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Book cover of Smile-Mile Inheritance — a wholesome faith-based Christian novel of healing and family at a Montana horse ranch in 1991. Illustrations by Grama Jean
If you’ve been moved by stories like The Memory Quilt or Grace in the Garden, then Smile-Mile Inheritance will feel like a homecoming. Set on a Montana ranch in 1991, Grama Jean’s trilogy follows Thomas and Ella—city-raised siblings summoned by their late Uncle Charlie’s Will to walk the land and earn their inheritance. What begins as a physical journey becomes a spiritual reckoning, as they confront grief, rediscover faith, and learn the true meaning of legacy. With simple sketches, historical echoes, and heartfelt reflections, this story invites readers to smile every mile and embrace the Light of Christ. Perfect for women of faith, church book clubs, and anyone seeking joy through trials.
Smile-Mile Inheritance is the first volume in a faith-filled trilogy that celebrates the quiet strength of everyday joys and sorrows, grief and healing, the beauty of legacy, and the grace that threads through generations. Through heartfelt storytelling and hand-drawn sketches, Grama Jean invites readers to walk alongside her — mile by mile — through moments of laughter, sorrow, prayer, and reflection.
Each chapter has a sketch drawn by Grama Jean about a scene in that chapter, and each chapter is a gentle reminder that inheritance isn’t just what we leave behind, it is how we live our lives with love, intention, and faith.
Curious how this Trilogy began?
Visit my 'Journaling the Journey' page to read the heartfelt story behind this Trilogy and Smile-Mile Inheritance—from a midnight dream to a family legacy stitched with faith and imagination.
You can continue scrolling this home page to learn about the Author, read a few reviews and find the QR code so you can order your book, then come back to the header of this page and choose to join my world of Journaling or check out my Chapter Sketches. You'll see the tabs for each in the upper right hand corner of the green header.
Meet Grama Jean: Author, Quilter, Gardener
Grama Jean is a faith-filled storyteller, gardener, canner, baker, quilter, and herbalist whose creative spirit shines through every chapter she writes. Her debut volume, Smile-Mile Inheritance, is the first in a heartfelt trilogy that celebrates legacy, love, grief and healing that show the quiet strength of everyday joys and sorrows.
Rooted in family traditions and guided by grace, Grama Jean weaves together sketches, scripture, and soul to offer readers a journey that’s both personal and universal. Whether she’s tending her garden, stitching a quilt, or baking home-made bread, her stories reflect the warmth and resilience of a life well-lived.
And her life was filled with a variety of experiences that are reflected many times throughout the journey offered in these stories. As well as the experiences of friends, who have allowed her to share their stories too.
Grama Jean believes that inheritance isn’t just what we leave behind — it’s what we do to daily live a good Christian life with intention, kindness, and faith.
Kind words from Kind Souls
Real reflections from those touched by the message of Smile-Mile Inheritance --
for you to read and get a feel for the journey offered by this wholesome, faith-filled Christian novel.
From Carol S.,
Las Vegas, NV
Thank you for sharing your lovely book with its heart touching and teaching moments. I have loved the memories of Thomas and Ella, along with Charlie's , of course.
Their memories have brought back many memories from my own life. My Dad's time as a machine gunner in Europe, days picking blackberries on my grandparents farm, camping trip safety, my love of wild flowers and the forest, hours spent finding critters as those clouds created their artwork, discovery as a teen to convert to our Savior and His teachings, as well as the consequences of choosing to align my life with His Will or not.
Thank you again, your story brings life into perspective.
From Susan S.,
Bonnier's Ferry, Id
I found this story of an orphaned brother and sister [who ended up being raised by their Uncle in Montana] delightfully surprising. I was so captivated to find out where their story was leading as to why there was this ‘rift’ between them. Especially now that they are estranged adults.
Messy, complicated family relationships, interesting supportive characters, even the companionship of comforting animals, all happening in the terrain of Montana’s Rockies. Tie this all up with an abiding faith in God.
I did not expect to find it so interesting while I was being lead to the meaningful climax that took me by surprise and had me reaching for tissue paper to wipe my eyes. It was not a predictable or cookie cutter climax.
I highly recommend this book not only to young adults, it is also fitting to read to children and just as enjoyable to read as an adult.
From Linda B.,
Dillion, MT
If you are looking for a way to share some time with your family or just want a 'feel good read', be sure to order Smile-Mile Inheritance. It's an opportunity to step back in time, like I did as I read it, and find excitement as well as disappointment, and a blend of individuals that come together and brake apart.
The culmination of trials will be a journey that will strengthen your belief in the goodness of others and forgiveness. I wanted to say more about the spiritual feelings I found in the story, but I think each reader will see that aspect in their own way because there are so many opportunities to see and feel it as you read this book.
It's a book that evokes you to explore the spiritual messages. Enjoy!
I'm saving this space for YOUR story!
“Scan to discover your Smile-Mile Journey…”
Scan this code for a wholesome, faith-filled Christian novel reading experience.
Scan the QR code to visit the publisher’s page
and purchase your copy of
Smile-Mile Inheritance.
It’s the first step in a trilogy
that invites you to walk with faith through grief and healing, joy and sorrows.
— one smile-mile at a time.
Hand-drawn sketch of the family ranch in Montana
— logo for Smile-Mile Inheritance,
a Christian novel of legacy and faith.
You're Invited!
Have a smile-mile story of your own?
I'd love to hear it!
Whether it's a cherished memory,
a family tradition, or a moment of grace
that touched your heart, your story matters.
Feel free to reach out and share your reflections, or simply say hello. You can email me at:
This journey is richer when we walk it together.
Thank you
for being part of this legacy of love, light and learning about living a Christian life.
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