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GraceLaced: Discovering Timeless Truths Through Seasons of the Heart

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2018 Christian Book Award®


This Journey Is as Perennial as the Seasons

GraceLaced is about more than pretty florals and fanciful brushwork—it's about flourishing. With carefully crafted intention, this beautiful volume of 32 seasonal devotions from artist and author Ruth Chou Simons encourages readers in any circumstance to become deeply rooted in God's faithful promises. GraceLaced extends a soul-stirring invitation to draw close to God while...

resting in who He is
rehearsing the truth He says about you
responding in faith to those truths
remembering His provision to sustain you, time and time again
More than 800 individual pieces of art came together in the crafting of this book, including dozens of new, hand-painted Scripture vignettes that Ruth is known for.

Who we are and who God is never changes, even though everything else rarely stays the same. Let this book point you to truth as you journey through the changing seasons of your heart.

224 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2017

192 people are currently reading
2036 people want to read

About the author

Ruth Chou Simons

55 books1,033 followers
Ruth Chou Simons is a Wall Street Journal bestselling and award-winning author of several books and Bible studies, including GraceLaced, Beholding and Becoming, When Strivings Cease, and Now and Not Yet. She is an artist, podcaster, speaker, and the founder, CEO, and Chief Creative Officer of GraceLaced, an art and lifestyle brand. Simons uses each of these platforms to spiritually sow the Word of God into people’s hearts, making deep truths beautifully accessible with her signature art and relatable communication style.

Simons has been featured on Good Morning America, Fox, Christianity Today, and Hallmark Home and Family. Ruth and her husband, Troy, live in Western Colorado and are grateful parents to six boys—their greatest adventure.

Connect with Ruth on social media at @ruthchousimons.

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5 stars
1,228 (74%)
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343 (20%)
3 stars
67 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 282 reviews
Profile Image for Katie Pinson.
16 reviews2 followers
September 1, 2017
This book is stunning. It is loaded with her original art work, family photos, and gorgeous nature pictures. The best thing about it though is that it is filled with truth. The guidance Ruth gives is based on her real life experiences and her knowledge of the Bible. She is an inspiration and this book is a beautiful representation of her.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, but then I bought a bunch for my friends!
Profile Image for Arnija.
61 reviews3 followers
December 31, 2020
Skaista un spēcinošo grāmata! Es arī gribētu mācēt tik skaisti gleznot un rakstīt.
Profile Image for Rebekah.
350 reviews91 followers
January 27, 2021
I really enjoyed reading through this devotional. The best thing about it? It's a BEAUTIFUL book. Ruth Chou Simons is such a talented artist, I was blown away by the art work that is displayed all throughout the pages of this book.

I loved the layout of this book - divided by the seasons winter, spring, summer, and fall. It was very fitting for me to read right now because I'm feeling a bit restless since we're in the middle of January. The reminder of God's intent with the seasons in the earth and in our lives was much needed. The topics throughout the book were excellent as well. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
Profile Image for Kaytee Cobb.
1,984 reviews582 followers
August 8, 2017
This book is just stunning in every way. 32 devotions that are so manageable and easy to read, but encourage a depth of faith in just 2 pages a day. the paintings, photos, and lettering make this book feel like an experience more than just something to read. It is akin to walking through an art gallery while meditating and praying. I will give this book as a gift in the future, of that i am sure.
so happy to be part of the #gracelacedbook launch team. I did receive a copy for review from the publisher, but have since ordered additional copies to give away. 😊
Profile Image for Tricia .
267 reviews16 followers
October 26, 2020
I savored this devotional over the last 6 months. Ruth Chou Simons books are perfect for moms: the chapters are short, life-giving, and you can understand them even on very little sleep. The reading always seemed to hit right where I was that day or echo back to something I had read in my Bible or heard in a sermon. Kinda magical.
Profile Image for Lindsay.
271 reviews75 followers
October 16, 2018
This is the most beautiful devotional I have ever read! This gal is talented! Love her sweet encouragement and truth as well.
3,928 reviews1,763 followers
September 14, 2017
My passion is for fiction -- Christian Fiction to be precise -- but from time to time a truly stunning non-fiction title comes up for review and I just cannot resist. GraceLaced is just such a book. The extraordinary artwork and thought provoking words in each devotional have really touched my heart -- inviting me to 'be still and know that I am God.'

This is where I confess to sometimes rushing through devotionals in order to get started with my day. Shameful, I know, but that's the honest truth. However, Gracelaced anchors me in the beauty of its pages and invites me to linger, to ponder, to read just a little bit more.

The artwork draws me in. I love the Arts and there are times when only a painting or a piece of music can bring peace to my troubled soul. I know it's supposed to be enough to know that peace comes through relationship with God but I am frail enough to need that conformation illustrated through the inspiration of an artist or composer or writer. And Ruth Chou Simons's art and calligraphy has brought me renewed conviction.

Thirty-two devotionals are arranged by season and I so love the concept that we are all in different seasons -- can even be stuck in one for a time. In this book Winter is about resting in God's character, Spring, rehearsing the truth, Summer, responding in faith and Fall, remembering God's provisions. Each devotional is independent of the others so they can be read in any order allowing the reader to select what best suits their needs on any given day.

GraceLaced would make an amazing gift (if you can bring yourself to part with it). A unique and inspiring devotional collection which will be cherished for years to come.

Book provided courtesy of Harvest House Publishers and Graf-Martin Communications.
Profile Image for Danielle.
299 reviews
August 27, 2017
I have long been a fan of Ruth Chou Simons’ writing on her blog and beautiful art work. So I was super excited to get receive of an advanced copy to review. 

I wasn't sure exactly what to expect from the book. I knew it would be beautiful, but what would the content hold? I more than pleased to discover it is an exquisite book with 32 short devotional readings arranged by season.

Each chapter contains a scripture verse and devotional reflections along with a “Delve Deeper” section with more related scriptures and a “Respond” section that asks a question and sometimes has space to write. Although the chapters are short, they are rich with encouragement and thoughtfulness.

Ruth encourages readers to become deeply rooted in God's faithful promises by:

resting in who He is
rehearsing the truth He says about you
responding in faith to those truths
remembering His provision to sustain you, time and time again

It's definitely a book I'm going to come back to again and again.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,588 reviews12 followers
June 13, 2024
3.5-3.75: If you are looking to bask in beauty, this is the book. The photos and other artwork are truly beautiful and a great way to connect with God through art. The other content stays on the shallow side; it's good and true, but I wanted more depth.
Profile Image for Kenzie | kenzienoelle.reads.
770 reviews182 followers
January 13, 2020
Wish I could rank higher than 5 starts. There is SO MUCH beautiful truth is this book. So so encouraging. I’m sure I’ll read through it multiple times in the future!
Profile Image for Sarah Poss.
48 reviews5 followers
December 26, 2018
This book was something I bought with Christmas money last January. It is perhaps one of the most encouraging books I have read throughout the year.
Profile Image for Kristen Hooper.
195 reviews54 followers
May 3, 2024
Beautiful book with gorgeous illustrations. I loved the layout of this book: Winter/ Spring/ Summer/ Fall and the subtitles within such as: Sufficient, Rest, Beloved, Freedom, Masterpiece (just to name a few). I loved Ruth Chou Simons “Beholding & Becoming” and this book was stunning as well.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
2 Corinthians 5:17

The Hope of Transformation (pg. 68)

“And here’s the truth: We are no longer the sum of our past. We are the formed and forming work of Christ’s faithfulness in us. Take flight in that freedom today, because in Christ you are a new creation.”

“He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds. He counts the number of the stars; he calls them all by name.” psalm 147: 3-4

I loved how this book touched on a bit of all walks of life and the devotions had clear, uplifting intentions.
Profile Image for Laura.
53 reviews
March 18, 2023
I love Ruth Chao Simmons' artwork and her writing. I liked this book, but I enjoyed Beholding and Becoming more.
Profile Image for Mary Reilly.
1,320 reviews9 followers
November 5, 2024
A beautiful book that I read devotionally over the course of this year.
Profile Image for Andi Carter.
56 reviews2 followers
June 19, 2023
Beautiful artwork. Beautiful truths. My only criticism is that the verses used to continue your study each day seem cherry-picked without much context- while some relate to the day’s theme, some are forced into that mold for the sake of the book.
Profile Image for Christian Fiction Addiction.
689 reviews333 followers
September 16, 2017
Featuring truly beautiful artwork, stunning photos, and heart-stirring writings, "Gracelaced" is the devotional that you have been waiting for! Although I don't normally comment on the outer cover of books I review, I have to mention that "Gracelaced" is one of the most attractively bound hardcovers that I have ever encountered. It is a pleasure to behold, and the moment you crack open the cover you cannot help be mesmerized by all that lies within. Simons uses her words and artwork to walk you through the seasons of life's journies, to realize that God's grace is there to meet you every step of the way. The 32 meditations included in the book will serve to bless you and inspire you, to point you to the Hope of Christ in the midst of the joys and challenges of our lives. The devotional is clearly aimed at female readers in particular, and my wife assures me that any woman would love to be given a copy of this book, to read Simons musings, be pointed to the scriptures she weaves into her writings, and then be given the space to reflect and respond to the gentle nudgings she gives to those walking the journey along side her. You could choose to read one of the meditations each day, one per week, or however you want to space them out in the seasons of your own life. This is the type of book that you can return to more than once, allowing God's truth to settle in your heart and allowing the artwork to speak to your soul.

I encourage the men out there to grab a copy for their wives or their moms or any of the special women in their lives. And for any female reader encountering this review, "Gracelaced" offers up rich and satisfying food for your walk through life, and I think that your faith will be blessed by this remarkable offering. I and my wife award this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Harvest House Publishers and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Profile Image for Amanda Jeffares .
2 reviews1 follower
September 19, 2017
Ruth Chou Simon's writing and gorgeous artwork has encouraged and challenged me for a long time. However, Gracelaced far exceeded my expectations. Each of the 32 meditations moved my heart to worship Jesus through beautiful art, inviting poetry, honest struggle, heartfelt prayer, and a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Gracelaced urged me to anchor my heart in God’s Word and His promises. This study has challenged me step out to see beauty and to praise God in places where I used to only see pain, struggle, and brokenness. It has grown my desire to see God in the “everydayness” of my own life. I have been encouraged to trust God more, pray with a little more honesty, confess my sins quickly, create and see beauty in my own brokenness, and to read God’s Word daily.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. But I bought several copies to share with friends and family.
Profile Image for Lindsay G..
121 reviews
September 16, 2019
This book is so beautiful and full of truth. Filled with Biblical promises and watercolors, this is a gorgeous way to start your day. I used this book for daily devotions, on and off for different seasons and recently finished it. It’s the type of book you could read again and again, and still get something new out of it each time. It would also be a perfect gift for any woman in your life. It’s hard to find Christian resources that are solid, and aren’t full of fluff/prosperity gospel/twists on scripture/ etc. This book is legitimate. It’s solid. I just purchased Ruth’s new book and can’t wait to read that one as well. Although, I’m sure I’ll find myself reading this one again too. Bravo Ruth. Well done. God used you in this one.
Profile Image for Cheryl Olson.
232 reviews152 followers
July 22, 2020
Amazing and beautiful artwork thoughtfully paired with lovely devotional words and scripture. This book truly blessed my heart and made my creative soul sing. I took my time through it, meditated on the scripture and even created some of my own art in response. Loved it!
Profile Image for Keely.
368 reviews1 follower
August 10, 2017
I received an advanced copy of this book to review.

Anyone familiar with Ruth Chou Simons, from her blog or Instagram, will recognize her beautiful artwork all over the pages of this visually stunning book. But it's the way she effectively and encouragingly communicates the truths of scripture that are so captivating. Ruth walks us through the four seasons of the year, teaching us along the way that God takes us through seasons of our lives with purpose and care, for His glory and our good. There are 32 thought-provoking devotions, scripture to "dig deeper" into, and even room to write and reflect throughout the book. Her companion journal provides even more space to add your thoughts on hand-painted lines!
I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
Profile Image for D.J. Lang.
862 reviews21 followers
April 18, 2021
I was given this gorgeous book as a gift from a friend. I used it somewhat devotionally. At first, I thought it was good as in 3 star good (don't read that as a 'C' in school); it's just that some of it I had heard many times over the year (but always good to hear again, right?). Then, Simons moved into a different season, and she really had some deeper thoughts...OR...maybe the timing for me was in that particular season and another person might truly resonate with a season which is different from mine. This is a Christ-centered devotional gift book, and I have thought of at least two people I would like to give it to, so my rating is 4 stars.
Profile Image for Katie Caudill.
2 reviews14 followers
August 30, 2017
After following Ruth on Instagram for the last few years I was super excited to get my hands on this book when I heard it was being released and let me say, it did not disappoint! So incredibly beautiful and well written. When I had a few extra minutes in my day it was easy to read a two-page topic and I was always left being encouraged and challenged. Before I even finished the book I purchased 8 more to share with friends! Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Laelle McKinney.
27 reviews
April 14, 2018
This devotional book was given to me when I was in the hospital after delivering my second baby. I will always remember being up most of the night feeding and rocking my newborn as I flipped through these beautiful pages and feeling such joy and comfort from each page. I already had been following the author’s artwork on Instagram and was thrilled she put her work in a devotional format. Each page is filled with Scripture and her own artwork, with short devotionals and space to take notes. I highly recommend this beautiful book to anyone who loves beauty and Scripture.
Profile Image for Watermarked Pages.
579 reviews
October 9, 2018
The artwork is lovely, and the reflections on how the Gospel impacts every aspect of our lives are even more beautiful. I really appreciate Ruth’s focus on our identity in Christ. This is not a book of feel-good fluff, but one that directs our gaze to Christ and his worthiness and encourages us to find our worth there. I highly recommend following Gracelaced on social media as well, for beautiful and encouraging posts.
Profile Image for Camelia.
83 reviews7 followers
August 20, 2024
Ruth Chou Simons's work is so precious. I enjoyed the short devotionals and really loved the art work. Very insightful and she's challenging you to focus on God in all seasons, regardless the circumstances.
She highlights what should we focus on about God in each season, depending on the characteristics of that season - and I must admit that's something I didn't think about.
It encouraged me to get other books she wrote.
I recommend it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 282 reviews

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