Jodie's journey to faith, her healing and her vibrant love for God all speak of the wonderful grace of God. Jeanette Grant-Thomson has not only given us a story full of courage and hope but a book that should be put in the hands of every young person who struggles with life.
Jeanette Grant-Thomson
AUSTRALIAN AUTHOR
Jeanette
Grant-Thomson
Stories of faith, hope,
courage and transformation.
Jeanette Grant-Thomson has been writing since childhood, creating fiction and true stories that explore faith, relationships, adversity and the extraordinary turns that shape ordinary lives.
Featured Novels
River Song
Claire's journey through university, love, friendship and the social changes of the 60s. Risk-taking friend Nate creates troubles and a tangled mess. Will a calamity sort it all out? A story of courage, growth and the choices that change everything.
Jodie's Story
The true story of a girl's journey from drug addiction to prostitution. Then when God intervenes, Jodie's coming through to Christianity and wholeness with the help of Teen Challenge.
Books By Jeanette
Lantern Light
Fiction
Mirage
Womens Fiction
Amelia's Island
Womens Fiction
Healing Song
True Story
Glimpses
Anthology
Songs in the Night
True Story
(out of print)
God Whispers
True Short Stories
(coming soon)
About Jeanette
Jeanette lives in the Moreton area of Queensland. She wrote her first poem at the age of six, four lines that began a lifelong love of words.Her stories are inspired by real life, real people and the unwavering belief that God brings light into the darkest places. Across novels, true stories and anthologies, she writes about ordinary lives touched by extraordinary turns.When she's not writing, Jeanette enjoys time with family, walks on the beach and in the country, and having coffee with friends.
Praise for Jeanette's Books
Jeanette Grant-Thomson is an interesting and inspirational author. I enjoyed reading "Amelia's Island" and found myself still mulling over some of the issues days later. A story with romance and excitement that also makes you stop and think. "Hmm, interesting. What do I think about that? Do I agree or disagree?" "Amelia's Island" would make a great read for a book club. Well done, Jeanette. You are a thought provoking author who writes beautifully.
Cheryll Grier
I enjoy Jeanette's writing immensely. I find her books interesting and insightful. She has an ability to 'take you right in there' to feel and experience with the people and places she writes about. Her books and many blog articles are rich in their content and style.
Arlene Dodson
Lantern Light is a captivating story that blends adventure, mystery, romance, and faith in a truly engaging way. The vivid setting of New Ireland brings the story to life, and Ali's emotional journey is both heartfelt and inspiring. I found myself invested in the characters from beginning to end, and the ending left a lasting impression. A memorable and uplifting read that I highly recommend.
Mercy
© 2026 Jeanette Grant-Thomson
ABN 65 063 498 295
THE BOOKS
Stories that inspire and uplift.
From true stories of courage to heartfelt fiction and poetry, Jeanette's books invite you to reflect, hope and discover the extraordinary in everyday life.
River Song
FICTION
Claire's journey through university, love, friendship and the social changes of the 60s. Risk-taking friend Nate creates troubles and a tangled mess. Will a calamity sort it all out? A story of courage, growth and the choices that change everything.
"Another beautifully crafted novel by Jeanette Grant-Thomson."
- Reader Review
Amelia's Island
WOMENS FICTION
Two girls try to escape their troubles, taking refuge on a tiny island. But will their troubles follow them there? A story of friendship, romance and faith when real problems arise.
"A story of romance and excitement that also makes you stop and think. Would make a great read for a book club."
- Reader Review
Jodie's Story
TRUE STORY
Jodie’s true story of a girl's journey from drug addiction to prostitution. Then, when God intervenes, Jodie comes through to Christianity and wholeness with the help of Teen Challenge.
"A powerful and inspiring story of one woman’s journey through addiction and despair to rehabilitation, faith, and new life."
- Reader Review
Lantern Light
WOMENS FICTION
Fascinating story set in a school in the Papua New Guinea jungle. There are two love triangles, both involving the beautiful Tessa. The narrator, Ali takes us through the adventures, even Dave's adventures after Ali finds out what has happened to the two boys who went on a dangerous trek.
"A captivating story that blends adventure, mystery, romance, and faith in a truly engaging way."
- Reader Review
Mirage
TRUE STORY
Based on a true story and chronicles Miriam's journey from a cult where she is pregnant to the leader, to her home, family and Christianity. It also makes it clear why people get into cults, why they find it hard to leave, and the difference between cults and true Christianity.
"A compelling story of manipulation, courage, faith, and the difficult journey from deception and desperation toward truth, freedom, and hope."
- Reader Review
Healing Song
TRUE STORY
Pastor Merrilyn Billing’s healing journey after she was electrocuted and became ill with epilepsy.
"An inspiring and deeply moving true story of perseverance, faith, and healing that offers hope to anyone facing a long and difficult journey."
- Reader Review
Glimpses
ANTHOLOGY
Glimpses is an anthology of true anecdotes, poems and stories written by four people in a Brisbane writers' group - glimpses of light in darkness, of truth amid confusion.
"A varied and thoughtful collection of short stories, true anecdotes, and poetry offering glimpses into life, faith, and the human experience."
- Reader Review
Songs in the Night
TRUE STORY
Jazz musicians Craig Schlencker and his then-wife Sharny Russell were in a horrific accident. This is the true story of their relationship and recovery. With God's help and some brilliant doctors, they were restored to being happy people and successful musicians.
"A powerful true story of two gifted musicians whose lives are shattered by tragedy and transformed through courage, healing, and hope."
- Reader Review
God Whispers
Short Stories
A collection of true anecdotes of God’s intervention in everyday life and in crises.
© 2026 Jeanette Grant-Thomson
ABN 65 063 498 295
MEET THE AUTHOR
Jeanette
Grant-Thomson
Stories shaped by faith, hope
and the extraordinary turns of ordinary lives.
Jeanette writes fiction and true stories that explore faith, relationship, adversity and the belief that God brings light into the darkest places.
Words that bring life
Hello everyone!
Welcome to Words that bring life!
Here you'll find spiritual encouragement, enlightment or a laugh to brighten your day and lift your spirit.
A Lifelong Love of Words
"I used to say I was born with a pen in my hand, then at age 6 sprouted a 4-line poem to my mother. Only a few years later, I often had poems and prose published on the children’s page of the Brisbane's 'Telegraph'.When I was 12, I tied with a doctor for first place in an open prose competition in the Courier Mail. That was very exciting for a kid.At Uni I experimented with filmmaking. My first short film was selected and shown at the Sydney Film Festival. So I got off to a good start. I was blessed."
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Queensland University.Jeanette was a secondary English teacher.She achieved an Associate of Trinity College diploma.Jeanette has taught speech and drama to pupils aged four to sixty-four.
Faith, Friendship and the Queensland Coast
Jeanette has a sincere Christian faith and relies on prayer. She loves country walks, swimming at the beach and coffee with friends. These simple joys refresh her heart and inspire her writing.
Beyond the Page
Family is at the heart of Jeanette's world. She loves time with those she loves, walks in nature, and the simple pleasure of a good cup of coffee.
"Writing books for people to enter spaces they can't go lifts heart and soul."
Discover Jeanette's Stories
© 2026 Jeanette Grant-Thomson
ABN 65 063 498 295
THE STORY BEHIND THE BOOK
Jodie's Story
Three editions. One enduring story of redemption and hope.
Jeanette Grant-Thomson's first book tells the true story of a young woman who descended into drugs and prostitution after devastating loss - and found a way back through faith, courage and the people who refused to give up on her.
A JOURNEY OUT OF DARKNESS
When life had lost its meaning
Following childhood rejection and the death of her beloved brother, Jodie's anger and grief sent her into a tailspin. Drugs and prostitution promised escape, but brought her closer to hopelessness.Her journey towards wholeness came through God's intervention and the help of others, including Teen Challenge. Jeanette tells it with honesty and compassion - never hiding the darkness, but never allowing darkness the final word.
"Jodie's journey to faith, her healing and her vibrant love for God all speak of the wonderful grace of God. Jeanette Grant-Thomson has not only given us a story full of courage and hope but a book that should be put in the hands of every young person who struggles with life..."
— Dr Charles Ringma AM, Founder of Teen Challenge in Australia
A STORY THAT WOULD NOT DISAPPEAR
Three Editions Across the Years
Each cover reflects a different chapter in the life of a book that has sold many thousands of copies and continues to reach new readers.
01
First edition - 1991
Where the story began
Published by Anzea
Jeanette's first published book introduced readers to Jodie's journey from rejection and grief into addiction, despair, faith and healing.
02
Second edition
The story travels further
Regent College Publishing - Vancouver
A new edition carried Jodie's testimony to an international readership and helped the book continue finding people who needed its message of hope.
03
Third edition
A miraculous rebirth
Published by Ark House Press
Years later, a third publisher asked to bring the book back once more. One unexpected encounter gave Jodie the answer Jeanette was waiting for.
THE THIRD EDITION
The Miraculous Rebirth of Jodie's Story
When another publisher asked to release the book for a third time, Jeanette hesitated. 'Jodie' was her friend's street name, and the real woman behind the story was now happily married with adult children. Would she want to revisit such a painful part of her youth?Jeanette called and gave her complete freedom to say no. Jodie asked for time to think. Days later, Jodie telephoned with an extraordinary story. While walking, she had met a Christian woman who revealed that she too had escaped drugs and prostitution. When Jodie asked what had helped her find a way out, the woman replied:
"I read a book called Jodie's Story!"
For Jodie, the decision was suddenly clear.
"So, Jeanette, go ahead and get it published again. Who am I to stand in the way of God?"
AN EARLY REVIEW
Alive with Hope and Help
"I couldn't put it down! Compelling and sensitively written. Jodie's Story is a must-read for today's teenagers,
but in fact for anyone young or old who is struggling with the too-hard issues of life...
I think Jeanette Grant-Thomson has given us a modern Christian classic."
— Arlene Dodson
A LASTING LEGACY
A Story Still Finding the People Who Need It
More than three decades after its first publication, Jodie's Story remains a testimony to the power of truth told with compassion - and to the hope that can rise from even the darkest circumstances.
© 2026 Jeanette Grant-Thomson
ABN 65 063 498 295
REVIEWS
What Readers are Saying
Jeanette Grant-Thomson's first book tells the true story of a young woman who descended into drugs and prostitution after devastating loss - and found a way back through faith, courage and the people who refused to give up on her.
© 2026 Jeanette Grant-Thomson
ABN 65 063 498 295