By Toni Shiloh
Freedom Lake #2
Indie, 2017
Summary
Michelle Thomas has it all. Beautiful and successful, she’s just opened her own law firm in Freedom Lake. What more could she want? When her old flame rolls back into Freedom Lake, she’s intent on ignoring him. But how can she give the widower and his precious twin girls the cold shoulder?
Still reeling from the death of his wife, Guy Pierre returns to Freedom Lake to take over as town sheriff and raise his twin daughters. Alone. Yet, life keeps throwing Michelle in his path and sparks of interest began to rise.
Will old secrets tear them apart again or can they find the faith to let God’s grace restore what has been broken?
My thoughts
Could God really have enough grace to cover her sins?
If I had to encapsulate the message of Grace Restored in one word, it would be what is to me the most beautiful word in the English language, and that is grace. Toni Shiloh is an excellent writer who has the ability to weave together an entertaining storyline with character depth and spiritual gems that will long stay with the reader. There will be no doubt that you are reading Christian fiction. In a way, Shiloh’s writing reminds me somewhat of Grace Livingston Hill’s style, one that blends sweet romance with a clear gospel message.
Michelle and Guy are so easy to connect with because they are flawed, making poor choices that impact their lives just like the rest of us. This story can stand alone, but the Freedom Lake series (even the title has spiritual overtones) revolves around a group of friends who have depth and you just want to keep coming back to them. Some have remained committed to Christ through the years, others have stumbled, questioned, drifted away, and are beginning to seek again. At the heart is the group’s Bible study where they discuss topics like grace, using your pain to help others, and the truth that sets us free. What I like so much is that the focus isn’t merely on where life and faith intersect, but how faith becomes a part of our daily walk. And on a personal note, I have to admit that Grace Restored made me reflect on how I might judge certain sins as a group, rather than looking at the individual’s situation.
There’s good romantic chemistry between Michelle and Guy, and part of Jo and Evan’s story is continued as well. I look forward to much more from these characters in the future, especially Chloe. I’ll end with this beautiful quote from Michelle …
“The idea of being forgiven for every wrong I’ve ever
committed is like a glass of water in the
middle of the desert. I’m desperate
enough to drink.”
_________________________
She spends her days hanging out with her husband and their two boys. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and president of the Virginia Chapter.
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Tour
Schedule
March 19-Among the Reads
March 22-A Baker’s
Perspective
March 23-Remembrancy
March 24-Kat’s Corner Books
March 26-Reading Is My
SuperPower
March 27-Robin’s Nest
March 29-Cordially Barbara
March 30-All-of-a-kind Mom
March 31-Blossoms and
Blessings
GIVEAWAY
For a chance to win an e-copy (International) of Grace Restored by Toni Shiloh, please leave a comment in response to this question: When you think of God’s grace, what verse is especially meaningful to you?
BE SURE to leave your name and your email address in a safe format - [at] and [dot] - for the drawing. E-mail required for entry. Contest ends at midnight PST on Saturday, March 31. Winner will be chosen by random.org and contacted by e-mail.
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Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed your return trip to Freedom Lake. This story holds a special place in my heart and the message of grace is one I hope we all learn!
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