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Grace #1
Grace in the Flames
A prodigal, a sinner, and a saint… Three people. One God of grace.John Douglas thought he knew the future God had for him—raise a family and grow old with his bride, Hannah. But then a deadly house fire incinerates his faith, destroying the man he’d been.Worship leader Jenni Dupont conquered her demons years ago and has the scars to prove it. But temptation strikes when her world is shattered, and this time she's not sure if God can carry her through.Bar waitress April Johanson lives with the secret trauma of an abusive past. Desperate to stay off the streets of Vegas, she’ll do whatever is necessary to pay the rent. When their lives intersect, God will ask them to do the impossible. To love Him even if…About Grace in the Flames Grace in the Flames. wrestles with faith-breaking circumstances that redefine the meaning of family and true friendship, while delivering a heady, toe-curling love story.What readers are "Hands down, the best Christian book I've read in years!""Incredible book of surprises, but an inspiration beyond words!""I just finished reading, and I am actually breathless!""Hmm, it was just so fulfilling and so joyful reading this.""With delicacy and nuance, Massaro loads the story with heavy issues...the message of God’s grace and the hope available to those who love him will connect with readers of faith." — Publisher's Weekly"...emotionally evocative and profoundly moving...Highly recommended." — Cheryl Wyatt, USA TODAY bestselling author of award-winning Wings of Refuge series.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2016
446 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
May 3, 2016
I have read quite a bit of Christian fiction through the years and can honestly say that Grace in the Flames ranks up there with the few that I will never forget. The author masterfully weaves three lives together into a story that will change the way you view grace, forgiveness, and hope. She developed her characters in such a way that you were pulling for each of them--even in the midst of their poor choices. This would make a great book club book, and the questions included at the end are some of the best I've seen.
May 1, 2022
"It’s so easy to sing 'I Surrender All' until you were asked to surrender what’s most precious"
Whew! And I mean that in just about every way possible.
Whew! This one was a heart-wrencher.
Whew! To face such hardship!
Whew! Love amidst such internal battles.
Whew! Christ is the Victor!
This story had me crying and hurting for the characters, excited about new love, but grieving for consequences to be faced. But, man! How God showed each character who He is and what He can do with a heart bound to Him.
Lovely.
Don’t miss out on the author's questions at the end. Thought provoking and puts subjects in this book in perspective.
Whew! And I mean that in just about every way possible.
Whew! This one was a heart-wrencher.
Whew! To face such hardship!
Whew! Love amidst such internal battles.
Whew! Christ is the Victor!
This story had me crying and hurting for the characters, excited about new love, but grieving for consequences to be faced. But, man! How God showed each character who He is and what He can do with a heart bound to Him.
Lovely.
Don’t miss out on the author's questions at the end. Thought provoking and puts subjects in this book in perspective.
August 18, 2024
A 5* plus. This novel took me on an emotional roller coaster ride. Gripped me from the beginning and kept me turning pages. Some difficult subjects are dealt with, all showing how God's grace working in the life of the characters.
October 9, 2022
No words really
What a very sad sad story. I am speechless right now. It started sad and ended sad. The epilogue was good but I just keep thinking about April and what she went through. I am glad John found Jenni and his HEA but the road there just gutted me.
What a very sad sad story. I am speechless right now. It started sad and ended sad. The epilogue was good but I just keep thinking about April and what she went through. I am glad John found Jenni and his HEA but the road there just gutted me.
July 6, 2016
I loved this journey with a touch of grace. This book had me laughing and crying by the end. I love how the author wove God's love and His Word into it. I recommend this book to all who want a good read.
February 22, 2023
An awesome story
This was a great story, Michelle Massaro is a very gifted author. The story is awesomely written and inspiring. Enjoy!
This was a great story, Michelle Massaro is a very gifted author. The story is awesomely written and inspiring. Enjoy!
February 4, 2020
4.5 stars
What a breath of fresh air in CF.
I initially read this story because of its title as I have a Grace series and this was one of the potential titles (which I'll now aim to avoid).
Real people with real problems.
The only part of the book I didn't like was the too-long romance section in the middle. That dragged a bit for me and almost made me give up. What kept me going was the third thread that I could see was going to explode in the middle of their lives.
The latter part of the book reminded me of Deborah Raney stories - putting someone in an impossible situation and allowing them to show how Christian they really are. When it comes to a tough situation do we remain Christian or do we bale out?
Realistic and thoroughly Christian. If you are not a Christian - the latter part of thi book will show you how following Jesus should be. All books have a 'worldview' - this one allows you to listen in and see what being a Christian means and whether it makes consistent sense of the world.
Well done. Will be reading more of this author's work.
What a breath of fresh air in CF.
I initially read this story because of its title as I have a Grace series and this was one of the potential titles (which I'll now aim to avoid).
Real people with real problems.
The only part of the book I didn't like was the too-long romance section in the middle. That dragged a bit for me and almost made me give up. What kept me going was the third thread that I could see was going to explode in the middle of their lives.
The latter part of the book reminded me of Deborah Raney stories - putting someone in an impossible situation and allowing them to show how Christian they really are. When it comes to a tough situation do we remain Christian or do we bale out?
Realistic and thoroughly Christian. If you are not a Christian - the latter part of thi book will show you how following Jesus should be. All books have a 'worldview' - this one allows you to listen in and see what being a Christian means and whether it makes consistent sense of the world.
Well done. Will be reading more of this author's work.
July 8, 2016
Grace in the Flames held me captive with real life characters battling relatable issues. Three lives intersect and each one searches for the best way to make life work for them. Jenni puts her trust in the God who has been there for her while John feels let down by Him. They have no idea that they will be the answer to April's dilemma. Pages will turn quickly for the reader in this moving novel as it did for me.
Thank you, Michelle Massaro for gifting me a copy and for the opportunity to read and review your book! I look forward to reading more of your writing.
Thank you, Michelle Massaro for gifting me a copy and for the opportunity to read and review your book! I look forward to reading more of your writing.
Read
February 3, 2017A beautiful well-written story!
I rate it five stars+! It was heartbreaking and be!ievable. This story could bring hope to many. I hope for a sequel!
I rate it five stars+! It was heartbreaking and be!ievable. This story could bring hope to many. I hope for a sequel!
April 12, 2020
My favorite kind of story . . . People make mistakes, but we overcome by loving others the way God loves us. This is an emotional story with lots of humanity. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
April 24, 2020
Okay... I had the time of my life with his book. It was a heart gripping, captivative book.
I loved how the author wove pain, sorrow, forgiveness, God's amazing grace and plan in this story.
My heart broke for John. To go through what he did was heart wrenching. The most heartwarming thing about John's life was how God was actively with him in his pain. Even when he strayed God was still pursued him.
My favorite character was Jenni! There was this thing about her strength and willingness to trust God that was so admirable. The curve balls life threw at her never quenched the light in her. I really loved and admired Jenni's character. From her I learnt that if we allow God He will help us go through anything.
April, April, April!!! I loved her grit and determination even when everything was against her. Her conversion scences we're my favorite.
I loved how the author displayed the work God does in the lives of individuals and the totally surrender He requires of us to His will.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
I loved how the author wove pain, sorrow, forgiveness, God's amazing grace and plan in this story.
My heart broke for John. To go through what he did was heart wrenching. The most heartwarming thing about John's life was how God was actively with him in his pain. Even when he strayed God was still pursued him.
My favorite character was Jenni! There was this thing about her strength and willingness to trust God that was so admirable. The curve balls life threw at her never quenched the light in her. I really loved and admired Jenni's character. From her I learnt that if we allow God He will help us go through anything.
April, April, April!!! I loved her grit and determination even when everything was against her. Her conversion scences we're my favorite.
I loved how the author displayed the work God does in the lives of individuals and the totally surrender He requires of us to His will.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
April 21, 2016
This book is rich, raw, and unapologetic. Each of the three main characters is well fleshed out and I felt like I really got to know them. I love that everyone in this story is flawed and each person has their own issues to overcome. The author touches on grief, alcoholism, abuse, homelessness, sickness, etc. and of course, grace. Scriptures, songs, and behaviors throughout the book impart the Gospel message naturally. I would love to read more about the main or secondary characters!
I received this title from the author and I look forward to reading her future work! The opinions expressed are my own.
I received this title from the author and I look forward to reading her future work! The opinions expressed are my own.
June 29, 2017
Grace in the Flames is a moving book, with intricate plot lines that all come to an end, with no loose ends. Make sure to grab some tissues as this book will take you through the wringer, and make you think as well.
April 10, 2021
A story of surrender
This story is about heartbreak that tears everything you ever believed in taken away so quickly that it shakes your faith to your very core. Then leads you on the road that takes many twist & turns that you don't fully understand, but only God knows the why, how come, how much more can a person take yet drawing you to trust, listen, believe , have faith and lean into Him in total surrender. If John & Jenni had not shown their faith , a soul would have been lost forever. Unless you've never been put to the test you won't fully grasp the depth of God's love, mercy & grace. Glad I stumbled onto Michelle's writings.
This story is about heartbreak that tears everything you ever believed in taken away so quickly that it shakes your faith to your very core. Then leads you on the road that takes many twist & turns that you don't fully understand, but only God knows the why, how come, how much more can a person take yet drawing you to trust, listen, believe , have faith and lean into Him in total surrender. If John & Jenni had not shown their faith , a soul would have been lost forever. Unless you've never been put to the test you won't fully grasp the depth of God's love, mercy & grace. Glad I stumbled onto Michelle's writings.
April 8, 2021
WOW!! Just wow!!
i have suffered through the reading of this book. Just let me say right now that it is one of the best books I have ever read. I have cried, put it down for a while when I got so upset. I could not figure out what in the world the author was up to. But let me encourage you to keep reading. It is wonderful! I promise you will be changed. God is glorified through the pages of this fiction. I loved it!!!!
i have suffered through the reading of this book. Just let me say right now that it is one of the best books I have ever read. I have cried, put it down for a while when I got so upset. I could not figure out what in the world the author was up to. But let me encourage you to keep reading. It is wonderful! I promise you will be changed. God is glorified through the pages of this fiction. I loved it!!!!
May 21, 2021
Tear jerker
This book is definitely a tearjerker. It’s also a wonderful story of love, human fallacies, Gods Grace, and so much more. This book is well written, there are no areas where you feel like the author left something out it flows into a heart breaking story of pure love.
This book is definitely a tearjerker. It’s also a wonderful story of love, human fallacies, Gods Grace, and so much more. This book is well written, there are no areas where you feel like the author left something out it flows into a heart breaking story of pure love.
January 31, 2025
Touching, emotional, tearjerker, uplifting and a reminder to have faith in God he’s always there for you
June 13, 2021
God’s Grace
This book brought tears to my eyes several times while reading. Sometimes a person has to sink to their absolute lowest in order to find God. The emotions John, Jenni, and April experienced felt very real. They went through so much pain and suffering, but with the Grace of God they were able to make it through and find peace.
This book brought tears to my eyes several times while reading. Sometimes a person has to sink to their absolute lowest in order to find God. The emotions John, Jenni, and April experienced felt very real. They went through so much pain and suffering, but with the Grace of God they were able to make it through and find peace.
October 5, 2019
Gods unchanging love
This book truly let's us see how God love for us never changes in spite of the mistakes and wrong decisions we have made. It also teaches us of forgiveness, and when we surrender to His voice the peace which come with it.
This book truly let's us see how God love for us never changes in spite of the mistakes and wrong decisions we have made. It also teaches us of forgiveness, and when we surrender to His voice the peace which come with it.
February 11, 2022
First time reading this author and she really has a way with words! I didn't realize this was considered romance, which I usually wouldn't choose, but quickly realized it was... different, but not bad. :) I already wanted to find out what would happen as I was drawn in right away! The story was touching and heartwrenching, and the author carefully adds a spiritual dimension that will touch any believer's heart. It is considered CF so if that is not your thing you probably won't like it.
September 28, 2019
Great story about God's grace when going through trials.
February 5, 2022
Heartfelt
One of the best books I have read. At times I cried, others I smiled,still at other times, I knew I had been in the same place. It is clear that God's Hand is in this writing.
hand in the writing.
B
One of the best books I have read. At times I cried, others I smiled,still at other times, I knew I had been in the same place. It is clear that God's Hand is in this writing.
hand in the writing.
B
August 11, 2021
W.O.W!
Dear Michelle. I don't know why I decided to try picking up this ebook to read but I am so very thankful that God led me to it. W.O.W. It was definitely an amazing read. It was fabulous, right from the very first page. Hmm, it was just so fulfilling and so joyful reading this. God did this through you Michelle. Thank you for following His lead. To God be all the glory. Romance God's way 😁 Amen!❤
Dear Michelle. I don't know why I decided to try picking up this ebook to read but I am so very thankful that God led me to it. W.O.W. It was definitely an amazing read. It was fabulous, right from the very first page. Hmm, it was just so fulfilling and so joyful reading this. God did this through you Michelle. Thank you for following His lead. To God be all the glory. Romance God's way 😁 Amen!❤
August 6, 2021
Emotional, loving book
There are a lot of ups and downs in the true to life book. A stay up all night bk
There are a lot of ups and downs in the true to life book. A stay up all night bk
February 15, 2021
I received this book as a goodreads giveaway. This little novel packs in much truth of Gods word, weaving it into the backdrop of every day life. I encourage readers who enjoyed Francine Rivers Redeeming Love to consider giving it a try.
March 7, 2016
Intense is the word I would use to describe Grace in the Flames. This book is about seemingly real people with strong emotions. The main characters make horrible mistakes but God is there when they turn to Him. Michelle Massaro deals with several current issues involving death, cutting, abortion, homelessness, alcoholism and, most of all, forgiveness and trust. I recommend this book to others but it does have extremely sad scenes so if you want a happy all the time book, this is not for you.
I received this e-book free from the author.
I received this e-book free from the author.
March 13, 2016
What a powerful and intense story of love, grace, hope, and scriptures. Alcoholism, grief, homelessness, sickness, tragedy, brokenness, abuse, prostitution, pregnancy, trust, forgiveness, and tears are all emotions felt in this book. Yet it doesn't live you without grace, hope, and scriptures. This is my first read by this author, but it diffiently will not be the last. I loved how the three main characters had so much going against them yet they left their faith carry them through. I highly recommend this book. I was given a copy for an honest review.
March 29, 2016
This Book was one of the most uplifting books that I have read in a long time.
It is hard to read at times. because the 3 lives that it follows undergo some very sad life experiences.
But the way that they allow God to direct their lives is so life affirming that you will get through the sad parts. And you will cheer for them!
You will smile at times and definitely shed tears, but you will feel very comforted (especially if your life has moments that you question God's directions.)
I am looking forward to reading her new book Better Than Fiction.
It is hard to read at times. because the 3 lives that it follows undergo some very sad life experiences.
But the way that they allow God to direct their lives is so life affirming that you will get through the sad parts. And you will cheer for them!
You will smile at times and definitely shed tears, but you will feel very comforted (especially if your life has moments that you question God's directions.)
I am looking forward to reading her new book Better Than Fiction.
March 1, 2016
This books has it all. Love, tragedy, brokenness, abuse, prostitution, pregnancy, revival, trust, forgiveness and tears. Michelle Massaro handled all these circumstances in such a way as to eventually honor God. People need to see that putting God first is the only way to combat the bad of this world and Michelle showed this wonderfully. I was hooked right from the first chapter. It was hard to put down (but there are things I had to do).
March 26, 2016
This is a very moving story. John is haunted by the fire that killed his wife and daughter. He blames God and is so distraught he leaves and goes across the country. I don't want to give away the story because I could not do it justice. This is an amazing story that made me laugh and cry and rejoice and cry and smile and more. I am very glad I read it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews