About the Book
Book: Seasoned Grace
Author: Melissa Wardwell
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance
Release date: August 31, 2021
Though he disappeared that day, Raylin McReynolds never believed her father died at the World Trade Center on 9/11.
So, when a mysterious letter arrives from Breakers Head, informing her that she would find him on the Independence Islands off the coast of Georgia, she has no choice but to find a job, get there, find her father.
As mainland troubles encroach on Hooper Island, Sean Anderson devises a plan and presents it to the island pastors and his cousin, Scott. The result: Grace Mission—a place where those struggling can find the help they need.
What he didn’t need was a distraction in the form of a newcomer to the islands—a mission volunteer, no less.
Others at the mission, Beth and Scott, see more than just frustration brew between Raylin and Sean. What will it take to convince Sean and Raylin to stop bickering long enough to see what’s obvious to everyone else?
Raylin’s on a mission to find her father and protect her heart, but neither seem willing to cooperate.
Seasoned Grace continues the Hooper Island stories of the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.
The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
When she isn’t penning works of fiction, she is busy reviewing books for her blog, Back Porch Reads.
To see more from Melissa Wardwell, visit www.melissawardwell.com
More from Melissa
Here we are, in the middle of the collection. The third island—Hooper Island. Have you enjoyed the journey so far? I hope you have, I’m sure you have 😉
Seasoned Grace quickly became my favorite addition to the Independence Islands Collection. It is a little more serious on a few of the topics than my first two contributions. Now that a foundation has been set, I felt like I could get a little deeper into my character’s emotions and pasts. People are complex so writing two-dimensional characters are not something I like doing. I want readers to see the secret hurts that mold them into the person they are, and how God can heal those painful areas.
Grace is the running theme throughout this book. Grace enough to let things go, the Father’s grace, showing grace to those around us, and any other form of grace that might come up. Grace is like salt and pepper. It gives the right kind of flavor to our lives. At least I think that is a life quote Gram would tell Beth.
There is one chapter that you will see one of the new characters lay out their painful past in a rather quick way in a conversation with another character. This character suffered much in their life that some will struggle with understanding how they could talk about it so freely (which is why I am shining a light on it now).
When a person has found healing in life by following Christ and has allowed Him to take away the sting of what others have done to them, those moments become easy to talk about with others. Especially if it means that the one listening will seek healing for themselves.
This conversation in the book is intense and thought-provoking. It also displays the level of grace required to see people the way God might see them instead of through our tainted lenses. I found myself crying as I wrote it because I know how freeing it is to forgive and let the Father heal a wounded heart.
Seasoned Grace also has several returning characters—Beth and Scott, Thaddeus, Amara and Dante, Sarah Reid, and her boys. There are also two new faces, Raylin and Sean, as well as a couple of other mobile business owners who come together to help Elnora Island bounce back from a hurricane.
All my contributions to the collection flow from one book to the next like a television series. While the other writers may have written their stories to be independently read from the others, that is not something I have done. Trust me when I say that it wasn’t my original intent. As I saw my five stories develop, there was a constant feeling of community and character interaction throughout the books. I couldn’t just leave some characters behind, never to be heard from again, while I bring in new faces. It just wouldn’t be right. They have developed friendships and that cannot be overlooked. That said, when they come together at the end for Thanksgiving diner, they, and you the reader, will have a pleasant surprise.
So, stay with me, push through, read on—it will all be worth it in the end.
P.S. I realize that I gave a recipe for Scrumptious Independence, but not Heart Pressed. I apologize for that one.
I hope this one makes up for it. Scott’s favorite
Fish Tacos
Oil
If you don’t have a deep fryer (like me), get a thick bottom, deep pan
Use natural oil, like corn or canola oil
Gauge the temperature with a candy or deep fry thermometer
Fill your pan no more than 2/3 of the way
Heat the oil slowly to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit
too low of heat, you will get greasy fish
too high of heat, you will burn the fish
Fish
Cod works the best, but Salmon is pretty interesting option as well.
Rinse it off after thawing if you use frozen fish, excess water will make your oil spatter
Pat it dry with paper towel – I use a lot of paper towel, but I feed five adults
If fish pieces are thick, cut into 1 inch-ish strips.
I use Panko fish batter for my batter. I don’t make it from scratch
Slowly place coated pieces of fish into the hot oil and let it cook until golden brown.
While that cooks, prepare your toppings.
Cole Slaw
8oz. bag of pre-shredded Cole slaw mix
1 1/2 tsp Apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 tsp of sugar
1 cup of mayo or Miracle Whip
1/4 cup of mustard or 1/2 tsp of mustard powder
Avocado
Make sure it is ripe—soft, not hard
Mash it wit a fork
Cut a lime in 1/2 and squeeze the juice over the mashed avocado
Sprinkle salt and pepper on it
Stir together
Layering the taco
Spread some of the Avocado mixture on a tortilla
Place a strip or two of fried fish on top
Finish with Cole slaw mix
Enjoy!
MY REVIEW
I am always excited when a new book comes out in this series. I have come to think of the characters as friends and enjoy being in their lives. This story is special to me because it has the one thing I have been lacking lately. The author gently sways us with melody and soothing tones of grace. There is that word I have been struggling with. It is easy to misjudge someone or hold a grudge. But what if we actually gave them grace? This story is a perfect example of allowing past hurts to float away as the characters begin to listen to God as He softens their heart.
I adored following Raylin and as begins the journey of finding her father that no one has heard from in years. It was interesting that the author referenced 9/11 and how that day affected so many. Raylin’s father was there on that fateful day and suddenly he was gone. Raylin is drawn to travel to the island after a letter tells her that her father was there. Could she finally get the answer she has been wanting all these years? Will her father explain his absence from her life?
There is one part in the story that really got to me. I won’t share the details because I don’t want to take away the powerful impact it could have on readers. It is never easy to share a painful experience but with God’s help this character was able to finally release themselves and be set free. Grace abounds everywhere in this story and every instance is an example of how we can become more Christlike.
Along with grace I found forgiveness that was illustrated beautifully in the story. A mother and daughter who have drifted apart come to a place where healing could happen if grace and forgiveness was shown. I loved the healing of broken relationships in the story and how it is never too late to repair them. I found this story to be a little more on the serious side and it was just what I needed. Thank you to the author for showing me about grace through a story that is relatable in many ways.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Blog Stops
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 24
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 24
Texas Book-aholic, September 25
Blossoms and Blessings, September 25
Inklings and notions, September 26
HappyWhenReading, September 26
For Him and My Family, September 27
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, September 27 (Author Interview)
deb’s Book Review, September 28
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 28
Aryn the Libraryan, September 29
The Sacred Line, September 29
She Lives To Read, September 30
Connect in Fiction, October 1
Locks, Hooks and Books, October 1
Reviewingbooksplusmore, October 2
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 2
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 3
Life, love, writing, October 3
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 4
Simple Harvest Reads, October 4 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 5
Splashes of Joy, October 5
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 6
Blogging With Carol, October 6
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, October 7
Mary Hake, October 7
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Melissa is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!
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/11b5d/seasoned-grace-celebration-tour-giveaway
One man fights overwhelming odds to survive and protect. Caught between the love of two beautiful women, which one will he choose?
Anne’s home is in the quaint antiquing town of McKinney, Texas, just a few miles north of Dallas. Her husband is a retired Colonel, Army Special Forces. Her little gold and white Shih Tzu, Lily Valentine, shares her writing space, curled at her feet. She has four beautiful, talented children, and eight grandchildren who keep her on her toes and running.