Loved this the first time I read it but now think that Loving Grace needed another go with the editor. ( )

A sweet YA contemporary story with a little bit of romance and a whole lot of watermelon, Loving Grace by April Smith is a delightful summer-y read.

When Grace Summer becomes the Watermelon Queen, the readers get a peek behind the scenes of the watermelon industry. With traveling and promoting, plus marketing a new product, Grace’s role is one to take seriously. Her passion for the industry is endearing, and it’s fun to follow her summer experience with the Barons, her sponsors and friends.

I do wish the character and relationship development had been a little more fleshed out within the story. Grace deals with a personal tragedy and a love triangle, which naturally stir up a host of emotions, and as she processes everything, there seem to be jumps in emotion rather than seamless, authentic growth. To me, this felt disjointed and I would have appreciated seeing more of the in-between aspects.

Still, Loving Grace is a cute, uplifting story of friendship, faith, and watermelons. It could very well please a contemporary-loving reader, so if you’re looking for a fun way to pass an afternoon or two, check it out.

Thanks to JustRead Tours, I received a complimentary copy of Loving Grace and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. ( )

After a tragedy in her young life, Grace Summer is ready to leave her melon-choly behind her. With a push from her friends (who happen to be her bosses), she becomes the region’s watermelon queen.

The travel and clothes are a few perks, and the padding to her college savings doesn't hurt, but spending time with Beau Baron as her chaperone is making her mad enough to spit seeds. He always seems to be interrupting her precious time with Warren Hartley.

Grace is a likable character. Her youth makes her naïve in some things but her heart shines through most of her decisions. Old and new friends converge to show Grace that it’s okay to live her life to the fullest.

Loving Grace is a refreshingly sweet and clean story for adolescent girls with a focus on friendship, God, and being true to yourself. The romance element is there but is not the entire focus. And while predictable at times, it is the kind of predictable you want to happen!

April Smith takes readers behind the scenes of the watermelon industry and had me craving the summer treat a few times. Grace and the Barons are characters I could hang out with.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. ( )

How refreshing to read a wholesome, enlightening, and adorable YA book without delving into a sinful and corrupt plot. Loving Grace, by April Smith, deals with credible issues that young people face within Christian morals and upbringings.

Grace Summer faces normal teenage challenges, such as passion, romance, and allowing her truth—and the truth God chooses for her—to come to the surface. She reveals her heart and personality through a young, Christian viewpoint, and faces the trials of growing up and finding love, forgiveness, and self.

This story has a charming plot, setting, and characters, told in first person present tense, and is strong in dialogue. The pacing grows slightly slower than I prefer, but shares a wonderful message that mothers and daughters alike will enjoy. I will be watching for new work by this author.

I received an ARC (a complimentary Advanced Reader’s Copy) of this book from Ambassador International. ( )