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Shades of Mercy
It's 1954 and the world-even the far Northwoods of Maine-is about to change. But that change can't happen soon enough for fourteen-year-old Mercy Millar. Long tired of being the "son" her father never had, Mercy's ready for the world to embrace her as the young woman she is-as well as embrace the forbidden love she feels.
When childhood playmates grow up and fall in love, the whole community celebrates. But in the case of Mercy and Mick, there would be no celebration. Instead their relationship must stay hidden. Good girls do not date young men from the Maliseet tribe. At least, not in Watsonville, Maine. When racial tensions escalate and Mick is thrown in jail under suspicion of murder, Mercy nearly loses all hope-in love, in her father, and in God himself.
When childhood playmates grow up and fall in love, the whole community celebrates. But in the case of Mercy and Mick, there would be no celebration. Instead their relationship must stay hidden. Good girls do not date young men from the Maliseet tribe. At least, not in Watsonville, Maine. When racial tensions escalate and Mick is thrown in jail under suspicion of murder, Mercy nearly loses all hope-in love, in her father, and in God himself.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2013
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September 13, 2018
About this book:
“It's 1954 and the world-even the far Northwoods of Maine-is about to change. But that change can't happen soon enough for fourteen-year-old Mercy Millar. Long tired of being the "son" her father never had, Mercy's ready for the world to embrace her as the young woman she is-as well as embrace the forbidden love she feels.
When childhood playmates grow up and fall in love, the whole community celebrates. But in the case of Mercy and Mick, there would be no celebration. Instead their relationship must stay hidden. Good girls do not date young men from the Maliseet tribe. At least, not in Watsonville, Maine. When racial tensions escalate and Mick is thrown in jail under suspicion of murder, Mercy nearly loses all hope-in love, in her father, and in God himself.”
Series: ‘A Maine Chronicle’, book #1
Spiritual Content- Micah 6:8, Luke 4:14-2; Mercy & her family do many prayers; Mercy witness to some of her Maliseet friends
Negative Content- a ‘what the heck’, a few ‘heck’s, some people are rude to the Malissets, just because they want them gone.
Sexual Content- Kisses, no detail; Some folks think a girl is with child, but she’s not.
-Mercy Millar
P.O.V. of Mercy (With Grandma Mercy at the beginning & end)
Set in Present time & 1954 257 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
‘Shades of Mercy’ is almost like ‘Romeo & Juilet’; but it’s not the parents that reject the relationship between their young-uns, it’s some of town people. Though it had spoilers in the front- before we even got into the book- I really liked it! And Thanks to the Publisher (Moody Publishers) we have THREE brand-new copies of "Shades of Mercy" to Giveaway! :D
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher for this review.
“It's 1954 and the world-even the far Northwoods of Maine-is about to change. But that change can't happen soon enough for fourteen-year-old Mercy Millar. Long tired of being the "son" her father never had, Mercy's ready for the world to embrace her as the young woman she is-as well as embrace the forbidden love she feels.
When childhood playmates grow up and fall in love, the whole community celebrates. But in the case of Mercy and Mick, there would be no celebration. Instead their relationship must stay hidden. Good girls do not date young men from the Maliseet tribe. At least, not in Watsonville, Maine. When racial tensions escalate and Mick is thrown in jail under suspicion of murder, Mercy nearly loses all hope-in love, in her father, and in God himself.”
Series: ‘A Maine Chronicle’, book #1
Spiritual Content- Micah 6:8, Luke 4:14-2; Mercy & her family do many prayers; Mercy witness to some of her Maliseet friends
Negative Content- a ‘what the heck’, a few ‘heck’s, some people are rude to the Malissets, just because they want them gone.
Sexual Content- Kisses, no detail; Some folks think a girl is with child, but she’s not.
-Mercy Millar
P.O.V. of Mercy (With Grandma Mercy at the beginning & end)
Set in Present time & 1954 257 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
‘Shades of Mercy’ is almost like ‘Romeo & Juilet’; but it’s not the parents that reject the relationship between their young-uns, it’s some of town people. Though it had spoilers in the front- before we even got into the book- I really liked it! And Thanks to the Publisher (Moody Publishers) we have THREE brand-new copies of "Shades of Mercy" to Giveaway! :D
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher for this review.
September 6, 2013
It is 1954 in a rural farm community in Northern Maine. Mercy's family owns a large potato farm where Mercy does the work of a teenaged boy. Her father, "Mr. Pop" teases her that she is the son he never had. He hires local Maliseet Indians to help work the farm. Mick is a Maliseet who has been a friend to Mercy since they were toddlers playing in the fields and building forts. As teenagers their friendship grows into an attraction that is forbidden. Racial tensions were heating up in the southern states while discord between Indian tribes and those who had overtaken their land were troubling other areas of the country, Maine being no exception. The Maniseet had been forced out of their homes to live in shacks on top of the area dump, and the situation is becoming volatile in Mercy's community.
Shades of Mercy is a story of troubled times and strained relationships. The descrimination presented in this story is realistic and historically accurate. Hard and honest work ethics are reminiscent of farm families of that time frame. Characters presented are authentic, colorful and convincing, as are the issues detailed in this account. Mercy's father represents a pillar of strength and compassion to his family and community through difficult times and distressing events. His strength of character and unwavering faith in God are exemplary and strong currents that are woven throughout this story. The elements of hope, grace, mercy and compassion run strong throughout the events characterized in this book.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Wynn-Wynn Media in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
Shades of Mercy is a story of troubled times and strained relationships. The descrimination presented in this story is realistic and historically accurate. Hard and honest work ethics are reminiscent of farm families of that time frame. Characters presented are authentic, colorful and convincing, as are the issues detailed in this account. Mercy's father represents a pillar of strength and compassion to his family and community through difficult times and distressing events. His strength of character and unwavering faith in God are exemplary and strong currents that are woven throughout this story. The elements of hope, grace, mercy and compassion run strong throughout the events characterized in this book.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Wynn-Wynn Media in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
July 29, 2024
This was a well-written story that really gave me such a wonderful feel for a time a place. It was a slice of life book that I found nice.
Content notes: A teen girl has a boyfriend and they sneak off to kiss a few times. A couple of references to "the talk" and wondering if a girl (not the main character) is pregnant out of wedlock (she isn't). Tackles prejudice of indigenous people.
Content notes: A teen girl has a boyfriend and they sneak off to kiss a few times. A couple of references to "the talk" and wondering if a girl (not the main character) is pregnant out of wedlock (she isn't). Tackles prejudice of indigenous people.
September 11, 2013
Title: Shades of Mercy
Author: Anita Lustrea & Caryn Rivadeneira
Pages: 272
Year: 2013
Publisher: River North
History is filled with so many stories of many peoples, nations, tribes, places and more. Yet, though these bigger pictures grab my heart, mind and soul, there is more meaning revealed in personal stories. While this is a fictitious story, the people and times are based in historical fact. I was reminded of the way so many people have been treated badly for a variety of reasons, though no reason makes it right to treat others inhumanly.
