Book Review: The Edge of Grace by Christa Allan

Publisher: Abingdon Press
Publication Date: August 1, 2011


Already trying to juggle being a single parent with paying the bills and building up her catering business, Caryn Becker's world is further sent off-kilter after her brother David phones to tell her he is gay. Not knowing how to cope with this news, Caryn chooses to avoid her brother and the close relationship they once had. A sudden phone call reporting her brother was the victim of a hate crime and severely injured propels her back into his life, and forces her to confront her own beliefs and make some difficult choices.

Christa Allen has created a novel that will leave you thinking for days afterwards. Her characters are interesting and realistic, and put a human face on an issue that many are struggling with in the church today - can you be gay and be a Christian? The first few chapters immediately gripped my interest with the drama that was unfolding. Unfortunately, I found the middle of the book to be somewhat slow and plodding, and it wasn't until her brother was attacked that I found the story picked up again in pace, and then held my interest until the end.

Christian readers will appreciate Allen's sensitive handling of the subject matter, and consider for themselves the balance between love and grace and God's truth. Regardless of one's view of homosexuality, this novel is a recommended read to spark thoughtful discussion as we consider our own response to those who identify as David does. A solid recommendation of 4 out of 5 stars.

This review is based on an electronic copy provided by the publisher via netgalley for the purpose of completing this review.