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Welcome to the book tour of the novel Waiting for Grace by Caroline E. Zani. Scroll down for the author interview.
Waiting for Grace: a novel of redemption
Eli Cranston, Esq. has fled his Los Angeles law practice after the loss of his wife and daughter. Thirty-four hundred miles away a new life was waiting; one in which Eli could find redemption, forgiveness, and a purpose, if only he would allow it.
In a small cottage by the sea, Eli launches a new career in Forward Life Progression–a practice which pushes patients past their traumas and addictions to build a new resilient existence, one they can work toward simply by knowing it exists. But what happens when a client sees a future that includes Eli?
Life on a farm in Bar Harbor, Maine, holds the promise of a long winter haunting Eli with unopened boxes and letters. But here, where the light is surreal, transformation can take place. Eli finds Hope; caring for two miniature horses, Ink and Smudge, a pregnant cat, and a handyman named Clem, he sees his own new future. He finds comfort at the market, not in the mysterious fire cider, but in the owner of Full Circle Farm, Rebecca. Can he keep his secrets and move forward? Is anyone ever really allowed to leave their past behind completely?
Eli's monthly visits to his idol, Dr. Otto Gunther, an eighty-six-year-old holocaust survivor, reveals a past life from this future-life expert that Eli was not expecting. As it turns out, everyone is looking for second chances, and waiting for redemption in whatever form, and however long, it takes.
Advance Praise
“Caroline Zani's WAITING FOR GRACE is old-fashioned storytelling—sweet, sad, filled with head and heart—about the longing we carry to do the right thing.” — Jacquelyn Mitchard, NYT bestselling author of THE DEEP END OF THE OCEAN
“Author Caroline E. Zani has produced a fascinating and highly thought-provoking drama. [T]he prose flows really well, and the characters are drawn as if they spring straight from real life, facing deeply emotional encounters in the past and present, with common themes about human nature and what we seek for ourselves in the future. WAITING FOR GRACE is a complex but highly worthwhile read that is definitely recommended to fans of metaphysical and high concept drama.” — K.C. Finn, Reader's Favorite 5-STARS
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I always enjoy hearing more from the author of a book. And her current read is on my to be read list.
What kind of research did you have to do for this book?
I definitely needed to get the dates, places and translations correct when referencing Otto’s account as a Holocaust survivor. That was the most intense research anyone could do on a subject so important.
Which character was your favorite to write?
That question is not fair! I love them all as they became part of my daily life but I think if forced to choose, I would have to say Clem.
To which character did you relate the most?
That’s a definite tie between Rebecca and Hope. I think they are not dissimilar in their fight for independence and need for love / protection being at odds with one another.
What was one of your favorite scenes?
Hmm…another tough question! I think I would have to go with Otto realizing the young British soldier who helped liberate Ravensbrück Camp had put M&M’s in his mouth, not medication. Another is when Missy has to tell Hope what she needs in order to survive – as hard as it was to write that scene – it is reality for a lot of children, sadly.
Will we see these characters again?
Yes! In the next book, Hope Rising, you will see Hope, Rebecca, Eli and some surprises as well!
Tell us about your other published works.
My first novel, Piper, Once & Again (July 2016, Wyatt-Mackenzie Publishing ) is set in 21st century Massachusetts and 19th century Provence/Paris, France. Piper must fight to learn what is holding her back in this life by exploring a past life where loss and undying love were themes that carry over and guide her – once she is aware of the messages she is receiving through the scent memories she once could not explain.
What are you currently reading? Up next on your TBR?
The Testaments by Margaret Atwood! Oh boy, The Handmaid’s Tale left me unable to think of much else for weeks and though I did not have a lot of available reading time, I ordered this book and have a hard time putting it down.
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