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Grace
Updated and Renamed now as If Only
A heartwarming and inspirational Christmas novel in the tradition of The Christmas Box, The Gift, and The Christmas List. The New York Times bestselling author of The Christmas Box and The Walk series returns with a holiday novel of hope, love, and redemption.
She was my first kiss. My first love. She was a little match girl who could see the future in the flame of a candle. She was a runaway who taught me more about life than anyone has before or since. And when she was gone my innocence left with her.
As I begin to write, a part of me feels as if I am awakening something best left dead and buried, or at least buried. We can bury the past, but it never really dies. The experience of that winter has grown on my soul like ivy climbing the outside of a home, growing until it begins to tear and tug at the brick and mortar.
I pray I can still get the story right. My memory, like my eyesight, has waned with age. Still, there are things that become clearer to me as I grow older. This much I know: too many things were kept secret in those days. Things that never should have been hidden. And things that should have.
A heartwarming and inspirational Christmas novel in the tradition of The Christmas Box, The Gift, and The Christmas List. The New York Times bestselling author of The Christmas Box and The Walk series returns with a holiday novel of hope, love, and redemption.
She was my first kiss. My first love. She was a little match girl who could see the future in the flame of a candle. She was a runaway who taught me more about life than anyone has before or since. And when she was gone my innocence left with her.
As I begin to write, a part of me feels as if I am awakening something best left dead and buried, or at least buried. We can bury the past, but it never really dies. The experience of that winter has grown on my soul like ivy climbing the outside of a home, growing until it begins to tear and tug at the brick and mortar.
I pray I can still get the story right. My memory, like my eyesight, has waned with age. Still, there are things that become clearer to me as I grow older. This much I know: too many things were kept secret in those days. Things that never should have been hidden. And things that should have.
316 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
139 people are currently reading
4499 people want to read
About the author
Richard Paul Evans
230 books6,540 followersWhen Richard Paul Evans wrote the #1 best-seller, The Christmas Box, he never intended on becoming an internationally known author. His quiet story of parental love and the true meaning of Christmas made history when it became simultaneously the #1 hardcover and paperback book in the nation. Since then, more than eight million copies of The Christmas Box have been printed. He has since written eleven consecutive New York Times bestsellers. He is one the few authors in history to have hit both the fiction and non-fiction bestseller lists. He has won several awards for his books including the 1998 American Mothers Book Award, two first place Storytelling World Awards, and the 2005 Romantic Times Best Women Novel of the Year Award. His books have been translated into more than 22 languages and several have been international best sellers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,394 reviews
November 13, 2008
Not a feel good Christmas tale AT ALL. It is actually one of the more depressing books I've read this year. Usually by the end of Richard Paul Evans' books, I feel a peace wash over me, I felt very sad after reading this. With that said, it is very good, well written and engaging, like the rest of his books.
December 15, 2008
Grace is an amazing inspirational story about 16 year old Madeline "Grace" Webb, a runaway with big problems and her relationship with 14 year old Eric.
In 1962, people minded their own business. What happened behind closed doors was considered priveledged. Children were their parent's possessions and no one could say anything about the treatment of those children. For Grace, life was more complicated than most 16 year old girls have to deal with. Eric finds her digging in a dumpster behind his workplace, and takes her home with him.
Eric and Grace bond in a world too big for their years, and this touching story reflects how one girl and her story could change lives forever.
I can't tell you how much this book moved me, inspired me, angered me, and enlightened me. When a book can cause you to feel those emotions, it's truly worth reading. Mr. Evans is eloquent, and even though this is a fairly fast read, it's emotional, and touches you. I found myself crying and feeling real pain reading this story. I believe that Mr. Evans is a child advocate, someone who spreads the word of God, allowing people to believe in faith, hope, and love.
In 1962, people minded their own business. What happened behind closed doors was considered priveledged. Children were their parent's possessions and no one could say anything about the treatment of those children. For Grace, life was more complicated than most 16 year old girls have to deal with. Eric finds her digging in a dumpster behind his workplace, and takes her home with him.
Eric and Grace bond in a world too big for their years, and this touching story reflects how one girl and her story could change lives forever.
I can't tell you how much this book moved me, inspired me, angered me, and enlightened me. When a book can cause you to feel those emotions, it's truly worth reading. Mr. Evans is eloquent, and even though this is a fairly fast read, it's emotional, and touches you. I found myself crying and feeling real pain reading this story. I believe that Mr. Evans is a child advocate, someone who spreads the word of God, allowing people to believe in faith, hope, and love.
November 13, 2008
This is one of those books that just pains you to have to put it down. It was a very emotional, intense and sad tale. The characters are charming. Important issues are addressed in a delicate manner. I felt the ending was a bit rushed but it definitely pulled at the heartstrings - of course, making me shed a tear or two. This is my first Richard Paul Evans book, but now I am intrigued by his much talked about The Christmas Box.
I was happy to hear how RPE is using his income to help out abused children through various charities. You can sign up for his mailing list at RichardPaulEvans.com before December 31,2009 and $1 is donated by Operation Kids to The Christmas Box International to help abused and neglected children.
Grace is a must read. Have your tissues ready!
I was happy to hear how RPE is using his income to help out abused children through various charities. You can sign up for his mailing list at RichardPaulEvans.com before December 31,2009 and $1 is donated by Operation Kids to The Christmas Box International to help abused and neglected children.
Grace is a must read. Have your tissues ready!
January 18, 2018
Aufmerksam geworden bin ich auf das Buch durch Tanja auf ihrem Blog "Der Duft von Büchern und Kaffee". Weder das Cover noch der Klappentext hätten mich angesprochen, aber ich probiere immer gerne auch mal etwas anderes aus. Nach dem kurzen Vorwort war ich allerdings fast schon am überlegen, ob ich es wirklich lesen möchte. Das Thema ist hier Kindesmissbrauch - und obwohl ich nicht dafür bin, davor die Augen zu verschließen, gehe ich diesen Themen in Büchern aus dem Weg, da sie mir einfach zu nahe gehen.
Trotzdem wollte ich der Geschichte eine Chance geben und der Autor hat es tatsächlich geschafft, eine Atmosphäre zu schaffen, die eine gewisse Art von Leichtigkeit und Unschuld behält und trotzdem berührende Momente zu schaffen, die sehr tief gehen; eine schwierige Gratwanderung, die gerade gegen Ende des Buches immer dramatischere Züge annimmt.
Es beginnt mit einem Märchen, einem, wie ich finde, zutiefst traurigen Märchen über das Mädchen mit den Schwefelhölzern, das der Großvater Eric seinen Enkeln zu Weihnachten vorliest.
Dabei erinnert er sich an einen Winter im Jahr 1962, als er selbst gerade 14 Jahre alt war und mit seinen Eltern und seinem jüngeren Bruder nach Salt Lake City umgezogen ist. Sein Vater war zu dieser Zeit sehr krank und das Geld knapp - es war nicht einfach für ihn, aber er hat versucht, das beste draus zu machen.
Wie Eric auf Grace trifft und wie die beiden füreinander da sind wird kurzweilig aber sehr einfühlsam beschrieben. Eric hat lange keine Ahnung, warum Grace von zu Hause ausgerissen ist - er ist ein guter Junge, naiv und zum ersten Mal verliebt. Er tut alles für sie, auch wenn er mit der Situation total überfordert ist und sich zu Entscheidungen hinreißen lässt, vor denen er eigentlich Angst hat.
Die Beschreibung der damaligen Zeit ist dem Autor gut gelungen, ich konnte mich in die Situation der beiden sehr gut hineinversetzen, auch wenn alles aus Erics Perspektive erzählt wurde. Anfangs liest es sich noch "einfach", aber man erkennt recht schnell, welches Leid hinter all dem steckt und weiß trotz der fiktiven Idee, dass es vielen anderen Kindern und Jugendlichen gerade in diesem Moment genauso ergeht. Kleine Anspielungen und vor allem die kurzen Auszüge aus Grace´s Tagebuch, die an den Kapitelanfängen stehen, berühren sehr und zeigen wie hilflos und verzweifelt sie tatsächlich ist.
Es gab ein, zwei Ereignisse, die der Autor angeschnitten hat, die ich etwas unpassend fand, wo es um Krieg und Atombomben geht, warum er die Handlung gerade in der Zeit der Kuba Krise gelegt hat konnte ich nicht so recht nachvollziehen und hat mich etwas irritiert. Aber das war nur ein kurzer Moment, dem ich nicht wirklich Beachtung geschenkt habe. Auf was er genau damit anspielen wollte hab ich vielleicht auch einfach nicht verstanden.
Verstanden hab ich aber sehr deutlich, wie sehr ihm am Herzen liegt, dass diese Probleme und das Leid dieser Kinder gesehen und verstanden wird und wie wichtig es sein kann, dass jemand, auch ein einzelner Mensch, so viel gutes tun und helfen kann.
Eine tiefgehende und ergreifende Geschichte, die mir sehr zu Herzen gegangen ist.
© Aleshanee
Weltenwanderer
Trotzdem wollte ich der Geschichte eine Chance geben und der Autor hat es tatsächlich geschafft, eine Atmosphäre zu schaffen, die eine gewisse Art von Leichtigkeit und Unschuld behält und trotzdem berührende Momente zu schaffen, die sehr tief gehen; eine schwierige Gratwanderung, die gerade gegen Ende des Buches immer dramatischere Züge annimmt.
Es beginnt mit einem Märchen, einem, wie ich finde, zutiefst traurigen Märchen über das Mädchen mit den Schwefelhölzern, das der Großvater Eric seinen Enkeln zu Weihnachten vorliest.
Dabei erinnert er sich an einen Winter im Jahr 1962, als er selbst gerade 14 Jahre alt war und mit seinen Eltern und seinem jüngeren Bruder nach Salt Lake City umgezogen ist. Sein Vater war zu dieser Zeit sehr krank und das Geld knapp - es war nicht einfach für ihn, aber er hat versucht, das beste draus zu machen.
Wie Eric auf Grace trifft und wie die beiden füreinander da sind wird kurzweilig aber sehr einfühlsam beschrieben. Eric hat lange keine Ahnung, warum Grace von zu Hause ausgerissen ist - er ist ein guter Junge, naiv und zum ersten Mal verliebt. Er tut alles für sie, auch wenn er mit der Situation total überfordert ist und sich zu Entscheidungen hinreißen lässt, vor denen er eigentlich Angst hat.
Die Beschreibung der damaligen Zeit ist dem Autor gut gelungen, ich konnte mich in die Situation der beiden sehr gut hineinversetzen, auch wenn alles aus Erics Perspektive erzählt wurde. Anfangs liest es sich noch "einfach", aber man erkennt recht schnell, welches Leid hinter all dem steckt und weiß trotz der fiktiven Idee, dass es vielen anderen Kindern und Jugendlichen gerade in diesem Moment genauso ergeht. Kleine Anspielungen und vor allem die kurzen Auszüge aus Grace´s Tagebuch, die an den Kapitelanfängen stehen, berühren sehr und zeigen wie hilflos und verzweifelt sie tatsächlich ist.
Es gab ein, zwei Ereignisse, die der Autor angeschnitten hat, die ich etwas unpassend fand, wo es um Krieg und Atombomben geht, warum er die Handlung gerade in der Zeit der Kuba Krise gelegt hat konnte ich nicht so recht nachvollziehen und hat mich etwas irritiert. Aber das war nur ein kurzer Moment, dem ich nicht wirklich Beachtung geschenkt habe. Auf was er genau damit anspielen wollte hab ich vielleicht auch einfach nicht verstanden.
