Searching Hearts    
Book Two of The Grace Series
by April Shores Murphy
Publish America
ISBN# 1-4137-1718-7
Review by Melody Ravert

One thing I love about a series is that you are introduced to several characters and find yourself believing they are real and a part of your life. This is the case of the characters that make up the sequel, Searching Hearts: Book Two of The Grace Series.

The story begins with Grace Hollingsworth, now age fifteen who is spending a month of summer vacation in Florida with her Aunt Margaret and Uncle Bill. Grace experiences a summer she will soon not forget as she deals with making new friends and missing her own family and friends back home. The most difficult task she faces deals with the horrible reality of the disappearance of her aunt and uncle's two-year old daughter, Melissa.

Meanwhile, the friends and family back home deal with the realities of life: one family prepares for the birth of twins; another couple's marriage is on rocky ground; and Grace's mother's best friend has to make a decision whether to live at home alone, close to her friends, or move out of state where her daughter, son-in-law, and grandchild lives.

An inspiring drama at its best. I found Searching Hearts to be a realistic story of everyday occurrences, and found it encouraging and uplifting to see how the characters shared their faith in word, deed, and prayer. Even when Grace's mother, who was referred to as "the rock of their family" was emotionally exhausted, her own daughter encouraged her in the Lord.

Grace and Searching Hearts are two books that should be on everyone's list who loves inspirational reading.

Melody Ravert
Inspirational Romance/Mysteries
(Shadow of Death -&- Avenging Sword)
www.publishedauthors.net/melodyravert

Title: Searching Hearts     
Book Two of The Grace Series
Author April Shores Murphy
Review by Marcyle Taliaferro

An Entertaining Story with a Timeless Message

The life of Grace Hollingsworth continues in this sequel, Searching Hearts. School is out for the summer and the excitement of visiting her beloved Aunt Margaret, Uncle Bill and baby Melissa in Florida overrides the tinge of reluctance in leaving her mom, siblings, and friends behind.

While in Florida, Grace’s vacation is more wonderful than she had imagined. Occasional bouts of homesickness are quickly quelled with phone calls to her mom, and with the exception of a couple of unpleasant teenagers she meets on the beach, her days in Florida are idyllic—until baby Melissa disappears in the middle of the night.  

Unknown to Grace at the time, family friends back home in Georgia also experience the loss of a child in much different circumstances.  The effects of these losses not only affect the immediate families in unexpected ways, but also ripple into the lives of others.   

Although the story revolves around these events, surprising subplots involve others in Grace’s hometown.  Issues span generations with some involving her friends, and others, friends of her mother. Yet regardless of the age or severity of the problem, each situation displays our need and assurance of the comfort and strength of a strong faith in God.

Searching Hearts reminds us that confusion and doubt are not limited to those turbulent teenage years, yet also gives testimony to the power for God’s love for us and of the victory for those who claim His Promises.  This is a story and a message for all ages.

Marcyle Taliaferro
Contemporary Christian Fiction
(Fountains of the Spirits, A Cry from the Harbor)
http://mtaliaferro.com
www.publishamerica.com/books/3869
www.authorsden.com/marcyletaliaferro
www.inspiredbyfaith/tk

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Review by Donna Laird
Title: Grace    
Author April Shores Murphy
ISBN: 1-59129-931-4


Grace Hollingsworth is a fourteen year old girl, with a big heart. She is torn by the sudden loss of her beloved father in a car accident. Only faith and the love of her family and friends can bring her through the terrible loss.

When Grace meets the new girl across the street, they fast become friends, Grace would do anything for her family and friends. She soon realizes Brandy has problem, but she won't talk to Grace about it. The only thing Grace can do is pray for her friend that she will find peace in her life.

Grace finds out the power of prayer is often the most important thing in life, you can overcome any obstacles with God by your side.

April Shores Murphy brings this touching book to life as you turn page by page to witness how this one young girl and her family touched the lives of so many around them even with their own loss so new. Grace is a book that needs to be read by all. As you start to read you will find that you can't put it down, you will feel all the emotions that Grace is feeling, the tears, laughter, and most of all the love. The character's come alive as you go through the journey of this fourteen year old girl's life. Her faith will follow you. The loss of a loved one is hard to handle at any age, but with faith and prayer Author April Shores Murphy shows us the true meaning of God's love.

Donna Laird
Author of Romance
(Forever Yours)
website: http://donnasbook.bravehost.com

Review by Sara Weis of www.sarasays.com
Title  Grace    
Author  April Shores Murphy  
Rating  Green Light  
   
Review:  Grace by April Shores Murphy is a feel good book that actually makes you reflect on how you might react to certain situations. Who would you turn to in a time of need? A drunk driver has just killed Grace's father in a car accident. Grace's strong family ties and faith in God help her to endure this horrible ordeal and still be able to reach out to other family and friends, as they need her.
Except for the fact that Grace's father had just died, her life is about perfect for fourteen-year-old girl. She has an amazing relationship with her mother. Her brother and sister never argue amongst one another. The cute boy across the street is in love with her, and her friends are neither petty nor jealous. It is the storybook life for Grace, but she is always reaching out to her friends in need. Almost every character in the book goes through some kind of difficult situation and ends up learning about the grace of God and having things work out for the best.
This book is very detailed written and tells you exactly what is happening when. It is definitely written in the mind frame of a young girl with all of the exclamation points! It would be an ideal book for a pre-teen or teenage girl as it is a good clean book that gives hope. I like the concepts covered such as trying to keep a positive attitude when faced with life's obstacles, forgiving and moving on, and sticking hold to your beliefs.


Review by Melody Ravert
GRACE   
by April Shores Murphy
Publish America
ISBN# 1-59129-931-4

A true friend is someone who knows our strengths and weaknesses, and loves us anyway.  

The heroine in Grace, whose name happens to be Grace, discovers the value of friendships as she struggles with the devastation of her father's untimely death in an automobile accident caused by a drunk driver.

Grace's mother, although still mourning the loss of her husband, finds the strength to reach out and share God's love with others.

The characters are down-to-earth, caring, and sensitive.  I found myself becoming attached to them as if they were part of my own circle of friends.

Ms. Murphy creates a remarkable story which shows the importance of not only having friends, but being a friend.  

Grace is a story of healing and one of intercessary prayer.  Praying for others in the midst of your own pain and suffering; something that only comes from a close relationship with God.

Grace is a story to share with love ones.  It makes a great gift; share it with someone you love!

Melody Ravert
Inspirational Romance/Mysteries
http://www.authorsden.com/melodyravert


Review by Marcyle Taliaferro
Grace    
by April Shores Murphy
Contemporary Christian Fiction

As I read this heart-warming story, thoughts of grieving families in my own community surfaced repeatedly in my mind. The story centers on fourteen-year-old Grace Hollingsworth and portrays complex emotions that arise from the sudden, tragic death of her beloved father. Other issues common to her age as well as struggles and strengths of her family, friends, and neighbors are important components of the story, as is the victory that comes with faith in Jesus Christ.

Tom Hollingsworth’s untimely death overwhelms this Christ-centered family, bringing not only deep sadness but also conflicting emotions toward the drunk driver responsible for their loss.  Feelings of anger and resentment for this man compete with compassion and Christian love until a surprising twist near the end of the story forces them to a place of decision.     

Grace is a story I can highly recommend as engaging entertainment to teens and adults, but more importantly, to anyone who is struggling with grief, loneliness, confusion, self-esteem, or wavering faith.  

Marcyle Taliaferro
Contemporary Christian Fiction
http://mtaliaferro.com


GRACE    
Mary Gowens
Alabama  (9/2/2003)        This was a wonderful book. I am looking forward to the next one. I read this book in one day, just could not put it down. I hope the author continues her writing. She has a style that is so inspiring by making you stop and think about your own prayer life.


Grace     
Annie
Alabama, U.S.A.  (7/21/2003)        Reading "Grace" was like a breath of fresh air. I found it such a joy to read, I could feel the faith and love this family had for each other and for God. I am looking forward to more from this author. Hopefully very soon.


Grace     
Teresa Reddix
GA/USA  (7/10/2003)        I have just finished reading Grace. I laughed, I cried, I just out loved the whole book. I never wanted to put it down. I can't wait until the author puts out another great book. She is truly a very gifted writer.  


GRACE    
Dot Wiertz
USA  (7/7/2003)        I just finished reading April Shores Murphy's book "Grace" and I can't wait to read her next one. Her writing reminds me of Catherine Cookson in the way she gets the feeling of the people she writes about. It is inspiring and very, very good.