What do you think?
Rate this book
Grudges and Grace
It’s the mid-1800s’ and William Chestnut must choose between imprisonment and exile while struggling to keep a hold of everything for which he has lived.
William wants to become something more than just a farmer but finds his grudges are holding him back. As he moves forward he realizes that forgiveness is the key that will heal him, and eventually help him save his children from the worst possible fate.
Inspired by a true story , “Grace and Grudges” is an absorbing historical adventure interwoven into the history of the Mormon Church and its early pioneers who lived in St Louis, Missouri in the mid-1800s.
When Missouri and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are mentioned together, one might contemplate the 1830s in Jackson County, the extermination order, mobs, and violence. In one eastern Missouri city (St. Louis), however, there was a completely different story.
Come and join William on his epic journey and immerse yourself into a time when wagons and horse carts ruled the roads and the ideals of the American dream shaped our society and culture. Get your copy of Grudges and Grace today!
William wants to become something more than just a farmer but finds his grudges are holding him back. As he moves forward he realizes that forgiveness is the key that will heal him, and eventually help him save his children from the worst possible fate.
Inspired by a true story , “Grace and Grudges” is an absorbing historical adventure interwoven into the history of the Mormon Church and its early pioneers who lived in St Louis, Missouri in the mid-1800s.
When Missouri and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are mentioned together, one might contemplate the 1830s in Jackson County, the extermination order, mobs, and violence. In one eastern Missouri city (St. Louis), however, there was a completely different story.
Come and join William on his epic journey and immerse yourself into a time when wagons and horse carts ruled the roads and the ideals of the American dream shaped our society and culture. Get your copy of Grudges and Grace today!
480 pages, Paperback
Published March 23, 2021
145 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 26, 2021
Great Read!
Love that it is based on true events. I truly enjoyed that the author chose to use actual people from history in that time period as supporting characters, and that Abe Lincoln tells jokes. The story is very intriguing but poor Mr. Chestnut can't seem to catch a break. Can't wait to see what happens with Sarah.
Love that it is based on true events. I truly enjoyed that the author chose to use actual people from history in that time period as supporting characters, and that Abe Lincoln tells jokes. The story is very intriguing but poor Mr. Chestnut can't seem to catch a break. Can't wait to see what happens with Sarah.
March 25, 2021
Fun way to learn about historical events
I love how the author weaves multiple stories and perspectives together into one. It really helps build the tension in the story. I also enjoyed the romance.
I love how the author weaves multiple stories and perspectives together into one. It really helps build the tension in the story. I also enjoyed the romance.
November 4, 2021
Great stuff!
I felt for the main character, and his issues are something that all readers can relate to throughout. Really makes you want to root for him. Writing was really good and I’ll be waiting on the sequel!
I felt for the main character, and his issues are something that all readers can relate to throughout. Really makes you want to root for him. Writing was really good and I’ll be waiting on the sequel!
April 5, 2022
Meet William Chestnut, a man who at a very early age aspires to become more than just a farmer. William is an excellent, interesting, but flawed main character. This novel describes not only William's life, but portrays what life was like during the early 1800's. The characters are well developed, relatable and entertaining. The author's writing style made me feel like I was present and watching events in the storyline unfold in front of my eyes. This book is full of unexpected twists, raw emotions, and drama. I especially enjoyed the strong underlying themes of forgiveness and overcoming obstacles. I'm looking forward to reading the second book in the series and other works by this terrific author.
August 31, 2021
I wanted to like this because it was clear the author was trying to write a moral tale. We need more of uplifting fiction. Sadly, this is lacking in most of the key elements of good fiction. Characters are flat and one dimensional. Situations resolve so instantly as to be cliche; not at all believable. Emotions turn on and off with the flip of a page. For a work of historical fiction there is not nearly enough work put into developing the setting and the culture of the day. The characters speak much like millennials, using phrases and terms that would not have been heard in the dialogue of the 1800s. I applaud the attempt, but couldn't finish the book.
February 6, 2022
I have read lots of books on hand cart company this was a great read look forward to more recent events story's
August 30, 2022
I liked this book! Yes, it has some weaknesses in its writing, but overall I kept happily coming back to it until I finished. I enjoyed learning about random historical tidbits (the war with the Seminole Indians, fire in St. Louis, etc.), and as a Latter-day Saint, it was interesting to hear about the politics of the early Church, especially when it came to who would lead the Church after Joseph's death.
December 14, 2021
History is fascinating
This book is a great historical account of William Chestnut’s trials and tribulations. A great story filled with interesting historical information. Also fun to read.
This book is a great historical account of William Chestnut’s trials and tribulations. A great story filled with interesting historical information. Also fun to read.
March 21, 2022
I tried .
Usually enjoy historical fiction and especially most with native Americans & early frontier life .
Just couldn’t finish , this read like a portly written script for a B grade western .
Usually enjoy historical fiction and especially most with native Americans & early frontier life .
Just couldn’t finish , this read like a portly written script for a B grade western .
April 25, 2023
When I started reading this book I knew it was based on a true story, but as I am reading I’m like know way can this be true. It’s an incredible true story that takes place during the pioneer days of going out west to Utah. It’s heart wrenching but a well written story. I couldn’t put it down!
February 25, 2024
Sad
The book never completed the story. I was very disappointed . The chapters wo nould switch people, took me a minute to figure out what they were talking about. Not my favorite book.
The book never completed the story. I was very disappointed . The chapters wo nould switch people, took me a minute to figure out what they were talking about. Not my favorite book.
January 8, 2022
Skipped A lot
I did not know the 2nd ha!f of this book would be a history lesson about Mormon politics. Very disappointed.
I did not know the 2nd ha!f of this book would be a history lesson about Mormon politics. Very disappointed.
October 20, 2023
Loved book
The book was full of Faith, love , adventure and tragedy. William and Joanna were very courageous and faithful Latter Day Saints. I highly recommend this book!
The book was full of Faith, love , adventure and tragedy. William and Joanna were very courageous and faithful Latter Day Saints. I highly recommend this book!
October 1, 2022
A story in history worth remembering.
I was intrigued when someone told me about this historical fiction book at the 24th of July parade. The story of William and Johanna was interesting to follow. The writer has talent, but now could be added to make it flow better.
I was intrigued when someone told me about this historical fiction book at the 24th of July parade. The story of William and Johanna was interesting to follow. The writer has talent, but now could be added to make it flow better.
November 12, 2021
William Chestnut yearns to become more than a farmer during the early 1800s. Along his journey he endures much hardship, As he raises his family amidst the St. Louis Saints, William struggles to forgive those who have wronged him. He is soon faced with the importance of forgiveness.
Inspired by a true story “Grace and Grudges” is an absorbing historical adventure interwoven into the history of the Mormon Church and its early pioneers. It is an action-packed, heart-warming adventure with a dash of romance, and is peppered with peril and hope.
Inspired by a true story “Grace and Grudges” is an absorbing historical adventure interwoven into the history of the Mormon Church and its early pioneers. It is an action-packed, heart-warming adventure with a dash of romance, and is peppered with peril and hope.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews