Everyday Graces: Stories of Faith in the Ordinary

Kimberly Novak reviews a collection of short stories by Catholic author C.E. Albanese.

Everyday Graces: Stories of Faith in the Ordinary

By C.E. Albanese

Published by Gnaw Bone Publishing, LLC

If there is one thing that everyone needs every day, it’s grace — lots of it! Forgiveness, inspiration, and love are a few ways we can define and offer grace. I like to think of grace as a hug from God: a comforting embrace, a timely and constant gift often found in the quiet moments of life when we allow the world around us to slow down. I cherish these moments, especially when God gives me unexpected grace or shows me how to extend grace to someone else at the least expected times. 

In his book, Everyday Graces: Stories of Faith in the Ordinary, C.E. Albanese offers beautiful glimpses into the grace found in everyday life. Though fictional, the stories feel familiar and are written in a way that allows you to insert yourself as either a character receiving grace or one giving it.

As I turned each page, I found myself eagerly anticipating where the stories would lead me next. Perhaps I would be a child receiving the simple grace of a kind smile and an ice cream cone, or maybe a grandmother offering a stranger a place at her family table. 

As he walked back to his cruiser, Keenan heard Robbie through the open window: “Mommy, you can have some of mine.” The words echoed something his old chaplain during his Guard days used to say about the loaves and fishes — how grace multiplied when shared, even by the smallest hands. 

Simple Stories with Profound Impact

C.E. Albanese weaves each story together simply yet with profound impact, as he shows us how one small act of kindness can turn into a blessed moment of God’s grace. I highly recommend this book as a wonderful addition to a spiritual library, a coffee table read, and a perfect gift for loved ones.  

I consider Everyday Graces to be a grace in itself, as it encourages me to reflect on the numerous blessings I have received and the ones I should offer to others. C.E. Albanese has certainly fulfilled his promise of revealing the glimmers of hope, reminding us that grace surrounds us all. 

My prayer is that you, dear reader, find here a glimmer of hope. A reminder that grace is always near, waiting to touch your soul as it has mine. (C.E. Albanese)  

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Copyright 2025 Kiimberly Novak
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