The past casts a long shadow, especially when it points to a woman’s first love. Her name was Mary Grace until she fell in love with the French exchange student visiting her family’s Nebraska farm. François renamed her “Aglaia”—after one of the beautiful Three Graces of Greek mythology—and set the seventeen-year-old girl longing for something more than her parents’ simplistic life and faith. Now, … faith. Now, fifteen years later, Aglaia works as a costume designer in Denver. Her budding success in the city’s posh arts scene convinces her that she’s left the naïve farm girl far behind. But “Mary Grace” has deep roots, as Aglaia learns during a business trip to Paris. Her discovery of sensual notes that François jotted into a Bible during that long-ago fling, a silly errand imposed by her mother, and the scheming of her sophisticated mentor all conspire to create a thirst in her soul that professional success can’t quench.
THE THIRD GRACE takes you on a dual journey across oceans and time in the footsteps of a woman torn between her rural upbringing and her search for self.
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I love a author that is descriptive. Deb describes Paris in ways that made me Feel like I was there seeing and tasting what it would be like. Her main character very realistic of a young woman wanting to experience life only to find out things may not always be as they seem!
Often times events from the past cast ripples that remain. That is definitely the case with Aglaia, a girl who has been running from her roots for years. I enjoyed following along with Aglaia as she tries to make sense of her past and determine her future, although sometimes she infuriated me in the process!
I almost put this book down around Chapter 5, which is my usual “decision”point. I persisted because I’ve read other books I enjoyed by this Author and I had promised a review as an early reader. I can’t say I was drawn in as it was fairly ,and I emphasize fairly , predictable. I sure had an intense dislike for a certain Toxic Character . I did keep reading ,obviously, just wanted the central female to stop being such an adoring child and grow some assertiveness. All things come full circle,have no fear but this “Love “Story” isn’t run of the mill ,there are twists and there is growth, all good things of course. In the end ,even thru the slow chapters, it’s worth a read !
Mythology. Christianity. She was raised as a Christian . . .but a crush on a young man lured her to mythology. Especially when he told her she was one of the Three Graces – and the most beautiful. When he disappears, she breaks away from her family and faith. When a professor starts to woe her to become part of her team, she really does not know what to do. She is REALLY good at her job. . . .and the professor is very interested it that. Which wins? Her faith in Christ . . .or the professor who lies and cheats to get what she wants? Great book . . . .
A very well written book with vivid characters. The main character is trying to find her identity and faith, and other characters pull her in different directions. It presents a good contrast between mythology and the Bible. And it includes many Bible references, but the sensual references makes me believe this book might be suited to non-Christians also. Because of that, I know I would have to be careful who I recommend this book to.
The Third Grace is a good introduction to the talents of Deb Elkink. I enjoyed reading this story. It was beautiful watching Mary Grace / Aglaia grow throughout. I was often wondering where she would wound up until the end. I liked it.
The Third Grace will be getting four stars from me. I look forward to reading more by Deb Elkink in the future. I recommend this one for readers who enjoy reading Christian Fiction.
I received The Third Grace from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Complex-not for the faint of heart or the blind unwilling to examine the “plank in your own eye.” This story of a prodigal daughter starkly portrays “the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life” and the confusion that ensues when our eyes become lured from the Creator to the created. What is real, lasting and authentic, what is able to satisfy and give us peace vs what is fleeting, false and always seems just out of our grasp? Beware of what you will see in the mirror of this novel as you journey along with Mary Grace.
Wonderful Book I am so glad i read it!