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In this nationally bestselling novel, Lila Elliot knows she’s lucky. A shooting rampage at her office left several colleagues dead and others seriously wounded. Lila’s injuries will heal in time. Yet though she gratefully retreats to her best friend’s house to recuperate, Lila can’t quite move past her fear and anger. Being drafted into caring for Grace – a shaggy, formerly abused golden retriever – only adds to her stress. Lila has been terrified of dogs since childhood. But Grace, like Lila, needs time and space to heal.
Sensing Lila’s wariness, Grace keeps her distance and only perks up for Adam, the neighbor who rescued her. Though struggling to make sense of her recent tragedy, Lila, an accomplished artist, begins to see beauty in Grace’s wisps of fur and haunted eyes. As Adam points out, Grace, too, has suffered through no fault of her own. And in helping Grace to trust, Lila is being gently nudged toward the courage she needs to do the same.
Rich in warmth and humor, An Unexpected Grace is a story of compassion and connection, and of finding that what truly makes us whole again may be the love we give away.
Reviews
An Unexpected Grace is a bestseller on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble. The book is on the bestseller list of the Toronto Star.
“In this terrific, uplifting novel, von Kreisler deftly shows how the love between a dog and a person can prove transformative.” Modern Dog Magazine
“If you’re looking for a sweet, dog-friendly book to add to your summer reading list, I highly recommend An Unexpected Grace.” Oh My Dog! blog
“Devoted dog parents will read An Unexpected Grace and relate to the deep bond and heartfelt connection that can develop between the human and canine species… Von Kreisler’s passion for dogs is the underlying theme throughout the book and easily relatable by dog lovers wanting a happy ending. For that reason you will enjoy the book.” Seattle Post Intelligencer
“An Unexpected Grace is beautifully written. Kristin clearly knows dogs. The novel is filled with compassion. All pet lovers will relate to the story.” Pet News and Views
“Von Kreisler is at her best with colorful metaphors throughout this striking adventure that exudes a combustible feel around every corner.” Seattle Kennel Club
“A heartwarming and beautifully written tale about trust and compassion. Grace provides the story with a wonderful balance of humor as her heroine, Lila, poignantly brings the reader into her frame of mind. Dog lovers will be particularly enthralled with the novel.” RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars
“Kristin von Kreisler is an acute observer of dogs and a fine novelist. Her novel about the healing powers of dogs is enchanting. I was captivated from page one and I learned a great deal from this heartwarming, thrilling book.”
–Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, New York Times bestselling author of Dogs Never Lie About Love
“Kristin von Kreisler weaves a modern tale that seems at first to be a relentless search to understand a workplace shooting. But wait; von Kreisler takes us deeper into the powerful connections between humans and animals who are wounded by the incomprehensible and bound together by love.”
–Jacqueline Sheehan, New York Times bestselling author of Picture This and Lost and Found
“A sweet and charming story of the tender, patient, and forgiving nature of our canine friends, Kristin von Kreisler’s An Unexpected Grace will warm the heart of anyone who has ever loved a dog.”
–Amy Hill Hearth, New York Times bestselling author of Having Our Say: The Delaney Sisters’ First 100 Years and author of Miss Dreamsville and the Collier County Women’s Literary Society
“Kristin von Kreisler understands the unique bond between survivors of trauma in this captivating novel of a woman and a dog learning to trust each other in a threatening world. You have to root for them as the damaged heroines of UNEXPECTED GRACE, woman and dog, find the healing power of trust and love in each other.”
–Susan Wilson, New York Times bestselling author of The Dog Who Danced and One Good Dog
“In An Unexpected Grace, Kristin von Kreisler deftly tackles the age-old question of how to make sense of tragedy. When Lila’s world falls apart, she learns that help can come from unexpected places. With vivid descriptions and true-to-life characters, von Kreisler proves it’s possible to heal, trust again and love deeper than before. A heartwarming story on the healing power of dogs.”
—Susy Flory, New York Times bestselling author of Thunder Dog