Hello reading friends! Welcome to Reading with Jessica! This month I’m reading and discussing A Mark of Grace by Kimberley Woodhouse. I’ve got this week’s reading done with a ton of sticky notes! And while this is part of a series, and a fabulous one at that, I’m going to be discussing the book through the eyes of someone just jumping in who hasn’t read the previous installments. That way it’s almost through fresh eyes, and our reading friends who haven’t started the series yet can still join us and discuss the book!
Okay, let’s dive in, but first a few reminders. This week we’re discussing Chapter 18 to the end. 🥰 I’m going to divide my thoughts based on chapter so that it’s easy to follow along. Feel free to comment on any of it, or just what you thought about these chapters! The goal is to have some fun discussions. And don’t forget – THERE WILL BE SPOILERS!!!!! So if you haven’t read these chapters yet, I highly recommend not reading this post until you do. I mean, unless you don’t want to be surprised lol.
About the Book
A Mark of Grace (Secrets of the Canyon Book #3) Author Kimberley Woodhouse
Published by Baker Books
on January 3, 2023
Genres: Fiction / Christian / Historical, Fiction / Christian / Romance / Historical, Fiction / Romance / Historical / American
Pages: 336
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | ChristianBook.com | Goodreads | Baker Book HouseWhen everything crumbles, her chance for a new beginning hangs in the balance.
Ruth Anniston survived an injury that left her physically scarred, broken, and angry at God. Now, she finds herself working behind the scenes as a kitchen and dining room supervisor at the El Tovar Hotel, hidden away from curious eyes and with little hope of finding love. When money begins to disappear from the hotel, Ruth's entire livelihood is put at risk when she lands on the list of suspects.Frank Henderson has at last succeeded in obtaining his dream job as head chef at the El Tovar. But competition in the kitchen is fierce, and one mistake could cost him his future. As the thefts at the hotel continue, and his affection for Ruth grows, Frank's career--and his heart--are in jeopardy.
As tensions run high, Ruth and Frank must work together to save the El Tovar. They find themselves growing closer . . . but can their combined ingenuity overcome the odds against them?
Reading Schedule Reminder
Week One – Prologue through the end of Chapter 8. Discussion on January 14th.
Week Two – Chapter 9 through the end of Chapter 17. Discussion on January 21st.
Week Three – Chapter 18 through the end of the book! Discussion on January 28th.
Book Discussion
Chapter 18
Okay Charles. What is the end game here? Ugh – this part of the story is frustrating me sooooo much. I cannot figure it out, and typically this is not an issue for me. That means that Woodhouse is a brilliant writer, and honestly – I want more!
Oh no! I can’t believe about Ruth’s parents. I mean, in some ways, seems better then telling her dad is dying of cancer. But it also seems abrupt. Wonder how this is going to fit into the story.
Chapter 19
Well we all knew that the elixir was a fake or some sort. It’s about time this came to light, although I’m sorry Ruth had to suffer to bad from it. I thought for sure it was because of her grief and she had so much built up inside.
Okay Oliver, what else do you have up your sleeve!? You are really starting to irritate me. Anyone else?
Chapter 20
Anyone else tear up over the letter from Ruth’s mother? My goodness. It’s full of so much truth, hope, and just a wonderful message. I’m sure behind closed doors Ruth’s mother is struggling at times, but wow does Ruth need to see this kind of reaction. I wondered how the accident would play into the plot, and this is perfect. Ruth never had a role model of how to react to a “disability” – not that her scars are a disability but you know what I mean. Gah! I love it.
Chapter 21
Here I am reading about them celebrating Ruth’s birthday and thinking, well this is nice. We needed something positive after all the crazy stuff. WRONG! And I’m here for it!!
Chapter 22
WHAT THE WHAT!? Oh this is brilliant. How did I not figure out that Oliver is Charles? I mean it’s genius and makes perfect sense. Oh Woodhouse you sneaky little writer. I did not see this coming, did you? Probably some of you did. And now looking back at everything I wrote about Charles, I can totally see it!!!
Chapter 23
Okay, things are starting to come together. I love it when we’re near the end of a novel and this happens. Things are moving fast. There is no time!!
Chapter 24
Sigh…. finally we have Frank and Ruth together!! And he pulls no punches by just asking her to marry him. I mean, maybe it’s fast for some, but let’s face it. This was years in the making.
Chapter 25
She was worth the wait. Oh Frank. You are so sweet. I’m glad we ended with a wedding. Ruth needed it honestly. And another reminder of the gospel.
Epilogue
Kids!! I love kids. I mean, I pretty much figured this would happen but it was nice that Woodhouse included it. I’m just sorry the story is over.
Overall Thoughts
This story was so fun to read! Oh the guessing really kept me on my toes. Honestly, that was my favorite part of the story – trying to figure out this Charles guy. And boy did I. I’m only smacking my forehead that I didn’t figure it out sooner lol.
What are you thoughts on these chapters? Share in the comments! Let’s get the book discussion going. 🙂