Shards of Grace

by Kandice Fleming

In a city ruled by pagan deities, standing for the Christos could cost her everything.

Ephesus, 66 A.D.

Phoebe has worked hard for her independence. As a skilled potter in the thriving Roman metropolis, her hands shape the clay into a livelihood that keeps her beholden to no one. But beneath her quiet, hard-working life lies a dangerous She has forsaken the idols and has followed the Way of the crucified Christ.

When her testimony of the Christos is overheard by an angry, unsympathetic listener, her carefully constructed world begins to fracture. But amidst the growing shadows, an unexpected ally falls into her life, stirring a deep, unspoken affection that Phoebe never allowed herself to dream of.

With the tensions mounting and the cries of “atheist” growing ever louder, will she compromise her faith to save her business and be with the man she loves, or will she find the strength to stand firm and step into an unsettled future?

Journey to ancient Ephesus and step into a story of unbreakable faith under fire in a hostile culture.

315 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2026

Reviews

[Wildrose Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Shards of Grace: ” by Kandice Fleming
📘 Format: Digital Book
📚 Pub Date: 10.22.26
⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars

“Shards of Grace: The Ephesian Women Book 1” by Kandice Fleming is a faith-filled, heartwarming and engaging book.

This book is extraordinarily well written and the descriptions in this book were so vivid that I practically felt as though I was there, inside the story. Once I got into the story, I was so engrossed that I could hardly put it down!

I enjoyed reading about the true friendship shared between Phoebe, Olivia & Prisca, even though they had very different stations in life. I loved all the characters in this book: Phoebe, Olivia, Prisca, Lucianus, Valerius, Aunt Agatha and even Brutus (plus so many other smaller characters).

It was inspiring to read about the genuine connection between the Sisters & Brothers in Christ at the church that Phoebe and her friends attended.

I loved how the storyline felt at times as though the obstacles and difficulties faced by the main characters were overwhelming, yet eventually one could see how God was working things together for the good of those who love Him. Though it doesn’t diminish the pain that one can go through, it is ultimately comforting once one recognizes that God can bring good from situations or circumstances where people meant for evil or pain to prevail.

The wise Aunt Agatha at one point in this book asks Phoebe “What makes you so special that you don’t have to face any troubles in this life? Why would you believe you won’t ever be persecuted?” This really resonated with me, and made me seriously consider how often I erroneously have thought a version of the “Why me?!” question in my own life.

I love that this book made me reflect on my faith and I found it to articulate Christian beliefs so accurately.

I highly recommend “Shards of Grace” for anyone interested in a Christian Historical Romance novel. I will be watching for future books by Kandice Fleming, as I’ll want to read anything that she writes!

Thank you to Kandice Fleming for the Advance Review Copy. All opinions are my own.

#ShardsOfGrace
#KandiceFleming

[Aubrey Hedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written debut novel set in the early days of Christ followers set in Rome. Such a beautiful portrayal of faith, and learning to trust. I loved the friendships and the sweet romance completely makes your heart flutter. The plot was captivating and kept me entranced the whole way through.

An absolute fantastical read for any historical genre lovers!

This is a voluntarily left review for the arc copy from the author!

[Heidi Ennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful Story of Faith, Courage, and Love

Shards of Grace is a beautiful love story filled with faith, courage, friendship, and determination. I loved watching Phoebe overcome the odds, stand firm in her faith and the faith of her father, and work to build a business during challenging times.

Kandice Fleming brings the historical setting to life with wonderful world-building and characters who are easy to care about. The supportive friendships, the struggles, and the growing romance make this a story that is both heartfelt and inspiring.

I especially appreciated the strength of a woman determined to do what is right, even when the world around her makes it difficult. A wonderful debut novel, and I look forward to reading more from this author!

[Luna’s✨magic✨land · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have something to confess. For a while now I’ve become basically addicted to fast paced, instant attraction, all or nothing type of romance.
This wasn’t always the case though. And I am glad to say I have found myself not only enjoying but being completely immersed in a more carefully developed story.
That is, without a shadow of doubt, thanks to the exquisite storytelling of Shards of Grace — a story about a young woman facing life’s many adversities with courage, poise, and a determination of someone who knows no boundaries, except for those that would defy her unwavering faith.
As a non-denominational person, there wasn’t a single moment that made me feel alienated. On the contrary, I feel Phoebe’s journey can resonate easily and deeply with people from all walks of life. Anyone who has ever felt misunderstood, unfairly judged, overwhelmed by the crushing wait of responsibilities, afraid of living in their truth, of being true to who they are, could see themselves in our heroin shoes: in the moments of doubt and anxiety, in the moments of reprieve and joy amongst loved ones, in the moments of indecision and uncertainty, and in the moments of glorious dawn right after soul-crushing darkness.
To say I’m in awe of this debut novel by the loveliest Kandice Fleming would be an understatement.
I’ll say I am truly honored to have befriended this beautiful person, who now I also know as a fantastic writer.

If you love well structured, timely paced stories with descriptions so vivid in colors so bright you can’t help but be transported to 66 A.D. Ephesus, walking the white marbled streets of the agora, falling in love with dashingly good looking, honorable Roman soldiers, an adorable little spitfire of a city urchin and a group of true loving friends, this book should be on your shelf/TBR immediately.

Shards of Grace is book 1 in The Ephesian Women series and I can’t barely wait for the next installment!

I received an advanced reader copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Diana Day-Admire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honored to be asked to read this book before it was published. I enjoyed the story so much I forgot to look for edits. I also loved it so much I think I went through it 3 times!
Phoebe and Hawk were sweet and Kandice's descriptions were so well done, I felt I understood the time period. I had never read a book set in early Christian times. And to feel the fear and joy of that period was a new experience.
I loved all the side characters I can't wait to read Olivia's story. And the little boy street urchin was one of my favorite elements.
I can imagine that little cup Phoebe made as a child being given to the next generation and passed down for decades!
Pottry in a world where it was dominated by males and a woman business was brillaint.
EVEN the so called villian came across sweet in the end.
"Atheist!" not so much.
Kandice has inspired me to read other writers in this genre.
Makes one really appreciate family, friends and even kind strangers.
The next door neighbor baker and all is goods made my mouth water.
I will be keeping an eye out for more from this author

[Jaclyn Hark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read an advanced copy of this book, and I have to say, it was a comfort and a joy every time I picked it up. I absolutely loved the main character, who felt like a little bit of every woman: sometimes unsure, but determined anyway. Sometimes full of fire, but never without compassion. Sometimes full of love, but never at the expense of her moral code.

The author has clearly done her research. This book offers a lovely window into a time and place I honestly didn’t know much about: Ephesus in AD 66. How often have we heard and read those famous letters to the Ephesians? Yet I’d never really considered what life was like for the people living there during this time of Christian conversion. I came away having learned so much, while also finding myself curious to learn more!

And then there’s the romance. I’m a sucker for a good guy, and Hawk is the best. This is a clean, sweet romance, and in a world where romance novels seem determined to set the pages on fire, it’s lovely to watch two people fall in love so sweetly and soundly. I’d love to see what happens next for this couple!

[Savannah Paxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Highly Recommend!

This was SUCH an enjoyable read! I have been a huge fan of romance novels my whole life, and it has become so hard to find more adult-oriented, no-spice books.
As a Christian and ancient world nerd myself, this book gave me everything I could possibly look and ask for. I know absolutely nothing about pottery, but the way the author incorporated it into this novel and the main character described it and used it in her every day was so beautiful. I never knew I needed a potter/Roman soldier romance until now.
Fleming has a way with words that will make you fall in love these characters and feel like you can truly imagine the world around them. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
If you love romance, Jesus, Ancient Rome/Greece, friendship, and even pottery, this is a perfect book for you! (And even if you don’t love those things, I still truly believe you should give this book a shot!)

[Mylie Piper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was set in the ancient city of Ephesus in Biblical times, during the foundation of the early church after Jesus ascends in scripture. It told of Phoebe’s story as she begins to live her life for Christ and what that meant for her livelihood back in those times. She meets Hawk and they develop a sweet romance that buds even through the trials and persecutions the early church went through during this time.
This book is rich with a found family that highlights Christian beliefs and the trials of expressing one’s faith to people around them.
I enjoyed how the author progressed Phoebe’s growth and confidence in her faith even when she becomes the target of persecution and discrimination among her peers and fellow potters. Overall I loved this sweet story, and always enjoy a good Biblical fiction story!
Four stars from my shelf to yours!

[Elise Tohru · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent novel about Christianity in early Greece!
This book is primarily a testament to Christ, through a love story between Phoebe and Hawk. They find their way together while both experiencing severe persecution for being Christian. The story is primarily through Phoebe’s eyes, as she experiences trial after trial, and strives to know if, despite everything, she can keep her faith in the one true God, in a city of idols.
I’m not particularly interested in pottery in general but I found myself surprisingly diverted by learning about the details of a potters life.
I received an ARC copy, which has not affected this review.