The Edge of Mercy: Book Review

The Edge of Mercy by Heather Chiavaroli

Christian Romance

Summary

Two women, three hundred years apart, must face the devastation of all they hold dear…

Suspecting her husband is having an affair, Sarah Rodrigues fights to appear unbroken while attempting to salvage her family. Though distracted by her own troubles, Sarah is summoned to an elderly friend’s deathbed for an unusual request—find a long-lost daughter and relay a centuries-old family story.

Determined not to fail her friend, Sarah pieces together the story of her neighbor’s ancestor, Elizabeth Baker, a young colonist forced into an unwanted betrothal but drawn to a man forbidden by society.

While Sarah’s family teeters on the edge of collapse, her world is further shaken by the interest of a caring doctor and a terrible accident that threatens a life more precious than her own.

Inspired by the unconditional love she uncovers in Elizabeth’s story, Sarah strives to forgive those who’ve wounded her soul. But when light shines on the dark secrets of her neighbor’s past and the full extent of her husband’s sins, will looking to a power greater than herself rekindle lost hope?

My thoughts

So many great things about this book: Well-written, well crafted characters and backstories. I loved  the journal entries from Elizabeth Baker. I’m not always huge fan of stories being told through letters/journal entries, but Heidi does an excellent job with this aspect of the story, keeping it engaging, without it feeling like too much ‘telling’.

I appreciated very much the difficult topics brought up within this story, I really do. I think more CF authors should approach these topics. Real life is messy. It’s not always neat and happy and often it can be heartbreaking.

I loved Elizabeth Baker’s approach and her spiritual reawakening during the most trying, dangerous time in her life. I only wish it was MORE than just Elizabeth’s story that spurred Sarah. I feel like her sister was nothing but harmful to her situation. Especialliy since her parents were part of a church, I feel like she should have had more Christian friendships, more of a spiritual mentor or spiritual guidance from other sources, not just a 300 year old journal.

Regardless, this story was well written, well thought out, very thought-provoking, which is exactly what every good story should be. if you like historical fiction and romance, you’ll enjoy this book!