AUTHOR: JoAnn Durgin
DATE: 2016
STARS: *****
Eric Masterson never expected to be promoted from cyclist to an executive position in his friend Sawyer Mancini’s successful pedicab business. His new job includes scouting out locations in Indianapolis and introduces him to many people with inspiring stories. One of the more fascinating individuals is beautiful Grace Warner, the owner of a downtown art gallery. She demonstrates compassion for others, interprets for the deaf in her church, and seems willing to help everyone else. So why won’t she give him the time of day?
Grace Warner doesn’t know how many ways she can turn down the pedicab executive. No matter how handsome and appealing he is, she knows it’s best to ignore the man’s charms. While drawn to Eric, she can’t seem to get past their brief but memorable meeting a few years prior—a time when they both lived a much different, freer lifestyle. Although he seems a changed man and shares her faith in Jesus, Grace is determined not to remind Eric even as he seems equally persistent in wearing down her resistance.
Can these two find a common ground or are they destined to go in opposite directions?
Sometimes, especially when life gets crazy, you just want a sure thing. Since I’ve read many of author JoAnn Durgin’s books, I felt confident I would enjoy her latest novel, By Grace Draw Near, and I wasn’t disappointed. What a wonderful escape from the turmoil of the last few weeks. Since this is the third installment of Ms. Durgin’s Wondrous Love Series, I’d already been entranced by the characters from the first two books, so it was fun to see continued progression in their relationships. Eric and Grace had also been introduced –briefly, and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them.
One thing I can count on with Ms. Durgin is the Good News of Jesus Christ woven seamlessly into her stories. And in By Grace Draw Near, she showed Eric’s temptations with compassion and sensitivity, without dipping down into sensationalism. I appreciate that.
Grace, in spite of her apparent self confidence, has her own dark secrets. Her often bumpy journey to forgiveness and wholeness kept me riveted, as did Eric’s need to prove himself worthy. Ms. Durgin has once again created multi-layered and realistic characters, surrounded them with a fantastic supporting cast, and brought salvation into clear view.
Highly recommended. I award By Grace Draw Near five stars. I purchased this book via Amazon.