Thank you to my editor, H. A. Pruitt for this review/endorsement of my new book ‘How We Love Them’ releasing next week!
I enjoyed working with her on this project and nits grest to hear she got so much not of the expirience herself.
Pre-order is available!
The second book in the Hope Is Here Collection is officially available for per-order!
Scroll to the end of the post for the pre-order links.
I’m so excited to be releasing this second book to you, my readers. It’s been a labour of love with the whole process of drafting, revising, and editing, taking much longer than I expected, but it’s finished and almost ready to be placed on shelves.
Are you ready to dive in to a continuation of Rose and Amy’s stories from the first book?
Back Blurb
A family is in tatters. Still, God is in control.
While his two daughters, Rachel and Amy, struggle for freedom from the expectations of a pastor’s family, Arthur Grill is forced to step down from his position as senior pastor at Hope Is Here Church. Then Rose, Arthur’s wife and the family’s pillar of support, is crushed when her health rapidly declines under the stress of so much upheaval. Each of the girls search for freedom in their own ways. Anxiety and fear, stalking them as they strain against their upbringing. When the family pushes against one another and the help from their friends, their lives are rocked by tragedy in the form of a missing daughter.
Will the Grills accept help from each other, friends, and God? Or will they break and lose hope of healing?
Haven’t read the first book yet?
No problem. The Hope Is Here Collection can all be read as stand alones!
Enjoying the story may be enhanced by reading ‘Our Road to Trust: Interlocking Short Stories of Faith’ first. But it’s not necessary to understand the story of ‘How We Love Them’.
The first book, or book 0.5 in the collection, is written in short story format and takes you through the viewpoints of ten different characters.
The characters are raw and written in first person point of view for the closeness that it brings to shorter formats.
Amy and Rose’s points of view are given in the fourth and fifth stories.
How We Love Them starts about a year and a half after Our Road to Trust.
Arthur, Rose’s husband is front and center in chapter one. As the story unfolds you will experience the points of view of all four members of their family.
Because of this, I chose to write the story in third person instead of first.
Each book in the Hope Is Here Collection features deep and sometimes heavy stories. They wont be everyone’s cup of tea, but for those looking for depth and realism in their Contemporary Christian Fiction, they might be the perfect fit.
Do you have questions about ‘How We Love Them’ or the Hope is Here Collection? Don’t hesitate to ask. You can find more information about both books on the FICTION page of this website, or use the contact page to send an email.
Thank you to the reader who asked this question.
Do YOU have any questions about my new release ‘Our Road to Trust’? Don’t hesitate to ask and I will do my best to answer.
Thank you to everyone who helped with the launch of this book, and to all my readers. I can’t do this writing/publishing thing without you!
It’s here! ‘Our Road to Trust’ was officially released this morning across all online retailers.
I am so grateful for the support of my friends and family, as well as those of you who have followed my blog from the beginning, and joined my newsletter as well as those who follow me on social media. Indie Authors do not succeed without you. I do not succeed without you.
Thank you for celebrating with me!
Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction, Women’s Fiction
Book Description:
Ten women struggle to find connection in their home church as they walk through personal suffering. Can they learn to trust God and each other, or will they choose to remain in their brokenness?
Words That Pierce:
Can Mary trust God and find the courage to confront a church friend about hurtful words?
The Letter:
While Tina’s whole world begins to crumble, will a letter harden or soften her heart?
Power Off:
Will Harmony trust her mother after committing an act of deception?
Apology:
Can Amy learn to see past her anger and pain to apologize and find peace?
Broken China:
Can Rose overcome the pressure to appear as the perfect pastor’s wife, face her own failings, and find help for her troubled daughter before they both fall apart?
Just Forget It:
Beth’s long expected battle with forgetfulness has arrived; can she trust others for help as well as hold on to joy?
The Pill Cabinet:
Hillary’s world has become a cloud of pain. Can she walk past her pride and reach out for help, or will she begin down a dark path?
Her Choice:
Will Debora’s battle with depression and grief push her to a breaking point?
Scary Things:
At only four years old, Gloria faces one of life’s deepest losses, and when the shadows that once followed her mother notice her, can she defeat the darkness?
Prayers and Pencil Crayons:
Will Abigail step out of the shadows and into the new leadership role God has opened for her?
Early Reader Reviews: from goodreads.com
For anyone who’s ever suffered from church hurt, this one’s for you. Ms. Van der Kroef has excellently woven several stories of women who love Jesus but have a hard time loving each other. She’s gracious and gentle when exploring their lives but still convicting in assessing the areas they need to “let go and let God” in order to commune as the Church.
– Ericka Clay –
A wonderful read and thought-provoking for sure. I can guarantee you’ll see yourself in this book, prompting a request for God to lovingly search your own heart.
This story was really fascinating and it got under my skin. What I found special was that the plot is gradually narrated by all protagonists- women who live their lives within one church community. Their stories follow and evolve with each conversation and interaction they have. It was quite playful and exciting for me to guess and realize who the narrator was and how connected she was to the previous narrator.
– Katarina Celkova –
The climax of the book is the deadly sin of one of the women.
I got Goosebumps when reading the story.
The final scene is prodigious. It is an absolute act of humility and may be the symbol of a new start in the community.
I did not purchase the book and I read it as an early reader.
Our Road To Trust by Mary Grace Van der Kroef, Mary Grace. I extend thanks to the author and publisher for the Advanced Reader Copy that was gifted to me.
– Lisa –
This is a wonderful book full of inspiring faith based stories. The author did a good job of covering many different aspects and providing a little something for each and every reader. They were bite size nuggets of information all captured together between the covers. I highly recommend this book.
I received this as an ARC reader. My opinions are my own.
– Jen Dodrill –
This book got me from the very start. I understand ‘words that pierce’ and I’m sure I’ve said them many times. Each woman’s story wove within the others in a way that shows how completely the author understands the inner workings of how we as women think, feel, struggle, hope.
The depth in the book is amazing. Deep and complex, beautifully but sincerely written. It shows and teaches what true trust can be.
Thank you to my ARC Team for your support! You can find all of their reviews on Goodreads.
In honor of Indie Author Day, I’m proud to be a part of an amazing giveaway of over 30 clean & Christian indie books across all genres! Two lucky winners—one US and one international—will win a slew of signed books, ebooks, and book swag like stickers and bookmarks! Contemporary romance authors like Storm Shultz and Havelah McLat, fantasy authors like M.C. Kennedy and Stefanie Lozinski, and nonfiction authors such as Karen Brough and Aminata Coote are giving away their sweet romances, epic fantasies, devotionals and journals, and more! Make sure to enter for a chance to win between November 1st and November 7th!
Indie Author Giveaway
Rules
The giveaway begins Nov. 1st at 12am EST and ends Nov. 7th 12pm EST.
Open to US and international entrants. Entrants under 18 will need parental permission to enter. There will be TWO winners—one inside the US and one outside. The intl. winner will receive digital prizes—no physical prizes will be included UNLESS the intl. winner resides in the same country as one or more of our intl. authors and they are willing to ship prizes.
The US winner must provide their shipping information and, if applicable, the intl. winner may have to as well.
The giveaway is hosted by Grace A. Johnson, but she is not responsible for any shipping issues or issues/concerns with the prizes except for the ones she offers personally. The giveaway is not affiliated with any of the platforms—i.e., Facebook, Instagram, TikTok—on which it may be shared, or with its internet host, Rafflecopter.
The winners will be announced on Grace’s social platforms (her blog, Facebook, and Instagram) and notified by her through their email.
All entrants are required to provide their email address to confirm their entry. Any other information (i.e., social media handles) is contingent upon which entry methods they choose. To enter, entrants may (1) subscribe to all the authors’ email newsletters, (2) share the giveaway on social media or with a friend, OR (3) follow one or more authors on their primary social media platform. Entrants may pick and choose which of these tasks to complete to qualify for entry.
If anyone has any questions, they are free to contact Grace through her website, graceajohnson.com.
The Prizes!
Havelah McLat – A Forever Summer ebook
Kristina Hall – Ebook copies of Midnight Will Come and Darkness Draws Near
Valerie Howard – ebook of winner’s choice
Vanessa Hall – ebook copy of Unknown (Grace Sufficient, #1)
B.R. Goodwin – 2 ebooks in YA Christian fiction series, What Remains: What Remains in the Wilderness and What Remains When Flowers Fade
Karen Brough – Ebooks: Be Held By Him – Finding God When Life Knocks You Off Your Feet and Be Held By Him Companion Guidebook- Finding God When Life Knocks You Off Your Feet
Mary Grace van der Kroef – The Branch That I Am ebook and signed paperback (if the international winner is in Canada, possibly three original art stickers from my Redbubble art shop if the international winner is in Canada.)