As I read, I was reminded again that even Christians didn’t always and still don’t always treat others with the love of Christ. I am reminded of what Paul the apostle wrote when he spoke of the flesh and spirit being constantly at war and wondering why he does what he doesn’t want to do. Paul was beside himself as he knew what the right thing to do was and didn’t do it. If you’re a fan of history, you know some tales can grab your attention and then hold on fast till the end of the story.
While some books simply entertain, I can say this one also challenges. Here is the story of a time when certain Native American tribes were segregated from others and then relegated to a place that wasn’t fit for human habitation. One main character would read the Bible for family devotions every morning, never missed churched and hired people other farmers never would. Yet, what a challenge it was for him to go beyond that to work towards change that was permanent. To look at a Native American beyond his skin color, beliefs and past to see him as Christ saw him and sought him. Interracial marriages were looked down upon and people would feel shame if this is a choice they made, and sometimes this shame left to fester would turn into rage.
In this novel, Mick is accused of murdering a man most knew as the town drunk simply because one man stirred up the town folk and twisted the truth. Yet, through the whole novel, the thought of how God uses everything for good kept turning up in various parts of the story. When disaster strikes the town, the authors show the different reactions or responses people have based on their belief system. I thought that very insightful because as people we tend to live according to our own deeply held beliefs.
The ending was a surprise and very appropriate. The scene painted for readers will tug the heart strings with perhaps a hint of future novels with these characters. At least as a reader I hope the authors write more because what they have done in Shades of Mercy is absolutely captivating. I began reading the novel in the morning and stayed at it until I was done; I couldn’t put the book down as I was pulled into the plot so deeply. I hope you read and enjoy Shades of Mercy!
My rating is 5+ stars!
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspo... . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson...
Author: Anita Lustrea & Caryn Rivadeneira
Pages: 272
Year: 2013
Publisher: River North
History is filled with so many stories of many peoples, nations, tribes, places and more. Yet, though these bigger pictures grab my heart, mind and soul, there is more meaning revealed in personal stories. While this is a fictitious story, the people and times are based in historical fact. I was reminded of the way so many people have been treated badly for a variety of reasons, though no reason makes it right to treat others inhumanly.
As I read, I was reminded again that even Christians didn’t always and still don’t always treat others with the love of Christ. I am reminded of what Paul the apostle wrote when he spoke of the flesh and spirit being constantly at war and wondering why he does what he doesn’t want to do. Paul was beside himself as he knew what the right thing to do was and didn’t do it. If you’re a fan of history, you know some tales can grab your attention and then hold on fast till the end of the story.
While some books simply entertain, I can say this one also challenges. Here is the story of a time when certain Native American tribes were segregated from others and then relegated to a place that wasn’t fit for human habitation. One main character would read the Bible for family devotions every morning, never missed churched and hired people other farmers never would. Yet, what a challenge it was for him to go beyond that to work towards change that was permanent. To look at a Native American beyond his skin color, beliefs and past to see him as Christ saw him and sought him. Interracial marriages were looked down upon and people would feel shame if this is a choice they made, and sometimes this shame left to fester would turn into rage.
In this novel, Mick is accused of murdering a man most knew as the town drunk simply because one man stirred up the town folk and twisted the truth. Yet, through the whole novel, the thought of how God uses everything for good kept turning up in various parts of the story. When disaster strikes the town, the authors show the different reactions or responses people have based on their belief system. I thought that very insightful because as people we tend to live according to our own deeply held beliefs.
The ending was a surprise and very appropriate. The scene painted for readers will tug the heart strings with perhaps a hint of future novels with these characters. At least as a reader I hope the authors write more because what they have done in Shades of Mercy is absolutely captivating. I began reading the novel in the morning and stayed at it until I was done; I couldn’t put the book down as I was pulled into the plot so deeply. I hope you read and enjoy Shades of Mercy!
My rating is 5+ stars!
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspo... . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson...
September 10, 2016
Refreshing and very well written story that encompasses the true meanings of love, compassion, toleration and honesty. From the very first words the reader is drawn into a vividly presented time period in our not so distant past where differences between peoples are the basis for prejudices and blinded minds. This is written with the younger minds as focus, accurately portraying the age of the main characters in their thoughts, words and actions. I especially enjoyed the characters having strong morals and sound faith, and keeping to those beliefs throughout the story without being preachy. Overall this is an enjoyable book for all ages, with just a minor slow down through the middle of the plot. A free copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest unbiased review. Read more reviews, author interviews and enter giveaways on my blog.
May 27, 2019
A hidden gem!
Well written story with engaging characters. I confess that at first glance I thought it was just a metaphor for other civil rights struggles. But there's more! You're have to find out for yourself.
Well written story with engaging characters. I confess that at first glance I thought it was just a metaphor for other civil rights struggles. But there's more! You're have to find out for yourself.
December 16, 2013
A story about racial tensions tosses most of us back more than, “Four score and seven years ago,” to a time when, “Our forefathers brought forth upon this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”
But that’s too far.
A handful of us, some Okies like myself, remember the stories in our state history books about the land runs and the Trail of Tears.
But that’s still too far.
Not many of us think about racial tension and inequality in generations so recent we can still touch the lines upon their faces; some of them haven’t even grayed. Shades of Mercy, by Anita Lustrea and Caryn Rivadeneira, sheds light upon those obscured years.
Set in the 1950s, Shades of Mercy, is a refreshingly sweet romance, grounded in the gritty truth of harsh farm life in rural Maine. Fifteen-year-old, Mercy, is of well respected stock, working diligently as the “son her father never had”, on their successful farm in Watsonville, Maine. Her family loves her and her parents are devout Christians raising their daughter to have strong biblical morals, and especially to have a respect for all human life, no matter what their race. So it’s only a minor problem that she’s fallen in love with Mick, a young Maliseet Indian.
At least, it’s only a minor problem in Mercy’s imagination.
The Maliseet are marginalized in Watsonville. On the land of their own fore fathers, they now live on Hungry Hill, or an area more appropriately identified as the city dump. In tattered shelters, shacks really, whole families live hand to mouth and many of the men have dissolved into drunken depression. Among these is Mick’s family.
Mercy’s father, Mr. Pop, is the lone, white farmer who generously offers work to the Maliseet men and pays them fair wages. Often Mercy is allowed to drive the pickup to Hungry Hill to pick up Mick and his relatives and bring them to Mr. Pop’s farm to work. On those special days, she and Mick quietly nurture their relationship, hiding it as best they can, knowing that the entire town will frown upon their love.