Verstanden hab ich aber sehr deutlich, wie sehr ihm am Herzen liegt, dass diese Probleme und das Leid dieser Kinder gesehen und verstanden wird und wie wichtig es sein kann, dass jemand, auch ein einzelner Mensch, so viel gutes tun und helfen kann.
Eine tiefgehende und ergreifende Geschichte, die mir sehr zu Herzen gegangen ist.
© Aleshanee
Weltenwanderer
November 9, 2012
Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com
If one were to look up the definition of "grace," this is what one would find: a virtue coming from God or disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency among others. But either of these definitions could apply to the beautiful story written by Mr. Evans.
GRACE is another amazing story written by the author of THE CHRISTMAS BOX. For those who have never read anything by Mr. Evans, GRACE will not disappoint, and will most likely lead you to read the rest of his works.
For those that are already fans (such as myself), this is another wonderful novel. Many of Mr. Evans' stories celebrate the Christmas season. Though not completely revolving around the holiday, GRACE reaches into the heart and touches all that is special with the Christmas spirit.
Eric's life is far from wonderful. After his father hurt his back, the family packed up everything they owned and moved from California to Utah. Money has dried up in the summer of 1962 and, to survive, his family moves into the house left vacant by the death of his maternal grandmother. The house is falling apart, but they are together and have family nearby to help them.
To help with finances, Eric works at McBurger Queen after school. It's there, while cleaning up after closing, that he discovers a girl "dumpster diving" (sorting through the Dumpster for food). He recognizes the girl from one of his classes, but doesn't want to embarrass her. Instead, he invites her inside and offers her the food that would otherwise be discarded.
While she is eating, he learns her name is Grace. She admits she is running away. Eric can't fathom what a girl his age will do to survive. Without thinking of the consequences, he offers up the only place he can think of, the clubhouse in the far corner of his backyard that he built with his younger brother, Joel.
He sets Grace up in the clubhouse with a heating pad for warmth, a flashlight, a transistor radio, and a supply of sleeping bags. As time goes by, the two become friends. He sneaks her food when he can. She sneaks out when it seems safe, and passes her time in the clubhouse with a collection of books from the library.
But her family starts a frantic search for Grace. Announcements are made at school. Flyers are put up around town. And eventually it makes the evening news. Eric is terrified he will be found out and that they will find Grace. He vows to keep her secret. His resolve grows more so when she reveals the reason for running away.
Eric is only fourteen, and the pressure from all sides start to mount. He knows Grace can never be turned over to her family, but what can a teenager do to help her in the end?
Eric berates himself as a grown man that he couldn't help Grace more. He continues to search for the grace he doesn't feel he deserves. Reminiscent of the ending of Saving Private Ryan, the main character searches for the goodness that he hopes he has lived up to in the eyes of those that have gone before him.
Mr. Evans has a way of bringing forth buried feelings. GRACE touches you deep in the spirit and makes you want to be a better person. With the upcoming Christmas season, may we all show a bit of grace to those around us.
If one were to look up the definition of "grace," this is what one would find: a virtue coming from God or disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency among others. But either of these definitions could apply to the beautiful story written by Mr. Evans.
GRACE is another amazing story written by the author of THE CHRISTMAS BOX. For those who have never read anything by Mr. Evans, GRACE will not disappoint, and will most likely lead you to read the rest of his works.
For those that are already fans (such as myself), this is another wonderful novel. Many of Mr. Evans' stories celebrate the Christmas season. Though not completely revolving around the holiday, GRACE reaches into the heart and touches all that is special with the Christmas spirit.
Eric's life is far from wonderful. After his father hurt his back, the family packed up everything they owned and moved from California to Utah. Money has dried up in the summer of 1962 and, to survive, his family moves into the house left vacant by the death of his maternal grandmother. The house is falling apart, but they are together and have family nearby to help them.
To help with finances, Eric works at McBurger Queen after school. It's there, while cleaning up after closing, that he discovers a girl "dumpster diving" (sorting through the Dumpster for food). He recognizes the girl from one of his classes, but doesn't want to embarrass her. Instead, he invites her inside and offers her the food that would otherwise be discarded.
While she is eating, he learns her name is Grace. She admits she is running away. Eric can't fathom what a girl his age will do to survive. Without thinking of the consequences, he offers up the only place he can think of, the clubhouse in the far corner of his backyard that he built with his younger brother, Joel.
He sets Grace up in the clubhouse with a heating pad for warmth, a flashlight, a transistor radio, and a supply of sleeping bags. As time goes by, the two become friends. He sneaks her food when he can. She sneaks out when it seems safe, and passes her time in the clubhouse with a collection of books from the library.
But her family starts a frantic search for Grace. Announcements are made at school. Flyers are put up around town. And eventually it makes the evening news. Eric is terrified he will be found out and that they will find Grace. He vows to keep her secret. His resolve grows more so when she reveals the reason for running away.
Eric is only fourteen, and the pressure from all sides start to mount. He knows Grace can never be turned over to her family, but what can a teenager do to help her in the end?
Eric berates himself as a grown man that he couldn't help Grace more. He continues to search for the grace he doesn't feel he deserves. Reminiscent of the ending of Saving Private Ryan, the main character searches for the goodness that he hopes he has lived up to in the eyes of those that have gone before him.
Mr. Evans has a way of bringing forth buried feelings. GRACE touches you deep in the spirit and makes you want to be a better person. With the upcoming Christmas season, may we all show a bit of grace to those around us.
December 14, 2009
This is the story of a 15 yr. old runaway girl who is befrieneded and cared for by a 14 yr old boy and how their lives are changed forever because of their relationship. This is really a great book to read at this time of year too. Very profound and thought provoking message about child abuse as well. I highly recommend this book!
