06/28/2021
This lovely second installment of Gray’s State of Grace series (after Love and a Little White Lie) continues the story of longtime friends Darcy, Bryson, and Cameron. Darcy is reeling from the abrupt cancelation of a yearlong mission trip. With no apartment or job, she accepts Bryson’s offer to live with his half sister, Zoe. However, Bryson has ulterior motives in keeping her from rooming with Cameron—and it’s obvious to everyone except Darcy that both men hold flames for her. Meanwhile, Darcy helps out an elderly friend of Bryson who needs to find homes for his late wife’s rescue dogs, and works on dealing with her frustrations—with the canceled trip, her divorced parents, and a God who seems to have abandoned her. When she and Bryson begin dating, it’s only a matter of time before Darcy must choose between her relationship with Bryson and her friendship with Cameron. In a surprising turn, Bryson and Darcy’s relationship is marked by a sexual attraction that’s often unseen in inspirational fiction. Gray delivers a beautiful illustration of the power found in the courage to forgive and move on despite disappointment and regret. Those who enjoy contemporary inspirational romances should take a look. (Aug.)
