About the book:

Book Title: Unbound by Grace

Author: Michelle Massaro

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Release date: July 21, 2018

When the past holds the future captive, there is only ONE chain breaker…

Tori Bishop has carved out a safe circle of friends who know nothing of her privileged status. But when she’s roped into attending a glitzy fundraiser, she brings along strong and steadfast Derek for support. As long as her secret stays safe, she never has to question his motives.

Derek Miller wants his life to count for something, to make a difference—especially in the life of Tori Bishop, the spunky smart-mouth who loves razzing him. But if his prison record comes to light, she’s sure to take off running.

When Tori and Derek get involved in building a local women’s shelter, the extra time together stirs more than an ember of attraction. Haunted by the fear of exposure, each must wrestle with the chains of their pasts to experience freedom, love, and the full depths of God’s grace.

About the Author

MICHELLE MASSARO writes contemporary fiction soaked in grace.She makes her home in Southern California with her husband of over two decades and their four children. She’s dabbled in homeschooling, teaching Creation Science, and leading worship. When she isn’t tinkering with words, Michelle enjoys old Rogers and Hammerstein movies, making kefir, and Sudoku. A new lipstick and a good French roast always make her happy.

Guest Post from Michelle

When I sit down to write a new story, I tend to gravitate toward some pretty deep emotions. The raw kind we all have known at one point or another. It’s what connects us all as human beings, no matter how different we are on the outside. If we can learn to see ourselves in others I believe that’s where compassion is born, as well as some self-revelation. Like King David hearing the story of the rich man stealing the poor man’s lamb and realizing he wasthat man!

In Unbound by Grace, I was approaching the story of two super fun characters I had introduced in my first novel, Grace in the Flames. In that book, they were side characters. But I always adored writing their scenes. They were both so entertaining! And the chance to put these two together and give them their own book was just too delicious an idea to pass up.

I got to put them into some interesting surroundings (anyone been to watch a horse race lately?) and take them to some very exposed, vulnerable places as well. Through them I was challenged to get inside someone else’s skin, and understand. Plus, they kept me smiling as well! This story was a blast to write, and I hope you enjoy these fictional friends of mine as much as I do.

It’s such a pleasure to meet new readers. I hope to hear from you soon!

I really enjoyed the story and thought the characters were easy to relate to. Tori comes from money and has found it hard to trust people. She never knows if they like her for herself or because she has money. I can understand why she doesn't let a lot of people into her life. The author does an excellent job of making the characters come alive with a story that captures true emotions. Tori has a good heart but I think she has let her wealth overshadow who she really is. It is refreshing to see how much she listens to God, but I could feel her struggle at times . I loved reading how vulnerable she can be and how much she wanted to be accepted.

Derek was definitely my favorite character. He has had a hard upbringing and has made poor decisions. The great news is that God gives second chances. Derek is trying so hard to make a better life for himself but he still finds that not everyone believes in him. I liked how he didn't back down from doing what was right. It was hard to read how judgmental Tori became when an incident occurs that strains their relationship.

The story is a lesson in trust and reaches into your soul to understand how grace is around us. Tori and Derek may come from different backgrounds, but they each share a common struggle. Will Tori be able to accept Derek after she finds out about his past? Can Derek forgive Tori when she says unkind things to him that hurt him to the core? This is one book that you don't want to miss out on. 

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

Blog Stops

Real World Bible Study, September 20

Godly Book Reviews, September 20

Among the Reads, September 21

The Power of Words, September 21

Bibliophile Reviews, September 22

A Baker’s Perspective, September 23

Fiction Aficionado, September 24

Faithfully Bookish, September 25

Reading Is My SuperPower, September 26

Carpe Diem, September 27

Lis Loves Reading, September 28

proud to be an autism mom, September 28

Simple Harvest Reads, September 29 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Janices book reviews, September 30

The Mimosa Blossom, October 1

Books, Books, and More Books., October 1

Texas Book-aholic, October 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 3

Bigreadersite, October 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away a grand prize package that includes a notebook, a mug, a bookmark, a pen, a signed copy of Grace in the Flames, and an Amazon Gift Card ($40)!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d3a6/unbound-by-grace-celebration-tour-giveaway