Reaching for Grace

by Anna Daugherty

“For every reader out there who has ever said ‘I’m not enough’…read this book and unburden your heart.” –Cam Torrens, award-winning author of Stable, False Summit, and Scorched

After a vagrant upbringing, free-spirited Wren Atwood has fought to beat the odds. She has a career as a massage therapist, a solid church community, and now her lifelong dream is coming true, with a little blue house to call her own. But the first person to congratulate her is the last person she wants to pompous businessman Daniel Hollis.

Adored by most of Ridley Bay, Hollis has found success as an entrepreneur. Yet no amount of money can buy love from his family or health for his sister.

When a hurricane rips through the Texas coast and forces Wren and Hollis together, the walls they have built are exposed, along with the family secrets they hide.

As Wren turns to her toxic family for help, and Hollis fights to save his sister's life, they discover their efforts alone will never be enough. If grace can't repair the past, how can it rescue the future?

287 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 2024

Reviews

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a story! I just loved it so much! Wren and Daniel are opposites. He is a rich businessman and she just bought a super fixer upper in a not so great neighborhood. They both go to the same church. He keeps asking her out but she won’t because of her prejudice and pride. She has sister who is a druggie. Daniel has a sister that suffers from Rett Syndrome and he struggles with trying to do it all, for everyone and gets burnt out. When a hurricane comes, Wren has to evacuate her home and Daniel is the only one to help at the time. During this time, they get closer, but when the hurricane is over things are complicated again.
I really loved this story! It was sooo good! I loved the characters so much! They dealt with some tough situations and had to grow themselves. There was a strong Christian message throughout about us not being able to do things on our own but need God’s help and faith in Him. As well as help from other humans. Overall I thought this story was fantastic! I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Candy 2FRIENDSTALKBOOKS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reaching For Grace 
Anna Daugherty
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wren Atwood's childhood lacked security and stability. As an adult, she's worked to beat the odds and create the life she's longed for. She has a career, a church community, and has purchased a fixer-upper to call her own. She's finally putting down roots.

Daniel Hollis is a successful businessman in Ridley Bay. Admired by many, Hollis is not on Wren's list of favorite people. His flashy car and downtown condo are worlds away from the life she's known. Yet Hollis knows that money can't buy what he wants most - the love of his family and health for his sister. Forced together during a hurricane, Wren and Hollis begin to realize that they both have family secrets they try to hide.

Why do we try to keep hidden the very circumstances that have brought us to our present? Daugherty describes a tale of two individuals who are fighting against what God desires to do within us by going through trials. They feel shame and strive to earn favor. Both Wren and Hollis are weathered through the storms of life to smooth some of their hard edges and make their hearts more open and tender. This is Daugherty’s second book in her Grace Church series and a new author to us, but one we will definitely return to gladly.

We received an advance copy from the author. This is our honest review.

[Pamela Norsworthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reaching for Grace explores a little-acknowledged reality within Christian churches and communities: reluctance to truly show ourselves—flaws and all—to others. Many have come to believe—mistakenly—that an easy life, curated just so in social media channels, is evidence of God’s blessing. Instead of seeing God’s abundance as spiritual contentment and peace, we think it means having more stuff and personal comfort—all our needs magically met, things exactly as we want them. So if we have an addicted or chronically-ill family member, or come from rough circumstances, what does that say about us? What if the world knew about all those broken places? Anna Daugherty’s newest book gently covers this terrain—the high cost of hiding who we truly are from others. In Reaching for Grace, the bohemian Wren and the super-successful Hollis spend—and waste—enormous swathes of time and energy hiding the life challenges that have shaped them, the very things that made them resourceful, committed, and resilient. As these Lone Ranger Christians confront a series of life-changing crises, will their walls finally come down? Or will their shame at their circumstances keep their façades in place? Can they finally learn to trust God—and each other—not just with their victories and successes but with their brokenness?

Daugherty’s latest novel returns the reader to the community she introduced in her debut novel, Outside of Grace. Full of real people with familiar anxieties, doubts, and insecurities, this novel offers a potent lesson on what constitutes a truly authentic Christian life. Bravo to Daugherty for her sophomore effort— an uplifting, honest novel, theologically sound and beautifully and compassionately written."
- Pamela Norsworthy

[R.C. Mogo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first book in the series (Outside of Grace) and loved it - and I can't believe Anna Daugherty did it again so effortlessly. I read Reaching for Grace in 2 sittings! And I have three kids, so that was not an easy feat.

Reaching for Grace is a gripping and heartfelt story that explores themes of accepting one's brokenness and healing through love and faith. I am once again so amazed at how effortlessly realistic the characters are--they jumped right off the page and lived in my head for days after finishing. The dialogue is such a breath of fresh air because it's so natural and delightful, and every word counted.

I definitely cried when the things happened which I will not spoil for anyone who hasn't read it. But I say to you - read it! It can be read as a standalone and you can go back and read Outside of Grace when you need another fix.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

by the grace of God

Can two completely opposite people find any common ground? They might be completely different, but they both need grace. This is a fun story that can teach us quite a bit. Very well done!

[Robert Ruesch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once more, this author brings to life the challenges, conflicts, struggles, and triumphs of individuals and their connections with each other and God.
Each character is believable and more than likely someone you know. With an interesting plot, and challenging situations, this book will invite you to think and see God's hand in your and the character's life.
Well researched, written, well worth the time to invest in reading.
The second in the Grace Church Series, impatiently waiting for the third book.

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not expect this novel to touch me as much as it did. It has such an incredibly power story to tell and is something I think everyone should read.

There is nothing inherently exceptional about this novel yet at the same time there is this allure, almost like you’re being seen, drawing you deeper into the narrative. These characters are flawed and real, both struggling with the same issues while also different. One seems to be on top of the pecking order and the other on the bottom. Both are on a spiritual journey and doing what they must to survive in life while also doing some heavy self-reflection and growing and changing through the lens of faith.

There are quite a few quandaries that I have wrestled with in my own spiritual walk, which was quite refreshing to see depicted. There were moments that pierced my heart so deep that tears instantly sprang to my eyes and ran down my face. I knew in that moment that my soul needed to hear these words. There is some heavy subject matter tackled that I could see being triggering for some, but it is told with the upmost respect and true to life. I felt myself tethered to this novel so much because I could see so much of myself in its reflection, from having a special needs child to drug use in my own family.

So much heart and emotion were clearly poured onto these pages, and I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to read this fantastic novel. I am completely blown away.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through LibraryThing Early Reviewers. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.

[Matthew Stern · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want something more than a typical rich boy/poor girl romance, you need to read this book. Anna Daugherty crafted a compelling story of two broken people who face unimaginable heartbreak and must struggle with their faith before they can connect with each other.

Tech CEO Daniel Hollis and massage therapist Wren Atwood may seem from different worlds, but they have more in common than they realize. Daniel has a sister with Rett syndrome, and her disability has caused strain and guilt in their family. Wren grew up in an unstable family with addiction and homelessness. Daniel and Wren also have Grace Church in common. But their Christian faith and a supportive church community can't quell the nagging feeling of "not being good enough" Daniel and Wren each have.

When a hurricane rips through their Texas town of Ridley Bay, Daniel and Wren are thrown together. But they must overcome their personal doubts and distrust of each other while dealing with even more hardships and family tragedy.

Daugherty gives us fascinating and deep characters we can't help but root for. We don't just want to see Daniel and Wren come together as a couple. We want to see them grow as individuals through their difficulties. She gives her characters no easy answers and no pat solutions, but she shows how people though fits and starts can find strength through faith. The ending is satisfying and well-earned. This is Christian fiction at its finest.

For an uplifting story with engaging characters, read Reaching for Grace.

An advanced copy of this book was provided by the author.

[Katrinalee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wren is determined to overcome her past. Statistically, she shouldn’t be able to make it out of a life a poverty and hunger, but she’s building a life for herself in Ridley Bay, Texas. She’s even buying a house. It’s not much to look at and it’s in a bad part of town, but having a plot of land with her name on it is a dream come true. Hollis is the founder of the largest corporation in Ridley Bay. He is fascinated by the woman who is the total opposite of his corporate-focused life. Naturally, Wren is suspicious of the man who has it all. She is certain he is judging her for being poor. But who is judging whom?

This book is so good. I was hooked with the opening sentence, and by page 25 I was all in, hook, line, and sinker. The idea of the grumpy-sunshine trope was refreshed with the less common girl-as-grump. The tug-o-war between the characters is sometimes funny, sometimes poignant.

Reaching for Grace effortlessly and naturally explores what is most important in life. Hollis had more than enough resources to help anyone who would accept his help, yet Wren continually refused his help. Hollis struggled with thinking he should be enough, have enough, do enough all by himself. Just as they were trying to figure out the balance in their relationship with each other, they also needed to figure out their individual relationships with God. The story very subtlety helps us self-reflect on our own willingness to accept what God offers us.

[Christy Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had been looking forward to reading the 2nd book in the Grace Church series since I found out it was announced! I am happy to share that it did not disappoint! I feel that the common theme between the two books is the realistic and relatable characters and how the author is able to weave faith seamlessly into the story in a way that never feels forced or stiff or preachy. Some Christian fiction can send me into eye rolls, But that is not the case with the Grace Church series. I was able to relate to Hollis more than Wren personally. His feeling of needing to be everything for everyone and having to learn to rest in God instead is something I have had to learn myself and am still learning! But the part of Wren that refuses help when she needs help is something I relate to as well. Oh and having just experienced Hurricane Beryl rip through our town this summer I can attest to the descriptions of the hurricane hype, actual storm and the aftermath being spot on. Like I said this book is relatable, in character development, in the struggles they encounter and in their journey of faith and trust in God. I love that the romance in this novel gave me a bit of a Pride and Prejudice vibe. I love it when the walls they put up start to crack. About that time is when I really couldn’t put the book down. Looking forward to more from this author!

[Shirley Kamada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wren, twenty-six-year-old massage therapist, and Hollis, founder and CEO of a high-dollar tech company, live in Ridley Bay and belong to the same faith community. But for those two facts, it would seem that no two people could be more dissimilar. Why, then are they repeatedly drawn together?

Sometimes friends, sometimes antagonists, both were constrained from childhood by limiting messages and dismissive parenting. Each strives for stability and self-acceptance. Wren holds tight to hard work and careful spending. She has recently purchased a small blue house in need of TLC. Hollis invests his skills in his business, donates liberally to his church and charitable causes, and is energized by driving his tangerine-orange Corvette Z06.

When a major hurricane batters Ridley Bay, damaging Grace Church and nearly destroying Wren’s home, can she trust the intentions of those who offer to assist her? And what of her blossoming connection with Hollis?

Anna Daugherty’s REACHING FOR GRACE is relatable, never predictable, a perfect realization of layered intensity and reflection. A joy to read, the hopeful perspective lingers in the heart and mind.

Highly recommended. Five stars.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

After having read Outside of Grace and falling in love with the author, Anna Daugherty, I was thrilled with the opportunity to listen to the audiobook version of Reaching for Grace. What a beautiful story of faith, brokenness, loss, insecurity, and the need for love and acceptance. The author does a wonderful job of bringing you into the lives of Wren and Daniel and their individual struggles. Even though they are Christians, they each deal with anxieties and doubts, the need to accept they do not have to do it all on their own. This story shows the lives of real people dealing with real life issues and the group of fellow believers who are willing to provide love, support, and guidance if they will just step aside and allow others to minister to them. How difficult it is to accept help when it is offered. If you take away nothing else from this beautiful story, it is the word grace. Please take the time to get lost in the words that will bring healing and forgiveness ... love and acceptance ... spiritual growth and grace.

Thank you to the author and Black Rose Writing for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

[Barbara Luker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reaching for Grace is so well written it feels like coming home to characters that I understand from the moment they’re introduced, in a story that develops so well it left me feeling warm and invited into their world. It’s a story of life’s challenges, of coming out of a disadvantaged upbringing to reach life’s goals and just when you’re filled with pride at your achievement, having it torn away from you. But it’s so much more than that and author Anna Daugherty takes us through a journey of a relationship that is tainted by preconceived notions and learning how wrong making assumptions about another person can be and the ultimate cost of doing so. At its very core, this is a story about understanding that to achieve grace, we must accept the help and strength of others to accomplish things we could never accomplish alone. Read it. You won’t be disappointed." - Barbara Luker, author of I Carry Your Heart and The Right One

[Diane Nagatomo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wren and Hollis are members of the same church, but on the surface, they are as different as night and day. They are more frenemies than friends. Wren has pinched every penny, saving money from her massage therapist job, to buy a dilapidated house in a seedy neighborhood. Having grown up homeless much of the time, she wants to put down roots. Willis is rich. He is the president of a tech company and known for his financial generosity in the congregation. But his mother, who must concentrate on her daughter with disabilities, has always made him feel inadequate. But when a devastating hurricane hits their town, Wren and Hollis spend time together, and they discover that their backgrounds are not as different as it would seem. Both have messy families, and both are searching for love--not only spiritual love, but also human love with all its imperfections.

[Michelle Caffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna Daugherty expertly guides us through this heartfelt Christian love story between Wren, a financially struggling woman, and Hollis, a wealthy entrepreneur. Wren has worked hard as a massage therapist to buy a dilapidated house, looking for stability after her single mother had given her none. At first, she views Hollis as a rich, privileged man who symbolizes her former tormentors. Slowly, she reveals his hidden depths and secrets. To Hollis, work holds a sense of magic. No matter the problem, he always finds a solution. But outside of work, he faces challenges in his relationships with his disabled sister, Maggie, his mother, and Wren.

With characters’ relationships realistically complex, and emotionally satisfying, “Reaching for Grace” is a must-read for readers seeking faith-affirming and uplifting stories."
- Michelle Caffrey

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yet another romance novel where the protagonists can't figure out how to communicate. It was too long for me long and it dragged, though it wouldn't for everyone.
I suppose this book would help people with the same hangups and communications issues, & it does raise awareness of the rare Rett's Syndrome, plus it explores absentee father effects on the children, even as adults, and addresses the problems a severe developmental disability has on marriage and family life. It also addresses what happens when a child is put in the position of husband and father, where the expectations on the child/teen are excessive. It also brings to light what happens to some kids whose homes are always temporary, and where the child becomes the parent because the parent never grew up. I do hope the book helps those who need it.

[Cam Torrens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for a good love story, periodically sprinkling a page-turner into my reading routine. I usually go for Emily Henry- or Emma Straub-funny. Reaching for Grace is a different kind of romance. Two people: one struggling to slip the sticky bonds of her past, the other trying to earn his way through an equally smothering present. Both are convinced they can break free on their own.

This novel turned me introspective, marveling as the author entangled her characters in the same mistakes I’ve made in my life. For every reader who has ever felt inadequate, insufficient, or undeserving of grace, Anna Daugherty’s title is a clue. You don’t have to reach…

My favorite author of Christian fiction and romance!

[Ruth Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wren and Daniel, the two focal characters in Reaching for Grace, may come from totally different backgrounds, but these two young people are more alike than they care to admit. Both are masters at self-sabotage, thwarting every attempt at a relationship. They seesaw between trust and suspicion, attraction and contempt, faith and hopelessness—and we’re on the seesaw right alongside them.

It’s a fascinating dance, and Anna Daugherty excels at getting inside her characters’ heads, allowing us to feel everything they feel. Even the coastal Texas sights and sounds and smells are so vividly portrayed, we could be experiencing them ourselves. An impressive and immersive read from a very skillful writer!

[Anne Rightler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reaching for Grace is an engaging story by a new-to-me author. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading the first book in the Grace Church series. The author writes about the challenging issues of serious illness and addiction- and a devastating hurricane to boot! —and does a great job of bringing reality and relativity to them. As the two main characters each deal with their struggles, the understanding of community and recognition of grace emerge, allowing them to begin to heal and grow in their faith. Readers who enjoy inspirational fiction about families and faith will not want to miss this one. I read a complimentary copy of the book from LibraryThing and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

[Lois Kennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This realistic, uplifting novel is one I couldn't put down. The characters, setting, and plot are so vividly portrayed I felt like I was part of the story. Set along the sandy coast of Texas, the lives of two families intersect as they deal not only with the aftermath of a hurricane, but also with emotions, prejudices, and family secrets that sometimes are stronger than any hurricane, but worth facing and resolving. A beautiful story of redemption.

[Flo Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally together

Both Daniel and Wren had significant trauma from their childhood. Unfortunately for a while it was what held them back from really getting to know each other. When Daniel's sister died he was at his lowest ebb and finally surrendered to the will of God and he realised what he was missing. Picking up the pieces with Wren was what finally showed them both that they were meant to be together.

[Sarah Sturgis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book by Anna Daugherty. I couldn't put it down and finished it in two days, which says a lot because I am not a reader by any means. The main Characters were well developed and their growth was phenomenal. Definitely recommend Reaching for Grace it deserves all five stars and more!

[Gail Olmsted · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wren’s life-long dreams are about to come true when tragedy strikes. Can her faith alone see her through or must she risk it all and finally learn to trust someone? Memorable characters you’ll root for until the last page is turned. Highly recommended.

[Amanda Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story! The author has a gift for writing vivid characters and high stakes that are still realistic. Reaching for Grace has complicated family dynamics, a strong heroine, and a sweet love story. I definitely recommend.

[Zenobia N Jefferson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without a doubt, it's a thumbs up!

Both characters had to come into relationship with God. The story flowed; it was difficult to see how Wren and Daniel would bridge the gap.

[Terry Brunner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!!

Loved the characters, loved the storyline, and loved the ending! This book ticked all the boxes! Super Great job, Anna!

[Teresa Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! Great job Anna!!!

[Tonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

nice read

Wonderful storyIine. This author pulls the reader in, wanting to love her characters and tying it all in with the truth of Grace!

[Maggie Blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Christian Contemporary

🗓️ available NOW

📚 second in the “Grace church series” by Anna Daugherty

📖 MY SUMMARY: Wren Atwood has been working her whole life to escape the bondage of her childhood. Daniel Hollis is everything she despises. He is rich, successful, and adored by everyone in their town. But when a hurricane pushes Wren straight into the arms of Hollis, they must come face to face with their fears, and their biggest insecurities. Will they allow God to work in their lives, or will decide they can make it on their own?

📝 REVIEW: This book was just amazing! It really challenged me in my faith, and taught me that people aren’t who they always seem in the outside. The slow-burn romance was perfect, and the opposites attract dynamic worked so well! I also enjoyed watching the characters grow in their faith, and develop into who God called them to be with the help of their church family. I promise that this book will inspire you!!

🚨 CONTENT:
* On page death and grief
* On page use of drugs and alcohol while partying
* Toxic family environment