A Mark of Grace

Author: Kimberley Woodhouse
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Secrets of the Canyon #3
Pages: 336
Release Date: January 7, 2023
Publisher: Bethany House

When everything crumbles, her chance for a new beginning hangs in the balance.

Ruth Anniston survived an injury that left her physically scarred, broken, and angry at God. Now, she finds herself working behind the scenes as a kitchen and dining room supervisor at the El Tovar Hotel, hidden away from curious eyes and with little hope of finding love. When money begins to disappear from the hotel, Ruth's entire livelihood is put at risk when she lands on the list of suspects.

Frank Henderson has at last succeeded in obtaining his dream job as head chef at the El Tovar. But competition in the kitchen is fierce, and one mistake could cost him his future. As the thefts at the hotel continue, and his affection for Ruth grows, Frank's career--and his heart--are in jeopardy.

As tensions run high, Ruth and Frank must work together to save the El Tovar. They find themselves growing closer . . . but can their combined ingenuity overcome the odds against them?

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Reviewer: Billi Varela

I have been waiting for this book since I read what happened to Ruth in A Gem of Truth. This is a perfect end to the Secrets of the Canyon series. 

This is a he-fell-first trope, and oh my goodness, this is totally worth the read. Frank is so loving and patient with Ruth. Waiting for her to be ready for him. Frank also helped Ruth see that she was still worthy of being loved. A few scars don’t matter. 

Ruth was my favorite character in A Gem of Truth. She was always trying to help the girls around her, especially Julia. But that led to her tragedy.

I would totally reread this book. It was so intriguing. The crime that had to be solved added to the book. 

This book was a clean read, aside from a few kisses. 

I requested and received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews. All opinions are my own. 

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Reviewer: Diana Varela

Kimberley Woodhouse did a fabulous job with A Mark of Grace. She demonstrated that outward appearances are not what matters. What matters is the heart. We all, at some point, have been guilty of looking at the outward appearance, which is okay, but that doesn’t matter with eternity. Our hearts are where we should put our focus. 

The characters, Ruth and Frank, really drew me in. I liked how they worked together to solve the mystery. Also, the mystery drew me in. I made guesses, which turned out to be right, but there was a big reveal that I was not expecting. It was such a good mystery. 

Ruth had to rely a lot on God. She also kept questioning Him, which is where Job is mentioned. Kimberley Woodhouse intertwines Ruth and Job’s suffering into this book. It makes you stop and think. 

This book was so good from the beginning, leaving you wanting to continue reading until the end. 

I requested and received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Nikita Wells

This book was lovely! When I finished the previous book in this series, "A Gem Of Truth," I was so glad to learn there would be another book featuring Ruth Anniston, the kind and motherly head waitress and mentor at the El Tovar hotel and restaurant.

Her story was both wonderful and yet hard to read, knowing all she went through and seeing her struggle through her scars physically, spiritually, and emotionally.

Her friends were all quite understanding and helpful, but her best friend, Chef Frank, was most of all. He was very sweet and thoughtful of her needs and helped her work through the hard lessons and dark times in her life.

I also appreciated the author's view and focus on God's grace in our everyday lives. The theme of "grace plus nothing" woven throughout this story was refreshing, sobering, and eye-opening for me.

This book was a delight to read, and I wholeheartedly recommend it.

I received a complimentary e-book from Bethany House Publishers through Netgalley for my honest review. A positive review was not required of me, and the thoughts above are my own.

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Reviewer: Conny Withay

“It’s about becoming mature and complete. You have to choose joy. Live a life filled with grace,” Ruth is told in Kimberley Woodhouse’s novel, A Mark of Grace.

The third book in the Secrets of the Canyon series, this three-hundred-and-thirty-six-page paperback, targets those interested in historical fiction involving a well-known hotel located in the Grand Canyon. With no profanity, topics of illness, kidnapping, torture, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes a note to the reader, acknowledgments, the author’s biography, and advertisements.

This final book in the series is mainly set at a Grand Canyon hotel where Ruth has been a head waitress for years. When she is disfigured and scarred in an accident, she feels inadequate and unworthy to be one of the coveted Harvey Girls. With the help of Frank, the new head chef, they must uncover who is behind strange happenings at the hotel as she tries to accept her physical and emotional painful markings.

I love historical fiction when I learn something new. This one piqued my interest in the Harvey Empire and its El Tovar Hotel during the early 1900s. I appreciated this read was a stand-alone since I have not read the prior books in the series. I liked how the charlatan promoted his snake oils and that a Pinkerton agent was involved. Frank’s fortitude and heartfelt concern for Ruth were tender and realistic.

Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not like this story of how God’s grace needs nothing on our behalf. Some may feel disappointed that the beginning of the story explains everyone involved, but there are more issues behind the scenes that are uncovered. A few readers may tire of Ruth’s self-absorption and insecurity in her physical appearance.

While the book contains plenty of Scripture verses, prayers, and stories from the Bible regarding unconditional love, accepting what the Lord has given us, and the story of Job, it would have been ideal to include the eternal plan of salvation. Adding discussion questions at the end would be thoughtful for book clubs.

Whether you have read the other two books in the series or not, this historical fiction explains the Harvey Empire and its famous Arizona hotel on the rim of the Grand Canyon, but it shows how works cannot earn God’s grace.

Thanks to Bethany House and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.

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