Waves of Grace

Rosemont Saga #10

by Barbara Hinske

Maggie and John are leaf-peeping in Connecticut on their long-overdue vacation. When a forest fire engulfs the region, they swing into action to rescue animals, forging human bonds in the process that continue far beyond this tragedy.

Back in Westbury, Maggie faces a firestorm of her own. Vindictive social media posts about her late husband’s shady past threaten her reputation. Will her forceful response merely ruffle feathers or upend her career?

Gordon Mortimer returns to Westbury to finish appraising Rosemont’s treasures. Meeting Anita Archer, owner of the local bridal boutique, to view her vintage sewing machine collection sparks an attraction beyond their shared interest in antiques.

Waves of Grace is a captivating tale of resilience, love, and the power of women’s fiction at its best.

Genres: Fiction

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2024

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Barbara Hinske is an attorney who recently left the practice of law to pursue her career as a full-time novelist. She inherited the fiction gene from her father who wrote mysteries when he retired and told her a story every night of her childhood. Barbara is the bestselling author of the beloved Rosemont series; the acclaimed Guiding Emily series; a collection of murder mystery thrillers in her "Who's There?" collection; and her sweet Christmas novellas The Christmas Club (adapted for the Hallmark Channel in 2019), Paws & Pastries, and No Matter How Far.

She and her husband share their own Rosemont with two adorable and spoiled dogs. She is besotted with decorating, entertaining, cooking and gardening. Now that her novel The Christmas Club has been made into a Hallmark Channel movie, she is completely star-struck and thrilled to have her work on the screen.

Reviews

[Barbara Hinske]

I loved being back in the world of Rosemont. The town of Westbury and the characters I've created are ones I wish existed in real life. Who wouldn't want to attend the Thanksgiving potluck at the grand old house?

I've introduced a new character that first surfaced years ago at--appropriately--Halloween. Alistair is Rosemont's resident ghost. Mischievous, witty, and kind, Alistair is a helpful and friendly presence as he watches over the family he loves.

I also bring in Pam Olson and Steve Turner from The Wishing Tree series for cameo appearances. I love their characters so much that I couldn't let them rest until the next Wishing Tree book.

My interest in vintage sewing machines is also front and center. I sure wish I still had my grandmother's old Singer.

I hope you enjoy Waves of Grace. It's the perfect book to tuck yourself away with when you need an escape. Whether you're a devoted reader of the series or new to Rosemont, Waves of Grace won't disappoint.

[Dotty Bailey Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great edition to The Rosemont series ! As an ARC reader , i was excited to see the story continue with a different story line and some new adventures !
Barbara does it again ! SOOO GOOOD ❤️

[Lori Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful tenth installment in the Rosemont series! Returning characters, furry friends AND a surprise "guest". Enjoyable and recommended!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the town of Rosemont and enjoyed my trip back.
Fall season, cool weather and Pam and Steve from The Wishing Tree series are on their honeymoon. Maggie and John had met them on their trip to Connecticut. Seems John a vet was in the right place when a wildfire has destroyed towns nearby and many injured animals need care.
Rosemont seems to have a resident ghost named Alastair who has been watching over the house.
So many different things going on.
I love the friendships and the wonderful Thanksgiving tradition.

I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.

[Lisa G. Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

COMPASSION AT ITS BEST

I have enjoyed author Barbara Hinske’s novels since I discovered them many years ago. By then, she had already written three books in The Rosemont Series. Her stories are fantastic! They are always entertaining, intriguing, and inspirational in that Hinske makes sure her main characters show compassion to those who least deserve it.

In Hinske’s latest offering, Waves of Grace, the main characters of Maggie and John show compassion in several incidences. 1) John and Maggie are on a short vacation, and the town they are visiting has a significant crisis. A wildfire has broken out, and animals are injured everywhere! The local veterinarians have their hands full with their own patients. Many animals have become separated from their families or are strays. John and Maggie do not hesitate to jump in and help at Fur Friends Sanctuary, the area's only no-kill animal shelter. John shares his compassionate Veterinarian skills, and Maggie uses her excellent organization and communication skills to express her compassion to the people looking for their lost pets. 2) When they return home, Maggie is faced with another horrible rumor dealing with her late husband. Even years after he has been deceased, he still is causing problems for Maggie and their daughter. As usual, Maggie faces this problem head-on. Maggie finds herself with a group of women who are badmouthing the woman who started the nasty rumor, and instead of joining them in piling on her, she defends the woman. Little does she know, the woman overheard Maggie defend her and is overwhelmed by her compassion. 3) The appraiser, Gordon Mortimer, comes to finish his work on Rosemont’s antiques. Maggie has paved the way for him to see the collection of vintage sewing machines at Anita Archer’s bridal boutique. Gordon shows compassion by helping Anita scale back her museum plans to something more manageable and enjoyable and, in doing so, discovering that they have much in common. Is this a relationship they want to pursue?

