It's Called Grace

The Abundant Blessings Series #1

by Virginia Henderson

Meet Rachel Gable. She's a single mother and works behind customer service. When the unthinkable happens, will her faith prove strong or will she waver under the heat of the disaster. Meanwhile, Sophia Hamlet, well-to do young woman of society, is growing restless and feels her life needs purpose. When she hears of Rachel's misfortune, she is eager to reach out and help in anyway possible. When these two worlds meet, they learn this important lesson: no matter where you come from or where you're going, we all need something that only God can give, and it's called grace.

Genres: Christmas

Paperback

Published August 1, 2024

About the author

Originally from Ohio, I now reside in Texas with my folks and little sister. I'm a born again Christian and I want to give all the glory to God.

I love writing! I tend to lean toward suspense, thrillers, the occasional wholesome Christmas story and "what if" scenarios. Such as what if you were to check out a library book and someone unknowingly left a document in the pages that contained life-altering secrets concerning the government. That sort of thing.

Aside from writing, I'm always reading. I love the classics, historical fiction, adventures, survival, fairy-tale retellings, suspense, and any and all things Newsie related.

I very much enjoy plays and musicals, embroidery, road trip adventures with the fam, retro arcade games, and board games. I'm also very interested in weaponry (archery, swordsmanship, etc).

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Reviews

[Vanessa Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This was such a sweet, relaxing book. Don't get me wrong - I love high-stakes drama and intrigue and intensity, but sometimes it's nice just to read something that's more everyday life. Even though there wasn't much action, the character development and interactions kept me turning the pages.

So let's talk about the characters. Rachel was a sweetheart, and I loved her devotion to her daughter, Peggy, and how hard she worked to care for her. I also really enjoyed Sophia (she was probably my favorite character) even though she could be a little spoiled. I appreciated that Sophia wasn't portrayed as some high and mighty rich woman who didn't care about anyone else. I feel like that's an cliche character or something. While Sophia was very rich and spoiled, she wanted to help others and urged others toward helping other people who were less fortunate. Now, for William ... well, let's just say I started liking him more toward the end of the book. However, I would've like to see more of him so I could get to know him better. The other characters were great (well, at least most of them, besides Sophia's conceited friends) - Rachel's co-worker was fun (I want to see more of her!), and Beth was just great. (Also, I am saddened about Beth.) Oh, and Steve! I almost forgot about him! I loved Steve. He was one of my favorite characters - he sounded like such a wise, kind guy!

The plot moved pretty smoothly and didn't really have any confusing parts. Even though this was a Christmas story, it wasn't like the really sappy Hallmark-style Christmas stories. However, there were some really sweet moments, too, which were great.

There were several themes explored in this book - helping others, moving past grief, God working through difficult situations, and God's ability to save and heal. This part of the book was really good. Rachel, a faithful Christian, influenced both William and Sophia in ways they never expected! This author didn't just skim over the important of Christ and the Gospel, and that was lovely.

Overall, this was just the type of book I needed to read, and I'm looking forward to reading the second book in the series!

Thanks to the author for a free copy of the book in exchange for a review!

[Grace Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely little story! It’s Called Grace has such a sweet theme of love, forgiveness, and generosity that comes through strong, thanks to amazing characters like Rachel, Sophia, Nora, Steve, and William! The message and the spiritual content was A-plus for me!

I loved the subtle romance that brewed between two different couples, but even without it, Virginia had a strong story. It flowed well and the pacing was perfect. The writing was rather stilted at time, and there were quite a few typos, but who am I to complain?

I did notice a decidedly 80’s vibe going on...especially considering Nora was around during the Great Depression, which puts her as being ancient if the story took place in 2020…hence why I think Virginia set this in the 1900s or in a more ambiguous timeline (that’s apparently a trend these days). As confusing as that was at times, I loved the vibe. Stories like these automatically scream 80’s to me, so the simplicity of the story (like no cellphones and social media and more modern-day whatnot) only deepened that more.

As for the characters, Sophia was perfect! She wasn’t haughty or snooty—and, for that matter, neither was William—which was such a refresher. And she wasn’t trying to do good and help Rachel for any ulterior reasons. She simply cared, as all people should. Rachel, on the other hand, well, I didn’t like her as much as I did Sophia, but she was still great! Of course, I adored William. The strong, silent, slightly brutish, mostly hurting guy? What’s not to love? And the supporting cast, of course, were all vibrant and unique!

All in all, It’s Called Grace was a beautiful story that read like a Hallmark Christmas movie from the 80s (you know, before Hallmark became cheesy and cliché), and it’s sure to put you in the spirit of love, grace, and Christmas!

Thanks to the author for a free review copy! All opinions expressed are my own!

[Virginia Henderson]

***BLACK FRIDAY BOOK SALE!! .99 CENTS 11/24-11/28!****

[Cat T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

“What was once lost, has been found. What was destroyed, is now reborn.”

This quote perfectly summarizes this book for me. Through the caring heart of Sophia and the gentle connections of friendship between Rachel, Steve and Beth, the characters were able to heal from grief and loss. Their lives were reborn stronger and deeper from it. While the romance subplots felt a tiny bit rushed at times, I really liked the overall character interactions and arcs. I enjoyed this, and it was a light and hopeful read.

*I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review, but I was not required to write a positive one. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*

[Kristina Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Characters: Both Rachel and Sophia were well-defined, relatable characters. I enjoyed both Sophia’s and William’s character arcs. At first, I wasn’t a fan of William since he was such work-obsessed grump, but as the book went on, his character deepened so much. I also really liked Steve and Beth as side characters. They added a ton to the story.

Language: Clean.

Moral: This book had many great themes: grace, trusting God, God working difficult circumstances for good, generosity, and salvation.

Plot: I’ve never been a big reader of Christmas stories, but this one held my attention with plenty of developing friendships between characters, hints of romance, tragic pasts, and character growth.

Romance: Clean. Actually, there was just a little bit of romance in this book. I appreciated that the romance wasn’t the main plot; it was a nice change from a lot of Christian fiction that focuses heavily on romance.

Writing: Virginia Henderson’s writing style allowed me to see everything that happened in the book. Her descriptions were clear and not overwhelming, and I enjoyed the quick pace of her style.

Overall: It’s Called Grace is a great read, and I’m looking forward to seeing these characters again in the second book. I’d recommend this novel to readers of Christian fiction, contemporary fiction, and Christmas stories.

I received this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Rebekah Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking for a Christmas story that had more than just a few slight mentions of Christmas and while this story wasn’t overflowing with gifts and lights, tinsel and candy canes, it definitely had Christmas in it. The writing style was a bit more simple than I was expecting, perhaps it is the author’s first book, I don’t know. It wasn’t overly simplistic, or annoying, it was just something I noticed.
The characters and setting were well done and I enjoyed a rich girl who actually wasn’t spoiled and nasty like so many stories portray. I really liked the message of forgiveness and the reason for Christmas.
My biggest complaints are that it appears that Abby was a Christian who married a non-Christian, and that Rachel is divorced.

[M.L. Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

VIRGINIA HENDERSON HAS DONE IT.

VIRGINIA HENDERSON HAS ACHIEVED A 5-STAR RATING.

I love this book. And it was an instant love. I can't even explain why, but immediately I just cared about these people. I loved Rachel because she was strong, and Sophia because she was kind. They way they came together was clever. I wouldn't have guessed it.

A huge highlight for me was how Sophia was kind and generous from the get-go. She wasn't the stereotypical heiress snob who changed throughout the course of the novel. She changed in some ways, but in other ways she remained who she was. She carried on her $800 shopping sprees. She continued to throw elaborate parties. She still had overflowing closets. I liked that. It felt real to me. I also liked her spirit and her independence. I think Sophia was my favorite Virginia Henderson-crafted character yet. And Rachel was a close second.

I just loved everything about this book honestly. I think Virginia is at her absolute best when, instead of focusing on an action-packed plot, she just introduces us to characters and lets them live their lives one day at a time. There was a lot I appreciated in this book. The fabulous food descriptions, for one. And there was a part where I just died laughing. I actually rolled off the couch breathlessly. Let's just say it involved Nora's prized possession. I was weak. Was I deliriously tired? Maybe, but it doesn't matter. Because it still gave me my hardest laugh all week.

I hope this series continues. I'll be the first in line for the next copy.

[Jana Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

When your world falls apart, what do you see? Do you see it as punishment for something you did or didn’t do, or do you watch for God’s hand? Do you see his provision and protection? Or do you doubt he exists? Those are the dilemmas faced by the characters in this sweet and engaging story by Virginia Henderson. We meet Rachel and her daughter Peggy, their friend Beth, and the new people God puts in their lives, Sophia and William. None of these characters are perfect, but it is through their imperfections that we glimpse God’s grace. An uplifting, quick read for those quiet days, when you just want to be reminded what God’s grace is all about.

[Virginia Henderson]

FREE eBook Sale!!! 9/13/24-9/17/24

[Penny Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's Called Grace was a sweet and cozy Christmas story. Rachel is a single mom who's just trying to make ends meet. Suddenly her life gets much more complicated due to an accident. Fortunately for Rachel, her sweet older neighbor, Beth, helps out in practical ways.

Sophia is a rich gal who loves shopping, but she yearns for more meaning and purpose in her life. What can she do to actually make a difference in the world? How can she convince her peers to leave their complacency and try to help the less fortunate?

Rachel and Sophia meet at the store where Rachel works in customer service, and an unlikely friendship begins. By the grace of God, both can help the other out in life changing ways.

I enjoyed this sweet story and the way it demonstrated the healing power of the gospel. The two romances in the story seemed too quick and unrealistic to me. Everything was tied up in a neat bow, which is lovely and fine for a cozy Christmas book, but it doesn't usually happen so perfectly in real life. I suppose as a single mom myself, I would have liked to see a bit more of the grit before the happily ever after, but literary license is allowed.

Thanks to the author for the free ARC I received. The ARC I read had not been professionally edited, which was a bit distracting to me as an editor, but the story was still meaningful and sweet, a cozy story about the power of grace and friendship to change lives.

I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Rhys-Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this short Christmas novel, but unfortunately, I wasn’t impressed by it. First of all, in my opinion, this book should have been thoroughly edited before it was published. (Nothing against the author, of course: this was published a while ago and her writing style has improved since then.) There were errors everywhere, especially with capitalization, and the prose was plain and simplistic.

I also was quite confused by the worldbuilding–even though this is a contemporary book. One woman says she and her husband lived through the Great Depression, which makes it seem like this book would have a 1980s setting, but, earlier in the book, one character shops on her phone, which implies that the setting was later.

Also, Sophia and William’s lavish lifestyle and large staff felt more 19th century than anything resembling contemporary. I found it hard to believe that a modern woman would be unused to eating anything but elaborate, multiple course meals. And it wasn’t just Sophia and William–the other women in the Sociable group seemed to live the same way. I actually felt this book would have worked better if it were set in the late 19th or early 20th century.

The one thing I liked in It’s Called Grace was the characters–mainly the side characters. I especially liked Beth and Steve. The women in the Sociable circle were also enjoyable, though slightly one-dimensional.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Virginia did a wonderful job writing this story. It was full of beautiful religious ties that I fell in love with right away. As always, with all of her books, I absolutely love how all the characters connected in some way. It just brought the story together more and was a really cool detail I don't see often in books. I really enjoyed the story line and how it related to real life. It explained how such a tragic event in somebodies life can be turned around and be made into something even greater and positive. The message throughout this book was beautiful and I am so happy to find yet another of Virgina's books that I love. I totally recommend that you read this book so that you too can gain more knowledge of how God is working in your life. :D

[Barbara Keigher · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was sweet, with sound biblical principals. I enjoyed the slower pace very much.

[Frieda Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Called Grace

Now THIS is the kind of Christmas novel I've been looking for! Sure, I enjoy all the hoopla, glitz, romance, snow, gifts, & trees just like anyone else, but those things aren't Christmas! Christmas is remembering the Birth of Jesus! Remembering when God left Heaven to live on this Earth as a man! Why did He do that? Because He loves us! Celebrating Christmas is not only being thankful for what He did for us, but also to share His Love with those who don't already know that Love! This was the lesson Rachel learned from Beth & Steve, & which Sophia & William learned from Rachel & Peggy! People who don't understand, get caught up in the bushes. "But even IF Jesus WAS real, which I doubt, December 25th wasn't His Birthday! THAT was the date of a Pagan worship ceremony!" So what?! It doesn't matter WHICH day we choose to celebrate, as long as we are celebrating Jesus & His Love & not that Pagan ceremony! In fact, we SHOULD celebrate Him EVERY day, not just on Dec 25th & Easter!! Although not specified, I believe THAT is the lesson learned by, &/or reinforced in, the characters of this story. Unfortunately, there are always going to be people like Victoria & Ryan, who can only find happiness in tearing down others. Those we ultimately have to leave in God's hands. I thank Ms. Henderson for bringing this beautiful story to us! I wish Everyone a Wonder filled Christmas & A Blessed New Year! May we never forget the Reason for the Season! Our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ!!

[Renée Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet, but a well-paced, well-rounded story. Every character adds to the subtle tapestry of the storyline. The message of Christmas, God's grace to mankind, is a main theme, and the story is told gently through beautiful redemption arcs. I enjoyed the coziness, the deep spiritual theme, the Christmas Eve church service, and the soft humor.

[Virginia Henderson]

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