The blanket of secrecy is yanked out from under them when Marjorie Carmichael, the older sister of Mercy’s best friend, runs away with her Maliseet boyfriend, Glenn. Mr. Carmichael is livid and blames the entire Maliseet tribe for the disappearance of his daughter. Tempers simmer, those who had inklings of Mercy and Mick’s romance begin to mention it publicly, drawing them into the conflict. Then, Mr. Carmichael accuses Mick of a horrible crime.
The only ones willing to defend Mick are Mercy’s family. Fortunately, her father’s brother, Roger, is a capable lawyer, deeply involved in promoting equal rights for the Maliseet. While Mick waits in jail, Mercy’s family works desperately to vindicate him. Mercy herself struggles to cling to Mick’s promises of “someday” when they will be able to be together publicly, without shame.
Shades of Mercy is a touching story, though personally, I feel it lacks the depth to fully engage an adult audience. Mick and Mercy’s romance is portrayed very well for what it is - a teenage romance. The dialogue is a stilted and awkward between them sometimes, just like two high schoolers would be today. At one point, they communicate by passing notes between them, but instead of writing to each other, they draw pictures of woodchucks burrowing underground. Accurate for a youthful crush; perhaps not so entertaining for an adult reader.
Lustrea is a native of Maine and does a superb job of orally painting the countryside. Her vivid descriptions left me actually feeling the chill of Maine’s winter months. Occasionally, these descriptive scenes, like the family’s attendance of the annual festival and fair, seem a little irrelevant to the story, but they are enjoyable nonetheless.
The resolution of the central conflict, Mick’s imprisonment and the secrecy of his and Mercy’s romance, seems unmemorable. The man Mick is accused of putting into a coma, perhaps on his death bed, wakes up with full consciousness of the incident and vindicates Mick. Shortly after, the young Maliseet is released, he and Mercy are restored. Since the whole town has come to know their feelings, and Mercy’s father has always vouched for the Maliseet’s equality, they kiss publicly.
The Indian Rights Council plays a background role in the story. Throughout the book, Mr. Pop and his brother attend Council meetings and push for the Maliseet’s rights. However, when the story concludes, the reader is left with only hope for a righteous outcome.
Shades of Mercy, kept me entertained, though by the final chapter I was ready for the happy ending and a more complicated story. I think the book will be most enjoyable for a young, teenage audience.
But that’s too far.
A handful of us, some Okies like myself, remember the stories in our state history books about the land runs and the Trail of Tears.
But that’s still too far.
Not many of us think about racial tension and inequality in generations so recent we can still touch the lines upon their faces; some of them haven’t even grayed. Shades of Mercy, by Anita Lustrea and Caryn Rivadeneira, sheds light upon those obscured years.
Set in the 1950s, Shades of Mercy, is a refreshingly sweet romance, grounded in the gritty truth of harsh farm life in rural Maine. Fifteen-year-old, Mercy, is of well respected stock, working diligently as the “son her father never had”, on their successful farm in Watsonville, Maine. Her family loves her and her parents are devout Christians raising their daughter to have strong biblical morals, and especially to have a respect for all human life, no matter what their race. So it’s only a minor problem that she’s fallen in love with Mick, a young Maliseet Indian.
At least, it’s only a minor problem in Mercy’s imagination.
The Maliseet are marginalized in Watsonville. On the land of their own fore fathers, they now live on Hungry Hill, or an area more appropriately identified as the city dump. In tattered shelters, shacks really, whole families live hand to mouth and many of the men have dissolved into drunken depression. Among these is Mick’s family.
Mercy’s father, Mr. Pop, is the lone, white farmer who generously offers work to the Maliseet men and pays them fair wages. Often Mercy is allowed to drive the pickup to Hungry Hill to pick up Mick and his relatives and bring them to Mr. Pop’s farm to work. On those special days, she and Mick quietly nurture their relationship, hiding it as best they can, knowing that the entire town will frown upon their love.
The blanket of secrecy is yanked out from under them when Marjorie Carmichael, the older sister of Mercy’s best friend, runs away with her Maliseet boyfriend, Glenn. Mr. Carmichael is livid and blames the entire Maliseet tribe for the disappearance of his daughter. Tempers simmer, those who had inklings of Mercy and Mick’s romance begin to mention it publicly, drawing them into the conflict. Then, Mr. Carmichael accuses Mick of a horrible crime.
The only ones willing to defend Mick are Mercy’s family. Fortunately, her father’s brother, Roger, is a capable lawyer, deeply involved in promoting equal rights for the Maliseet. While Mick waits in jail, Mercy’s family works desperately to vindicate him. Mercy herself struggles to cling to Mick’s promises of “someday” when they will be able to be together publicly, without shame.
Shades of Mercy is a touching story, though personally, I feel it lacks the depth to fully engage an adult audience. Mick and Mercy’s romance is portrayed very well for what it is - a teenage romance. The dialogue is a stilted and awkward between them sometimes, just like two high schoolers would be today. At one point, they communicate by passing notes between them, but instead of writing to each other, they draw pictures of woodchucks burrowing underground. Accurate for a youthful crush; perhaps not so entertaining for an adult reader.
Lustrea is a native of Maine and does a superb job of orally painting the countryside. Her vivid descriptions left me actually feeling the chill of Maine’s winter months. Occasionally, these descriptive scenes, like the family’s attendance of the annual festival and fair, seem a little irrelevant to the story, but they are enjoyable nonetheless.
The resolution of the central conflict, Mick’s imprisonment and the secrecy of his and Mercy’s romance, seems unmemorable. The man Mick is accused of putting into a coma, perhaps on his death bed, wakes up with full consciousness of the incident and vindicates Mick. Shortly after, the young Maliseet is released, he and Mercy are restored. Since the whole town has come to know their feelings, and Mercy’s father has always vouched for the Maliseet’s equality, they kiss publicly.
The Indian Rights Council plays a background role in the story. Throughout the book, Mr. Pop and his brother attend Council meetings and push for the Maliseet’s rights. However, when the story concludes, the reader is left with only hope for a righteous outcome.
Shades of Mercy, kept me entertained, though by the final chapter I was ready for the happy ending and a more complicated story. I think the book will be most enjoyable for a young, teenage audience.
February 17, 2014
Enter to WIN this book & check out this review on my blog:EpicBookQuest.com
An inspiring story of faith, love, and a hope for a better tomorrow. . .
Mercy is a young woman on the cusp of adulthood, growing up in 1950s northern Maine. A farmer’s daughter, she has always been treated as a son, working the fields and charged with driving each day to collect workers from the local Maliseet tribe- a group of impoverished Native Americans who have been banished to live at the town dump.
Though her father has always treated the Maliseet as equals, not everyone in the town is so kind, and as a romance begins to blossom between Mercy and her childhood Maliseet friend Mic, she hopes that one day their relationship will be acceptable in society.
But everything changes when her best friend’s sister elopes with a member of the Maliseet tribe, throwing the town into an uproar. In the midst of the confusion, Mic gets arrested and falsely charged with attempted murder, and all Mercy can do is pray and trust that God will set things right as her family struggles to free him- and she soon discovers that God’s mercy is greater than we could ever know.
First of all, let me just say that I love books that feature my beautiful home state of Maine. While the featured town in the story (Watsonville) doesn’t actually exist, the book does include many mentions of towns and cities that do. The Native American tribes, which unfortunately I don’t know much about, are familiar names in the region, and the descriptions of the land also ring true.
I really liked this book, from the strong character of Mercy, who was struggling to find her own voice in the world, to the troubled souls of Mic and his younger brother Joseph and the difficulties their people faced at that time in history. This is a beautiful story about the flaws in human nature, and the battle to overcome them by surrendering all to God and placing our trust in him to bring us through our difficulties and into His will.
I received a free copy of this book through River North Fiction, a division of Moody Publishers, in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2013
I’ve read lots of secular fiction/romance. Mainly books with titles that scream, ‘Read me! I’m hot and exciting.’ Too many times, I’ve fallen for the deception.
“Shades of Mercy” was my first Christian Fiction (Romance) novel. Tyndale sent me a copy to read and review. I finished the book in three evenings!
My assessment: It was really good! It completely changed my attitude about romantic fiction. I never expected it to have the deep, personal effect it had on me. It was stimulating, provoking and emotional. (Ya know… romance books do that to a girl!)
After reading the introduction, I was looking forward to Anita and Caryn’s writing transporting me into a simple and often ‘romanticized’ period in American history. And they certainly delivered!
While the vivid rural setting and the demur of the characters instantly drew me into this story, I wasn’t expecting to be thunderstruck by the key struggle for the people, the racial challenges between the native Indians and the people of Maine in the 1950s.
These authors’ abilities to tell a tale of unacceptable love within the framework of intense racial issues in a small, farming community, was captivating. They carefully and meticulously created relationships that could only be shaped by the love and mercy of God.
Bravo to Anita and Caryn for co-writing a realistic love story; filled with much more than human passion and physical desire (the driving forces in secular romance novels.) “Shades of Mercy” was written on the foundation of God’s love and His desires for us. Having Him has the source for mercy (and Mercy!) is the perspective He wants us to have.
I feel God used this work of literature to draw me away from the torrid and ‘shady’ romance books that pile up on my nightstand. I had prejudices about the genre of Christian Fiction, but God provided me with “shades of mercy” and I feel ‘freed’ to choose truer, more real romance stories.
From now on, I expect more from romantic fiction. I want Jesus to be part of this area of my life, too. And why not? He is the bedrock of all stories. Thanks be to God for using Caryn and Anita to transform the sin of my nightstand into another way I can worship Him.
“Shades of Mercy” was my first Christian Fiction (Romance) novel. Tyndale sent me a copy to read and review. I finished the book in three evenings!
My assessment: It was really good! It completely changed my attitude about romantic fiction. I never expected it to have the deep, personal effect it had on me. It was stimulating, provoking and emotional. (Ya know… romance books do that to a girl!)
After reading the introduction, I was looking forward to Anita and Caryn’s writing transporting me into a simple and often ‘romanticized’ period in American history. And they certainly delivered!
While the vivid rural setting and the demur of the characters instantly drew me into this story, I wasn’t expecting to be thunderstruck by the key struggle for the people, the racial challenges between the native Indians and the people of Maine in the 1950s.
These authors’ abilities to tell a tale of unacceptable love within the framework of intense racial issues in a small, farming community, was captivating. They carefully and meticulously created relationships that could only be shaped by the love and mercy of God.
Bravo to Anita and Caryn for co-writing a realistic love story; filled with much more than human passion and physical desire (the driving forces in secular romance novels.) “Shades of Mercy” was written on the foundation of God’s love and His desires for us. Having Him has the source for mercy (and Mercy!) is the perspective He wants us to have.
I feel God used this work of literature to draw me away from the torrid and ‘shady’ romance books that pile up on my nightstand. I had prejudices about the genre of Christian Fiction, but God provided me with “shades of mercy” and I feel ‘freed’ to choose truer, more real romance stories.
From now on, I expect more from romantic fiction. I want Jesus to be part of this area of my life, too. And why not? He is the bedrock of all stories. Thanks be to God for using Caryn and Anita to transform the sin of my nightstand into another way I can worship Him.
January 7, 2014
It's 1954 and the world-even the far Northwoods of Maine - is about to change. But that change can't happen soon enough for fourteen-year-old Mercy Millar. Long tired of being the "son" her father never had, Mercy's ready for the world to embrace her as the young woman she is, as well as embrace the forbidden love she feels.
When childhood playmates grow up and fall in love, the whole community celebrates. But in the case of Mercy and Mick, there would be no celebration. Instead their relationship must stay hidden. Good girls do not date young men from the Maliseet tribe. At least, not in Watsonville, Maine. When racial tensions escalate and Mick is thrown in jail under suspicion of murder, Mercy nearly loses all hope-in love, in her father, and in God himself.
My Review:
A sore subject even in the best of times, racial tensions run rife in this book. And while we think we as a society are way past this sort of behavior, Lustrea and Rivadeneira portrayed the racial prejudice towards Indians in the 1950's very well. I did feel that the story was very slow paced, but ultimately it makes food for thought in a different sort of way then we're used to getting in a Christian novel. It's a very traditional story, and I ended up enjoying the details of life on the farm, Mercy on the verge of womanhood, and many other little details.
And of course, we must talk about the romance. Forbidden love, no matter how taboo, will always inspire readers to cheer the couple onward. In this case, we have advanced enough as a country to know that keeping two lovers apart because of race and or culture is just plain wrong. But back then, some things just weren't done, and Mercy and Mick's romance was one of those "off limits" things that no one wanted to see happen. While a little slower than I would have liked, I would definitely recommend it to the younger crowd for a reality check, as well as anyone who enjoys a story that portrays the true meaning of love.
This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.
When childhood playmates grow up and fall in love, the whole community celebrates. But in the case of Mercy and Mick, there would be no celebration. Instead their relationship must stay hidden. Good girls do not date young men from the Maliseet tribe. At least, not in Watsonville, Maine. When racial tensions escalate and Mick is thrown in jail under suspicion of murder, Mercy nearly loses all hope-in love, in her father, and in God himself.
My Review:
A sore subject even in the best of times, racial tensions run rife in this book. And while we think we as a society are way past this sort of behavior, Lustrea and Rivadeneira portrayed the racial prejudice towards Indians in the 1950's very well. I did feel that the story was very slow paced, but ultimately it makes food for thought in a different sort of way then we're used to getting in a Christian novel. It's a very traditional story, and I ended up enjoying the details of life on the farm, Mercy on the verge of womanhood, and many other little details.