Once again, this is a novel filled with compassion. It is also filled with mystery and mayhem, highly entertaining, and I highly recommend it!

The author/publisher provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. However, my opinions are entirely my own and uninfluenced.

[George Ertel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Garden of Marigolds

I must say that the ending of Wave’s of Grace snuck up on me. Normally I keep an eye on the percentage-completed statistic at the bottom of Kindle, but this time I was so engrossed that reaching the last page came as a surprise. And, initially, surprised not in a good way. OK, there are always some lead-ns to the next book in the series. But this was just too abrupt. Or so I thought, initially.

Then, on second thought, I realized this was exactly and absolutely the perfect ending for a Hinske novel. No spoilers here. Just realize that the title is meaningful and heartfelt.

So what’s with the marigolds? Hinske stories are gardens of marigolds. The little descriptors Hinske writes just grow together into a beautiful bed of blossoms. Each of the many blossoms is a little thing that simply reflects life in a delightful way. This struck me when I read how the newlyweds opened a gift package: “Pam began snipping at the copious amounts of tape on the package. ‘Can I help?’ Steve took the scissors from her and used them like a knife, slicing through the tape.” Yes. That’s so much like it would happen – careful wife, cut-to-the-chase husband -- but who would ever think to write like that? Standing alone, I suppose it’s just a small blossom. But this is how Hinske writes throughout Waves of Grace. And all these little blossoms create a garden of beauty. A garden of marigolds.

You will thoroughly enjoy reading this book.

[patt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waves of Grace, book 10 in the Rosemont series, takes us back to the town of Westbury. If you’ve been reading along in this series you’ve come to know these characters pretty well by now. But of course a couple new characters always join the cast! This time they are from the Wishing Tales series.
Maggie is still dealing with some repercussions from her deceased husband’s dishonesty. There are new romances and new career choices too. I know all series eventually come to an end, but I would miss Maggie, John and all the others if that day ever comes.
This is my honest review in exchange for an early readers copy.

[Patty Guerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rosemont Series is one of my favorite series, and I was honored to receive an ARC of Book 10, Waves of Grace.

John and Maggie have traveled to Connecticut to do some leaf peeping. While staying in Linden Falls, there is a raging forest fire and many animals are displaced and being brought to a new animal shelter that has not yet officially opened. John rolls up his sleeves to give a helping hand to give care to the injured pets, while Maggie helps by setting up crates and just giving loving comfort to the pets. Life isn’t always easy and for Maggie there is always something just around a corner.

Barbara has also introduced a new character, Alistair, the ghost of Rosemont’s butler from years past. A sense of humor and a heart of gold makes one wish he haunted their home. I am so happy that Barbara has linked the Wishing Tree series through this book, by the trip to Linden Falls, and having Steve and Pam honeymoon in Westbury. I also love that the timeline is in November, with so many people coming to a pot luck Thanksgiving dinner at Rosemont, and kicking off the holiday season. How could anything possibly be more perfect than this!

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The friendships of the town of Rosemont are never more apparent than at Maggie and John’s annual Thanksgiving Potluck. And the addition of Alistair to the festivities adds a delightful new dimension to Rosemont. However there is a dark cloud looming to spoil the celebration as Maggie is dealing once again with details from her past, but she chooses to show grace to her accuser even to the consternation of family and friends. As old and new friends gather, hints of new stories to come are given and the knowledge that this wonderful series will continue makes this reader very happy.Thank you to the author for an early copy. This review is my personal opinion.

[Patricia · Rating 2 out of 5]

disappointment

Stories of earlier characters left unfinished; new characters introduced for no reason; Alistair should have been introduced in the first installment t and included in every book until recognized.

[Mary Stalling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great! It has everything, romance and suspense. I don't usually read series because I can't remember the characters from one book to the next, but with this series, every character is memorable! Maggie is gracious and everything I imagine this author to be!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story as all of Barbara Hinske's books always are. Although it is part of the Rosemont series, there are also characters from the Wishing Tree series . Set in the fall so perfect for this coming fall season. Maggie and John take a trip to Connecticut to leaf peep, and while there, a wildfire destroys a town close by. Since John is a vet, he jumps in and helps take care of injured pets and strays at the new animal shelter . His friend from vet school is local, and between his office and shelter, all animals are cared for. While in town them make many new friends.Back at home at Rosemont...
There's lots going on, but Alastair, the resident ghost, is watching over the house. There are too many storylines to list all, I just recommend you read it. I don't think you will be disappointed. I enjoyed catching up on several book friends from prior books. Truly feel you will enjoy even if never read the priors.

[Rachel Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as the others

I was kind of disappointed in this final book! What was with the ghost? That was just weird! And Gordon and Anita never got wrapped up! The suspense of the other books wasn't there, either. I have really enjoyed this series, up until this last one.

[JoAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

WAVES OF GRACE is the tenth book in the Rosemont Saga but only the first one I’ve read. Was I lost? A little, but there was a lot of background information given that I could piece together some of the history, connections and relationships. Was it still an enjoyable read? Absolutely!

Barbara Hinske writes with heart. The characters make up a warm community. I loved how Linden Falls was brought into the story along with several of their residents. Even the Wishing Tree was mentioned. Rosemont’s resident ghost had several mentions by John and Maggie and I enjoyed his helpful tactics but wish he got his due.

There are multiple stories being told and they tie together nicely. Not all storylines were brought to their conclusion, so I’m hoping that means there are more stories to tell. There are vivid descriptions and many scenes were brought to life wonderfully. There’s a good flow to the story with so many likable characters and interesting arcs. The many different relationships were portrayed realistically There’s some happiness, some taking the high road and others the low road. I liked all the furry friends and their importance to the story. The story ended abruptly for me but I did like Maggie’s diary entry but wish it was part of the plot along with other entries she might have made. All in all, a satisfying read and I hope to read more of the books that came before this one.

I rated the book 4.5 stars but rounded to 5 stars here and on other sites.

[Victoria Bahnsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the great things about a book series is the opportunity to revisit characters and follow their development over time. The author has included so many fun details that even Rosemont – the grand old home of the main characters – feels like a human character to me.
Waves of Grace continues the story of Maggie and John and their growing circle of friends that are like family. There’s even an overlap of some characters from the Wishing Tree series, which is another great read.
There are some mysterious things happening at Rosemont and Maggie and John are beginning to wonder if rumors of a resident ghost are true. Preparations for their annual Thanksgiving celebration are underway and include a growing guest list. And just when she thought the scandal surrounding her ex-husband had been put to rest, new allegations surface that threaten to damage her reputation and career.
Join the fun as these characters support each other and gather to celebrate the start of the holiday season together.

[Linda Herreman · Rating 5 out of 5]

changing perspectives

This series of 10 books is one of the best I have ever read! It gives new perspectives of challenges, hope and strength to meet your own challenges with better perspective and hope. I couldn’t stop reading a single book until I finished the entire series. I will miss the positive upbeat approach to these stories and characters. I look toward to future additions of these same characters as I feel a very strong connection. The dogs in these stories, the strong characters who have their own individual challenges, flaws and victories, hope, kindness, compassion and forgiveness. I have tried to be as forgiving and kind but fall short. This series helped me see hope, find the right words for my heartfelt challenges and strive again to be the person I choose to be in spite of life’s uncomfortable and painful moments. Don’t miss this series to enrich and encourage your own life! Each one touched me deeply and reminded me we all have our challenges and present ourselves to the world differently.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waves of Grace takes us back to Rosemont, in the town of Westbury, with a brief visit from Pam Olson and Steve Turner from The Wishing Tree series. There’s another Rosemont resident, Alistair, a kind, helpful ghost, that has Maggie and John wondering if their house is haunted because they aren’t yet aware of his presence.

This series brings tears to my eyes each time there’s a mention of an injured animal. This time we’re dealing with dogs and cats rescued from another fire. Maggie is also dealing with some malicious social media posts, and there might be a new romance on the horizon for a couple of dear friends.

Such a wonderful series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Anna Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Barbara Hinske has another hit with this book.

Maggie and John are in Holiday mode. With it fast approaching they get their Antiques friend, Gordon over to Rosemont for some run through the attic again to see what they can find. They weren't expecting a butler ghost, Alistair, to have been the one guiding them to the untold finds up there.

I was definitely in a holiday "feeling" with this book. A great book to read during the "ber" months to get your holiday spirit flowing. Another book, "Waves of Grace" in the "Rosemont series" is surely a great book to add to your shelf!!

[Bridget Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tenth installment of the Rosemont Series is a true delight. Enjoy catching up with Maggie and John and their friends Pam and Steve, as well as the rest of the Rosemont community. You’ll be enchanted by Alistair, a new character, and he is quite a character. Gordon returns looking for new treasures, and finds one with a collector of vintage sewing machines. Maggie comes up against a new nemesis, who seems set on ruining her career. Will she succeed, or will the whole town manage to gather for the annual holiday celebration. You’ll be left wanting more. I can’t wait for Book 11, and you won’t be able to either! Read it now, and enjoy!

[Katrina G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Lovely Way to Start the New Ywar

I started this Barbara Hinske series on January 1 and just finished book number 10 this morning. I have enjoyed the various characters throughout the books and seeing how their lives have intertwined. Maggie and John are my two favorite central characters, with so much compassion and love for themselves and others. I am not sure if Ms. Hinske has plans for more books in the series, but I certainly hope so! I would love to read more about Alistair, the ghost and hear more about all of my favorite characters in the book, including Sunday and Josh, David, Grace and so many others. Thank you, Ms. Hinske for creating this series!

[Carol Ardeeser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved the Rosemont books from the beginning, it's such a wonderful series filled with relatable characters and second chances. The characters are true to life and encouraging because of their caring, compassion, and forgiveness. "Waves of Grace" is a great addition to the series and continues on with the characters and what is happening in their lives as well as adding new friends and sometimes foes and always wonderful animals!!! If you want a great series to binge read, this one certainly won't disappoint. I am so happy to be able to advance read for Barbara Hinske!

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waves of Grace is the most appropriately named book I have read this year. I am always delighted to return to the wonderful, simpler world of Rosemont and Westbury where the characters take care of family and neighbors. I enjoyed Maggie and John’s vacation where they end up helping care for the animals injured and displaced by the fires while making new friends to add to the ever expanding circle of “found family.” I loved catching up with other characters and the outstanding way that Maggie dealt with Yolanda’s false accusations! Waves of Grace is an epic addition to the series.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the downfalls of living in a new apartment building is there is no chance of having an Alistair, who couldn’t use help putting things back where they belong. Barbara Hinske (and Alistair) draws you into this story and gets you involved with the characters. Even if you haven’t read the previous books, you will enjoy this one. The characters are so well described you will quickly feel like they are old friends. The last line reveals a lesson to be learned, “each of them enlightened by the balm of compassion and forgiveness”.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and this author. If you have read The Wishing Tree series, you may recognize a couple of folks in this story. It was great seeing them again. I love Maggie. Life hasn’t always been easy or fair, but I love her heart and her treatment of others. This story and these characters are so wonderful. I, of course, did not want the book to end. I received an ARC of this book, but my opinion is my own.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all loved the list of characters and list of pets in the back of the book. Great if it's been awhile since you read the previous books.
I liked how she tied this book and the Wishing Tree series. You do not have to have read the Wishing Tree series to enjoy the book.
I liked the scene in the bathroom.
It was a well written.
I know she has had issues with social media, so I really hope the word gets out.

[Jan Tomalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I read in this series even though it is book 10. I really enjoyed it and had no trouble following the storyline. I enjoyed reading about Alastair, his thoughts and his pranks. I also enjoyed the references to the Wishing Tree series which I loved. Now I have to go back and read the rest of the books. Highly recommend.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

[Debra Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its nice to visit Rosemont!

Maggie and John are the best host & hostess, its always fun and a good time to visit. They have a beautiful home filled with cherished items. They host the best holiday parties. Best of all, they love their friends and are considered yet know they always have their best interest at heart. Can't wait to see how Josh & Sunday's relationship flourishes, how Anita 's museum comes along.
Thank you Barbara for writing and sharing this delightful book.

[Sharon Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very wholesome and easy read. It captivated me from the start, and I could not put it down until I finished it. Barbara Hinske is a wonderful writer that keeps you interested to the last page. Even though this is number 10 in the series this book is written so you are not lost in the back story of the characters.

[Joy B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth waiting for!

I’ve been waiting for another Rosemont book, and I love this one! Maggie and her family and friends feel like real people to me (well, except for Alastair, lol). They are more than just book characters and I’m so glad to spend time with them again. I’m hoping for another book in this heartwarming series very soon.

[Rena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. I have read all the books in this series quite a while ago. My only suggestion is for the author to have a list of characters in the front of the book & how they are interconnected with each other. I lost track of those connections & struggled to remember all the characters. Any book written by this author is an enjoyable read.