Noela Nancarrow reviews FINDING MERCY by Michael Landon Jr. & Cindy Kelley

Finding Mercy

Finding Mercy (Mercy Medallion Trilogy, Book Two)
by Michael Landon Jr & Cindy Kelley
David C. Cook (October 1, 2014)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
5 Stars *****

Powerful plot and a Phenomenal read

Put your feet up and grab the popcorn, because this is truly a movie-worthy script of exceptional caliber! Seizing your attention immediately in the first few pages with thrilling suspense and drama, following with a constant stream of intrigue, adventure, and danger until its climactic conclusion... ‘Finding Mercy’ is sure to leave you breathless and applauding this masterful story-telling at the finale!

Tenacious but weary, Mercy is still suffering with amnesia and longs to find the way home to her family and her lost memories, but first she must evade the relentless bounty hunters in pursuit. Having abandoned her escorts Captain Elijah Hale and the 14 yr. old Negro boy Isaac to save them also from harm, Mercy eventually discovers a clue that leads to a plantation in the South. Will Elijah and Isaac locate her or will Mercy continue to find herself at the mercy of the ruthless? Can it be possible for her to ever find home and belonging?

The Civil War has not long come to an end, but the recollections and wounds are yet to depart from most. With deep and grievous scars on both sides, Mercy finds herself facing hostilities from both the North for having fought as a Confederate soldier, and with some in the South for her sympathies to the plights of the Negroes. And the closer she draws towards finding answers to the mysteries surrounding her, the danger increases significantly. Can Elijah, who is determined to protect Mercy at any cost, keep her safe as well as Isaac and himself?

‘Finding Mercy’ was the perfect sequel to ‘Traces of Mercy’ in maintaining a fresh and original plot with eye-popping surprises and memorable characters. These outstanding stories unfold to be an epic not-to-be missed account of a woman that served in the war as a man and subsequently lost her memory, but ultimately found herself. ‘Finding Mercy’ reminds us all to stand up for justice for others, even when it may cause hardship for oneself. It’s about moving forward and leaving the past behind. And it’s about treating each other with the respect we ourselves enjoy. Highly recommended!!

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This book can be purchased through Amazon; CBD; Barnes and Noble; Deeper Shopping or other good bookstores.

GIVEAWAY: Choose from either Book 1 - TRACES OF MERCY or Book 2 - FINDING MERCY, or The Silent Gift. Leave a comment below to enter!! And remember to leave your name and your email, or come back to check the winner's column after the weekend.

Noela Nancarrow reviews TRACES OF MERCY by Michael Landon Jr. & Cindy Kelley

Traces of Mercy

Traces of Mercy
by Michael Landon Jr. & Cindy Kelley
David C. Cook (October 1, 2013)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
5 Stars *****

‘TRACES OF MERCY’ the first in The Medallion Trilogy, is impossibly difficult to put down as you immerse yourself into this fascinating tale of a woman with amnesia and an enigmatic past. It is a satisfying mixture of warmth and hope, of turmoil and drama, and of unabated intrigue. With the infusion of a charismatic and heart-rending romance, this is a book that will captivate you easily and swiftly!

It’s 1865 and the Civil War has finally come to an end to the cheers of the Union soldiers. Not long afterwards, in St. Louis, an unconscious man was brought to Doctor Abe Johnson to treat. To his great surprise, he soon discovers that his patient was in fact a woman. This mysterious woman is diagnosed as having amnesia, remembering absolutely nothing of her past, including her name. The only clue she has is an Our Lady of Mercy medallion found around her neck. It is because of the medallion that she is given her new name ‘Mercy’ by Mother Helena when the confused young woman comes to stay at the convent for a time.

Mercy feels lost and alone and desperately wants to find out who she really is. Soon after, when the handsome Rand Prescott comes into her life, Mercy begins to wonder if she should forget her prior life and only concentrate on her future. However, a friend of the Prescott’s arrives in town and seems to recognize Mercy. But what dangerous and volatile secrets might his suspicions uncover? And will this help any of Mercy’s memory to be restored? Ultimately, is it going to be possible for the beautiful but troubled Mercy to create new memories with Rand despite her disturbing past?

I've read a great deal of historical/romance fiction, and I have found this novel to be not only compelling reading but refreshingly unique and unpredictable. It has the power to stimulate your emotions with varying intensities including nail-biting suspense moments. This is an all-round exemplary story by two very talented authors. ‘Traces of Mercy’ has easily made it onto my list of favorite releases for 2013!

*We will be reviewing the sequel to this book, new release - 'Finding Mercy' on Thursday!

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 You can find Cindy on Facebook under Cindy Kelley (community) and on Twitter @cindyakelley.

Find Cindy's books at any of these places: Amazon, CBD, Barnes and Noble, BAM etc.

