A Little Bit of Grace by Phoebe Fox

I am a firm believer in the idea that things happen for a reason…especially when it comes to books. Even more so when I am searching for a book to feature in one of our Characters & Candles Boxes (this book is in our July box!).

Because this book resonated so deeply with me personally, I wanted to share why I chose this book and then tell you why I love it.

Yes, this book has a great summer-themed cover. Yes, it’s got a phrase that I find myself saying often: You’ve got to give yourself (and others) a little bit of grace. But, there is so much more.

First, was the appearance of the name “Marilyn Martin” in this book. While she’s a very, very minor character, her name jumped out at me. Marilyn Martin is the name of my husband’s grandmother who recently passed. She was a dynamic and sweet woman who traveled often and loved her family deeply.

Second, the main character, Grace, is in a bit of an identity crisis. She is struggling to figure out who she is and what she wants. As a woman who has now officially entered into the “middle aged” phase of her life, seen all of her children graduate, and embarked on a new career choice, I connected with Grace almost immediately. That we share a lackluster sense of fashion sense and have had reasons in our life to examine our internal biases makes us incredibly similar.

And finally, I chose this book because it addresses the struggle and pain that is often associated with someone coming out to their family. This is a story that I have seen played out in my own family. I’ve seen first-hand the pain that an inability to accept someone as their true and authentic self can cause. I’ve seen fear and judgment cause rifts and I have also seen how acceptance and love can mend all wounds.

And while that may sound like a lot for a book to tackle, I promise you, Phoebe Fox does it with, well, with a tremendous amount of grace. And laughs. So many laughs.

This book explores several stages in a woman’s life and the role that family and friends can play in that.

It is a story of transformation and forgiveness.

It is a reminder that who we are is not defined by our gender, skin color, age, race, religion, or sexual orientation. 

That a little bit of sass in our step, a brightly colored wardrobe, and good friends can change our lives.

And that being our authentic self is the only way to be truly happy.