgirl and stutters, “F-fine. That’s fine. I’ll take the special.”

She shuffles to the register as Prada woman shakes her head and steps to the counter. Succinctly and rather loudly, she rattles off her order as if demonstrating how cupcake ordering should be done. The grandmother stands a few feet away, her face pinched, clearly uncertain of her decision.

Hadley’s phone buzzes. Love u!!!

“Can I help you?” the salesgirl says.

Hadley feels Prada woman watching, judging her on her cupcake-ordering ability. She tucks her phone in her pocket and recites sharply, “Two dozen chocolate marshmallow, two dozen strawberry, one dozen red velvet, and one dozen vanilla.” She just stops herself from looking at Prada woman for her approval.

The grandmother is counting out the exact change from her purse as the girl at the register smiles patiently, and Hadley thinks kindness must be the number one job requirement for applicants, and she wants to commend the manager on her hiring. This would be a lovely first job for Mattie, she thinks at the exact moment she realizes that, God willing, she and Mattie won’t be anywhere near this place when Mattie is old enough to work.

Hadley whispers to the girl at the counter, “Please add two strawberry cupcakes, each boxed separately.”

Her phone buzzes again, but she ignores it. She doesn’t want to slow down the cupcake-purchasing flow by not being ready when it’s her turn to pay. She imagines Frank staring at the screen of his phone, gripping it in both hands, his thumbs poised and his brow creased as he waits for her reply.

Prada woman marches past with her cupcakes, her nose in the air, and Hadley takes a small measure of delight in the smudge of lipstick on her collar, knowing lipstick, especially red lipstick, is very difficult to get out.

Hadley pays quickly, glances at her watch, and hurries from the store. She is now two minutes behind schedule, but she can make that up if she cuts through the minimall instead of waiting for the light.

As she scans the parking lot, she sees the grandmother just climbing into her car.

“Excuse me,” Hadley says, hurrying up to her.

The woman looks up, and Hadley startles at the remnant of beauty in the old woman’s face. Her vivid blue eyes are framed by magnificent cheeks that still glow pink, and for a flicker, Hadley is reminded of her mother.

“The girl in the store asked me to give this to you,” she says, holding out one of the strawberry cupcakes. “She wanted to make sure your granddaughter got the cupcake she wanted, and she felt bad that you had to choose.”

The grandmother’s remarkable eyes grow large. “She did?”

Hadley nods. She has always been a marvelous liar.

Relief floods the woman’s face to the point of her eyes growing misty.

“I hope your granddaughter enjoys it,” Hadley says and then hurries away, her heart filled with the wonderful feeling you get when you know you’ve done something right.

Her phone buzzes again, and she pulls it from her pocket as she races to Frank’s truck, the bags of cupcakes thumping against her legs.

LOVE U????

Where the hell are u?

I said I LOVE U.

LOVE U. LOVE U. LOVE U!!!!!

With a deep breath, she types, Love you too. I just needed to pay for the cupcakes.

He emojis back a happy face and a heart, and she closes her eyes, lets out a slow exhale, then climbs into his truck to drive to Skipper’s school for his going-away party.

2

GRACE

Yes. Yes, yes, yes!

A man of his word, Jerry promised the contract would arrive before the end of the day, and three minutes ago, at exactly 1:28, the fax machine whirred to life and began spitting out the golden pages.

Grace kisses the contract, twirls, then kisses it again. She looks at the photo on her desk—a picture of Jimmy, Miles, and her in front of Angels Stadium—and gives a thumbs-up.

It’s hard to believe the photo was taken only two months ago, Miles so small he practically fit in the palm of Jimmy’s large hand. Jimmy is in his army uniform, a proud smile on his face. It was Presidents’ Day weekend, and all military families had gotten into the game for free. Jimmy was home to attend his mother’s funeral, an event that was both sad and a relief. His mother had been suffering a long time and had been unable to remember him or his brother, Brad, for far longer than that.

As she dances the contract to Frank’s office, the heel of her left shoe slaps against the carpet. The sole came loose a week ago. She mended it with superglue, but this morning, it came apart again. Maybe tonight, after she picks up Miles, they’ll stop by Walmart and she’ll buy a new pair in celebration. Perhaps she’ll even treat herself to a meal out—pizza or fish tacos. Her mouth waters with the thought. She hasn’t eaten since the hurried english muffin she stuffed in her mouth on the way out the door this morning. She didn’t want to risk leaving the office for lunch and missing the contract coming through.

Her rap on the door lifts Frank’s head.

“Done deal,” she says, walking in and then slapping the contract down on the desk in front of him.

“What’s this?”

“The contract to sublease Jerry Koch’s downtown lot,” she says, working hard to keep the glee from her voice. “Took a bit of persuasion—actually, a lot of persuasion—but here it is, signed, sealed, delivered.” She almost singsongs the last line to the tune of the Stevie Wonder hit and just stops herself from adding, It’s yours.

Three months. That’s how long she’s been negotiating, cajoling, and back-and-forth flirting with Jerry Koch, owner of the business mall in downtown Laguna Beach. The sublease of his parking lot in the evenings and on the weekends will bring in two to three grand a week for Aztec Parking, and 10 percent of that will be hers—at least a grand a month, twelve grand a year, and the answer to her prayers.

Frank’s eyes pulse once in surprise. “Well, I’ll be. The old bastard finally came around.”

“He did. The entire lot. Evenings, weekends, and holidays.”

Grace feels like her heart is going to explode. When she proposed the idea of subleasing Jerry’s lot, Frank told her she was wasting her time. He had already tried, and the guy wasn’t interested. She said he was probably right but asked if she could pursue it just the same. He told her to knock herself out and agreed to a 10 percent cut if she managed it.

And now, here she is, three months later, contract in hand. Her mind spins with what the money will mean to her and Jimmy, a million ideas tumbling through her head: First, pay off Jimmy’s gambling debt so they can stop looking over their shoulders; second, get new tires for her car; next, move Miles out of the crappy day care he’s in. Then, perhaps, in a few months, once all that has been taken care of, they can consider a nicer apartment, one with a tub so Miles can take baths, since he is now four months old and starting to sit up.

Frank stops on the last page of the contract, and as she watches his eyes scanning back and forth, her excitement turns slightly nervous. Frank is what her grandmother would have called a righteous slitherer—a fork-tongued charmer who preaches the gospel but whose own word can go either way. Her grandmother wouldn’t have much liked Frank Torelli, and she would have liked less the idea of Grace working for him. But then, she wouldn’t have much liked most of how Grace’s life turned out after she died.

Frank sets down the contract and lifts his face to Grace’s. Frank’s eyes were the first thing Grace noticed about her boss—deep brown, piercing, and slightly misaligned, as if he’s looking at you, but not. He leans back in his chair and steeples his fingers in front of him. “Grace, this is good work,” he says. “Mary said you were smart.”

Grace tenses at the mention of her previous boss. When Jimmy’s debts caught up with them, and they needed to leave LA in a hurry, Mary called Frank and asked if he would hire Grace after Miles was born. It was extremely generous, especially considering Grace was leaving her in the lurch.

“I’d say things have worked out pretty well,” Frank goes on. “Baby’s healthy. Husband’s doing better.”

Grace says nothing, the nervous feeling growing.

“The past is behind you, and the sharks don’t know where you are.”

She tries not to react but knows she has by the smirk on Frank’s face, the threat in the not-so-veiled statement plain. The people Jimmy owes money to are dangerous, and getting mixed up with them was the biggest mistake of his life.

Frank picks up the last page of the contract, the commission agreement that promises her 10 percent. After folding it neatly in half, he slides it toward her. “I’m glad things are going so well for you and your family,” he says.

Grace doesn’t move, her unblinking stare the only challenge she offers, but even that small defiance is enough to cause Frank’s features to darken. Holding her gaze, he pulls the sheet back, crumples it in a ball, then banks it into the wastebasket beside his desk. When he turns back, Grace lowers her eyes. She’s been screwed over enough times in her life to know when she’s been beaten.

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About the authors

Suzanne Redfearn

Suzanne Redfearn

Suzanne Redfearn is the award-winning and bestselling author of six novels. Her newest novel, "Where Butterflies Wander" is about an unexpected journey of healing after a horrible family tragedy.

"In an Instant" published in 2020 was an Amazon #1 bestseller as well as a Goodreads Choice Awards Finalist. It was named Best New Fiction from Best Book Awards and has been translated into twenty-four different languages.

Her work has also been recognized by RT Reviews, Target Recommends, Publisher’s Marketplace, and Kirkus Reviews.

A former architect, Suzanne lives in Laguna Beach, California, where she and her husband own two restaurants: Lumberyard and Slice Pizza & Beer.

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Reviews

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5

29,359 global ratings

Donna K.

Donna K.

5

Great story!

Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2024

Verified Purchase

Wonderful story of two very different women coming together to, along with their children, form an unlikely family. The characters are well written. Each with a strength that lends to the success of their endeavors. Very enjoyable read.

Landi Hoffman

Landi Hoffman

5

Fun and Feel-Good

Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2024

Verified Purchase

Just a great relaxing book with some heartfelt moments. Full characters that are easy to relate to. I liked it.

Shari

Shari

5

captivating story

Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2024

Verified Purchase

Really good storyline. Keeps the reader engaged and hard to put down. Another great book by the author. Highly recommend.

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