FINALIST: 2015 IAN Book of the Year, Historical and Romance“The plot tugs at the heart and gets the heart racing. Reading ‘A Subtle Grace’ was like riding a Victorian-era wooden roller coaster: a luscious historical setting that provides a tantalizingly dangerous thrill ride.” Erin McCole Cupp, author, Don’t You Forget About Me 1896, Philadelphia. In this stand alone sequel to “In Name Only” … Name Only” (2009, FQP), “A Subtle Grace” continues the story of the wealthy and unconventional O’Donovan Family as they approach the dawn of a new century. At 19, Kathleen (oldest daughter) is unmarried with no prospects. Fearing the lonely fate of an old maid, her impatience leads to an infatuation with the first man who shows interest. The suave, handsome son of the local police chief seems a perfect match. But will her impulsive manner prevent her from recognizing her true love? A disturbing turn of events brings a dark shadow that threatens the life-long happiness she desires.
Dr. Luke Peterson (the family’s new physician) also makes quite an impression on Kathleen. His affection for her leads him to startling revelations: about Kathleen, about his practice and, most importantly, about himself.
Will (oldest son) believes God may be calling him to a religious vocation. Eventually, he discovers the hidden circumstances of his humble beginnings compelling him to embark on a pilgrimage to Rome.
(Note: Although “A Subtle Grace” is a sequel, it can be read as a stand alone book, independently of the first book in the series.)
Reviews:
“‘A Subtle Grace’ is a masterfully written illustration of the difference between lust and love, between rashness and fortitude, between mere existence and truly living.” AnnMarie Creedon, author, ‘Angela’s Song’
“A Subtle Grace is a novel to stir your heart, your emotions, and your soul. I highly recommend it!”
Therese Heckenkamp, award-winning author, Frozen Footprints
“Beyond mere lust there is a healing hope which can bear not only joy, but a wonderful story – ‘A Subtle Grace’ was very engaging and certainly kept me turning the pages.”
A.K. Frailey, author, the Deliverance Trilogy (www.akfrailey.com)
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Generally, I do not read romances as I tend to find them rather predictable but A Subtle Grace has more substance than fluff. There were some very interesting questions raised and some serious issues addressed even as the reader is led through the events centering on a young woman (Kathleen’s) transition from childhood to womanhood. I found myself …
First book I’ve read by this author and so glad I found her. She draws you in with her engaging characters and has plenty of suspense and intrigue through out the story. This story takes place in the late 1800’s that tells the life of the O’Donovan family. This was such a good adventure that it was hard to put down. I would recommend this …
I enjoyed this book and series
Story of O Donovan Family. Kathleen was the daughter from her mother’s first marriage. Her father died and her mother married her husband’s brother.
He was a good father. Kathleen was impressed the the charming Karl Wagner and thought he was the one to marry. A young doctor moved to town and he really liked Kathleen who wanted to be a nurse. …
I am reading this book and can not give how I feel about it right now.
Enjoyed reading it very much.
I’m Jewish but usually enjoy Christian romances because they are clean and are peopled with moral characters and situations, or people who grow in these directions. This book was more like a conversion tract, self-righteously preachy. I couldn’t get past the first few chapters.
An enjoyable read.
I liked the book.
One of the best books I have read in quite a while . There are many detailed scenes in the book, but one never becomes bored !
It was different than the run of the mill, same old, same old plot like so many books today. Tragically there are those in this world who become predators, and can make life pretty miserable. Poor parenting, which I believe the author would have us believe, is such an epidemic in our world. The tenderness of the doctor is to emulated, and the …
A little slow in some areas, but wow! Lots of twists and turns. Several surprises. Overall, really good!
I loved every moment of reading this book!!!
I loved this book. Each character was interesting and the story held my interest that during the night, I would turn on my Kindle to continue to read it. I just finished reading it today. This is my of my favorites. Its mainly about a large wealthly family that had their problems but loved each other very much.
The story has too much plot. It gets a little ridiculous actually. It’s a lot like watching a soap opera. I mean there’s death, infedelity, racism, a tragic childhood shooting, stalking, rape and more in this one story. It was too over the top to be believable. I did enjoy learning about the elements of the Catholic faith though.