Traces of Mercy: A Novel

Though I am not typically a reader of historical fiction, this story grabbed me from the first page and kept me intrigued to the last (and beyond). Familiar with their previous work on the Janette Oke "Love Comes Softly" films, and because of their work on Hallmark Channel’s TV phenomenal new series "When Calls The Heart," I expected a book by Michael Landon Jr and Cindy Kelley to be a heart-tugging, well-written, faith-friendly drama full of compelling characters. I was not disappointed.This story begins with a gripping scene that sets a tone for the rest of the book—one of faith, love, fierce loyalty, riveting conflict, and one of the most breathtaking examples of mercy I’ve ever read.A beginning full of twists gives us an intriguing heroine who can’t remember who she is. She must discover her identity and past without the help of memories, a name, or anyone who knows her. One of the beauties of this story is that we discover who Mercy is right alongside her and you can’t help but root for her. But with time, Mercy isn’t sure she wants to know. Between wanting to know why she was found wearing men’s clothing, and hoping her mysterious past would not to interfere with her new-found joy, Mercy’s finds herself living her own personal “Civil War.”This story flows like an action/adventure/romance film with a number of well-rounded, compelling characters in its cast including a wise, big-hearted nun and a fiercely loyal servant boy.Set against the backdrop of post-Civil War St. Louis, Missouri, we feel the aftermath and sad irony that a “civilized society just came through a bloody war because a way of life was threatened.” The lingering national unrest and mistrust sets the background for this story as Mercy seeks the answers she needs and the love she dares to hope for.This heart-tugging story is part of an ongoing story, the first in a three-part trilogy. I am eagerly looking forward to the next book in the Mercy Medallion Trilogy.

This is my first time reading a book collaborated by Michael Landon Jr and Cindy Kelley. I've been a big fan on Michael's television/movie work, especially with his recent When Calls the Heart show on Hallmark Channel (proud #Heartie :) ); and like their work on television/movies, this book does not disappoint!! First off, as historical fiction goes, their eye for detail is fantastic! I felt like I was taken back to the time and place of post-Civil War era. It was very realistic and believable. Secondly, there were so many twists and turns in this story the pages just kept turning (swiping)!! Once I thought I had it figured out, NO, another zinger!!But throughout the book, the pages just pour out how mercy is needed in everyone's life: mercy from others, mercy from ourselves, and most importantly mercy from God. That even when we forget who we are and when we're at our darkest hour, God's love and mercy will always prevail!I will warn you, that this is a trilogy and therefore, this book will leave you wanting more. So, I'm about to go find out if book 2 is available . . . and if it is, purchase it . . . and if not, find out when it's available to purchase ASAP!! Because now I'm invested in these characters and I have to find out how this story ends! Definitely worth checking out . . . Enjoy!

I have a book going at all times, mostly Christian Fiction, so I enjoy a good, clean, read. And I read many, many books that I enjoy greatly...but once in awhile, a book like this one comes along. I did not want to put this one down. It was certainly a page turner for me. The Civil War has just ended, literally, and a Confederate sniper, who was wounded in the head, wakes up in a doctor's office with a case of amnesia. The memory is just gone except for waking up in the doc's office. Then...there is a total surprise that I never saw coming at all! The story follows the sniper in his quest to find out who he is and if he has a family, etc. Those questions lead the sniper to live in a convent for awhile, face treason charges and nearly hang for it, and the adventure begins. I am just now starting on book 2 in this series and I cannot WAIT for the 3rd one to publish.

A young woman awakens with no memory of anything besides the moment she just woke up. She doesn't even know her name. She's dressed as a man and has several wounds, including a gun shot wound. The only clue to her past is a mercy medallion, where she gets her new name - Mercy.Mercy is taken in by the locals and even falls in love.Her past may be hidden, but her future looks bright...until a man emerges who knows something about her that rips her world apart.I loved this book. Everything about it. It's written from several points of view, but it's never confusing. The writing was clean and fluid. The story was fascinating and frustrating because I wanted Mercy to have a flashback and remember something. I appreciated Mercy. I didn't absolutely love her, but I don't feel like I was supposed to.I gave my husband play by plays every night so he knew the story with me (I read a ton and I never do that). He was definitely interested in what was happening too. I was hanging on the edge of my seat through most of the book and I will be buying the sequel.

Mercy wakes up in a doctor's office with no memory of who she is, how she got there, or what the past held for her. With the pushing of the doctor, a convent of Nuns, & the wonderful & handsome Rand she decides to start life again. Then bring out the hankies as her past starts to catch up to her & she doesn't even know what it is. A Union soldier, Hale, threatens that if she doesn't tell Rand what he just told her what her past was; he will tell them all. All efforts fail to keep the truth from coming out, & even her beloved Rand points the finger of treason at her. Such good reading and inspiration to never give up. Her struggle to understand who God is, makes you think about your own faith. What seems like the worst day of her life leads her instead to be able to look for her past instead of living in fear of what it might be. How often do we face that struggle of facing our mistakes even though most likely we know our past.

This was a great read I could 'nt put it down.the let down is the next book is not out till October !

Fab read

Danger, suspense, mystery, romance, religion, war ... whatever you want is packed into this novel. Who is this girl who has been in an accident and eventually brought to the Covent for help? Suffering from amnesia, she doesn't even remember her name. Because of this, Grace (name given to her) is reluctant to get on with her life. However, she falls in love with Rand and plans are made for an upper class wedding. Then someone informs her that she had fought in a war and was on the enemy's side. What would her fiancee think? She didn't know if this was true or not. One thing was certain - she was an exceptional shooter. I will let the mystery unravel before you. It's an exciting ride, so let the author lead you through the tangled web and discover what transpires.

The book was full of excitement. It was easy to read and follow all of the characters. Whenever I put the book down I was left thinking about in which direction the tale would go... And when I came back it was always an unexpected surprise. I enjoyed the history, as it made you think about the parallels in life today. After I had finished reading the book I was still wondering. It was a great read and I can recommend this book.

The storytelling is superb showing insight into the cruelty and humanity that happens in war. When the civil war ended the hate between the north and south remained and continued to affect the lives of people caught in the middle.