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Victim of Grace: When God’s Goodness Prevails
Robin Jones Gunn reveals poignant truths from her life as well as from the lives of women in the Bible as she flips the notion that we are at the mercy of circumstances. She asks, what if God has dreams for you? What if he is accomplishing those dreams in the midst of shattered hopes? When life doesn't go as expected, it's easy to feel like a victim. We look at the events that have gone wrong and view our lives as impaired. What if we could see our future as God sees it? Would our view radically change if we understood we are indeed victims rather than of happenstance? God, the Relentless Lover, has vigorously sought you. He has instilled dreams in your heart that are grander than you can imagine. But the route to their fulfillment often is through a path you wouldn't seek. What if God wants to take the hopes that tug at your heart and enliven them? Are you ready to live inside the mysterious joy of being a victim of grace?
208 pages, Paperback
First published April 23, 2013
74 people are currently reading
677 people want to read
About the author
Robin Jones Gunn
162 books2,630 followersROBIN JONES GUNN has written more than 100 books with over 6.5 million copies sold worldwide. Her Father Christmas books have been made into three Hallmark Christmas movies. The timeless Christy Miller series now continues in Christy & Todd: The College Years, Married Years, Baby Years, and the Haven Maker series. Robin's novels and non-fiction works include Before Your Tween Daughter Becomes a Woman, Victim of Grace, Praying for Your Future Husband, and Before You Meet Your Future Husband co-authored with Tricia Goyer. Her books have received multiple awards and are a favorite with book clubs and study groups. Many of Robin's books are in eBook, audiobook, large print, and foreign editions. Robin does a weekly Podcast called "Women Worth Knowing" with Cheryl Brodersen. Robin and her husband have a grown son and daughter and live in California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
March 4, 2015
After being given this book by a friend, it has sat on the bookshelf for over twelve months. Several times I have picked it up, looked at the beautiful cover and put it back down again. Now I know why. This book was waiting for me to be at the right stage of needing its words of wisdom and encouragement.
The author Robin Jones Gunn was unfamiliar to me even though she has written an award winning series of novels featuring Christy Miller. This is not a novel. It relates stories from the author’s own life and lessons learned when going through hard times. I thought these were very honest and didn’t try and whitewash the negative feelings, anger and resentment that sometimes had to be worked though in a situation. I could relate to so many of the feelings and situations. The author then ties each personal story and experience to a woman from the bible who experienced tough times. In the pages you will meet Hagar, Hannah, Rachel, Ruth and Mary among others.
This book is very easy to read yet it is not lightweight. I found a lot to challenge me and make me think. The author has an interesting way of telling a story. She really makes you feel part of the situation. I liked all of it but I was particularly struck by what I felt was a little different look at the story of Naomi and Ruth. It made more sense to me the way it was explained in this book. Now that I have finished it, that is not the end. Not only will I be thinking over what I have read and seeking to make some changes in my life, but I plan to now give this book to someone else who needs encouragement and who I hope will benefit from its words of wisdom.
The author Robin Jones Gunn was unfamiliar to me even though she has written an award winning series of novels featuring Christy Miller. This is not a novel. It relates stories from the author’s own life and lessons learned when going through hard times. I thought these were very honest and didn’t try and whitewash the negative feelings, anger and resentment that sometimes had to be worked though in a situation. I could relate to so many of the feelings and situations. The author then ties each personal story and experience to a woman from the bible who experienced tough times. In the pages you will meet Hagar, Hannah, Rachel, Ruth and Mary among others.
This book is very easy to read yet it is not lightweight. I found a lot to challenge me and make me think. The author has an interesting way of telling a story. She really makes you feel part of the situation. I liked all of it but I was particularly struck by what I felt was a little different look at the story of Naomi and Ruth. It made more sense to me the way it was explained in this book. Now that I have finished it, that is not the end. Not only will I be thinking over what I have read and seeking to make some changes in my life, but I plan to now give this book to someone else who needs encouragement and who I hope will benefit from its words of wisdom.
July 12, 2022
July 2022 re-read, paperback.
May 2014 re-read, audiobook read by the author.
August 2013: Robin Gunn has been a favorite author of mine for over 12 years now. This non-fiction was as compelling and readable as any of her fiction, only with more Truths woven in. Excellent both as a memoir of a favorite author and as inspiration/encouragement for anyone who feels they are a victim of life's circumstances. Highly recommend. Will definitely read again.
May 2014 re-read, audiobook read by the author.
August 2013: Robin Gunn has been a favorite author of mine for over 12 years now. This non-fiction was as compelling and readable as any of her fiction, only with more Truths woven in. Excellent both as a memoir of a favorite author and as inspiration/encouragement for anyone who feels they are a victim of life's circumstances. Highly recommend. Will definitely read again.
November 19, 2013
Amazing! I grew up reading The Christy Miller Series and several other series by Robin Jones Gunn and they really impacted me as a teenager. Now, in Victim of Grace, Robin shares her own personal story of her life and how she started writing. Interesting fact: Robin used to feel bad about her gift of storytelling because making up stories always got her in trouble as a child. She desperately wanted to be a missionary but was turned down for a laundry supervisor position in Africa. Feeling rejected, Robin moved on in life getting married and having children, but still felt the longing to be a missionary and travel the world to tell others about Jesus. One day, Robin noticed the young girls in the youth group reading books. She asked to see what they were reading and was saddened to find they were reading very inappropriate books. They asked her to write good stories for them because there really weren't any for their age group at that time. With their help and encouragement, Robin wrote the first Christy Miller book, Summer Promise. It was turned down by publishers ten times before someone agreed to publish it. It ended up being so successful that since then it's been reprinted three times and in multiple languages. Robin was commissioned to write more Christy Miller books as well as many additional series.
In her personal life, Robin battled cancer and other health issues. She and her husband even lost their home. Yet, throughout the ups and downs, Robin shares how God has been so faithful to her and how even without asking for His blessings, He showered her with His love and mercy, making her what Robin terms a "victim of grace."
Robin did end up going to Africa. She even got to fulfill her lifelong fantasy of washing clothes in a river alongside women and children in the African sun. But most importantly, she came to realize how God had used her as a missionary after all- He sent her books out to tell others of His love to Africa and beyond, a far more amazing dream than Robin could ever have dreamt up herself. And despite losing their house in the States, Robin and her husband were offered an opportunity to live in Hawaii doing ministry, a place they both loved.
Throughout the book, Robin weaves in the stories of Biblical women along with hers. Mary, Ruth, Rebekah and other women encourage and inspire.
This book is an awesome testimony in and of itself that I think anyone would be encouraged by, but will be far more appealing to those who are familiar with Robin's books. For me, this book impacted me even more than her fictional works that I read throughout the years. I loved seeing real faith in action and being reminded that even when we don't understand why bad things happen or certain doors close, God is still working on our behalf and His plan is greater than our own if we can just learn to trust Him.
In her personal life, Robin battled cancer and other health issues. She and her husband even lost their home. Yet, throughout the ups and downs, Robin shares how God has been so faithful to her and how even without asking for His blessings, He showered her with His love and mercy, making her what Robin terms a "victim of grace."
Robin did end up going to Africa. She even got to fulfill her lifelong fantasy of washing clothes in a river alongside women and children in the African sun. But most importantly, she came to realize how God had used her as a missionary after all- He sent her books out to tell others of His love to Africa and beyond, a far more amazing dream than Robin could ever have dreamt up herself. And despite losing their house in the States, Robin and her husband were offered an opportunity to live in Hawaii doing ministry, a place they both loved.
Throughout the book, Robin weaves in the stories of Biblical women along with hers. Mary, Ruth, Rebekah and other women encourage and inspire.
This book is an awesome testimony in and of itself that I think anyone would be encouraged by, but will be far more appealing to those who are familiar with Robin's books. For me, this book impacted me even more than her fictional works that I read throughout the years. I loved seeing real faith in action and being reminded that even when we don't understand why bad things happen or certain doors close, God is still working on our behalf and His plan is greater than our own if we can just learn to trust Him.
March 30, 2020
This was an intriguing and thoughtful book! I enjoyed learning so much more about Robin Jones Gunn's life, the process of her writing the CHRISTY MILLER series, and how she reacted to different seasons of life & grew in Christ. A sweet reminder that we are, indeed, victims of grace and we can walk in joy and peace...safe in the Father's hand...even when difficult times come.
Worthwhile read!
Worthwhile read!
May 13, 2024
I love books and glean something from
almost ever single one I read. There are books that are perfect for me in the moment and teach me many things. Then there are some that go even further. They make me cry and touch places inside me with a grace and love in a way I can’t describe. Victim of Grace was one of those for me.
I read this book slow. I savored it and wrote in the margins. It was filled with hope and gentle truth that inspired me to a deeper level of trust that God has a good plan for me and that hard things can’t stop that plan.
Robin shared her story in a way that showed the hard uncertain things in her life and how God worked through them to acomplish his purpose but also bless Robin.
Each chapter first shared a struggle Robin walked through then other “victims of grace”, biblical people, and finished with how God worked out the struggle in her life for his glory and her good. Her story showcased that a life well lived, and loved, is not a life of comfort or perfection, but a life of trust in God, eyes open and expectant to see his goodness. And how he answers the desires he puts in our hearts in ways far above what we may expect. It showed me how it is possible to hold dreams with humility and courage not for selfish gain, but also not with timidity—rather with delight and trust.
As I shut this book, I was infused with an extra dose of belief that I can fully trust God with the story He has given me and is still writing.
almost ever single one I read. There are books that are perfect for me in the moment and teach me many things. Then there are some that go even further. They make me cry and touch places inside me with a grace and love in a way I can’t describe. Victim of Grace was one of those for me.
I read this book slow. I savored it and wrote in the margins. It was filled with hope and gentle truth that inspired me to a deeper level of trust that God has a good plan for me and that hard things can’t stop that plan.
Robin shared her story in a way that showed the hard uncertain things in her life and how God worked through them to acomplish his purpose but also bless Robin.
Each chapter first shared a struggle Robin walked through then other “victims of grace”, biblical people, and finished with how God worked out the struggle in her life for his glory and her good. Her story showcased that a life well lived, and loved, is not a life of comfort or perfection, but a life of trust in God, eyes open and expectant to see his goodness. And how he answers the desires he puts in our hearts in ways far above what we may expect. It showed me how it is possible to hold dreams with humility and courage not for selfish gain, but also not with timidity—rather with delight and trust.
As I shut this book, I was infused with an extra dose of belief that I can fully trust God with the story He has given me and is still writing.
January 15, 2022
I loved this book, and encourage you to read it. It was entertaining, delightful, and genuine, with both relatable and moving stories from Robin's life.
I had never heard of Robin Jones Gunn, nor her best selling books the Christy Miller series and the Sierra Jensen series. But I was intrigued by the description of this book, which is her memoir chronicling her life as a writer, and so much more. She tells of personal experiences she has had throughout her life, describing how God has guided and influenced her. She includes stories of women in the Bible as examples of God's grace. I found myself seeing things from a fresh perspective, and was often moved by the things she shared in these pages.
What makes this book so readable is Robin's writing style - very open and personable. In a comfortable and conversational approach, she shares her honest thoughts - doubts and fears as well as triumphs, and reveals that when we feel caught up in life's circumstances, to remember that God is in control. What a comfort to know that! And to realize that everything good that happens is because of God's grace.
I plan to buy copies of this special book to share with friends, and it's one I'll be reading again. I highly recommend!
I had never heard of Robin Jones Gunn, nor her best selling books the Christy Miller series and the Sierra Jensen series. But I was intrigued by the description of this book, which is her memoir chronicling her life as a writer, and so much more. She tells of personal experiences she has had throughout her life, describing how God has guided and influenced her. She includes stories of women in the Bible as examples of God's grace. I found myself seeing things from a fresh perspective, and was often moved by the things she shared in these pages.
What makes this book so readable is Robin's writing style - very open and personable. In a comfortable and conversational approach, she shares her honest thoughts - doubts and fears as well as triumphs, and reveals that when we feel caught up in life's circumstances, to remember that God is in control. What a comfort to know that! And to realize that everything good that happens is because of God's grace.
I plan to buy copies of this special book to share with friends, and it's one I'll be reading again. I highly recommend!
October 29, 2020
I’m probably one of the few people who read this book without ever having read any of RJG’s novels (I don’t read much contemporary fiction). And yes, I plan to rectify that ASAP. I bought Victim of Grace after hearing RJG’s keynote at a conference, and it was just as wonderful as I’d hoped. Packed full of testimony after testimony of God’s unfailing goodness, this book both challenged and inspired me, which is the best kind of encouragement. My heart is full.
January 29, 2022
Loved this beautiful book, both because we get to know RJG better and see some of the backstory behind her books, but also because of the beautiful way she reflects what an artist God is in the way He deals with us. She weaves in wise counsel throughout her story and the stories of women of the Bible.
December 28, 2020
Super encouraging. Very grounded in God's Word and focused on God's good loving heart towards His children.
February 13, 2022
Robin Jones Gunn's influence on my life has been monumuental. I started reading her Christy Miller Collection, Vol. 1 books when I was in 7th grade. I have passed them on to my quite-younger-than-me sisters-in-laws, cousins, nieces and of course, my own daughter. Her Sisterchicks Do the Hula books changed my relationship with my 5 long-time best friends. Not to mention the 1000's of wonderful memories I have reading her Mrs. Rosey Posey and the Fine China Plate books to my kids.
But this book. This book tells Robin's own story. Her own story of following the Lord in the hardest of times and honestly, *not* following him, too. And through it, she has mentored me to love and follow Jesus, to recognize Him in places I might not and to trust Him in every way.
I decided to give this to my daughter on her 16th birthday and before doing so, I reread it and highlighted parts that spoke to me. (THERE WERE A LOT OF HIGHLIGHTS.) I had forgotten that through Robin's story, she told stories of women from the Bible. And WOW, is it rich. (The section about Martha is AMAZING.) Here's one quote to give you a taste of the beauty of this book and Truth,
"Eve was the first woman to hear the cry of the Relentless Lover. From that ancient moment until this very day, Father God hasn’t stopped calling out to each of us. He comes walking in the garden of our hearts, pursuing us, making himself accessible, and inviting us to come out of hiding."
I encouraged my daughter to read this book every year and I'm going to do the same. It's that good.
But this book. This book tells Robin's own story. Her own story of following the Lord in the hardest of times and honestly, *not* following him, too. And through it, she has mentored me to love and follow Jesus, to recognize Him in places I might not and to trust Him in every way.
I decided to give this to my daughter on her 16th birthday and before doing so, I reread it and highlighted parts that spoke to me. (THERE WERE A LOT OF HIGHLIGHTS.) I had forgotten that through Robin's story, she told stories of women from the Bible. And WOW, is it rich. (The section about Martha is AMAZING.) Here's one quote to give you a taste of the beauty of this book and Truth,
"Eve was the first woman to hear the cry of the Relentless Lover. From that ancient moment until this very day, Father God hasn’t stopped calling out to each of us. He comes walking in the garden of our hearts, pursuing us, making himself accessible, and inviting us to come out of hiding."
I encouraged my daughter to read this book every year and I'm going to do the same. It's that good.
May 29, 2013
The past 3 years of my life have been very hard and has sometimes made me feeling like I am a victim of life's circumstances. Difficulties came to me that were not of my own making and I felt lost and abandoned by God. If we are honest, I think we have all felt that way at one time or another in life. Life is full of ups and down. In Robin Jones Gunn's new book, Victim of Grace, she shares how God is with us in all of our circumstances accomplishing His purposes in us and through us. This is Robin's personal story of how God has used her and worked through her life--even when it didn't seem like God was working anything out. She shares how God used her writing gifts and how she got started writing . . .and how she continues to write today. She truly shows through her life's story how God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we ask or imagine. (Eph. 3:20) Robin's life story made me smile and made me cry. She shares in the stories from the Bible and how God worked in their lives. I need to stop and reflect on how God has been working in my life and how to be obedient to Him at this stage of my life, even though I don't "see" or understand what HE is doing in me and in my life.
I feel blessed to review Robin's new book: Victim of Grace: When God's Goodness Prevails.
I highly recommend this uplifting book to women of all ages. There are questions at the end of the book for book club and/or study discussions. It would be a great book study for a group of women.
I received this book from Zondervan through Booksneeze. to share my honest review.
I feel blessed to review Robin's new book: Victim of Grace: When God's Goodness Prevails.
I highly recommend this uplifting book to women of all ages. There are questions at the end of the book for book club and/or study discussions. It would be a great book study for a group of women.
I received this book from Zondervan through Booksneeze. to share my honest review.
May 13, 2013
Victim of Grace
First I want to thank Robin Jones Gunn for sharing her life story with us. I know it is not easy to just open up and let the public throw their opinions about your personal affairs. But as its written in this book it all depends on what you look at in the story. Do you look at the dramma or do you look at grace???
I want to tell you that I was very inspired by it. God never abandons a hurting heart.
I love how through your life you learned from each woman in the Bible. I, myself, have learned a lot from Hannah and applied her example in my life with my first son -- for whom we prayed very hard-- and when God gave little Samuel to us in all His aboundant grace and love God made him perfect despite all doctors warnings and objections...
God is gracious and very litteral, which is why in the Bible He doesnt sugarcoat character's stories. It is for us, when we feel like victims in this life, we read them and realise that we are actually victims of Grace. Because no matter what hurts life puts you through at the end God has a great reward for your faithfullness.
I recommend this book to all who ever had the fortune of reading Robin's books (I know i read a lot of them and have been inspired from all). You will delited to find out how each book was "born" and eddited and how while Robin was writing teen's stories God was writing her story.
Disclaimer: I got a free copy of this book from Zondervan Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
First I want to thank Robin Jones Gunn for sharing her life story with us. I know it is not easy to just open up and let the public throw their opinions about your personal affairs. But as its written in this book it all depends on what you look at in the story. Do you look at the dramma or do you look at grace???
I want to tell you that I was very inspired by it. God never abandons a hurting heart.
I love how through your life you learned from each woman in the Bible. I, myself, have learned a lot from Hannah and applied her example in my life with my first son -- for whom we prayed very hard-- and when God gave little Samuel to us in all His aboundant grace and love God made him perfect despite all doctors warnings and objections...
God is gracious and very litteral, which is why in the Bible He doesnt sugarcoat character's stories. It is for us, when we feel like victims in this life, we read them and realise that we are actually victims of Grace. Because no matter what hurts life puts you through at the end God has a great reward for your faithfullness.
I recommend this book to all who ever had the fortune of reading Robin's books (I know i read a lot of them and have been inspired from all). You will delited to find out how each book was "born" and eddited and how while Robin was writing teen's stories God was writing her story.
Disclaimer: I got a free copy of this book from Zondervan Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 7, 2014
Imagine meeting that friend you haven't talked to in forever at a local coffee shop and catching up. Or better yet, meeting the "sister" you didn't know you had. That's the gift that Robin Jones Gunn gives in this incredibly grace-filled book.
Her stories, by the grace of God, breathe life into a weary soul. They inspire others to seek out God and find hope in the midst of their trials, seasons and unknown number of days on the "ark of their lives." I learned so much about myself and the love of my Savior as I read through "Victim of Grace." Although Robin and I haven't met, I left the book feeling connected to her in a way akin to meeting another sister in Christ for the first time. She challenges the reader to relinquish any small, wish-upon-a-star dreams that we have and opening our hands to receive the goodness that God has for us -- his plans are more than we can even conjure up or "make" happen on our own.
Like many, I too have dreams that have remained unfulfilled. Robin's words were like a balm to my battered heart and her gentle nudging has brought me back into the arms of my Creator. I recommend this book to any other weary sojourner of faith (or anyone seeking more; seeking the truth in this life) and I look forward to reading many of the other books she's written.
Her stories, by the grace of God, breathe life into a weary soul. They inspire others to seek out God and find hope in the midst of their trials, seasons and unknown number of days on the "ark of their lives." I learned so much about myself and the love of my Savior as I read through "Victim of Grace." Although Robin and I haven't met, I left the book feeling connected to her in a way akin to meeting another sister in Christ for the first time. She challenges the reader to relinquish any small, wish-upon-a-star dreams that we have and opening our hands to receive the goodness that God has for us -- his plans are more than we can even conjure up or "make" happen on our own.
Like many, I too have dreams that have remained unfulfilled. Robin's words were like a balm to my battered heart and her gentle nudging has brought me back into the arms of my Creator. I recommend this book to any other weary sojourner of faith (or anyone seeking more; seeking the truth in this life) and I look forward to reading many of the other books she's written.
January 30, 2018
I loved Robin's honesty in this book. The way she wrote about her dreams of becoming a missionary and how God brought that to pass in a way she didn't expect, gives me hope to see God's goodness prevail in my life. To know that God uses the winter seasons in our life even when we can't yet see how, gives me hope too. Her kindred victims of grace, like Ruth, Rebekah, Hagar, etc - I loved that she retold their stories and tied them to certain times in her life. The discussion questions for every chapter helped me to go deeper into how God is working in my life.
For my first book of Robin's, I can definitely say I recommend it! I can't wait to read my next book by her: Gardenias for Breakfast.
Favorite quotes:
When it seems there is no way forward in the midst of whatever situation, season, or trial you’re in, nothing is impossible with God.
Think of how many times you just happened to be in a certain place at a certain time, and “as it turned out,” you were exactly where God wanted you. He was the one who led you there. You ended up in that place for a purpose, so that he might write the next chapter in his Forever Tale.
Every woman should know such a kindred spirit, such a rafiki, such a kindred victim of grace.
He has plans for us that are bigger than any dream or whim we could ever wish for ourselves.
For my first book of Robin's, I can definitely say I recommend it! I can't wait to read my next book by her: Gardenias for Breakfast.
Favorite quotes:
When it seems there is no way forward in the midst of whatever situation, season, or trial you’re in, nothing is impossible with God.
Think of how many times you just happened to be in a certain place at a certain time, and “as it turned out,” you were exactly where God wanted you. He was the one who led you there. You ended up in that place for a purpose, so that he might write the next chapter in his Forever Tale.
Every woman should know such a kindred spirit, such a rafiki, such a kindred victim of grace.
He has plans for us that are bigger than any dream or whim we could ever wish for ourselves.
May 25, 2013
My Review: I was immediately attracted to the cover of the book, it is beautiful. I was also drawn to the title-Victim of Grace. I started thinking what is a victim of grace? God's grace, I never thought of it that way but I am also a Victim of Grace. I love the way the the author brings in women of the bible and shows how today's woman is similar in their faith or sometimes lack of. She gracefully illustrates verses of the bible with her life and how we also can have the same grace. She explains that grace is a protective covering that God places over us, it is also the source of our strength. I found that I can relate to many of the stories of her life-not her work as I am not an author/writer but the way that she tries to live her life. I know that I have to remember to have consistency with reading God's Word or else I will have lots of unhealthy thoughts and fears. I was reminded that I need to pray consistently and surrender each moment to my Saviour. This book is a great read as it has many reminders of the mercy that God has given us as we deserve death but we got "graced."
I received this complimentary book from booksneeze.com for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
I received this complimentary book from booksneeze.com for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
February 5, 2014
After hearing Robin Jones Gunn speak in person last spring, I was anxious to read this book... but other books caught my attention, and I put it off until this year, when God put the word "Grace" on my heart for the year. It is a compelling book...one that weaves together Robin's personal stories as well as stories from different women in the Bible. The over-arching theme is how God uses it "all"... the good and the bad in our lives... to accomplish His purposes for us and to bless us. It talks about how His dreams for us are so much bigger than anything we can imagine, and how we can trust Him to bring those dreams to fulfillment in His timing. This is a book I am glad that I own, as I know it is one I will want to read again.
April 13, 2019
This is such an encouraging memoir. Robin Jones Gunn delightfully weaves her own remarkable story--which has taken her from Africa to Maui--with those of others, and also of the women in the Bible, seeing God's hand behind her story and their stories. I especially liked how she thought about the life and reactions of Mary Magdalene. And how Robin's Christy Miller series had so encouraged life choices in young women, and that they later got to meet the author in surprising places. Hopeful and encouraging. "It's never too late to dream a new dream."
March 29, 2016
3.5 stars
Victim of Grace was a pretty good read. I enjoyed the personal stories of Robin Jones Gunn and the way she matched them with women of the Bible and their stories. A good read!
*I received a complimentary eBook copy via NetGalley for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
Victim of Grace was a pretty good read. I enjoyed the personal stories of Robin Jones Gunn and the way she matched them with women of the Bible and their stories. A good read!
*I received a complimentary eBook copy via NetGalley for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
March 9, 2014
I would give this book twenty stars if I could. Gunn's memoir about her experiences as a writer and God's intervention in her life entwined with stories of women in the Bible.
November 3, 2023
Number of pages: 198
Genre: non-fiction, devotional-like
Series: N/A
Age recommendation: high school and adults; Mrs. Gunn shares from her college and married life, which I don’t think is particularly relatable or useful for younger readers.
Summary: Why does this keep happening to me?
It’s not fair. I never asked to be treated this way.
I did nothing to deserve this.
And yet
Every moment of every day, completely unprovoked,
God pours out His love on me
He blesses me in unexpected ways
His mercies are new every morning.
No matter what I do I am powerless to stop Him.
Even in the worst situations His goodness prevails. He is relentless.
I am a victim of grace.
- Robin Jones Gunn.
My thoughts: I loved Mrs. Gunn's Christian content in all the Christy Miller books (even if I didn't particularly enjoy all the plots and drama), so I was excited to try one of her more devotional-style books. This book isn't exactly a devotional, but every chapter has a biblical figure - all women - with a lesson we can learn from them.
This book was really good. I liked that Mrs. Gunn was willing to share her experiences with everybody and make herself and her life vulnerable to others. I also really liked that the book felt like a conversation with a friend. It was very cool to see how God worked through her life.
The only thing I didn't really like was that there’s only 11 chapters in the whole book, which means they get pretty long. It’s not that the content was dragging, it’s just that I feel like a slow reader when it takes me a really long time to read a chapter. I feel like I’m not getting anywhere, and then I don’t feel like reading the book. It wasn’t a big deal though, and it’s more of a reading preference than anything else.
Victim of Grace was a very interesting book that I would recommend to young adults!
My personal rating: 4.5/5 stars.
Link to blog: https://wordpress.com/post/karinaschr...
Genre: non-fiction, devotional-like
Series: N/A
Age recommendation: high school and adults; Mrs. Gunn shares from her college and married life, which I don’t think is particularly relatable or useful for younger readers.
Summary: Why does this keep happening to me?
It’s not fair. I never asked to be treated this way.
I did nothing to deserve this.
And yet
Every moment of every day, completely unprovoked,
God pours out His love on me
He blesses me in unexpected ways
His mercies are new every morning.
No matter what I do I am powerless to stop Him.
Even in the worst situations His goodness prevails. He is relentless.
I am a victim of grace.
- Robin Jones Gunn.
My thoughts: I loved Mrs. Gunn's Christian content in all the Christy Miller books (even if I didn't particularly enjoy all the plots and drama), so I was excited to try one of her more devotional-style books. This book isn't exactly a devotional, but every chapter has a biblical figure - all women - with a lesson we can learn from them.
This book was really good. I liked that Mrs. Gunn was willing to share her experiences with everybody and make herself and her life vulnerable to others. I also really liked that the book felt like a conversation with a friend. It was very cool to see how God worked through her life.
The only thing I didn't really like was that there’s only 11 chapters in the whole book, which means they get pretty long. It’s not that the content was dragging, it’s just that I feel like a slow reader when it takes me a really long time to read a chapter. I feel like I’m not getting anywhere, and then I don’t feel like reading the book. It wasn’t a big deal though, and it’s more of a reading preference than anything else.
Victim of Grace was a very interesting book that I would recommend to young adults!
My personal rating: 4.5/5 stars.
Link to blog: https://wordpress.com/post/karinaschr...
May 24, 2019
As usual, a great book by Robin Jones Gunn. She has such a gift of writing.
It was enlightening to read her story. I've read so many of her books, but so little have I heard of her own life. It's been an adventurous one for her, filled with God's grace. I'm thankful she opened up and shared many of her personal memories with us. She interwove the stories from the Bible brilliantly into her own experiences, and it made for a pleasant read.
Her writing was beautiful. Robin always finds the right words to put things poetically, and her kind and gentle heart always shines through. She paints pictures in my mind and plants new ideas in my heart. She did no less in "Victim of Grace."
I also learned a lot about God, and felt like I was closer to him. Robin really loves God, and it's obvious in her story.
So thank you, Robin Jones Gunn, for writing another book that touched my heart. I'm excited to read more books by you soon. :)
It was enlightening to read her story. I've read so many of her books, but so little have I heard of her own life. It's been an adventurous one for her, filled with God's grace. I'm thankful she opened up and shared many of her personal memories with us. She interwove the stories from the Bible brilliantly into her own experiences, and it made for a pleasant read.
Her writing was beautiful. Robin always finds the right words to put things poetically, and her kind and gentle heart always shines through. She paints pictures in my mind and plants new ideas in my heart. She did no less in "Victim of Grace."
I also learned a lot about God, and felt like I was closer to him. Robin really loves God, and it's obvious in her story.
So thank you, Robin Jones Gunn, for writing another book that touched my heart. I'm excited to read more books by you soon. :)
November 27, 2023
I encountered this book exactly when I needed to, though it's been on my list for awhile. It reminded me of the joys I had reading Gunn's YA series growing up and how insightful her work always is. I never was interested in her Sisterchicks series before but will need to take a look now! This is an excellent book for reframing how you perceive the way things happen in your life. Anyone walking through a hard season could benefit from reading. I can see revisiting this and recommending it in the future.
July 16, 2020
One of the best books I’ve read!
Victim of Grace: When God’s Goodness Prevails is such a beautiful story of how God knows us so intimately and desires to bless us and grow us in ways that allow His glory to penetrate our lives in such deep, unlikely and beautiful ways. This book is such a gift of seeing God’s goodness at work and inspires me to continue leaning on my Heavenly Father and believing for the abundance He has for each of His children!
Victim of Grace: When God’s Goodness Prevails is such a beautiful story of how God knows us so intimately and desires to bless us and grow us in ways that allow His glory to penetrate our lives in such deep, unlikely and beautiful ways. This book is such a gift of seeing God’s goodness at work and inspires me to continue leaning on my Heavenly Father and believing for the abundance He has for each of His children!
June 24, 2022
Honest review. I do not care for memoirs. I read this as part of a book club and I must say, there are some beautiful gold nuggets in here. It was heart warming, in that the book is full of her testimonies and the faithfulness of God in her life. I did have to push through it, (again, I don’t care for memoirs), but I’m glad I read it. There were some parts that deeply touched me. And also-I’ve now added the Sisterchicks Series to my TBR!😊
June 10, 2019
Gol...this book. I read it in just a few hours, over the course of a morning. SO good.
I’ve read scads of Gunn’s books over the years, and found this part-memoir, part-devotional, part-a lots of things to be insightful, encouraging, and constantly pointing back to Christ and his faithfulness. I defo have some key takeaways for my own walk. Excellent, excellent book.
I’ve read scads of Gunn’s books over the years, and found this part-memoir, part-devotional, part-a lots of things to be insightful, encouraging, and constantly pointing back to Christ and his faithfulness. I defo have some key takeaways for my own walk. Excellent, excellent book.
June 16, 2024
This is the book I keep in our bathroom so that when I’m having a hard day and go to take a bath, I can crack the pages open and find some encouragement and truth to soak in. A friend of mine describe this book as a warm hug, and I totally agree.
We are not victims of our situations but rather victims of the wonderful grace of God.
We are not victims of our situations but rather victims of the wonderful grace of God.
February 20, 2025
I loved Robin’s series as a teenager and stumbled across this one of hers. It’s Christian non-fiction but like a mixture of her life story, stories of women of the Bible, and the themes of grace in it all. She’s a story teller and engaging. I didn’t want to put it down. God takes our dreams and makes them better.
June 12, 2019
Beautiful!! A must read for everybody... She talks through her own life and the Bible giving examples of how God bestows grace, even when we don't deserve it... When we are lacking, but He makes us more than enough. This will touch your heart. I feel every reader will be changed, in some way.
July 18, 2021
I checked this book out from the library. It took me almost 3 months to read it because it was so moving that some days I would have to set it down and reflect on what Robin had wrote about. As soon as I was finished reading I went to Amazon and bought it so that I could read it again and again.
December 29, 2022
I honestly LOVED this book. There was one chapter that seemed to lean a little prosperity gospel throughout the chapter, but at the end of the chapter it came together and was clarified more and wasn’t prosperity gospel. I highly recommend this book!
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