I loved this book! Tammy did it again. Even though this is book 2 in the series, it can be read as a stand alone. Darcy is a secondary character in book 1 and finally gets her own story.

I didn't always like Darcy, felt she was a bit self-absorbed at times but loved the broody Bryson. The author does a wonderful job at character development and making you love/dislike people.

I highly recommend both books in the series if you like contemporary romances. Tammy writes excellent books that deal with some tough subjects but with a happy ever after! I'm looking forward to reading more of her writing.

Thanks for letting me read and review this book.

Darcy Malone has been planning and saving money for some time to go to Guatemala to do mission work and teach English at a school there, but the school closed at the last minute, after Darcy had given up her job and her apartment. Darcy was offered a chance to move in with Bryson Katsaros’ sister, Zoe. Bryson was the lead singer in Darcy’s best friend Cameron’s band. Darcy volunteered to work with some unruly dogs in an attempt to find homes for them to try to keep them from being turned over to animal control by Charlie, whose now deceased wife had taken the dogs in. While Bryson always seemed like a sullen loner, he was close friends with Charlie, who was almost like family to him. Could a romance develop for Darcy? There was so much angst in this story, that you could never be sure. You really need to read it to the end to find out.

Tammy L. Gray is a very talented author, who writes good, clean stories.

Disclaimer: I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

In Love and the Silver Lining, we catch up with characters we first met in Love and a Little White Lie, but this one can be read as a stand-alone. Ms. Gray does a great job portraying difficult situations with redemption and grace, and this book is no exception.

When Darcy's long-held plans fall apart, she is thrust into a season of questioning God and having to reframe her dreams and expectations - I think we can all relate to that struggle! The friendship between Bryce, Darcy, and Cam got tense and a little frustrating at times, but it was handled well. One of my favorite parts of the story was how Bryce's friendship pushed Darcy to make some much needed changes in her life and in her relationships. His steady, faithful love for her provided a contrast to her tumultuous relationship with Cam and made him an easy hero to root for. This story full of heart, depth, and a little humor will be a hit with fans of contemporary romance!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

*I RCVD an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
I have read every book Tammy Gray has published, and she NEVER disappoints! This book is no exception. I liked "Love and the Silver Lining" better than "Love and a Little White Lie" (I loved them both though!)
Tammy has a way of writing the characters so that you can feel what they are going through. Multiple times while reading "Love and the Silver Lining" my chest physically hurt, because she does such a good job of pulling you in to the emotion. She keeps the emotions real, and doesn't churchify things like many Christian authors do. Her characters struggle with real temptations, and she actually lets them fail. It's refreshing. I loved Bryson's character!
Do yourself a favor and dive into this book for a couple of hours...you will be glad you did! I can't wait until book 3!

Love and the Silver Lining is a sweet friends to more romance that gives you all the feels. It is vexing yet totally swoon worthy. The story takes you through some awesome highs and a few valleys but, it is worth the ride. Main character, Darcy, feels like the rug has been pulled out from under her and her friends are there to help pick her back up (even some four-legged ones).

I absolutely love every Tammy L. Gray book I have read. This book is no different. I attribute this to her ability to bring fiction to life. From the beginning you want to root for all of the characters, especially the underdogs (no pun intended). Tammy L. Gray has a way of writing that draws you in to the story, helps you relate with the characters, and gives you a beautiful happily ever after that will make you want more.

This is the second book in the State of Grace Series by Tammy L. Gray but, can be read independently. However, we do see a main character here from the previous novel.

Note: I was given an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

I don't read much Christian romance, but I have to say that this is the best example of it that I've ever read. Gray created characters that feel so real it's almost like I know them, and she puts their faith as a basic part of them without continually hitting the reader with the faith/religious elements. It's just a very important part of their lives and how they get about living, and it made for a great, uplifting part of the story.
The main characters in the story are Darcy and Bryson and they have the sweetest get to know and grow with each other story I've ever read, but what makes this memorable is that they're not the only ones with full character arcs that a reader can root for. Every character in this story is a fully-fleshed-out person with motivations, good and bad points, and an important part to play in the story.
Definitely read this one if you're looking for sweet and inspiring elements with your romance.

Happy thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for the delightful read!

