You Only Live Once - Jess Vallance

Grace is convinced she's going to die from a tropical disease she picked up on holiday. And the worst thing is that this all happens when she's already finished her exams! She decides this is the wake up call that she needs, she's been wasting her life studying and preparing for a boring job and boring life. But no more! She's determined to make every moment count from now on, starting with horseback riding on the beach, bungee jumping and doing something to help others. Of course, none of these turn out quite as she expected.

This book was hilarious in many places, touching and heart warming. Sometimes quite frustrating when Grace does something you just know is going to go wrong, but she always deals with it and moves on. It's all part of normal life after all. Grace's mum was one of my favourite characters. She's so straightforward and unflappable, no matter what Grace tells her. In some parts of the book she seems so wise and in others completely clueless, but always there for her family. Til is also a great character, though she seems so grumpy and unsympathetic at first. She's clearly very good for Grace and perfect for balancing her out.

I really enjoyed reading about Grace's experiences and loved how she just went for it, no matter how many times her plans fell apart and things did not go her way. Even when she makes mistakes she doesn't let that stop her. Book 2 in the series sounds like it will be just as funny, with Grace vowing to be completely honest for 50 days. I can just guess how that is going to go!

I found this delicious cocktail just perfect for Grace. To make the Awaiting Grace, get a tall glass and throw in a few basil leaves and a teaspoon of brown sugar. Muddle them together in the glass before filling with ice. Add a shot of Triple Sec, 2 shots of Vanilla Vodka and a wedge of lime. Top up with cloudy apple juice. Stir and serve.