Author: Penny Mirren
Year published: 2026
Category: Adult fiction (thriller)
Pages: 352
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Location: (my 2026 Google Reading map): UK
Summary: Gracie Jenkins thought her days of adventure were behind her. Settled into the familiar rhythms of small-town life, aged 72, she never imagined she'd lace up her trainers for anything more than a stroll down memory lane.
But when a long-forgotten postcard sparks a fire within her, Gracie embarks on an extraordinary journey and sets out to conquer the ultimate challenge: training for a marathon.
As Gracie's steps turn into miles, she discovers strength she never knew she had and a community she never expected to find. But it's not just about crossing the finish line―it's about rediscovering herself along the way.
Can Gracie prove to herself, and her loved ones, that age truly is just a number?
Review: I have been meaning to read this book for quite some time, but it is only available as an audiobook and on Kindle, so it took me a while to get around to it. For someone who cries at the happy and touching bits of movies and books, this book caused quite a few tears.
Gracie Jenkins is a great character: smart, interesting, spunky, fun, and stubborn. The supporting cast is also fabulous: her husband, sister, niece, and her new running club. I love it when a mish-mash of people come together over a shared hobby or event. I've had this in my life and have always enjoyed it. They come together not just to run together, but also to become friends and supporters. They learn about each other's personal lives and come together to help and cheer each other on.
The book covers family and misunderstandings, friends and conflict, and aging. In particular, Alzheimer's and its effect on family members. As my parents age, they have so many friends losing their memories, slipping into dementia, and a few with Alzheimer's diagnoses. It is a cruel disease as people lose their loved ones before their very eyes.
Though there are moments of conflict, this novel is so lovely and feel-good; it was just what I needed.
Challenges for which this counts:
- 20 Books of Summer
- Cover Lovers--Someone with painted fingernails
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