A great read! I had not read the first book in the series, nor realized it until I was part way through. This book read easily as a stand alone, not part of a series. Heart warming, great, read. I can not recommend this book enough.

This book was such a face paced, Christian Romance that I couldn't put it down! The characters were relatable and likeable. Darcy had planned to go on a mission trip for a full year, and at the last minute that plan changed. She fell into a depressed state of mind, because she did not know what God wanted for her. Bryson, a childhood acquaintance, tries to offer help in his own way, motivated by a secret desire. However, Darcy isn't sure if she can trust him or not. Throw in her BFF, who is a guy, and who also has had a BIG crush on her for years, and the struggle is real. Can Darcy turn all of her life decisions over to God and let Him work them out? After all, God allowed her mission trip plans to fall through.... I really enjoyed this book!

Although this is a standalone, if you read book 1 in the State of Grace series, you’ll remember Darcy, Cameron, and possibly Bryson. After Darcy’s ministry plans are thwarted, she’s forced into finding a new plan for her life while navigating her parent’s recent divorce, her friendship with Cameron, and her biased perception of Bryson.

The one thing I can rely upon with this author, she doesn’t skirt around real life issues like anger, grief, irrational behavior, and unwise choices. It’s all in here and there’s some ugliness that the characters go through prior to getting to the goodness.

In all honesty, I was a little nervous when I started this one. This wasn’t the Darcy I expected after meeting her in the previous book. I’m not a fan of negativity or a “poor me” attitude and Darcy was dwelling in some serious self-pity. I also felt her reasons were overblown, since there were/are numerous opportunities for ministry outreaches. Then I remembered how my own daughter was forced home from her own mission work at the beginning of the pandemic and how her anxiety and depression were amplified. It was also the impetus to an entirely new life plan. So, forgive me for my early judgment of Darcy, since the author also managed to craft a lovely and believable character transformation from those beginning chapters.

Boy, did Gray ever deliver on the brooding hero. Bryson might just be my favorite to date from the author. He was the perfect balance of strong, sensitive, and self-aware. A man who has faced the hurts of his past and is seeking a better future. My heart broke while he attempted to be a better friend to Darcy and others, while still being viewed through a distorted lens. As Darcy began to see the true Bryson, their chemistry became lightning. And so very, very swoon-worthy.

There were also many secondary characters and circumstances that helped to carry the story forward, as well as giving Darcy some perspective. Such as, her boy-crazy roommate, grieving Charlie, her divorced parents, and the dogs. I found the dog training a smart and entertaining plot device often used as a catalyst for some great life lessons.

I’ve read quite a number of Tammy L. Gray’s books and this one is right up there with my top favorites.

There’s something so addictive about contemporary novels. The romance, relatable characters, and impacting message all create a narrative that not only grasps a reader’s attention but holds them captive until they’re out of pages to turn. Tammy L. Gray’s newest addition to the State of Grace series, Love and the Silver Lining, is all these things and more! Get ready for your heart to melt and your soul to soar with this epic tale of forgiveness, redemption, faith, love, and second chances.

“I thought packing was the first read movement toward the incredible journey God has planned. Who knew it would be the beginning, middle, and final leap off the cliff of disappointment?” ~ Tammy L. Gray

“Sometimes it takes having your perfectly planned life detonate right in front of you to discover what you really want.” ~ Tammy L. Gray

Darcy Malone’s life comes crashing down when her future of becoming a full-time missionary is brought to an abrupt end. Forced to reexamine her life and confront the problems she was hoping to run away from, Darcy falls into a pit of despair. Lost, angry, broken, and bitter, Darcy treads on a thin line of rebellion as she searches for purpose and hope. However, when she accepts the job of training a group of dogs before they’re taken to animal control, Darcy finds an unlikely oasis; but, will this task only lead to more disappointment? And, what of Bryson, the boy Darcy has known most of her life but is suddenly seeing in a new light? Is he really as dangerous as everyone claims him to be? Sometimes it takes everything falling apart for the pieces to come into place.

“I’m an all-or-nothing guy, Darcy. I can’t exist on the surface. I’m not programmed that way.” “I understand.” “Do you? Because if we take this step. If I take this step with you, everything’s going to change. There are some doors that don’t close again once they’re opened.” ~ Tammy L. Gray

“And the real question looms over me like a phantom waiting to attack. Can I love him any other way?” ~ Tammy L. Gray

Love and the Silver Lining is one of those books most of us will relate to. Having gone through our own seasons of wondering why God has closed a door we initially thought He’d opened, it’s in those times of trails and tribulations when we learn that faith is more than going through the motions of what we believe we’re supposed to do, and more about trusting that the Lord works everything out for a purpose. Even if we reject it, one way or another, God’s plan will always prevail, bringing us back to Him and the path He’s set before us!

I couldn’t put this book down! Though the shift from past and present tense was a little rocky in the beginning, the narrative had me captivated from the first page. Resonating with everything Darcy went through, I still find it hard to put into words just how much this story has affected me. Whether you’re in a season of asking God for clarity or on the hunt for a clean book that captures the emotions and choices so many of us face, Love and the Silver Lining is the perfect book for you! Disappointment and heartbreak are a part of life, but there is always hope to be found at the end of the tunnel. Keeping looking ahead, and don’t lose sight of the light that wants to lead you out of the darkness!

“Like Louie, I’ve been yelling and yelling, trying to get God to see how disappointed I am with this life He forced on me. How afraid I am to trust Him again. And He’s been patiently waiting, pushing me past boundaries, asking me to be vulnerable, testing me with new challenges, all to help me see that His way is better and perfect and it’s okay that it doesn’t always make sense.” ~ Tammy L. Gray

“Answered prayers come in many different forms, most of which we don’t recognize. This one, though, came exactly how I’d hoped.” ~ Tammy L. Gray

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book. My thoughts and opinions are entirely my own!*

Positive content: 4.5⭐️
Language: 0.5⭐️
Sexual content: 1.5⭐️
Violence: 1.5⭐️
Age: 15+

This story had me guessing what Darcy was going to do with her life for most of the book. She had been planning to do many things in her life but something seemed to always get in her way. I love how she works through her problems. She tries many ways to come to some conclusions and I love the one that seems to finally work for her. I had many tears throughout this journey that we go on with Darcy, Bryson, Cameron, Zoe, Charlie and the dogs. I could not put this book down. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I really enjoyed this novel by a new to me author! I do not think that you have to read the books in this series in order, as I have not yet read the first one (I will quickly be going back and reading it though!) and still was able to fully experience this story. The book is written in first-person present tense, which I don’t read as often, but I found myself quickly settling into the narrative and connecting really easily with the main protagonist, Darcy. She encounters so many trials but she is tenacious and grows in her faith and in love in the story in such a remarkable way. I think I found myself on an emotional rollercoaster with Darcy and really liked the way the author developed her character with depth and great faith elements. The romance is clean and progresses in a believable manner. I also liked the dogs and how their personalities seem to match those around Darcy. This is a cute contemporary romance novel and I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Omgosh!!! This is the most amazing book I've ever read!!!! This is like the next Notebook!! Wait, WAY better storyline than the Notebook! This should be made into a movie!!! I'm so totally blown away!!!! The storyline kept evolving, more surprise, and more depth. I didnt ever know what was going to happen next!! I was totally emersed in this storyline. I had to stop reading the book a few times because it paralleled my own life, different story, so many times I was so emotionally invested, I had to come back to reality! Hands down the best book I've ever read EVER!!!!!
I was given a free book for my review but no money has ever been exchanged. This is solely my free love and opinion for this book.

Tammy Gray is well known for writing raw emotions in her characters and this novel is no different in that regard. This book is the 2nd in the State of Grace series. While the story-line itself can stand alone, we initially meet Darcy and Bryson in book 1 (Love and a Little White Lie) and really get some depth on Cameron in book 1. The relationship struggles from book 1 are also referenced in this book, but not to the extent that you'd feel lost without it. However, if you plan to read all books in the series, I would definitely recommend reading them in order. However, if you pick this one up without having read book 1, you should still be able to follow along. This story picks up a few months after book 1, where we meet Darcy as she is planning to spend a year abroad teaching English on a Guatemalan mission field. When her dreams fall through, she is forced to face the changes happening in her life and finds herself at rock bottom. Though she finds some purpose in working with dogs that need to find new homes and need significant training to get them there, she learns more about herself as she helps the dogs work through their own traumas and eventually recognizes God's hand in the difficulties. I appreciated the real-ness of Darcy's thoughts and emotions as well as her faith struggles.

In addition to wonderful characters with real emotions, there is definitely a romance. This one has a bit more passion than I typically like in books, but it was definitely still clean. I enjoyed the story line with the dogs and the faith thread that started subtle, but came out full force towards the end (though without being preachy). And I enjoyed how all of the character arcs begun in this book found conclusions here as well. There was a definite theme of letting go and forgiving, as well as overcoming fears. I appreciated that the characters understood the value of communication, even when it was hard. All in all, this was a good novel that hit on some deep emotions and had a clean romance. I would recommend to fans of inspirational contemporary romance and those who enjoy books that work through deep emotions.

Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

Tammy L. Gray is one of my favorite contemporary Christian fiction authors. She is a master at creating realistic, broken, engaging characters and plopping them down in compelling situations. Once there, she commences to evoke all the feelings and emotions from heartbreak to compassion and on to joy with many stops in between. Her stories are so gripping that I’m hooked from the first page and can hardly stand to put them down.

Darcy Malone and Bryson Katsaros are two of my favorite characters, and I quickly started rooting for them. I love heroes who have the grit and determination to make something of themselves despite their broken backgrounds, and Bryson fits that perfectly. The author did a fantastic job of slowly unveiling his true character from the image he portrays publicly. Darcy is an endearing heroine who, despite some severe setbacks in her life, picks herself up and sets out to change her circumstances with the help of her friends.

With lots of action, angst, emotion, and inspiration, along with some happy sighs and romance, this book is a wonderful addition to Gray’s State of Grace series. Themes of forgiving, not judging others, hope, grace, and accepting God’s plans for your life all come in to play in this story and make it one of my favorite reads this year. This book is bound for my keeper shelf alongside the first one in the series, Love and a Little White Lie.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Love and the Silver Lining is an intense story of unrecognized love spanning years. Angsty musicians and a heroine overcoming a devastating blow. Definitely left me on pins and needles for the third installment.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House for an early copy of this book!

This book was sweet but frustrating. I really enjoyed the rehabilitation work that Darcy does with the dogs, absolutely the highlight of the book, but felt pretty lost when it came to the romance as it seemed like there was a lot of history that maybe the previous book covered. I certainly wasn't expecting rock star angst and a love triangle based on such a charming cover!

Title: Love and the Silver Lining
Author: Tammy L. Gray
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Love and the Silver Lining" by Tammy L. Gray

My Opinion:

"Love and the Silver Lining" was a good read that digs deep into the 'relationships, family dynamics, friendships.' The characters were shown raw emotions, and what goes on in trials will become an issue. However, this author does an excellent job of bringing forth the love of God in it all. This story will be about Darcy, Cameron, and Bryson...who one is the best friend while the other is a boyfriend. What will happen when Darcy has to choose the right one in this sweet romance? The story will also be of Darcy having to reconciliations with her family, and I don't want to leave out those unruly dogs that she cares so much about. To get these questions answered and so much more, you will have to pick up this wonderfully written story to see how we get to know not only the three main characters but Zoe, Charlie, and Michael.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley, and all opinions are my own.

I loved this book! This is a beautifully written story that hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. This is one of those books that hate to see end but you just have to know what happens next. The author brings the book to life with her words and you can feel all the emotions. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes Contemporary Christian Romance. This book deserves more than 5 stars!

Go to author for contemporary romance novels!

The first two lines of the second in the State of Grace Series are spectacular: "I'm supposed to be on an airplane, flying to Central America to teach children to speak English. Instead, I'm sitting on the couch and nursing my third pint of Rocky Road ice cream, watching a Telemundo soap opera in Spanish."

Darcy's career plans and personal life are not going at all how she expected. She's upset. She's frustrated. Her parents recently got divorced. Her career path came to an abrupt halt. Her apartment lease is quickly coming to an end. It seems nothing can go right.

Although she's irritated, I love that the warmth of her personality still come through. While Darcy yearned for mission work, she also loves dogs. A lot. To fill a void, she helps out the friend of a friend with a group of rescue dogs sorely in need of training before they are ready to be adopted.

Love and the Silver Lining is filled with what Tammy L Gray does best...an engaging story line, relate-able characters, character growth and a dash of humor. I especially loved Louis and Charlie.