A Mark of Grace - (Secrets of the Canyon) by Kimberley Woodhouse

There are some books that have the ability to reach deep into your soul and allow you to feel everything a character is going through. This is one of those books. Ruth has been physically scarred but emotionally I think it reaches much deeper. Her accident was one where she sacrificed herself in order to save a friend. She carries those scars everyday and holds back from allowing God to heal her. I could feel every moment she shed tears as she realizes she may never look the same again. What she doesn’t see is the beauty that God sees. Those scars are not there to remind her of her accident but to help her see how God was there to protect her as she was being attacked. I wanted her to look at herself like Jesus does and know that she has been covered in grace. The story goes into the story of Job and how much he suffered. He still worshipped God even though he lost so much. Ruth starts to understand that her faith has slipped away. What an amazing journey she takes as she rediscovers who has always loved her unconditionally. Do we carry scars emotionally that keep us from trusting God? I loved this sentence from the story which says, “Grace plus nothing.” We need to rely on only God ! We may never get every question answered that we want but we will always have Jesus by our side. The story does take a look at the Harvey girls and how much they are respected. I am fascinated by how hard they worked and the pristine service they gave to each person. Ruth has moved up the ranks working as a Harvey girl, but she still holds a little bitterness because she now works behind the scenes since her accident. I adored Frank and how he is a constant in Ruth’s life. It is obvious to everyone but Ruth that he loves her. His compassion for her well being is special and he never gives up on showing her that her scars don’t define her. Frank is an important person in the story as he gently reminds Ruth that grace is what saved her. I loved how he was patient, kind and always reminded Ruth that her beauty is not just on the outside. There is a bit of a mystery in the story as someone is trying to sabotage the hotel that Frank and Ruth work out. The Harvey Empire is on the line and greed and jealousy is trying to destroy the hard work that has been put into the Harvey name. How sad that someone will do whatever it takes to get revenge. I loved how the author kept readers on their toes as the mystery starts to unravel. Will they find out who is behind the plot to destroy the hotel? This has been a wonderful book filled with lessons on grief, hope, grace and trusting God. I loved the ending and how the author reminds us, “Man looks on the outward appearance while God looks on the heart.” I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

This story was made even more interesting to me because I recently got to visit the Grand Canyon for my very first time. It takes place in a relatively short time span from May 1909-August 1909 for the main body of the book. The El Tovar Hotel is located right close to the rim of the Grand Canyon and has a stellar reputation. The staff includes the famous Harvey Girls (waitresses), a top notch chef and other attentive personnel. All is well until there appears a discrepancy in the bookkeeping. Other strange things begin to happen that puts the reputation of the hotel in danger. Frank, the head chef, and Ruth, the kitchen and dining room supervisor, are secretly put in charge of finding out who or what is causing the problems. Will they be able to before the hotel is “put in ruins”? Most of these characters felt like friends of mine right at the start. I grew to care about them, root for them, and have heart palpitations whenever I sensed danger nearby. Revenge can do very harmful and dangerous things when money is involved. Overall it was a slow start for me with all the background information but when the story started picking up, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough and I lost sleep wanting to find out the outcome of the book. An interesting story with well researched historical information. 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.

“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. ~ What ~ 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 worked as 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. ~ Why ~ I love historical fiction when I learn something new, and 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. ~ Why Not ~ 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. ~ Wish ~ 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. ~ Want ~ Whether you have read the other two books in the series or not, this historical fiction not only 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.

You are a beautiful woman of God who needs to stand up on the two wobbly legs that she has and let Him take control. ~ Frank Something is not right - not just in her world, but also the world of El Tovar, the beautiful Harvey House at the edge of the Grand Canyon. For Ruth, the emotional rollercoaster finally settles down as she realizes that it all comes down to God’s grace - grace plus nothing. Realizing that she is more than the scars she wears, she is able to help solve the mystery of sabotage that is happening in this idyllic setting. But will they manage to figure it out before it is too late? This third book in the Secrets of the Canyon series is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat, trying to guess who is good and who is not. An ARC was received through Baker Publishing Group, Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

I have been eagerly waiting for this third book of the Secrets of the Canyon series to come out. I loved the first two and all the characters. I couldn't wait to see what would happen at the El Tovar Hotel next! Ruth's character and the struggles that she goes through in the book really hit home with me, after dealing with a serious health issue most of last year. Reading along and watching her work through things was very relatable. The intrigue and action kept me wanting to see what would happen next and how things would be resolved. It is an absolutely wonderful addition to the series and another wonderful work from Kimberley Woodhouse.

What a beautiful and touching conclusion to the Secrets of the Canyon Series! A Mark of Grace is my new favorite story from Kimberley Woodhouse! I loved it! I love Harvey Girl’s stories and I’m so sorry to let these characters go, I wish the series would continue on and on. This book is Ruth Anniston’s story, headwaitress for El Tovar, which I was looking forward to reading, especially since I read A Gem of Truth. Ruth was a character I admired, and she has a terrible setback in this book, for which I needed to know how she would finally get her Happily-Ever-After. Ruth Anniston has been scarred for life. After an attack of a mountain lion, she’s seriously injured and her face and leg are left with scars that she tries to hide with makeup, and thankfully, her skirts. But even as her scars begin to fade, her limp and pain persist. She can no longer be the headwaitress, but she is assigned as a supervisor in the kitchen and diner. Ruth wants her old life back, but is that possible? Is it that what God truly wants or is He trying to show her something about her own worth that she might be missing? Frank Henderson has been promoted to Head Chef of El Tovar. It’s his dream come true. But his other dream is courting her best friend, Ruth. But since the attack, Ruth is not the same, nor he sees her ready for him to declare his feelings. And he doesn’t want to lose her friendship. For him, Ruth is beautiful inside and outside. Her scars and limp don’t change a thing. But how can he convince her of it? And can he risk their friendship by making his feelings known to her? Also, Ruth and Frank are involved by their manager in solving a mystery: someone seems to be stealing from El Tovar as the accounts don’t sum up. Will they be able to find who is the culprit? And can they discover it before Ruth is blamed and the Hotel is ruined forever? This story was amazing and touching. My heart ached with Ruth and her struggle in seeing her worth despite her blemishes. The way the author delves into her feelings was so realistic and vivid. I was quickly rooting with Frank for her to see her beauty inside and out. Her faith struggles were so relatable, and I felt related to her self-doubts. It was wonderful how Grace grows in this story with the help of her friends. I loved the patience and understanding Frank has of her. He never pushes her, and he lets her know how much she’s worth… to him, to others, but especially to God. It’s beautiful when she realizes how she’s so loved and protected by God in spite of everything. And Frank was such a swooning hero: kind, compassionate, hardworking, and a true gentleman! Loved him! The story has everything I look in a book: amazing characters, a plot with twists and turns that keeps you engaged, adventure and a dash of mystery and intrigue, and a sweet romance that warms your heart. And yes, a faith inspire message that helps you reflect and makes you want to get closer to God and become a better person. This book is a winner and my favorite from the author! I highly recommend it! I received a complimentary copy from the Publisher but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Grace plus nothing is a theme that runs through Woodhouse newest book. In the last book, a mountain lion attacked Ruth. Now she has to learn that her scars and her damaged leg doesn’t change who she is inside. While she is learning this, the El Tovar has its own problems to solve. Woodhouse brings across the message of God’s grace. Christ died for us and he still carries his scares that shows he loves us. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

Secrets of the Canyon has been such an enjoyable series and this book is a fantastic way to end it! Kimberley Woodhouse gives Harvey Girl Ruth Anniston her own story and we are allowed another visit to the famous El Tovar Hotel and the Grand Canyon as it was in the early 1900s. A Mark of Grace is filled with drama, suspense, and romance, but there's also a beautiful faith message woven into the fascinating historical plot. Ruth's reluctance to accept help reminds us that we've all been guilty of rejecting both human and spiritual help, and it's only through our trust, faith, and total acceptance that we can experience amazing grace. I was especially touched by Woodhouse's eloquent suggestion that any scars that we carry are nothing compared to those of Jesus Christ! I highly recommend A Mark of Grace to all who enjoy historical Christian fiction. It's a book that I didn't want to end and it's part of a series that I will definitely read again! I received a free copy from Bethany House but a favorable review was never required. These thoughts and opinions are my own.

This concluding addition to the Secrets of the Canyon series is a compelling return to the Grand Canyon and Harvey’s El Tovar Hotel. We now find former Harvey Girl Ruth Anniston, one of my favorite characters from the previous books in the series, struggling to recover from wounds she incurred from being mauled by a mountain lion as she sacrificially saved the life of a friend. She not only suffers with physical pain and limitation but also questions her self-worth which adversely affects her relationship with her very special friend Frank and others. If that is not enough to deal with, a revenge plot to bring down the Harvey Empire threatens her and those she holds dear. The fast-paced, action-filled plot kept me riveted from beginning to end. The characters are realistic and relatable. I especially appreciated the valuable faith lesson concerning grace that touch my heart and refreshed my soul. I loved this book and the series and highly recommend it especially for fans of historical Christian romance. Note: Even though this is the third book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone; however, reading the other two books in the series first will give you some background information that will enhance your reading experience. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A beautifully written book. The story line is unique and the characters are relatable. They have doubts and fears that they ultimately relinquish to God! The rebuilding of trust in God was refreshing and encouraging. There is a love aspect as well as an intriguing mystery. Ruth has many scars, some visible, some not. She struggles with how people see her and she forgets how God sees her. Through the help of family and friends Ruth realizes that she is loved. I received an ARC copy from the publisher but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

What a stunning conclusion to The Secrets of the Canyon series that keeps you on pins and needles. I have enjoyed this series so much but this is my favorite as I wanted Ruth to have her own story especially after her injuries. I loved the setting of the El Tovar at the Grand Canyon and learning the history behind how they ran such an elaborate hotel in the 1800’s. It is almost beyond comprehension. The novel makes you feel like you are actually experiencing the sights and sounds. I especially loved how Ms Woodhouse weaves mysterious characters and mishaps into the story to keep your attention while Ruth struggles with her faith and finding romance in the midst of her storm. It is well researched and brings the Harvey Girls duties and life into perspective. A perfectly well rounded reading experience that brings a satisfying conclusion. A must read for your 2023 TBR list. I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.