Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace [Hardcover]

Catherine Johnson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 13, 2007

Even the strongest of families aren’t immune to malice, betrayal, and deceit. Wealthy and loving, the Pierson family is delighted to celebrate the marriage of handsome Paul Pierson and his wife, Pamela. Everyone rejoices that Paul has finally recovered from the tragic loss of his beloved first wife, and look forward to Paul and Pamela’s new life together. But while Paul’s family longs for his happiness, they are soon expressing concern about his beautiful bride.

As the strain between siblings and spouses worsens, the Piersons discover that neither their money nor their considerable influence can keep the family safe from one woman’s malicious intent. When the true nature of this family member is revealed, each of the Piersons are confronted with the quandary of human conduct and moral responsibility.

Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace is a compelling story of the classic struggle between good and evil, and the violent undercurrent running beneath the illusory serenity of a close-knit Midwestern family.

“Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace explores the tightrope families’ walk when one of their own is constantly under attack, and they’re asked to retreat. An engrossing drama of frustration, human conduct, and murder.” —Robin Van Auken, author of Play Ball! The Story of Little League Baseball

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Catherine Johnson is a nationally published author who currently resides with her family in the Midwest. Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace is her first novel.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 252 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse, Inc. (November 13, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595706827
• ISBN-13: 978-0595706822
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,118,345 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Riveting From First Page to Last, November 24, 2008

By 

Sandy Kowalski (Minnesota) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace (Paperback)

This is a story of universal themes that almost anyone can relate to - the bonds and love of family that bind, the trauma of divorce and child custody fights where children become bargaining chips, the realization that the tragedy of chemical dependency can happen to anyone, or the chilling realization of what one will do to protect loved ones. I was riveted from the first page to the last.

Having watched similar dramas unfold in the lives of friends, the Pierson family and their travils were all too real. I don't doubt the "inspired by a true story" tagline as Johnson clearly understands how divorce can rip families apart and that chemical dependency has absolutely no bias in regards to race, class, sex, religion, education, or income.

As a Minnesotan, having the story set in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas made the story come alive even more. You get a real sense of what life is like here, and Minnesota became another character in the novel.

I loved "Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace" and highly recommend it.

5.0 out of 5 stars A deftly written novel that explores human nature, June 5, 2008

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace (Paperback)

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars Shades of Great Reading!, January 6, 2008

By 

Beverley B. Buehrer (Illinois) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace (Hardcover)

In Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace Catherine Johnson has woven an intriguing web of family dynamics and mystery. Set against a Minnesota backdrop, this story unfolds to show the reader a family working together not only to run a successful business but also to save one of their own. Told through the point of view of the sister, it tells of the tragic situation where her brother, Paul, who has suffered through the death of his first beloved wife has now remarried a woman who is dragging him down both financially and psychologically. The plot follows this descent slowly and allows the reader to feel the same build up of frustration and helplessness that the Pierson family must have felt. It is a visceral story that expertly counterpoints the sanctuary that one can find in one's family and the chaos that can be created by those out to exploit and benefit at the expense of others. The aggravation that comes with the inability to fight the unfairness of the situation finally causes a surprising twist ending that provides an unexpected sense of justice. Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace is an engrossing and satisfying read expertly told by Catherine Johnson. I highly recommend it!