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A Time of Grace #2
All Our Empty Places
In 1935, when the bank calls in her mortgage, Sarah Picoletti – now a penniless widow – finds herself and her children on the brink of homelessness. Sick at heart, she plans to beg her brother in New Jersey to take her family in.
Then Doctor Samuel Giorgi knocks on her door. Godly and well-off, Sam seems to have put the careless ways of his youth behind him, and he also appears to have one desire: to make Sarah his wife, two decades after he broke their engagement.
However, nothing prepares Sarah for the storm that breaks once she makes her decision. Everywhere she turns, the errors of her former choices confront her, insisting on her inferiority and the irreparable brokenness of her past. Sarah begins to wonder if Christ really can bring true redemption or if He is limited by her frailty.
Meanwhile, her daughter Grace faces new challenges in her own life. When her relationship with Paulie changes unexpectedly, Grace realizes that she must make a decision with the potential to alter both of their futures.
Compassionate and intensely poignant, All Our Empty Places paints the portrait of a mother and daughter with broken pasts, who dare to step into a future overflowing with the grace of the Cross.
(This is Book 2 in the "A Time of Grace" trilogy.)
Then Doctor Samuel Giorgi knocks on her door. Godly and well-off, Sam seems to have put the careless ways of his youth behind him, and he also appears to have one desire: to make Sarah his wife, two decades after he broke their engagement.
However, nothing prepares Sarah for the storm that breaks once she makes her decision. Everywhere she turns, the errors of her former choices confront her, insisting on her inferiority and the irreparable brokenness of her past. Sarah begins to wonder if Christ really can bring true redemption or if He is limited by her frailty.
Meanwhile, her daughter Grace faces new challenges in her own life. When her relationship with Paulie changes unexpectedly, Grace realizes that she must make a decision with the potential to alter both of their futures.
Compassionate and intensely poignant, All Our Empty Places paints the portrait of a mother and daughter with broken pasts, who dare to step into a future overflowing with the grace of the Cross.
(This is Book 2 in the "A Time of Grace" trilogy.)
358 pages, Paperback
First published September 29, 2015
About the author
Alicia G. Ruggieri
12 books125 followersAlicia G. Ruggieri grew up breathing in the salty air of coastal New England. She now writes grace-filled, Christ-centered fiction from her home in Wisconsin, where she lives with her husband and sweet second-hand mutt. She loves old graveyards, dusty libraries, and excellent cannolis ~ not necessarily in that order.
To learn more about Alicia’s books and to connect with her, visit: www.aliciagruggieri.com and www.facebook/AliciaGRuggieri.
To learn more about Alicia’s books and to connect with her, visit: www.aliciagruggieri.com and www.facebook/AliciaGRuggieri.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 28, 2019
Age Appropriate For: 15 and up for mild marital themes, mild romance, and talk of drunkenness and other sins
Best for Ages: 15 and up
Okay, I’m ashamed to admit that it took me a while to read this book because I thought the end of the last book might end up being a quick and easy solution to the major problems with the Picoletti family. I was wrong. Once again, Ruggieri has written a story that reflects real-life struggles, hurts, and joys. Ultimately, this is a story about how God can fill and redeem the empty places in each of our lives.
All the characters have struggles they are facing. Nothing is easy or simple for them. Financial strain hits the Picoletti family hard. While a way out is provided, it comes with its own challenges. As in life, there is nothing that suddenly makes our like happily-ever-after. Yet Ruggieri shows that there is hope in Christ.
Ruggieri’s characters are vivid and all of them are complex, like in real life. You feel as if you have met real people who have their own motivations, pasts, and challenges. Yet, the thing that remains the same in all Ruggieri’s books is the amazing way all of it is brought to the foot of the cross.
As I don’t want to give anything about this story away, I’ll leave it at that.
This book is powerful. I highly recommend it to those who like life-like characters, faith-building stories, and solid historical fiction.
Best for Ages: 15 and up
Okay, I’m ashamed to admit that it took me a while to read this book because I thought the end of the last book might end up being a quick and easy solution to the major problems with the Picoletti family. I was wrong. Once again, Ruggieri has written a story that reflects real-life struggles, hurts, and joys. Ultimately, this is a story about how God can fill and redeem the empty places in each of our lives.
All the characters have struggles they are facing. Nothing is easy or simple for them. Financial strain hits the Picoletti family hard. While a way out is provided, it comes with its own challenges. As in life, there is nothing that suddenly makes our like happily-ever-after. Yet Ruggieri shows that there is hope in Christ.
Ruggieri’s characters are vivid and all of them are complex, like in real life. You feel as if you have met real people who have their own motivations, pasts, and challenges. Yet, the thing that remains the same in all Ruggieri’s books is the amazing way all of it is brought to the foot of the cross.
As I don’t want to give anything about this story away, I’ll leave it at that.
This book is powerful. I highly recommend it to those who like life-like characters, faith-building stories, and solid historical fiction.
September 21, 2015
Oh my, what a terrifically splendid book this is! I truly loved it. It was beautiful, and heart-rending. In a good way, mind you. :)
I just loved it. I loved the characters – being reunited with them after finishing “The Fragrance of Geraniums” was absolutely delightful. Alicia Ruggieri writes in such a realistic way that you can’t help but think of the characters as real people. They have real beauty and real struggles. They are, in full, delightful. When beginning “All Our Empty Places”, I was of course, overjoyed, but also curious to see how I’d like it since it focused more on Sarah, the mother. As a young adult, I relate best with Grace, but I couldn’t have been any more thrilled with watching Sarah’s journey than I was while reading this book! What I loved was how it was a struggle – it was gritty. Sarah didn’t experience a ‘everything is all better now that I know Christ’ transformation – it was so much more than that. Of course her life WAS better having Christ as her Savior, but there are still bumps along the road. We are all so broken. And I LOVE the verse used in the end: “And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
The overall theme of this book – that God is our sufficiency – was astounding and deeply touching. Just the morning that I finished reading “All Our Empty Places”, I read the verse that says we are complete in Christ – I thought it resounded beautifully with this book. By ourselves, we are nothing but shattered pieces. But with Christ, we are beautiful pieces of art – even in our brokenness. He takes our brokenness and makes us beautiful. <3
And don’t even get me started on Grace and Paulie!!! Book Three cannot come soon enough for me. :) Watching their relationship shift and grow was spectacular, and the result in the end…I won’t give anything away, but let me tell you it was…wow! So God-filled. He is our focus. It gave me shivers. And tears. There were plenty of real tears while reading this lovely book. :)
I don’t have any complaints for this book…there were some rather frustrating parts (haha!) but they added the depth and circumstances that was necessary, same with some tense scenes. And as a whole, the book was all the better for each instance.
The two books in this lovely series (as well as Alicia’s “House of Mercy”) sit in my heart so dearly. They always minister to me, and bless me especially in the way that they are all for God’s glory. I encourage everyone to check out her books – you won’t be left feeling empty! :)
*I received a complimentary ecopy of this book in exchange for my honest review which I have given.
I just loved it. I loved the characters – being reunited with them after finishing “The Fragrance of Geraniums” was absolutely delightful. Alicia Ruggieri writes in such a realistic way that you can’t help but think of the characters as real people. They have real beauty and real struggles. They are, in full, delightful. When beginning “All Our Empty Places”, I was of course, overjoyed, but also curious to see how I’d like it since it focused more on Sarah, the mother. As a young adult, I relate best with Grace, but I couldn’t have been any more thrilled with watching Sarah’s journey than I was while reading this book! What I loved was how it was a struggle – it was gritty. Sarah didn’t experience a ‘everything is all better now that I know Christ’ transformation – it was so much more than that. Of course her life WAS better having Christ as her Savior, but there are still bumps along the road. We are all so broken. And I LOVE the verse used in the end: “And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
The overall theme of this book – that God is our sufficiency – was astounding and deeply touching. Just the morning that I finished reading “All Our Empty Places”, I read the verse that says we are complete in Christ – I thought it resounded beautifully with this book. By ourselves, we are nothing but shattered pieces. But with Christ, we are beautiful pieces of art – even in our brokenness. He takes our brokenness and makes us beautiful. <3
And don’t even get me started on Grace and Paulie!!! Book Three cannot come soon enough for me. :) Watching their relationship shift and grow was spectacular, and the result in the end…I won’t give anything away, but let me tell you it was…wow! So God-filled. He is our focus. It gave me shivers. And tears. There were plenty of real tears while reading this lovely book. :)
I don’t have any complaints for this book…there were some rather frustrating parts (haha!) but they added the depth and circumstances that was necessary, same with some tense scenes. And as a whole, the book was all the better for each instance.
