Family Grace A Story of Conversion Through Friendship - Father Michael E. Giesler

Family Grace: 
A Story of Conversion Through Friendship
Father Michael E. Giesler
Scepter Publishers
ISBN 9781594172236
ASIN B00WKHMLL


After reading the amazing Junia Trilogy I have tracked down all of the books I can by father Michael Giesler. And this book did not disappoint. In fact, it was an incredible read. While reading it I kept forgetting it was a fictional account. But the events, and people in the story could exist and do. They are our neighbours, our friends, and our co-workers. The story is set within contemporary north American families. One for whom their faith has become relatively irrelevant. And another an immigrant family who have a bright dynamic faith and family life. When the two mix the spirit moves.

Part of the description of this book is:

“In Family Grace Fr. Giesler tells a similar story, but within the context of a contemporary American family that discovers the Catholic Faith in gradual and unexpected ways. He vividly narrates their temptations, failures, and victories in a setting very similar to what the early Christians faced: a society often hostile to the truth and goodness of the Gospel. 

As he did in his previous novels, Giesler uses the message of St. Josemaria Escriva as his inspiration---with his call to become saints and apostles in the middle of the world, a calling very similar to that of the early followers of Christ. 

“It was the family that converted the Roman world. Pagans saw that Christian homes were happy, and they wanted a piece of that happiness. This novel shows us the truth: the family is, still today, the key to evangelization and the key to happiness.” -- Mike Aquilina, author of The Fathers of the Church.”

The story follows Frank and nan from their first date, through courtship, marriage, children, and drifting apart and away from the church. But their daughter Kim has a close friend Rosa for whom faith is integral to her life. And Kim comes to depend upon Rosa as a rock in her turbulent life. When tragedy strikes the two families grow together and faith is renewed.

As mentioned I forgot that this was fiction a few times while reading it, and got chocked up. It is a powerfully written story. And I pray it will spark new hope and new faith in the families of all who read it. Another excellent offering by Father Giesler.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Rev. Michael Giesler:
You See Me, You Hear Me
Guidebook for Confessors
Family Grace: A Story of Conversion Through Friendship
Called by Name: Twelve Guideline Meditations for Diocesan Priests
Christ the Rejected Stone
How Christ Saves Souls―with Us: The Mystery of Co-Redemption

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Spanish Editions:
Dios te ve y te oye
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Christian Historical Fiction Trilogy:
Junia
Marcus
Grain Of Wheat
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Author Profile and Interview with Father Michael E. Giesler.