And of course, we must talk about the romance. Forbidden love, no matter how taboo, will always inspire readers to cheer the couple onward. In this case, we have advanced enough as a country to know that keeping two lovers apart because of race and or culture is just plain wrong. But back then, some things just weren't done, and Mercy and Mick's romance was one of those "off limits" things that no one wanted to see happen. While a little slower than I would have liked, I would definitely recommend it to the younger crowd for a reality check, as well as anyone who enjoys a story that portrays the true meaning of love.
This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.
February 10, 2014
3.5
Shades of Mercy was a very sweet and quiet coming of age story. The story follows Mercy, a fourteen year old girl, who believes she has her life planned out. In a few years, she and her long time friend and recent boyfriend Mick will go off to college together, then once finished with school, they can get married, and live happily ever after. However, Mercy dreams come crashing around her when a friend of hers and her boyfriend disappear. However, this isn't a normal young love runaway, at least in the eyes of the Mercy's friend's father. When he finds out that the girls boyfriend is from the local Maliseet tribe, his prejudices come to a boil and sets the whole town on edge. Mercy hopes that everything will be resolved soon and then things can go back to normal. Sadly, that isn't what happens when her boyfriend Mick, who is also Maliseet, is charged with a crime.
The struggles Mercy's deals with are presented in such a realistic way. She is innocent to the ways of prejudice and still young. Mercy is written in such a way that you feel for her. You watch as she holds out hope for her dream to still come true and for everything to blow through. It was refreshing to read about a real teenager that has respect for her parents and who was raised in a loving home, not a teenager that was full of angst. I enjoyed that about the book.
The one issue I had with the story was the pacing. The story dealt with a very heavy topic and handled it very nicely and not heavy-handed, but a lot didn't seem to happen in a part of the story. I did enjoy how the story focused on one part of Mercy's life, just one summer. The ending left it open for the series to continue on and to grow with Mercy.
It was an enjoyable story.
Thank you to River North, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Shades of Mercy was a very sweet and quiet coming of age story. The story follows Mercy, a fourteen year old girl, who believes she has her life planned out. In a few years, she and her long time friend and recent boyfriend Mick will go off to college together, then once finished with school, they can get married, and live happily ever after. However, Mercy dreams come crashing around her when a friend of hers and her boyfriend disappear. However, this isn't a normal young love runaway, at least in the eyes of the Mercy's friend's father. When he finds out that the girls boyfriend is from the local Maliseet tribe, his prejudices come to a boil and sets the whole town on edge. Mercy hopes that everything will be resolved soon and then things can go back to normal. Sadly, that isn't what happens when her boyfriend Mick, who is also Maliseet, is charged with a crime.
The struggles Mercy's deals with are presented in such a realistic way. She is innocent to the ways of prejudice and still young. Mercy is written in such a way that you feel for her. You watch as she holds out hope for her dream to still come true and for everything to blow through. It was refreshing to read about a real teenager that has respect for her parents and who was raised in a loving home, not a teenager that was full of angst. I enjoyed that about the book.
The one issue I had with the story was the pacing. The story dealt with a very heavy topic and handled it very nicely and not heavy-handed, but a lot didn't seem to happen in a part of the story. I did enjoy how the story focused on one part of Mercy's life, just one summer. The ending left it open for the series to continue on and to grow with Mercy.
It was an enjoyable story.
Thank you to River North, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2013
Title: SHADES OF MERCY
Authors: Anita Lustrea and Caryn Rivadeneira
Publisher: River North
September 2013
ISBN: 978-0-8024-0968-3
Genre: Historical
Someday was a word Mercy Miller held tight to.
It's 1954 and the world-even the far Northwoods of Maine-is about to change. But that change can't happen soon enough for fourteen-year-old Mercy Millar. Long tired of being the "son" her father never had, Mercy's ready for the world to embrace her as the young woman she is-as well as embrace the forbidden love she feels.
When childhood playmates grow up and fall in love, the whole community celebrates. But in the case of Mercy and Mick, there would be no celebration. Instead their relationship must stay hidden. Good girls do not date young men from the Maliseet tribe. At least, not in Watsonville, Maine.
When racial tensions escalate and Mick is thrown in jail under suspicion of murder, Mercy nearly loses all hope-in love, in her father, and in God himself.
SHADES OF MERCY is the first book I’ve read by this writing team. The writing style is descriptive, drawing the reader into the setting. One could almost smell the dump that Mick and his kin live in, set among the beauty of Maine’s North Woods. My heart hurt for the young adults in a relationship forbidden due to racism.
The story is rather slow… and easily put down. I didn’t engage with the characters as much as I would have liked to, but it is a good book and excellent for young adults to read as it deals with racism. And that is still somewhat a problem. While people may not blink twice to see whites marry blacks or Hispanics or other races anymore, in some areas there is more… stigma… than other if you are a certain nationality. Good lessons. $14.99. 288 pages. 3.5 stars.
Authors: Anita Lustrea and Caryn Rivadeneira
Publisher: River North
September 2013
ISBN: 978-0-8024-0968-3
Genre: Historical
Someday was a word Mercy Miller held tight to.
It's 1954 and the world-even the far Northwoods of Maine-is about to change. But that change can't happen soon enough for fourteen-year-old Mercy Millar. Long tired of being the "son" her father never had, Mercy's ready for the world to embrace her as the young woman she is-as well as embrace the forbidden love she feels.
When childhood playmates grow up and fall in love, the whole community celebrates. But in the case of Mercy and Mick, there would be no celebration. Instead their relationship must stay hidden. Good girls do not date young men from the Maliseet tribe. At least, not in Watsonville, Maine.
When racial tensions escalate and Mick is thrown in jail under suspicion of murder, Mercy nearly loses all hope-in love, in her father, and in God himself.
SHADES OF MERCY is the first book I’ve read by this writing team. The writing style is descriptive, drawing the reader into the setting. One could almost smell the dump that Mick and his kin live in, set among the beauty of Maine’s North Woods. My heart hurt for the young adults in a relationship forbidden due to racism.
The story is rather slow… and easily put down. I didn’t engage with the characters as much as I would have liked to, but it is a good book and excellent for young adults to read as it deals with racism. And that is still somewhat a problem. While people may not blink twice to see whites marry blacks or Hispanics or other races anymore, in some areas there is more… stigma… than other if you are a certain nationality. Good lessons. $14.99. 288 pages. 3.5 stars.
