Circle of Grace: A Novel

This is the first book I have read by Penelope Stokes. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Possibly because I was new to the author I did not go in with expectations of the book being just like her other books, as some of the other reviewers appeared to have done. I thought the author did a fabulous job of developing the characters and sharing their thoughts which gave me feeling that I knew them like a good friend. It gave such a good lesson about things not always being as they appeared. I plan to share this book with my friends, mother and sister. I also want to read Ms. Stokes other books.

I bought this book because the author is a native Mississippian. ("Yes, we can read, some of us can even write.") Had I known it might be classified as a "Christian" work, I probably would not have selected it at all.It's not that I have anything again that genre, but personally, if I want Christian writing, I will select C.S. Lewis. I want my fiction to be well written,cleverly plotted,and entertaining, not theological. Stokes writes beautifully reflecting her knowledge of literature and her ability to put together great scenes and create believable characters. She captures that remarkable slice of life,friendship among women,especially strong among Southern women. Not everyone understands such relationships, but they should have a better idea after reading this book. A Circle of Grace is good reading anytime, but especially for these days of summer when there is perhaps more time to digest and appreciate a totally absorbing and remorable novel. Brava, Penelope, you do Mississippi proud.

Penelope Stokes weaves her story through several peoples lives and you feel like you get to know each one personally. She will have you go from laughing to crying from one chapter to the next. This is a definite must read for everyone.

I have read only two of Penelope Stokes' books, "Circle of Grace" and "The Blue Bottle Club." I enjoyed both books. "Circle of Grace" is less overtly "Christian," and, I think, the better book. I think Stokes' fans who are disappointed with this book expected something more in the mold of typical Christian fiction. "Circle of Grace" will appeal to a wider audience, but it still has a Christian message.

I thought this was a very good book and was disappointed in some of the reviews. I wonder if they failed to see the spiritual aspect of the book. Did they not read the part where Grace was in Church when they were receiving communion and Grace, who had not believed for so long, thought,"We are the bread, gathered and sifted together. We are the wine,pressed and mingled and distilled. Henri Nouwen, a Christian writer stated that we are the bread, broken and given to others, through Christ. There was a lesbian couple and I wondered if perhaps the negative reviewers would have had Tess stay with a cheating, lying man instead. I have given the book to two friends to read, both of whom enjoyed it as I did. I will continue to read Ms. Stokes books and recommend them to others.