Reaching

Once upon a time, I stumbled upon a gardening blog called, Gardening With Grace.  I learned she lived in my home state, and started following along as she posted lust-worthy photos of her yard.  Eventually, we were commenting back and forth on one another's posts, and I learned, among other things, that she has a daughter named Mindy.  Currently, she's not in the same city as I am, but I learned she used to live in the same neighborhood that I'm in now.

Blogging time went on, plant posts came and went, and I learned that, in addition to her gardening blog, she had a writing blog, as well.  So, of course, I started following along there, too.  I learned of her dream to publish a book.  I followed along as her dream crept closer.  And then the day was here.  Her dream was a reality and her book was for sale.  I was super excited to read it, but hadn't bit the bullet and ordered it yet.  Then, last week, I won a copy in a giveaway.  SO EXCITING!  I was finally going to get to read her memoir that she had hinted at for months.

I received the book in the mail on Friday.  I finished the last 20 pages Sunday morning.  You guys, it was SO GOOD.  It was heart-breaking, and horribly sad, but it's so beautifully written.  I loved reading it.  I was in a hurry to finish it, but at the same time, I didn't want it to end.

The courage it took her to share her story with the world is beyond amazing to me.  I kept having to remind myself that it was a real human, telling real life facts, and not a fictional story, being narrated by an author who was dragging his main character through hell and back. 

Grace doesn't know I'm writing this post.  I hope telling her story has helped her heal.  After knowing her through photos of her yard, and emails telling her of my plant envy, I would urge you to pop on over and get to know her, too.  And if you'd like to read her story, you can buy it here:  Reaching, A Memoir

I was in no way compensated for writing this post. 

I just think Grace is pretty darned awesome.

 I love a good book and wanted to pass it on, hoping you'll love it, too.