21 Days of Grace: Stories That Celebrate God's Unconditional Love

by Kathy Ide (compiler)

21 Days of Grace is the first book in the Fiction Lover's Devotional series--collections of shortfictional stories followed by brief Life Applications, each chapterwritten by a different author.

Love fiction? Looking for a devotional? This book is for you!

Don't you just love reading fictional stories about characters you can relate to, who experience situations similar to your own, and learn from those examples how to live out your faith? Don't you find that life lessons are more easily absorbed that way?

But when you have your quiet time with the Lord, you want something with a bit more depth ... and a little bit shorter, right?

21 Days of Grace fits that need. This first book in the Fiction Lover's Devotional series is a collection of engaging, inspirational short fiction stories written by new, intermediate, and well-known authors including Angela Hunt, Deborah Raney, Cindy Woodsmall, Tracy Higley, Cecil Murphey, DiAnn Mills, Robin Bayne, and more.

Like Jesus' parables, these stories deal with important life issues in a subtle, unpressured manner. And, as Jesus did, the authors follow up with life applications based on the stories, suggesting how the inherent lessons can be applied to the reader's daily life.

You can take this purse-sized devotional with you wherever you go, to read when you have a few minutes of down time ... on vacation, while you're waiting for the kids, sitting in a doctor's office, anytime you want some "inspiration on the go."Or read these stories over breakfast, at lunch break, before bed, or curled up in your favorite chair with a cup of coffee or tea. They are sure to provide insight, encouragement, and refreshment for your soul.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Devotional

190 pages, Hardcover

First published March 24, 2015

About the author

I have been writing for publication since 1989. I've written books, short stories, play and movie scripts, devotionals, and Sunday school curriculum. I'm the author of "Proofreading Secrets of Best-Selling Authors," "Editing Secrets of Best-Selling Authors," and the "Capitalization Dictionary." I am the editor/compiler of the four-book Fiction Lovers Devotional series.

I am a professional freelance editor and writing mentor for aspiring, beginning, intermediate, and established authors. I have also edited screenplays for Pinnacle Peak/PureFlix.

I am the owner/manager of Christian Editors Association, parent organization to The Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, Christian Editor Connection, The PEN Institute, and PENCON editors' conference. CEA sponsors the Editors' Choice Award.

Reviews

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

21 Days of Grace, compiled by Kathy Ide, is a unique devotional aimed at bookworms and fiction lovers. This collection of stories features several beloved-by-me authors as well as some with whom I’m less familiar.

The stories are short and heartwarming, and they point to lessons such as church hurt, forgiving yourself, engaging in the lives of others, etc. Each story includes a “life-application” section as well as a brief bio of the individual author for that day. My favorites were the devotional/stories by Cindy Woodsmall and Deborah Raney.

Bottom Line: If you love short stories, this devotional is one to add to your collection! Aesthetically cheerful and easy to carry with you, it’s a great choice to read in a waiting room, at your desk at work, or while you’re waiting for dinner to cook. This would also be a lovely gift to give someone who needs some encouragement or joy.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

21 Days Of Grace by Kathy Ide is a wonderful collection of twenty one short stories, each designed to get the reader thinking about their own faith journey. There is a 'life application' after each story, to help the reader grow their faith and improve their Christian walk.
The stories cover many areas - forgiveness (ourselves and others), belonging, self worth, trust and many more. Soak yourself in this wonderful little book and allow the Holy Spirit to minister to you as you read.
All of the stories are uniquely powerful with messages that will impact each reader differently. Different stories will 'speak' to each reader in a different way. My personal favourite was story four that just pierced my soul.
The one big impression that I was left with at the end of the book was the need to tell others about Jesus. If we do not tell them, how will they know?
21 Days Of Grace is full of little gems. I can highly recommend it. I will leave you with my favourite quote:
"His grace is not dependent on our actions, thoughts or feelings."
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic idea to create a fiction lover’s devotional with 21 Days of Grace. The 21 stories are unique by each featured author all centering around God’s amazing grace and unconditional love. Each author penned a devotional with a life application that followed for readers to think about for the day. These devotional stories are perfect to read any time during the day or several at a time to reflect on during your personal time with God. The devotionals are written in different genres depending on the author. Devotional number 8 “The Pain Redemption”, by Roxanne Anderson, is an imagery conversation between God and His Son Jesus Christ before He came to earth. I felt the love and pain associated with this devotional as God’s only Son would become the sacrifice for the sins of all mankind. I connected with most of the devotionals as my emotions were right there with the characters and what they were facing in a variety of trials or sharing the Gospel. Devotional 18”Fall From Grace”, by Tracy Higley, demonstrated the beautiful story of God’s redemption and adoption into His family with His unconditional love no matter where a person had been in life. “Through a Dark Glass” by Cindy Woodsmall is an Amish genre devotional showing how God’s amazing grace can reach each individual in His time. Readers of fiction will appreciate reading 21 Days of Grace devotionals and be reminded of God’s amazing grace and love for all no matter where or what they have done in life. These devotional stories would be perfect to use for a small group study by discussing the life applications as each reader would have their own opinion.

I received a complimentary copy of 21 Days of Grace from Celebrate Lit and Kathy Ide who compiled this devotional. I was not required to write a positive review but have shared my honest thoughts about this amazing devotional for fiction lovers.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, the disclaimer. "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own." That done, 21 DAYS OF GRACE is a fiction-lover's devotional. Filled with fictional stories written by best-selling novelists, Angela Hunt, Cindy Woodsmall, Deb Raney, Cecil Murphy, Kathy Ide, etal, as well as lesser-known but just as talented writers such as Robin Bayne, Roxanne Anderson, and many others. The stories range from Amish to missionary, biblical to contemporary, romance to heart-wrenching neediness. Each includes an application for us to remember and think on and a short bio about the author.

I would like it if it included a verse or a portion of scripture, and maybe a prayer for us to read, but as it is, it is a wonderful gift book for fiction lovers anywhere. Shut-ins, libraries, mother's day gifts, something for your college daughter to read that isn't a text book, a gift for a sweet friend, or just about any occassion. Beautifully hard cover in bright and appealing colors, this book also includes a ribbon bookmark so you can easily save your place. A great coffee table book, too.

Know a fiction lover? This devotional includes 21 stories that are sure to touch their hearts, souls and minds.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

21 Days of Grace is another unique devotional that I have read this year. It is different in that it expresses truth through fiction. There are 21 stories written all by different authors so not only do you get a thought provoking read, but you also get a sample of each authors’ writing. Most of the authors I had not read before but there were a handful that I had and it was pleasure to read them again.

The book is set up with the story, then we are given a life application, and last but not least we are given the author’s information. The stories are not long at all and I read most in less than 7-10 minutes. The book is very pretty with bright, vibrant colors and adorned with a butterfly. There is also a butterfly motif that is sprinkled throughout the book that I think makes this book even more special. What can I say; I like butterflies as they make me think of spring.

I think this is a nice little collection of stories and a unique enough devotional that would make a nice gift especially for readers.

I received a copy of this book for free. I was not required to give a positive review and the views and opinions expressed are my own.

[Crystal Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

21 Days of Grace is a fiction lovers devotional filled with short stories written by some of Christian Fictions top Authors such as Angela Hunt, Deborah Rainey, Cindy Woodsmall, Cecil Murphy, Robin Bayne, and many more. The stories in 21 Days of Grace are those stories we all long to read, you know the ones that we can relate to, the ones that have similar life experiences as us. These stories are followed by life applications that we can use in our own lives.

21 Days of Grace is filled with stories that Celebrate God’s Unconditional Love, stories that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. This is definitely one those devotionals that I highly recommend to all and one that I know I will keep going back to.

I received a copy of this book for free, A favorable review was not required, All opinions expressed here are my own.

[ASC Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice Collection! :) I really liked most of these stories, there were one or two that I didn't like very much, but for the most part they all had very thought provoking and interesting plots. I loved that at the end each story there was a "Life Application" section, a "moral of the story" if you will! :) I would have liked if they had started with the scripture like other devotionals do, but having them included throughout the stories was nice to! :) Overall I enjoyed the thought provoking, Faith message filled, short stories, by well known and new authors a like! :)

There are SO MANY Songs that go with this book....here are a few of them: "Even If" by MercyMe, "Eye of the Storm (feat. Gabe Real)" by Ryan Stevenson, "Come Alive (Dry Bones)" by Lauren Daigle, "Chain Breaker" by Zach Williams, "Chain Breaker" by Zach Williams, "Never Been a Moment" by Micah Tyler, and "What A Beautiful Name" by Hillsong Worship
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC

Ephesians 2:8-9, Acts 15:11, Romans 3:24, Romans 5:20

~ASC

[Esther Filbrun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Wish the others in the series weren't so expensive, because this was great! Really encouraging and fun for this fiction-lover's soul.