November 24, 2013
Shades of Mercy, a Maine Chronicle by Anita Lustrea and Caryn Rivadeneira
This is a great story of discrimination and the resulting hurt it causes. Shades of Mercy is set in 1954, in a farming community in Maine. Mercy lives on a potato farm with her parents. As a child growing up she has always played and went to school with children from the local Maliseet Indian tribe. Her father, Mr. Pop hires men from the tribe to work on the farm. It was okay to have the Indians as playmate but nothing more. As Mercy grows and becomes a teenager her feeling for Mick her playmate grow stronger. Mick is a Maliseet India and lives on Hungry Hill, a garbage dump. He also helps out around the farm. Because of racial tensions their feeling have to be kept secret. But tension are building in the community. Mick is arrested and jailed for a crime he did not commit and had he been white, he would he have been freed. Mercy and her family do everything in their power to help free Mick.
You will find the characters to have a strong faith and moral character. You will also find pillars of the community ready to stand and fight for what is right, to be authentic, real and compassionate. The authors Anita Lustrea and Caryn Rivadeneira have written a story that is believable and full of emotion. They interwoven faith throughout the book in a way that is sure to pull at your heartstrings.
I give this book 4 stars, I found it to be realistic and faith filled. I want to thank the authors Anita Lustrea and Caryn Rivadeneira, and the publisher for bringing good clean Christian books like this one to readers like me. I would also like to thank The Book Club Network Inc. for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review. I am thankful for ya’ll generosity.
This is a great story of discrimination and the resulting hurt it causes. Shades of Mercy is set in 1954, in a farming community in Maine. Mercy lives on a potato farm with her parents. As a child growing up she has always played and went to school with children from the local Maliseet Indian tribe. Her father, Mr. Pop hires men from the tribe to work on the farm. It was okay to have the Indians as playmate but nothing more. As Mercy grows and becomes a teenager her feeling for Mick her playmate grow stronger. Mick is a Maliseet India and lives on Hungry Hill, a garbage dump. He also helps out around the farm. Because of racial tensions their feeling have to be kept secret. But tension are building in the community. Mick is arrested and jailed for a crime he did not commit and had he been white, he would he have been freed. Mercy and her family do everything in their power to help free Mick.
You will find the characters to have a strong faith and moral character. You will also find pillars of the community ready to stand and fight for what is right, to be authentic, real and compassionate. The authors Anita Lustrea and Caryn Rivadeneira have written a story that is believable and full of emotion. They interwoven faith throughout the book in a way that is sure to pull at your heartstrings.
I give this book 4 stars, I found it to be realistic and faith filled. I want to thank the authors Anita Lustrea and Caryn Rivadeneira, and the publisher for bringing good clean Christian books like this one to readers like me. I would also like to thank The Book Club Network Inc. for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review. I am thankful for ya’ll generosity.
December 20, 2013
Shades of Mercy is a great story. Although it’s never easy to read about prejudice, the story was done in such a way as to bring light to the subject and truth to the problem. I really enjoyed this book and found it to be a page turner. The characters are not only realistic, they demonstrate admirable Christian behavior throughout the book. The issues in the story revealed a part of history that I had not known about previously.
It is easy to feel sorry for the “less than people” while sitting in a warm house with a full belly. The town of Watsonville has tucked away the Maliseet Indians in the town dump and called it normal. But when their love is forbidden, Marjorie, a white girl from Watsonville and Glenn, a Maliseet Indian, run away to New York to begin their new life together. This causes not only anger in their families, but dissension in the whole town. Divided about what relationships are appropriate, the racial tensions in the town that remained hidden for too long, begin to surface. The long standing friendship and budding relationship between Mercy and Mick is tested and tried. They are forced to reckon with whether their love is strong enough to cross and survive racial and socio economic barriers. Mercy is witness to her parent’s incredible faith and love walk as they support Mick when he’s accused of a crime he did not commit. God’s mercy is demonstrated both in tragedy and in truth.
I received this book from the Book Club Network and River North publishers in exchange for my honest opinion. Shades of Mercy is an excellent read and I highly recommend it. I look forward to the next book in the series.
It is easy to feel sorry for the “less than people” while sitting in a warm house with a full belly. The town of Watsonville has tucked away the Maliseet Indians in the town dump and called it normal. But when their love is forbidden, Marjorie, a white girl from Watsonville and Glenn, a Maliseet Indian, run away to New York to begin their new life together. This causes not only anger in their families, but dissension in the whole town. Divided about what relationships are appropriate, the racial tensions in the town that remained hidden for too long, begin to surface. The long standing friendship and budding relationship between Mercy and Mick is tested and tried. They are forced to reckon with whether their love is strong enough to cross and survive racial and socio economic barriers. Mercy is witness to her parent’s incredible faith and love walk as they support Mick when he’s accused of a crime he did not commit. God’s mercy is demonstrated both in tragedy and in truth.
I received this book from the Book Club Network and River North publishers in exchange for my honest opinion. Shades of Mercy is an excellent read and I highly recommend it. I look forward to the next book in the series.
January 8, 2020
**May Contain Spoilers**
In a coming of age story, Mercy Millar the daughter of an affluent farmer falls in love with a childhood playmate and has her faith tested in God, her father and being in love. The story begins with the grandmother (Mercy) anxiously waiting for her granddaughter to visit her. Her granddaughter became interested in the Maliseet culture and wanted to know more about her grandfather. Excitedly, Mercy begins her story in 1954 where racial tensions were high and faith/tolerance among each other was low. Mercy being the "son" her father had, was used to the farm work and driving to the "dump" where the Maliseet tribe lived to pick up men for work. One can say, the reason why she eagerly makes the drive is so she can see her beau, Mick.
She was used to being seen in her father's eyes as a son. Until the "incident" happens and causes the some of townspeople to turn against the Maliseet tribe. Looking for a scapegoat, people starting blaming the Maliseet tribe for all sort of problems. Which is how, Mick gets thrown into jail and the world Mercy knew and hoped for comes crashing down on her. Will Mercy be able to keep her hope in everything she believes?
The romantic coming of age story is imbued with elements of faith, hope, family, love, tolerance and mostly forgiveness. The story does this nicely but it does move on a slower pace. My biggest disappointment on this book is that there wasn't enough diaglouge between the grandmother and granddaughter. I wish it tied in with Mercy's story, more even though it's supposed to be a love story about Mercy and Mick.
November 26, 2013
This is an incredibly well written novel.
I received a free copy of this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.
Mercy Millar works hard to help her father on his potato farm in Watsonville, Maine. She also dreams of someday having him see her as the young woman she is, not as the son he never had. She also dreams of someday being able to move her relationship with her boyfriend Mick out from the shadows. The barrier to their being open about their attraction to each other is that Mick is a Maliseet Indian. There is a huge amount of racial tension between the white people of Watsonville and the Maliseet tribe of Maine’s Northwoods during the summer of 1954. Then suddenly disaster strikes, even though it looks surprisingly like the grace of God.