The two books in this lovely series (as well as Alicia’s “House of Mercy”) sit in my heart so dearly. They always minister to me, and bless me especially in the way that they are all for God’s glory. I encourage everyone to check out her books – you won’t be left feeling empty! :)
*I received a complimentary ecopy of this book in exchange for my honest review which I have given.
September 28, 2015
"All Our Empty Places" had the recipe for a fairy tale story. Instead, very real life struggles occurred though a "dream come true" was realized. Sarah's struggle to accept Christ's sufficiency for her was threaded through the book, a vital message for women of any age. Paulie's surrender to obey his dad was beautiful! Grace's lesson to keep Christ in the midst of her heart...oh a good lesson for girls!
Though the story was gripping, Alicia did not back down in packing a powerful message through the pages of the book. I highly recommend it to women!
There were so many quotes that caught my eye, but I'll just share my top favorites:
"God knows how many mistakes I made with Paulie –and in my marriage to Julia, too. So give it to God –all the bad, all the terrible things –and take His forgiveness. And start anew, in His power. Move forward."
"Our God isn’t stingy with His grace, like we are sometimes."
"I think that, maybe, I was empty enough at last for God to get elbow room to work."
Though the story was gripping, Alicia did not back down in packing a powerful message through the pages of the book. I highly recommend it to women!
There were so many quotes that caught my eye, but I'll just share my top favorites:
"God knows how many mistakes I made with Paulie –and in my marriage to Julia, too. So give it to God –all the bad, all the terrible things –and take His forgiveness. And start anew, in His power. Move forward."
"Our God isn’t stingy with His grace, like we are sometimes."
"I think that, maybe, I was empty enough at last for God to get elbow room to work."
February 2, 2017
I was excited to return to the characters from The Fragrance of Geraniums, especially when I knew that the characters stories could extend much further.
I read this book in two days, the style of writing pulling me in on every page. So my lower rating is because I felt like there were a lot of repetitive scenes, especially with Sarah. I understand as humans we just don't get reality sometimes. I also realize that Sarah's past really weighed her down. But I just found myself getting annoyed with her rather than sympathizing. I will say though that I did like her more by the ¾ mark.
This book really is worth five stars. I was just so pleased with how much I agreed with the spiritual message, even down to Paulie and Grace's relationship. They are my favorite characters and really their story kept the story going for me. I liked how the author presented romance and feelings...it's normal, not strange, but it does take discipline! Paulie's attitude toward the end was so amazing and I loved the message of letting God have first place in our hearts, not a boyfriend or husband. Because without God as a priority we can't love in a full way.
And then Sam. He's about the best fictional husband I've read about, even down to his attitude with Ben. Sam isn't perfect, as I thought at first, but he's honest which is the second best thing to perfect ;)
Romance was good, although there are sexual insinuations with a married couple that might make young to mid teens uncomfortable.
So yes, I really want to read the final book in this series. I'm excited to see where the author takes the story with Ben.
I read this book in two days, the style of writing pulling me in on every page. So my lower rating is because I felt like there were a lot of repetitive scenes, especially with Sarah. I understand as humans we just don't get reality sometimes. I also realize that Sarah's past really weighed her down. But I just found myself getting annoyed with her rather than sympathizing. I will say though that I did like her more by the ¾ mark.
This book really is worth five stars. I was just so pleased with how much I agreed with the spiritual message, even down to Paulie and Grace's relationship. They are my favorite characters and really their story kept the story going for me. I liked how the author presented romance and feelings...it's normal, not strange, but it does take discipline! Paulie's attitude toward the end was so amazing and I loved the message of letting God have first place in our hearts, not a boyfriend or husband. Because without God as a priority we can't love in a full way.