Annah Conwell – signed paperback and bookmark
Brigitte Cromey – Paperback copy of nonmagical kingdom fantasy novel Star of Hope (ebook copy for international winner) and 2” vinyl sticker featuring the flag design from Star of Hope
Kellyn Roth – a paperback copy of The Dressmaker’s Secret and a related piece of jewelry
H. E. Reynolds – ebook copy of Death Comes to Greenwood
The Silver Hand/Noah Lynch – A signed copy of The Silver Hand (second book) and a signed 8 X 11 Print of a hand-drawn portrait of Wolfram from upcoming novel, Pale Phoenix (Digtal).
Nicole Lam – Ebook or physical book of On The Beat and a matching bookmark
Storm Shultz – signed copy of Meant to Bee and save the bees sticker for US winner and e-copy of Meant to Bee for international winner
Brianna Lynn Campbell – three short story ebooks (Shadows in my Hands, Lost in Control, and A Future of Lost Lullabies)
Drew Taylor – Signed copy of The Designated Friend/character sticker/bookmark (international: ebook version of The Designated Friend)
Julie Arduini – signed copy of Anchored Hearts
E. N. Chaffin – Free ebook of Avarice, Book Two in the Sin Series (Pryde, Book One is already free on Amazon, Google Books, and where ebooks are sold.)
Molly & Brad – If Only Christmas Would Come Paperback, 2 bookmarks and a sticker
Erica Richardson – 1 Paperback copy of Peregrine: a novella and 1 Digital copy of Peregrine: a novella
Lydia MacClaren – Ebook copy of novel, Seven Lives Saved
Britt Richards – Paperback copy of Pushing Through with a bookmark and art print postcard.
Amber Lambda – ebook copy of Halos
T. L. Wynne – A signed copy of Daddy and Me paperback book.
Maegan M. Simpson – A signed paperback of Aderes in Karkhana, and possibly a bookmark and sticker
M. C. Kennedy – A paperback copy of A Wolf’s Rose (YA Fantasy) and hand-drawn scene from AWR
Deidre Sequeira – Paperback of Isla Emerged and swag
Alexandria Miracola – A signed copy of upcoming novel, Penelope Grace and the Winter Carousel.
Jill Beene – Physical copy of Mr. Pickwick’s Guide to Marriageable Young Ladies
E. G. Bella – ebook of The Toymaker’s Doll
S. F. Brooke – An e-copy of Christian fiction/romance novel, The Strength in Rubble!
Effie Joe Stock – Digital copies of book Child of the Dragon Prophecy and possibly Heir of Two Kingdoms
Ashton Dorow – Ebook copies of The Peasant Queen and The Love of a Princess
Stefanie Lozinkski – ebook copies of Magnify and Majesty
Aminata Coote – Draw Closer: a 52 week devotional journal for women
R. M. Scheller – Ebook for Extension Squad Vol. 1 and physical merch bundle (character stickers, standees, bookmarks)
Sarah Rodecker – A signed paperback of my book, Escape from Mathebos, and a set of swag
Hannah Morgan – Our Next Chapter, with assorted little gifts like bookmarks, bookish stickers, tea bags
Lillian Keith – Ebook (PDF version) copy of Should We Tell Her? (for international winner) and a signed, physical copy of An Apprentice Escapes (plus a Lyla MC doll; made from wool, 4 ½ inches tall), for U.S Winner.
Jes Drew – A signed paperback copy of At Summer’s End with stickers/ebook copy of At Summer’s End for international winner
Nicki Chapelway – An ebook of Snow White retelling Winter Cursed
Alyssa Casanova – Free PDF of book for international winners; free signed hardcover once released Bedtime for Spider a picture book for 2-4 year olds.
Alyssa Schwarz – Ebook copy of The Glass Road (the next installment in the Prescott Family Romance series), and a downloadable phone wallpaper.
Abigail Kay Harris – A digital 8×10 print, digital ebook, and digital bookmark file for intl. winner; and print 8×10, bookmark, and sticker for US winner with ebook.
Emily Wright – Ebook (PDF) copies of Trial of Strength, Trial by Fire, and Trial of Courage
Erica Dansereau – Physical copy Come Forth as Gold
E. M. Chaffin – Signed copy of Newfangled Madness and stickers
Titles by Mary Grace van der Kroef
Mary Grace Writing 