SHADES OF DARKNESS, SHADES OF GRACE

Inspired by a true story, Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace is an engrossing story of evil among the mundane and everyday, of an ordinary family confronted by the darkest of malice. Encompassing universal themes of love and family, betrayal, deceit, retribution, and moral conduct, the Pierson’s could be anyone’s neighbors, friends, or family.

Another terrific review of Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace and an author interview is appearing on Book Club Queen. The site also offers discussion questions for the book which I think is a great idea. The site is packed with reviews on all manner of books, author interviews, blogs, discussion boards, and how to start your own book club. Click on interview for an insightful Book Club Queen discussion of the novel.

Reviews

Thumbs Way Up!

“Shocking, stunning and compelling are the words that come to mind first when thinking about Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace. Inspired by a true story, this book takes you on a roller coaster ride that one family had to endure as one woman nearly ripped the entire family apart.

Paul Pierson finally found someone to replace the vacant hole in his life left when his first wife passed away. Surrounded by his close-knit family that all worked together in their own realty business, he looked forward to marrying Pamela. From the start, the family expressed misgivings about the marriage but instead of bringing up their concerns to Paul, they try to be patient and accept the marriage. After the marriage and a beautiful child, the whole family discovers that Pamela is the devil and they are in hell.

Pamela is all about material wealth and wants more and more and more from Paul. When they are taxed to the limit, she decides to move away to take a "better" job that will let them have more things. While Paul tries to make it work, he discovers that Pamela is committing adultery, embezzling funds from the family business and who knows what else. While things are bad while married, when Paul wants a divorce, Pamela's true claws come out and she gets Paul arrested, fined, milked dry for child support and publicly humiliated. She makes every woman look bad.

During this whole time, the family is powerless to do anything. They do their best to rally around Paul and even hold interventions to make him see how bad things are. While the family does their best to hold to their Christian tenets, Pamela stressed that determination to its breaking point.
This is a narrative that is gripping, frustrating and definitely a page-turner. The best part is an ending that you won't see coming! Read it, love it. ”
-- Sabrina Sumsion
Sabrina's Reviews

A deftly written novel that explores human nature

Conflict and antagonism are natural occurrences even in the most harmonious of families - but what makes them harmonious is there capacity to deal with them. Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace is one families struggle to overcome the lies and deception between them - and when they finally sift out who's responsible, they are faced with an inner conflict of their loyalty to blood and love, and what is justifiable anger - a story of conflict that some will discover creepy parallels to their own family. Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace is highly recommended to community library fiction collections as a deftly written novel that explores human nature - a top pick indeed.
-- Midwest Book Reviews
5 out of 5 Stars