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GIVEAWAY: Choose from either TRACES OF MERCY or its sequel FINDING MERCY, or The Silent Gift! Leave a comment below to enter!! And remember to leave your email or come back to check in the winners column.

QUESTION: Have you known anyone that has suffered from amnesia?

When We can't "Fix" an Alcoholic Parent - Interview With Cindy Kelley

Author Cindy Kelley

Cindy Kelley, welcome to Overcoming With God.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers. 

Would you tell us about the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help? Answer: 

I was young, recently engaged and working as a church secretary for three wonderful ministers, the year the bottom of my dad’s world fell out from under him. For a long time, he’d had a tenuous hold on life through alcohol and it became apparent to everyone who knew him, that year he lost his grip completely. My parents had divorced when I was eleven-years-old and both ended up remarrying wonderful people. I lived with my mom and step-dad, who did all the normal ‘dad’ things: taught me to drive, intimidated my dates, policed my outfits – waited up for me to make sure I got home safe and sound on Saturday nights. My visits with my dad and step-mom (who lived in another state) consisted of a couple weeks at Christmas and a summer visit.  My younger brother and I always had fun when we went to see them - shopping trips and dinners out.  They had a swimming pool and that was always a treat. So, it came as a total shock when my mom called me at work one day and told me my dad and step-mom were divorcing –and my dad was not taking it well. I remember the word “suicidal” being used. My dad was so despondent he’d called my mom to have her deliver the news to us.  I told my mom she must be wrong –I’d never even seen them argue.  My mom said there was no mistake. It seemed my dad’s drinking had escalated to an all time high and to make matters worse, he was taking an anti-depressant. The combination made him unbearably hard to be around. I remember having the selfish thought: I’m in the middle of planning my wedding! How can they do this now?  I asked my mom what I should do and she told me what she always said when I didn’t have an answer to a problem. “You should pray for him –pray for both of them.”

My dad moved from out of state to the town where I lived. His depression was epic –and so was his drinking. He’d lost his job, his home, his wife –and his self-respect was so far gone his only solace was in alcohol.  But I just knew I could ‘fix him’.  If I were upbeat enough, attentive enough, supportive enough, he turn his life around and be the man he was meant to be. I felt so bad for him and when he started asking me for money, of course I gave it to him. When I found out he was buying liquor with it, I started taking him to the grocery store instead of giving him cash. When he was sick, he called me. When he was nearly incoherent from drinking, he called me. Every time the phone rang and I heard his voice, my stomach would clench. But still, every time he needed me I’d be there to help pick up the pieces of whatever disaster had happened. I prayed continually for him to get better. To have the courage to fight his battle with alcohol. I prayed for God to change him. I prayed for God to let me save him. One day at work, the senior pastor I worked for gently told me I wasn’t saving my dad – I was enabling him to continue his destructive behavior. I couldn’t believe he was actually telling me to let my dad hit bottom. I thought it was so mean. Even with all his terrible behavior, he was still my father –I couldn’t just abandon him. He told me to pray about it – and really listen to what God was saying to me.  On the heels of that conversation, my dad called again to tell me he needed to borrow my car. I told him he couldn’t. He’d lost his license to a DUI.  He argued, cursed, called me names –told me I didn’t love him enough to trust him. It was a low point –and some small part of me finally admitted the pastor might be right. I was making things worse by constantly ‘helping’ my dad.  I wandered into the empty church sanctuary and poured out my heart to God –and then I sat still and listened. I heard God tell me it wasn’t my responsibility to fix my dad –or make him happy.  I couldn’t save my dad –but He could. I clearly heard Him say I created your earthly father and I love him. Respect him, encourage him when he is doing right –but turn the burden of your worry over to me. Really truly give it up and trust me. It was a turning point for me and even though it was hard to change my enabling ways, that answer to my prayer helped me overcome my belief that my dad’s alcoholism was a problem riding squarely on my shoulders.

CFP: So glad your pastor gave you such good advice. We cannot save the addict--we can only pray for them and turn it over to God. I'm so sorry your father put you and the rest of the family through this. But I know the Lord had to have used this in your work, in the stories you tell. 

What passages in the Bible have been most helpful to you in those times?

Proverbs 3, 5 & 6: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. 
In all ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

The Silent Gift 

Disability friendliness: Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio?  Do your e-books have audio capability? Do you have any in large print? 

Finding Mercy, our latest release, is available as an e book, paperback, and will be available in large print, January of 2015.  Traces of Mercy, the first book in the series is available in all the formats already mentioned.  The Silent Gift, the first novel I co-authored with Michael Landon, Jr is available as an e book, hardcover large print, audio, CD, abridged audiobook CD.

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence 
through reading about a disorder or situation? 

In Finding Mercy, the sequel to Traces of Mercy, our protagonist has amnesia. She has a crisis of her own identity and has to learn to form opinions on present experiences rather than on her past. She learns that lying leads to disastrous consequences and begins a long journey of asking for forgiveness for things she can’t even remember doing.

CFP: I have a story with a little of this going on, too, so I can't wait to read the book. Am praying it will come out in audiobook, too.

Bio:

Cindy Kelley began her career as a screenwriter. Her first produced screenplay, The Velveteen Rabbit, inspired by the children’s classic of the same name, and directed by Michael Landon, Jr, had a theatrical release. Following that, she began a writing partnership with Landon. Together, they have written several of the popular Love Comes Softly movies that are favorites on the Hallmark Channel. Her novels, also co-written with Landon, include The Silent Gift, Traces of Mercy and their latest release, Finding Mercy.  Cindy has been married to her high school sweetheart, Jim, for thirty-seven years. They make their home in southern Arizona, have three children, three grandchildren and four, very spoiled dogs.

You can find her on Facebook under Cindy Kelley, author and on Twitter @cindyakelley.

Giveaway: Choose any of Cindy's releases with Michael Landon, Jr.

Question you’d like to ask readers:

What do you enjoy reading the most…historical Christian fiction or contemporary Christian fiction?

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Noela's Favorite Books of 2013

A HANDFUL OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS FROM 2013

There were so many amazing books released this year so it was impossible to list them all, so here are just a few of the many outstanding books that I've read and would love to recommend to everyone!
Click on the book title to be able to purchase any of these incredible books.

OUTSTANDING NOVELS

THE TUTOR'S DAUGHTER by Julie Klassen (Jan 1, 2013)

Julie Klassen has a true gift in delivering unforgettable stories.

Emma is the daughter of a tutor, but in a time when marrying within your own social class meant everything, could a simple tutor's daughter find love with a Baronet's son? Located on the wind-swept coast of Cornwall, The Tutor's Daughter is an enigmatic and captivating story with an intoxicating romance and a good dose of suspense. Including truly memorable characters and strikingly vivid images, this Regency era novel will be a lifetime favorite of mine!!

LOVE AT ANY COST by Julie Lessman (April 15, 2013) 

This is a romance that will take you to giddy heights and sorrowful depths. A journey of love and relationships that will spark hope and longing within you for the heroes of the story. And a tale of faith and the importance of integrity that will stir your heart as you become involved in the lives of the men and women of this charismatic and loving family. Cassidy McClare, a spunky 'cowgirl' arrives in San Francisco from Texas and is on the run from romeo's and heartache. Or has she just run right into it? Julie's stories will always seize you by the heart but leave you smiling!

BURNING SKY by Lori Benton (August 6, 2013)

Burning Sky takes you on a fascinating, yet heart-rendering journey to the New York frontier in 1784 during the aftermath of the Revolution. Now a beautiful young woman, Willa who spent nearly half her life with Indians after being abducted, is now a young woman caught between the white man's world and her Mohawk upbringing, and a man from either world. Charged with tension and danger, courage and love, 'Burning Sky' will abduct you as it did me with it's engaging story, allowing no escape until the final pages.

A PIONEER CHRISTMAS COLLECTION by Various Authors (September 1, 2013)

This is a compilation of nine original and inspiring historical romance novella's. These amazing authors all tell unique stories of breathtaking tales of pioneer life and love in untamed lands. And each story concludes with the new pioneer's celebrating Christmas in unconventional dwellings. I loved each and every story but I have to make special mention of one very talented author and close friend, Marcia Gruver, whose amazing novella 'A Badlands Christmas' included a character that happens to go by the name of Noela Nancarrow... and who spends Christmas in a soddie!

LOVE'S AWAKENING by Laura Frantz (September 15, 2013)

This is book 2 in the phenomenal Ballantyne Legacy series of Laura Frantz. In this sublime novel, we read of an exquisite love story within two powerful, feuding families of Pittsburgh. One family involved in whiskey dealing and slavery and the other secretly involved in the abolition movement... these are dangerous times and lives and love are at stake. As with all of Laura's novels, the historical detail is fascinating and flawless, a real treat for anyone who loves history AND a brilliant story!

REBELLIOUS HEART by Jody Hedlund (September 15, 2013)

Jody Hedlund consistently writes outstanding historical fiction stories - this here is yet another one! 'Rebellious Heart' is modeled after the inspiring true courtship of John and Abigail Adams. Pre-American Revolution, it's a volatile time in history, and the heroine Susanna struggles with her beliefs and values after Ben, the hero of the story, challenges her to consider God's higher laws of justice and mercy. This is a novel of love, courage, and faith. A fast-paced page-turner steeped in intrigue and danger, guaranteeing it'll keep you up late reading!! One of Jody's books will never disappoint!

