“A Mark of Grace” by Kimberley Woodhouse

About the Book

Book: A Mark of Grace

Author: Kimberley Woodhouse

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release date: January 3, 2023

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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My Review

I enjoyed reading this historical fiction book. It had drama and intrigue as the main characters Frank, Ruth and general manager Mr Owens try to determine who is ruining the El Tovars reputation.

I liked reading about Ruth and her job as a “Harvey Girl” since I had read another historical fiction book recently who also had the same job in another state. It must have been a popular job for women in the early 1900s.

I mostly enjoyed the characters and their adventures; but I often found myself frustrated with Ruth and her vainness about her skin and injuries after her serious accident. It seemed all she cared about was her outward appearance and how perfect and beautiful she needed to look; instead of being grateful that she was alive, had a job, people who loved her, etc. It took the entire book for her to see her self worth and to stop whining. Her friend Frank was so patient and kind to her despite her faults.

Despite that, I still liked the story line, steady pace and the beautiful Grand Canyon/Arizona story setting. We are reminded often in this book about God’s grace and his love for us.

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Kimberley Woodhouse (www.kimberleywoodhouse.com) is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 30 fiction and nonfiction books. Kim and her incredible husband of 30-plus years live in the Poconos, where they play golf together, spend time with their kids and grandbaby, and research all the history around them.

More from Kimberley

It is such a thrill to be able to bring readers A Mark of Grace, book three in my Secrets of the Canyon series. These books have been near and dear to me since 2009, right from the moment the idea of setting a Harvey Girls series at the El Tovar on the rim of the Grand Canyon first hit me.

Ever since the release of A Deep Divide, book one in the series, I’ve received tons of messages from readers who hoped Ruth would have her story. All along, the plan was for the final installment to be hers.

Ruth has been a strong character throughout the series. A mentor. A friend. A headwaitress. But when a crisis hits her life, it affects every area—emotional, physical, and spiritual—and her confidence in everything she thought she knew crumbles.

Life isn’t easy for any of us, and I love a good story that I can grow and learn through. I pray A Mark of Grace is that for you.