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Before Grace
“A beautiful story about faith, friends, family, and a path to the locksmith who will set you free.” –Cam Torrens, award-winning author of the Tyler Zahn series
Young mother and widow Katie Kaminski is chasing happiness at any cost—even to her children. When her in-laws ask her to photograph Grace Church’s fall festival, Katie reluctantly agrees to spend a week in her late husband’s hometown. But where she expected to find ghosts of his past, she instead finds her own.
Standing next to her in-laws is former flame Isaac Torres. The soldier-turned-police officer isn’t at church for God, though. He has no need for religion or women—especially the ones who have lied to him, like Katie.
As the past and present collide, a week on the Texas coast turns into two when an accident forces Katie to stay. The pain she runs from is catching up to her, threatening what remains of her family. For two people who know the high cost of love, will it be worth the risk?
An inspirational, second-chance story, Before Grace is the stand-alone prequel to the best-selling Grace Church Series from award-winning author Anna Daugherty. For realistic stories with a Biblical worldview and clean romance, grab a copy and enter the world of Grace Church today.
Young mother and widow Katie Kaminski is chasing happiness at any cost—even to her children. When her in-laws ask her to photograph Grace Church’s fall festival, Katie reluctantly agrees to spend a week in her late husband’s hometown. But where she expected to find ghosts of his past, she instead finds her own.
Standing next to her in-laws is former flame Isaac Torres. The soldier-turned-police officer isn’t at church for God, though. He has no need for religion or women—especially the ones who have lied to him, like Katie.
As the past and present collide, a week on the Texas coast turns into two when an accident forces Katie to stay. The pain she runs from is catching up to her, threatening what remains of her family. For two people who know the high cost of love, will it be worth the risk?
An inspirational, second-chance story, Before Grace is the stand-alone prequel to the best-selling Grace Church Series from award-winning author Anna Daugherty. For realistic stories with a Biblical worldview and clean romance, grab a copy and enter the world of Grace Church today.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 7, 2025
15 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 22, 2025
This was a fantastic story! Katie has had a tough time, loosing her husband and being a single mother to twins. I liked how the story depicted that motherhood is not always easy. Her little girls are both sweet and crazy at times. I loved them. When she goes to visit her mother-in-law she runs into an old boyfriend, Isaac. Isaac has had a tough time too, his wife divorced him and aborted their baby. It’s just terrible. He also thinks Katie lied to him about not wanting to marry and have kids. Even though their past was rough Isaac and Katie make amends and their friendship grows again. I really liked them. I liked that they both had flaws and they helped each other. I also loved that this book was so Christ focused. There was great Christian content. Even though there are sad and tough situations this story has a happy ending. I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content: death of spouse mentioned, abortion in past remembered,
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content: death of spouse mentioned, abortion in past remembered,
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
October 16, 2025
What a book
I laughec, I cried, I enjoyed! Wonderful, well written story of Katie, Isaac, and two small hurricanes who happen to be Kates twin daughters. Widowed Kate is the struggling mom to toddler twin daughters Sage and Josie. Traveling back to her deceased husband's hometown she finds herself face to face with "the one who got away" Isaac. Isaac, now a police officer is suffering from a double betrayal by his ex wife and finds it hard to trust anyone, especially God. Kate is worn out by care of the twins, grief over the death if her husband, and is finding life just too hard. She still believes in God, but feels he has deserted her because she is not good enough. Motherhood is hard, relationships are hard, and grief is devastating! Highly recommend this book!
I laughec, I cried, I enjoyed! Wonderful, well written story of Katie, Isaac, and two small hurricanes who happen to be Kates twin daughters. Widowed Kate is the struggling mom to toddler twin daughters Sage and Josie. Traveling back to her deceased husband's hometown she finds herself face to face with "the one who got away" Isaac. Isaac, now a police officer is suffering from a double betrayal by his ex wife and finds it hard to trust anyone, especially God. Kate is worn out by care of the twins, grief over the death if her husband, and is finding life just too hard. She still believes in God, but feels he has deserted her because she is not good enough. Motherhood is hard, relationships are hard, and grief is devastating! Highly recommend this book!
