Grace in the Shadows (Grace #2)
Grace in the Shadows (Grace #2)
Physiotherapist Esther has survived cancer, but wounds within her family remain unhealed. Is her revived faith the reason for the rift or could a simmering secret be the root cause? Cosmetics consultant Rachel buried her past - and her father’s God - but the past refuses to stay buried. Will she continue to run or is confronting her pain the way to freedom? Two women. Two different lives. One collision course with truth. Can God’s grace shine even in the darkest of shadows?
SPOILER ALERT - do not read this review if you have not read book 1 Grace in Strange Disguise
In Dillon’s first book, we met Esther who is diagnosed with cancer, which becomes the catalyst to the realisation that the faith she grew up with was askew from the reality of God.
In this book, Esther’s story continues her journey of faith with the unexpected discovery that her trust in God’s plan had gaping holes, as she tries to force His hand to act according to her timing, though with good intentions.
Rachel’s story is interwoven in the chapters in between – we slowly get a sense of this driven woman: plagued by a past she can’t run away from, decisions that can’t be undone. The paths of these women collide and begin to develop into a more complex story with twists galore.
TIP TO THE WISE - Do not skip the prologue! While the characters are blissfully unaware of the revelations to come, as the readers, we are given a backstage pass in the prologue so we watch the unfolding drama with some level of understanding. However, just over half way, the plot twists unaccountably and devastatingly, leaving us in as much mystery as the characters in the story. Never have I wanted another miracle so badly for Esther.
Dillon's first book was a good read. This sequel is an amazing read! Dillon has matured in her writing and the flow of her story between fiction (the story of Esther, Rachel et al) and fact (the story of Jesus) are evidence of that. This book more naturally showcases the story telling technique that Dillon has written about (in her non-fiction work 'Telling the Gospel through Story') as a way of sharing about Jesus. (that is another book you ought to have in your resources library)
