An Unexpected Grace is a wonderful story with themes of second chances, growth, and faith. I love books with these themes and knew these authors wouldn’t disappoint. I enjoyed witnessing God’s plans play out and Parker and Johanna’s reconnection grow and blossom. Their journeys are inspiring, and I loved seeing their connection deepen. I especially enjoyed Johanna’s transformation.

This historical romance has relatable characters and a lovely foundation of faith. The story is well-paced, the romance is sweet, and there is just the right amount of lighthearted moments to balance everything out.

If you enjoy well-fleshed out characters, a historical setting, and a second-chance romance, you’ll find this an exciting, inspiring, and satisfying tale.

#CoverLoverBookReview received a review copy of this book. Opinions are 100% my own.

It’s amazing that two authors can put their thoughts together and write a book. An Unexpected Grace flows so you can’t figure out who wrote what. It has a second chance at love that slowly grows. The suspense kept me reading until the end. Faith was intertwined thought out the story. The characters where believable and well thought out.

I received an early copy of this book from Bethany House and NetGalley. I have expressed my own thoughts.

I thought this book was really good. I have always enjoyed the books by these authors that I have read. I love how well they blend Christian values with history and give us an uplifting story. I like this second chance at love story and I loved how the authors showed that sometimes what we think the Lord is leading us to do may not be on our timeline and how we need to trust him. I loved how Parker and Johanna reconnected and get to experience love again. I loved seeing their love mature from what they had a young people into something more lasting. This was a great book and series.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

It's wonderful to be back in Kalispell, Montana again. Most of the characters we know and have met in the previous books as this is the third one in the Jewels of Kalispell series, but you always run into a few surprises as well.
As it should be the villain was an all-around unlikeable trouble causer.
I enjoyed reading about the travelling trope of which included Parker Bennett who has returned after a decade away.
Widowed Johanna is raising a toddler, taking care of an ailing father and running a successful millenary shop. She couldn't possibly have time for a relationship with Parker, her past love.
A novel of second chances, redemption, renewal, faith forgiveness and allowing God his perfect timing. I love the author's novels and how well researched they are.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

An Unexpected Grace is such a lovely read and exactly what I hoped for from Tracie Peterson (who happens to be my favorite Christian author!). I loved coming back to Kalispell, Montana, and spending time with these characters I’ve come to care about so much.

Johanna’s story is full of second chances, faith, and that spark of hope that makes you want to keep turning pages. Her journey—opening her heart again after so much hurt—was beautiful to watch. I loved seeing how her relationship with God grew deeper through every trial.

Parker was wonderful—steady, kind, and determined to follow God’s calling no matter what. Their romance felt so genuine and sweet, and I found myself smiling (and swooning a little) over so many of their scenes together.

And of course, Marvella’s matchmaking is always such a treat. The little touches of humor and warmth, like her “hat wars,” made the story extra charming.

If you love historical romance with faith at the center and characters who feel real and relatable, this whole series is such a joy.
Highly recommend!

A sweet historical romance offering a second chance at love if two people will just accept it. Set in the heartwarming, beautiful little frontier town of Kalispell, Montana, with the historic MacIntosh Opera House as its backdrop, this story has intrigue, suspense, a complex villain, and compelling characters who will live with you long after you finish the story. It recommend this book to anyone who loves a good, Christian, historical fiction. I give this book five stars and highly recommended it. I received a complimentary review copy of this book and am writing this review voluntarily.

An Unexpected Grace is the third in the Jewels of the Kalispell series by co-authors Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse. It is highly recommended to begin at the beginning of the series to thoroughly enjoy this title. The match-making of Marvella adds another couple to the town of Kalispell. Those readers who have read the other two titles will know what to expect from the judge and Marvella to match young folks in a good pairing. The characters are believable, and the plot moves forward at a good pace for a cozy read.

As with the other titles, there is always a villain to move the plot forward and to drive the couple to a deeper pairing. The team of authors, individually strong, does not disappoint fans of both their writing and the historical romance genre. This reader can't wait for the next series from Ms. Peterson and Ms. Woodhouse, but in the meantime, will enjoy rereading this series.

I received an ARC ebook from NetGalley and the publisher, Bethany House, in exchange for an honest review.

This book was fabulous! I hated the villain (as one should) with a passion! I was ready to start a riot over his behavior. I loved the other characters. Once again, Marvella stole the show! This book also had all the feels, because I went from teary-eyed, to giggling my head off, to tears rolling down my face at the ending. I never want this series to end... can't we just have more? This series has the best characters, and I can't get enough of them. And as far as plot goes, my best friend does ministry theatre, so I really enjoyed that aspect of this book as well.

An Unexpected Grace #3 The Jewels of Kalispell
by Kimberley Woodhouse and Tracie Peterson

1905 Kalispell, Montana
Widowed Johanna St. John opens a millinery shop in her home town of Kalispell. Her injured father helps care for her three-year-old daughter, Emily, while she works. Johanna is a favorite character, however, her adorable daughter, Emily captured my heart. Emily is a very active three-year-old and makes those around her smile.

Actor Parker Bennett returns home with a traveling troupe. His return brings memories from the past; a past love that he has never forgotten. Is there another chance for him and the love of his life to reconnect and maybe renew their love? Well, the town matchmaker, Marvella Ashbury, is determined to do just that- bring Johanna and Parker together again. However, there is someone who has his own plans for Johanna; he manipulates and even threatens her to do his bidding.

A heartwarming story full of fascinating characters, historical details woven within the storyline, family dynamics, danger, love, second chances and faith. A great ending to this series.

~I received a paperback copy from the author/publisher and an ARC e-book copy from the author/publisher via NetGalley (no monetary gain was exchanged), this is my honest review~

Joanna and Parker were made for each other, until Parker feels led to go in a different direction for a career. Read the book to find out how God works in each of their hearts.

I loved how the book reminds us that we serve God wherever He places is us; whether it's in an office, the theater, the jungle, or the house across the street. Be willing and follow Him, allowing Him to use us. My daughter used a glove illustration. I am the glove, He is the hand working in me.

"Was this how Paul had felt after the scales fell from his eyes? As if the world around him was suddenly sharper and more vast and beautiful than he’d ever imagined? Johanna pressed a hand to her mouth. How blind she’d been! And now . . . ? Now she could see." I loved this quote and how it shared Joanna's change of heart (and opened eyes).

This was a sweet story of second chances and love.

I read an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A fun finale to the Jewels of Kalispell series! I really liked the elements with Parker’s career, it was fun to see how being an actor was during that time period. I also enjoyed the second chance trope for Johanna and Parker and how they fought against those out to do them harm. The suspenseful elements to the story were excellent and kept me on the edge of my seat. A great series and wonderful finale!

I received a copy of this book and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

This book kept me up way late at night reading. It was truly one of the best books I have read in a while!

Individually, they are awesome authors, but together, Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse are a fantastic writing team! Their latest joint effort is a captivating historical fiction story that is an excellent finale to their series, The Jewels of Kalispell.

An Unexpected Grace has a beautiful Montana setting, a second-chance romance, and an inspiring faith thread woven into the plot. There's also history, suspense, and a cast of well-developed characters. Johanna, Parker, and Johanna's little girl Emily are certainly appealing, but Marvella Ashbury was my absolute favorite! Who wouldn't love someone who believes in the power of love and isn't afraid to use all of the matchmaking skills she's developed over the years? This heartwarming story kept me delightfully engaged, and the epilogue featuring happy victims of Marvella's matchmaking schemes is perfect!! Fans of historical Christian romance, grab a copy of An Unexpected Grace. You won't be sorry!

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley. There was no obligation for a positive review.

A story of second chances, An Unexpected Grace is full of surprises. Containing a strong faith theme, it also has suspense, danger, and a nasty bad guy.

Johanna is strong, courageous, and determined. Parker is determined to show others God’s love for them and uses theatre as his medium. And let’s not forget little Emily. She’s so sweet and makes the story warmer. The secondary characters were really good and helped to pull the story together.

If you enjoy reading Christian fiction set in the frontier era, do read An Unexpected Grace. It will read just find as a standalone but I do encourage you to read The Heart’s Choice and With Each Tomorrow as they are equally as good.

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

This is book #3 in Ths Jewels of Kalispell series but can be read as a standalone book.

Johanna is still getting over the death of her husband, trying to raise her almost 3 year old daughter and working to support the two of them plus her father. Parker comes back to town with his theater troupe and has to face his past while there.

Parker and Johanna rekindle their relationship with the help of some of the townspeople. Both face challenges by a certain person who doesn't think they should be together.

I fell in love with the characters and could see myself right along with them and was wrapped up in the story to find out what happened next.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from author and NetGalley . The review expressed here is my honest opinion

How fun to be back in Kalispell, Montana and especially to reunite with Marvella Ashbury match-maker extraordinaire! This time she has a young widow, Johanna St. John, and her childhood sweetheart, Parker Bennett, in her crosshairs. This does not sit well with her late husband's brother, as he has his own plans involving Johanna.

I really enjoy books that are the fruit of Peterson's and Woodhouse's collaboration. The settings, main characters, and dialogue are always heartwarming. There is enough conflict to build and hold fast to the reader's interest and attention. The romance is sweet. There is always a sense of hope for the future by story's end. An Unexpected Grace is no exception. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

1905 Montana

I love a good second chance romance!

Johanna Easton was set on being a preacher's wife. When Parker Bennett shares he has decided to become an actor instead, Johanna ends the relationship. A few years later, Parker returns to town with his traveling acting group and learns Johanna is a widow. The town matchmaker is determined for them to rekindle their romance.

They are both lovely characters, but perhaps the most well written and engaging character is the villain James, brother of Johanna's deceased husband. James is ruthless while trying to put on a friendly facade.

Nice conclusion to the series with a beautiful cover.

An Unexpected Grace is my favorite of the series. Tracie and Kim make an amazing team and create delightful characters together!
I’ve truly enjoyed the Kalispell setting of this series! Parker and Johanna’s relationship is wrought with heartbreak, redemption, hope and second chances.

The dynamic duo of Tracie Peterson & Kimberley Woodhouse have done it again, wrapping up the Jewels of Kalispell series in a big beautiful bow! An Unexpected Grace is a heart achingly lovely story of second chance love with a dastardly villain threatening to destroy it all. Romance, suspense, & faith abound when the local hometown son returns after years away with his acting troop to share his talents.

Parker Bennett was supposed to return to Kalispell after seminary school, marry his sweetheart, & take over for his preacher father. However, while away, he was inspired to pursue a different path. As a talented actor, he felt called to share the gospel through his performances. His would be fiancée couldn’t support him in this, so he left to pursue a successful acting career. Now ten years later, he’s returning home to perform the play that made him famous. Seeing his first love again though brings back all the tender feelings. Can he persuade her to give him another chance?

Joanna St. John was heartbroken when Parker left, but she found love again & married another man. Now widowed with a three year old daughter, her heart begins to open back up with Parker’s return. But, someone will go to any lengths to dissuade her from marrying again. As strange things begin happening to Joanna & her small daughter, will Parker be able to protect them both.

I loved this story! The romance between Parker & Joanna is a slow burn delight. There’s a lot they need to work through & neither one wants their heart broken again. Joanna struggles with her loyalty to her deceased husband & her rekindled feelings for Parker. I loved the spunky Marvella who’s determined to see these two back together. I also loved Joanna’s sweet daughter Emily. Parker is so cute with her.

The mystery & suspense kept me quickly turning the pages. I was on pins & needles the whole time. The villain is particularly selfish & cruel. He’s determined to have Joanna for himself for his own purposes. It was so rewarding to see him finally get his comeuppance.

Highly recommend! Though part of a series it can easily be read as a standalone. I received an advanced copy from the publisher with no expectation of a review. All opinions are completely my own & voluntarily provided.

The history of Kalispell, Montana, has definitely come alive for me while reading this latest series from the dynamic duo writing team of Tracie Peterson & Kimberley Woodhouse, and An Unexpected Grace is such a fitting wrap-up for the stories we’ve watched unfold there. Particularly the matches made at the hand of the inimitable Marvella Ashbury, though not before she invests in one more couple. And oh how I loved Johanna and Parker and watching them find their second chance at happily-ever-after.

Before I talk too much about the events of this book, I have to gush over an adorable scene stealer – Johanna’s daughter Emily. This sweet little pumpkin totally captured my heart and made me smile with her endearing voice (and yes I heard her in my head while I was reading, and you can’t tell me otherwise lol) and precious demeanor, even when she was being a typical three-year-old. I wanted to pick her up and hug her and sneak her candy (sorry, Johanna) and read to her and do all the auntly things with her. And watching her with Parker? Oh be still my heart! Those two were so cute together and completely melted me – I’m still grinning over a couple of scenes.

One of my other favorite things about An Unexpected Grace was Parker’s unique profession, at least for a historical romance hero. I loved that he was a stage actor – and a talented one – and applauded him for obeying what he felt was God’s calling for his life even when it cost him dearly. In fact, throughout the story, the authors deftly explore several nuances of following God’s call, including how He sometimes shifts our callings as we move into new phases of life, a truth that has played out more than once for me as well. I found it so profound and very sweet that the separate paths God initially led both Johanna and Parker down were good ones that brought them joy and fulfillment… until such a time as they intersected once again. Sometimes the ‘second chance’ trope can imply that the protagonists can’t find true happiness without the one that got away, and it was refreshing to see the opposite reflected here.

Bottom Line: An Unexpected Grace by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse is a sweet romance with intriguing history, engaging characters, compelling themes, and even a dastardly villain or two to keep you guessing! I fell in love with Johanna, Parker, their families, and precocious little Emily, and I enjoyed watching all the pieces for their second chance at a first love come together like one of Johanna’s gorgeous hats. Getting to hang out with Marvella & Judge Ashbury again (but especially Marvella) was icing on the cake, and the epilogue left me with a smile in my heart. Dare I hope we might see Marvella and the judge popping up again in books by these authors?

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)