Beautifully written, romantic tale involving a couple of women who had both given up on love years before. The beginning was a little slow moving, as quite a bit of time was spent introducing us to the characters and to the local environs. Once the story picked up, it was intriguing and exciting. The author used the environment and weather to give the story a well-rounded and in-depth feeling to the emotions and actions of the main characters. The main characters were well-defined and the secondary characters added a layer that very successfully aided in moving the story along. Waking Up Gray, is another wonderful addition to the list of R.E. Bradshaw's books. The previous four books have been little gems, but Waking Up Gray just has that extra final polish on it that made it a joy to read. The best compliment I can give to show how much I enjoyed it, is that as soon as I finished, I immediately read it again.Lizbeth Jackson is on the final stretch of starting a new life at 40. She's spent the last five years, after divorcing a cheating husband, studying Linguistic Anthropology and will soon graduate with a Master's Degree as soon as she finishes her thesis paper. She intends to study the Carolina Brogue on Ocracoke Island, where she spent her childhood holidays. The first day there she meets Fanny, who lives across the road with her granddaughter, Gray. Lizbeth is shocked to find herself unexpectedly attracted to the flirtatious Gray and can't help but flirt back. It doesn't take long for Lizbeth to fall deeper and deeper for Gray, once she gets over being attracted to another female. Gray, despite her reputation for only having casual flings, seems to want more from their budding relationship, if only she can overcome the ghost of her past.I loved everything about this book. The characters are all enjoyable, Fanny is the wise, funny old grandmother everyone wishes they had to give them advice, Lizbeth's daughter Mazie is funny and accepting and knows her mother well, there's even an appearance from Molly Kincaid, the well-known lesbian attorney who we know from a couple of other Bradshaw books. The attraction between Gray and Lizbeth is sizzling hot, the romance builds wonderfully, with just a little miss-communication and angst to make you appreciate the romance all the more. And as always with Bradshaw's books, the landscape itself plays a role in the story. Even though I've never been anywhere near the US, I feel like I've traveled along with the characters through the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Along with her other books, Waking Up Gray definitely makes it onto my re-read list.
What do You think about Waking Up Gray (2011)?
I'm totally in love with this book writer. She is awesome and her books have been great to read!
—Richard
Anything you pick up by R.E. Bradshaw is going to be hard to put down.
—lat
