Instead of a wedding, Esther is facing radical surgery and chemotherapy. Where is God when she needs him most? Esther is a people pleaser. It’s never been a major problem because she’s just gone with the flow. Her father has always preached, “Follow Jesus and you’ll be blessed.” Esther has never had any reason to doubt it but now she has breast cancer. Will she appease her father or will she … has breast cancer. Will she appease her father or will she listen to the words of a stranger who challenges everything she believes?
Grace in Strange Disguise is a soul-stirring contemporary Christian novel. Book 1 in the Grace series.
If you like compelling Christian fiction, relatable characters, and real emotion, then you’ll love Christine Dillon’s inspiring series.
280 pages
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A TRUE-TO-LIFE STORY OF FAITH AND GRACE.
I’m always searching for authentic contemporary stories, ones where the people are real and relatable, where the story doesn’t gloss over life’s problems, and I found that in Christine Dillon’s fiction debut, GRACE IN STRANGE DISGUISE. GRACE had me rooting for some characters while yelling at others, which is a sign that I was completely invested in the book. I was hooked from the first page and couldn’t put it down from there.
Esther’s powerful and honest story of dealing with breast cancer in a family and church that believed in a Santa Claus-like Jesus is a story that likely happens too often. This book bravely tackles the question of whether God promises healing to anyone who has faith. Not an easy question to answer, but Christine handled the topic deftly.
I look forward to reading more from Christine Dillon, a gritty and fresh new voice in Christian fiction.
I loved everything about this book–the characters, the drama, the very real spiritual and family struggles. Not only did the story captivate me, it challenged me to think about the ways I share my faith. I’m more than happy to strongly recommend it.
I have recommended this book more times than any other this year. It’s a beautifully written story of a young woman whose world is upended by an unexpected diagnosis. It’s the story of how she grows beyond the faith she inherited from her parents into deep faith of her own as she experiences more and more of God’s grace as she faces challenges and uncertainties. I heartily recommend this for anyone who’s going through hard times and to people who want something to share with a friend whose faith is wavering when bad times come.
A book that challenges us to think deeply about God, not just for ourselves, but to share Him with others as we are called to do.
I loved this book on finding Grace in our lives even in the struggles and difficulties we face.
This was the first book I have read by Christine Dillon and I will be looking into the other books of this series soon (5 books in this series).
Grace in Strange Disguise was a breath of fresh air for Christian fiction books. It is an encouraging story and thought provoking. Grace in Strange Disguise is about Esther’s journey of cancer, faith, finding a true relationship with Jesus, and sharing our faith with others. The book is easy to read; the writing flows well from thought to thought; and the characters and plot are realistic, believable, and developed. You will want to keep turning the page and the book will leave you wanting to know what happens next in the characters lives when you finish reading it. This book will challenge you to examine and think about your worldview/beliefs.
I recommend this book to all readers- those who read Christian fiction,those who are Christian, those who don’t know Jesus, and those of other faiths or beliefs. It is a great book for Christian’s struggling with their faith or doubts about God. Pick up a copy, open your eyes and your heart and immerse yourself in Esther’s life. I received a copy of this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Can’t wait to see what happens next in the series.
Esther was living the dream life; she had a job she loved, a loving family (provided that she didn’t rock the boat), a fiance, and was planning her wedding. What more could anyone want? Then, on one terrible day, the wheels came off her well-planned existence. And God didn’t seem to be playing by her rules. Esther has to evaluate her whole pattern of thinking and belief-sets and start out on a journey she’s never dreamt of – a journey that ultimately gives her both challenges and joy.
I found the book both challenging and inspiring. It brought me to tears at times, made me think and inspired me. The characters were both believable and likeable. I really enjoyed the book and have read it several times. It’s the sort of book you can read again and again and each time get more out of the story – the mark of a really good book.
I could not relate to Esther’s church experience, my own being so very helpful in my spiritual journey. But the story drew me in when she began sharing her faith after letting Christ onto the throne in her life. She is awkward, uncomfortable, and full of excuses just like the rest of us, and yet, she still opens her mouth and speaks. And she feels bad when an opportunity passes her by. Isn’t this the attitude all believers should have? This book will challenge your faith muscles!
This is my first book that I’ve read from this authior, and she doesn’t disappoint. Although the book centers mostly around Ester, a young woman diagnosed with cancer, there are several other “stories” woven throughout the book. Her characters are well-developed and believable, and you can’t help but root for them. Some parts are quite raw with emotion, but I love writers like myself who focus on real life issues. The faith portion of the book is especially compelling without being preachy.
If you’re looking for a thought-provoking, well-written, faith-driven Christian read, then this book is for you. I look forward to the rest of Ms. Dillon’s books in this series!
Is your faith lacking and in need of a boost? Read this book. So convicting and encouraging at the same time. I flew through it so quickly, I initially thought it was just a novella, but it was just that engrossing and exactly what I needed at this moment. Looking forward to continuing through Esther’s story and feel she was appropriately named, as I needed her “for such a time as this”.
‘Grace in strange disguise’ is unlike any novel I have ever read. First, it was a page turner – one of those I-shouldn’t-read-this-before-bed books that kept me up way too late. Then, there was the Australian backdrop which made it refreshing and relatable. And most impacting for me, was the uplifting plot that made me long for true happiness not defined by circumstances. The book is ideal for: anyone curious to understand how the Christian world view makes sense of suffering, anyone disillusioned with Christianity because of prosperity teaching (“God wants to give you a life now of happiness and success etc.”), anyone hurt by false “faith heals” promises, Christians who need encouragement to persevere through difficulty, or, Christians curious to see how bible storytelling can work in real life. Personally, I am super thankful for the insight ‘Grace in strange disguise’ gave me into storying in a western context. I’ve believed in the value of storying for many years, but it took reading Dillon’s novel to really give me the ‘storying bug’. I’m now praying that I will work hard to learn bible stories by heart, and have many opportunities to share those stories with others.
I loved this book! I was able to get it on audible which made it even more special! It truly touched my heart! I will definitely be reading more books by Christine Dillon!
If you like Francine Rivers, you will like this author.
For her first fiction novel, Dillon has crafted a wonderful story, with characters you can relate to or know of and believable human responses. I really appreciate that this is not another cheesy Christian love story but about faith and relationships.
The five stars are for the emotional impact this book had on me. Esther’s faith journey, her doubts, her anger and later her spiritual awakening all connected on a visceral level. The reality of her relationship with Jesus is seen in her desire to read the Bible, to seek him out in prayer and to seek opportunities to tell others about him. This story has personally convicted me to pray for opportunities and to trust the Holy Spirit for the right words and stories to share.
I am already looking forward to seeing how Esther’s faith journey continues especially in terms of Esther’s family and with those she has been bold enough to sow a gospel seed.
Thank you for the reminder that God’s grace does come in strange disguises
I had been looking forward to reading this after hearing rave reviews, and it definitely lived up to all of the awesome reviews! What a great show of God’s redemption and grace in a person’s life! I was challenged throughout to live my story of God’s grace and be more of a light to the world…reflecting His light to a dark world. I learned a lot of what someone goes through when dealing with cancer and also shown how to talk with someone and be a blessing to someone going through that disease. This book also deals with the truth of God’s Word versus a false religion. The story gripped me from the very first page and kept me wanting to know more after the last. I can’t wait to read the next in the series!
This is Christian women’s fiction dealing with real-life issues. I related well with the main character, Esther, who has been raised in a “Christian“ home, but soon discovers that it’s about more than what she has always thought she knew. When Esther finds out she is sick she sees her friends and family in a different light. As troubles unfold she she must make some difficult decisions that will affect herself and her family.
You’ll love this book if you have dealt with life-altering disease, if you have wondered why God heals some and not others, or if you have sought healing and felt that your lack of faith is hindering healing. You’ll also love it if you prefer deep characters facing real challenges. Highly recommend!
Grace in strange disguise was one that i dragged a bit to read but when i got into it, i as like why Jem! why did you wait before reading.
Christine Dillon, thank you for tackling one of the questions that many people use as an excuse to blame God, in various expression but the same blame, Why does bad things happen to Good people? and for addressing the crux of our faith.
Esther grew up as a PK (Preachers Kid) with a successful, tele- faith pastor for a father.Esther like all children that grew up in church, had heard all things christian and even had a youth pastor for a fiance, wow! that’s is the dream of every christian lady.
