A luminous novel of a powerfully intuitive young girl’s coming-of-age in a small, Midwest town in the late 1960s. Eleven-year-old Grace Carter has a talent for hiding things. She’s had plenty of practice, burying thoughts and feelings that might anger her strict Evangelical pastor father, and concealing the deep intuition she carries inside. The Knowing, as Grace calls it, offers glimpses of … offers glimpses of people’s pasts and futures. It enables her to see into the depth of her mother’s sadness, and even allows Grace to talk to Isaac, her twin brother who died at birth. To her wise, loving Aunt Pearl, the Knowing is a family gift; to her daddy, it’s close to witchcraft.
Grace can’t see into someone’s thoughts without their permission. But it doesn’t take her special talent to know that her small community is harboring its share of secrets. A young girl has gone missing. Within Grace’s own family too, the cracks are widening, as her sisters Hope, Joy, and Chastity enjoy the normal life that eludes Grace. It’s Grace’s kinship with other outsiders that keeps her afloat—Lyle, a gentle, homeless man, and Lola, a free-spirited new girl at school. But when her mother lapses into deep depression after bringing home a new baby, Grace will face a life-changing choice—ignore her gift and become the obedient daughter her father demands, or find the courage to make herself heard, even if it means standing apart…
“A heartfelt and beautifully crafted coming-of-age debut…Don’t miss this one.”—Lesley Kagen, New York Times bestselling author
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We read this in Book Club and everyone loved it.
Great read. Especially if you enjoy reading about someone with psychic abilities. In this case a child who experiences life through a sensative’s eyes.
This book was different than any other book I read before, it’s about a girl named Grace that has a very particular gift, she knows what will happen, can communicate with dead people and can see things that happened, she calls that gift the knowing and she can help people because of it.
Grace’s father is an Evangelical pastor that believes that her gift is actually a curse, an act of the devil.
Grace lives a lonely life because most people are afraid of her because she knows things.
I really enjoyed reading about Grace’s thoughts, her feelings and her friends while she was growing up.
This is my new favorite book I’d give it a ten star if I could
This is one of the best book I’ve ever read! These characters were flawed, heartfelt, strong, loving, everything families are with each other everyday. The fear that parents have for their children if society labels them “different.” The struggle children go through to honor their family and try not to bring shame to them but at the same time learning who they themselves are and loving and accepting themselves at the same time!! Bravo!!!! This is a MUST READ!!!
I was fortunate enough to read this book months before publication date, and the character of Grace Carter, the young preacher’s daughter, has stayed with me. With her unique interpretation of the world, her kindness, and her resilience, Grace is unforgettable.
I loved this story
Best book I have read in a long time, gripped me from the very first page. I was so sad when it ended, almost felt like reading it again!
Well written and interesting characters.
This is a wonderful read. It touches every age and highlights the human condition.
Great story and well written!
Started reading, couldn’t stop, loved the subject and the characters
I loved everything about it and will definitely remember it as one of my favorites.
Loved this book! A coming of age story from a young preachers daughters perspective. With a little bit of intuition thrown in.
Couldn’t put this one down. The story of a child in a religious with second sight. Great character building and unusually inventive story. Loved it and highly recommend.
This is a story of a preacher’s child born with a gift she calls “knowing” for which her father punishes her for “lying” and others find her weird because she knows about things before they happen. She finds others who believe her or know someone else with the gift, and also that her mother once had it, but suppressed it because of the problems it caused. Reading this child’s coming of age story as she helps people, and discovers what her place is in life is one of the most delightful books I have read. If you read it I believe you will feel peace, and joy like a breath of fresh air.
Engaging story
I really enjoyed this book! It was hard to put down. The book ended well. You won’t be disappointed.
THIS I KNOW by Eldonna Edwards is a beautifully-written, poignant story of love, faith and family set in a small Midwest town in the 1960s. It is told from the point of view of eleven-year-old Grace Carter. Grace is the daughter of a strict evangelical pastor and a nearly absent mother who suffers from crippling depression. Grace has a special power she calls “the Knowing” where she often sees things from the past and the future. Because her father believes her visions are the work of the devil, he tries to stifle this gift. Grace and all the other characters are wonderfully portrayed. Her journey to self-discovery and acceptance is the heart of the story, but there is so much more to the expertly-crafted plot. There are a few unexpected surprises and a warm, satisfying conclusion. I was totally captivated by this unique and enchanting coming-of-age story and couldn’t put it down. This is a truly memorable book that will touch readers of any age. I know it will stay with me a long time.
Author Eldonna Edwards brings to life an uplifting story of what it is like to grow up with a Father, who is a Preacher – that can only see to be Christ-Like and to see anything different, to be the devil’s work. His daughter, Grace Carter has what is called the “Knowing.” She possesses the ability to see when something is going to happen. She has to endure extreme ridicule and hardship from nonbelievers, including her family members. She faces many challenges to keep quiet about her ability or be strong and expose herself to help others. Eldonna Edwards knows how to pull you in and make you feel like you are right beside Grace – hoping she will be able to somehow convince people that she is not a devil, and be accepted. Grace shares her whimsical thoughts about her family members and neighbors – and her ability to be guided by a voice beyond the grave. She will capture your heart with her compassion for a lonely drifter and her fun times with a free- spirited friend. A story that will make you wonder about the possibilities of a life beyond and what it would be like. A story that will make you happy, sad, but ultimately fulfilled. I highly recommend this book!