Second chances and the Christmas spirit abound in Mindy Steele’s heartwarming novel, one of faith, love, and the power of community.Grace Miller believed herself in love with the charming Englischer who eventually broke her heart. Now alone except for the secret life growing inside her, she arrives in the unfamiliar small village of Walnut Ridge, Kentucky, to hide and hopefully gain forgiveness.… hide and hopefully gain forgiveness.
She is pleasantly surprised, however, to find a tight-knit, welcoming group who help her heart grow right alongside her belly. And with the holidays around the corner, there’s plenty of preparations to occupy her mind. Also occupying her mind? Her strong, protective neighbor, Cullen Graber, the town’s blacksmith, who seems intent on not allowing her to ever suffer alone.
Cullen Graber gave up on love after too many losses early in life. He planned to live out his days focusing on his smithy business, yet the beautiful and mysterious Grace refuses to leave his thoughts. But can they open their hearts to God’s grace and create a new family together before Grace must return home?
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Mindy Steele Has Done it Again! Grace Miller has been sent from her home and and shunned by her community! She has been sent to Walnut Ridge, Kentucky to hide repent and hopefully gain forgiveness! Grace is overwhelmed by this tight-knit group who helps her heart heal and grow right alongside her belly! And with the holiday’s right around the corner there is plenty of preparations to occupy her mind! Also her neighbor Cullen Graber is occupying her mind he is her strong protector who is intent on her not ever suffering alone! But little does Cullen and Grace realize they are so much alike. Faith and Family are the perfect gifts! I was given a copy of this book for an honest review! And This is a page turner and when you pick it up you won’t want to put it down! I gave this a 5 star because it is A Great Book! I recommend this book if you haven’t read you should You won’t be disappointed! Get Your Copy Today!
A Tender Story
Grace Miller finds herself being sent away to live in Walnut Creek, Kentucky. There she finds a group in the community that takes to helping her with her situation, which surprises and pleases Grace. Most surprising is the continuous help that her neighbor, Cullen Graber, is always ready to offer. These two seemingly have nothing in common. However, in getting to know Grace and Cullen better, it is obvious that they do have something in common, and that something has to do with forgiveness.
Although I’m not a newcomer to this genre, I am a newcomer to the works of author Mindy Steele. Therefore, I wasn’t sure what to expect. That being said, I found Christmas Grace to be a very tender and touching story. I loved getting to know Grace and Cullen and I loved their story. Some parts had me smiling, some parts almost had me in tears, some were heart wrenching, and some were frustrating. But through it all, the message of love, faith and forgiveness stood out, which also made it a sweet and inspirational read that you are sure to enjoy.
***I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is one book that had me reading to the end. I loved the story line and some of the characters made me laugh and others frustrated.
I should like to start by thanking Entangled: Amara and Mindy Steele for providing me with an ARC in return for an honest review. I should also like to thank NetGalley for making this opportunity available to me. This was an absolute delight to read from beginning to end. It combined Amish fiction with Christmas to produce one my most favorite genres. I loved the characters. Tight lipped Aunt Tess, all the women who helped Grace and made her life so pleasurable that she did not want to go back to her old order parents, especially her judgmental father. I realize being an unwed mother is something the Amish are strictly against. However, she made good with the Bishop and her church and was forgiven by the community but never by her father. The cabin came to life with Grace and her friends making it homey and habitable. I so loved Cullen and I loved how that romance bloomed slowly and naturally with nothing forced. That it was moving along to Christmas and the birth of the baby made it exciting and I felt myself praying along with Grace that something would happen to keep her in the community. Not to spoil the book, I would like to say I loved the ending and I totally loved the way the book was written. I felt myself part of the community. If you loved Amish fiction, if you like romance and Christmas then please read this wonderfully written book. Mindy again thank you for my copy and I look forward to reading many more of your works.
I love a good Amish novel. They’re normally fun and sweet and romantic without a ton of stress and suspense. Oh, don’t get me wrong, they normally have some suspense or mystery in them too, but they’re just an all-around good book based on solid Christian faith.
That pretty much sums this one up too except now I want to go live in this community because it’s an amazing one full of good people and a great life.
Grace finds herself pregnant and the father abandoning her. After all, he was English and she knew better. Once she confesses before the church she’s sent away by her father to live in a rundown shack in another district to have her baby.
But when she gets to this new home the people there surprise her. They’re loving and kind and welcome her. As she grows with the child she also grows in friendship and love.
This is a wonderful book that I enjoyed reading. I highly recommend you give it a read too.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Sometimes we need to learn to forgive ourselves in order to move forward in our lives. Grace Miller finds herself in such a situation. Abandoned by the Englischer she thought she loved while pregnant results in her being sent away from home by her father. Living in a dilapidated cabin in a community with only her aunt for a relative, she discovers friendship, forgiveness, and more.
Cullen Graber gave up on love after too many losses. However, being the closest neighbor to Grace’s shack, he seeks to protect and help her. I loved how the relationship developed between the two. I also appreciated how the author developed the backstory for Grace’s aunt. I initially believed she felt a certain way that later proved false. So if you enjoy Christmas stories full of hope, faith, forgiveness, and finding love, check out this book for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed reading this Amish book about flawed characters that seemed real and relatable. I just wanted to love on Grace and help her through the difficult days she faced. She showed strength and dug deep inside to keep going while being rejected by family. I loved Cullen and his kindness and helping hand he lent Grace. He showed what God does for us by extending mercy and grace. It was so nice to watch them grow and learn to open their hearts again after being hurt so deeply. I want to live in Walnut Ridge where they are open to forgiveness and help each other. I think if you take a peek inside you just might want to stay for awhile and get to know this family that is made by choice not blood. You might even discover a secret that sheds light on why one character acts the way she does. All in all a great read especially with the holidays approaching. So grab that blanket and hot chocolate and settle in as you won’t want to stop reading.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Cherese Akhavein’s review Nov 09, 2021 · edit
it was amazing
Christmas Grace by Mindy Steele
What I really have come to love about Mindy Steele’s books is that they are so very detailed& in-depth. As you are reading you really get the feeling that this is truly as heart wrenching or loving as it would be if you yourself were right there in the thick of things along with all these wonderful crafted characters.
Grace Miller and Cullen Graber will no doubt chapter your heart in this Christmas story that has everything a true Amish romance does and yet you will also find that it’s not also sunshine and roses when it comes to love, the past and the needs of one’s desire to belong.
The past, future, faith , and even secrets have a hand in how these two move forward but first they have to begin to see that all things start with trusting that yes you are worthy of God’s Grace.
I Thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful book and if you love Christmas books as much as I do than this is a book for you.
This beautiful story of second chances by author Mindy Steele is just right for the Christmas season. Please don’t start reading it thinking it’s full of Christmas fun and fluff because although that’s there, it isn’t the foundation of the story.
We meet Grace, who has been sent away by an incredibly harsh father intent on punishing her. We meet Cullen, who has suffered much loss and has a broken heart. And we meet other characters who live in Walnut Ridge, most with challenges in life, who I came to love. All of them will draw you in and keep you reading. As well as have you wishing you could visit Walnut Ridge as Ms Steele brings them to life.
Steele’s story moves along at a good, calm pace but has many “edge of the seat” moments that took my breath away, they were written so vividly. The ending..well the ending was incredible. Christmas Grace has all the feelings; laughter, joy, hurt, tears, and love.
I’ll admit I did find the proofreading needed a bit of help. There were several grammatical errors, and there was an overuse of “smiles floated between them” but don’t let that stop you from reading Christmas Grace. I pushed them aside and enjoyed the wondrous story. If you enjoy Christmas stories, and especially Amish Christmas stories, then please read this one. You’ll be glad you did.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
This unique Amish story drew me in. My heart went out to Grace Miller in her unfortunate circumstances. How awful to have repented and yet still be rejected by her own father! I was glad to see new friends reached out to her in the place she was sent away to as punishment. She has lots of difficult life lessons to learn, and, hopefully, her experiences may keep readers from making similar bad decisions. I admired the way she accepted her fate and tried to obey her father in spite of his harshness. And I am thankful for the kind, understanding bishop in her new community. The characters are well developed and seem so real, and the story came across as authentic too. We all need healing from past experiences that hurt us, so maybe this tale will help bring some healing to readers as they contemplate their own lives. Forgiveness also plays a major role, and the Christmas setting makes the story extra special. I look forward to more novels from this author with the depth of character and the reality portrayed in this book. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
Christmas Grace by author Mindy Steele is a poignant Contemporary Amish tale. She is a new author to me and I really enjoyed her style and storyline. The author was able to put a twist on a trial that is often used. It captivated me immediately.
This is the story of Grace. She is sent from her home in Indiana to stay in her aunt’s community in Kentucky. Her father has sent her there to live under her aunt’s supervision. Grace has made a grave mistake and her father will not allow her to remain at home. Grace barely remembers her aunt, and those memories are not of a happy woman.
Author Steele has written a unique plot filled with many twists and surprises. My interest was captured immediately and not released until I read the last page. The characters were a combination of lovable, quirky, and despicable people. Some were so easy to love, and other so easy to dislike. Not only was this a romance, but it had a mystery that had me guessing.
The author skillfully wove timeless life and spiritual lessons all throughout her story. This is a lesson in family, love, forgiveness, redemption, trusting God, and hope. It is about doing the right thing even when it is difficult.
I highly recommend this beautiful, moving story. It will give you all kinds of emotions and things to ponder. This would be an excellent choice for a reading group. I gladly rate it 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.
Grace had my complete sympathy from the very first page of this book. She had stepped outside of her Amish community by dating an Englisher, who then rejected Grace and their unborn baby. She had repented and confessed to her church; experienced shunning; and yet her father still harshly rejected her. He sends her away to Walnut Ridge, Kentucky, go spend the remainder of her pregnancy living somewhat in isolation. However, the good people in the Walnut Ridge Amish community have a completely different view of love and forgiveness. As Grace finds acceptance among the ladies of Walnut Ridge, she begins to believe she can finally forgive herself and have a new beginning. Will Grace choose to obey her father and his plans for her life, or will she dare to trust God for a new life for her and her baby?
I admired the ladies of the Walnut Ridge community. They did not withhold love, forgiveness, and support for Grace. They were a good example to all of us of extending the love of Christ to those who are trying to find forgiveness and new hope. This story shows the power of faith, hope, and love as we turn to God for forgiveness and strength.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This is one of my only books by Mindy Steele. I love how she brings her characters to life. She draws the reader into the story and you want to help the characters in any way you are able. Grace Miller believed in love that is until she had her heart broken by the Englisher. Now disgraced and alone, she returns to her family only to be shunned and excommunicated. Finding herself alone in KY, Grace hopes to hide, follow the rules and gain forgiveness. However, she is pleasantly surprised at how welcoming the community really is. Cullen Graber has pretty much put love on the back burner. However, he cannot understand how a family can leave a w0man alone to fend for herself. Even though Grace shuns his attempts to help, Cullen feels he needs to watch and help. Will these two find love and forgiveness? Will they be able to become a family?
I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.
Grace Miller finds herself unwed and pregnant by Englischer, Jared Castle. After being banned and confessing before the church, Grace’s father exiles her to Walnut Ridge, Kentucky. Grace is to live in a dilapidated shack out in the woods until after her child is born. She soon learns that Walnut Ridge is not like her Old Order Amish community. She finds women that welcome and befriend her. Grace finds herself being helped by her blacksmith neighbor, Cullen Graber. Cullen suffered losses that have affected him deeply. He has not been tempted by any of the ladies in the community. As Cullen gets to know Grace, he finds his thoughts consumed by her. Grace finds Cullen to be kind and attractive, but she does not feel worthy of him. Can Grace find a way to forgive herself and open herself to God’s grace? Christmas Grace by Mindy Steele is a compelling and unique Amish novel. I thought it was well-written with realistic characters and situations. The story moves along at a gentle pace. I enjoyed visiting Walnut Ridge, Kentucky. We get to know the people that make up this town. There are some wonderful, welcoming people in this community. However, there are a few malcontents that like to spread discontent. The central theme of the story is forgiveness. It is important to forgive others, but it is even more imperative to forgive ourselves. We cannot move forward until that happens. I enjoyed watching the friendship and then romance blossom between Cullen and Grace. Each one of them has issues they need to work through. I enjoyed watching them grow as individuals and as a couple. The theme of Christmas is prevalent throughout the story as well. It will get you in the mood for the holiday. Christmas Grace is a sweet, heartwarming tale with a sinner shack, a compassionate neighbor, scrumptious pastries, hardscrabble hill, a stalwart suitor, and a convivial community.
This is a touching story about forgiveness, trust, and love; in it’s many forms. When life throws Grace Miller a curve ball; she does all that her Indiana Amish community and her father ask of her for repentance and forgiveness. Then she is sent to an Amish community in Kentucky where her aunt lives. She handles everything with strength and, well, grace. While in this new community; her closest neighbor is the local blacksmith, Cullen Graeber; a quiet, unassuming gentleman. Cullen both, in turn, intrigues Grace and annoys her. Grace tries to make the best of her situation and the local community rallies around her to help her feel welcome and wanted.
I enjoyed this story very much. The characters are all well developed and relatable. The story flows from the pages and kept this reader’s interest throughout. Wonderful.
Grace and Caleb’s story in Christmas Grace is an emotional, tug at your heart strings, sweet Amish romance by Mindy Steele. In this sweet, heartwarming story we witness faith, love and the power of a community. I enjoyed getting to know Grace and Cullen and their stories; who they were and what happened to them, to make them leery of others. I loved this Amish community, especially how they welcomed and stood by Grace, helping her acclimate to her new community. The manner in which they helped to create a home for Grace out of the hut, or was it a hovel, she was forced to stay at. The fact that Caleb was determined to keep her safe, especially from the wild dogs and wolves showed his kindness and care of Grace. The secrets her Aenti Tess had, that finally become public; allowing Grace to better understand her aenti.
Ms. Steele wrote a wonderfully sweet and moving story that had me feeling all the emotions; smiling, tearing up, crying of heartbreak, and frustrated with some of the characters. The message of love, faith, and forgiveness stood strong; making this sweet and inspiration read one I could not put down, draw me in, making me forget it was fiction. I highly recommend Christmas Grace to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
What happens when a young girl places her trust in the wrong person and is left to face the consequences, completely alone? What if this girl is Amish and her misguided trust has caused her to be banned from her home and shunned by her community? Grace Miller is that young girl who has been sent to live completely alone, in a ‘sinner’s shack’ at Walnut Ridge, Kentucky, until her baby is born. As I read this story, I could imagine Grace’s deep shame, her utter sense of rejection, and her overwhelming desire to protect her baby. How could parents completely abandon their child? How could a religious community be so harsh? And then, Grace witnesses the difference between her strict Old Order Amish community and the Amish community in Walnut Ridge, where acceptance, friendship, and forgiveness are freely given…even to an unwed mother!
Christmas Grace is filled with wonderful characters, heartwarming friendship, sweet romance, and the enjoyable activities associated with Christmas. Author Mindy Steele gives readers an early Christmas gift, with her captivating story and gentle reminder that religious rules and laws should never overshadow love for our fellow man. After all, everyone is deserving of grace!
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.
Secrets, forgiveness, new friendships and faith gave way to an engaging story in Christmas Grace by Mindy Steele. Grace was sent to stay with her aunt in Walnut Ridge, KY after bringing shame to her family in Indiana. Grace made the best of her situation but was amazed with the outpouring of new friends who mothered and took care of her needs. Cullen had secrets too but was her closest neighbor who wanted to assist in secretive ways initially. The unfolding of this story brought a wide range of emotions with how some treated Grace, while others showered her with gifts, forgiveness, acceptance and love.
Steele vivid description of Grace’s “sinner’s shack” and the hillside of this KY area had me seeing exactly what the characters saw and endured in their journeys. There are plenty of unexpected twists and turns with multiple characters that brought a beautiful ending filled with God’s grace and peace right at Christmas time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and the author without any obligation to write a positive review. I have shared my own opinion.
A lovely Christmas story. Grace is turned out from her family for being pregnant and unmarried. She finds community and friends in her new community. Cullen has been perpetually single but thinks it’s time he found a wife. Grace and Cullen develop a friendship and a courtship that is built on faith and trust. They rely and lean on each other and develop a strong love and family together.
This was such an enjoyable Amish story of forgiveness. The difference between the community Grace came from and the community that she found herself a part of when she was exiled by her family was vast. There were still some people in the new community who were not wonderful, however, she found a group of people who truly cared what happened to her and wanted to help in any way they could.
I liked watching as Grace began, albeit slowly, to finally realize that she was forgiven by God and worthy of love. It frustrated me some that she kept faltering in this realization and allowing her father, even from a distance, to try to manipulate her life. However, it made complete sense based on the controlling house she came from.
Cullen was wonderful! Yes, he had carried a lot of guilt over a lost love from years earlier and really did not think he could ever love again. However, he showed love to Grace in the way he cared for her before he was even realized he was in love with her. He was such a joy to read about. And when the two of them finally realized they belonged together, it was so perfect. I loved the way everything wrapped up in the end.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.