December 11, 2024
All I’m going to say is get tissues ready! So heartbreaking for a Christmas YA novel! And please check trigger warnings, this was a tough one to read, but in the end, you’ll learn a valuable lesson from within the book.
January 4, 2024
Für mich gehören die Bücher von Richard Paul Evans einfach zu Weihnachten dazu. Weil es keine klassischen Wohlbühl-Bücher sind, nicht kitschig, sondern tiefgründig und bewegend. Und mit Grace hat der Autor definitiv eine weitere ganz Besondere Geschichte geschrieben.
Eric liest seinen Enkelkindern das sehr traurige Märchen des Mädchens mit den Schwefelhölzern vor. Und dabei denkt er an den Winter 1962. Er war 14, sein Vater war krank und das Geld war knapp.
Dann traf er Grace, hat sich um sie gekümmert, obwohl er, so naiv wie er war, nicht wusste warum sie von zu Hause ausgerissen ist. Er war verliebt und mit der Situation überfordert. Und das Ende dieser Geschichte hat ihn für immer verändert.
Hier geht es um Kindesmissbrauch und trotzdem hat die Geschichte um Eric und Grace etwas Leichtes. Zumindest bis Grace deutlich ausspricht was sie bewegt. Aber da war die ganze Zeit dieses seltsame Gefühl, der Klumpen im Magen, weil ich Angst hatte vor dem was kommen würde. Auch wenn ich nicht ganz mit dem Ausgang gerechnet habe. Dafür war ich wohl noch zu sehr in Weihnachtsstimmung.
Die Story geht wirklich ans Herz hat mich erschüttert. Man merkt, dass dem Autor wirklich wichtig ist, dass Probleme Einzelner gesehen und erkannt werden. Und das jeder Einzelne helfen kann, indem er sein Bestes tut. Das ist das was ich für mich mitnehme.
Eric liest seinen Enkelkindern das sehr traurige Märchen des Mädchens mit den Schwefelhölzern vor. Und dabei denkt er an den Winter 1962. Er war 14, sein Vater war krank und das Geld war knapp.
Dann traf er Grace, hat sich um sie gekümmert, obwohl er, so naiv wie er war, nicht wusste warum sie von zu Hause ausgerissen ist. Er war verliebt und mit der Situation überfordert. Und das Ende dieser Geschichte hat ihn für immer verändert.
Hier geht es um Kindesmissbrauch und trotzdem hat die Geschichte um Eric und Grace etwas Leichtes. Zumindest bis Grace deutlich ausspricht was sie bewegt. Aber da war die ganze Zeit dieses seltsame Gefühl, der Klumpen im Magen, weil ich Angst hatte vor dem was kommen würde. Auch wenn ich nicht ganz mit dem Ausgang gerechnet habe. Dafür war ich wohl noch zu sehr in Weihnachtsstimmung.
Die Story geht wirklich ans Herz hat mich erschüttert. Man merkt, dass dem Autor wirklich wichtig ist, dass Probleme Einzelner gesehen und erkannt werden. Und das jeder Einzelne helfen kann, indem er sein Bestes tut. Das ist das was ich für mich mitnehme.
October 26, 2008
I have always seemed to enjoy Richard Evans' holiday books, and this years book, Grace, was no exception. It was just a wonderful story, beautifully narrated, a story that deals with family dysfunction, and mature subject matter.
The narrator recalls his first love in 1962 at the age of fourteen..........
"My memory, like my eyesight, has waned with age and I pray I can get the story right. Still, there are things that become clearer to me as I grow older. This much I know: too many things were kept secret in those days. Things that never should have been hidden. And things that should have.
Who was she? She was my first love. My first kiss. She was a little match girl who could see the future in the flame of a candle. She was a runaway who taught me more about life than anyone has before or since. And when she was gone my innocence left with her".
This is one book that you will want to start and finish in one sitting. Also, if certain books tend to bring a tear to your eyes, I recommend you have the tissues handy.
The narrator recalls his first love in 1962 at the age of fourteen..........
"My memory, like my eyesight, has waned with age and I pray I can get the story right. Still, there are things that become clearer to me as I grow older. This much I know: too many things were kept secret in those days. Things that never should have been hidden. And things that should have.
Who was she? She was my first love. My first kiss. She was a little match girl who could see the future in the flame of a candle. She was a runaway who taught me more about life than anyone has before or since. And when she was gone my innocence left with her".
This is one book that you will want to start and finish in one sitting. Also, if certain books tend to bring a tear to your eyes, I recommend you have the tissues handy.
November 27, 2016
Grace is a bittersweet coming of age story of a teenage boy in the 60's amidst the Cuba missile crisis. This was definitely a 5 star book, and I loved it but when I chose it for my Christmas pick for our book club I was expecting something different. I don't feel it was a Christmas themed book, and was led astrayed by the description "heartwarming". While Christmas does appear in it, it is a book I would have read at any other time of the year. The book brought back childhood memories both good and bad; visions of running away, but also of a more simpler time with no internet, playing outside for hours on end. The book talks about the darker side of childhood where child abuse had no name. The characters were all real to me, the ending and epilogue were great.
September 15, 2010
"That was the time I became a man." (Disc#5, Chapter 34)
This is my very first audiobook and I liked it. No eye strain. Gave me a break from listening to Goodtimes 89.9's sometimes-arrogant-sometimes-funny Mo Twister every morning of my life. Made me less sentimental by not listening to old songs played in 774 A.M. station on my way back home every afternoon or early evening. The only downside was that if there was an agressive driver swerving into my lane, I got distracted and I lost what had been said in the audioCD. But that happens even while reading a book. We all get distractions once in a while and it was good that this was an easyread err hear so missing few sentences did not make a big difference.
