Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com

If one were to look up the definition of "grace," this is what one would find: a virtue coming from God or disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency among others. But either of these definitions could apply to the beautiful story written by Mr. Evans.

GRACE is another amazing story written by the author of THE CHRISTMAS BOX. For those who have never read anything by Mr. Evans, GRACE will not disappoint, and will most likely lead you to read the rest of his works.
For those that are already fans (such as myself), this is another wonderful novel. Many of Mr. Evans' stories celebrate the Christmas season. Though not completely revolving around the holiday, GRACE reaches into the heart and touches all that is special with the Christmas spirit.

Eric's life is far from wonderful. After his father hurt his back, the family packed up everything they owned and moved from California to Utah. Money has dried up in the summer of 1962 and, to survive, his family moves into the house left vacant by the death of his maternal grandmother. The house is falling apart, but they are together and have family nearby to help them.

To help with finances, Eric works at McBurger Queen after school. It's there, while cleaning up after closing, that he discovers a girl "dumpster diving" (sorting through the Dumpster for food). He recognizes the girl from one of his classes, but doesn't want to embarrass her. Instead, he invites her inside and offers her the food that would otherwise be discarded.

While she is eating, he learns her name is Grace. She admits she is running away. Eric can't fathom what a girl his age will do to survive. Without thinking of the consequences, he offers up the only place he can think of, the clubhouse in the far corner of his backyard that he built with his younger brother, Joel.

He sets Grace up in the clubhouse with a heating pad for warmth, a flashlight, a transistor radio, and a supply of sleeping bags. As time goes by, the two become friends. He sneaks her food when he can. She sneaks out when it seems safe, and passes her time in the clubhouse with a collection of books from the library.

But her family starts a frantic search for Grace. Announcements are made at school. Flyers are put up around town. And eventually it makes the evening news. Eric is terrified he will be found out and that they will find Grace. He vows to keep her secret. His resolve grows more so when she reveals the reason for running away.

Eric is only fourteen, and the pressure from all sides start to mount. He knows Grace can never be turned over to her family, but what can a teenager do to help her in the end?

Eric berates himself as a grown man that he couldn't help Grace more. He continues to search for the grace he doesn't feel he deserves. Reminiscent of the ending of Saving Private Ryan, the main character searches for the goodness that he hopes he has lived up to in the eyes of those that have gone before him.

Mr. Evans has a way of bringing forth buried feelings. GRACE touches you deep in the spirit and makes you want to be a better person. With the upcoming Christmas season, may we all show a bit of grace to those around us. ( )

This novel tells the story of Grace, a runaway teenager who has run to escape the perils of childhood trauma and abuse. From about the 4th chapter I was interested and read straight through..the first part of this book was slow for me. Many of the behaviors Grace exhibited are common for victims of childhood abouse and domestic violence. The story mad me laugh, cry and ultimately pray for a "system" that is not as broken as the child protective system is today. ( )

Eric remembers a boyhood romance that ends in trajedy. He helps a runaway and she becomes his first love. He had to deal with what he felt was his parents betrayal and the guilt he felt over what happens to Grace. This event infulences what profession he chooses in his adult life. ( )

At Christmastime, Eric looks back on a defining moment in his life when he was a young teenage boy growing up in the sixties. His father temporarily paralyzed, Eric and his family move to Utah where he lives in a poor neighborhood, goes to a rough school, and has to work to help out. While at work, he finds a classmate, Grace, dumpster hopping. She's run away from home. Taking pity on her, he brings her home to live in a clubhouse way back in the woods behind his house, giving her food, being a friend, protecting her. But she has a secret he can't guess, and the results of the fall and winter dramatically affect him.

If you've read any Richard Paul Evans, then you know his trademark is tearjerkers, and this was no different in that department. I liked the characters, and wanted to hug Grace so badly. Though often sad, there's hope in the story, too. ( )

An older gentleman looks back at the time in his life when, at the age of 14, he meets a runaway girl. He reflects on how the relationship has shaped the rest of his life.

I will not be surprised if most people like this more than I did. What spoiled it for me was the fact that both the thoughts and dialog of Eric and Grace were way too mature for 14 year olds - making it an unrealistic read. I did enjoy following the relationship and loved the final outcome, but overall it was just an okay book. (3/5)

Originally posted on: "Thoughts of Joy..." ( )