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From Graves to Gardens
Tempted by love… Tested by faith…
In the Texas coastal bend, Kevin Sloan is having a turbulent year. Struggling to graduate high school and escape the toxic grip of his home environment, Kevin's life takes a transformative turn when he crosses paths with Sarah, a seemingly ordinary teenage girl with a life-controlling secret.
Sarah Stevenson’s daily battle with diabetes is a hidden burden, but her new relationship with Kevin reveals a love that defies their conflicting lifestyles. As their hearts intertwine, they grapple with all the challenges of temptation, trust and loyalty.
In this emotionally charged story of love, faith and sacrifice, Kevin and Sarah navigate their divergent realities and beliefs. Choices made will ripple into their futures, forging a bond with lifelong consequences for themselves and each other.
From Graves to Gardens is the first in a new series sure to shake the hearts of readers, with special appeal to fans of Francine Rivers.
In the Texas coastal bend, Kevin Sloan is having a turbulent year. Struggling to graduate high school and escape the toxic grip of his home environment, Kevin's life takes a transformative turn when he crosses paths with Sarah, a seemingly ordinary teenage girl with a life-controlling secret.
Sarah Stevenson’s daily battle with diabetes is a hidden burden, but her new relationship with Kevin reveals a love that defies their conflicting lifestyles. As their hearts intertwine, they grapple with all the challenges of temptation, trust and loyalty.
In this emotionally charged story of love, faith and sacrifice, Kevin and Sarah navigate their divergent realities and beliefs. Choices made will ripple into their futures, forging a bond with lifelong consequences for themselves and each other.
From Graves to Gardens is the first in a new series sure to shake the hearts of readers, with special appeal to fans of Francine Rivers.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2024
10 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
Heather Camacho
3 books50 followersI write faith-based love stories with happily ever afters, real life grit and larger than life redemption. Oh, and I also love to read!
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 19, 2024
First off, I want to say I am not the target demographic for this book. Left to my own tastes, I generally don’t reach for books where I know one specific religious faith is going to be affirmed and/or espoused. I do not intend to make a value statement regarding that. My primary interest in stories is to walk with characters I relate to, and when I know a story is already set up to align with a specific faith, for me it can hinder my sense of thrill or danger, leaving me feeling as though the story already has a pre-decided ending, as it were. Generally, I subjectively tend to prefer a more open-world setting, representative of the human condition rather than prescriptive, as I believe some faith-based genre stories can feel.
Again, is an issue of personal preference and taste, not an issue with any faith, nor with the genre. Also, I wanted to take careful time to outline my position in the interest of assuring anyone who may feel similarly reluctant to read this book for similar reasons that I am extremely glad I read this. I more than thoroughly enjoyed it. I found it beautiful.
I do not believe faith-based storytelling is any less valid than any other genre. I appreciate that there is a vital and thriving market for books like this, and I genuinely believe Heather Camacho has written a novel that both represents her core values in organic, compelling ways. She makes relatable and important arguments about the struggles of everyday life, and how difficult it can be to be able to form real relationships—romantic, familial, and otherwise—with people who are different from us, sometimes in seemingly fundamental ways; how maddeningly impossible it can feel to remain true and kind and loving to others while keeping true to ourselves at a spiritual level.
The struggles represented here are so universal and yet immediately and accessibly relatable, and Heather has taken compassionate care to craft a story with honesty, authenticity, and integrity.
Heather’s chief strength here is in her character work. She avoids stereotype and writes textured, dynamic characters who feel human in their flaws, their desires, their hopes and dreams, and in their core philosophies. She writes with authority about what it feels like to wrestle with these existential problems when facing an intimate relationship, and she asks important questions.
Is love enough when the one you love believes something different than we do?
Do I actually believe what I think I believe, or am
I wrong?
Is loving someone and feeling drawn to them reason enough to reconsider my beliefs?
Do my beliefs make me who I am, or am I more?
Deep stuff, and yet Heather approaches the subject matter with warmth, accessibility, affection, and a disarming sense of good humor. For all of its nuance, this is an instantaneously relatable book. It’s a breeze to read and it stays with you.
This is an author who loves people, who loves life, and who cares about what kinds of stories she puts into the world.
I saw myself in these lead characters. I grew up Catholic and spent all of my youth and through my twenties in the Catholic and Christian social spheres. This is a world I know well, even if I parted ways with the faith for reasons of my own. All the same, because of the sensitivity and sympathy Heather writes with, I felt seen and appreciated. I was taken back to those times in my life, and this book helped me settle some old pain I hadn’t realized I was still holding onto. It helped me see some of my old friends with more compassion. I was able to see them with more humanity, more sensitivity. It’s an emotional experience I cannot fully put into words, except to say I am so happy I took the chance to read this. I’m not speaking in hyperbole when I say I believe I am a better person because I read it.
And at the end of the day, whoever you are, don’t you think we could all benefit from walking alongside one another and listening to their stories?
I do. And whatever Heather Camacho writes next, I will be reading it.
Cheers, everyone!
Again, is an issue of personal preference and taste, not an issue with any faith, nor with the genre. Also, I wanted to take careful time to outline my position in the interest of assuring anyone who may feel similarly reluctant to read this book for similar reasons that I am extremely glad I read this. I more than thoroughly enjoyed it. I found it beautiful.
I do not believe faith-based storytelling is any less valid than any other genre. I appreciate that there is a vital and thriving market for books like this, and I genuinely believe Heather Camacho has written a novel that both represents her core values in organic, compelling ways. She makes relatable and important arguments about the struggles of everyday life, and how difficult it can be to be able to form real relationships—romantic, familial, and otherwise—with people who are different from us, sometimes in seemingly fundamental ways; how maddeningly impossible it can feel to remain true and kind and loving to others while keeping true to ourselves at a spiritual level.
The struggles represented here are so universal and yet immediately and accessibly relatable, and Heather has taken compassionate care to craft a story with honesty, authenticity, and integrity.
Heather’s chief strength here is in her character work. She avoids stereotype and writes textured, dynamic characters who feel human in their flaws, their desires, their hopes and dreams, and in their core philosophies. She writes with authority about what it feels like to wrestle with these existential problems when facing an intimate relationship, and she asks important questions.
Is love enough when the one you love believes something different than we do?
Do I actually believe what I think I believe, or am
I wrong?
Is loving someone and feeling drawn to them reason enough to reconsider my beliefs?
Do my beliefs make me who I am, or am I more?
Deep stuff, and yet Heather approaches the subject matter with warmth, accessibility, affection, and a disarming sense of good humor. For all of its nuance, this is an instantaneously relatable book. It’s a breeze to read and it stays with you.
This is an author who loves people, who loves life, and who cares about what kinds of stories she puts into the world.
I saw myself in these lead characters. I grew up Catholic and spent all of my youth and through my twenties in the Catholic and Christian social spheres. This is a world I know well, even if I parted ways with the faith for reasons of my own. All the same, because of the sensitivity and sympathy Heather writes with, I felt seen and appreciated. I was taken back to those times in my life, and this book helped me settle some old pain I hadn’t realized I was still holding onto. It helped me see some of my old friends with more compassion. I was able to see them with more humanity, more sensitivity. It’s an emotional experience I cannot fully put into words, except to say I am so happy I took the chance to read this. I’m not speaking in hyperbole when I say I believe I am a better person because I read it.
And at the end of the day, whoever you are, don’t you think we could all benefit from walking alongside one another and listening to their stories?
I do. And whatever Heather Camacho writes next, I will be reading it.
Cheers, everyone!
April 11, 2024
I won’t go too far into plot other than to say Sarah and Kevin are both young enough to be occasionally stupid and to make mistakes that go fully against what they know they stand for. High school is hard. Medical issues are hard, addiction can destroy anyone it touches, and the love of money is the root of all evil. All of these issues were presented freshly and sincerely, without the delicate euphemisms so many Christian writers prefer.
This book is NOT for delicate little old ladies. It’s for teenagers who want to know they’re not alone in their struggle. It’s for parents with FIERCE mama and papa bear instincts. This book is for the lonely, confused and afraid.
I knew the entire plot already (was a beta reader before the book was published so I know what the ‘unpolished’ version looked like) and I still cried twice.
If there was any major flaw in this book, it was that there were no characters I didn’t like, or at least understand, by the time I got to the end. Addiction, poverty, and mental illness are just awful, awful things, and seeing them presented so plainly was very hard for me.
Not everyone gets a redemption arc though, and sometimes it’s important to be reminded that, regardless of our circumstances, our choices and actions DO have consequences.
I will definitely be reading this one at least one more time.
