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?

Teresa Mathews Reviews The Shadow of Your Smile by Susan May Warren

The Shadow of Your Smile, by Susan May Warren

The Shadow of Your Smile

By Susan May Warren
(Tyndale House, 2011)

Review by Teresa Mathews

4Stars~ ****

This book introduces us to Noelle and Eli Hueston, married couple of 25 years, parents to three children. It seems that Noelle and Eli have grown apart because of a tragic event that forever changed their lives. I would go into detail but since it is the reason behind all of the pain each character has endured I won’t.

Noelle, a 46 year old wife and mother that has finally come to the end of her rope with life, has decided to make a life changing decision but before she can act on it another tragedy or maybe not a tragedy at all, strikes. On a road trip she stops at a coffee shop and while in the restroom a robbery takes place. Hoping she can get out of the store without getting hurt she makes a run for it and takes a nasty fall and as a result she loses her memory. Noelle not only forgets her name, she forgets everything from the last 25 years. She wakes up from a coma and thinks she is still a young beautiful college co-ed. She is SHOCKED to find she has the body of a 46 year old. I have to say this part had me laughing out loud. Noelle is even more shocked to find out she is “supposedly” married to a totally “grumpy old man” who is trying to convince her that she is also a mother. The two young men in her room seem very nice and they are handsome but she cannot remember anything about them. Will Noelle get her memory back? Will she ever remember the good times she had with Eli before her world fell apart?

Eli, the former sheriff of Deep Haven, a beautiful snow covered town in Minnesota, has pretty much given up on his marriage. After “the event” happened, he has lived in guilt for what he thinks was his fault, after all he was the sheriff and it was his job to protect. Eli has tried to find solace in a lot of different things to ease the pain but nothing except the friendship he has with another woman has seemed to work. He knows this is not what he should be doing but again out of guilt of what happened he has taken their friendship further than he should. When Eli gets the call that Noelle was in a town several hours away from home and has had an accident, he rushes to the hospital to be with her. To say he is shocked when Noelle doesn’t remember him would be putting it mildly, but for her not to remember her children was almost more than he could take. Will Eli finally realize the solace his heart has been looking has been right here with his wife the whole time?

There are several secondary characters that Susan does a good job telling their story and how their lives play out. Especially Noelle and Eli’s children, in fact I would love for there to be a sequel based on their oldest son’s story. (Hint Hint)

This is a story that will make you think about “what if”. I’m sure we have all had those moments, especially if something tragic has happened to us, a loved one or a friend. “What if” we could turn back the clock to another time? Would our lives really be better? Shouldn’t we just be grateful for what the Lord has given us? Yes! “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Susan May Warren did an excellent job of making you think while reading this book. Thank you Susan for making me stop to remember how thankful I am for my wonderful husband of almost 25 years (April 11) and my family. I can’t wait to read your next book!


GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment for a drawing later in the week!