What do you think?
Rate this book
Child of Grace
Can two hurting people make peace with their pasts—and find a new beginning together?
After a devastating trauma derails all her plans, Kelsey Anderson leaves her highpowered corporate job and moves to her grandmother’s lake house in Michigan to open a quilt shop, begin a new life, and make a difficult decision. Quiet is what she wants—and quiet is what she has … until war-weary ex-Army doctor Luke Turner invades her world. In town for a few weeks to fulfill a promise, he’s no more interested in romance than she is. But Kelsey’s public relations background is just what he needs to complete his mission. As they work together, sparks fly … but will Kelsey’s secret—and the looming choice she faces—derail their romance almost before it begins?
Bestselling author Irene Hannon pens another heartwarming novel that demonstrates the power of love to triumph over obstacles—and how good can often come even from the worst situations.
After a devastating trauma derails all her plans, Kelsey Anderson leaves her highpowered corporate job and moves to her grandmother’s lake house in Michigan to open a quilt shop, begin a new life, and make a difficult decision. Quiet is what she wants—and quiet is what she has … until war-weary ex-Army doctor Luke Turner invades her world. In town for a few weeks to fulfill a promise, he’s no more interested in romance than she is. But Kelsey’s public relations background is just what he needs to complete his mission. As they work together, sparks fly … but will Kelsey’s secret—and the looming choice she faces—derail their romance almost before it begins?
Bestselling author Irene Hannon pens another heartwarming novel that demonstrates the power of love to triumph over obstacles—and how good can often come even from the worst situations.
Audible Audio
First published January 17, 2011
119 people are currently reading
489 people want to read
About the author
Irene Hannon
126 books3,030 followersIrene Hannon, who writes both contemporary romance and romantic suspense, is the author of more than 65 novels. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA awards from Romance Writers of America (the “Oscar” of romance fiction) and she is a member of that organization's elite Hall of Fame. She has also received a Career Achievement award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Other awards for individual books include National Readers' Choice, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers Choice, Booksellers' Best, and Reviewers' Choice from RT Book Reviews. She is also a two-time Christy award finalist.
Millions of her books have been sold worldwide, and her novels have been translated into multiple languages.
A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com.
Millions of her books have been sold worldwide, and her novels have been translated into multiple languages.
A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
May 4, 2022
Wow! What a touching story.
March 2, 2018
While this was still the typical Love Inspired fluffy romance, I felt like this one had a little more meat on the bones. Kelsey's pregnancy and all the circumstances surrounding it were handled really well, and I appreciate that her decision to keep her baby wasn't portrayed as something simple, easy, or automatic - but that Kelsey's position came through strongly - two wrongs don't make a right.
All in all, a fun romance with some serious undertones, which I liked.
All in all, a fun romance with some serious undertones, which I liked.
November 16, 2020
Sweet and clean.
I liked this romance without overt sexuality. The pregnancy was handled well. It was a very comfortable read with no real surprises. Just right for light reading.
I liked this romance without overt sexuality. The pregnancy was handled well. It was a very comfortable read with no real surprises. Just right for light reading.
March 4, 2014
This was a God-centered romance about two very different people with different dreams coming together to help each other get over some very traumatic life situations.
May 26, 2016
I like the message of the story ... good can come out of a bad situation just have to have faith in God
January 23, 2021
Irene takes a difficult subject to discuss and gives an inspirational perspective on it: God can make good come out of pain. I like how Irene didn't make Kelsey reach an easy decision. Kelsey spent months thinking and praying over what to do with the child. She had to see past the fact the child was fathered in violence, and look at Grace as a gift. Luke himself has to make a difficult decision. He's a doctor who doesn't want to see or be reminded of violence, but when Kelsey decides to keep Grace, Luke has to see that blood doesn't make someone a father. Irene does an excellent job crafting the conflict, developing the characters, and showing that to have faith in God means peace for yourself.
November 7, 2023
Great Christian romance
I'd read this once already, and it was just as good this time as the first time. I can't imagine all of the emotions that go through pregnant women who have been assaulted & carry the result if that assault for 9 months. But I do know how precious babies are & what marvelous gifts of God they are. The author did a great job of showing the struggles & determination & also the love of God in this story.
I'd read this once already, and it was just as good this time as the first time. I can't imagine all of the emotions that go through pregnant women who have been assaulted & carry the result if that assault for 9 months. But I do know how precious babies are & what marvelous gifts of God they are. The author did a great job of showing the struggles & determination & also the love of God in this story.
April 9, 2025
Hannon does a great job treating a very difficult subject. The love story is well-done, with the male protagonist's sister having an interesting role. That brought an unusual element not found in most love stories. The depth of Luke's trauma was woven well into the plot, and the reader is made aware of it early on, whereas Kelsey's trauma is vaguely alluded to throughout but doesn't come to full light until close to the end. This is a great, light read that kept me wanting more.
May 14, 2018
The book has no notion to be more than it is: a Christian-themed romance novel. So, for that, it gets four stars. Still, it tackles a tough subject with, well, grace. The characters are well-developed if not somewhat unbelievable because of their purity. Still, I found myself liking them all and actually caring about the outcome.
April 12, 2020
The book actually deserves a 3.5. Well written with a strong advocacy for pro-life.
Kelsey’s physical and emotional scars are healed through prayer, encouragement and counsel from her friends...a tight circle of acceptance.
“When in doubt, give God a shout.”
Kelsey’s physical and emotional scars are healed through prayer, encouragement and counsel from her friends...a tight circle of acceptance.
“When in doubt, give God a shout.”
Read
March 31, 2022Tragic circumstances can be turned around for good with God's grace.
I love Irene Hannons stories. She deals with really difficult issues and shows how with God good can arise out of any tragedy. She is one of my favorite authors and I can't wait for the next book!
I love Irene Hannons stories. She deals with really difficult issues and shows how with God good can arise out of any tragedy. She is one of my favorite authors and I can't wait for the next book!
June 20, 2022
This was a good summer book. The cover would make you imagine that it’s of a light mood but it’s actually pretty dark and sad. It was a quick read and somewhat depressing at parts but heart warming in the end.
November 26, 2023
Excellent book!
I love the story of Kelsey and Luke. I wish more time was spent with Luke falling in love with Grace. I love the grace of God theme in the story as well.
Overall an excellent Read!
I love the story of Kelsey and Luke. I wish more time was spent with Luke falling in love with Grace. I love the grace of God theme in the story as well.
Overall an excellent Read!
August 26, 2025
I liked this inspiring novel by Irene Hannon. I liked the relationship that develops between Kelsey and Luke as Kelsey tries to decide what to do with her unborn baby. The story emphasizes the fact that a good situation can happen in spite of unfortunate events in one's life.
June 2, 2017
A nice fairytale
August 27, 2017
This summons up the book " make the better choice, not the bitter choice". Loved this book❤
February 14, 2020
this was a very hard read in a lot of ways. It did finally struggle to a happy ending but it isnt something i will read again and i cant recommend it
February 21, 2021
Loved it!
May 23, 2022
Sweet, sweet story
Of how God can use anything for good if we simply trust Him...
Loved the ending..but I also enjoyed each step along the way...
Of how God can use anything for good if we simply trust Him...
Loved the ending..but I also enjoyed each step along the way...
May 31, 2022
Awesome read!
March 1, 2023
Very good book, love the way it ended
July 12, 2023
As usual it was really good like all her books! Taking place on the shores of Lake Michigan instead of the West Coast
December 31, 2023
Fun & quick romance series.
June 29, 2024
Older favorite
June 12, 2025
excellent
Loved it. It was well written and heartfelt and kept my attention throughout. Plan on reading more of her books.
Loved it. It was well written and heartfelt and kept my attention throughout. Plan on reading more of her books.
December 28, 2024
I don't normally prefer romances, but this one was a light, clean, easy reading. I liked how Kelsey handled her unexpected pregnancy--definitely a pro-life book.
March 26, 2012
I had a hard time sinking into this romance. It just didn't pull you in, and while it had a compelling story, it just wasn't catching for me for some reason.
Kelsey moved to a small Michigan town to run away from some troubles. Or rather not run but she had to alter her life after a traumatic experience. But it can't completely leave her, because the experience let her pregnant and confused about what's going to happen in her life. And when army doctor Luke moves in next door she isn't sure whether to be scared of him, or attracted to him. And then she has to work with him on a charity case so they're thrown together pretty quickly.
I liked Kelsey. I thought she was strong and that her character acted appropriately for her experiences. But Luke I just didn't get. He seemed very two-dimentional and honestly didn't have some very good attributes to his character. If I were Kelsey, I certainly wouldn't have gone for him. But to each their own I guess. I actually liked the side characters. Luke's sister Hannah was pretty entertaining.
Kelsey has a lot to overcome, but for how exciting her past is, the book actually moves quite slow. And it gets kind of boring at times. I also thought the romance was only so-so. There just wasn't chemistry there. And since this was love-inspired it was a christian book. But it wasn't overt or preachy, so that wasn't too bad. I just think that this book could have used some time to develop the plot a little more, instead of rushing it, especially towards the end.
Ok, but I just wasn't thrilled with the characters. I think this could have had the potential to be a very very good book. But it just didn't spend the time it could have in developing itself.
Child of Grace
Copyright 2011
280 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2012
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
Kelsey moved to a small Michigan town to run away from some troubles. Or rather not run but she had to alter her life after a traumatic experience. But it can't completely leave her, because the experience let her pregnant and confused about what's going to happen in her life. And when army doctor Luke moves in next door she isn't sure whether to be scared of him, or attracted to him. And then she has to work with him on a charity case so they're thrown together pretty quickly.
I liked Kelsey. I thought she was strong and that her character acted appropriately for her experiences. But Luke I just didn't get. He seemed very two-dimentional and honestly didn't have some very good attributes to his character. If I were Kelsey, I certainly wouldn't have gone for him. But to each their own I guess. I actually liked the side characters. Luke's sister Hannah was pretty entertaining.
Kelsey has a lot to overcome, but for how exciting her past is, the book actually moves quite slow. And it gets kind of boring at times. I also thought the romance was only so-so. There just wasn't chemistry there. And since this was love-inspired it was a christian book. But it wasn't overt or preachy, so that wasn't too bad. I just think that this book could have used some time to develop the plot a little more, instead of rushing it, especially towards the end.
Ok, but I just wasn't thrilled with the characters. I think this could have had the potential to be a very very good book. But it just didn't spend the time it could have in developing itself.
Child of Grace
Copyright 2011
280 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2012
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
September 14, 2012
Kelsey Anderson is pregnant, tired of her corporate job, and ready to move. She heads down to a beach cottage only to find that she's going to be sharing the beach with handsome Luke Turner. She's giving up her demanding job to relax into the life of running a quilt shop, and she's all set to do that...except when Luke barges into her life.
Luke Turner is a war-scarred man who has come to this town to honor a deceased friend's dream. His friend, Carlos, who died in war, made Luke promise something. And Luke is fulfilling that promise by working with the religious authorities in the town and creating a youth center. But what he doesn't expect is Kelsey Anderson to be the lady who the reverend recommends to speak to, and even more than that, he doesn't expect to live right next to her!
While the plot was decently developed, I just didn't get into this story. Maybe it was the fact that I prefer steamy romances, but I don't think that was it. There was no...sense of conflict drawing the characters together. Of course, Luke doesn't want a baby conceived of violence because Kelsey is pregnant due to rape, but he seemed to get over the notion so easily and without a second thought. Obviously, love conquers all, but that quickly? I don't think so.
It was probably just the sleepiness of the whole town. While there were several twists in the plot, I didn't enjoy them. The beach was quiet, the quilting shop was quiet, even the characters themselves were quiet. I found not a single part of myself rooting for either Kelsey or Luke when they were at the peak of their conflict.
I don't recommend this book and most likely will not be reading from this author again soon. However, I will come back to Harlequin's Steeple Hill line for some inspirational romances.
Luke Turner is a war-scarred man who has come to this town to honor a deceased friend's dream. His friend, Carlos, who died in war, made Luke promise something. And Luke is fulfilling that promise by working with the religious authorities in the town and creating a youth center. But what he doesn't expect is Kelsey Anderson to be the lady who the reverend recommends to speak to, and even more than that, he doesn't expect to live right next to her!
While the plot was decently developed, I just didn't get into this story. Maybe it was the fact that I prefer steamy romances, but I don't think that was it. There was no...sense of conflict drawing the characters together. Of course, Luke doesn't want a baby conceived of violence because Kelsey is pregnant due to rape, but he seemed to get over the notion so easily and without a second thought. Obviously, love conquers all, but that quickly? I don't think so.
It was probably just the sleepiness of the whole town. While there were several twists in the plot, I didn't enjoy them. The beach was quiet, the quilting shop was quiet, even the characters themselves were quiet. I found not a single part of myself rooting for either Kelsey or Luke when they were at the peak of their conflict.
I don't recommend this book and most likely will not be reading from this author again soon. However, I will come back to Harlequin's Steeple Hill line for some inspirational romances.
February 25, 2019
Kelsey is living in her late grandmother's cottage on a lake in Michigan after a traumatic incident that left her realizing there is more to life than the corporate ladder she was climbing. She is enjoying the peace and quiet of her life as a mother-to-be and quilt shop owner until a handsome doctor moves into the house next door. Now they share a private beach, a community project, and a spark. Kelsey has a lot of baggage, but with subtle persistence and his devotion to the project, Luke wins her heart. When she confides about the father of her child, Luke pulls away. There is no way he can deal with her circumstances. With a lot of prayer, the Grace of God, the premature arrival of Kelsey's bundle of joy and Luke's impending departure of Michigan, he realizes he can not live without either lady.
October 10, 2012
War-weary Army medic Luke Turner comes to a Minnesota lake to relax and decompress...only to find his solitude disrupted by pregnant single mother Kelsey Anderson. Luke develops a sympathy for the young mother's plight....but the reasons behind her pregnancy are not at all what you might expect.
Kelsey is a victim of rape - and has courageously decided to carry her baby rather than have an abortion. Her faith and outlook on life inspire Luke.....but will Kelsey be willing to follow him to Georgia where his new job as director of an E.R. awaits? And can Luke accept baby Grace...knowing the circumstances of her conception?
A wonderful story about two current issues (abortion and post-traumatic stress disorder) and the Christian viewpoint in dealing with both.
Kelsey is a victim of rape - and has courageously decided to carry her baby rather than have an abortion. Her faith and outlook on life inspire Luke.....but will Kelsey be willing to follow him to Georgia where his new job as director of an E.R. awaits? And can Luke accept baby Grace...knowing the circumstances of her conception?
A wonderful story about two current issues (abortion and post-traumatic stress disorder) and the Christian viewpoint in dealing with both.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews