Sunday, January 31, 2016

Review + Kindle Fire GIVEAWAY: Grace's Forgiveness


Grace’s Forgiveness
By Molly Jebber
Keepsake Pocket Quilt, #2
Zebra, 2016


Summary

A handsome newcomer with secrets shows a yearning Amish woman a chance at happiness—but their love will need all their courage to keep . . .

Grace Blauch is skilled at midwifery—and crafting quilts that help others pass on messages of enduring family love. But a disfiguring birthmark keeps the young Amish woman from a husband and home of her own—until Mark King arrives from another community. His helpfulness and independent nature earn Grace’s respect. And he finds her outspoken ways and determination to do right irresistibly appealing. Soon Grace is planning a wedding quilt of her very own . . . until her father discovers that Mark’s shunned brother is hiding somewhere in town . . .


Grace can well understand why Mark took such a risk once she hears his wrenching reasons. But she fears even prayer will not convince her father to restore his blessing on their union. She wills herself to face the end of her dreams, but sudden danger and an impossible act of generosity will show her that abiding hope can inspire the most precious of miracles . . .



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Molly Jebber is an educational, motivational, and Women’s Christian Connection speaker. She was raised in a small town in the Midwest, and insists if you had blinked twice, you would’ve missed it. She loves God, her family and friends, sunshine, swimming and traveling to the Amish communities.

Creating historical Amish characters and throwing them into difficult situations and joyous times has been challenging and fun for her. The greatest reward she’s experienced in becoming an author is meeting wonderful people from all over the world who’ve been encouraging and supportive. Connect with Molly online at mollyjebber.com.



My thoughts

Grace’s Forgiveness is a sweet, pleasant read, one that fans of Amish fiction will enjoy. Yet in its simplicity, Grace’s Forgiveness deals with shunning, one of the most difficult, hard-to-understand practices of Amish life. Although Grace was introduced in the previous book, Change of Heart, this story stands alone.

The characters seem so true to life that they feel like friends, and I’ve been looking forward to Grace’s story. With elements like midwifery, furniture making, and barn raising, Molly brings the Amish lifestyle to life. But one thing I especially like about this series is the way Molly incorporates some serious issues, like shunning and marrying outside the Amish faith.



Jacob's Ladder quilt
For a people who are supposedly so loving and accepting, their attitude toward Grace because of a birthmark on her face just seemed cruel – and I loved that Mark looked past that disfigurement when he first met her. What a good lesson for all of us! I'm unashamedly a fan of Amish fiction and appreciate the life values we can learn from them. However, the practice of shunning someone who leaves the Amish faith after being baptized – thinking of them as literally dead – that’s something I’ll never be able to understand. Both Grace and Mark had friends or a family member in this situation, and Molly did a good job bringing out the emotion and personal struggles.

I also loved the pocket quilt theme, for in a time where so much communication is done through social media, the idea of a personal note tucked in the pocket for the recipient to find is very appealing. The writing sometimes seems a little stiff or formal, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of this sweet story. I suspect that we will see more from two secondary characters, and I look forward to that.


Grace’s Forgiveness is a good book to sit back and relax with. Recommended to all who enjoy Amish fiction.


Thank you to Kensington Publishing and Celebrate Lit for providing an electronic copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.


Purchase Grace’s Forgiveness at AmazonB&N | BAM | IndieBound


And be sure to enter Molly’s Kindle Fire giveaway below!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

21 comments:

  1. This story looks great. I enjoy reading Molly's stories. :-)

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    1. Molly's stories are sweet, and I like that. Best wishes on winning that Kindle Fire, Melissa!

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  2. Ohhh, this sounds like a great story line! I also love the cover and really enjoy Molly's books. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of this book.

    wfnren at aol dot com

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    1. I always pay attention to covers and this one drew me right in. Best wishes in the drawing, Wendy.

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  3. I have turned my Mom onto Amish Fiction. I like it as well as other genres. Thanks for your review.

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    1. I'm glad your Mom has discovered a love for Amish fiction, Joy. This genre tends to be character driven, which is my favorite style. And in spite of some things I might not agree with, there is still much to appreciate about their lifestyle. Best wishes in the contest, Joy.

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  4. Your reviews are always so thoughtful!

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    1. Heidi, you're always so supportive and encouraging - and I always enjoy your smile. Thanks for your comment.

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  5. What a great review! I'm excited to read this!!

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  6. I can't wait to read this book,the first one was really good.

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  7. Can't wait to read this one, the first one was really good

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  8. Thanks for an excellent review of Grace's Forgiveness! I loved reading this book by Molly Jebber.

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  9. I purchase a lot of books by the cover and this one sounds like a keeper. I love reading how someone overcomes the evil of shunning and I am sure the outcome will be good.

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  10. I'm an Amish fiction fan & I also have Molly's first book. Really excited for the second book by her. Your review is wonderful & I know I'd enjoy this one just as much. Thank you for the chance to win a copy!

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  11. I can hardly wait to jump into this story. Your reviews are awesome -- they always make me feel as if you and I are just sitting alone talking about books we love :o))

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  12. I have always enjoyed Amish Christian Romance. I love learning about their way of life and the overall message of the books I have read. I was not disappointed when I completed Grace's Forgiveness by Molly Jebber.

    Grace was a young Amish woman who lived up to her name. She had every reason to be angry or upset with God. She did not allow her disfigurement define her. She was pure in heart. She was graceful and obedient to God. She wanted to do the right thing. She helped everyone in her community and was loved by all. She wanted to follow Amish rules but had a difficult time in shunning her good friend.

    Mark King had a secret. His brother left the Amish community. He lost both parents and then lost his only brother. He prayed for his brother to return to the fold. Could he turn his brother away if he came to Mark for help?

    Mark and Grace meet and they quickly realize that they were a good match. He looked beyond her birthmark. He loved Grace and could see how much she loved God.

    Grace and Mark both felt the pain of losing someone they loved through death or by leaving the Amish community. They both wanted the same things: a family, a life together and to be accepted for whom they were.

    They both had secrets. They were blessed that they could share their inner thoughts to each other without being judged.

    Their love story was one where they learned to trust and lean on each other through the difficult times. They had faith in God and that he would guide them and keep them strong.

    Forgiveness is not always easy. But to forgive others when they have made a mistake or hurt you in some way is a gift. We gain so much when we forgive others. Mark, Grace, Grace's father and Mark's brother all learned that when they forgive or are forgiven that they have gained so much.
    This book was a delight to read. I received it free to review. I highly recommend this book to others especially to someone that is having a difficult time knowing how to forgive.

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  13. I would love to read this book. I've never read your books and would love the opportunity to win.

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  14. I've never read Molly's books, but would love to, as I love Amish fiction. Thank you for the chance.

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  15. An awesome gift that anyone would be proud of. Thank you for an opportunity.

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  16. I love reading about the Amish and I just lost my beloved cat so I would love to have this to read.

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