Grace

A touching story with a surprise ending...

This is one book that you can't put down once you start it. The ending was certainly not something I had expected. Actually, as I turned from page to page, I really had no idea how the book would have to end.
I was enthralled with Eric, who on the surface seems like any typical teenager but as the story moves, you sense how trusting he is, and how compassionate he is towards Grace, and the love that develops between them as she shares her horrible secret and his urge to protect her at all means. In the end, you get the anguish he felt towards his family, as well as his anguish and the blame he had for himself for giving in and not being there. It was a world that no teenager should have to go through, whether as the abused child or a child forced to keep a secret for someone they care deeply about.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

This book wrapped itself around me

Enjoyed the writing style of this author previously, so had a pretty good idea of the heart-touching quality of his work. This story was so intricately wound around the characters, that, by the end of the story, I had a bond with the 2 main characters. I must say the ending caught me by surprise or at least my reaction to the ending was a surprise to me. I think Mr. Evans got completely real and opened up eyes and hearts with this one. I hold this one dear and would share it with my family.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Touching to the heart,but brings tears to your eyes,Iwould recommend all teens to read this book.

My name is Kimberly,i was reading the book Grace it was a great story and very emotional.Eric was fourteen when he moved to California with his mom.dad,and little brother Joel.Eric got a partime job working at a local restraunt BurgerMcQueen,there he met a girl Grace who was a runaway looking through the dumpster for food.When Eric saw her he said nothing but asked her if she wanted to come in and get something to eat.After work Eric asked to walk Grace home but said she ranaway Eric had no idea what was going to happen next,Eric said she could stay in his and Joel's clubhouse for a little while.Eric kept her a secret for months after a couple months Grace and Eric started going out in public but tried not to get noticed.at the end of the story someone said they seen Eric with Grace, when the police showed up at Eric's house Eric was scared he didn't know what to do.The police asked Eric where she was he told them in the clubhouse out back in the paster,the police took Grace back to her mom and stepdad,Eric tried to stop them but he was to late,Eric went to school the next day but did not see Grace he knew something was wrong,when he got home Eric's mom told him that Grace was dead and that she was pregnant by her stepdad.
This book is great for teens who are pregnant and having family problems,it teaches you about responsibility.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com

If one were to look up the definition of "grace," this is what one would find: a virtue coming from God or disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency among others. But either of these definitions could apply to the beautiful story written by Mr. Evans.

GRACE is another amazing story written by the author of THE CHRISTMAS BOX. For those who have never read anything by Mr. Evans, GRACE will not disappoint, and will most likely lead you to read the rest of his works.
For those that are already fans (such as myself), this is another wonderful novel. Many of Mr. Evans' stories celebrate the Christmas season. Though not completely revolving around the holiday, GRACE reaches into the heart and touches all that is special with the Christmas spirit.

Eric's life is far from wonderful. After his father hurt his back, the family packed up everything they owned and moved from California to Utah. Money has dried up in the summer of 1962 and, to survive, his family moves into the house left vacant by the death of his maternal grandmother. The house is falling apart, but they are together and have family nearby to help them.

To help with finances, Eric works at McBurger Queen after school. It's there, while cleaning up after closing, that he discovers a girl "dumpster diving" (sorting through the Dumpster for food). He recognizes the girl from one of his classes, but doesn't want to embarrass her. Instead, he invites her inside and offers her the food that would otherwise be discarded.

While she is eating, he learns her name is Grace. She admits she is running away. Eric can't fathom what a girl his age will do to survive. Without thinking of the consequences, he offers up the only place he can think of, the clubhouse in the far corner of his backyard that he built with his younger brother, Joel.

He sets Grace up in the clubhouse with a heating pad for warmth, a flashlight, a transistor radio, and a supply of sleeping bags. As time goes by, the two become friends. He sneaks her food when he can. She sneaks out when it seems safe, and passes her time in the clubhouse with a collection of books from the library.

But her family starts a frantic search for Grace. Announcements are made at school. Flyers are put up around town. And eventually it makes the evening news. Eric is terrified he will be found out and that they will find Grace. He vows to keep her secret. His resolve grows more so when she reveals the reason for running away.