I was caught up in this book from the very beginning. I wanted to see how Mercy and Mick would be able to navigate the rocky road of racial strife. I had heard much of the way African Americans had been treated. But I had never really heard about the harsh treatment of Native Americans other than through school history books. This book is an eye opening look at the living conditions that many of them were forced to live in, even as recently as the middle of the 20th century. My heart ached for them as I rooted for them to rise above the conditions and the way they were treated.
This story is so well crafted and the descriptions are so clear that I can totally see the picture painted by the authors. I would love to see this made into a movie.
I received a free copy of this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.
Mercy Millar works hard to help her father on his potato farm in Watsonville, Maine. She also dreams of someday having him see her as the young woman she is, not as the son he never had. She also dreams of someday being able to move her relationship with her boyfriend Mick out from the shadows. The barrier to their being open about their attraction to each other is that Mick is a Maliseet Indian. There is a huge amount of racial tension between the white people of Watsonville and the Maliseet tribe of Maine’s Northwoods during the summer of 1954. Then suddenly disaster strikes, even though it looks surprisingly like the grace of God.
I was caught up in this book from the very beginning. I wanted to see how Mercy and Mick would be able to navigate the rocky road of racial strife. I had heard much of the way African Americans had been treated. But I had never really heard about the harsh treatment of Native Americans other than through school history books. This book is an eye opening look at the living conditions that many of them were forced to live in, even as recently as the middle of the 20th century. My heart ached for them as I rooted for them to rise above the conditions and the way they were treated.
This story is so well crafted and the descriptions are so clear that I can totally see the picture painted by the authors. I would love to see this made into a movie.
August 27, 2013
Fresh air. This is what I feel reading Shades of Mercy, a story where simple (in the best way) characters come up against difficult issues of race, discrimination and doing what's right in the face of societal odds. The heart of this story is Mercy, but the compass is her father, Paul. His is a character who does more than tolerate those who are different, but leads in love (more than words) and depth of character (more than pity).
As someone who is reluctant to embrace the genre of Christian fiction, I've found a book that not only I can enjoy and benefit from, but could give my 10-year-old, discussing the themes, the calling, the obligation we have to show mercy, grace, compassion on everyone. I also deeply appreciate the research and sources the authors took advantage of in writing the story of the Maliseet... those of us who grew up in the boom of the 80s haven't really been encouraged to comprehend (or even discover) the plight of Native Americans, then and now.
My only complaint? The names of some of the characters almost stopped the story for me, reminding me I was reading fiction and breaking the connection (and affection) I felt with (and for) the characters. Mr. Pop could surely just go by Pop or Paul... The Mr. lends too much naivete to an otherwise complex man. Though perhaps it's just a cultural anamoly of Maine, a place I wish to visit now more than before.
As someone who is reluctant to embrace the genre of Christian fiction, I've found a book that not only I can enjoy and benefit from, but could give my 10-year-old, discussing the themes, the calling, the obligation we have to show mercy, grace, compassion on everyone. I also deeply appreciate the research and sources the authors took advantage of in writing the story of the Maliseet... those of us who grew up in the boom of the 80s haven't really been encouraged to comprehend (or even discover) the plight of Native Americans, then and now.
My only complaint? The names of some of the characters almost stopped the story for me, reminding me I was reading fiction and breaking the connection (and affection) I felt with (and for) the characters. Mr. Pop could surely just go by Pop or Paul... The Mr. lends too much naivete to an otherwise complex man. Though perhaps it's just a cultural anamoly of Maine, a place I wish to visit now more than before.
February 7, 2014
This book has been described as a sweet coming-of-age story and I would wholeheartedly agree with that. The two main characters, Mercy and Mick, are young teenagers and they are in love. The problem is that society frowns upon the relationship.
The timeframe is the mid 50s during the era of Brown vs The Board of Education. While things are changing in other parts of the country, the deep seeded prejudice that grips the small town of Watsonville, Maine is alive and well. Mercy is the daughter of a well respected area farmer but Mick is from the disparaged Maliseet tribe. In the eyes of most in the town the two classes do not mix.
In a very gentle way the story of the area's history is revealed. We are allowed to see how a tiny seed of bitterness and resentment can blossom into a tree full of anger and revenge. Shades of Mercy shows the best and the worst of how we as humans treat each other. We get to cheer when a group of people begin to rally to change what is wrong even when it seems impossible.
I was completely enraptured with the characters and the scenarios that were presented in the novel. Anita and Caryn really captured the dynamics of a small town. I don't know that there will be a sequel, but I sure hope so. The story does come to a conclusion, but there are still areas that I would love to see resolved. I want to know more about these fabulous characters that have taken up residence in my heart.
I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.
The timeframe is the mid 50s during the era of Brown vs The Board of Education. While things are changing in other parts of the country, the deep seeded prejudice that grips the small town of Watsonville, Maine is alive and well. Mercy is the daughter of a well respected area farmer but Mick is from the disparaged Maliseet tribe. In the eyes of most in the town the two classes do not mix.
In a very gentle way the story of the area's history is revealed. We are allowed to see how a tiny seed of bitterness and resentment can blossom into a tree full of anger and revenge. Shades of Mercy shows the best and the worst of how we as humans treat each other. We get to cheer when a group of people begin to rally to change what is wrong even when it seems impossible.
I was completely enraptured with the characters and the scenarios that were presented in the novel. Anita and Caryn really captured the dynamics of a small town. I don't know that there will be a sequel, but I sure hope so. The story does come to a conclusion, but there are still areas that I would love to see resolved. I want to know more about these fabulous characters that have taken up residence in my heart.
I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.
November 5, 2013
I loved this book, a story of racial inequality and true love. I loved the way the author wrote the two main characters and their story together. All the other characters were so well developed that I enjoyed reading about all of them. I had a hard time putting the book down, read it in two days.
Mercy, a play on words, the main characters name and Mercy for the people in the story.
I really enjoyed the 'Remembering' at the beginning of the story. As a grandmother I love telling stories about our family history so I love the story starting this way.
There are four Indian tribes residing in Maine and the Maliseet are residing right outside of town, on top of the town dump. That's right, read it again. There were the farmers who also lived outside of town and either decided to use the Maliseet for the farm help or not. Who would let people live on top of a dump. That's what the whole town of Watsonville is letting or making the Indians do. Many of the residents and the Indians had anger, fear, and regrets from living this way. This story brings to light how people can live this way, then have Mercy come into their lives and everything changes.
I thought the characters and the plots and subplots were all really well developed. I would recommend this book to all who read, I feel it is a great book.
I received this book from BookFun in exchange for my honest opinion.
Mercy, a play on words, the main characters name and Mercy for the people in the story.
I really enjoyed the 'Remembering' at the beginning of the story. As a grandmother I love telling stories about our family history so I love the story starting this way.
