The upcoming inspirational new adult novel by Anna Daugherty.
How far can grace go?
Ava Sanford longs to be known as more than the pastor’s kid. When the opportunity arises to study abroad in Scotland, she jumps at the chance to leave the Texas coast and the pressures of Grace Church behind. But she never meant to leave God too.
The unflinching story of a pastor’s daughter, her search for identity, and the God who won’t give up on her.
Her roommate’s partying lifestyle promises the fun Ava has been missing out on—until a traumatic assault leaves her faith and pride in ruins.
Carefully researched and reviewed by mental health professionals
As her life in Scotland begins to crumble, rumors race back home, threatening her relationships with her family and friends, including Jack Shields.
Boldly addressing the issues Christian women face today, Outside of Grace balances real struggles with redemptive themes.
A former athlete, Jack keeps his head down, working through college and coasting through life. After losing both his mother and his scholarships, he knows the things you love can disappear at any moment. But when his best friend seems to be next, the nonchalance and security he carefully guards are broken. Fighting for Ava will mean risking it all, and he can’t do it alone. Only God can show them both how far grace can go.
Purchasing Information
Pre-order the book now at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Target, and direct from the publisher at Black Rose Writing. Please note, the book will be released on November 17, 2022, pre-orders will be shipped around this time.
Upcoming Events
I would love to meet you and answer any questions about the book. Ava’s favorite color? How to write with toddlers underfoot? I got you! Books will be available for sale and signing. For my pre-order friends, I’d be happy to sign your book if you have it with you! If not, bookplates will be available.
November 12, 2022 · 2-4PM
The Book Haus, New Braunfels, TX
Book Launch and Signing Celebration
November 19, 2022 · 3-5PM
Old Town Books, San Angelo, TX
Book Signing
Book Quotes
FAQs:
What inspired you to write this?
The novel was inspired by some of my own experiences with rejection and isolation in college, as well as my travels along the Texas coast and through Scotland. I have also struggled with mental health struggles and, as Ava experiences in the book, when my faith seemed to fail me, it was good friendships and a deeply rooted relationship with God that pulled me through.
Though I have not experienced many of the specific things Ava goes through in the story, I have friends who have gone through similar trauma. Reading Christian novels, I found that many tried to solve complex trauma with a quick prayer and call it a day. I wanted to accurately represent the long, complicated healing process that Christians go through, wrestling with their faith, taking two steps forward and one step back.
Are there any triggers I should be aware of?
While the book avoids gratuitous details, there are depictions of sexual assault and alcoholism. Readers who are sensitive to these topics may want to avoid certain chapters. It is my hope that this novel will bless women who have experienced trauma by showcasing God’s extravagant, unending love for them. I also encourage friends and family of anyone who has experienced trauma to read it, as it offers a glimpse into the mind and body reactions of trauma and the healing process. The book has been reviewed by the co-founder of Mount Horeb House, a Christian counseling center in Austin, TX, to ensure an accurate representation of trauma recovery.
Still have questions?
See posts tagged Outside of Grace for recent updates, or contact me at Annadwrites [at] gmail [dot] com.
Anna Daugherty — Author 