And then Sam. He's about the best fictional husband I've read about, even down to his attitude with Ben. Sam isn't perfect, as I thought at first, but he's honest which is the second best thing to perfect ;)
Romance was good, although there are sexual insinuations with a married couple that might make young to mid teens uncomfortable.
So yes, I really want to read the final book in this series. I'm excited to see where the author takes the story with Ben.
July 23, 2018
Originally posted on Reveries Reviews.
4.5/5
Second book just as powerful – though Sarah’s a bit annoying!
In this book, Sarah drove me wild. I understand that humans take time to adjust and learn things and stop being so dumb and stubborn, but it was just hard to take in a fictional book and soon grew repetitive. Other than that, it was pretty enjoyable, and the message was great. Only other problem was that Grace and Paulie needed to stop messing around and commit! I’m sorry, but I think they were wrong to avoid each other like that. *shrugs* They just made a mess of things!
Content: Sarah is fixated on her past, so of course that comes up a couple times.
4.5/5
Second book just as powerful – though Sarah’s a bit annoying!
In this book, Sarah drove me wild. I understand that humans take time to adjust and learn things and stop being so dumb and stubborn, but it was just hard to take in a fictional book and soon grew repetitive. Other than that, it was pretty enjoyable, and the message was great. Only other problem was that Grace and Paulie needed to stop messing around and commit! I’m sorry, but I think they were wrong to avoid each other like that. *shrugs* They just made a mess of things!
Content: Sarah is fixated on her past, so of course that comes up a couple times.
September 27, 2015
All Our Empty Places is the powerful, grace-saturated, gritty sequel to Alicia Ruggieri’s first novel in her A Time of Grace Trilogy, The Fragrance of Geraniums.
I remember reading The Fragrance of Geraniums, finishing it, and feeling so deeply and profoundly shaken and yet satisfied at the conclusion. I wondered what would become of Sarah, Grace’s mother, as well as Grace and Paulie.
Ruggieri’s second book, All Our Empty Places picks up the story where it left off in her first book. It is not a “happy ending” romance, and yet, the ending is truly one of great joy. It is a deep, poignant, look in to the heart and life of Sarah Picoletti, a woman who has been through the mill and back again, a woman who has put her faith in Christ but still holds onto “hang-ups” from her past, attitudes and memories that haunt her and seek to poison her future with their seeming power over her.
All through the book, the reader wonders, Will she be able to break free? Will the grace of Christ triumph? Ruggieri paints a beautiful picture of a broken woman—a picture which reaches out and speaks to the broken places in all of us, the places that we long and yearn for the love and grace of Christ to fill. Every woman who has experienced trials and difficulties can relate to Sarah’s struggle. Sarah’s husband, Sam Giorgi is a real-life representation of Christ. Their romance and the strains that Sarah goes through in learning to trust in the love of her husband serves as a glorious allegory to the relationship between Christ and His church.
Meanwhile, the delightful friendship/romance between Sarah’s daughter, Grace, and Paulie continues to play out. I loved the strength of character that Grace exhibits as well as her reliance and submission to her Heavenly Father throughout the book. It is a wonderful example for young women who are seeking to honor the Lord in their romantic relationships and to place Him first in their lives. Where Sarah learns to hold on, Grace learns to let go. The twist at the end of the story involving Grace and Paulie was wholly unexpected , yet so, so intensely satisfying to the reader. And the result left me yearning to read the third book in order to find out what will happen.
I loved this book on so many different levels—the development of the characters, the unexpected and unpredictable plot twist and turns, the God-saturated and focused story-line that isn’t “preachy” but deeply ”real,” the beautiful, strong writing style that always draws me into Ruggieri’s books, and the lesson learned at the end of the novel—that His grace is sufficient in and through our weakness—and that when we are willing to let something go, that is when we truly possess it. Well-done, and I highly recommend this book for anyone who is seeking a deeper walk with Christ and a powerful, grace-filled romance.
I remember reading The Fragrance of Geraniums, finishing it, and feeling so deeply and profoundly shaken and yet satisfied at the conclusion. I wondered what would become of Sarah, Grace’s mother, as well as Grace and Paulie.
Ruggieri’s second book, All Our Empty Places picks up the story where it left off in her first book. It is not a “happy ending” romance, and yet, the ending is truly one of great joy. It is a deep, poignant, look in to the heart and life of Sarah Picoletti, a woman who has been through the mill and back again, a woman who has put her faith in Christ but still holds onto “hang-ups” from her past, attitudes and memories that haunt her and seek to poison her future with their seeming power over her.
All through the book, the reader wonders, Will she be able to break free? Will the grace of Christ triumph? Ruggieri paints a beautiful picture of a broken woman—a picture which reaches out and speaks to the broken places in all of us, the places that we long and yearn for the love and grace of Christ to fill. Every woman who has experienced trials and difficulties can relate to Sarah’s struggle. Sarah’s husband, Sam Giorgi is a real-life representation of Christ. Their romance and the strains that Sarah goes through in learning to trust in the love of her husband serves as a glorious allegory to the relationship between Christ and His church.
Meanwhile, the delightful friendship/romance between Sarah’s daughter, Grace, and Paulie continues to play out. I loved the strength of character that Grace exhibits as well as her reliance and submission to her Heavenly Father throughout the book. It is a wonderful example for young women who are seeking to honor the Lord in their romantic relationships and to place Him first in their lives. Where Sarah learns to hold on, Grace learns to let go. The twist at the end of the story involving Grace and Paulie was wholly unexpected , yet so, so intensely satisfying to the reader. And the result left me yearning to read the third book in order to find out what will happen.
I loved this book on so many different levels—the development of the characters, the unexpected and unpredictable plot twist and turns, the God-saturated and focused story-line that isn’t “preachy” but deeply ”real,” the beautiful, strong writing style that always draws me into Ruggieri’s books, and the lesson learned at the end of the novel—that His grace is sufficient in and through our weakness—and that when we are willing to let something go, that is when we truly possess it. Well-done, and I highly recommend this book for anyone who is seeking a deeper walk with Christ and a powerful, grace-filled romance.
August 14, 2016
Sarah's new life - rags to riches - did not come easily. Consequences follow us wherever we go. The shame of those rash decisions will haunt us inwardly. I know... I also married a widower with children & I had a child. The pedestal that the former wife/husband stands on is too high to attempt to reach. Many times, the differences in discipline & standards can be overwhelming... especially when dealing with teens.
Sarah wanted to appear as if in control of her emotions but knew that she would never measure up to what society expected. It's always a struggle to choose to be honest instead of hiding what you're ashamed of under a facade. She always felt unworthy... too unworthy to experience happiness... empty. I wanted someone (not Sarah, of course, uugh!) to tell Sam what the housekeeper said & how she treated her when nobody was around. The other difficult situations with Cliff, & then Ben (heartwrenching), Paulie (great name for a bird but kind of silly name for a man) & Grace were somewhat mushy but real... perhaps too real.
Most read books/watch movies to escape from too much reality b/c it's emotional draining. My choices for books & movies vary but the overall feeling needs to be feel-good-drama/comedy-with a little romance. This book had a lot of drama & a little bit more romance than the first, but it was very well done (& kept me reading too late the couple of last nights). I would definitely recommend for mature readers 24+ but I guess it all depends. Paulie's struggles were very real & I like how he handled Grace after realizing that he stepped back too far. Very sweet & selfless.
"Because even the joy of a fresh beginning – of a beautiful present bursting with potential – could not erase the devastation that the past had brought. And so they wept together."
"I know that much of your feeling inadequate has come from my own inattention, Sarah. When we married, I assumed that everything would just fall into place. I didn’t think much about what you would feel like in a very different world than the one to which you’re accustomed. I foolishly assumed that all the pain of the years would fade away.”
Sarah wanted to appear as if in control of her emotions but knew that she would never measure up to what society expected. It's always a struggle to choose to be honest instead of hiding what you're ashamed of under a facade. She always felt unworthy... too unworthy to experience happiness... empty. I wanted someone (not Sarah, of course, uugh!) to tell Sam what the housekeeper said & how she treated her when nobody was around. The other difficult situations with Cliff, & then Ben (heartwrenching), Paulie (great name for a bird but kind of silly name for a man) & Grace were somewhat mushy but real... perhaps too real.
Most read books/watch movies to escape from too much reality b/c it's emotional draining. My choices for books & movies vary but the overall feeling needs to be feel-good-drama/comedy-with a little romance. This book had a lot of drama & a little bit more romance than the first, but it was very well done (& kept me reading too late the couple of last nights). I would definitely recommend for mature readers 24+ but I guess it all depends. Paulie's struggles were very real & I like how he handled Grace after realizing that he stepped back too far. Very sweet & selfless.
"Because even the joy of a fresh beginning – of a beautiful present bursting with potential – could not erase the devastation that the past had brought. And so they wept together."
"I know that much of your feeling inadequate has come from my own inattention, Sarah. When we married, I assumed that everything would just fall into place. I didn’t think much about what you would feel like in a very different world than the one to which you’re accustomed. I foolishly assumed that all the pain of the years would fade away.”
October 2, 2015
Excellent book! I love that it picked up where Book #1 (Fragrance of Geraniums) left off. It was great to hear the next part of their lives. It is a sad book but not without hope. I was concerned for Sarah and her relationship with Christ. Each day the Lord spoke to her and gave her scripture. She was definitely put down by others on a daily basis. That really spoke to me and to watch my speech as to not offend or hurt others. But she was able to lean on Christ when she didn't have anyone else. Until she was finally able to open up to those around her without fear.
I didn't care for the housekeeper personally and she greatly needed some discipline. My favorite line is when she asks Sam if she thinks Mrs. Giorgi has taken any valuables and he says "She's my wife!" In other words - she is the valuable! Love it!
I hear rumors of a 3rd book and definitely will keep an eye out for it. Alicia Ruggieri has a talent of writing that God has given her. She takes words and allows them to draw you into a family that you can see and relate to like no other. Good job and Congrats on a job well done.
I would recommend this book to anyone who would want to read a book outside of the norm and that would strengthen your walk with Christ.
I didn't care for the housekeeper personally and she greatly needed some discipline. My favorite line is when she asks Sam if she thinks Mrs. Giorgi has taken any valuables and he says "She's my wife!" In other words - she is the valuable! Love it!
I hear rumors of a 3rd book and definitely will keep an eye out for it. Alicia Ruggieri has a talent of writing that God has given her. She takes words and allows them to draw you into a family that you can see and relate to like no other. Good job and Congrats on a job well done.
I would recommend this book to anyone who would want to read a book outside of the norm and that would strengthen your walk with Christ.
September 28, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed The Fragrance of Geraniums, the first book in the series, and the author has out done herself with this book if that is possible. This one can be read as a standalone, but I strongly recommend reading the first book also because it gives the background to the characters in this book. The author has a wonderful gift of writing the story in such away that I felt every emotion that the characters were experiencing. This is a beautiful and compelling story showing how God's love and mercy can put broken lives back together and fill all the empty places in the lives of those that are willing to trust in Him. I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review. I would definitely give this one more than five stars if I could. I will be look forward to the next book in the series. It was a blessing for me to be able to read and review this one for the author.
September 26, 2015
Overwhelmed, this story was amazing. I loved how the author painted the personality of each character, because it allowed me to understand and feel what they were going through. But the greater story was the healing, forgiveness and love that Christ offers us.
The way the characters would pray or the scriptures that woven through out the story cause me at times to examine my relationship with Christ. All Our Empty Places speaks to our hearts telling us to trust Christ to fix our brokenness. Trust Him with every area of our lives, because He truly cares for us.
I received a complementary copy of this book for my honest review.
The way the characters would pray or the scriptures that woven through out the story cause me at times to examine my relationship with Christ. All Our Empty Places speaks to our hearts telling us to trust Christ to fix our brokenness. Trust Him with every area of our lives, because He truly cares for us.
I received a complementary copy of this book for my honest review.
July 21, 2016
Another good book
This is a really good book, but so very heartbreaking at times. Beautiful and very well written. Ready for the third book.
This is a really good book, but so very heartbreaking at times. Beautiful and very well written. Ready for the third book.
April 15, 2020
Love this trilogy!
I am finding so many new author's during this quarantine and Alicia G. Rugged Is quickly becoming a favorite! I love book 1 of this, and love book too. Grace and Sarah are very real characters and I love the way that the author shows their feelings. Great story too, not the typical rags to riches.
I am finding so many new author's during this quarantine and Alicia G. Rugged Is quickly becoming a favorite! I love book 1 of this, and love book too. Grace and Sarah are very real characters and I love the way that the author shows their feelings. Great story too, not the typical rags to riches.
September 17, 2020
4.5 stars
I enjoyed Book 1 but Book 2 was far better. Some of the minor writing issues were resolved. This is a complex multi-layered with a very special male lead character.
Sarah's story was hard to read (it reminded me of Hosea's wife, Gomer). Her own pain and past blinded her and prevented her interpreting grace and love and mercy. So, so common.
This story will long live with me.
I enjoyed Book 1 but Book 2 was far better. Some of the minor writing issues were resolved. This is a complex multi-layered with a very special male lead character.
Sarah's story was hard to read (it reminded me of Hosea's wife, Gomer). Her own pain and past blinded her and prevented her interpreting grace and love and mercy. So, so common.
This story will long live with me.
January 14, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. The first book in the series would not have been complete without this one. The lesson Sarah learned is a very important one, one that we all need to learn. I appreciated the way the author wove spiritual lessons in to the story so naturally. I highly recommend this book!
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March 25, 2022All sour Empty Places
Wow, what a treat this author is, she wrote this story featuring a broken lady that finally allowed the Saviour to fill her empty places. So realistic and inspiring and true. I love how this story tells of all the empty places that we and others focus on. We see darkness when our hope is in the light.
Wow, what a treat this author is, she wrote this story featuring a broken lady that finally allowed the Saviour to fill her empty places. So realistic and inspiring and true. I love how this story tells of all the empty places that we and others focus on. We see darkness when our hope is in the light.
August 17, 2017
Absolutely wonderful
I enjoyed the raw moments of prayer and openness before the Lord and being able to identify with His love, healing and restoration. I look forward to her next books.
I enjoyed the raw moments of prayer and openness before the Lord and being able to identify with His love, healing and restoration. I look forward to her next books.
Want to Read
July 9, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/9/2020)! 🎁
March 29, 2017
Some books are worth all five stars and then some, and this is one of those books.
What I Liked: I really enjoyed The Fragrance of Geraniums, and was greatly looking forward to sitting down with this lovable family again. What I was most impressed with in both books of this series was how Christ focused the stories are. I didn’t find the message to be heavy, but rather thorough. Particularly in All Our Empty Places, the image of God’s mercy and grace was clearly seen throughout the story. I won’t lie to you, this isn’t an “it’s all coming up roses” type of story. Mrs. Ruggieri put her characters through the wringer, but they came out the other side stronger. Even when my heart ached alongside these characters, I KNEW there was hope. I knew that joy would come in the morning for these characters if I could only persevere with them until they reached the end. I was greatly blessed and I know you will be too. This story of grace was beautifully done and I anticipate the next and final book in the series!
Who I’d Recommend it to: All Our Empty Places is perfect for those who enjoy getting a solid message along with an entertaining story or for those that enjoy a story that isn’t cookie cutter and mass produced.
What I Liked: I really enjoyed The Fragrance of Geraniums, and was greatly looking forward to sitting down with this lovable family again. What I was most impressed with in both books of this series was how Christ focused the stories are. I didn’t find the message to be heavy, but rather thorough. Particularly in All Our Empty Places, the image of God’s mercy and grace was clearly seen throughout the story. I won’t lie to you, this isn’t an “it’s all coming up roses” type of story. Mrs. Ruggieri put her characters through the wringer, but they came out the other side stronger. Even when my heart ached alongside these characters, I KNEW there was hope. I knew that joy would come in the morning for these characters if I could only persevere with them until they reached the end. I was greatly blessed and I know you will be too. This story of grace was beautifully done and I anticipate the next and final book in the series!
Who I’d Recommend it to: All Our Empty Places is perfect for those who enjoy getting a solid message along with an entertaining story or for those that enjoy a story that isn’t cookie cutter and mass produced.
August 10, 2016
Next assignment, look for the third book.
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