I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale and was under no obligation to post a review. No compensation was received for sharing this review and all opinions are my own.
Published by NavPress on May 8, 2018
Source: Tyndale
Genres: Christian, Contemporary Women, Fiction, Historical
Pages: 448
New York, 2016Natalie Abbott offers answers for hurting listeners on her popular radio program. But she struggles to connect with her teenagers, with her daughter in an unhealthy relationship and her son uncommunicative and isolated. When one member of the family commits an unspeakable act, Natalie is forced to uncover who she truly is under the façade of her radio persona.
New York, 1776Mercy Howard is shocked when her fiancé, Nathan Hale, is arrested and hanged as a spy. When she’s asked to join the revolutionary spy ring in Manhattan, she sees an opportunity to avenge Nathan’s death. But keeping her true loyalties hidden grows increasingly harder as the charming Major John Andre of the King’s Army becomes more to her than a target for intelligence.
Mercy’s journals comfort Natalie from across the centuries as both women struggle with their own secrets and shame, wondering how deep God’s mercy extends.
Note: Kristin reads and reviews both Christian and secular fiction on A Simply Enchanted Life. Out of respect for my readers, I am including a content review. This content review will help you decide whether this book is suitable for you.
Christian or Secular: Secular
ASEL Rating: moderately suggestive romance scenes, moderately detailed violence
Content to be aware of: Situations of school violence, rape and bullying
Suggested Age: 18+
I discovered this author last year and was very impressed with the depth and emotion she invoked in her writing. This book is her second novel and honestly, it surpassed even the first. I didn’t think it was going to be possible to top Freedom’s Ring but somehow she managed to do just so.
If you’re looking for a light romantic read—this book is not going to fit that bill. This book is gritty, raw and often heart wrenching. As a parent, this book toyed with my emotions and made me want to hold my children tight.
This book deals with very hard topics—rape, school violence, and bullying situations. Given recent school violence, I think some people will have a hard time handling these topics. The author handles them delicately but she captured the emotional upset and heart of these issues.
At first, I wasn’t sure how the historical part of this story was going to tie into the present. But, the author managed to bring both stories together, weaving them seamlessly.
Unlike Freedom’s Ring, this book doesn’t have much of a romance strand. This book is more about broken people finding refuge in God. Honestly, it’s why I really enjoyed this book so much. So many fiction books always include a romance. Even though life is not all lovey-dovey all the time. I appreciate these books that explore the grit of life so that hurting people can find hope in Christ.
I really loved this book. I’m truly surprised that this is the author’s second book to be published. She writes with the finesse of a longtime author. She truly has a gift and I’m so glad that I’ve discovered her novels.
About Heidi Chiavaroli
Heidi Chiavaroli is a writer, runner, and grace-clinger who could spend hours exploring Boston’s Freedom Trail. She writes Women’s Fiction and won the 2014 ACFW Genesis contest in the historical category. She makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband, two sons, and Howie, her standard poodle. Visit her online at heidichiavaroli.com.
LOVED this book!! :)