TRACES OF MERCY by Michael Landon Jnr & Cindy Kelley (Oct 1, 2013)

'Traces of Mercy', the first in The Medallion Trilogy, is impossibly difficult to put down as you immerse yourself into this fascinating tale of a woman with amnesia and an enigmatic past. Set at the end of the civil war, 'Traces of Mercy' is a satisfying mixture of warmth and hope, of turmoil and drama, and of unabated intrigue. With the infusion of a charismatic and heart-rending romance, this is a unique story that will captivate you easily and swiftly! Highly recommended! I can hardly wait to dive into the next book of this series!!

GUNPOWDER TEA by Margaret Brownley (October 8, 2013)

Margaret Brownley brews a refreshing and stimulating historical romance with 'Gunpowder Tea', that's infused with clever wit, humor, a stirring romance, and is steeped in a baffling mystery! Join top Pinkerton detective Miranda Hunt and Wells Fargo detective Jeremy Taggert as they both aim to hunt down the 'Phantom'. Only thing is, they both suspect each other as working for this elusive criminal. So what do they do when they come to like each other a little too much?! This book has everything in it - a brilliant story, delightful and unique characters, a great spiritual message and words of wisdom, fascinating history, and even author notes on gunpowder tea!

ELUSIVE HOPE by MaryLu Tyndall (November 1, 2013)

This novel is as bursting with intrigue and fascinating storylines as the jungle is with life! Expect to be swept up in the drama and romance that MaryLu writes with such a skillfully expressive brush of the pen, that you'll suddenly find yourself totally immersed in the jungle along with the amazingly realistic characters that MaryLu has created. Unique to many of MaryLu's books, including this one, is a thrilling supernatural thread running through the story, reminding us of the importance of spiritual warfare. Join Hayden and Magnolia and the rest of the New Hope colony in Brazil for an adventure unlike any other!

THE CAPTIVE MAIDEN by Melanie Dickerson (November 19, 2013)

The Captive Maiden is an enchanting and inspiring re-telling of the classic and classic fairy-tale, Cinderella. This is a story for the adult, young or old, that is a romantic at heart and loves chivalry, knights, and damsel's in distress. Even so, The Captive Maiden is so much more than that. It will hold you captive from the very first page onward with Melanie's engaging writing as we watch the delightful romance between Gisela and Valten develop from early on in the story. You also glean a glimpse into history with the exciting tournament scenes and jousting. And if that's not all, there is a terrific message about finding your own purpose in life. This book is refreshing, unique, and entertaining!

OUTSTANDING NOVELLA'S

THE PAINTED SKY - VOL 1 - 8 by Murray Pura (March 11 - Nov 13, 2013)

Brimming with adventure, romance, and faith, this exciting series is unparalleled to anything you've read!

These 8 volumes will be released in 2014 as a complete paperback. Be sure to look out for your friends from OWG starring as widows in this hot as the Mexican desert tale!

RETURN TO SHIRLEY PLANTATION by Carrie Fancett Pagels (March 26, 2013)

Return to Shirley Plantation is a charming historical romance that steps back in time in history to the Civil War, and the part that the still-standing Shirley Plantation played in it. This wonderful debut novella of Carrie's also carries the ever crucial message of listening to and obeying God. A sweet, interesting, and  thought-provoking story!

HEAVEN IS NOT FAR by Marian Baay (September 21, 2013)

This is a beautiful love story that embraces the heart that's called to serve God, and the strength of a deep and passionate devotion between a man and the love of his life while enduring the anguish of the Civil War. Including an inspiring message about following your calling, this debut novel of Marian's was an absolute pleasure to read!

A HIGHLANDER FOR CHRISTMAS by Jamie Carie (Nov 3, 2013)

Last but certainly not least, is 'A Highlander for Christmas'. This was the first story I'd read of Jamie's, and honestly, after reading this small masterpiece, I'm now on a quest devouring every other book Jamie has written! Jamie writes her intriguing stories eloquently and descriptively, and the romance passionately. In 'A Highlander for Christmas', there are awe-inspiring images and if you listen close enough, I'm sure you'll hear the bagpipes as well! A wonderful story at any time of the year, but if you haven't read it yet, give yourself a treat this Christmas!

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Thank you to these and sooo many other authors that I've had the great pleasure of reading and reviewing their books this year. I look forward to spending time with you all in the New Year!!

GIVEAWAY: And for a belated little Christmas pressie, I'm giving away a Kindle copy of Jamie Carie's 'A Highlander for Christmas' to one person who leaves behind a comment. I'd love you to share which of the above books you would most like to read? And if you've read them all, which was your favorite? :)