Eric is only fourteen, and the pressure from all sides start to mount. He knows Grace can never be turned over to her family, but what can a teenager do to help her in the end?

Eric berates himself as a grown man that he couldn't help Grace more. He continues to search for the grace he doesn't feel he deserves. Reminiscent of the ending of Saving Private Ryan, the main character searches for the goodness that he hopes he has lived up to in the eyes of those that have gone before him.

Mr. Evans has a way of bringing forth buried feelings. GRACE touches you deep in the spirit and makes you want to be a better person. With the upcoming Christmas season, may we all show a bit of grace to those around us.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Love

Love

Evans does it again with this poignant Christmas tale.

Evans does it again with this poignant Christmas tale.

LOVED IT!!! Made me cry at school

I read this whole book yesterday. I couldnt put it down!!! I finished it before the school day was over. I started crying in language arts when she died (people stared at me... lol. It was kinda embarassing) and my english teacher (also named Mrs Johnson) thought i stabbed my self with my pencil or pen or something. But this was an AMAZING book! Im a sucker for tragic love stories (what almost 14 year old girl isn't?!) This was just as awesome as Nicholas Sparks books :) I cant wait to read more amazing books like this!!!! :D -Mik Mik

Love it!

This is a beautiful story. I cried and smiled and cried some more. Richard Paul Evans does not disappoint when he writes. Worth the buy and worth the read!!

Sobbed my eyes out

Grace was a brillant book I loved it! Sad but beautiful. I just wanted to freaking shoot and beat her stepdad though. Anyway I loved it and its a great read.

Great!!

I love this book, i have read it soo many times!!! I love it!!! :)

a good read

keeps you interested, a new story line I have never come across in any other storybefore. this book will toach your heart and make you care for the charactors in it. kept me up late reading

Grace is a MUST READ

This is the story of a runaway teenage girl and the boy who loved and protected her. It is about young love, child abuse, and heartbreak. Richard Paul Evans once again left me in tears. Bring a box of Kleenex.

Heart warming story

Such a heartwarming story that touchs your inner spirit.

A good reliable R.P. Evans book - pretty much as expected

Enjoyed this book as I have his other writings

Gem of a book

What a lovely little story, about a runaway girl with the boy who falls in love with her, the story coming to a tearful, but "lessonful" ending. The story, although short, and literally can be read in an hour or two, is full of realism, truth, and faith, but not in an overhanded way. Great book for Christmas giving! This is a keeper for a personal library.

A Victim Myself

A co-worker of mine today recommended that I read this book which I am ordering today. I am a victim of sexual abuse in my younger years and today I am a survivor who speaks at colleges, correctional facilities, any place where I can help others to understand a victims life. My website is www.littlevoicesmatter.org to view
Thank you!

Could not put the book down

I could not put the book down. From the first page until the last page this novel was touching and romantic. As I read the novel the characters came to life and held my full attention. I enjoyed reading it.

Touching story

Eric¿s life changes the moment he sees Grace dumpster diving outside the restaurant where he works. He immediately recognizes her from his Spanish class, however he has never spoken to her. After a brief conversation, Eric feels compassion towards Grace and invites her in for a meal, his treat. Grace discloses she ran away from home and doesn¿t have a place to go. Eric invites her to stay in the clubhouse in his backyard and Grace, at first hesitates, but then agrees.

So begins a significant relationship in Eric¿s life. Grace becomes his first love and this relationship will shape Eric¿s life in years to come. Grace is a touching, compelling story about love and loss.

Wow!!!

All you have to say is "wow!" to this book. This is one of the best books I have read in a LONG time! This book is so touching!!!!! This is a book you need to read! I actually cried for an hour!! Look into this book!

One of the best books I have ever read. Outstanding!

How does a person review a book that kept them engrossed with every page and every word? I can only try. This book kept me wanting more with the turning of every page. The young, sweet love that was spawned and the deep tragedy one goes through were made real by bringing the characters into my heart. I wanted to reach out to these young people, wrap my arms around Grace and protect her and in the end protect him. It was a wonderful, wonderful story and book.