Will anyone look beyond the outward appearances?

    

A handsome newcomer with secrets shows a yearning Amish woman a chance at happiness—but their love will need all their courage to keep . . .

Grace Blauch is skilled at midwifery—and crafting quilts that help others pass on messages of enduring family love. But a disfiguring birthmark keeps the young Amish woman from a husband and home of her own—until Mark King arrives from another community. His helpfulness and independent nature earn Grace’s respect. And he finds her outspoken ways and determination to do right irresistibly appealing. Soon Grace is planning a wedding quilt of her very own . . . until her father discovers that Mark’s shunned brother is hiding somewhere in town . . .

Grace can well understand why Mark took such a risk once she hears his wrenching reasons. But she fears even prayer will not convince her father to restore his blessing on their union. She wills herself to face the end of her dreams, but sudden danger and an impossible act of generosity will show her that abiding hope can inspire the most precious of miracles  . . .


Grace's Forgiveness, by Molly Jebber is Book 2 of the Keepsake Pocket Quilt series, and like Book 1, Change of Heart, it can act as a stand-alone. I enjoyed Change of Heart, and therefore was looking forward to this second book, especially about Grace.  From Change of Heart, I new Grace was Becca's (the main character in CoH) best friend, and she is shy and insecure due to a large birthmark on her face.  Now, some time since CofH, Becca is still an accomplished midwife, as well as a partner in a quilt shop with her good friend Sarah.

I felt connected with Grace. Her compassion warms me, independence and skill inspires me and her insecurities resonate with me. I too have a very visible blemish on my face, just that mine is a scar, and not a birthmark. Growing up, I've been teased and laughed at. I've been told I'm not pretty. I've had people look at me with a look of displeasure. I understand Grace's pain and I admire her whenever she tries to look pass the disgust and rudeness of others based solely on her looks, and not her inner beauty.  Though her insecurities are still very prevalent in the book, God's grace shines through and lets her see what is important. A sudden danger and an act of generosity changed her outlook, and allow her to accept love.  That, my friends gives this story depth.

As an Amish historical fiction, Molly gave us traditions and ideals. From barn raising to acceptance to a specific Amish church community, to process towards matrimony and even shunning, we have an eye-full - a book-full of information written into a story that'll appeal to any Amish story fan.  In the romance department, Mark King and Grace are ones to root for.  I also find the family dynamics throughout the story from married couples to brothers to Grace's family, were realistic, which allows for an easy read. The story flows, even when the dialogue tends to be a little choppy, which was similar to what I said about CofH.  With Grace and Sarah's friendship, I felt Sarah was too demanding, but that could be because I can't relate to shunning your best friend or even family members because they left your church. That is one Amish law I will never understand.

In all, a lovely story of growth, love and communication.  This series have turned out to be a gem in my collection.  I look forward to the next one.


NOTE:  I received a complimentary ARC through CelebrateLit as part of Grace's Forgiveness' blog tour in exchange for my honest opinion.  For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.








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