Oh, the joy and pain of first love. Young sweet true love. Utah, USA. Early 1960's. Grace, 16, sexually molested by her stepfather. He runs away from home and is found by her classmate, Eric, 14 eating food from the dumpster. He brings her home and without the knowledge of his parents, lets her stay in their clubhouse. Their house is in the middle of a 5-acre farm and he and his brother, Joel, 12, put up this clubhouse by themselves. Their father is a cripple and the mother is busy working for the 4 of them so they have no time to wander around the property including visiting the clubhouse.
Grace finds later that she is made pregnant by her stepfather. While her parents (mother and stepfather) are looking for her and Eric, now her first boyfriend, denying tooth and nail that he knows her whereabout, she calls up her aunt in Wyoming and so Grace is scheduled to travel to join her aunt. She tells Eric that she wants to leave after Christmas as she wants to celebrate Dec 25 with him first.
The day before she is scheduled to leave, the policemen come to the house and interrogate Eric. He has no choice but to squeal. But before doing that he looks at his father and knew that in his heart with the desire of protecting Grace, his first love, that he changed into a man. He hates his parents, Grace's parents, his brother who he thought was the one who told his parents about their secret (Grace in their clubhouse).
If I were a teenager, again, I would have rated this a perfect 5-star. Eric had full of this teenager angst when he lost Grace. I thought it could have been easier for him if he trusted his parents and told them right away. Eric started his narration (Disc#1, Chapter 1) telling Christian Hans Andersen's Little Match Girl as a grandpa to his grandchildren. It reminds me of that old lady recounting the Titanic tale: Jack and that big diamond that she later threw to the sea. Grandfather Eric recalled Grace's life was similar to that of the little match girl.
However, if I close my eyes and imagine that I am still a teenager, I think I can relate to Eric. When do I think I became a man? Oh I guess when I was 19 and I first defied my parents. Oh yes, it was also about standing up for my first girlfriend although she was not a runaway but just some sort of a rebel to her parents. At that time, like Eric, I thought that everything around me revolved around my first love and nothing else mattered.
Now that I am 46 and a father, I know better. All parents would say that. But at that time, it was all about how I felt. Me and her. Me and him. Just the two of us. All teenagers would say this. We all go through that at some point of our lives - the joy and pain of our first love. And as Eric relates the story of the Little Match Girl while holding the locket giving by Grace, we also know one thing: first love never dies.
This is my very first audiobook and I liked it. No eye strain. Gave me a break from listening to Goodtimes 89.9's sometimes-arrogant-sometimes-funny Mo Twister every morning of my life. Made me less sentimental by not listening to old songs played in 774 A.M. station on my way back home every afternoon or early evening. The only downside was that if there was an agressive driver swerving into my lane, I got distracted and I lost what had been said in the audioCD. But that happens even while reading a book. We all get distractions once in a while and it was good that this was an easy
Oh, the joy and pain of first love. Young sweet true love. Utah, USA. Early 1960's. Grace, 16, sexually molested by her stepfather. He runs away from home and is found by her classmate, Eric, 14 eating food from the dumpster. He brings her home and without the knowledge of his parents, lets her stay in their clubhouse. Their house is in the middle of a 5-acre farm and he and his brother, Joel, 12, put up this clubhouse by themselves. Their father is a cripple and the mother is busy working for the 4 of them so they have no time to wander around the property including visiting the clubhouse.
Grace finds later that she is made pregnant by her stepfather. While her parents (mother and stepfather) are looking for her and Eric, now her first boyfriend, denying tooth and nail that he knows her whereabout, she calls up her aunt in Wyoming and so Grace is scheduled to travel to join her aunt. She tells Eric that she wants to leave after Christmas as she wants to celebrate Dec 25 with him first.
The day before she is scheduled to leave, the policemen come to the house and interrogate Eric. He has no choice but to squeal. But before doing that he looks at his father and knew that in his heart with the desire of protecting Grace, his first love, that he changed into a man. He hates his parents, Grace's parents, his brother who he thought was the one who told his parents about their secret (Grace in their clubhouse).
If I were a teenager, again, I would have rated this a perfect 5-star. Eric had full of this teenager angst when he lost Grace. I thought it could have been easier for him if he trusted his parents and told them right away. Eric started his narration (Disc#1, Chapter 1) telling Christian Hans Andersen's Little Match Girl as a grandpa to his grandchildren. It reminds me of that old lady recounting the Titanic tale: Jack and that big diamond that she later threw to the sea. Grandfather Eric recalled Grace's life was similar to that of the little match girl.
However, if I close my eyes and imagine that I am still a teenager, I think I can relate to Eric. When do I think I became a man? Oh I guess when I was 19 and I first defied my parents. Oh yes, it was also about standing up for my first girlfriend although she was not a runaway but just some sort of a rebel to her parents. At that time, like Eric, I thought that everything around me revolved around my first love and nothing else mattered.
Now that I am 46 and a father, I know better. All parents would say that. But at that time, it was all about how I felt. Me and her. Me and him. Just the two of us. All teenagers would say this. We all go through that at some point of our lives - the joy and pain of our first love. And as Eric relates the story of the Little Match Girl while holding the locket giving by Grace, we also know one thing: first love never dies.
December 18, 2015
This was the first time i have read anything by Evans, and i was impressed with the strong voice he carried throughout the book. I loved that it was written in first person, thats always been a personal favorite of mine, but this book was sad, very sad. If you are looking for an emotional driven, dramatic plot line, then you might like this book, but if you are looking for a warm, cozy christmas book that makes you all cheerful inside, please keep looking. Would i read more by this author? Absolutely, but hopefully they aren't all this sad.
April 4, 2025
This was a quick read. A serious subject but it was so good. Grace needs help and she finds from an unexpected source. I won’t say much and ruin the story but it is sweet. Has a few twists
One of my favorite authors. A change from most of his books revolve around Christmas themes.
Read this for senior reading book club library book.
One of my favorite authors. A change from most of his books revolve around Christmas themes.
Read this for senior reading book club library book.
December 22, 2025
2025- fun little Christmas re-read
2024- i binged this book in two days and absolutely loved it!!! I’m a huge fan of Richard Paul Even’s Michael Vey series and it was great to read one of his other Y/A books!! It definitely reminded me of a Gray Schmidt book. Loved it and highly recommend!
2024- i binged this book in two days and absolutely loved it!!! I’m a huge fan of Richard Paul Even’s Michael Vey series and it was great to read one of his other Y/A books!! It definitely reminded me of a Gray Schmidt book. Loved it and highly recommend!
Read
August 5, 2017Didn't read it.
December 4, 2019
Good writing, but a heartbreaking ending and too much wasted space.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2018
My heart is still torn in two after completing this. It began as an innocent enough story told by an older man looking back at an event that took place when he was fifteen and found his first love. After rescuing Grace and hiding her in his club house the book became sweet and innocent with an undercurrent of something more evil lurking close to the surface, and while I wasn't surprised by the revelation the ending left me gasping and near actual tears. It is a wonderfully written book and I can't recommend it enough. Although I warn you not to actually throw the book after coming to the end. (No, really, don't throw the book despite the very real and strong urge to do so.)
March 15, 2017
Love this book. It is not predictable yet the story builds up emotionally as the characters become vulnerable and relatable. Love the way the writer brought out the way life unfolds in reality sometimes.
May 17, 2018
Emotional story about a young woman suffering abuse at the hands of her stepfather. (There are not graphic details in this book.)
December 24, 2017
I loved, loved this book! I have been telling everyone I know about it. Why do authors do this to us? Why do authors drag us along, get their readers emotionally invested then, decide to type out an ending that leaves their readers clutching the novel like it’s a winning lottery ticket. As I was retelling my mother about this novel, her words expressed exactly what I felt, “that was it? the author left you with that, after everything you read?” and I signed and replied, “my thoughts, exactly…...”
The year is 1962. We begin with two brothers (14 and 10) and their parents moving from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City. Money is tight for the family right now and the family has to move. Suffering from a serious disease, father is now paralyzed and the family is moving into their grandparents vacated home which has acres of land attached to it. Father prognosis is good but in the meantime, mother will work. The boys are not happy about the move, Eric the older brother gets picked on at school. The brothers build a clubhouse amongst the trees on the property and I liked how they find comfort in each other’s company. Eric gets a job and his life changes one day when he notices a girl from school digging in the dumpster behind his place of employment. Madeline Grace says she is not dumpster driving but as he talks to her, she mentions that she is running away. Eric offers Grace the clubhouse as a place to stay and Grace accepts.
Eric is excited to have Grace in the clubhouse and he begins to bring Grace leftover food from work. He also buys her food with his own money and I could feel an attraction building between the two. He is soon smitten with Grace but I didn’t feel that she fell for him as fast as he fell. It was so sweet and innocent, how the two of them were around each other.
They start to get intimate. She kisses him a few times, quick, gentle, tender kisses. Finally, Eric kisses her: “Our lips touched and she closed her eyes. It was incredible. It was like Christmas, my birthday, and scones for dinner all rolled into one. When we finally parted there were big smiles on both of our faces.”
They talked about love: “Do your parents love each other?” she asked. “Yeah. I think so. They still fight sometimes, but they always make up.” She pondered my reply then asked, “Have you ever been in love?” “I don’t know,” I said softly. “How do you really know when you’re in love?” She stopped walking and smiled at me. “When you don’t have to ask.”
Grace stays hidden in the clubhouse even after the school and the police ask about her whereabouts. Eric tells Grace that he would never tell anyone where she was. He liked having her there, they were living in their own little world. This was his first attempt at love, his first kiss and he was finally being accepted for who he was. He was saving Grace.
One day, Grace gets upset with Eric and the truth of the situation comes out and I was overwhelmed. Like Eric, I was speechless and dumbfounded. The truth hurt and what lies ahead was unsettling. The rest of the novel had me on edge and I was not ready for what happens at the end. No, never ready for that ending. I truly loved this story, loved it for its beauty, its freshness and its hope. I would give it 10 stars if I could.
The year is 1962. We begin with two brothers (14 and 10) and their parents moving from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City. Money is tight for the family right now and the family has to move. Suffering from a serious disease, father is now paralyzed and the family is moving into their grandparents vacated home which has acres of land attached to it. Father prognosis is good but in the meantime, mother will work. The boys are not happy about the move, Eric the older brother gets picked on at school. The brothers build a clubhouse amongst the trees on the property and I liked how they find comfort in each other’s company. Eric gets a job and his life changes one day when he notices a girl from school digging in the dumpster behind his place of employment. Madeline Grace says she is not dumpster driving but as he talks to her, she mentions that she is running away. Eric offers Grace the clubhouse as a place to stay and Grace accepts.
Eric is excited to have Grace in the clubhouse and he begins to bring Grace leftover food from work. He also buys her food with his own money and I could feel an attraction building between the two. He is soon smitten with Grace but I didn’t feel that she fell for him as fast as he fell. It was so sweet and innocent, how the two of them were around each other.
They start to get intimate. She kisses him a few times, quick, gentle, tender kisses. Finally, Eric kisses her: “Our lips touched and she closed her eyes. It was incredible. It was like Christmas, my birthday, and scones for dinner all rolled into one. When we finally parted there were big smiles on both of our faces.”
They talked about love: “Do your parents love each other?” she asked. “Yeah. I think so. They still fight sometimes, but they always make up.” She pondered my reply then asked, “Have you ever been in love?” “I don’t know,” I said softly. “How do you really know when you’re in love?” She stopped walking and smiled at me. “When you don’t have to ask.”
Grace stays hidden in the clubhouse even after the school and the police ask about her whereabouts. Eric tells Grace that he would never tell anyone where she was. He liked having her there, they were living in their own little world. This was his first attempt at love, his first kiss and he was finally being accepted for who he was. He was saving Grace.
One day, Grace gets upset with Eric and the truth of the situation comes out and I was overwhelmed. Like Eric, I was speechless and dumbfounded. The truth hurt and what lies ahead was unsettling. The rest of the novel had me on edge and I was not ready for what happens at the end. No, never ready for that ending. I truly loved this story, loved it for its beauty, its freshness and its hope. I would give it 10 stars if I could.
August 13, 2016
This book was one that I bought on impulse. I wanted to buy a book because I had money, and what else would I spend money on? I saw this cover and read the description and it seemed to be a cute light read. I wasn't blown away (I wasn't expecting to be), but I also wasn't disappointed.
The thing that annoyed me most was this: when Eric first invites Grace to live in his backyard clubhouse, he says this:
He continues to ramble on (oh yeah, there's a lot of rambling too) and then says this:
Like, did Eric not feel strange about comparing this girl to an animal? Moreover, how did Richard Paul Evans not feel uncomfortable with this analogy? Maybe it's just me, but that passage just made me feel a bit uneasy.
Then, we have a conversation between Eric and Grace that literally made me roll my eyes.
Um..does Eric live under a freakin' rock? How do you not know who Anne Frank is. Eric is only 14 years old, but I knew who she was by the time I was..maybe 11 or 12. Just little things here and there that could have been improved.
Other than that, let's get into why this book was an enjoyable 3 stars.
I'd say my number one reason is Grace. She was such a lovely character and she spoke her mind and I had complete and utter empathy for her even before I found out what happened to her for her to run away from home. Here was one of her diary entries:
And here's something she said to Eric:
This story has a premise unlike anything I've ever picked up before. A guy holding a girl in his backyard? Not for kidnapping purposes, but to help her? That's one of the reasons I bought this book so quickly after reading the back.
Anyway, this book warmed and broke my heart at the same time and I don't regret reading it in any way. If you're looking for something light and that actually has a relationship that grows out of friendship and trust, you might want to give this one a try.
The thing that annoyed me most was this: when Eric first invites Grace to live in his backyard clubhouse, he says this:
I suddenly remembered Grace and felt a strange excitement.
During the summer Joel and I trapped animals in the spring box traps we found in the garage. The traps didn't hurt the animals but we quickly learned that setting them free could pose a problem, as the animals were usually in a pretty foul mood by the time we got to them..."
He continues to ramble on (oh yeah, there's a lot of rambling too) and then says this:
This morning I felt like I had trapped something really big in the club house.
Like, did Eric not feel strange about comparing this girl to an animal? Moreover, how did Richard Paul Evans not feel uncomfortable with this analogy? Maybe it's just me, but that passage just made me feel a bit uneasy.
Then, we have a conversation between Eric and Grace that literally made me roll my eyes.
"I'm kind of like Anne Frank."
"Who?"
"Anne Frank."
"Does she go to our school?"
Um..does Eric live under a freakin' rock? How do you not know who Anne Frank is. Eric is only 14 years old, but I knew who she was by the time I was..maybe 11 or 12. Just little things here and there that could have been improved.
Other than that, let's get into why this book was an enjoyable 3 stars.
I'd say my number one reason is Grace. She was such a lovely character and she spoke her mind and I had complete and utter empathy for her even before I found out what happened to her for her to run away from home. Here was one of her diary entries:
Last night, Eric bought me a two-week-old newspaper. There was an article about a riot that started when a negro enrolled at the University of Mississippi. It seems strange to me that we could put a man in outer space but have trouble putting a black man in college.
And here's something she said to Eric:
"You live in this world where you think that deep down inside everyone means well and monsters are make-believe. It's not true. People aren't all good. And there really are monsters."
This story has a premise unlike anything I've ever picked up before. A guy holding a girl in his backyard? Not for kidnapping purposes, but to help her? That's one of the reasons I bought this book so quickly after reading the back.
Anyway, this book warmed and broke my heart at the same time and I don't regret reading it in any way. If you're looking for something light and that actually has a relationship that grows out of friendship and trust, you might want to give this one a try.
November 18, 2008
I am not an emotional person but I will admit to shedding a few tears over this one. A very touching story. I have a hard time reading novels where I know who the bad guy is and what they are doing is so terrible...it's much easier for me to read a mystery. Thankfully, this one wasn't very long so I could finish it, unlike the other book I'm currently reading Edgar Sawtelle...
January 19, 2016
This book is about Eric, a 14 year old boy who moves to Utah with his family during the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis. When he is working at a burger place one day, he finds a girl named Grace. He later finds out that she ran away from home, and has to make a decision about how to help her. The two become great friends and must figure out how to survive in a world where money is scarce and people are in need. Eric and Grace go through many struggles together with their families and financial situations.
September 13, 2022
Extremely moving. A very sad but beautiful story about young love. So many emotions in this book. I laughed, I cried (I cried hard), and I smiled. The way this author pulls in faith and forgiveness was wonderful. I highly recommend!
November 5, 2016
I absolutely loved this story! It was sad, and very heart warming in so many different ways. I highly recommend reading this book. It will touch your soul!
December 31, 2016
The second sad, sappy Richard Paul Evans book I read this holiday season. They do touch something in me that makes me keep reading them.
October 23, 2021
Reviewers: whoa, this is SAD!
Me: Oh, I'm sure it's fine, it won't be that sad.
Me getting to the end: What the hell, man, that's SAD!
The epilogue tries to make up for the sting by showing how this experience shaped the course of Eric's life for the better, but he was absolutely right to throw around all the accusations he did.
Despite that, I still really enjoyed it. Personality-wise, the main characters strongly reminded me of Evan & Zoe from Dear Evan Hansen, especially given Eric's wide-eyed, naive, no-experience-with-girls way (which is due mostly to him being 14, but he's also still the kind of kid who gets bullied by the tougher kids). The hint of romance is super-innocent, and his optimistic dedication to keeping her hidden, safe and happy is just the sweetest thing. She does, in fact, have an extremely good reason for running away.
The other thing I liked is that aside from a few famous name drops and the brief reference to the Cuban Missile Crisis, the book is resplendent with subtle period details in a way that sounds like someone writing from experience -- I was really surprised to find the author actually wasn't even born until 1962.
And if you, like me, were wondering how a girl could be hidden in a backyard clubhouse for months, the answer is that the family moved to his late grandmother's house, which is looking a little worse for the wear after years of sitting empty, but also happens to sit on 5 acres of land. Quite the paradise for a pair of adolescent boys.
Me: Oh, I'm sure it's fine, it won't be that sad.
Me getting to the end: What the hell, man, that's SAD!
The epilogue tries to make up for the sting by showing how this experience shaped the course of Eric's life for the better, but he was absolutely right to throw around all the accusations he did.
Despite that, I still really enjoyed it. Personality-wise, the main characters strongly reminded me of Evan & Zoe from Dear Evan Hansen, especially given Eric's wide-eyed, naive, no-experience-with-girls way (which is due mostly to him being 14, but he's also still the kind of kid who gets bullied by the tougher kids). The hint of romance is super-innocent, and his optimistic dedication to keeping her hidden, safe and happy is just the sweetest thing. She does, in fact, have an extremely good reason for running away.
The other thing I liked is that aside from a few famous name drops and the brief reference to the Cuban Missile Crisis, the book is resplendent with subtle period details in a way that sounds like someone writing from experience -- I was really surprised to find the author actually wasn't even born until 1962.
And if you, like me, were wondering how a girl could be hidden in a backyard clubhouse for months, the answer is that the family moved to his late grandmother's house, which is looking a little worse for the wear after years of sitting empty, but also happens to sit on 5 acres of land. Quite the paradise for a pair of adolescent boys.
December 29, 2018
The writing style didn’t grip me, but it didn’t bore me. I didn’t love this, but I didn’t hate it. I liked it, more for the message of the history of abuse and public awareness.
I was so sad when I finished. It’s a book that doesn’t end with everything resolved in a happy fashion, but all is resolved. It’s an odd story, of a boy hiding a runaway girl in his backyard clubhouse and their falling in love. But the way it impacts him and changes the course of his life and decisions is powerful.
I am filled with sorrow thinking of it even now as I write and my heart is heavy. Again, not bc he’s such an evocative story teller... but bc I have been thinking, processing, and reading more on abuse victims of all types and this just hits me hard. Victims aren’t believed, and those who are supposed to believe and protect often fail the victim and that makes me want to weep. It’s a timely read. I just chose the Evans book on the shelf at my local library looking for a light Christmas read and instead got this, but I don’t regret it.
I was so sad when I finished. It’s a book that doesn’t end with everything resolved in a happy fashion, but all is resolved. It’s an odd story, of a boy hiding a runaway girl in his backyard clubhouse and their falling in love. But the way it impacts him and changes the course of his life and decisions is powerful.
I am filled with sorrow thinking of it even now as I write and my heart is heavy. Again, not bc he’s such an evocative story teller... but bc I have been thinking, processing, and reading more on abuse victims of all types and this just hits me hard. Victims aren’t believed, and those who are supposed to believe and protect often fail the victim and that makes me want to weep. It’s a timely read. I just chose the Evans book on the shelf at my local library looking for a light Christmas read and instead got this, but I don’t regret it.
November 27, 2020
This book was my least favorite that I’ve read by RPE. This book is about a boy who meets a girl named grace. Grace is in an abusive situation so he gives her a place to runaway and hide. He doesn’t tell anyone but his little brother and he sneaks her food and takes care of her. The relationship was sweet; this was just slow and lacked that spark that pulls me in. The ending was sad but not enough to elicit a lump in my throat and overall I just wanted a little more from this. I did love the little brother though!
SPOILERS AHEAD:
Grace’s stepdad rapes her and she runs away, but she’s pregnant. It takes our main character a long time to catch on. Eventually they get found out and grace gets returned to her family and her step dad kills her. Our main character goes on to become a prosecutor who goes after rapists and child abusers. The conversation of the baby is kind of lost. I’m not even sure if it was born or what happened to it.
SPOILERS AHEAD:
Grace’s stepdad rapes her and she runs away, but she’s pregnant. It takes our main character a long time to catch on. Eventually they get found out and grace gets returned to her family and her step dad kills her. Our main character goes on to become a prosecutor who goes after rapists and child abusers. The conversation of the baby is kind of lost. I’m not even sure if it was born or what happened to it.
November 17, 2018
As with many of Evans' books, this one has that gentle storytelling which lends itself as a perfect audio book. It is an engaging story, and while the telling is gentle the subject matter is not. It opens with the story of the "Little Match Girl" and the history of how abused children were left unprotected by the state and legal system for an unthinkable amount of time.
Evans creates believable characters and realistic circumstances, both Grace and the family which intercepts her life are everyday people, each with their own challenges. I really enjoyed the relationship between the two brothers Eric & Joel, and my only objection is the saccharine romance (as usual).
Evans creates believable characters and realistic circumstances, both Grace and the family which intercepts her life are everyday people, each with their own challenges. I really enjoyed the relationship between the two brothers Eric & Joel, and my only objection is the saccharine romance (as usual).
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