Grace Across the Miles

Grace #6

by Christine Dillon

How can you belong when you don't know who you are?

Gina Reid is surrounded by people getting married or having babies. She's under pressure to settle down but how can she do that when she doesn't even know where she came from? Since the startling revelation that she was adopted, it's felt like there is something missing. But fear has kept her from searching for her biological parents.

What if learning the truth is worse than not knowing?

Now an overheard comment has propelled her into action. Can Gina find out who she truly is? Or will she discover that some secrets are best left undisturbed?

Grace Across the Miles is a soul-stirring contemporary Christian novel. Book 6 in the Grace series.

If you like compelling Christian fiction, relatable characters, and real emotion, then you’ll love Christine Dillon’s inspiring series.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Christian Fiction

284 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2021

About the author

Christine Dillon is an Australian author who has spent much of her life in East Asia.
She is passionate about Bible storytelling and helping readers engage with Scripture in fresh ways. Her Light of Nations series (five books and growing) reimagines the Old Testament through the eyes of the Canaanite peoples, exploring difficult questions about God's justice, mercy, and sovereignty.
Christine has also written contemporary Christian fiction (the 6-book Grace series) and nonfiction.

She invites readers to join her 'Storyteller friends' community for updates and free resources. Learn more at www.storytellerchristine.com.



Since 2004, Christine has been a Bible storyteller, and each year she's more excited by what she's learning. This is a tremendous way to communicate and make disciples.

Bible storytelling website & linked Facebook group: www.storyingthescriptures.com
'storying the scriptures' (closed FB group - so you need to ask permission to join)

BOOK TRANSLATIONS
* 'Telling the Gospel Through Story' was published in traditional Chinese in February 2015

* 1-2-1 discipleship was published in simplified Chinese in October 2015 and in traditional Chinese in January 2017.

* Verborgen Genade (Dutch translation of 'Grace in Strange Disguise), published in February 2020.

* Siegreich Sein: mit Gottes Wort (German translation of 'Sword Fighting') published December 2021.

* The Chinese translation of the Sword Fighting book was published in October, 2025.

Reviews

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is beautiful end to this series of books. I particularly like it that the characters have weaknesses and none have had an easy time in life, and that makes God’s grace and kindness shine through even brighter. It’s great to see Gina (and others) working her way through some tough issues and seeking to reconcile them with her understanding of God and his sovereignty. If you’ve struggled with feeling unworthy of God’s love or wondering if he’s forgotten about you, this would be a good read.

[Sashi Grayndler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the last in the 'Grace series' and concludes so satisfactorily. While this can be read as a stand-alone book, I highly recommend reading the previous books as it gives all the characters and the story so much more depth and nuance.
Gina's story resonated with me as an older single (I was in my mid 40s by the time I married) and I endured many of the same comments from well-meaning friends. I struggled against growing bitterness in my heart and celebrating others' happiness while wondering if my turn would ever come.
Dillon's storytelling has gone from strength to strength. She is adept at painting a picture with words, and capturing the emotion of the moment.
I wasn't totally convinced by Tony - he seemed a little too good to be true. Perhaps that says more about my experience of Christian men in their 40s, then the author's sketch of him. His daughters were much more believable. It surprised me that Tony proposed so early in the piece and apparently even without kissing Gina! I did appreciate that the 'happily ever after' wasn't immediate and that the summarising statement was about cementing a deeper identity than a romantic or even a familial relationship.
This is the last in the 'Grace series' and concludes so satisfactorily. While this can be read as a stand-alone book, I highly recommend reading the previous books as it gives all the characters and the story so much more depth and nuance.

Gina's story resonated with me as an older single (I was in my mid 40s by the time I married) and I endured many of the same comments from well-meaning friends. I struggled against growing bitterness in my heart and celebrating others' happiness while wondering if my turn would ever come.

Dillon's storytelling has gone from strength to strength. She is adept at painting a picture with words, and capturing the emotion of the moment.

I wasn't totally convinced by Tony - he seemed a little too good to be true. Perhaps that says more about my experience of Christian men in their 40s, then the author's sketch of him. His daughters were much more believable. It surprised me that Tony proposed so early in the piece and apparently even without kissing Gina! I did appreciate that the 'happily ever after' wasn't immediate and that the summarising statement was about cementing a deeper identity than a romantic or even a familial relationship.
Special thanks to the author for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own

[Janet Sketchley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian women's fiction with beautiful scenery in Australia and New Zealand. The protagonists in the Grace series always find their ways into my heart. I appreciate the portrayal of authentic struggles as faced by many Christians and by those challenged to consider the faith. In a sense, the openness with which their faith dilemmas are presented feels like fictional case studies of real people. We see deeper inside than we'd see with our real-life contacts. Each of the Grace books has encouraged my personal faith and reminded me how important it is for my faith to affect my daily life. I also appreciate the reminder to be alert for appropriate conversation opportunities with people who don't know Jesus--not to push, but to ask questions and truly hear their concerns.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic read from Christine! I thoroughly enjoyed all of the books in this series and the conclusion did not disappoint! Exploring Gina’s story revealed some of my own personal struggles such as asking for boldness in sharing the gospel and lapsing in prayer for people. Seeing Gina work through these struggles in the story and grow in her faith was most encouraging.
The Grace series is a wonderful set of stories to read and gift to someone - a great way to showcase what following Jesus looks like for real people.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a *Must Read* book and series! I've loved every book in this series, but this one was my favorite. This book can be read as a stand-alone but it is so much better when you start with book one and read them in order. It hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. Loved it!
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Jenn Sands · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is Christian fiction at its best and I’m sad to see this wonderful series coming to an end. It can be read as a stand alone, but it’s quite helpful to know some of the backstories of characters who appear in lesser roles in this book. Christine Dillon is a master story teller and I have recommended her books to all my reading friends. One of the things I particularly enjoyed about this book was that it had parts of the story line in two countries, Australian and New Zealand, and I could picture the journey in my mind.

[Yohana Ekky Tan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Gina's story feels familiar, as if it somehow reflects my own life—even though our experiences aren't exactly the same. Life is always unpredictable, much like the events in her narrative. She meets a man unexpectedly, through a connection to her late best friend, as if her friend gifted Gina this encounter before her passing. What a lovely story!

[Joy Omeliantschuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another thought provoking book by Christine Dillon

God’s grace is sufficient for all our needs and all of these books explain that in the different story lines so beautifully written. I am only sorry that it is the end of the series!

[Peter chalkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read.

I have read the 6 books in the last fortnight. Loved the characters and real life situations. Hugely encouraging and inspiring. Would really recommend to readers who already enjoy the Christian life.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author took us on an engaging and challenging journey of a young woman searching for her birth parents and seeing how God's good purposes can work out for us despite our mistakes.

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️🧡💖💓❤️
Finishing the series with Gina's story was perfect.
I loved her in the previous books & love her even more now.
Lots of happy sighs & book hugging while reading this novel.
So good.

[D'anah · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do we know who we are? This book examines Gina's journey to answer this question when she finds out she was adopted. The book sensitively and honestly addresses the experiences of those involved in such life challenging decisions. It has lots of good suggestions on how to navigate these waters. Great opportunities shared for greater peace and assurance for those who have undergone this process.
An encouraging book on a murky and often dark and painful experience with lifelong ramifications.
Very well done. You'll love the characters. Helpful.

This concludes the series.
A series where every book addresses real life experiences and clearly distinguishes between true Jesus followers versus counterfeits and religion! It also offers actual resources to help.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was satisfying, comforting, inspiring, and encouraging. On a lazy Saturday, I got lost in this book, and enjoyed being immersed in this series again. The characters and stories are woven together, but it also works as a standalone book. Gina’s questions and struggles and even her forgetting about the ways she wants to follow Jesus are very relatable. As with each book in the series, I am encouraged to see how the Bible is applicable to real life problems in relationships. And I am inspired by the very natural way in which the characters learn to tell others about Jesus.

[Kriste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adoption from different perspectives...

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a pleasure to reconnect with the characters from the Grace series through this final novel. The story delved into the life, faith and struggles of Gina, a good friend of other main characters from the previous novels. I loved the mystery involved as she searched for her identity and the way she grew in her trust of God.
As with the other novels I was encouraged in my own walk with God and my desire to make him known through reading this story.
I received a free advance copy of this book to review, but this review is my own opinion.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved by God

I found this story really touching, the comparison of Gina's life to those around her, the feeling of being unworthy, being wanted, the rejection and the brokenness and ultimately how God had a plan all along, just in his timing. The healing and new found love, the acceptance of self, the use of Prayer and Scripture. This story kept me on the edge.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot about finding natural parents, adoption practices, coming to terms with being loved and loving, facing emotional connection with a widower and his children, while also learning to trust God and plenty more all woven masterfully into an intriguing story.

[Erin Laramore · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful ending to the Grace series by Christine Dillon! As I've come to expect from her, this book was filled with wonderful character development and spiritual growth. If you've not read the other books in the series, the overall story-line of this one will work fine for you, but in order to get the best understanding of the relationships contained within the book, it's best to have read them all in order. In addition, if you read this one first, you will get plenty of spoilers from the prior books, so I'd recommend reading them in order if you plan to read them all. This book follows Gina, who has been a side character in each of the other books. It was really great to get to see Gina's story. As adoption is near and dear to my heart, finding out she was an adoptee, and the emotions and such that went along with that, made for a great story, in my opinion. I've always liked Gina's character and so I was thrilled to be able to go on the journey she went on in seeking the details of her adoption. There's a bit of a romance included in this one as well, and it's very well done. I enjoyed seeing some closure on some of the previous books' characters as well, and this tied up the series nicely. If this author continues writing fiction, I hope she'll include some of these characters in the background of future books as I'd love to catch back up with them in future years to "see how they're doing". I'd strongly recommend this one to fans of the series and I'd recommend the series to fans of contemporary women's fiction with light romance and spiritual depth. Special thanks to the author for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

[Lesley Mackwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine Dillon was a new author to me about a week ago.
No longer, her Grace books are unputdownable😂
I was moved not to tears, but wracking sobs on completing the first book. Yes I have read all six in the series and thoroughly recommend them.
I recommend them to people who have a new Christian in their family,or circle of friends. I also recommend them to Christians who have become ,a little lack lustre in their faith and also to those folks who aren't sure whether or not they are a Christian.
Christine writes readable stories which most people can relate to easily, she clearly demonstrates what the differences are between prosperity teaching and Christianity. I found this very refreshing as a disabled person ,who has known the joy of physical healing ,but remains disabled.🥴
As a Brit it was also lovely to read of different areas in Australia and beyond. The characters are very well drawn,and credible and I particularly enjoyed reading their thought processes.
Thank you for writing about people who make mistakes, live lives badly and can't change things or confide easily with anyone .It's refreshing to read a Christian novel that includes the accounts of how God changes things , miraculously,but in a credible way in the here and now. This is the way we have lived out our faith and rejoice that others are also doing so. Not a crazy manipulative read, but one based on the words of other present day Christians. I'm just starting to read the first of your next series , but felt these books deserved a strong recommendation. Please pick the first one up, you won't want to put it down !

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved all of the books in the Grace series. As well as being fabulous reads, keeping me enthralled from start to finish, I have found each one challenging and encouraging in my daily walk with Jesus. The characters in the stories are so real and relatable - I could imagine bumping into them in real life! So many of their struggles strike a chord with me and as a result, the help and support they find in Christ and in His church turn me again and again to God's word, God's world and God's people as a source of succour and encouragement. Grace Across the Miles particularly resonated with me, despite the fact that Gina and Regina's stories are so different to mine. I am not adopted, nor have I had an unplanned/ unexpected pregnancy, but as a single Christian female I have known some of Gina's fears and struggles. Add to that that I have lived all of my life in Tamworth and you will understand why this book really came alive for me, having walked so many of the streets or visited so many of the places in Tamworth that are mentioned in the book. But if you have never been to Tamworth, you will still be able to walk in Gina's shoes, delight in her journey and learn to trust God in new and wonderful ways,

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, the 6th and final novel in Dillon’s Grace series. It’s a fitting end to the series, emphasising the power of God’s grace to triumph in every situation for His glory and for the good of those He has called according to His purpose.
I found it easy to read, just like the other books. Dillon’s writing is straightforward, clear, and tends toward instruction through story rather than literary or poetic flair. I could relate to the main character, Gina, in many ways, and was gripped by her journey of discovery and the emotional rollercoaster she found herself on. I also enjoyed how the events in the book intersected with those of the previous two books.
I would recommend this book for anyone who likes a good story, but it may be particular poignant for those who, like Gina, have struggled with their identity.
Note: I received a free advance copy of this book to review, but this review is written based on my own opinion without any obligation to the author.

[Frankie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to hear there was a book based on Gina's story. She is a relatable and likeable character and I enjoyed this story of her discovering her roots but also God's grace. Lovely to "meet" characters from the other books and to journey with them in their growth in Christ.

Although Australia and New Zealand are far from me, it was grace across the miles...I enjoyed travelling there in my imagination and appreciated how it spoke to me of God's goodness, kindness, sovereignty - as well as facing fears and what it mean to know Jesus and tell others about Him.
"Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land." Proverbs 25v25

It was a treat to read this in the post Christmas break. Thank you Christine for this excellent series.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christine Dillon's work is always a delight to read and the final book in her Grace series did not disappoint. This book is a little bit of a spin-off from the McDonald family, focusing on Esther's friend Gina. The first time I read it, I could not put it down as I wanted to see how it ended. Subsequent reads were slightly slower and as always were an encouragement to consider how I might share the hope that I have with other people, showing practically what it might look like to start those conversations.
Disclaimer: I was given a free e-copy of this book to read, but have since purchased my own because I think it’s worth it.

[Mary Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fascinating story about who Gina was.

Gina was told when she was in her twenties she was adopted. This her story about she who was her mother and why she left to be given away. It was so interest to see how involved it is to do this kind of search. It was also see all the emotions that someone goes through as they search. Gina 's faith was challenged and it good to see her really searched for God's direction over and over again. I truly enjoyed reading this book as I did the first but now that have met all these characters, I would love to the how they all resolved the issues they were left to resolve. Thanks for journey it was worth the time spent.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate reading stories that cause me to think about positive and helpful matters, and 'Grace Across the Miles' has done that for me, just as the earlier books in the series did.

The storyline kept me engaged throughout. I also very much enjoyed the descriptions of various places in which the stories took place. I could almost feel the breeze on my face as I glided over the water or pedalled along a country road on a bicycle.

Although this is part of a series, it could be read as a standalone book. I recommend it.

(I received an advance copy.)

[Stephanie Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous book for this series! I was immediately drawn into Gina's story. The struggle to find out who she is and where she came from, everyone can relate to in one way or another. I love that it tied in with the other books, but yet gave Gina her own stand-alone and really did the character justice. I have felt the same insecurities myself with low self esteem and with sharing my faith, so I related to Gina a lot in those aspects.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book. I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in the quiet times retreating from people interaction over Christmas - it was a treasure. A good book for me is when I get caught up in the story rather than analysing the writing and being distracted by the author’s style. Dillon the author manages to disappear behind her characters and their journeys. Thank you for the chance to reflect on grace again, and how it is there even when things are messy - actually, especially when things are messy. I wish this wasn’t the last book in the series.

[Esther Grubb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of love and God’s intervention in our lives

This story is woven around a romance and family relationships but also about a woman’s search for her identity and her birth parents. She discovers that her security is in a living God and her origins are important but knowing her Heavenly Father loves her and is her security is more important.
A good story for anyone searching for their identity especially those who are adopted. This story held my attention all the way through.

[Linda Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. The author Christine Dillon is not afraid to tackle hard issues in her books. This is book six of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone. What I love about the writing is it’s Christ-centrality and ease of witness to who Jesus is. This book would be perfect for those seeking who Jesus is or those who need encouragement in their faith. I was given a copy of this book but all opinions are my own.

[Beth Wyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Good Conclusion to the Grace Series

This books tells the story of the final character, Gina. As it goes it shows her growth and confidence in using Bible stories to engage people in knowing God. It addresses all the hesitations of a new storyteller as Gina models spiritual conversations.

This book is especially helpful for people who want to engage in spiritual conversation but aren’t sure how to to go about it and lack confidence.