Title: The Third Grace
Author: Deb Elkink
Year: 2011
Pages: 306
Publisher: Greenbrier
Book Company, LLC
Note: I received a
complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely
my responsibility. Other reviews can be
read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/
. Also follow me on Twitter
@lcjohnson1988
Just like Paul preaching at Mars
Hill way back when, this wonderful debut novel weaves a modern story of
choices. What choices? The same as the people in Mars Hill had…whether
to believe in various idols or in the One True God. Mary Grace was raised on a farm with her
siblings in Nebraska. At a young age, she decided that she wanted to
live in the city. A young man from
France came to live with Mary Grace and her family as an exchange student when
suddenly an event happened that changed lives forever.
Mary
Grace changed her name to one of the three goddesses depicted in the statute
known as the Three Graces. Mary Grace
was brought up in a strong Christian home with her siblings, but the young man
from overseas introduced her to Greek mythology. All through Francois’ short stay, he was the
center of attention as far as Mary Grace was concerned. They shared some private moments together
though thankfully each time something or someone prevented Mary Grace from
going into dangerous waters. Later in
her young adult life, Mary Grace comes to know just how much she was protected
by God when she learns of other events that involved Francois.
Working
in the costume arena, with little formal schooling, Mary Grace now known as Aglaia
earned a reputation that received attention from others worldwide. Her knowledge and skill in sewing, material
selections, and putting together accurate costumes garnered her great respect
as she worked for a private company.
Mary has been carrying a secret love or is it lust? When her mother learns Mary is going to Paris
to present one of her costumes for display, she hands her François’ Bible to
return to him and that sets in motion events of heart and life.
Lou is
a woman who is driven by self ambition and unashamedly uses people for her own
benefit. Her working as a professor for
a university is not all what Lou wants.
She is assertively and sublimely weaving a web to trap Aglaia in ways
that are covert and meant only for her own gratification and tenure at the
university. Does Lou want Aglaia at the
university to teach or make costumes or is there some evil plans made to ruin
lives? Whose lives will be changed? Naomi, Mary Graces’ best friend since they were
little girls, tries to mend the broken relationship with Mary Grace. Why?
What secret has Naomi never told her best friend? Why did Naomi move away on the day Mary
Grace’s brother Joel was going to be laid to rest?
There
are many threads that the author brings together to weave a very gripping and
poignant story of choices, forgiveness, love, and more. Readers will enjoy this story from page one until
the end. Get a copy of
The Third Grace, something to drink and enjoy a fresh and unique story.
My rating is 4 ½ stars.
