[ODK]≫ Read Illuminating Gracie Lisa C Temple 9781480257177 Books

Illuminating Gracie Lisa C Temple 9781480257177 Books

Download As PDF : Illuminating Gracie Lisa C Temple 9781480257177 Books

Illuminating Gracie Lisa C Temple 9781480257177 Books

When I learned that my childhood friend, Lisa C. Temple, had written a book, I was very impressed by the sheer accomplishment of such a task, and I ordered a copy. What a treat was in store for me!

One of the first things that struck me, was that I knew these places described in the book. I was born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama, and often traveled those back roads to Lake Martin, as well as Wetumpka, and surrounding areas. So I really felt like I was with Gracie as she drove down that dark road on a particularly fateful night, cranking tunes and trying to be brave. (And speaking of tunes, I would be remiss not to mention the clever use of an appropriate song title for each chapter!)

I also enjoyed the southern sayings and colloquialisms; phrases with which I grew up, and that always remind me of my mother, who would deliver these with her soft drawl. Lisa captured this very well, and for those who were not raised in this part of country, you can rest assured the depiction is authentic.

Beyond these delights though, lies the story itself. I immediately identified with Gracie, remembering the doubts I had as a young woman, and I think readers of all ages, male and female, will also understand these emotions. The story also contains little mysteries that keep you turning the pages, as gems of insight turn up along the way. It is a story of hope and redemption, and a beautiful request of each of us to let our light shine brightly.

I look forward to the sequel...


Tags : Illuminating Gracie [Lisa C. Temple] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. As an old woman's lifeless body lies on a cold stone floor, her soul stands before an angel who offers her a miraculous opportunity: the chance to do it all again. But that is easier said than done. In order to change the path her life has taken,Lisa C. Temple,Illuminating Gracie,CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform,1480257176,Romance - Paranormal,FICTION Romance Paranormal General,Fiction,Fiction - Romance,Fiction Romance Paranormal,Fiction-Romance,PRINT ON DEMAND,Romance,Romance - Paranormal - General,RomanceGeneral

Illuminating Gracie Lisa C Temple 9781480257177 Books Reviews

To be honest, I wasn't sure if I would like this book very much... especially when I first started reading it. Gracie really made me angry. I found myself just wanting to slap her through the first few chapters (that I couldn't stop reading). But at some point she grew on me and made me see some things I wasn't really thinking about. Ultimately, I came away with the feeling that we all face obstacles, both outside of ourselves and within. They either break us or make us more whole. In that way, this is a book that transcends ages and genres. It is a story about real life truths. It may not strictly be christian fiction, yet it made my faith stronger.
It's been a very long time since I've cried when I finished a book. It's also been eons since I've read the same book back to back. But, that is how much I loved "Illuminating Gracie." The book begins with a 2-part Prologue that beautifully introduces the reader to the underlying theme of the book the struggle between good and evil. The angel, Lochedus and his evil demon brother, Beladona are discussing the upcoming battle for the soul of young Grace Bennett. In the second part of the Prologue the reader gets a glimpse of Lochedus in all his glory. The book is told in the voice of 17-year-old Grace Bennett, and it is this character that makes "Illuminating Gracie," a truly unforgettable, exceptional read. In the beginning, Grace is angry and depressed at having to live in small town USA (Tallassee, Alabama) with her brother and his annoying wife. Some of the most humorous moments in the book involve Grace's inner-dialogue concerning her "goody two shoes brother, Perfect Pete and his holier-than-thou winsome wife, Saint Patty (a.k.a Our Lady of Perpetual Perfection.)" Grace's wit is razor sharp and, at times, hysterically funny. The story begins with Grace delivering food for Perfect Patty, to an odd old couple - Mrs. B. and Willem. Though there seems to be an immediate dislike between Mrs. B. and Grace, the old woman offers her a job, anyway Grace does bond with Willem and she is confused why the loveable old man seems to worship the cantankerous Mrs. B. As the story progresses, Grace meets two gorgeous young men. Locke Wingard and Merchison Spear. Locke and Merc are as different as daylight and dark, but they share a secret that Grace is determined to discover. It's hard to write a synopsis because there are so many twists and turns to the story that this would be one big Spoiler Alert. But, the plot is masterfully drawn and keeps the reader guessing until the end. This book tells the story of the fight between good and evil in a young woman's life. It is brilliant in its use of humor and emotion to draw the reader into the characters. My sole critique of "Illuminating Gracie," would be concerning the ending, which I felt was rather abrupt. I understand why the author ended the book the way she did (to pave the way for the next one), but this reader would have been fine with a end to the story there. This is an excellent and must read!
This is a great alternative to the typical "supernatural" stories for young people - or people of all ages - out there now. While this story deals with dark themes, including demons, it poses the heroine's struggle between good and evil as one of growth and finding inner strength. The main character, Gracie, also learns about trusting others, accepting help, and believing in herself. Despite these "heavy" themes, the book is a fun and fast read, with intriguing mystery, an interesting cast of characters, and enough twists and turns to keep you hooked. It has an interesting aspect of time-travel or alternate destiny combined with the presence of angels and demons - both figurative and literal. The book is told primarily from Gracie's perspective, and the author does a great job of putting you inside her head. I recommend this book for people who like stories with a supernatural twist, but who are looking to get away from some of the less savory characters and plots.
Wasn't sure what to expect when I began to read "Illuminating Gracie". What a Treat! It's a YA book that should be read by any one young or old (like me ;-)) You'll find humor, self-doubt, mystery, and plenty of angel against demon action. Gracie is a very believable teenager that many if not all can identify with. Time after time something she either said, thought or did triggered a memory that had me nodding and saying to myself "that is so totally me when I was a teen". It has a wonderful message to anyone young or older that should be taken to heart. But it also has plenty of suspense and action. I would, will and have recommend "Illuminating Gracie" to any and everyone. Read and enjoy!
When I learned that my childhood friend, Lisa C. Temple, had written a book, I was very impressed by the sheer accomplishment of such a task, and I ordered a copy. What a treat was in store for me!

One of the first things that struck me, was that I knew these places described in the book. I was born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama, and often traveled those back roads to Lake Martin, as well as Wetumpka, and surrounding areas. So I really felt like I was with Gracie as she drove down that dark road on a particularly fateful night, cranking tunes and trying to be brave. (And speaking of tunes, I would be remiss not to mention the clever use of an appropriate song title for each chapter!)

I also enjoyed the southern sayings and colloquialisms; phrases with which I grew up, and that always remind me of my mother, who would deliver these with her soft drawl. Lisa captured this very well, and for those who were not raised in this part of country, you can rest assured the depiction is authentic.

Beyond these delights though, lies the story itself. I immediately identified with Gracie, remembering the doubts I had as a young woman, and I think readers of all ages, male and female, will also understand these emotions. The story also contains little mysteries that keep you turning the pages, as gems of insight turn up along the way. It is a story of hope and redemption, and a beautiful request of each of us to let our light shine brightly.

I look forward to the sequel...