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Saturday, March 11, 2023


About the Book

Book: A Mark of Grace

Author: Kimberley Woodhouse

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release date: January 3, 2023

When everything crumbles, her chance for a new beginning hangs in the balance.

Ruth Anniston survived an injury that left her physically scarred, broken, and angry at God. Now, she finds herself working behind the scenes as a kitchen and dining room supervisor at the El Tovar Hotel, hidden away from curious eyes and with little hope of finding love. When money begins to disappear from the hotel, Ruth’s entire livelihood is put at risk when she lands on the list of suspects.

Frank Henderson has at last succeeded in obtaining his dream job as head chef at the El Tovar. But competition in the kitchen is fierce, and one mistake could cost him his future. As the thefts at the hotel continue, and his affection for Ruth grows, Frank’s career–and his heart–are in jeopardy.

As tensions run high, Ruth and Frank must work together to save the El Tovar. They find themselves growing closer . . . but can their combined ingenuity overcome the odds against them?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Kimberley Woodhouse (www.kimberleywoodhouse.com) is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 30 fiction and nonfiction books. Kim and her incredible husband of 30-plus years live in the Poconos, where they play golf together, spend time with their kids and grandbaby, and research all the history around them.

 

More from Kimberley

It is such a thrill to be able to bring readers A Mark of Grace, book three in my Secrets of the Canyon series. These books have been near and dear to me since 2009, right from the moment the idea of setting a Harvey Girls series at the El Tovar on the rim of the Grand Canyon first hit me.

Ever since the release of A Deep Divide, book one in the series, I’ve received tons of messages from readers who hoped Ruth would have her story. All along, the plan was for the final installment to be hers.

Ruth has been a strong character throughout the series. A mentor. A friend. A headwaitress. But when a crisis hits her life, it affects every area—emotional, physical, and spiritual—and her confidence in everything she thought she knew crumbles.

Life isn’t easy for any of us, and I love a good story that I can grow and learn through. I pray A Mark of Grace is that for you.

MY REVIEW

There are some books that have the  ability to reach deep into your soul and allow you to feel everything a character is going through. This is one of those books. Ruth has been physically scarred but emotionally I think it reaches much deeper. Her accident was one where she sacrificed herself in order to save a friend. She carries  those scars everyday and holds back from allowing God to heal her. I could feel every moment she shed tears as she realizes she may never look the same again. What she doesn’t see is the beauty that God sees. Those scars are not there to remind her of her accident but to help her see how God was there to protect her as she was being attacked. I wanted her to look at herself like Jesus does and know that she has been covered in grace. 

The story goes into the story of Job and how much he suffered. He still worshipped God even though he lost so much. Ruth starts to understand that her faith has slipped away. What an amazing journey she takes as she rediscovers who has always loved  her unconditionally. Do we carry scars emotionally that keep us from trusting God? I loved this sentence from the story which says, “Grace plus nothing.”  We need to rely on only God ! We may never get every question answered that  we want but we will always have Jesus by our side. 

The story does take a look at the Harvey girls and how much they are respected. I  am fascinated by how hard they worked and the pristine service they gave to each person. Ruth has moved up the ranks working as a Harvey girl, but she still holds a little bitterness because she now works behind the scenes since her accident. I adored Frank and how he is a constant in Ruth’s life. It is obvious to everyone but Ruth that he loves her. His compassion for her well being is special and he never gives  up on showing her that her scars don’t define her. Frank is an important person in the story as he gently reminds Ruth that grace is what saved her. I loved how he was patient, kind and always reminded Ruth that her beauty is not just on the outside. 

There is a bit of a mystery in the story as someone is trying to sabotage the hotel that Frank and Ruth work out. The  Harvey Empire is on the line and greed and jealousy is trying to destroy the hard work that   has been put into the Harvey name. How sad that someone will do whatever it takes to get revenge. I loved how the author kept readers on their toes as the mystery starts to unravel. Will they find out who is behind the plot to destroy the hotel?  

This has been a wonderful  book filled with lessons on grief, hope, grace and trusting God. I loved the ending and how the author reminds us, “Man looks on the outward appearance while God looks on the heart.”

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

Blog Stops

Bigreadersite, March 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 11

Texas Book-aholic, March 12

Karen Baney Reviews, March 12

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 13

deb’s Book Review, March 13

Cover Lover Book Review, March 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 14

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 15

Where Faith and Books Meet, March 15

Blogging With Carol, March 16

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 16

Betti Mace, March 17

Connie’s History Classroom, March 17

She Lives to Read, March 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 18

Stories By Gina, March 19 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 19

Batya’s Bits, March 20

Splashes of Joy, March 20

Pause for Tales, March 21

EmpowerMoms, March 21

Through the Fire Blogs, March 22

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 22

For Him and My Family, March 23

Holly’s Book Corner, March 23

lakesidelivingsite, March 24

Book Looks by Lisa, March 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kimberley is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback set of the full SECRETS OF THE CANYON series!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/24b79/a-mark-of-grace-celebration-tour-giveaway

2 comments:

  1. Thank you, Deana, for this wonderful and inspiring review. I am truly looking forward to reading A Mark of Grace.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Deana, Thank you for sharing your excellent review. Kimberley Woodhouse is an excellent author.

    ReplyDelete