Blended with Grit and Grace

by Jess Ronne

Ryan and Jess blended their families after losing their spouses to cancer in 2010. This has led to an unexpected and often hilarious journey. Blended with Grit & Grace invites you to walk alongside them and learn what it's like to have eight kids under one roof.

With wit and wisdom, Jess offers fresh perspectives on managing different parenting styles, developing family traditions, and meeting the special needs of your family. Jess, with frequent asides from Ryan, also probes deeper marital and family concerns that are often experienced but not talked about like grief, breakdowns in communication, finances, and insecurities. Filled with gentle advice, Blended with Grit & Grace transports readers into the Ronne's kitchen so you can ponder the detours that have come up in your own life.

Genres: Biography

224 pages, Paperback

Published June 15, 2021

About the author

I’m an author, speaker, podcast host at Coffee with Caregivers, documentary producer at caregiverdoc.com & founder of The Lucas Project—a non-profit dedicated to providing recognition & respite for special needs families. My husband & I live in Michigan with our 8 children, including our son Lucas who has profound special needs. My story has been shared on The Today Show, Daily Mail & Huffington Post & is detailed in my memoir Sunlight Burning at Midnight. To follow the ongoing saga I can be found at www.jessplusthemess.com or purchase my latest book, Blended with Grit and Grace. Book #3 releases Feb 2023.

Reviews

[Jess Ronne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excerpt from the book:

And I still grapple with numerous unanswered questions and concerns about how the future is going to play out. Will they stay in school? Is school good for them? Will they get sick? Broken ideals and realities surround our family as we restructure and determine how we’ll proceed from here. And through these trials, we’ve buried systems that used to work when the world was one way, and now they no longer serve us emotionally or spiritually, and we wait because we know.

I know because I’ve been here before. I remember August of 2010, the most difficult month of my life, as a tumultuous month full of overwhelming obligations and demands—work, Lucas’s birthday, family pictures, doctor’s appointments, four children farmed out on a daily basis to anyone and everyone, the arrival of hospice equipment, nursing staff in and out, important phone calls determining life-or-death decisions, and ultimately good-byes whispered and a funeral prepared for a young husband and father.

I wait and I remember. I recall that this is familiar soil, deep and dark and rich soil where perhaps I’ve not been buried but have instead been planted, and now I await my reemergence into the light.

I wait for a resurrection.

And I am confident that growth will occur in due time because that’s how the gig works.

It’s how our lives are rigged.

Everything remains in motion: a continuous movement of death and resurrection, waves upon waves washing away the brokenness and grief and moving what remains to the shore— natural disasters and despair and divorce and special needs and bereavement not excluded, a blending of grit and grace.

It’s all involved, collectively and individually; ashes to beauty and back to ashes again; circular movements until the maestro sweeps his baton for the last time and bows his head in holy reverence; that moment when his beloved creation leans into the finality and releases a labored breath—bursting through the birth canal into an everlasting resurrection.

[Emily P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Jessica Ronne has been a favorite FB page to follow since I heard the powerful story of how she and her husband found each other after the loss of their respective spouses to cancer. Melding two families together became a new adventure, complete with all the requisite highs and lows.

Having 8 kids in one house can be exciting as well as exhausting, as the Ronnes share their challenges, successes and unique perspectives. I laughed, cried and gathered useful tidbits from their amazing family in "Blended With Grit and Grace." If you're looking for a book that is an unexpected break from many parenting/family books and one that will challenge, encourage and inspire, then this book is for you.

I loved how Jess and Ryan each had a turn to share their feelings on a myriad of topics from grief to emotional struggles to parenting a special needs child...there's so much good stuff here. You will want to share this book with everyone you know! If you're looking for more, Jess also has another book by the title "Sunlight Burning at Midnight."

I was an early reader, thanks to the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica Ronne doesn’t know me, and probably never will. I feel like she’s one of my friends though. I have a blended family through divorce/remarriage. My story is vastly different than hers, yet I found myself taking notes and telling my husband, “we really need to do this”. I appreciated all the different viewpoints her husband added in at times, and the recipes she included will very likely be attempted in my kitchen soon. This was an excellent book, and very well written!

[Courtney Vanvliet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brought out every emotion as I read through each chapter. This is a beautifully written real life story of unwavering faith and unconditional love for life and family. Jess Ronne allows herself to be vulnerable so her readers can be challenged, encouraged, and inspired. I love everything about this book! From the stories of overcoming the impossible, to funny snippets from Ryan Ronne, and the delicious recipes Jess’ family have enjoyed over the years. This amazing book is a must read and a must re-read for many years to come!

[Sarah Bour · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the proud honor of being Jess’s future daughter-in-law and have loved reading her books!! This one did in fact make me cry a bit 🥹

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book; and it is almost doesn't make sense for me to say that when I first heard about Jessica and Ryan's story. I came late to knowing their lives after her first book and just recently started following them a bit more on social media. So when I began reading I wasn't quite sure what I would think.

Boom.

Love it!

This book is almost educational, yet transparent, open and honest and giving readers an inside look into a story like theirs. After the loss of their spouses both to cancer - grief was different and reasonably so since both families had a different path taken when their spouses were diagnosed.

I so appreciated Jessica's honesty about missteps and what they are learning along the way. It is a refreshing way to read a book from couples who admit the struggles and the hard things and how each perceived them. I loved the insight from both in chapters from situations that they both maybe didn't see the same way.

The recipes, the life stories of joy and pain that their respective families experienced drew me closer to this beautiful journey that they are taking.... Learning and loving and teaching this book is a definite need to read for families that are blended for all reasons and needing that nudge that they are doing the right thing and maybe ways that they can work through hard things.

[Katie Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blended with Grit and Grace is a wonderful story of two families coming together and creating a new, beautiful life together. While she shares the amazing parts of their large family, she is also very open about the challenges that come with blending two families together, especially after such great loss. Her wisdom and insights will surely help anyone who reads this book. While I am not part of a blended family, I am a special needs parent and I took so much from it. Even though my husband and I have never been married to someone else, her words helped me to see how we still bring so much from our immediate families (i.e. expectations, traditions, etc.). It opened my eyes to a few areas where I should be extending a lot more grace and understanding.

Her openness and honesty is refreshing and appreciated. The book is well-written and hard to put down once you get started. I loved the recipes that she offers in each chapter. I also enjoyed reading her husband's perspective, which is shared periodically throughout the book. I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially to those who are in a blended family. I received an advance reader copy of this book, but the opinions are my own.

[Holly Senecal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written memoir/self-help book. Reading everything from the recipes to the Ronne's own input on everything from the tragedy of loved ones battling cancer, blended families, to navigating teen years on top of an honest talk of taking care of our own mental health is the authors invitation to being part of their story. Jessica was very real and smart; honest stories about the struggles in her families life mixed with a wonderful, underlying sense of humor welcomes you to take helpful hints into your own life or just settle in with an excellently written good read. Thank you for giving me the chance to get to know this family...I read this from Netgalley and all I had to do was offer my honest opinion in review form. Here it is :)

[Linda Gómez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have followed the author on social media for a few years because of her unique story of loss and rebuilding a family, so I had to read this book. It did not disappoint at all! The book is very entertaining with honest stories of their complex and beautiful family but is also filled with many takeaways for couples and parents. I am not married but I have kids and this was valuable even for someone like me. I love two things that are unique about this book, one, her husband pops in and out and narrates some parts from his own point of view, which is really cool. The other thing that is cool is that she includes recipes in between as if she's having a conversation with you as a friend about her family and then remembers to share a recipe with you! I loved it from beginning to end!

[Christen Burson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve followed #jessplusthemess since the beginning as I was aware of Jess’ husband’s loss of his wife. Their story is truly that of a fairytale, with a little mischief thrown in. I’d read and enjoyed her first book, Sunlight Burning at Midnight, so I knew I would also enjoy this book. This book tells the tale of Ryan and Jess meeting and everything that has gone on to blend their families together. Has this tested their faith? Absolutely. Has it been a piece of cake? (Which Jess has learned to make delicious homemade, healthy food and has recipes in the book) Not exactly. Would they give it up? Not at all. They have created a very prosperous life for their 8 children, one with profound special needs and everyone can get something from reading this book.

[Kelli McIntosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned about Jess Ronne’s story after discovering her through her special needs podcast, Coffee with Caregivers. That led me to her instagram page and website, as I wanted to learn more about her story, especially since her son with special needs is very similar to my son. I enjoyed reading Blended with Grit and Grace and appreciate her honesty in the book. I loved how she incorporated family recipes that directly tied into her story. I also really liked that Jess included snippets written by her husband, which explains his perspective on particular events that transpired in their story. This was a well written book and especially helpful if you have experienced special needs, loss of a spouse, or a blended family.

[Crissy Adinolfi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about blending two families after the devastating loss of a parent or spouse, but in truth it applies to all families. Isn't any family truly blended? Even when two people come together in marriage there are all sorts of baggage, habits, preconceived notions and material possessions that must be sorted. Any family must decide what they keep and what they change in the new family. This book is relatable and well written. The recipes are a huge bonus, too! If you are someone that loves stories of faith then this is for you.

[Barb Winters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story about a man and a woman who lost their spouses and brought their families together. Jess tells about the heartaches of a blended family as well as the blessings. I admire her strength and ability to juggle all the things - working, parenting, and cultivating her marriage. Her husband chimes in throughout the book, and she gives the reader cooking recipes that work for her family.

[Kenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly didn’t think it could get much better than Jessica’s first book (Sunlight Burning at Midnight) but I was very much mistaken. There’s so much to a blended family’s life that people on the outside simply do not see. Jess shares a little more of that and really kind of gives an eye opening perspective into things. I think my favorite part was Ryan’s take on becoming a father to Luke. Sooo many tears shed there. This is definitely a MUST read!

[Jessica Reiffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t totally finished it yet! Love the practical tips. I have a blended family with 6 kids. We have been doing this blending thing for only 2 years. So her insights are totally helpful. She explains it with humor snd stories. The summaries at the end of each section are totally helpful. I gotta try some of the recipes soon!

[Jane Tjarks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m in the middle of this book and am enjoying it so much! Jess is honest and has so much to share about raising a blended family and a special needs son. I love the way Jess and Ryan do not say step brother, step sister, etc. They are real brothers, sisters, Mom and Dad! Her tips for dealing with grief are very good.
She gives hope and encouragement!

[Jillian Pfluke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Sunlight burning at Midnight so much, and was ecstatic to read Jess' new book! She has such a raw talent for writing and I love her honesty and transparency about the daily struggles, as well as wins, for her beautiful blended family. Some great recipes included as a special treat, which I can't wait to try!

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written book about life, love and loss. Jess had me laughing and then crying throughout. Hilarious tales of 2 families blending after tragedy. It’s real life told in honest truths shared by a talented writer. A must read for anyone with a heart. Jess makes you feel like a best friend sitting down sharing her story over a glass of wine. Loved every page!

[Sara Cormany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jess Ronne does a masterful job of taking the brokenness of loss and marrying it with the hope of a new beginning. While designed for couples facing their own challenges of blending a family, Blended with Grit and Grace also encourages anyone navigating the messy of life while also offering the grace of Ronne's challenge to, "Just keep livin'."

[Kristi Wyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica Ronne writes with such honesty, humility, and passion. Her story is such an inspiration for others going through grief, raising special needs kids, and with blended families. Her “just keep living” motto is motivation to live in each day to the fullest and then tomorrow try again.

[Diane Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very true to life, honest book. We share some similar circumstances in life and some vastly different ones but everything about this book felt real and relatable. It was all there... the good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly.

[Gail Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was wonderful, read it in one day. Jess you sure have a way with words. I laughed and cried as you explained what its like to have a blended family! Glad you will be having a third book in the works.

[Trina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. Honest and raw humorous and faith filled. And amazing recipes that are healthy

[Sarah Philpott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a much-needed book for blended families that brims with heart, honesty, and tried-and-true wisdom.

[Janelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciated this book and the perspectives of someone who has a blended family. I don’t have a blended family at this point but appreciate Jess sharing her family's experiences.

[Carol DeVos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written book about real life with a blended family including a very special needs an. Jess shares the Joys,sorrows,trials and emotions in this book about her very own family.

[Danae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an excellent read, like having coffee with an old friend. It includes recipes that are tried and true and walks you through the real life journey of special needs, blended families, the ups and downs of large family and much more. Can’t wait until her third book comes out soon!

[Shelly Churchill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica has a writing style that is easy to read and you are able to picture what she is saying. Though I don't personally have a blended family, I can relate to some of her daily struggles. I learned a lot from how she deals head-on with marital issues.
I highly recommend this book. Not only will you hear about her life of love, loss, love again, blended families, raising a special needs child, moving, grief, and joy but you also get some fabulous recipes too.

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn to Jessica's story after I read her first book. I read it shortly after losing my own husband to brain cancer in 2017 and her thoughts mirrored so many of my own as I grieved what my children and I had lost, while trying to choose joy and keep living. I had high expectations for her second book and it met every one of them. Blended with Grit and Grace is the story of how she and her husband blended their lives and their children after both of them lost their spouses. They walk through the fun and difficult moments of that blending from both of their perspectives. She offers practical wisdom for blending families and for parenting that are relatable for any parent, and wisdom for those who are raising special needs children. The recipes intertwined throughout are like the icing on the cake in her novel. Such a great read, and I highly recommend!

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouraging, inspirational read.