LDS Women's Book Review

"Growing up Gracie"

Maggie Fechner

Publisher: Bonneville Books

Published: 2010

ISBN: 978-1-59955-453-2

FTC FYI: borrowed from the library

"Growing up Grace" is the story of Gracie Fremont, her ups and downs and the ups and downs of loved ones around her from around age five to her twenties. It's a story of friendship and love, life decisions and some heart ache. Throughout it all, faith in her Father in Heaven gets her through many trials. Gracie is a strong girl, who truly desires to do good, help those around her, and be there for others when she can.

In high school she is challenged by her missionary brother to not rely on the testimony of her parents, but to find out for herself what she believes. I appreciated that part of the book the most. She had to work for it, and have the faith she needed. Gracie's best friends are Liza and Chelsea. They have been there for each other since they were young. One makes mistakes. Gracie, at times, is frustrated by her choices, but helps her no matter what. In high school, she meets Quentin, a shy loner in need of a friend. Gracie invites him over for FHE and... well, things develop from there.

I was really impressed with this book, it is the author's first. The characters were developed well, and it was well written. Since the story is told through a long period of time, I liked how time passed without too much detail needed.

Four stars of out five.