June 2, 2025
“Before Grace” by Anna Daugherty tells the story of a young widow, struggling to survive after her husband dies, leaving her with twin infant daughters. Katie, overworked, overwhelmed, and overextended does the best she can. Her two girls couldn’t be any more different from night and day, and they pull her in different directions. She feels like she might break at any moment. Suffering from guilt for feeling like she isn’t a good enough mother, she works as a freelance photographer, moving her children where the jobs are. Her visit to her husband’s town is only to be temporary. Her former in-laws love for her and her children is almost too much for her to take in. She’s not used to receiving so much help or making friends. And she certainly wasn’t prepared to come across Isaac, a man who was her “almost one” more than a decade earlier back in her home state of Alaska. Will Katie find a second chance with Isaac now, even though he is haunted by demons of his own?
This is a Christian novel, and God, the Bible, and church is woven into the story in the same way that Christians weave God, the Bible, and church into their own lives. At the same time, “Before Grace” shows people’s vulnerability, defects, and fears and how difficult it is to overcome them. This novel, the third in the “Grace” series, is full of humanity and love. And of course, grace.
I’m grateful to have been given an ARC of this heartwarming novel, and my opinions are my own.
This is a Christian novel, and God, the Bible, and church is woven into the story in the same way that Christians weave God, the Bible, and church into their own lives. At the same time, “Before Grace” shows people’s vulnerability, defects, and fears and how difficult it is to overcome them. This novel, the third in the “Grace” series, is full of humanity and love. And of course, grace.
I’m grateful to have been given an ARC of this heartwarming novel, and my opinions are my own.
August 30, 2025
Before Grace
Anna Daugherty
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Widowed and raising her young twin daughters alone, Katie Kaminski is always on the move. Her life as a social media influencer keeps her and her girls moving from town to town. No attachments. No roots. Invited by her in-laws to photograph an event at their church, Katie agrees to a temporary job in her late husband’s hometown. While there she encounters Isaac Torres, a police officer with whom she shares a history she thought she left behind in Alaska years ago.
We love how Daugherty reveals a trap the devil likes to employ, that we need to be self-sufficient and remain isolated. Jesus built the church to create a community of support, encouragement, and refinement. We need the growth that comes through service and interacting with others. One aspect that disappointed us though was the casual inclusion of alcohol after the characters had acknowledged their need of the Savior. It felt out of place in the story and detracted from the writing. However, we recognize that coming to a saving knowledge of Christ involves a lifelong journey of sanctification. We did enjoy the book and the strong inclusion of Christian principles, but felt we needed to let our followers know about this one aspect we wish had been absent.
We received an advance copy from the author. This is our honest review.
Anna Daugherty
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Widowed and raising her young twin daughters alone, Katie Kaminski is always on the move. Her life as a social media influencer keeps her and her girls moving from town to town. No attachments. No roots. Invited by her in-laws to photograph an event at their church, Katie agrees to a temporary job in her late husband’s hometown. While there she encounters Isaac Torres, a police officer with whom she shares a history she thought she left behind in Alaska years ago.
We love how Daugherty reveals a trap the devil likes to employ, that we need to be self-sufficient and remain isolated. Jesus built the church to create a community of support, encouragement, and refinement. We need the growth that comes through service and interacting with others. One aspect that disappointed us though was the casual inclusion of alcohol after the characters had acknowledged their need of the Savior. It felt out of place in the story and detracted from the writing. However, we recognize that coming to a saving knowledge of Christ involves a lifelong journey of sanctification. We did enjoy the book and the strong inclusion of Christian principles, but felt we needed to let our followers know about this one aspect we wish had been absent.
We received an advance copy from the author. This is our honest review.
June 5, 2025
From the start, I felt for Katie Kaminski. Young and widowed, she’s struggling to cope with the loss of her husband and the life she envisioned, leaving her overwhelmed with grief and her twin daughters to care for. To be frank, her actions and complaints sometimes dismayed me. I wanted to say, “look at what you have, look at those two beautiful girls,” but Katie is drowning in so much anguish, she can’t see what’s right in front of her. For the sake of her restless nature, she sacrifices her children's well-being by constantly moving. Her disillusionment with life eclipses three-year-old Josie’s wild meltdowns and Sage’s worrying silence.
A return to her deceased husband’s hometown—meant to be fleeting—challenges her in ways she never imagined as she faces her equally heartbroken mother-in-law, and Isaac, a former boyfriend engulfed in anger who trusts no one. When distress and distrust have ruled for so long, the effect Isaac has on Katie surprises her. Here is a man conscious of so much bad, and yet fighting for the good as a police officer.
When Katie’s role as a mother takes a hard hit, that’s where the story became really heartrending. Katie's precarious situation, illuminated by mindfulness, sent her on a harrowing journey which had me anxiously turning the pages, fearing a life reset might be too late. The power of grace resounds throughout author Daugherty’s novel so gently, I could feel it inspiring hope until I reached its last page.
A return to her deceased husband’s hometown—meant to be fleeting—challenges her in ways she never imagined as she faces her equally heartbroken mother-in-law, and Isaac, a former boyfriend engulfed in anger who trusts no one. When distress and distrust have ruled for so long, the effect Isaac has on Katie surprises her. Here is a man conscious of so much bad, and yet fighting for the good as a police officer.
When Katie’s role as a mother takes a hard hit, that’s where the story became really heartrending. Katie's precarious situation, illuminated by mindfulness, sent her on a harrowing journey which had me anxiously turning the pages, fearing a life reset might be too late. The power of grace resounds throughout author Daugherty’s novel so gently, I could feel it inspiring hope until I reached its last page.
August 10, 2025
BEFORE GRACE, by Anna Daugherty, is a unique and immersing example of what might be considered women’s fiction, but will appeal to any reader intrigued by the layered meaning of “family,” messy as it always is.
This is not a saccharine story wrapped in a rosy glow. The reader steps into Katie Kaminski’s reality as a talented professional photographer and mother of charming but demanding twin toddlers. Still grieving the death of her much-loved husband, Katie endures her uncertain balance between the expectations of two families, the Kaminski and the Lewis parent/grandparents, who are all too willing to impose their views. “Nobody,” she observes, “understands widowhood.”
Exhausted, Katie seeks advice from a counselor, describing herself as “constantly overwhelmed,” and then is blind-sided by a visit from Child Protective Services. Life, which at times had seemed a bad dream, becomes a nightmare. Where can Katie turn? Who can she trust?
Absorbing. Memorable. Captivating.
Five stars.
Shirley Miller Kamada
Author of No Quiet Water and Zachary: A Seagoing Cowboy
This is not a saccharine story wrapped in a rosy glow. The reader steps into Katie Kaminski’s reality as a talented professional photographer and mother of charming but demanding twin toddlers. Still grieving the death of her much-loved husband, Katie endures her uncertain balance between the expectations of two families, the Kaminski and the Lewis parent/grandparents, who are all too willing to impose their views. “Nobody,” she observes, “understands widowhood.”
Exhausted, Katie seeks advice from a counselor, describing herself as “constantly overwhelmed,” and then is blind-sided by a visit from Child Protective Services. Life, which at times had seemed a bad dream, becomes a nightmare. Where can Katie turn? Who can she trust?
Absorbing. Memorable. Captivating.
Five stars.
Shirley Miller Kamada
Author of No Quiet Water and Zachary: A Seagoing Cowboy
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August 7, 2025Author Anna Daugherty has written yet another deeply moving story, exploring the layers of trauma—and misunderstanding—that can keep us stuck in self-defeating patterns. Can a lonely young widow—intensely self-reliant and still grieving—trust herself to make good decisions for herself and her little girls? Can she allow herself to be vulnerable enough to accept help from others and form new relationships after the profound loss she has suffered?
As in her previous novels, Daugherty uplifts her readers, reminding us all are worthy of redemption and grace, and that when we’re able to offer forgiveness to others—and to ourselves—it leads to the healing we seek. This author’s willingness to dive into the bleak moments, the dry seasons of the Christian life—when we’re resentful, angry, mistrusting, unlovable—is what sets her apart. Her relatability and her honesty make for wonderful and instructive reading.
As in her previous novels, Daugherty uplifts her readers, reminding us all are worthy of redemption and grace, and that when we’re able to offer forgiveness to others—and to ourselves—it leads to the healing we seek. This author’s willingness to dive into the bleak moments, the dry seasons of the Christian life—when we’re resentful, angry, mistrusting, unlovable—is what sets her apart. Her relatability and her honesty make for wonderful and instructive reading.
August 8, 2025
Anna Daugherty’s “Before Grace” is wonderful! Packed with vibrant and compelling descriptions, Daugherty’s writing will pull you deep into the lives of her characters and the struggles they face. Whether it be the challenges faced by a young widow with toddlers; a police officer looking for direction in his faith and life; or those who support and surround these characters with love and understanding, I found myself with tears in my eyes as I cheered them on. It didn’t take long to become my favorite of her books and I will buy multiple copies to gift to friends and family. Highly recommend it! ~ Barbara A. Luker, author of Hiding In Plain Sight
June 2, 2025
Anna Daugherty delivers a tale of two journeys—recovering from tragedy when responsibilities leave no time for personal grief and the seemingly impossible path toward ever loving again.
Katie struggles to raise her twins after the tragic loss of her husband. The last thing she needs is an ex-boyfriend reminding her that she failed in that relationship too. But when her children’s welfare is at stake, Katie discovers who in her life is willing to step up. If she lets them.
A beautiful story about faith, friends, family, and a path to the locksmith who will set you free.
Katie struggles to raise her twins after the tragic loss of her husband. The last thing she needs is an ex-boyfriend reminding her that she failed in that relationship too. But when her children’s welfare is at stake, Katie discovers who in her life is willing to step up. If she lets them.
A beautiful story about faith, friends, family, and a path to the locksmith who will set you free.
August 11, 2025
Katie's life hasn't turned out as planned, making her bitter. She's widowed with three-year-old twin terrors and a nomadic lifestyle. When she returns to her late husband's hometown for a brief stop, she doesn't plan to stay long. She's stressed, lonely, and searching for peace while running from herself and her feelings of inadequacy. Before she knows it, she connects with friends, family, and an old flame. Katie struggles with staying grounded and being positive, but with help from her faith and the people she trusts, she forges a path toward grace and happiness.
August 24, 2025
Twin Daughters Without a Father
It is difficult raising twins but when their fathers dies of a heart defect shortly after their birth, its that much more difficult. Also, when one decides to raise twin girls without help from their parents, its very hard to imagine. A right relationship with God makes a big difference.. Meeting an old friend who didn't have a relationship with God ten years prior but now works as a security guard for a church maybe will change things.
I like the powerful Scripture used and intertwined in the narrative.
It is difficult raising twins but when their fathers dies of a heart defect shortly after their birth, its that much more difficult. Also, when one decides to raise twin girls without help from their parents, its very hard to imagine. A right relationship with God makes a big difference.. Meeting an old friend who didn't have a relationship with God ten years prior but now works as a security guard for a church maybe will change things.
I like the powerful Scripture used and intertwined in the narrative.
August 10, 2025
You’ve got to love a book with an old lady who says “Oh. My-lanta.” Thank you @annadwrites for this ARC. I loved it.
I'm going to miss reading Isaac and Katie‘s compelling story. It was delightful to read about these two lives finding grace with God and with each other. I didn’t want the book to end. Every word in the beautiful writing belongs exactly as it is, portraying real people in real heartfelt situations.
Katie has been widowed since her toddler twin girls were infants. As she tries to escape the pain in her life, she worries she isn’t a very good mother. She definitely doesn't find joy in being a mother. At church, she is introduced to Isaac, a former boyfriend, of sorts, from a very long time ago. Isaac is trying to recover from a very bad marriage, and he’s only going to church as a security guard, not as a believer. Neither of them wants to consider renewing their relationship, but you know how church people can be. As they get reacquainted, they struggle to let go of the pains of the past because they are afraid of experiencing pain in the future. In spite of all the serious themes, the book is full of the everyday joy and humor of life. The romance is tender and powerful. The Isaac-and-the-twins dynamic is joyous. I loved this book and highly recommend it.
I'm going to miss reading Isaac and Katie‘s compelling story. It was delightful to read about these two lives finding grace with God and with each other. I didn’t want the book to end. Every word in the beautiful writing belongs exactly as it is, portraying real people in real heartfelt situations.
Katie has been widowed since her toddler twin girls were infants. As she tries to escape the pain in her life, she worries she isn’t a very good mother. She definitely doesn't find joy in being a mother. At church, she is introduced to Isaac, a former boyfriend, of sorts, from a very long time ago. Isaac is trying to recover from a very bad marriage, and he’s only going to church as a security guard, not as a believer. Neither of them wants to consider renewing their relationship, but you know how church people can be. As they get reacquainted, they struggle to let go of the pains of the past because they are afraid of experiencing pain in the future. In spite of all the serious themes, the book is full of the everyday joy and humor of life. The romance is tender and powerful. The Isaac-and-the-twins dynamic is joyous. I loved this book and highly recommend it.
August 29, 2025
A new loving relationship
Katie and her twin daughters had the tradegy of the death of a husband and father. They had struggled to maintain their family equilibrium. Slowly as they moved forward with the help of God and the community of Grace Church, Isaac came into their lives. He too had had trauma in his background but with the help, love and support of the community of Grace Church Isaac and Katie were able to forge ahead with a new and loving relationship.
Katie and her twin daughters had the tradegy of the death of a husband and father. They had struggled to maintain their family equilibrium. Slowly as they moved forward with the help of God and the community of Grace Church, Isaac came into their lives. He too had had trauma in his background but with the help, love and support of the community of Grace Church Isaac and Katie were able to forge ahead with a new and loving relationship.
August 9, 2025
In this deeply moving story of grief, healing, and the quiet courage it takes to love again, Anna Daugherty weaves vivid prose and unforgettable characters into a heartfelt tale of faith, family, and second chances that lingers long after the final page. Michelle Caffrey, award-winning author of Desire in Dairyland.
July 13, 2025
Anna's characters are so real. Real personalities, real frustrations, real flaws. I appreciated seeing Katie's self doubt and how her faith grew through every struggle. Anna is quickly becoming my favorite author for Christian fiction that isn't preachy or overly cheesy.
August 21, 2025
Good story
They both had obstacles to overcome, and it mostly had to do with grief. Katie had to give herself permission to love again, and Isaac had to let go of his anger.
They both had obstacles to overcome, and it mostly had to do with grief. Katie had to give herself permission to love again, and Isaac had to let go of his anger.
October 4, 2025
Cute, playful, & upbeat
They finally got their happy ending! I was glad that their story didn’t end… it just took 10 years to find each other again.
They finally got their happy ending! I was glad that their story didn’t end… it just took 10 years to find each other again.
September 22, 2025
Another home run by author, Anna Daugherty. Her Grace Church series has become a favorite and I hope there are more lives and loves to be explored. I strongly encourage you to read Before We Begin to get the background story of Katie and Isaac. You will be emotionally invested in their lives and it will help you to understand the instant response when they meet again in Ridley Bay, Texas. Katie’s twin girls, Josie and Sage, are so different. While Josie will push you to the end of your final nerve, they are both sweet and loving children. Your heart will break as you discover why Sage responds the way she does and how life has affected her deeply. This is an emotional read and you will be invested in the story and the lives of the characters. Thank heavens for the young mothers of Grace Church and how they accept Katie as she is with all her flaws. Their willingness to make her feel welcome was heartwarming. How I hope the people of my church would respond in a similar situation. Grace abounds throughout the pages. You will journey with Katie, her twin daughters, and Isaac as they grew emotionally and spiritually. Life happens but God has put people in their lives to help them grow so they are able to offer and accept forgiveness, love, and grace. A definite must read!
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For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews