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Finding Grace—A Transformational Journey
Ever wonder what it takes to be uniquely and passionately yourself in a world determined to make you like everyone else? Grace Martin intends to find out as she stumbles from one life lesson to another. With a peculiar but supportive guide and mentor named Mrs. Pettermint, Grace slowly breaks free of traditional family and religion, and courageously explores life, relationships and various spiritual traditions seeking the answers to life’s big questions. Finally, just when she feels she is close to having it all figured out, her beloved mentor dies leaving her nearly $60 Million Dollars. However the only way to claim that inheritance and find the peace she longs for is for Grace to face the critics of her past, the betrayals of the present, and her doubts for the future. Finding Grace shows that in today’s world it is possible to be spiritual without being religious. And for many women, the path to grace is often being willing to celebrate ourselves exactly as we already are.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2013
4 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Kathy Gottberg
14 books13 followersI've been a published author and writer for over 25 years. But beyond my books is my current passion for exploring ideas and experiences that help to create a meaningful, sustainable, compassionate and rewarding life for myself and others on my blog (https://smartliving365.com). Besides that I am healthy, content, and happily married to my best friend and soul mate--Thom! These days I am writing as much as I am able, doing my best to live life fearlessly and full-out....and to always remember, that I get to make it up!
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 27, 2013
There is a slow revolution happening in the approach to religion. A growing number of people struggle with the desire to accept God and religion in their life but find they can’t quite bring themselves to fully embrace the archaic tenants of many institutionalized religions. Movies like “Saved” and “Dogma” and now books like “Finding Grace” are some of the first markers, and hopefully also drivers, of this religious revolution. I am normally very cautious about picking up ‘spiritual’ books for fear that the author will spend pages upon pages trying to tell me what to think and infuriating me with archaic religious theology. At no point during the reading of this novel was I talked down to or presented with infuriating and backwards concepts.
“Finding Grace” is the story of a woman that struggles with deciding God’s place in her own life. It is a life filled with every kind of tribulation from family estrangement and marital problems, to loneliness and even the abortion of a child. Grace transitions through various levels of traditional and non-traditional piety; from being a minister’s wife at one point, to renouncing Church forever at another. However, the book is not sad or emotionally difficult to read. While engaging, it remains fairly positive throughout.
I normally write my reviews by pointing out the positives first and then the aspects I didn’t like. However, the aspect of this book that warrants the most discussion is it's message so I will quickly get the negatives out of the way and move on. I did wish the story had a little less crying, not so much because it was overly melodramatic – it wasn’t – but because I have trouble picturing two people sitting together drinking tea and crying. Maybe that’s just me, but it wasn’t a huge detriment to my enjoyment of the story. I also did not approve when Grace talked about herself as a heroine, although that was one tiny paragraph and we quickly moved on. Finally, I did think that the story-telling could be tightened up a little. I would have liked some more elaboration in some sections to help bring those aspects of Grace’s experience to life. With all of that said, it was an engaging read and I found the trial especially gripping. I pretty much read the second half of the book in one day.
Now to talk about what this book really is. From my perspective it was the presentation of a new philosophy in fiction form – much like Ayn Rand’s ‘Atlas Shrugged’ (Although I did think the story was much better and more concisely written than ‘Atlas Shrugged’ and the narrator in this case does not talk down to her reader). The big difference between both books is that the philosophy presented in “Finding Grace” is more religious and spiritual than Ms. Rand’s. I don’t agree with every idea presented, but that doesn’t matter, because the story simply lays the concepts out for you to accept or reject as you wish. If anything, it encourages you to think for yourself and that inevitably means disagreeing with at least some ideas presented. Otherwise, in my opinion, you’ve missed the most important point.
I think that many readers struggle with “Atlas Shrugged” as I suspect they will with “Finding Grace” because they feel the need to either accept or reject it all in its entirety. I don’t agree with that approach, and even though I don’t agree with every idea in “Finding Grace,” I can say without a doubt, that I am richer for having read it. And more importantly, I will continue to grow richer as I reflect further on it and periodically reevaluate what I have read, whether or not I agree with it, and what it means to me in my life. What greater impact can a book have than that? I already have a list of people in mind with whom I intend to share this book, and I sincerely hope it will make their lives richer as well.
I am very grateful to Kathy for providing me with a free copy of "Finding Grace" in exchange for my honest review.
“Finding Grace” is the story of a woman that struggles with deciding God’s place in her own life. It is a life filled with every kind of tribulation from family estrangement and marital problems, to loneliness and even the abortion of a child. Grace transitions through various levels of traditional and non-traditional piety; from being a minister’s wife at one point, to renouncing Church forever at another. However, the book is not sad or emotionally difficult to read. While engaging, it remains fairly positive throughout.
I normally write my reviews by pointing out the positives first and then the aspects I didn’t like. However, the aspect of this book that warrants the most discussion is it's message so I will quickly get the negatives out of the way and move on. I did wish the story had a little less crying, not so much because it was overly melodramatic – it wasn’t – but because I have trouble picturing two people sitting together drinking tea and crying. Maybe that’s just me, but it wasn’t a huge detriment to my enjoyment of the story. I also did not approve when Grace talked about herself as a heroine, although that was one tiny paragraph and we quickly moved on. Finally, I did think that the story-telling could be tightened up a little. I would have liked some more elaboration in some sections to help bring those aspects of Grace’s experience to life. With all of that said, it was an engaging read and I found the trial especially gripping. I pretty much read the second half of the book in one day.
Now to talk about what this book really is. From my perspective it was the presentation of a new philosophy in fiction form – much like Ayn Rand’s ‘Atlas Shrugged’ (Although I did think the story was much better and more concisely written than ‘Atlas Shrugged’ and the narrator in this case does not talk down to her reader). The big difference between both books is that the philosophy presented in “Finding Grace” is more religious and spiritual than Ms. Rand’s. I don’t agree with every idea presented, but that doesn’t matter, because the story simply lays the concepts out for you to accept or reject as you wish. If anything, it encourages you to think for yourself and that inevitably means disagreeing with at least some ideas presented. Otherwise, in my opinion, you’ve missed the most important point.
I think that many readers struggle with “Atlas Shrugged” as I suspect they will with “Finding Grace” because they feel the need to either accept or reject it all in its entirety. I don’t agree with that approach, and even though I don’t agree with every idea in “Finding Grace,” I can say without a doubt, that I am richer for having read it. And more importantly, I will continue to grow richer as I reflect further on it and periodically reevaluate what I have read, whether or not I agree with it, and what it means to me in my life. What greater impact can a book have than that? I already have a list of people in mind with whom I intend to share this book, and I sincerely hope it will make their lives richer as well.
I am very grateful to Kathy for providing me with a free copy of "Finding Grace" in exchange for my honest review.
February 5, 2013
FINDING GRACE, a Transformational Journey begins the novel with Grace Martin sitting in a courtroom trial. At stake is sixty million dollars she inherited from a woman not her relative. Ron and Angela Pettermint, the son and daughter of the dead woman, are contesting the will. This excellent beginning quickly establishes the novel's high stakes and begs the question of why a woman would leave sixty million dollars to a stranger.
When the narrative flashes back to when Grace Martin was eight years old, it gets even better. We see a fatherless girl being raised by a jaded atheist mother and a fire and brimstone grandmother, the opposing views confusing her on the concept of God and more importantly, what is good and evil. When she meets kind Mrs. Pettermint, the woman steers her in a progressive direction and sets her on a course to a more open and new age interpretation of religion. Though rich in insights, the narrative bogs down a bit in the middle of the book from an extensive dialogue about the concept of God and religion. Fortunately, these lengthy discussions are interrupted now and then by Grace's conflicted family life and her heated relationship with her sister, Maggie with whom she eventually becomes estranged. It is during these absorbing family scenes that the novel shines. When Mrs. Pettermint introduces Grace to Sunny, the voluptuous female pastor of the Ontario Center for Positive Thinking, it sets Grace on a course toward being a minister of a new age and unorthodox church.
The writing is excellent in this book, the prose flowing smoothly without a single bump or hitch. In portions, when the story flashes back to young Grace, the prose becomes evocative and touching. The book is loaded with insights and epiphanies. I just wished the exchanges delivering them have been pruned so as not to be repetitive. We get it. Don't hit us over the head with it. Semblance of the Prodigal Son theme can be seen in Grace and Maggie's relationship. The courtroom drama in the end is good and delivers a gift-wrapped feel-good ending.
This book is for those who enjoy stories of enlightenment and redemption and could have easily crossed over to literary fiction. I would have given Saving Grace five stars if it had the benefit of proper pruning to maintain the balance between mainstream fiction and new age teachings. I highly recommend this book.
When the narrative flashes back to when Grace Martin was eight years old, it gets even better. We see a fatherless girl being raised by a jaded atheist mother and a fire and brimstone grandmother, the opposing views confusing her on the concept of God and more importantly, what is good and evil. When she meets kind Mrs. Pettermint, the woman steers her in a progressive direction and sets her on a course to a more open and new age interpretation of religion. Though rich in insights, the narrative bogs down a bit in the middle of the book from an extensive dialogue about the concept of God and religion. Fortunately, these lengthy discussions are interrupted now and then by Grace's conflicted family life and her heated relationship with her sister, Maggie with whom she eventually becomes estranged. It is during these absorbing family scenes that the novel shines. When Mrs. Pettermint introduces Grace to Sunny, the voluptuous female pastor of the Ontario Center for Positive Thinking, it sets Grace on a course toward being a minister of a new age and unorthodox church.
The writing is excellent in this book, the prose flowing smoothly without a single bump or hitch. In portions, when the story flashes back to young Grace, the prose becomes evocative and touching. The book is loaded with insights and epiphanies. I just wished the exchanges delivering them have been pruned so as not to be repetitive. We get it. Don't hit us over the head with it. Semblance of the Prodigal Son theme can be seen in Grace and Maggie's relationship. The courtroom drama in the end is good and delivers a gift-wrapped feel-good ending.
This book is for those who enjoy stories of enlightenment and redemption and could have easily crossed over to literary fiction. I would have given Saving Grace five stars if it had the benefit of proper pruning to maintain the balance between mainstream fiction and new age teachings. I highly recommend this book.
March 7, 2013
I hadn't expected to enjoy this book, seeing it labelled as christian fiction I suspected it would be a proselyting novel full of sickly sweetness, as unfortunately so many are. However, I was very pleasantly surprised. This is a gritty read that takes the reader through the turmoil that our heroine, Grace, finds herself in. She is looking for her own version of God and the author leads us on a search with Grace as she ploughs through the minefield of organised christian religion and the questions that such orthodox faith promotes. I found myself responding to some of the questions, alternately agreeing with some and disagreeing with others.
Finally, through her great friend Mrs Pettymint, Grace makes progress with her life's journey by using the lessons that Mrs P delivers. I did struggle with some of the non-orthodox views put forward and found myself gasping at the notion that a church would pay musicians to play hymns on a Sunday, or pay for a Sunday school teacher! Not part of a world I've inhabited and left me extremely surprised that such churches can spring up in the USA - but maybe I'm just naive!
Overall, the book variously poses and answers many of the questions that those of faith, or not, might well perceive. I'm not a churchgoer but regard myself as spiritual and I was intrigued by some of the alternative notions put forward. A worthy read which just nudges into a 4*.
Finally, through her great friend Mrs Pettymint, Grace makes progress with her life's journey by using the lessons that Mrs P delivers. I did struggle with some of the non-orthodox views put forward and found myself gasping at the notion that a church would pay musicians to play hymns on a Sunday, or pay for a Sunday school teacher! Not part of a world I've inhabited and left me extremely surprised that such churches can spring up in the USA - but maybe I'm just naive!
Overall, the book variously poses and answers many of the questions that those of faith, or not, might well perceive. I'm not a churchgoer but regard myself as spiritual and I was intrigued by some of the alternative notions put forward. A worthy read which just nudges into a 4*.
March 23, 2013
I loved this book book about a woman who learns to question authority and trust God and herself. Not to mention her mentor, Mrs. Pettermint. Mrs. Pettermint is the archetypal grandmother we all wish we had. We all need grace, and a mentor like Mrs. Pettermint!
October 20, 2015
I picked up the novel because I am a loyal follower of Kathy Gottberg's blog - SMARTLiving365.com. I knew I would enjoy reading more of her writing, but I was floored by how much this novel resonated with me.
Unexpectedly, the protagonist's challenges with family, spirituality and religion reminded me of my own. It felt uncanny but, the more I think about it, the more I wonder if the experience is more universal than I once thought.
If you were raised one way and have ever found yourself questioning, you'll see yourself in Grace. If you have ever struggled to find your own way despite the naysayers, you'll see your experience in Grace's experience. Really, Grace is in us all. (Pun intended.)
Thought-provoking but never preachy, this is spiritual/transformational fiction at its best.
Unexpectedly, the protagonist's challenges with family, spirituality and religion reminded me of my own. It felt uncanny but, the more I think about it, the more I wonder if the experience is more universal than I once thought.
If you were raised one way and have ever found yourself questioning, you'll see yourself in Grace. If you have ever struggled to find your own way despite the naysayers, you'll see your experience in Grace's experience. Really, Grace is in us all. (Pun intended.)
Thought-provoking but never preachy, this is spiritual/transformational fiction at its best.
April 1, 2013
If you are looking for inspirational literature which takes God/Goddess/the Absolute/Great Spirit seriously, while compassionately but firmly taking to task fundamentalist bigotry, "prosperity theology", saccharine "sweetness-and-light" nonsense and sexist/homophobic limits on human destiny, then I totally recommend this book. It's honest about the painful and scary process of actually finding God within yourself and loving Her fiercely.
March 4, 2013
Grace's struggle to find her authentic self throughout her life against the constant pressure of other peoples' expectations for who she should be deeply resonated with me. I've struggled with much the same journey in my own life. The author shares Grace's trials in a strongly written, character-driven tale that kept me engaged until the very end. True to the overarching message of unconditional love, there were no real "villains," only fully developed flesh and blood people struggling to do the best they could with what they knew. Other characters made you wish they were real so you could meet them - particularly the gently wise Mrs. Pettermint.
The only reason I did not give this lovely and well-told story a five star rating ("really liked it") would be due to personal differences in my own conclusions about God and life vs. those of the author. In spite of these differences, I mined many nuggets of truth and wisdom, and came away from the experience very glad that I had taken time to enjoy what the author obviously poured her heart and soul into writing.
The only reason I did not give this lovely and well-told story a five star rating ("really liked it") would be due to personal differences in my own conclusions about God and life vs. those of the author. In spite of these differences, I mined many nuggets of truth and wisdom, and came away from the experience very glad that I had taken time to enjoy what the author obviously poured her heart and soul into writing.
January 31, 2013
I found “Finding Grace” to be a wonderfully compelling and inspiring novel that offers a practical, compassionate, and holistic spirituality for anyone who seeks grace on a regular basis. Sit back, relax and follow Grace’s path through relationships and every day challenges. In the book Mrs. Pettermint is the mentor who helps Grace (and all of us) realize we can only change how we feel about circumstances and helps her choose to live today. As Kathy Gottberg writes “Far too many people use divination to ignore the now that is happening right under their noses.” Anyone with a background in Positive Psychology or New Thought will recognize dozens of familiar ideas all woven together into a warm and wise story about a woman learning to find herself, but Caution: this story may change your life!
February 8, 2013
I started reading this book at approx 10am this morning. It is exactly 2:03 pm and I am just finishing it. I read this story non stop and was delighted to have read such an insightful book. The author does an excellent job delivering an inspirational tale. I highly recommend this one. I look forward to reading more from this author.
May 11, 2014
I was given a free copy of this book for a thorough and honest review. Read my review here, at online book club:
http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/view...
http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/view...
June 14, 2019
Not a genre i typically read but this was just the right thing at the right time!
September 21, 2013
Inspirational and engrossing.
Finding Grace tells the story of Grace Martin's search for God, a search guided by the hand of her mentor, Mrs. Pettermint. The story opens with Grace in an empty courtroom preparing herself for the battle over her inheritance, awaiting her friend Sunny and her lawyer, Michael, and contemplating how the millions at stake would free her from God and from the weight of her responsibilities. Such doubts and feelings of abandonment by God drew me in right away. Looking at the cover of the book and the description, Grace was supposed to be a religious leader, yet here she was doubting everything.
From this point, the story backs up and becomes the story of the younger Grace Martin. A child who questions everything, a child forced into fearing a God who would allow even his most devout followers to be haunted by devilish night terrors. If they weren't protected, then what chance had Grace? Fortunately for her, though, she meets Mrs. Pettermint, a woman who takes a keen interest in her well-being at an early age and encourages her to come to her own conclusions about God and how she wants to live her life. Unconditional, unjudgemental love were unknown to Grace before she met Mrs. Pettermint and she soaks up the attention, often asking her mentor what she should believe and whether she was doing the right things. But Mrs. Pettermint, while always a supportive friend, holds tight to the belief that each person must find God through his or her own path and refuses to sway Grace in any direction.
Though not one to read inspirational or spiritual books as a rule, I must say I simply love this one. The story is told with an eye for the inner journey, with a focus on personal growth, societal expectations, and picking oneself up after tragedy strikes. While God and spirituality are central to Grace's story, she isn't perfect. Her faith is tested, and she doesn't always pass the exam, but still, she finds the strength to carry on.
The main premise of the book is that God means something different to each person, and who can really say which belief is the right one. The important thing is to be true to yourself and to your beliefs, to listen to your heart and find the good in all things. No matter which religion one follows, I think there is a truth to this. Now, at the same time, the story does lean towards a new age way of thinking that isn't always flattering to traditional Christian religions, so some may not find the ideas presented in this book to their liking, but the book doesn't force the issue. It simply tells the story of Grace and shows how her personal journey affects her views on God and on spirituality. As emphasized by the wise Mrs. Pettermint, it is up to each of us to find our own path to God.
Overall, I loved this story for both its message and its narrative. Grace's journey is interesting and well-presented, and the spiritual message, while central, is not forced upon the reader. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy inspirational stories and different perspectives. However, I must remind prospective readers that Finding Grace does present a non-traditional approach to spirituality that some may not find to their liking, and while I loved the story, I cannot speak for everyone.
I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest, non-reciprocal review.
Finding Grace tells the story of Grace Martin's search for God, a search guided by the hand of her mentor, Mrs. Pettermint. The story opens with Grace in an empty courtroom preparing herself for the battle over her inheritance, awaiting her friend Sunny and her lawyer, Michael, and contemplating how the millions at stake would free her from God and from the weight of her responsibilities. Such doubts and feelings of abandonment by God drew me in right away. Looking at the cover of the book and the description, Grace was supposed to be a religious leader, yet here she was doubting everything.
From this point, the story backs up and becomes the story of the younger Grace Martin. A child who questions everything, a child forced into fearing a God who would allow even his most devout followers to be haunted by devilish night terrors. If they weren't protected, then what chance had Grace? Fortunately for her, though, she meets Mrs. Pettermint, a woman who takes a keen interest in her well-being at an early age and encourages her to come to her own conclusions about God and how she wants to live her life. Unconditional, unjudgemental love were unknown to Grace before she met Mrs. Pettermint and she soaks up the attention, often asking her mentor what she should believe and whether she was doing the right things. But Mrs. Pettermint, while always a supportive friend, holds tight to the belief that each person must find God through his or her own path and refuses to sway Grace in any direction.
Though not one to read inspirational or spiritual books as a rule, I must say I simply love this one. The story is told with an eye for the inner journey, with a focus on personal growth, societal expectations, and picking oneself up after tragedy strikes. While God and spirituality are central to Grace's story, she isn't perfect. Her faith is tested, and she doesn't always pass the exam, but still, she finds the strength to carry on.
The main premise of the book is that God means something different to each person, and who can really say which belief is the right one. The important thing is to be true to yourself and to your beliefs, to listen to your heart and find the good in all things. No matter which religion one follows, I think there is a truth to this. Now, at the same time, the story does lean towards a new age way of thinking that isn't always flattering to traditional Christian religions, so some may not find the ideas presented in this book to their liking, but the book doesn't force the issue. It simply tells the story of Grace and shows how her personal journey affects her views on God and on spirituality. As emphasized by the wise Mrs. Pettermint, it is up to each of us to find our own path to God.
Overall, I loved this story for both its message and its narrative. Grace's journey is interesting and well-presented, and the spiritual message, while central, is not forced upon the reader. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy inspirational stories and different perspectives. However, I must remind prospective readers that Finding Grace does present a non-traditional approach to spirituality that some may not find to their liking, and while I loved the story, I cannot speak for everyone.
I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest, non-reciprocal review.
May 20, 2013
This book was a very humbling, stimulating, emotional, and endearing read. It was almost like reading a guidance book on self discovery as Grace is mentored in all categories of self worth.
So many women go through a period where they feel stuck; hating themselves, their looks, their decisions, their upbringing or background. Finding Grace was not just a fiction book about its title character being led to self empowerment, but also like an outline in finding the simplicity as well as love of ones self.
Many of the feeling Grace exhibited were a mirror to what an adolescent girl goes through. I would define this as a read any mother and her daughter should read.
The situations and characters are very relatable, personable, and exceptional.
It’s almost like reading a road map to a more humble and accepting existence. While here in our own reality we question ourselves and everything as far as our purpose as Grace had done in Finding Grace.
Very well done Kathy.
So many women go through a period where they feel stuck; hating themselves, their looks, their decisions, their upbringing or background. Finding Grace was not just a fiction book about its title character being led to self empowerment, but also like an outline in finding the simplicity as well as love of ones self.
Many of the feeling Grace exhibited were a mirror to what an adolescent girl goes through. I would define this as a read any mother and her daughter should read.
The situations and characters are very relatable, personable, and exceptional.
It’s almost like reading a road map to a more humble and accepting existence. While here in our own reality we question ourselves and everything as far as our purpose as Grace had done in Finding Grace.
Very well done Kathy.
April 5, 2015
While I found the opening trial scenes a little confusing - I wasn't sure if I was supposed to root for the heroine, Grace, or whether she was an antihero, at first, I was quickly drawn in. (FWIW, there are references to sex and violence, but it's not graphic, and is not the focus of the book.)
Grace begins her journey as a somewhat neglected child, emotionally adopted by a loving neighbor woman, with someone unconventional, if inspirational, views of the Divine that contrast sharply with those of her bitter grandmother. As she enters on her own journey to adulthood, and eventually, to becoming a minister of sorts, we are with Grace as she stumbles, questions, loses her way, and in the end, wins in ways that are most important. I don't think it's possible to read this book and end up depressed, and I expect that most readers will be thought-provoked for a long time after finishing it.
Grace begins her journey as a somewhat neglected child, emotionally adopted by a loving neighbor woman, with someone unconventional, if inspirational, views of the Divine that contrast sharply with those of her bitter grandmother. As she enters on her own journey to adulthood, and eventually, to becoming a minister of sorts, we are with Grace as she stumbles, questions, loses her way, and in the end, wins in ways that are most important. I don't think it's possible to read this book and end up depressed, and I expect that most readers will be thought-provoked for a long time after finishing it.
July 7, 2014
Good book. Very inspiring and thought provoking. Grace's journey through life is full of questions. She meets Mrs. Pettermint, a lonely lady with heartache of her own and wisdom beyond words. Pet becomes Grace's family and inspires her to look for true meaning in her life.
Want to read
February 25, 2016kindle 268 (metaphysical-novel)
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