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. ( )

What I think you should know:
Christmas Grace by Mindy Steele is a contemporary Amish Romance.

What you might need to know:
Grace is an unwed mother after becoming pregnant by her “English” boyfriend. She is repentant for her choice.

What I think about this book:
While it had an unusual heroine, what started out as a sweet predictable Amish Romance had so many hidden gems that I will be thinking about it for a long time to come. When Grace is sent by her father to stay in Aunt’s community until her child is born she feels that the punishment is what she deserves. Instead of being shunned by the community like she has been by her father she is welcomed with open arms, and love that sees past her mistakes. I loved the residents of Walnut Ridge. The people show her God’s love and mercy and help her to see that since she has repented she has been forgiven. Even a villain in the story had some powerful truth “Paid Enough?..... You think you must pay for making a mistake. That is for Gott. Not Man” I really enjoyed reading this book and definitely read more by Steele in the future.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

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. ( )

I have always had a hard time understanding how the Amish shun someone when they believe that person has done something that goes against their rules. My heart instantly went out to Grace as she steps inside the little cabin she has been sent to stay as part of her punishment. Her father has turned his back on his daughter and I could feel the despair Grace felt. Now she must face the consequences of her actions alone. The author describes the place Grace now calls home as a lonely, deserted falling apart little forgotten about dwelling. Well that is what I describe it as. Perhaps it is exactly how Grace feels. Now what will she do as she ponders over her situation? Grace will face a bumpy road like no other as she is an unwed mother to be in a community that she is a stranger to.

Cullen is oh my what can I say about him. He is kind, giving, handsome and has a big heart. He can’t believe Grace is going to live in that rundown shack. Maybe he will have to look in on her to make sure she has provisions. Cullen is upset that Grace’s family has left her in that horrible shack with no one to help her. I could feel his anger at the thought of Grace being shunned. The scene that Cullen comes up on at the shack is heartbreaking. Now he knows that Grace needs help and the town will have to step up and welcome her.

Grace’s aunt seems to be a stern uncaring woman but soon a secret is discovered. It helped me understand Tessie more and I saw within her a woman who has suffered so much in her life. I think she was my favorite character because she is like many who suffer in silence. She had me crying as she finally stood up to the person who had hurt her. In that moment she said, “I forgive you.” It is a lesson we can all learn from. The pain we endure from someone only God can heal. With His guidance we are able to forgive. I applaud the author for a character who many can relate to.

The story is beautifully written where a community opens their hearts to a woman who feels rejected. Their compassion for Grace is heartfelt and shows Grace what family means. I liked the surprises in the story and the healing of the heart that several characters experience. The faith element in the story is written well and delivers a message that God all supplies our needs and gives us hope.

“It is what we earn from our mistakes, what we do to right our wrongs, that matter.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )

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. ( )