Review: Of Grace and Chocolate by Krista Lynn Jensen

 

Published: 2012 (Covenant Communications)

Length: 194 pages

My Rating: ****--4 Stars

Source: I own a copy.


Blurb: If someone told Jillian Parish moving on is easy, she would argue that it depends on what someone is leaving behind, and how much chocolate is available.

Jill has worked hard to build up a life far different than the one scarred by her mother's alcohol abuse. She works at a busy publishing house, is writing the novel of a lifetime, and goes home alone every day to a little dog, a spotless apartment, and a piece of 70% cacao and sugar. But in one day, Jill’s phone is stolen, she is tackled by a childhood love who has no idea who she is, and finds her long-lost sister on her front doorstep. In two days, Jill’s carefully controlled world is turned upside-down. In three days, she wonders if chocolate will ever be enough again.

When Scott Gentry moves to the city of Portland, Oregon and spots Jillian at church, he learns her reputation as a lost cause. But something compels him to get Sister Parish's attention, no matter how difficult that may prove. As Scott stumbles, crashes, and falls into Jill's guarded world, he finds himself with more attention than he bargained for, and more willing to do anything he can for the woman who is not made of stone, but of strength.

Grace brings Jill and Scott together, but can grace erase the past, or save the abandoned hearts left in its wake?


My Review: Who doesn't love a little chocolate? That piece on the cover sure looks good. I enjoyed the adventure and romance of this story. The two main characters, Jillian and Scott, met during a high school trip to Costa Rica and then parted ways. Eight years later, she has drastically changed and he doesn't recognize her. Jill's sister, Evie, suddenly appears on her doorstep with a baby and then disappears again. Working together, along with the help on their bishop and families, the adventure of finding Evie begins and a romance develops.


Jillian is a very caring, mothering type of person and I liked seeing her loosen up a bit as the story progresses. She's so busy making her life perfect that she doesn't ever take time to enjoy it. That's so easy to do--get caught up in a routine and sometimes a little variety makes all the difference.


I love this type of book--I know it's going to be sweet and clean...and of course so cute!


Content: religious (LDS) talk; kissing; clean!


About the Author:


Nearly every one of Krista Lynne Jensen’s elementary school teachers noted on her report card that she was a “day-dreamer”. It was not a compliment. So, when Krista grew up, she put those daydreams down on paper for others to enjoy. When she’s not writing she enjoys reading, hiking, her family, and sunshine. But not laundry. She never day-dreams about laundry.

Krista writes LDS romance, and fantasy. She is the author of OF GRACE AND CHOCOLATE (2012 Whitney Award Finalist) and THE ORCHARD (2013), through Covenant Communications. She is a member of ANWA, Author’s Incognito, and LDStorymakers. Visit her blog.