Tuesday, September 12, 2023

About the Book

Book: Path to Grace

Author: Cheri Swalwell

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction

Release Date: October 20, 2022

Everyone knows that Ariana does not get rejected.

Used to getting her own way, Ariana grew up having her daddy wrapped around her little finger—and he still is. As an adult, she goes through life expecting that all men will give into her whims. When the one man she sets her sights on won’t give her the time of day, Ariana is truly baffled.

Matt avoids Ariana whenever possible. The young woman has no way of knowing that she reminds Matt of his mother and the heartbreaking memories that he worked hard to bury. If Matt has his way, there won’t ever be a reason to discuss the issue. But when Ariana’s life is turned upside down, and rumors about Matt could destroy everything that he’s worked so hard to achieve, it will take a heavenly amount of grace to prevent history from repeating itself. Will Matt and Ariana accept God’s plan for their lives?

If you like wholesome fiction with a faith-filled message, explore the Path to Grace, the fifth book in the heartwarming Redemption of Green Pines series today. Each book can be read on its own, but they’re best enjoyed when you read them as a full series!

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Cheri Swalwell is a Christ follower who thoroughly enjoys her calling to be a wife, mother, writer, podcaster, and speaker, in that order. Cheri loves to encourage people through her fiction series and many nonfiction books including devotionals, Bible studies, and compilation books. Interested in receiving encouragement 365 days a year right in your inbox? Then the JESUS in the EVERYDAY monthly membership is for you! For a full list of books visit www.cheriswalwell.com. Do you like YouTube? Head to JESUS in the EVERYDAY for 5 to 7 minutes of encouragement weekly.

More from Cheri

Have you ever thought about how different two siblings’ lives could turn out, even though they were raised by the same parents in the same household? Two sisters, one the middle child and one the baby of the family. One always considered “less than,” the other the golden child … until she’s not.

Book 5 in The Redemption of Green Pines series, Path to Grace, shows us what happens when one sister has been favored her whole life, until she falls off the pedestal due to one mistake.

Join the community of Green Pines as life unravels for Ariana. Will her siblings rally around her despite how she treated them her whole life, or will she be left on her own to figure out what to do now?

If you’d like to read the whole story, I’d suggest you start with Book 1, Adventure’s Invitation, but if you’re simply curious about the differences Wynn and Ariana face, I invite you to start with Book 4, Road to Freedom, and get introduced to Wynn and what her life is like living in the same household as Ariana, her baby sister, and Randy, her big brother. I’m pretty sure it’s nothing like you imagined it would be.

MY REVIEW

One of the things you will notice right away about this author is her deep faith that is spread throughout the story. I love reading her books because I find nuggets of wisdom and encouragement within the pages. One example is Matt. Now for me I thought he was so hungry to know the Lord and placed himself around people who helped him in his walk. One thing he learns is to give himself grace. How many of us have trouble doing that for ourselves? We must remember that God has forgiven us for our past. We need to learn to not allow the enemy to try to use that against us. I loved watching the growth in Matt and how he handles difficult situations in a Godly manner. If only his brother would turn his life around.

Ariana is always thinking about what others think of her. She has to have the best clothes and live a certain lifestyle. Most young women deal with jealousy at some point and that ugly green monster hit Ariana hard. The consequences of that one brief decision changes her entire life. Thinking she could get Brock to want her backfires on her. With her father threatening to cut off her allowance she doesn’t know who to turn to. I appreciate how the author handles a sensitive topic in a very compassionate way. What will Ariana decide to do? Who can she count on to help her through a difficult time? Ariana’s thoughts about God are distorted and she feels like He would never forgive her for the sin she has committed.

My heart broke into pieces when Ariana is confronted by her dad. The disrespectful way he talks to her made me angry. No wonder this poor young woman is so afraid to ask for help. Her father is heartless, a bully and an emotional abuser. I wonder where his unconditional love for his child was? His hatred spreads throughout the house as he lashes out at his children. This scene is hard to read but very realistic. I appreciate how the author doesn’t hold back in showing readers the reality of someone who doesn’t know how to forgive.

Rejection runs deep in this story as several characters work through hurt and feeling alone. I have to say this story has been an emotional read for me. I saw myself when I was younger and how bad my parents treated me. Ariana and Matt both experience the pain of not feeling wanted by their parents. But in the midst of our trials Jesus is there to comfort us. He paid the ultimate price so we could be free. “God is keeping the lines of communication open with Him always, and then listening for His responses.”

To those who have felt unwanted, unloved, rejected or lost, God is here for you. His grace covers a multitude of sins. He is ready with open arms to welcome you into the family. “Family sticks together.” This has been one of the best books I have read in awhile. The story illustrates grace in a way that expresses freedom. Ariana and Sabrina both walk a path that is hard but God is there with them. I loved the ending and can’t wait for the final book in this series. I did read a sample of the next book that you can find at the end of this book. It will be a journey like no other as danger, anger and hatred controls a person that is out for revenge.

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