The Edge of Mercy was in intensely powerful story. This author knows how to take my emotions and pull them all over the place, wreck my heart, and yet leave me with a feeling of hope and assuredness when all is finished.
I was equally intrigued by both the contemporary and the historical stories in this dual timeline novel. I appreciated the way the historical story of Elizabeth, Abram, and Caleb was told through Elizabeth’s journal entries. This method allowed me to keep a slight bit of emotional distance from the story, while still being thoroughly interested in the outcome.
The contemporary story of the marriage problems between Sarah and Matt pulled me in and just simply broke my heart. I was so mad at Matt and felt helpless as I followed Sarah’s journey. I was also absolutely captivated by every little detail about their past romance, wanted to know the reasons behind Matt’s present day behavior, and was desperate to find out how things would settle out between them.
I loved the way the author used Elizabeth’s journal and her faith journey to inspire Sarah, not only in what love really looked like, but also in finally leading Sarah to her own faith journey. I loved the power this journal had in the lives of those who read it.
(5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
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?
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Heidi Chiavaroli began writing twelve years ago, just after Jesus had grabbed hold of her heart. She used her two small boys’ nap times to pursue what she thought at the time was a foolish dream. Despite a long road to publication, she hasn’t stopped writing since! Heidi won the 2018 ACFW Carol Award for Debut Novel and is a 2018 Christy Finalist. Both her debut novel, Freedom’s Ring, and her sophomore novel, The Hidden Side, are 4½-star Romantic TimesTop Picks. Freedom’s Ring was also a Booklist Top Ten Romance Debut. Heidi loves exploring places that whisper of historical secrets, especially with her family. She loves running, hiking, baking, and dates with her high-school sweetheart and husband of fifteen years. Heidi makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband and two sons.
