Between a Rock and a Grace Place by Carol Kent

Carol Kent and her husband, Gene have had plenty of tough times since 1999. It was in October 1999 that their son, Jason, murdered his wife’s ex-husband. The years since that Sunday afternoon have been filled with trials, the conviction, visits to the penitentiary where Jason will spend the rest of his life, fear, and sadness. In the midst of this the Kent family has found the peace that only God’s love can bring. They have experienced God’s grace and even joy.


“Between a Rock and a Hard Place” written by Carol, is a look at how God surprises us by showing in the midst of tough times to teach and encourage us. The book tells the continuing story of how the Kent family has rebuilt their life since the unthinkable happened. It is a mix of Jason’s story and stories of other people who have found themselves in tough spots in life. It is filled with encouragement that God is working even when you feel that you have no place to go.

Life can put us there between a rock and a hard place. Life doesn’t play fair and it doesn’t always unfold the way we expect it to. Carol, Gene, and Jason have decided to not get stuck in the hard places. Rather, they are moving forward and looking for, as Carol puts it, the sweet spot of grace.

Romans 9:33 is the theme verse Carol chose for this book. “Careful! I’ve put a huge stone on the road to Mount Zion, a stone that you can’t get around. But the stone is me! If you’re looking for me, you’ll find me on the way, not in the way.” When her “hard place” happened Carol nearly lost everything, instead she found a deeper relationship with God.

Carol and Gene have found that God’s grace is able to shine through even the darkest hours. Carol helps the reader to come to terms with the darkness while still be open to faith, mercy, contentment, thanksgiving, favor, joy, freedom, and adventure.

Despite the sometimes heavy subject matter, “Between a Rock and a Grace Place” is easy to read. Carol provides thought provoking questions at the end of each chapter.

This book is for anyone who wants to experience God to the fullest regardless of life circumstances. Romans 9:33 is the theme verse for this book and truly, if you’re looking for God, He’s on the way, not in the way.