This is a contemporary Amish romance
In which someone who has been shunned is given another chance
It shows that different communities have different rules
Some of which can seem most cruel.

Sent to repent her sins and give birth to her child
Grace Miller is living in a cabin out in the wild.
She's shocked by how forgiving the community seems
And some so helpful, she's not sure she dreams.

In the welcoming community she soon has friends
People who don't judge her or expect her to make amends
Instead they're supportive, helpful and kind
Even when she rejects them, they don't seem to mind.

This is a story of learning to forgive yourself too
And to look forward with faith in all you do.
It is a second chance for several characters who
Have suffered grief and lost loved ones, too.

It is a heartwarming story of new chances
Where bullying doesn't give you any romances.
A story of friendship, family and also shows
God's plans for us, no one else knows!

This is my honest review of a complementary copy of the book.
I really enjoyed reading it and hope you'll give it a good look!

My 5 star review.

I should like to start by thanking Entangled: Amara and Mindy Steele for providing me with an ARC in return for an honest review. I should also like to thank NetGalley for making this opportunity available to me. This was an absolute delight to read from beginning to end. It combined Amish fiction with Christmas to produce one my most favorite genres. I loved the characters. Tight lipped Aunt Tess, all the women who helped Grace and made her life so pleasurable that she did not want to go back to her old order parents, especially her judgmental father. I realize being an unwed mother is something the Amish are strictly against. However, she made good with the Bishop and her church and was forgiven by the community but never by her father. The cabin came to life with Grace and her friends making it homey and habitable. I so loved Cullen and I loved how that romance bloomed slowly and naturally with nothing forced. That it was moving along to Christmas and the birth of the baby made it exciting and I felt myself praying along with Grace that something would happen to keep her in the community. Not to spoil the book, I would like to say I loved the ending and I totally loved the way the book was written. I felt myself part of the community. If you loved Amish fiction, if you like romance and Christmas then please read this wonderfully written book. Mindy again thank you for my copy and I look forward to reading many more of your works.

A sweet Christmas Amish romance. I love Christmas stories and this one was particularly touching. It was also heartbreaking. How could a family shun their daughter for being in love even though she fell pregnant. Her boyfriend ran when hearing of her pregnancy and she was left to stay in the ‘sinner’s cabin’ throughout her pregnancy. A good Christmas read!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This unique Amish story drew me in. My heart went out to Grace Miller in her unfortunate circumstances. How awful to have repented and yet still be rejected by her own father! I was glad to see new friends reached out to her in the place she was sent away to as punishment. She has lots of difficult life lessons to learn, and, hopefully, her experiences may keep readers from making similar bad decisions. I admired the way she accepted her fate and tried to obey her father in spite of his harshness. And I am thankful for the kind, understanding bishop in her new community. The characters are well developed and seem so real, and the story came across as authentic too. We all need healing from past experiences that hurt us, so maybe this tale will help bring some healing to readers as they contemplate their own lives. Forgiveness also plays a major role, and the Christmas setting makes the story extra special. I look forward to more novels from this author with the depth of character and the reality portrayed in this book. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own. #ChristmasGrace #NetGalley

This beautiful story of second chances by author Mindy Steele is just right for the Christmas season. Please don’t start reading it thinking it’s full of Christmas fun and fluff because although that’s there, it isn’t the foundation of the story.

We meet Grace, who has been sent away by an incredibly harsh father intent on punishing her. We meet Cullen, who has suffered much loss and has a broken heart. And we meet other characters who live in Walnut Ridge, most with challenges in life, who I came to love. All of them will draw you in and keep you reading. As well as have you wishing you could visit Walnut Ridge as Ms Steele brings them to life.

Steele’s story moves along at a good, calm pace but has many “edge of the seat” moments that took my breath away, they were written so vividly. The ending..well the ending was incredible. Christmas Grace has all the feelings; laughter, joy, hurt, tears, and love.

I’ll admit I did find the proofreading needed a bit of help. There were several grammatical errors, and there was an overuse of “smiles floated between them” but don’t let that stop you from reading Christmas Grace. I pushed them aside and enjoyed the wondrous story. If you enjoy Christmas stories, and especially Amish Christmas stories, then please read this one. You’ll be glad you did.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

This was my first book by Mindy Steele and it certainly won't be my last. I am a fan of Amish Fiction but not many writers do it justice. She absolutely did. She had me traveling back into a simpler life and introduced me to some wonderful characters. The theme of true forgiveness in Christ resonated throughout the entire story. Grace is far from perfect and a sinner just like everyone else but she needs to learn not only to forgive others but herself and see herself like God sees her. Cullen was a great male lead and he exudes that selfless love of Jesus towards others to a T!! Dare I say it he is a bit swoon-worthy in the way his character is and the way he carries himself with Grace. I am sucker for that male lead that wants to protect the "damsel" type trope.

There were other characters that were great as well. Grace's aunt is one of them that at first she is hard to love but then you see that she was going through something and was hurting as well. Some parts of the story felt like there could've been a prior book before this one. Especially to perhaps explain a bit more of the community that they are in and the people in it. It felt like we were missing some background stories on some of the characters but maybe that was its intent.

Overall I thought it was a sweet story and kept me engaged the whole time. I definitely recommend it if you are looking for a new Amish read!

My Rating: 4 Stars/Really Liked it

I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

I absolutely loved the book? Amish books and the culture have a special place in my heart. Grace, the main character in this novel is fabulous, sweet, determined and in a situation, she does wonderful with! Mindy Steele (author) has a way of drawing you in and keeping you there. This is such a good heart warming read!~

“Christmas Grace” is a new stand alone novel by Mindy Steele. Grace Miller is sent to live near her aunt in a “sinner’s shack” because of her transgression. She is angry at herself for falling in love with an Englisher and carrying his child. Grace makes the best of her situation and makes friends in the community, including her hunky neighbor Cullen Graber. Cullen is also dealing with a rough romantic past.
Mindy Steele did a great job of creating complex and likeable characters. This book will get you in the Christmas spirit!
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and Entangled:Amara Books through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Christmas Grace by author Mindy Steele is a poignant Contemporary Amish tale. She is a new author to me and I really enjoyed her style and storyline. The author was able to put a twist on a trial that is often used. It captivated me immediately.

This is the story of Grace. She is sent from her home in Indiana to stay in her aunt’s community in Kentucky. Her father has sent her there to live under her aunt’s supervision. Grace has made a grave mistake and her father will not allow her to remain at home. Grace barely remembers her aunt, and those memories are not of a happy woman.

Author Steele has written a unique plot filled with many twists and surprises. My interest was captured immediately and not released until I read the last page. The characters were a combination of lovable, quirky, and despicable people. Some were so easy to love, and other so easy to dislike. Not only was this a romance, but it had a mystery that had me guessing.

The author skillfully wove timeless life and spiritual lessons all throughout her story. This is a lesson in family, love, forgiveness, redemption, trusting God, and hope. It is about doing the right thing even when it is difficult.

I highly recommend this beautiful, moving story. It will give you all kinds of emotions and things to ponder. This would be an excellent choice for a reading group. I gladly rate it 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

This was my first book by Mindy Steele, who also happens to be a Kentucky author! I enjoyed the sweet romance in this book, as well as the redemption story that is Grace's journey. I would have liked to have had a better understanding of Cullen's past and what wounds he had to heal, but all in all, I enjoyed the story! I especially loved the kind, caring women that Grace met in Walnut Ridge. They demonstrated true empathy and extended grace- beautifully modeling how all Christians should behave!

What happens when a young girl places her trust in the wrong person and is left to face the consequences, completely alone? What if this girl is Amish and her misguided trust has caused her to be banned from her home and shunned by her community? Grace Miller is that young girl who has been sent to live completely alone, in a 'sinner's shack' at Walnut Ridge, Kentucky, until her baby is born. As I read this story, I could imagine Grace's deep shame, her utter sense of rejection, and her overwhelming desire to protect her baby. How could parents completely abandon their child? How could a religious community be so harsh? And then, Grace witnesses the difference between her strict Old Order Amish community and the Amish community in Walnut Ridge, where acceptance, friendship, and forgiveness are freely given...even to an unwed mother! A local blacksmith helps her improve her living conditions, some of the Amish women offer her guidance, and even stern and disagreeable Aunt Tess eventually reveals her true heart!

Christmas Grace is filled with wonderful characters, heartwarming friendship, sweet romance, and the enjoyable activities associated with Christmas. Author Mindy Steele gives readers an early Christmas gift, with her captivating story and gentle reminder that religious rules and laws should never overshadow love for our fellow man. After all, everyone is deserving of grace!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher via Net Galley. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.

This is one of my only books by Mindy Steele. I love how she brings her characters to life. She draws the reader into the story and you want to help the characters in any way you are able. Grace Miller believed in love that is until she had her heart broken by the Englisher. Now disgraced and alone, she returns to her family only to be shunned and excommunicated. Finding herself alone in KY, Grace hopes to hide, follow the rules and gain forgiveness. However, she is pleasantly surprised at how welcoming the community really is. Cullen Graber has pretty much put love on the back burner. However, he cannot understand how a family can leave a w0man alone to fend for herself. Even though Grace shuns his attempts to help, Cullen feels he needs to watch and help. Will these two find love and forgiveness? Will they be able to become a family?
I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

Christmas Grace by Mindy Steele is a heartwarming Christmas story. Grace was lied to by her ex-boyfriends and then sent away by her father. She was left alone in a rundown home and left to fend for herself while expecting a child.

This is a nice story of second chances, of forgiveness, and caring for others. The story is nicely written, easy to read, with great characters. There is a bit of humor and mystery written into this story as well, which makes it very enjoyable to read. The new community Grace lives in is so loving and caring and does not hold her mistake against her. I really enjoyed the parts of the story of the ladies helping her and including her in their events. Her nearest neighbor, Cullen, is very caring and continues to deal with his own loss. I enjoyed the twist with her aunt’s history and how it affected her life.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

This is a touching story about forgiveness, trust, and love; in it's many forms. When life throws Grace Miller a curve ball; she does all that her Indiana Amish community and her father ask of her for repentance and forgiveness. Then she is sent to an Amish community in Kentucky where her aunt lives. She handles everything with strength and, well, grace. While in this new community; her closest neighbor is the local blacksmith, Cullen Graeber; a quiet, unassuming gentleman. Cullen both, in turn, intrigues Grace and annoys her. Grace tries to make the best of her situation and the local community rallies around her to help her feel welcome and wanted.

I enjoyed this story very much. The characters are all well developed and relatable. The story flows from the pages and kept this reader's interest throughout. Wonderful.

I received this book from Netgalley/ publishers.
I loved it couldn't put it down.
I loved the characters the cover is pretty and I hope to see more from this author.

Grace and Caleb’s story in Christmas Grace is an emotional, tug at your heart strings, sweet Amish romance by Mindy Steele. In this sweet, heartwarming story we witness faith, love and the power of a community. I enjoyed getting to know Grace and Cullen and their stories; who they were and what happened to them, to make them leery of others. I loved this Amish community, especially how they welcomed and stood by Grace, helping her acclimate to her new community. The manner in which they helped to create a home for Grace out of the hut, or was it a hovel, she was forced to stay at. The fact that Caleb was determined to keep her safe, especially from the wild dogs and wolves showed his kindness and care of Grace. The secrets her Aenti Tess had, that finally become public; allowing Grace to better understand her aenti.

Ms. Steele wrote a wonderfully sweet and moving story that had me feeling all the emotions; smiling, tearing up, crying of heartbreak, and frustrated with some of the characters. The message of love, faith, and forgiveness stood strong; making this sweet and inspiration read one I could not put down, draw me in, making me forget it was fiction. I highly recommend Christmas Grace to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Grace Miller finds herself unwed and pregnant by Englischer, Jared Castle. After being banned and confessing before the church, Grace’s father exiles her to Walnut Ridge, Kentucky. Grace is to live in a dilapidated shack out in the woods until after her child is born. She soon learns that Walnut Ridge is not like her Old Order Amish community. She finds women that welcome and befriend her. Grace finds herself being helped by her blacksmith neighbor, Cullen Graber. Cullen suffered losses that have affected him deeply. He has not been tempted by any of the ladies in the community. As Cullen gets to know Grace, he finds his thoughts consumed by her. Grace finds Cullen to be kind and attractive, but she does not feel worthy of him. Can Grace find a way to forgive herself and open herself to God’s grace? Christmas Grace by Mindy Steele is a compelling and unique Amish novel. I thought it was well-written with realistic characters and situations. The story moves along at a gentle pace. I enjoyed visiting Walnut Ridge, Kentucky. We get to know the people that make up this town. There are some wonderful, welcoming people in this community. However, there are a few malcontents that like to spread discontent. The central theme of the story is forgiveness. It is important to forgive others, but it is even more imperative to forgive ourselves. We cannot move forward until that happens. I enjoyed watching the friendship and then romance blossom between Cullen and Grace. Each one of them has issues they need to work through. I enjoyed watching them grow as individuals and as a couple. The theme of Christmas is prevalent throughout the story as well. It will get you in the mood for the holiday. Christmas Grace is a sweet, heartwarming tale with a sinner shack, a compassionate neighbor, scrumptious pastries, hardscrabble hill, a stalwart suitor, and a convivial community.

This was such an enjoyable Amish story of forgiveness. The difference between the community Grace came from and the community that she found herself a part of when she was exiled by her family was vast. There were still some people in the new community who were not wonderful, however, she found a group of people who truly cared what happened to her and wanted to help in any way they could.

I liked watching as Grace began, albeit slowly, to finally realize that she was forgiven by God and worthy of love. It frustrated me some that she kept faltering in this realization and allowing her father, even from a distance, to try to manipulate her life. However, it made complete sense based on the controlling house she came from.

Cullen was wonderful! Yes, he had carried a lot of guilt over a lost love from years earlier and really did not think he could ever love again. However, he showed love to Grace in the way he cared for her before he was even realized he was in love with her. He was such a joy to read about. And when the two of them finally realized they belonged together, it was so perfect. I loved the way everything wrapped up in the end.

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

What a true Christmas spirit novel full of wonderful, easy to love characters, well except for maybe one. Grace finds herself expecting and is dumped by her boyfriend. She lives in a very strict old order Amish community with an even stricter father. Even though she confesses before the church and is forgiven, her father still sends her away to another Amish community where his sister lives. He gives very specific instructions to be followed to the letter by Grace. I couldn’t help but feel for her. We all make mistakes and no one is perfect. But she is placed in a broken down shack on a hill without easy access. Very few furnishings, a broken front door and very little food or wood for a fire.
She even has to use an outhouse! But this new community welcomes her with open arms and loads of love. Her “closest” neighbor is a bachelor, Cullen, who checks on her periodically. The two of them are broken from their pasts and need healing in a big way. The hardest thing to do is forgive one’s self.
Grab a cup of hot coffee or tea and a warm blanket and travel to a place that seems so real you want to go there yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.

I have always had a hard time understanding how the Amish shun someone when they believe that person has done something that goes against their rules. My heart instantly went out to Grace as she steps inside the little cabin she has been sent to stay as part of her punishment. Her father has turned his back on his daughter and I could feel the despair Grace felt. Now she must face the consequences of her actions alone. The author describes the place Grace now calls home as a lonely, deserted falling apart little forgotten about dwelling. Well that is what I describe it as. Perhaps it is exactly how Grace feels. Now what will she do as she ponders over her situation? Grace will face a bumpy road like no other as she is an unwed mother to be in a community that she is a stranger to.

Cullen is oh my what can I say about him. He is kind, giving, handsome and has a big heart. He can’t believe Grace is going to live in that rundown shack. Maybe he will have to look in on her to make sure she has provisions. Cullen is upset that Grace’s family has left her in that horrible shack with no one to help her. I could feel his anger at the thought of Grace being shunned. The scene that Cullen comes up on at the shack is heartbreaking. Now he knows that Grace needs help and the town will have to step up and welcome her.

Grace’s aunt seems to be a stern uncaring woman but soon a secret is discovered. It helped me understand Tessie more and I saw within her a woman who has suffered so much in her life. I think she was my favorite character because she is like many who suffer in silence. She had me crying as she finally stood up to the person who had hurt her. In that moment she said, “I forgive you.” It is a lesson we can all learn from. The pain we endure from someone only God can heal. With His guidance we are able to forgive. I applaud the author for a character who many can relate to.

The story is beautifully written where a community opens their hearts to a woman who feels rejected. Their compassion for Grace is heartfelt and shows Grace what family means. I liked the surprises in the story and the healing of the heart that several characters experience. The faith element in the story is written well and delivers a message that God all supplies our needs and gives us hope.

“It is what we earn from our mistakes, what we do to right our wrongs, that matter.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.