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Where Grace Abides: A Split-Time Novel
Andon Cox hasn’t been home to Vermont in twelve long years. After Emma Transom, the love of his life, crushed any hope they once had for a future together, he left with no intent to return. That is until his father died and left him an inheritance- a farm-house that dates back to the 1770’s and one that holds secrets both distant and personal for Andon and Emma. Andon’s father has tasked him with discovering the truth that has been buried by time within Maplevale and has forced him to partner with Emma to do it. Hidden within the walls of Maplevale, lies a secret. One that reaches back to the American Revolution, a secret that could be the key to healing the rift between Andon and Emma.
Two hundred and fifty years earlier, Major Ezra James, an officer in the British Army, marches into Philadelphia, ready to occupy the rebel capital. He resides in the home of the beautiful and talented cook, Verity Kent, a staunch patriot and sister of one of Washington’s men. Although both are fighting on opposite sides of the same war, love grows between them. That is until grave secrets, danger, and betrayal threaten to undo the bond that they have forged.
As Andon's, Emma's, Verity's, and Ezra’s stories intersect, all are forced to confront grief and guilt and discover the grace buried within it all.
Two hundred and fifty years earlier, Major Ezra James, an officer in the British Army, marches into Philadelphia, ready to occupy the rebel capital. He resides in the home of the beautiful and talented cook, Verity Kent, a staunch patriot and sister of one of Washington’s men. Although both are fighting on opposite sides of the same war, love grows between them. That is until grave secrets, danger, and betrayal threaten to undo the bond that they have forged.
As Andon's, Emma's, Verity's, and Ezra’s stories intersect, all are forced to confront grief and guilt and discover the grace buried within it all.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2025
6 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Kelsey Lasher
5 books13 followersKelsey Lasher is the author of "Where Our Stories Leave Us" and "When Dormant Daffodils Bloom." Her work has been featured in various publications such as coffeeandcrumbs.net, glowliveaslight.com, Be Still Magazine, and The MOPS Magazine. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History from the University of Colorado Denver, a document that is now collecting dust behind her kid’s baby books. She lives in her home state of Colorado with her very favorite humans- her husband and three young children. Kelsey is passionate about a lot of things namely her faith, family, friends, books, flowers, and the perfect glass of unsweet iced tea. She loves encouraging others through writing and speaking. Learn more at kelseylasherauthor.com and look for her next novel, "When Dormant Daffodils Bloom" releasing in the Spring of 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 20, 2025
4.7 stars (5/10 hearts). This was another random Booksirens suggestion, and to be honest it was the cover that had me interested. *hides* I haven't read a time-split novel before, that I recall, anyways, and I found this quite interesting. It was well balanced between both timelines, though I admit I was much more invested in and liked the 1770s characters more than the modern-day characters.
So, let's start with characters. I liked Ezra a lot, of course. He was such an upright man, and I LOVE how he chose forgiveness + articulated it clearly, and didn't let misunderstandings fester! And Verity was a sweet girl. Andon was probably the character who interested me the least, but I enjoyed all the cooking and baking vibes that he and Verity brought in. And as a history buff, I loved Emma's position. ;)
The rich autumnal and wintry New England setting was delightful! I've read a lot of books about the American Revolution, and I enjoyed yet another book set in that era. As someone with British leanings, I really appreciated how everything was handled. How Ezra's POV was shared without being ripped apart or mocked, how Verity's was handled the same way, and how the British weren't portrayed as the usual cliché monsters. The focus was more on the cost of war and the personal struggles of the citizens instead of on the ideals/reasons for the war, and I appreciated that much more intimate and relatable portrayal. Though at times the writing felt a little stilted or weak, I don't recall being jerked out of the 1770s much by modern language, and the descriptions were some of the most gorgeous and unique I have EVER read. I need to study this author's metaphors and analogies! They were so well written.
The two different plots merged pretty well (though I did wonder how the letters Verity wrote to her brother ended up in the house). Andon & Emma's storyline focused on second-chance romance, discovering old secrets, and learning to forgive bad choices + move on from lost years; while Ezra & Verity's focussed on the suspense and troubles of the British occupation of Philadelphia, and was admittedly more suspenseful. I was positively on the edge of my seat for the last couple chapters there. I was very intrigued how a British major and an American woman whose brother served in the revolutionary army would possibly end up in a romance, but it was so well done! And Andon + Emma's romance was cute too, though a lot more angsty.
Most of all, though, it's the theme that raises this to a 5 star. For most of the book I wondered if it was Christian Fiction at all, but out of nowhere that message about grace and guilt hit me SO HARD. I've been dealing with a lot of bitterness lately, and through this book God really shook my shoulder and said gently, "Remember how much I've given you grace? Pass it on." I couldn't help tearing up! The whole church bit was amazing and touching, and so was the chapter where Verity's past pops up one last time...
In short, I really enjoyed this story and I need to read more by this author!
Content: a nasty British soldier threatens V and clearly wants her, though I don't remember any particulars; but I know she's rescued before anything happens. He also calls her Ezra's mistress and tried to sneak away to an American house where two women are alone. and there's a miscarriage.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
So, let's start with characters. I liked Ezra a lot, of course. He was such an upright man, and I LOVE how he chose forgiveness + articulated it clearly, and didn't let misunderstandings fester! And Verity was a sweet girl. Andon was probably the character who interested me the least, but I enjoyed all the cooking and baking vibes that he and Verity brought in. And as a history buff, I loved Emma's position. ;)
The rich autumnal and wintry New England setting was delightful! I've read a lot of books about the American Revolution, and I enjoyed yet another book set in that era. As someone with British leanings, I really appreciated how everything was handled. How Ezra's POV was shared without being ripped apart or mocked, how Verity's was handled the same way, and how the British weren't portrayed as the usual cliché monsters. The focus was more on the cost of war and the personal struggles of the citizens instead of on the ideals/reasons for the war, and I appreciated that much more intimate and relatable portrayal. Though at times the writing felt a little stilted or weak, I don't recall being jerked out of the 1770s much by modern language, and the descriptions were some of the most gorgeous and unique I have EVER read. I need to study this author's metaphors and analogies! They were so well written.
The two different plots merged pretty well (though I did wonder how the letters Verity wrote to her brother ended up in the house). Andon & Emma's storyline focused on second-chance romance, discovering old secrets, and learning to forgive bad choices + move on from lost years; while Ezra & Verity's focussed on the suspense and troubles of the British occupation of Philadelphia, and was admittedly more suspenseful. I was positively on the edge of my seat for the last couple chapters there. I was very intrigued how a British major and an American woman whose brother served in the revolutionary army would possibly end up in a romance, but it was so well done! And Andon + Emma's romance was cute too, though a lot more angsty.
Most of all, though, it's the theme that raises this to a 5 star. For most of the book I wondered if it was Christian Fiction at all, but out of nowhere that message about grace and guilt hit me SO HARD. I've been dealing with a lot of bitterness lately, and through this book God really shook my shoulder and said gently, "Remember how much I've given you grace? Pass it on." I couldn't help tearing up! The whole church bit was amazing and touching, and so was the chapter where Verity's past pops up one last time...
In short, I really enjoyed this story and I need to read more by this author!
Content: a nasty British soldier threatens V and clearly wants her, though I don't remember any particulars; but I know she's rescued before anything happens. He also calls her Ezra's mistress and tried to sneak away to an American house where two women are alone. and there's a miscarriage.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
April 30, 2025
This is a well written book. I especially liked Verity and her unusual love story. I was just a bit confused about how her letters to her brother ended up at Maplevale. Emma's secret is hard to figure out and once we know, I had a hard time understanding why she kept it a secret. Both stories are happily ever afters. I also liked that there is some faith in the book.
December 16, 2025
This dual-timeline story has such an interesting premise and likeable characters. The Christian message in the story is strong. The book also seems very well-researched with lots of fascinating historical details. I wish it had been longer. I read it very quickly because by the end, I just couldn't put it down and I had to know what happened.
It was difficult for me to decide between four and five stars for this book. A few events were just too convenient, quick, or otherwise unbelievable. And to be honest, I still found it difficult to be all on board with a romance between a patriot woman (whose brother is fighting against the British!) and a British soldier quartering in her home, even though in many ways he was a very good man.
I still really enjoyed this book and recommend it to others who enjoy no-spice and Christian historical or contemporary romance. I will definitely be on the look-out for other stories from this author.
Thank you to BookSirens and Kelsey Lasher for the free eARC. I post this review with my honest opinions.
Content warnings:
It was difficult for me to decide between four and five stars for this book. A few events were just too convenient, quick, or otherwise unbelievable. And to be honest, I still found it difficult to be all on board with a romance between a patriot woman (whose brother is fighting against the British!) and a British soldier quartering in her home, even though in many ways he was a very good man.
I still really enjoyed this book and recommend it to others who enjoy no-spice and Christian historical or contemporary romance. I will definitely be on the look-out for other stories from this author.
Thank you to BookSirens and Kelsey Lasher for the free eARC. I post this review with my honest opinions.
Content warnings:
May 9, 2025
This emotional yet sweet dual timeline novel set in modern day and eighteenth century revolutionary war America follows the tale of two different couples trying to find peace and salvation in a dark time period.
After the death of his father Andon Cox has inherited an old home that he wants nothing to do with but promised his dying father he would take care of. to make the situation sour his former fiance Emma who jilted him a decade earlier is a historian who has been entrusted to uncover the mystery the houses' eighteenth century occupants. They put their differences aside to work together but is there hope to rekindle what has been lost?
Our second plotline is set in the Revolutionary war America we meet Verity Kent whose brother is fighting on the American side. In order to keep him up to date on the movements of the british is that she bakes sweet with secret messages knowing that if caught she could face serious consequences. British Major Ezra James ends up being a guest in her home but despite their differences they develop a friendship that turns to much more. However with the threats of war will their relationship survive?
I was overall in awe with how this story turned out. It is interesting how the two timelines came together in one story.
I received an ARC copy from booksirens and all opinions are of my own.
After the death of his father Andon Cox has inherited an old home that he wants nothing to do with but promised his dying father he would take care of. to make the situation sour his former fiance Emma who jilted him a decade earlier is a historian who has been entrusted to uncover the mystery the houses' eighteenth century occupants. They put their differences aside to work together but is there hope to rekindle what has been lost?
Our second plotline is set in the Revolutionary war America we meet Verity Kent whose brother is fighting on the American side. In order to keep him up to date on the movements of the british is that she bakes sweet with secret messages knowing that if caught she could face serious consequences. British Major Ezra James ends up being a guest in her home but despite their differences they develop a friendship that turns to much more. However with the threats of war will their relationship survive?
I was overall in awe with how this story turned out. It is interesting how the two timelines came together in one story.
I received an ARC copy from booksirens and all opinions are of my own.
July 22, 2025
Reading Andon and Emma’s love story from their grown-up eyes was amazing. Them finding the Grace that God grants each one of us was the perfect ending to Where Grace Abides.
Andon came home because his dad died and left him the house with strict instructions. Emma, his old girlfriend/fiancée, was to help him with restoration and the history of the house. Andon didn’t want her help because of the way things ended between them. Emma didn’t want to help because of how she ended things, with no explanation.
Through the story of Andon’s ancestors, through letters and history, Emma and Andon discovered grace and acceptance and love. I really enjoyed reading how And on and Emma met, started dating and eventually broke up. (I didn't love the way things ended between them, with Emma not giving Andon a reason for the breakup, after they were engaged). He deserved a reason for her breaking the engagement.
Verity and Ezra were complete opposites. He was a British soldier. Verity was an American. He fell for her quickly, she was a spy helping her brother beat the British in the American Revolution. She really didn’t deserve grace after Ezra found out what she did. But grace came into the relationship.
The evil captain wanted to kill Ezra and Verity found out and saved Ezra’s life. He had to marry her to keep her safe from the hanging she would have got for being a spy for the American soldiers.
Verity and Ezra, Andon and Emma, and all of us, don’t deserve the Grace that God gives us freely. We should be dead for our sins, but God’s grace abounds and abides in us.
I received an advance review copy for free, I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Andon came home because his dad died and left him the house with strict instructions. Emma, his old girlfriend/fiancée, was to help him with restoration and the history of the house. Andon didn’t want her help because of the way things ended between them. Emma didn’t want to help because of how she ended things, with no explanation.
Through the story of Andon’s ancestors, through letters and history, Emma and Andon discovered grace and acceptance and love. I really enjoyed reading how And on and Emma met, started dating and eventually broke up. (I didn't love the way things ended between them, with Emma not giving Andon a reason for the breakup, after they were engaged). He deserved a reason for her breaking the engagement.
Verity and Ezra were complete opposites. He was a British soldier. Verity was an American. He fell for her quickly, she was a spy helping her brother beat the British in the American Revolution. She really didn’t deserve grace after Ezra found out what she did. But grace came into the relationship.
The evil captain wanted to kill Ezra and Verity found out and saved Ezra’s life. He had to marry her to keep her safe from the hanging she would have got for being a spy for the American soldiers.
Verity and Ezra, Andon and Emma, and all of us, don’t deserve the Grace that God gives us freely. We should be dead for our sins, but God’s grace abounds and abides in us.
I received an advance review copy for free, I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 18, 2025
This was a cute dual timeline story. Generally, I'm not a huge fan of dual timeline stories. I feel like I'm always way more invested in one timeline, and when we switch to the other, I'm disappointed. Fortunately, that was not the case with this book. There were times when I was more interested in the Revolutionary War Era story. Sometimes, I was more interested in the story that took place in the present. Other times, I was equally invested in both stories. Overall, I feel like both stories equally kept my interest.
This was so close to getting 5 stars. The main reason this got 4 stars instead of 5 was that there were a few places where the story felt a bit far-fetched. I could accept most of the story from the past, but some of the things that happened in the story from the present just felt a bit off.
This was a clean novel. There was no swearing. It does talk about two people who are not married having sex, but it's handled in a very appropriate manner. There's also some violence, but it's either behind the scenes or very mild.
While this is presented as a Christian novel, I'd say that about the first three-fourths had little to no elements that made it feel specifically like it was for a Christian audience. The elements of forgiveness and grace play a part in the latter part of the novel.
I got a free ARC from BookSirens, and I left a voluntary review.
This was so close to getting 5 stars. The main reason this got 4 stars instead of 5 was that there were a few places where the story felt a bit far-fetched. I could accept most of the story from the past, but some of the things that happened in the story from the present just felt a bit off.
This was a clean novel. There was no swearing. It does talk about two people who are not married having sex, but it's handled in a very appropriate manner. There's also some violence, but it's either behind the scenes or very mild.
While this is presented as a Christian novel, I'd say that about the first three-fourths had little to no elements that made it feel specifically like it was for a Christian audience. The elements of forgiveness and grace play a part in the latter part of the novel.
I got a free ARC from BookSirens, and I left a voluntary review.
May 22, 2025
The story follows two couples, one in the revolutionary war time and the other in present day. James is a major in the British army and treats everyone honorably. He expects those under him to do the same, paying farmers for their supplies and not just taking them. He is billeted in Verity's uncle's home and she has a brother in the revolutionary troops.
This story portrays the conflict that those in that time must have faced. Our couple in this time became estranged back 12 years ago. His father passes away and sets them to finding out the history of the family's old home. You follow what happened to them as they trace the history of the house from letters they found. Andon and Emma have a lot to learn about each other now.
I love the sense of history and how the grace of God helped both couples from things they did. Each had things they'd done and wished they hadn't.
I finished this book as I was waiting for an appointment and I stopped to reflect rather than doing anything else. There is a lot of meaning in this story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story portrays the conflict that those in that time must have faced. Our couple in this time became estranged back 12 years ago. His father passes away and sets them to finding out the history of the family's old home. You follow what happened to them as they trace the history of the house from letters they found. Andon and Emma have a lot to learn about each other now.
I love the sense of history and how the grace of God helped both couples from things they did. Each had things they'd done and wished they hadn't.
I finished this book as I was waiting for an appointment and I stopped to reflect rather than doing anything else. There is a lot of meaning in this story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 17, 2025
This novel was fantastic! The feelings between the characters are genuinely touching. The characters themselves come across as sincere and authentic. The story flows between time periods in a natural, logical way so that it is very easy to follow. The narrative includes enough descriptive details that you can imagine the sights, sounds, and scents vividly but not to the point that the detail overwhelms the story.
This was one of the best novels I've read in a while. I recommend it for fans of contemporary fiction, historical fiction, and modest (not graphic) romance.
My review is based on an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) which I received free of charge. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was one of the best novels I've read in a while. I recommend it for fans of contemporary fiction, historical fiction, and modest (not graphic) romance.
My review is based on an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) which I received free of charge. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 23, 2025
Where Grace Abides by Kelsey Lasher is a well-written romance based on Christian principles. It is a unique story that jumps back and forth between the American War of Independence 1775 - 1783 and the present. The stories of ancestors and descendants are woven into an exciting and very well crafted story. It is an emotional story of love, hate, hope, despair, courage, honor and mercy. It is a highly original pen with wonderful real-life characters. A heartwarming faith-building story that I read in one breath. It was my first time reading a book by this author and I was pleasantly surprised by the high quality of the writing.
June 9, 2025
‘Where Grace Abides’ is a beautifully woven novel with well-handled split timelines and deeply engaging characters. Major Ezra James, with his honorable nature, stands out as my favorite.
The parallel themes of redemption in romance feel heartfelt, emphasizing biblical grace-filled love over fleeting passion. The Revolutionary War-era details, including historical recipes, add fascinating depth, and the author’s note enhances the meaning behind key events. I’d gladly explore more from Kelsey Lasher.
Special thanks to BookSirens for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The parallel themes of redemption in romance feel heartfelt, emphasizing biblical grace-filled love over fleeting passion. The Revolutionary War-era details, including historical recipes, add fascinating depth, and the author’s note enhances the meaning behind key events. I’d gladly explore more from Kelsey Lasher.
Special thanks to BookSirens for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 6, 2025
It was a very nice story. I liked the dual story line of the past and the present, as well as, the similarities between them. I felt for Verity being torn between loyalty to her brother and loyalty to Ezra. How they built their relationship From a dislike. I was sad that we were able to have more time with Andon’s dad. I would have liked to have more from him. God’s Grace … can’t be earned - it’s just given. Great message.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 19, 2025
This is one of the best books I’ve ever read! It had it all… dual timeline, suspense, romance, mystery, intrigue. The author did a great job transitioning between timelines, and drawing the 2 stories together at the end. She wove her words together to create a beautiful picture of true love, forgiveness, and God’s amazing grace. The story held me captive to the very last page. I was so moved and inspired by this awesome book. In fact, I wanted to read it all over again as soon as I finished it. It was that good! Don’t hesitate to read it! You won’t regret it!
July 23, 2025
This lovely tale had it all… Dual timeline, romance, intrigue and suspense.
Delving between two very dissimilar timelines seamlessly the 2 settings were plotted well. With dialogue at the fore the historical side bursts alive, today. Together and contentedly leaving this reader, at the end.
The story held me from start to finish from then tot he the now, til the very last page.
I will be reading work by this author again!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Delving between two very dissimilar timelines seamlessly the 2 settings were plotted well. With dialogue at the fore the historical side bursts alive, today. Together and contentedly leaving this reader, at the end.
The story held me from start to finish from then tot he the now, til the very last page.
I will be reading work by this author again!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 4, 2025
Both the present and the past meld well to tell the individual stories of two sets of lovers from different time periods. In the end the connections are revealed and both stories wrapped up successfully. Religion is a focus but not in a way that overpowers the focus and delivery of the story, but just as a way to give subtle meaning and depth to the storyline without being overbearing or preachy.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 16, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I have not read this author before but I really want to read mor3 books by them. I am sure others will love it too. I liked the characters and the plot. I like the writing style it flowed smoothly and kept me engaged in the story. I will definite keep this author on my list of read again authors.
June 12, 2025
This is the second book I have read this month with strong ties to the Revolutionary War. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed the interplay between the past and the present in this book.
The overarching theme is the power of grace & forgiveness even amongst the most heartbreaking circumstances.
I received this book free from the author, publisher, or other source.
The overarching theme is the power of grace & forgiveness even amongst the most heartbreaking circumstances.
I received this book free from the author, publisher, or other source.
May 20, 2025
A very moving story about a family, their troubles and history. Loved the characters, and the detailed world building. It is a long book but worth the read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 7, 2025
Amazing book written by one of my very best friends! A romantic historical fiction filled with a heartwarming message of grace when we don’t deserve it ❤️❤️
August 16, 2025
A sweet dual timeline story set in modern day and the Revolutionary War. The author wove the 2 stories together wonderfully and the theme of grace and forgiveness was perfect. A quick and cozy read!
June 8, 2025
This was a wonderful clean historical romance Christian story about God’s grace, and the difference it can make in our life if we let it! I loved the dual time mystery and romance that happened in the story, and the amazing character growth that was revealed as the book progressed!
September 2, 2025
Very well written dual timeline story. Cozy fall read with biblical viewpoints.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews