LA Times Crossword
December 10, 2017
C.C. Burnikel
(Title shown below)

Each phrase conceals the same word with the letters in consecutive, but scrambled, order. Can you spot it, and can you think of two possible titles to this puzzle?

1. HOSTAGE CRISIS
2. SETTING A RECORD
3. SOCCER GAME
4. BEVERAGE CAN
5. FIREPLACE GRATE
6. STRONG REACTION
7. DOWAGER COUNTESS

Answer:

Each phrase contains the consecutive, but scrambled letters for GRACE.

Puzzle title: MIXED BLESSING
Alternate title: AMAZING GRACE