Outside of Grace - (Grace Church) by Anna Daugherty (Paperback)

About the Book

The unflinching story of a pastor's daughter, her struggle to reconcile trauma and faith, and the God who never leaves. With its honest handling of the life-changing experiences that shape us, Outside of Grace will capture hearts.

Book Synopsis

"Outside of Grace presents a delicate, but honest handling of a pervasive issue among young people, and others, who find themselves entangled in a situation they are not prepared to combat. As a first novel, Outside of Grace is exceptional." -Annette Geroy, author of Built with Stones of Turquoise

Ava Sanford longs to be known as more than the pastor's kid. When the opportunity arises to study abroad in Scotland, she jumps at the chance to leave the Texas coast and the pressures of Grace Church behind. But she never meant to leave God, too.

Her roommate's partying lifestyle promises the fun Ava has been missing out on-until a traumatic assault leaves her faith and pride in ruins. As her life in Scotland begins to crumble, rumors race back home, threatening her relationships with her family and friends, including Jack Shields.

A former athlete, Jack keeps his head down, working through college and coasting through life. After losing both his mother and his scholarships, he knows the things you love can disappear at any moment. But when his best friend seems to be next, the nonchalance and security he carefully guards are broken. Fighting for Ava will mean risking it all, and he can't do it alone. Only God can show them both how far grace can go.

Review Quotes

2024 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist - Christian Fiction

2023 PenCraft Book Awards First Place Winner - Christian Fiction

"Outside of Grace presents a delicate, but honest handling of a pervasive issue among young people, and others, who find themselves entangled in a situation they are not prepared to combat. As a first novel, Outside of Grace is exceptional." -Annette Geroy, Director of Mount Horeb House and author of Built with Stones of Turquoise

"Told with unflinching and sometimes heart-breaking honesty, Outside of Grace is a compelling story about dealing with the world around us with both its beautiful and ugly elements. It delicately tackles the reality of recovering from trauma, learning to live again, and hopefully even thriving." -Mary Ellen Bramwell, bestselling author of In Search of Sisters and When I Was Seven

"Author Anna Daugherty carefully weaves her way through this touching drama with vivid descriptions that allow readers to immerse themselves in the characters and their story. It's a story of faith, love, family and the harsh realities of life that you won't want to put down." -Barbara A. Luker, author of I Carry Your Heart

"Outside of Grace is a modern parable for anyone who has lost touch with their faith in the face of the world. This novel captures how emotional healing and spiritual healing, while not one and the same, can work together to create the space necessary to open your heart to God's grace." -Jefferson Blackburn-Smith, author of Forgiveness and Vice President of Enrollment Management at Otterbein University