Christine Dillon

A TRUE-TO-LIFE STORY OF FAITH AND GRACE.

I’m always searching for authentic contemporary stories, ones where the people are real and relatable, where the story doesn’t gloss over life’s problems, and I found that in Christine Dillon’s fiction debut, GRACE IN STRANGE DISGUISE. GRACE had me rooting for some characters while yelling at others, which is a sign that I was completely invested in the book. I was hooked from the first page and couldn’t put it down from there.

Esther’s show more powerful and honest story of dealing with breast cancer in a family and church that believed in a Santa Claus-like Jesus is a story that likely happens too often. This book bravely tackles the question of whether God promises healing to anyone who has faith. Not an easy question to answer, but Christine handled the topic deftly.

I look forward to reading more from Christine Dillon, a gritty and fresh new voice in Christian fiction. show less

I have a confession - I didn't like William in first two books, so when the prologue opened with a snippet of his backstory, I dragged my feet getting into the book. Thankfully the book is also about Blanche so I persevered and am so glad I did. Dillon has a remarkable way of getting a visceral response from this reader. This is not a book where you can switch off your brain - if anything, one starts to examine one's faith, behaviour, and attitude to see whether one is in danger of falling show more into Team William.

Never having been to Lord Howe Island, I appreciated the descriptions of the place. Young Davy is my favourite for his straight talking/questioning of William, and I cherished Reg's soft approach. I appreciated that Dillon didn't effect an overnight transformation for William but that it took time, the input of Christian brothers and sisters and most especially God's word as William wrestled with sermons.

What I loved about this book was the reminder that it's hard to pray for those who have wronged you, abandoned you, rejected you, and yet God calls us to pray so that they might be transformed from the inside out. We have to keep believing that God is the God of the impossible especially when things seem impossible.

p.s. I'm really hoping there's a book 4 to round out Rachel's story and the reconciliation of this broken family. show less

Christine Dillon’s debut novel, Grace in Strange Disguise, opens with a diagnosis of cancer for main character Esther. As shocking as that is, her novel takes Esther through a journey that tests her not only physically, but spiritually. It is, in fact, the spiritual journey that touches the reader the most. Well written, with a main character that quickly grabs the reader’s imagination, this novel is a blessing in many ways. And it is a highly recommended read!

Esther is the only daughter show more of a pastor of a mega-church in Australia in the early 1990s. His prosperity gospel has attracted many followers. But his strong personality brooks no questions or confrontations. So when Esther is diagnosed with cancer at the age of 28, her father preaches prayer and faith. And if she is not healed that means she is at fault — lack of faith or unrepented sin. Esther’s struggle is lonely and discouraging until she is shown a different way of looking at her faith and her perception of Jesus.

Characters are strong in Grace in Strange Disguise — both those the reader can relate to and to those you just want to shake! 😉 Even though the book is told in the third person, the reader sees deep inside of Esther’s character — her fears, doubts, preconceived attitudes, and in the end, the hope and peace she finds. As Esther’s cancer treatment progresses, she grows stronger and stronger in her faith. One special character introduces her to a unique way of learning about God — storytelling. And for those who follow the Master Storyteller, it really makes sense. Dillon has developed this in her own life as well. Esther’s story is far from over — there are more books planned for this series. But for her (and the reader) the message is clear — Abraham didn’t know where he was going. He didn’t know how long the journey would take. He only knew the one whom he was following. Was she willing to do the same?

While Esther faces heartbreak and heartache in Grace in Strange Disguise, she gains so much more. I look forward to more from Christine Dillon.

Highly recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) show less

I have devoured each book leading up to this much anticipated fourth, entangled in the lives of the characters and their layered and complex relationships. Grace in the Desert is a perfect continuation of the series. The prologue was gripping. The ending was buoyant. And the journey in between was a page turning and insightful look into forgiveness, grace, prayer,and trusting God.
This is not a romance novel, for which I am grateful though some characters do find love. Dillon is a skilled show more story teller, weaving biblical wisdom and practice without the cringing cliches normally seen in Christian fiction . All of this set in artfully described locales in NSW and WA, bringing the beautiful Australian bush and urban landscapes to life.
Best price for eBook is from author's website https://www.storytellerchristine.com/
I received an advance copy of this book for free but any opinions are my own. show less