This book is NOT for delicate little old ladies. It’s for teenagers who want to know they’re not alone in their struggle. It’s for parents with FIERCE mama and papa bear instincts. This book is for the lonely, confused and afraid.
I knew the entire plot already (was a beta reader before the book was published so I know what the ‘unpolished’ version looked like) and I still cried twice.
If there was any major flaw in this book, it was that there were no characters I didn’t like, or at least understand, by the time I got to the end. Addiction, poverty, and mental illness are just awful, awful things, and seeing them presented so plainly was very hard for me.
Not everyone gets a redemption arc though, and sometimes it’s important to be reminded that, regardless of our circumstances, our choices and actions DO have consequences.
I will definitely be reading this one at least one more time.
March 14, 2024
One of my favorite stories in a long time! I love Kevin’s journey to God and the growth from him and Sarah. It’s not my typical genre but has quickly become one of my favorites and I can’t wait to read more! If you have the opportunity to read this one, do it and I promise you won’t regret it :)
February 18, 2024
An amazingly written book with realistic characters. Sarah and Kevin’s journey is a sweet and emotional ride that will leave you crying by the end. Highly recommend.
April 2, 2024
Perfect for Christian YA readers who loved the Christy Miller series and 'Beyond the Break', and want a little more grit + modern plot.
April 14, 2024
Beautiful
This is a beautiful story of redemption and love! Wonderfully written and full of God's grace. A must-read for teens and adults alike!
This is a beautiful story of redemption and love! Wonderfully written and full of God's grace. A must-read for teens and adults alike!
March 31, 2025
Instantly fell in love with the characters and the book cover! The way Heather Camacho kept me coming back to find out what happens next makes me think I’m going to need this series. I thoroughly enjoyed the real conversations and thought processes of the characters.
April 18, 2025
Wow…what a wonderful story of love and overcoming hardships! A refreshing change from so many books that are out there.
June 9, 2024
Such a cute story…I would say it’s more for the younger generation to read, but I enjoyed it and loved how faith and God were the center, no matter what you have been through.
November 16, 2025
This is a beautiful love story. Two teenagers falling head over heels in love with each other within their first meetings and we witness the struggle they walk through to become a relationship.
Sarah and Kevin are from two different worlds. Sarah, is the conservative Christian girl, who comes from the good side of town. Kevin has had a tough life raised by a single mom who has brought some terrible men into their home, not least, her current long-time beau, Craig.
Kevin aspires for a better life; he wants to become a commercial pilot after school. In Sarah, he sees a beautiful young lady who sees his potential being able to look beyond his difficult upbringing of violence, addiction and chaos.
Sarah and Kevin are good characters and their belief in each other was lovely to read. Their willingness to forgive the other, to learn from their mistakes and strive to be better were all commendable, especially for two 17-year-olds. Sarah’s faith was strong, perhaps a tad naïve, but who’s isn’t at 17 and her willingness to allow God to shape Kevin rather than herself, was similarly admirable.
At times, I thought I was reading a story about two twenty-somethings; I felt Sarah and Kevin’s emotions, thoughts and actions were more mature than one could expect from 17-year-olds. Certainly, Kevin at times resembled the hot-headed immature kid, but generally I struggled to believe these two were only 17.
The story probably didn’t need to be almost 400 pages, and I wondered if a story of say 300 pages would have been tighter and kept the reader fully engaged.
Overall, it’s a good love story, one that felt too mature for the YA audience it was geared towards. I don’t think I’ll be reading the next in the series.
Sarah and Kevin are from two different worlds. Sarah, is the conservative Christian girl, who comes from the good side of town. Kevin has had a tough life raised by a single mom who has brought some terrible men into their home, not least, her current long-time beau, Craig.
Kevin aspires for a better life; he wants to become a commercial pilot after school. In Sarah, he sees a beautiful young lady who sees his potential being able to look beyond his difficult upbringing of violence, addiction and chaos.
Sarah and Kevin are good characters and their belief in each other was lovely to read. Their willingness to forgive the other, to learn from their mistakes and strive to be better were all commendable, especially for two 17-year-olds. Sarah’s faith was strong, perhaps a tad naïve, but who’s isn’t at 17 and her willingness to allow God to shape Kevin rather than herself, was similarly admirable.
At times, I thought I was reading a story about two twenty-somethings; I felt Sarah and Kevin’s emotions, thoughts and actions were more mature than one could expect from 17-year-olds. Certainly, Kevin at times resembled the hot-headed immature kid, but generally I struggled to believe these two were only 17.
The story probably didn’t need to be almost 400 pages, and I wondered if a story of say 300 pages would have been tighter and kept the reader fully engaged.
Overall, it’s a good love story, one that felt too mature for the YA audience it was geared towards. I don’t think I’ll be reading the next in the series.
January 5, 2025
Stands out as one of the most captivating young adult novels. The narrative is so engaging that I found myself completely absorbed, unable to set it down. The author has crafted a story that feels incredibly authentic, allowing readers to witness the struggles and triumphs of the characters in a way that fosters a deep emotional connection. Each page draws you further into their world, making it impossible not to empathize with their journeys.
The character of Sarah is particularly inspiring; her unwavering faith serves as a beacon of strength amidst the chaos of her surroundings. Rather than shying away from her beliefs, she embraces them, finding solace in her spirituality even when faced with the judgments of others. This portrayal of faith is refreshingly honest, as it acknowledges the temptations and doubts that accompany such a journey, adding layers of complexity to her character that make her all the more relatable.
The storyline is infused with surprising twists as the key characters tackle one challenge after another, making it a reading experience that is far from predictable; I was consistently caught off guard by the unfolding events. Without revealing too much, the conclusion of the story is both satisfying and uplifting, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God and his plans.
This novel is a treasure trove for teen readers, offering themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the enduring power of faith that shines brightly through its pages. It is undoubtedly a tale that will create a memorable impact.
The character of Sarah is particularly inspiring; her unwavering faith serves as a beacon of strength amidst the chaos of her surroundings. Rather than shying away from her beliefs, she embraces them, finding solace in her spirituality even when faced with the judgments of others. This portrayal of faith is refreshingly honest, as it acknowledges the temptations and doubts that accompany such a journey, adding layers of complexity to her character that make her all the more relatable.
The storyline is infused with surprising twists as the key characters tackle one challenge after another, making it a reading experience that is far from predictable; I was consistently caught off guard by the unfolding events. Without revealing too much, the conclusion of the story is both satisfying and uplifting, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God and his plans.
This novel is a treasure trove for teen readers, offering themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the enduring power of faith that shines brightly through its pages. It is undoubtedly a tale that will create a memorable impact.
February 19, 2024
As a fellow writer and author, and one who enjoys a good read, I was excited to be one of the first to be taken in by this captivating story.
This is not what I expected. Heather makes a point to show you what it’s like to be “purified by fire”. We see the struggle to navigate between one’s faith, and the difficulty often brought through relationships. This isn’t a fantastical story that glosses over the messiness of love, but gives us a raw look into its persistence amid our sinful desires.
The character development and challenges that Sarah and Kevin face are things that the youth today are facing. They are very real issues, and Heather has done an excellent job of portraying that.
This is a captivating journey of faith, and love!
With that being said, I found that Heather is a very mature writer. The story flowed well, and had me turning page after page with anticipation. This is a well-written story. I highly recommend this book!
This is not what I expected. Heather makes a point to show you what it’s like to be “purified by fire”. We see the struggle to navigate between one’s faith, and the difficulty often brought through relationships. This isn’t a fantastical story that glosses over the messiness of love, but gives us a raw look into its persistence amid our sinful desires.
The character development and challenges that Sarah and Kevin face are things that the youth today are facing. They are very real issues, and Heather has done an excellent job of portraying that.
This is a captivating journey of faith, and love!
With that being said, I found that Heather is a very mature writer. The story flowed well, and had me turning page after page with anticipation. This is a well-written story. I highly recommend this book!
June 17, 2024
One of the best books I have ever read!
As a teen myself, temptation is hard to battle without help from God. I love how this book demonstrated that! It was relatable and the characters were well-rounded. This book could not have been any better!
Content: Illegal activity, violence (described briefly), level 2 kisses, 'almost' inappropriate behavior but not described, diabetic problems, under-age drinking, abusive family
Age: 14 and up
As a teen myself, temptation is hard to battle without help from God. I love how this book demonstrated that! It was relatable and the characters were well-rounded. This book could not have been any better!
Content: Illegal activity, violence (described briefly), level 2 kisses, 'almost' inappropriate behavior but not described, diabetic problems, under-age drinking, abusive family
Age: 14 and up
November 4, 2025
3,5 ⭐️
Begrijp me niet verkeerd, het was zeker geen slecht boek. Ik heb hiervoor gewoon hele goede boeken gelezen dus dat is moeilijk te toppen. Deze las lekker weg en hoewel ik een aantal dingen niet helemaal top vond ben ik wel benieuwd naar het 2e deel.
Begrijp me niet verkeerd, het was zeker geen slecht boek. Ik heb hiervoor gewoon hele goede boeken gelezen dus dat is moeilijk te toppen. Deze las lekker weg en hoewel ik een aantal dingen niet helemaal top vond ben ik wel benieuwd naar het 2e deel.
January 6, 2025
✨Book Review✨
Another fantastic piece of YA/coming of age Christian fiction!
This was a very powerful story of victims of circumstance, choices, and consequences. It gives the reader a glimpse of the epidemic of children who are suffering because of parental addiction. Of children who are forced to endure abuse and neglect. Who are forced to grow up long before their time. How their circumstances steer their path in life. And how, with love and guidance and determination, they can break the cycle.
This is about book about teens, teens that make mistakes. And the family and friends who love and support them. It is not fluff. It is the reality that many deal with in their young lives. A beautiful story of redemption.
Another fantastic piece of YA/coming of age Christian fiction!
This was a very powerful story of victims of circumstance, choices, and consequences. It gives the reader a glimpse of the epidemic of children who are suffering because of parental addiction. Of children who are forced to endure abuse and neglect. Who are forced to grow up long before their time. How their circumstances steer their path in life. And how, with love and guidance and determination, they can break the cycle.
This is about book about teens, teens that make mistakes. And the family and friends who love and support them. It is not fluff. It is the reality that many deal with in their young lives. A beautiful story of redemption.
December 7, 2025
super good book! loved this!!
April 1, 2024
From Graves to Gardens is a young adult romance between Sarah - a Christian girl who strives to rely on God with her hopes and dreams - and Kevin, a troubled boy looking for a fresh start. When the two of them are forced to work together, they discover that appearances can be deceiving and love can grow even in the darkest of places. Both Kevin and Sarah hold a place in my heart as examples of people who want the best for each other and are willing to sacrifice to make that possible. This story deserves a five-star endorsement based on the vibrant storytelling and incorporation of a real-life approach to faith. I admire how the author shows that everyone's relationship with God is a personal journey, and everyone should explore their faith and discover the truth of God's love for themselves. Kevin's and Sarah's story demonstrates the message that Christ loves us, and when we love and obey Him in return, we will be welcomed to a place at His table.
December 22, 2024
When you think back to the moment you first fell in love and wish to relive those feelings….. this book is it! Heather has created characters everyone can relate to. There is truly something ✨✨ about this story that has touched my heart and made me feel so lucky for the life I have had and the man I married.
This is set in high school and the issues that arise are not “too adult” most people take teens and make them adults but this kept them as teens and showed how they would deal either things, not being too grown and yet being mature. Without giving anything away…. Cause I hate when people spoil a great book, this story covers two teens who fall in love and deal with some real life stuff.
But there is a common connection that runs through this and it’s the anchor we all need to cling to…. Yahuah. He in this book as much as the other characters are and I love how seamlessly Heather puts Him in with making it a, “pause for God” moment. It reads naturally and gives a depth to this book that shines bright.
This book Ive now read 3x over and each time it just gets sweeter. I highly recommend everyone to pick ip a copy and sit down with a cozy blanket and have a good old fashioned warm and fuzzy feeling book, (don’t worry there are some stand out parts and drama)
*this is a YA book
This is set in high school and the issues that arise are not “too adult” most people take teens and make them adults but this kept them as teens and showed how they would deal either things, not being too grown and yet being mature. Without giving anything away…. Cause I hate when people spoil a great book, this story covers two teens who fall in love and deal with some real life stuff.
But there is a common connection that runs through this and it’s the anchor we all need to cling to…. Yahuah. He in this book as much as the other characters are and I love how seamlessly Heather puts Him in with making it a, “pause for God” moment. It reads naturally and gives a depth to this book that shines bright.
This book Ive now read 3x over and each time it just gets sweeter. I highly recommend everyone to pick ip a copy and sit down with a cozy blanket and have a good old fashioned warm and fuzzy feeling book, (don’t worry there are some stand out parts and drama)
*this is a YA book
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews