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Coastal Hearts #2

Falling for Grace

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Grace Logan has taken a lot of tumbles in life, but she works hard to bounce right back. Dreams shattered and hope for reconciliation gone, Grace needs a place where she can pick herself up now that her ex is marrying her former best friend. Her boss’s beach house in Santa Rosa seems like the perfect getaway, but stumbling into the attractive-but-damaged handyman next door isn’t part of the plan.

After losing his infant son—and his marriage—Seth Gibbs is left with smothering grief and guilt. Bad memories make it difficult to find a new normal, so he escapes to his family’s vacation home. Three years later, he’s still in Santa Rosa with no plans to leave. That is…until Grace falls into his life.

106 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2019

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About the author

Janet W. Ferguson

15 books536 followers
Janet W. Ferguson is a Christy Award finalist and the winner of the 2020 FHL Readers Choice Award. An avid reader and former librarian, she turned her love of story into writing contemporary faith-filled novels with realistic characters who feel like best friends. You’ll laugh and cry as the quirky heroes and heroines chase their happily ever after.

Janet and her husband live in Mississippi where they say y’all a lot, and she forces him to visit the beach as often as possible. They have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a cat that allows them to share the space.


She loves to hear from readers! You can connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, GoodReads, or subscribe to her newsletter on https://www.janetfergusonauthor.com/ for exclusive book news and giveaways.

She also contributes at Inspy Romance once a month. Check out the authors and prizes!

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5 stars
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82 (36%)
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22 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for Beth.
809 reviews375 followers
June 14, 2019
Falling for Grace touches on some heavier topics in a delicate way. Both characters have baggage in their past that impacts their present interactions, and those interactions ring true for this reader. It's easy to root for Grace and Seth as they work to move on from their pasts.

I adored the beach setting and the just the overall sweetness of this story that has moments of romance but also of healing. It's a lovely read to pick up for the summer - especially if you enjoy a hopeful and realistic happily-ever-after. By the way, Falling for Grace is only 99 cents on Kindle, and the next book in the series, The Art of Rivers, is available for pre-order for 99 cents.
Profile Image for Staci.
2,366 reviews679 followers
February 13, 2019
Sweet novella about finding love after divorce. It was a little heavy on the accident prone aspect, but overall a cute read.
Profile Image for Sarah Monzon.
Author 27 books835 followers
November 25, 2018
If you ever want to take a trip down south but not leave your living room, Janet Ferguson will take you there through the pages of her books. So if you’re feeling chilly this winter but still want the holiday spirit, this might be the book for you.
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,956 reviews213 followers
November 26, 2018
I enjoyed reading Grace and Seth's story so much. These were two hurting people. They had each suffered so much and neither one really felt that there was much hope for happiness in their future.

I couldn't help but feel compassion for Grace and Seth. I connected with them immediately and hope grew for both of them as they went through the Christmas season together. At times it seemed that things couldn't possibly work out for them and the deep emotional struggles and fears that they needed to overcome made for a very moving story with a wonderful ending!

I received a complimentary copy of this novella. All opinions are my own.
4,091 reviews1,767 followers
March 20, 2025
I can't believe I'm just 'discovering' Janet Ferguson now! And what an introduction! This novella packs all the heart of a full length novel. My emotions were engaged from the very first page and I do so love to be emotionally pummeled by my fiction! Talk about gut-wrenching and hope-soaring!

Grace and Seth are both recovering from painful losses. Their chance encounter on the beach pulls them into each other's arms (literally) and sets in motion a breath-taking second chance love story. Raw and real and achingly sweet. And sometimes funny. All the elements that I enjoy in a romance.

I'm amazed at the way Ferguson packed so much into this shorter word count. Exquisite word choice and impeccable pacing propel the story along and turned Falling for Grace into an unputdownable read for me. Devoured it in one sitting and now I'm on the hunt for more.

https://kavsbestreads.ca/2025/03/20/f...
Profile Image for Beth | Faithfully Bookish.
944 reviews261 followers
January 23, 2019
Despite (or perhaps because of) Grace's clumsiness, this second-chance romance was delightfully appealing and entertaining. Seth's role as the hurting hero is well-executed and endearing. I enjoyed our little visit to the beach with all its depth and humor and life lessons. I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Paula Shreckhise.
1,585 reviews149 followers
September 29, 2019
Falling for Grace is the second in a series Coastal Hearts by Janet Ferguson.

This book takes place in a beach town with beautiful beach houses.

Grace’s boss has lent her a beach house so she can recover from a rough two years. Her divorce has taken it’s toll and she can’t seem to move on. She is still grieving and mad. She is mad at herself but trying to figure out God’s plan in all of the mess.
Her neighbor on the beach is Seth, who is likewise suffering from the aftermath of his divorce and the added burdern of the death of his child.
There are many issues to work through. Ms. Ferguson doesn’t shy away from the hard topics but treats them with delicacy.
But the story is not all bad moods and depression. There is some quick wit and banter that lightens the story. Not to mention both leads are clutzy which adds to the fun romance.
It is well written and has an interesting plot to keep the story going. The secondary characters of the plumber and his wife are very cute and typically southern.
Together with the help of friends and neighbors, Grace and Seth find answers from the faith they have in common.

*I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own. *
Profile Image for Chanel.
226 reviews65 followers
January 13, 2021
A Story of Hope and Healing

Although this story touches on heartbreaking loss, pain and disappointment, the author weaves an inspiring message of hope by illustrating how God can take our brokenness and make something new and beautiful. The romance is more realistic than swoony - there's levity, attraction and natural conversation, but the characters are each trying to heal from serious hurts, resulting in a bit of back-and-forth in their relationship growth based on their fears and insecurities. The romance is sweet, nonetheless, and I was hopeful for healing and a happy ending for the main characters. The truth and encouragement in this story shines prominently in the arc of each and the messy emotions they have to work through to get there is so authentic and relatable. Overall, a great read! Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Misty Beller.
Author 188 books2,372 followers
November 25, 2018
This is such a great story! Fun and lighthearted, yet covers deeper themes that make you ache with Grace and Seth. I highly recommend!
Profile Image for Fiction Aficionado.
659 reviews92 followers
February 16, 2019
This was a sweet contemporary romance about two wounded people finding friendship, romance, and healing tucked away beside the beach in Santa Rosa. Grace has headed to her boss's beach house for a low-key Christmas—and the opportunity to recover from the grief of her ex-husband's recent marriage to her best friend. Seth has been hiding out for three years following his own divorce in the wake of a devastating loss.

There's a little bit of instalove involved here, but it's the gentle sort as Grace and Seth work together in the wake of the kind of disasters that seem to follow Grace—a burst water pipe that causes a whole lot of damage to her boss's beach house, a broken foot for Seth. Restoration and healing is the theme woven through each page of this novella, which is the perfect length for those looking for a quick read.

I received a copy of this novel from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Linda Elliott.
1,740 reviews9 followers
June 5, 2020
Two people with hearts hurting meet

This is the story of two divorced people who meet and learn to love again. They each have a strong belief and faith that’s got them where they’re at now. Meeting each other opens their heart a little to start to love again. Good characters, realistic plot and I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Joy Tiff.
507 reviews15 followers
July 17, 2021
I liked that this book dealt with grief from the hero’s perspective. It’s usually something reserved for the heroines.
Profile Image for Perrianne.
523 reviews
January 9, 2020
Exceptionally clumsy Grace is vacationing in her boss’s beach house trying to recoup her losses after her divorce. It is exceptionally painful because her ex married her best friend. Grace expects some peace and quiet and some healing downtime, but she doesn’t expect to meet the hunky handyman next door who has become a master at hiding his hurting heart.
This novella was simply downright enjoyable! The author has a smooth writing style and the words just flow so well. She suffuses warmth and light into her characters, but without minimizing their daily struggles of life. The story is heartfelt and seamless, and the reading felt effortless. If you enjoy books about second chances, then this one is for you. I am not surprised that it is a Christy award nominee for 2019. I will definitely seek out more of the authors work.
NOTE: This is a 2019 Christy Award Nominee in the Short Form Category.
 I won this book in a blog giveaway and II was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Profile Image for Suzie.
Author 13 books149 followers
July 28, 2019
I’m a fairly new reader of Janet Ferguson so I’m making my way through some of her earlier titles. And what better place to start than a sweet novella?

Somewhat clumsy Grace Logan escapes the hurt and discouragement of the news her ex-husband has remarried with a trip to Florida and her employer’s home on the beach. A house which, coincidentally, is located right beside that of another disillusioned person, Seth Gibbs. He’s hidden out at his family home for three years working through his own guilt, grief, and heartache.

Ferguson dives deep into these two characters and their heart-deep pain in a short amount of time. There’s a bit of humor, some home repairs, and a heap of hope and healing packed into Falling for Grace. This short and sweet read had me planning a trip to the beach while simultaneously wishing for Christmas but since neither of those is happening anytime soon, I’ll console myself with the next Ferguson book on the list.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Profile Image for Sydney.
1,096 reviews131 followers
July 10, 2019
Falling for Grace by Janet W. Ferguson is a beautiful and inspiring story. It’s about an unlikely couple that happen to meet and against all odds fall in love. It’s about dealing with events in their lives both current and in the past and pushing through and overcoming the hurt, grief, and guilt. It’s not only about falling in love, but fighting for that love even when it seems like it might be impossible. This story will deeply touch the heart of readers as they come to know the characters and their struggles. It also will help readers remember that even when life gets tough, they can get through their own struggles. This is a story that will be imprinted on the minds of readers!

Series: Coastal Hearts
Genre: contemporary, romance, Christian
Publisher: Southern Sun Press
Publication date: November 15, 2018
Number of pages: 226

A review copy of this book was purchased for review. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Ebosereme Nwamu.
637 reviews66 followers
August 1, 2021
I've had the audio book for a while and got around to listening to it today. I wondered why I had not done it earlier.

Beautiful, touching and heartwarming story. If one is not careful few tears might fall. My Heart went out for the characters who were at different stages of their grief. I enjoyed how skillfully the author handles the subject.
The narrator did an amazing job.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion
4 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2019
Enjoyable story!

A wonderful refreshing read. Simplicity and sweetness. The personal feelings and hardships, but reliance on God was so good to me.
Profile Image for Marylin.
1,350 reviews45 followers
August 31, 2020
I've had this book sitting on my TBR pile but for a while. I'm not sure why I haven't picked it up sooner.
I think I'm going to love reading books by Janet Ferguson. Her writing style is so refreshing and delightful. The book flows so smoothly, from the dialogue to the beautiful descriptions of the beach and houses.
I got a kick out of some of the struggles the main characters came across. Grace's name really holds true to her! A couple of the extra characters were very dear and had many beautiful words of wisdom.
This book touched my heart with how Grace and Seth had to learn to rise above their personal pain to find healing and move forward with their lives.
If you want to read a book that weaves a beautiful tale of love, trust, self-assurance, healing, and hope, then you want to pick this up. As these characters go through some tough times, the author sweetly brings in the hope we all can have in God. It’s not pushy, or fake. She presences it in a very real way.
I highly recommend you pick this book up to read.
Profile Image for Judy.
3,332 reviews
January 23, 2019
Falling for Grace by Janet W. Ferguson
A Coastal Hearts Novella
Grace Logan needed time away to heal. Her divorce had been hard...the betrayal even harder. Especially this week. She was headed to her boss' beach house for peace and quiet. That was the plan. Unlike her name, Grace wasn't so graceful and one of her falls changed everything.

Seth Gibbs had run away from family and memories three years ago. Coming to the families beach house...he stayed. And his past stayed with him. Buried inside...but quite alive. When someone comes to stay at the neighbor’s house...he's torn between the past and present.

Even as Christians...there are battles to fight. Broken lives that God wants to heal...if only we let Him. And in the case of Grace and Seth, it seemed Grace was a godsend, if Seth would let her be. Great story. If you cry easily, tissues nearby may be a good thing.

http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Profile Image for Judy.
3,332 reviews
January 23, 2019
Falling for Grace by Janet W. Ferguson
A Coastal Hearts Novella
Grace Logan needed time away to heal. Her divorce had been hard...the betrayal even harder. Especially this week. She was headed to her boss' beach house for peace and quiet. That was the plan. Unlike her name, Grace wasn't so graceful and one of her falls changed everything.

Seth Gibbs had run away from family and memories three years ago. Coming to the families beach house...he stayed. And his past stayed with him. Buried inside...but quite alive. When someone comes to stay at the neighbor’s house...he's torn between the past and present.

Even as Christians...there are battles to fight. Broken lives that God wants to heal...if only we let Him. And in the case of Grace and Seth, it seemed Grace was a godsend, if Seth would let her be. Great story. If you cry easily, tissues nearby may be a good thing.

http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
7,809 reviews53 followers
January 26, 2019
One feels the emotion of Grace, a husband who left, and now married what was once you’re best friend. She was named Grace, but she was a klutz. Going to the beach she stumbled off the walk way tumbling to the sand. When a voice called out if she was okay, finding later he was the handyman next door. Knowing her boss, he called to find out the story of why she had come. He came three years ago to heal and still here. Thinking he should get out of his helmet life and try socializing again. With the. Christmas season and memories, a good place was to be away from them at the beach. Good story of heartache and healing for two people, as they open up to change and a new love,
Profile Image for Ellie.
446 reviews8 followers
March 3, 2019
I enjoyed this novella! I liked both main charcters and thought they were well written. I thought the two were thrown together a tad quickly, however their relationship developed at a pace that I was okay with. I had trouble putting the book down once I got to the second half. I really liked the addition of Mac and Darlene. I was inspired by Darlene and when I'm inspired by a character in a book, it's always a plus for me.

Readers should be aware that this book deals with divorce and the loss of child.

If you like contemporary Christian fiction, I recommend this book!
Profile Image for Linda.
2,174 reviews
September 23, 2019
Grace Logan and Seth Gibbs have both come to Santa Rosa, Florida, to recover from the slings and arrows of fortune. Grace is recently divorced, and her ex-husband has just married her "best friend." Seth is divorced, too, but he is also mourning the death of his infant son from SIDS. Can they possibly help each other heal?
Profile Image for Robin Mason.
Author 11 books81 followers
August 1, 2020
Sometimes it takes the broken in us to see the broken in others.
I’ve come to know that when I read a story by Ms. Ferguson, I will fall in love with her characters. Grace Loga and Seth Gibbs are no exception.
Her trying to escape a broken heart, him hiding from his, and they keep bumping into each other. And as stone sharpens stone, Grace and Seth’s encounters begin to strip away the sting and broken edges.
Ms. Ferguson digs into deep heart issues—grief, unforgiveness, betrayal—and roots them out, exposing them for the damage they create. She takes Grace and Seth through a steep learning curve, both individually and together. I appreciate her understanding of human nature, and the beauty of her stories that tell on us all so well.

ROBIN’S FEATHERS
FOUR FEATHERS

This book was given to me as a gift. I offer my review of my own free will, and the opinions expressed in my review are my own honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Saturday, #TRD, Book Review, Falling for Grace, Janet Ferguson, Coastal Hearts
526 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2021
It's About Healing

Janet Ferguson takes a different approach. Usually, it's about the loss that a mother experiences, but here the author focuses on the grief that a father experiences. I felt humiliated for Grace (and can somehow relate). There's nothing more painful than when your best friend-- or a friend--walks away with your husband. How humiliating! (Yet, she healed)
Profile Image for Elizabeth Prescott.
108 reviews2 followers
November 25, 2018
I loved Falling For Grace for its ability to take you on a journey of growth and healing. Grace has suffered heartache while Seth has been through a tragedy of his own. Follow along with two people who learn exactly what it's like when we let go of control and follow His lead.
1,915 reviews9 followers
February 1, 2019
Grace Logan has taken a lot of tumbles in life, but she works hard to bounce right back. Dreams shattered and hope for reconciliation gone, Grace needs a place where she can pick herself up now that her ex is marrying her former best friend.
Profile Image for Mary Albers Felkins.
Author 15 books197 followers
February 13, 2019
Sweet and swift romance. Loved this endearing tale of broken souls meeting under divine and believable circumstances to risk hearts in love again. Enjoyed the Description of beach side setting and candle lit dinners. Falling For Grace, aptly named, introduces two unlikely people- one a hardware/tool guy and the other involved in legislature. Recommended for those who need hope in happily ever afters ❤️
Profile Image for Nancy.
378 reviews36 followers
June 27, 2019
Grace heads to the beach for her boss and it’s the perfect getaway for her as her ex-husband just got remarried. Mishaps and falls send her into her neighbors arms literally! He’s full of hurts himself and has hid out at his family beach house for a while. They could be two mis-fits perfect for each other, if they can begin to heal.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews