In 1932 New Jersey, Dottie DeGrout has lost hope of ever finding love—but Skyline Manor offers second chances, both in romance and in faith. Surrounded by women who refuse to let her fade into shame, she discovers courage, renewal, and God’s unshakable grace.
Antonio Romano, the estate’s gardener, faces threats and sabotage that could cost him everything. As danger looms, he shows Dottie that she is seen, treasured, and never beyond God’s reach.
Where Grace Grows is a faith-filled Christian historical romance with redemption and a twist mystery, perfect for readers who love faith-centered love stories, second-chance romance, and historical suspense.
A wife and mom trying her best, with God’s help. Terri Fox is a self-proclaimed “jack-of-all-trades” who finds joy in art, photography, crafting, and storytelling. From children’s tales to historical romance, her work is grounded in a love for God’s creation and the quiet strength of everyday moments.
“Maybe the Lord had been stitching grace through her life all along, tiny threads of kindness she’d been too scared to see.”
One of the things I loved the most about book one in this series – Where Warmth Waits – was how author Terri Rosa Fox took a side character that I really didn’t like at the beginning and redeemed her story so well that I began to see (and hope for) heroine potential. A potential that Fox brings to fruition in the newest book. Dottie has not had an easy life. Some of which we learned about in book one, and some of which is revealed to us over time in Where Grace Grows. Her backstory has definitely left scars on her heart, and she cannot comprehend being worthy of anyone’s love. Especially not good, godly Antonio – the son of Skyline Manor’s motherly cook Mrs. Romano (whom I adore). Despite the fact that Mrs. Romano and Antonio regularly call Dottie ‘tesoro’ – treasure – she struggles to see herself in the same way. Her continued journey to God and to seeing her value through His eyes touched my heart in this book too. Fox pens these redemptive storylines with such tenderness and natural warmth that I don’t even mind the occasional sermons (and y’all know that’s saying a lot).
But a perfect hero pursing an imperfect heroine doesn’t sound nearly as layered or textured as we usually like to see in our romances, does it? Good! Because Fox doesn’t give us a perfect hero in Antonio, no matter what Dottie thinks. Don’t get me wrong – Antonio is a great guy. In fact, he’s one of the genuinely good guys at the manor (along with a handful of other winners) but he too struggles with his own self-worth. While Dottie fears her past sin makes her unworthy, Antonio must fight to prove that neither his Italian nationality nor his insecurities nor the increasing number of accidents on the property make him ‘less than’. But ohhhh my heart. Once Antonio and Dottie get on the same page, get ready to swoon into a happy little puddle. Because whew. Suppressed longing set free in a relationship centered on God is truly something to swoon over.
Bottom Line: I love romance (this is not a shock to anyone here). But I also love redemption. And a novel that combines both seamlessly – plus a dash of mystery – is always going to be a win for me. Where Grace Grows by Terri Rosa Fox is another sweet and swoony redemption story from this author, one that’s full of grin-inducing stolen moments and heart-filling scenes of… well… grace. It’s not just about two people falling for each other, though that’s certainly a key aspect and a well-done one at that. It’s also – and even more importantly – about learning to see yourself the way God sees you – beloved, chosen, and worthy of love just because of Whose you are. Dottie’s transformation doesn’t happen overnight, which makes it all the more powerful to witness, and paired with Antonio’s own journey, we’ve got two characters to cheer for from beginning to end. The elements of found family – this little community at the manor (with a few notable exceptions) that reflects God’s love in tangible ways – and mystery/suspense are the icing on the cake for me. If you haven’t already been introduced to the folks at Skyline Manor, make this series a priority!
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited.)
Where Grace Grows is a beautiful story about God’s unconditional love for His children. Dottie is a flawed heroine, someone who is trying to heal from her past and to allow herself to be loved. Her character growth is wonderful and her love story with Antonio is adorable and deep.
One of my favorite quotes was this:
“Maybe the Lord had been stitching grace through her life all along, tiny threads of kindness she’d been too scared to see.”
Terri Rosa Fox has done it again, written an engaging, uplifting story that made me want to be a better person. In my opinion, it was even better than the first.
*I received a free copy of this book for my honest review*
In 1932 New Jersey, Dottie believes her past has disqualified her from love, but at Skyline Manor, Grace grows in unexpected soil. Surrounded by women who refuse to let her fade into shame, Dottie finds courage and hope in a world that should dismiss her. Meanwhile, Antonio, the estates Gardener, faces threats and sabotage that could cost him everything. Through it all, he reminds Dottie that she is seen, treasured, and loved.
This book was a great book! so captivating that I was able to read it in one sitting.
I like how the author stated in the book that Dottie felt unworthy of God’s love which was so relatable. I love little moments where May prayed for Dottie. I appreciate that the author added the struggle of trusting God because it isn’t always peaches and cream. The way the author added translation for the Italian language was so helpful. If you love historical romance and prayer all throughout the book you will love this book. I just wanted to wrapped my arms around Dottie because her mother brought her so much pain. But God can put you through certain experiences but he will bring you through them. My favorite quote is “Prayers are never wrong if they’re spoken from your heart. God hears no matter how jumbled they are.” Guys I couldn’t wait for Antonio and Dottie to finally together. Lord knows I was fighting with Charlie in my head because who are you talking to my girl Dottie like that. I was so proud of Dottie when she stood up for herself against a man. I was so angry at Katie when she hurt Dottie when all she was trying to do was help her. I love how Antonio was so sweet and kind towards Dottie regardless of her background. Antonio is the man of God that every woman prayed for. When I found out why he calls Tersoro baby I was kicking my feet and smiling uncontrollably.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Where Grace Grows is one of those stories that settles quietly into your heart and stays there.
We met Dottie in book one, so getting to step fully into her story and finally understand her past felt incredibly meaningful. Watching her journey toward redemption and love through Jesus was tender, honest, and deeply moving. There is something so powerful about a story that reminds you that no one is beyond grace, no matter where they have been.
This book is full of warmth, heart, and just the right touch of mischief, all while keeping faith firmly at the center. The found family at Skyline Manor is beautiful, and Antonio’s steady kindness and faith add so much depth to the story. I especially loved seeing Dottie grow into herself and learn to see her own worth.
Gentle, hope filled, and quietly powerful, this is a story about grace taking root in unexpected places and blooming into something truly lovely.
Thank you to Terri for the eArc. These thoughts are my own.
I will say this charming historical fiction novel set in the 1930's is truly an enjoyable read for anyone looking for a story with Christian values. This story focuses on two household servants Dottie and Antonio who want nothing more than to experience love. In a way this story has some of the elements of an American Downton Abbey. This fast paced novel will surely have you begging for mire once you finish it. If you get the chance check out this lovely story as you won't regret it.
I was excited to read Dottie's story, and I wasn't disappointed. Where Grace Grows had everything in it - love, mystery, faith, redemption. I loved that even in the midst of adversity, Dottie chose not to let it get to her. I love Antonio's strength of character, his treasuring of Dottie, and his demonstration of God's love. A beautiful love story that will warm your heart and have you letting out a happy sigh at the end.
Dottie DeGrout has a hard time accepting the fact that she is loved and treasured after being rejected by her own family. She is blessed to have God, some friends at Skyline Manor, and Antonio, the gardener, show her that she is so much more than the sum of her past and the lies that she had believed.
Someone is trying to sabotage the garden and place the suspicion on Dottie and Antonio. Finding the culprit and the motive for these actions make you want to find out what is going on. Is it jealousy, hatred, intimidation, or something more? You’ll have to read it to find out.
Things you’ll enjoy: 1930’s flower garden handpicked bouquets kitchen help found family mystery faith thread redemption
I received a complimentary copy of the book with no obligation to write a positive review.
Dottie story is full of redemption and realizing she deserves God’s love and is Worthy.
Dottie life hasn’t always been easy. She always felt that she was an inconvenience. She has a rough start at the manor, being very unkind and rude to certain maids. Although when she hits rock bottom. She has to accept the help and surrenders into found family. Everything changes when she accepts a church invitation with Mae.
If you enjoy a good redemption arc.
Found family
God’s grace
This is book is for you!
It’s a clean book. Although does have some tough situations and back stories of hurt where the characters came from before arriving at the manor.
A historical, Christian romance full of redemption and learning your worth in Christ. This was such a wonderful read and I know that I will read this one again. Where Grace Grows is the second book in the Secrets of Skyline series, but can be read as a stand-alone. Where Warmth Waits (book 1) was also a wonderful read. Check them both out!
This story is filled with mystery, faith, and love of not only the two main characters but others around them as well as the love of The Father for them all.
**I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.