[Gail Welborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Inspiring fiction style devotions entertain & draw readers closer to God***

Kathy Ide, author, editor, and writing mentor, introduced her new devotional series for fiction lovers in June, just in time for summer reading. 21 Days of Grace, the first book in the fiction series, features twenty-one emotionally engaging stories that celebrate God's unconditional love. Familiar author names include Cindy Woodsmall, Deborah Raney, Cecil Murphey, Nanette Thorsen-Snipes, Angela Hunt, DiAnn Mills, and many more.

The unique devotional series offers fictional devotions in chapter length stories which are easy to complete in one sitting; for example, over breakfast, at lunch, or during a coffee break. Author bios and thought-provoking Scriptures, along with brief life application segments, complete each story. Stories focus on issues common to us all, such as depression, materialism, inability to forgive or be forgiven, pride, and more…Full Review: http://www.examiner.com/list/21-days-...

[Molly Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! While I've not been reading it every day, when I do pick it up, I wonder why I wait.
This is a great devotional from a fiction writer's perspective. Full of wonderful stories and anecdotes, 21 Days of Grace proves that you don't need to put on aires when approaching God.
Sometimes it's easier to escape into a world of fiction and these devotions allow the reader to find the truth in the story.
By writers, but certainly not just for writers. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful little book full of stories that are perfect pictures of God's amazing grace. Each one easily readable within 5-10 minutes, they will stir your heart and lift your spirits. I must confess I read Deborah Raney's contribution first as she has long been a favorite author of mine.

I fully recommend this one to keep nearby.

[Becky Dempsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This devotional is unlike any I've read before. It consists of 21 short stories or excerpts from stories that help teach a lesson. Sort of like modern day parables in a way. There are many different issues covered, so everyone is sure to find one that applies to them. There are also different types of genres-Amish, contemporary, historical. I was only familiar with a few of the contributing authors, so it was nice to be exposed to the writing styles of new (to me) authors. Most of the stories are only 4 (double-sided) pages so they are quick to read. They also include a "Life Application" section to help apply it to your life. There is a section that lists the contributing authors alphabetically, but not anywhere that lists the "topics" covered. Since several people could read the same story and get something different out of it, I suppose it may be difficult to pinpoint the specific "topic" covered, however. I enjoyed this book and read one story a day along with my daily Bible reading. It would also be good for when you want to read but only have a very short amount of time to do so (maybe in the 'necessary room'?)

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received.

[Becky Van Daniker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Christian fiction has the power to touch hearts and change lives. This devotional is beautifully done and perfect for the fiction lover. It’s the kind of devotional that would be perfect to read while drinking a cup of tea or coffee. I was excited when I first received this devotional because many of my favorite authors contributed. Many were authors whom I trusted because many of their books pertain scripture or are based on Scripture.

For 21 days, this devotional will take the reader on a journey through short stories. This is unique and fun. Some days there was only a scripture or two to read that went along with the book, but there were several days when there weren’t any at all. I was disappointed those particular days because I don’t want to read just a story as part of my devotional with God. I want some Scripture to go with it. My favorite day was from Diane Simmons Dill. I’m not familiar with any of her books, but her devotional had verse after verse.It was the kind of devotional that had contained verse after verse while also challenging me in my walk with God.

I loved that the authors included life applications that were simple and applicable. They weren’t applications that were broad, but simple ways on how to actually apply it your life. It brought the stories full circle and went nicely with the story for the day. It’s a superb devotional about grace, but I would have liked to see a lot more Scripture than it contained. It hardly contained any.

I would recommend this for new believers because it gives the Word of God in a way that isn’t overwhelming to the reader.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Linda Matchett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twenty-one Days of Grace is a collection of short stories written by well-known and not so well-known authors. At the end of each piece are two to three paragraphs of Life Application on which readers can meditate. The authors’ biographies give information about where readers can learn more about them or find their work. The stories are varied and range from Amish to Historical to Contemporary to Allegory, and all share a central truth from the Bible. A few are told in first person and the rest in third person. The book is a small, colorful, and beautifully packaged hardback, making it a nice gift. I enjoyed each of the stories, although some more than others, and appreciated the insights presented at the end. This is a devotional that can be read numerous times.

I received this book for free from Celebrate Lit Publicity. A positive review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful collection of stories written by a variety of authors that provide lots of insight and inspiration. Some authors I recognized, and some were new-to-me. I suppose I should have read one a day for twenty-one days, but I chose to read through the book all at once. I was blessed. Each story included a life application and a blurb about the author. I think it would make a great gift for you or someone else.

[Sally Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every story was terrific! I gained a number of insights from this book. Heartily recommend it as a devotional book.

[Marguerite Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will definitely buy another one of these devotionals in the series.

[Jeanette Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming, heart-warming collection of short stories with life application for the faith community.

[Bethany Stiles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book with great inspirational stories. Give me Chicken Soup for the Soul Vibes

[Janelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review appears on my blog: https://confessionsofabookwormweb.wor...

I haven't read a lot of devotionals in the past, mainly because I have struggled to find one that I liked. However, I loved 21 Days of Grace! I loved how each day was a short story dealing with the theme of grace and that there was a "Life Application" section at the end of each day that showed more directly what the author intended to convey about grace to the reader. Another aspect that I liked about it is that each day was a story by a different Christian authors, some that I have read before and others that I definitely want to check out some of their other works soon.

There are a few entries that I would like to highlight that were either my favorites or that I didn't really like:

Promptly at Seven by Barbara Curtis:
I loved this story about the waiter and the old couple and his compassion to old couple after he finds out why they haven't been to his restuarant in a while. I am pretty sure I was tearing up at the end because it was so touching!

Rag Doll by Kathy Ide:
This was one of my favorite stories in 21 Days of Grace and I wish it was at least a novella because there is so much more that I want to know about what happens to Megan, both during the story and after it has ended.

The Pain Redemption by Roxanne Anderson:
This entry was the only one I didn't like in the whole devotional, partly because I found it kind of unsettling. I felt like it seemed to leave out the fact that Christ is God and that it stripped Him of some of His attributes and it seemed like He was portrayed as being ignorant. It just didn't sit well with me, but maybe I missed something while reading it.

Despite there being a couple of entries that I didn't like, I did enjoy this devotional and I definitely want to check out the others in this series. I am giving 21 Days of Grace 4/5 Stars because it was a good devotional and its appeal to fiction lovers.

I received a complimentary copy of this devotional from Celebrate Lit and the compiler, Kathy Ide, in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts in this review are my own.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Those questions prompted Kathy Ide and others to put together a fiction-lovers devotional: 21 Days of Grace. Instead of scriptural analysis or sermon dissections, this devotional takes the lessons and wisdom of the Bible and translates them into fictional – yet believable – situations.

Like Jesus’ parables, these stories deal with important life issues in a subtle, unpressured manner. And, as Jesus did, the authors follow up with life applications based on the stories, suggesting how the inherent lessons can be applied to the reader’s daily life.

I’ve never been a big fan of devotionals. I’ve started and stopped several books of devotionals. No matter how badly I want to finish the books, I seem to lose interest and forget about them. Nothing brings me back day after day to keep reading and studying. With 21 Days of Grace, however, I found a devotional I could absorb. Instead of it feeling like a chore, that I needed to read another devotion the next day, I found myself wondering what the next story would be – would I be able to relate? would I recognize the author? how would the next author view and explain grace? For the first time that I can remember, I actually finished reading a devotional.

I very much enjoyed this book. The quick, inspirational stories encouraged me, made me think, and – very important for this connoisseur of fiction – they entertained me. If you’re looking for a new type of devotional – or if you’ve never really enjoyed devotionals but would like to give it one more try – I recommend this book. Four out of five stars.

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions are my own.

[Leslie McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ide’s latest is a compilation of stories written by many of today’s top Christian authors, including DiAnn Mills, Deborah Raney, Tracy Higley, and Cindy Wordsmall. After each story/chapter, a life application section is provided. Also included are appropriate and encouraging Bible verses and a small biography on the individual authors. The application section helps the reader use the story excerpt in their own life. Some of the topics included are feeling like we don’t make a difference, the fact that actions speak louder than words, questioning God in the bad times, and pride/humility.

These stories really make you think, and the design of the book makes it convenient to carry with you anywhere. The stories are concise and easy to fit in on a busy day. Even though this book is designed for 21 days, the reader may find that they want to finish it all in one setting. It is a strong reminder of God’s grace, forgiveness, and most importantly, unconditional love. There is an associated website and Facebook page, too.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Anne Rightler · Rating 4 out of 5]

21 Days of Grace is a collection of inspirational stories compiled by Kathy Ide. For me, there were a number of familiar authors who contributed and several new ones as well. These fictional short stories touch on a number of real-life issues, such as separation from family, sudden death of a loved one, homelessness, foster children, and marital problems, to name a few. Issues that resonate in reader's hearts. Issues that God can work through and in the midst of He bestows grace and brings peace. At the end of each story, the individual author has written a short Life Application, enabling the reader to consider what the story might be saying in a more personal way. The actual book is a small hardback (easy to tuck in a purse for a quick read on the run) with a lacy border on each page and colorful butterflies throughout. It is a lovely book that would make a great gift for yourself or a friend who might just need to see the grace of God in a new and encouraging light.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.

[DJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

21 Days of Grace is a blessing to those who read it!

Kathy Ide has taken twenty-one wonderful stories of grace – and brought them together to inspire and uplift those who read them. I can only imagine how difficult it was for Kathy to choose which stories would be included – and I’m hoping another book will be released sometime in the future.

While it makes a great addition to any personal library, this book can also be used as a devotional, with life applications included with each story. I plan to purchase several copies to give as gifts; the stories would attract believers as well as non-believers, in my opinion, and would be a great witness to all.

The stories are full of goodness, yet can be read in a short amount of time. This would be a great book to begin your day… and since many of the writers are favorites of mine, this is just what I’m planning to do. I can’t think of a better way to start my own day!

This book deserves a solid 5 stars in my opinion… I only wish I could give it a higher rating.

God bless you!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book, tool, and gift for your spiritual life. The fact that the authors within can write a story that puts scripture to work so you can see an example and it not take you all day it fantastic.

Using this as a Christian is a great way to remember a scripture you haven't gone over in a while, or to just show you an example of that scripture coming to life. It is short and to the point so if you are hurrying to and from, as most people do these days, it gives you a chance to take a breather and get re-energized. We all need that support.

This book would make a great gift for the believer and the nonbeliever alike, but don't forget a copy for yourself.

I like this book very much and I am rating this book 5 stars because it does what it says in a way everyone can benefit from it not just a select group.

*I received this ARC for a honest review.*

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a charming little book full of inspiring stories from a variety of authors. Each story is brief and is followed by a short Life Application. I was familiar with several of the authors while others were new to me. Perfect to use as a summer devotional or to tuck in your bag for those times of waiting, 21 Days of Grace will encourage you and remind that God's touches of grace and love appear when we least expect it.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a digital copy of this book free from Kathy Ide for a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Karen Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

NOTE: I received a copy of this arc through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Absolutely wonderful! 21 short fiction stories written by several different authors that are uplifting and spirit filled! All of these stories just make you feel good and make you want to get closer to our Heavenly Father. At the end of each story there is a life application section that introduces a piece of scripture and helps the reader be able to see how the lesson can apply to life.
Each author's writing is fantastic and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains 21 short fiction stories that I used as a devotional. The stories didn't take very much time to read, and the ideas behind them gave me something to think about throughout the day. The life application suggestions at the end of every story were very helpful to me as they brought a depth to the teaching and helped me to see how I could use that lesson in my life.


I absolutely love this original idea, and I hope the authors put their heads together and come out with more books like this!

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply adore this book! It's attractive, well put-together and easy to read. Kathy Ide did an excellent job of compiling works for this volume (and wrote a sweet story, "Rag Doll" as well), including works by authors such as Cindy Woodsmall, Cecil Murphey, Deborah Raney and others. All the authors are top-notch and the stories they composed are endearing and sweet.

This book would make an excellent gift, especially during the holiday season. A definite five stars! I won my copy of this book from the Goodreads.com website and I appreciate the opportunity to read and review it.

[Brent Soderstrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never been a big fan of short stories but these work great for daily devotionals. There are 21 stories by 21 different authors that point out God's grace to us though differing circumstances. The stories will tug at your heart. The Life Application section at the end of each story will give you ideas on how to live out the lesson that comes through each story.

I plan on reading each of the 21 Days books put together in the series.