a review: shades of mercy

I just finished up Shades of Mercy by Anita Lustrea and Caryn Rivadeneira as my January "book review" read (part of my Bibliophile Files challenge). I wasn't sure what to expect, because I'd never read anything by either of the two authors, but when Moody Publishers contacted me and offered me the opportunity to read and review the book, I eagerly responded, "Yes!"

A quick review of the authors on their Amazon listings let me know that they were both women after my own heart, particularly Lustrea, who's quoted as being a "self identified hot tea snob". Good enough for me! :)

This was a wonderful, coming-of-age read.  In addition, it was historical fiction, which is one of my favorite genres.  The story covers a period of time in Maine's history when native Maliseets (among other Indian tribes) had been pushed out of their homes and land and into terrible living conditions, and then the push to restoration. It's not a part of American history I was familiar with, and so I found the story all the more fascinating.

The main characters are Mercy Millar, the young daughter of a well-established (and well-respected) farming family, and Mick--a Maliseet boy--who is a farmhand that works for the Millars.  Mercy and Mick practically grow up together on the farm until the day that their friendship blossoms into young love.  Not an acceptable pairing in the eyes of the community.

The story takes us through the paranoia, strife and anger that are typical when racial tensions escalate.  But throughout it all, the Millar family clings close to a Christian belief that all are created equal in the sight of God, and all are deserving of His mercy and grace.  And then the Millars take it to that next step and actually do something about it.  

The book trailer does a great job of giving a teasing overview of the story:

Not your typical boy-meets-girl romance fluff -- Shades of Mercy was a wonderful, thoughtful read and left me wanting more.  Based on the prologue and the epilogue (the epilogue completely took me by surprise -- by that time I'd forgotten the three page prologue that started the story off), and the "A Maine Chronicle" subtitle, perhaps I'll be in luck and a follow-up story will ensue!

I highly recommend Shades of Mercy *and* if you're interested, I have FOUR copies to give away!  Leave me a comment letting me know you're interested. Hey, and for my fabulous followers, established or new, let me know in a second comment how you follow and you get *two* chances to win!  I'll wrap this up next Thursday, February 13.

:)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from River North Fiction, 

a division of  Moody Publishers, as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not 

required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am

disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: 

"Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

a review -- harvest of rubies -- and a giveaway . . .

As a lover of historical fiction, when I read the book description of Harvest of Rubies, I knew it had potential:

The prophet Nehemiah's cousin can speak numerous languages, keep complex accounts, write on rolls of parchment and tablets of clay, and solve great mysteries. There is only one problem: she is a woman.

In her early childhood years, Sarah experienced the death of her mother and her father's subsequent emotional distance and she came to two conclusions: that God does not care about her, and that her accomplishments are the measure of her worth - the measure of her self. 

Sarah, the talented scribe and cousin to Nehemiah, is catapulted into the center of the Persian court, working too many hours, rubbing elbows with royalty, and solving intrigues for the Queen. Ironically, it isn't failure but success that causes Sarah to lose her only source of external validation. 

Sarah soon learns that she has something of worth to offer beyond her ability with languages and sums - her very being proves to be a blessing to others. 

Earlier this year I'd read Pearls in the Sand, also by Tessa Afshar, so I had confidence in the author and her ability to tell a great story.  I was not disappointed.  Set in the Nehemiah's Persia, Harvest of Rubies follows a young, motherless girl as she struggles to come of age, make her mark and find her destiny.  Because of her own feelings of inadequacy, she makes decisions which have far-reaching consequences . . . not just for herself, but for those she loves, as well.  

Afshar incorporates Old Testament history flawlessly into her setting.  Her insight into the culture of the time period is marvelous and adds luster to the story.  She also weaves a wonderful tale of intrigue definitely leaving the reader wanting more.

I admit that at first I was taken aback by what I felt was an abrupt ending ... until after a little research I realized that there is meant to be a sequel.  Good thing!

This is definitely a 4-star read and one I recommend highly!  For more information on the author (and the opportunity to read Chapters 1 & 2 of Harvest of Rubies online, check out her bio page HERE.  Her story is really quite fascinating in and of itself.

So, do you find yourself interested?  Leave me a comment (make sure I have a way to contact you) and I'll choose a winner on Monday.  Happy reading!!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from River North Fiction by Moody

Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program.  I was not required to write a positive review. 

The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal

Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and

 Testimonials in Advertising.