Until Cancer struck and the foundation of all things she knew about Faith,God and healing came tumbling down. When you have heard that your works, confession from sin and aggressive faith as prerequisite for healing, how do you handle this when you have “done” all the requirements, you still have cancer and a 60-70% chance to live, the probability of children slim to none,Your engagement on the rocks, your so called “christian friends and Family” shun you for your inability to conjure healing faith and you are an embarrassment to your word of faith Father?
Esther experienced all this and more.Her legitimate anger with God seems so justified until a simple question, turned her theology upside down and left her feeling as ignorant as every member of her church.
Who truly is God and what is truly is the gospel? What is death, how do i handle sickness and death? How come i have never read my bible for myself and how come i never had encounters that opens my heart to the pure love of God. All this more, begun Esther’s journey to discovering the true God. When the student is ready the teacher will appear and her teacher Joy did appear. Joy was instrumental in helping Esther understand the scriptures using bible stories and by asking the right questions.
Persecution is the way of the cross and it comes in different shades, Esther persecution comes from those closest to her however armed with examples from the bible,true friendships and understanding the value of persecution to the body of Christ, she stands tall,leaning on Christ as her hearts breaks and her faith tested.
The joy of seeing another person saved and the opportunity to be a witness of others was something Esther looked forward to , besides who keeps quiet over good-news.
This book has a lot of valuable lessons and drew me back to really think about the total goodness of God.
I recommend this book over and over again. Thank you Christine this is book and this journey. Looking forward to the other books.
This was an AMAZING book!! This book full of complexities and dynamic characters had me hooked from the first page. It isn’t a book with fluff; it is one full of things to get you thinking–about life, about suffering, about the Lord, about His role in suffering. Although this book talks about the Lord, it is incredible how the author weaves together a story that doesn’t sound preachy or contrived at all. It had me thinking wow, this is inspiring me to do what she did (I can’t tell you more because it will ruin the story for you!). I know it is a book I have connected with when I cry, and this book did that. Do yourself a favor and read this book–it is that good!!
This is a book that was not just hard to put down, but whenever I wasn’t reading it, I was wishing I was and thinking about the characters. A few times I even caught myself thinking ‘I wonder how Esther is going. I should pray for her. Oh wait, she’s a fictional character in a novel!’ It seems to me that this book also fulfils the author’s hope for it to be another means of discipleship, as it challenged me in my own relationship with Jesus and passion for others to know him. I’m greatly looking forward to the next books in the trilogy!
Grace in Strange Disguise was a lovely tale of how God uses our suffering to get our attention and draw us to Him, making our struggles bittersweet. The main character in this book is a girl named Esther. Her father is the lead pastor of the largest megachurch in Sydney Australia. Just when things are going great for her, she gets a diagnosis that brings her world crashing down around her – breast cancer. Esther goes through a crisis of faith, but comes to terms with what is happening to her and ends up learning more about Jesus than she ever would have had her life continued in the trajectory that it was headed. This story was well written, the characters were well developed and this was one that made me think how I would respond in the situations.
This book is definitely a Christian book. However, it answers some of the questions that non-Christians bring to us – if God is good/loving, etc., then why did this bad thing happen to me? For those of us who have been Christians for awhile, it also addresses some of the struggles we have in explaining those things, or knowing how to share our faith with those around us.
One note of warning – this book was written by an Australian and so some of the grammar, spelling and nuances of speech are a bit “strange” to my American ears. It did not take anything away from the story for me, but it may have if I hadn’t had that knowledge beforehand. The author provided me with a copy of this book in the hopes that I might offer a review. The thoughts and opinions contained within are my own.
A Great Read in Strange Disguise
A fantastic book full of grace, forgiveness, and love. Yet it doesn’t shy away from the difficult subjects of suffering, pain, and rejection.
Christine Dillon has weaved a captivating story that allowed me to easily connect and relate to all the characters in some way, especially with the main protagonist, Esther.
I was immediately drawn in to her world and needless to say I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait for the next book to be released!
Christine’s polished skill at storytelling is evident throughout the pages and because it raises so many areas worthy of discussion it would make a terrific book to read in a Book Club.
I loved this book!! I love the story and the issues it addresses. I particularly love the way it encourages readers to practise good hermeneutics. I would love to read more books like it and absolutely can’t wait to read book 2 when it is available.