There are four Indian tribes residing in Maine and the Maliseet are residing right outside of town, on top of the town dump. That's right, read it again. There were the farmers who also lived outside of town and either decided to use the Maliseet for the farm help or not. Who would let people live on top of a dump. That's what the whole town of Watsonville is letting or making the Indians do. Many of the residents and the Indians had anger, fear, and regrets from living this way. This story brings to light how people can live this way, then have Mercy come into their lives and everything changes.
I thought the characters and the plots and subplots were all really well developed. I would recommend this book to all who read, I feel it is a great book.
I received this book from BookFun in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 10, 2013
1950"s story of struggle for racial harmony, November 9, 2013
By Becky
This review is from: Shades of Mercy (Kindle Edition)
Mr. Pop says, when Mercy lashes out at her best friend, ..."It's at times like this that we can discover the true mercy God offers us and expects us to offer others, comes in many shades." Indeed, there will be much mercy and forgiveness needed by the time this story is finished. The Maliseet Indians have been mistreated, both present and past; attitudes towards those who perpetrated the mistreatment are boiling; attitudes towards those who have,while others have not, are being fanned into flame; and a younger generation chafes under the unspoken understanding the the friendships of childhood must end as lines of social and racial demarcation become more pronounced.
Follow this story of Mercy and Mick as they struggle with a young love forbidden by racial differences. Mick and others cannot find God, as they see him as the white man's God, and they see only the mistreatment their ancestors and they have received. Others struggle, like Mr. Pop and Mercy's mother, to show God's mercy. But will it be enough in this town that has reached its boiling point of emotions? Convicting for even present-day attitudes!
I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.
By Becky
This review is from: Shades of Mercy (Kindle Edition)
Mr. Pop says, when Mercy lashes out at her best friend, ..."It's at times like this that we can discover the true mercy God offers us and expects us to offer others, comes in many shades." Indeed, there will be much mercy and forgiveness needed by the time this story is finished. The Maliseet Indians have been mistreated, both present and past; attitudes towards those who perpetrated the mistreatment are boiling; attitudes towards those who have,while others have not, are being fanned into flame; and a younger generation chafes under the unspoken understanding the the friendships of childhood must end as lines of social and racial demarcation become more pronounced.
Follow this story of Mercy and Mick as they struggle with a young love forbidden by racial differences. Mick and others cannot find God, as they see him as the white man's God, and they see only the mistreatment their ancestors and they have received. Others struggle, like Mr. Pop and Mercy's mother, to show God's mercy. But will it be enough in this town that has reached its boiling point of emotions? Convicting for even present-day attitudes!
I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.
December 5, 2013
Mercy grows up on a arm in New York. The story is told by Mercy to her granddaughter. In 1954 there is a lot of prejudice. Mercy an Mick grow up together, played together. No on thought anything about it until a local girl elopes with a Maliseet Indian. Remember this is the mid 1950's and Indians were treated as less than any other race. The Maliseets have been forced to live on the city dump. Most of the characters show the innocence of the era, showing respect and caring for others. Then you have some of the characters whose prejudice causes a lot of problems. Faith and her love for God is a large part of her life. So is working in the fields, milking the cows, tending to the animals, doing the gardening and helping others. Mercy's dad who she calls Mr. Pop always says that she is the son he never had. Mercy is ready for him to see her as a young lady. There is a disaster that affects everyone in the town and at the dump. Find out how the people deal with their problems, love and prejudice. This is the first book I have read by Anita Lustrea and Caryn Rivadeneira. I found the plot well paced, the characters were loving, flawed, helpful, and well developed. All in all I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It would be great for adults or teens. There is a sweet and innocent romance.
November 11, 2013
This is the first book I have read by these authors. I look forward to reading more of their books. Thought this was a great read. Well written and well developed characters. A story of racial strife, prejudice, anger, fears, tragedy, love and God's mercy. This story takes place in Maine in the 1950's. It is a place in a time of history that I was not aware of; racism against the Native Americans. This story focuses on the Maliseet tribe.
This is a story of Mercy Millar and Mick who is a Maliseet Indian. As children they were devoted friends. As they began to come of age they begin to care for each other and fall in love, but had to hide their feelings. The Maliseets are forced to live in the city dump with little housing, food or work. Mercy and her family try to show Mercy to to the Maliseets and God's love for all of His children. Mr. Pop, Mercy's father hires as many of the Maliseets to work on his farm when he can afford to. He also fights for changes in the treatment of the Indians.
Follow the story of Mercy's and Mick's forbidden love to see if they can overcome the prejudices and live their life together.
I recommend this book.
I received this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion and review
This is a story of Mercy Millar and Mick who is a Maliseet Indian. As children they were devoted friends. As they began to come of age they begin to care for each other and fall in love, but had to hide their feelings. The Maliseets are forced to live in the city dump with little housing, food or work. Mercy and her family try to show Mercy to to the Maliseets and God's love for all of His children. Mr. Pop, Mercy's father hires as many of the Maliseets to work on his farm when he can afford to. He also fights for changes in the treatment of the Indians.
Follow the story of Mercy's and Mick's forbidden love to see if they can overcome the prejudices and live their life together.
I recommend this book.
I received this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion and review
November 17, 2013
"Shades of Mercy" is a sweet story about a white, teenage gal, Mercy, who is in love with Mick, a Native American boy. Today that would not be an issue, but in 1954 it definitely was! Mercy was given more freedoms than most girls were back in that time period. Mostly because she was treated as a boy. Her whole family worked hard and showed great respect for each other and for folks in their community. We learn some of what the times were like back then and how much segregation and mistreatment there was for folks with different color skin.
I was initially confused at how the characters were related to one another because Mercy calls her father Mr. Pop and I couldn't figure out if he was her dad, grandpa, or a hired manager.
I loved the beginning and the ending of "Shades of Mercy." I found the middle pretty slow moving, yet well worth the effort. I liked that faith and daily Bible reading were part of the life of Mercy's family. Mr. Pop is a man of integrity and great faith. He believes that everyone is responsible for living their life in a way that seems right to them. It is obvious that Mercy's parent have a strong marriage and have set a good example for her.
I received a copy of "Shades of Mercy" from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.
I was initially confused at how the characters were related to one another because Mercy calls her father Mr. Pop and I couldn't figure out if he was her dad, grandpa, or a hired manager.
I loved the beginning and the ending of "Shades of Mercy." I found the middle pretty slow moving, yet well worth the effort. I liked that faith and daily Bible reading were part of the life of Mercy's family. Mr. Pop is a man of integrity and great faith. He believes that everyone is responsible for living their life in a way that seems right to them. It is obvious that Mercy's parent have a strong marriage and have set a good example for her.
I received a copy of "Shades of Mercy" from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2013
A supremely cozy read. This budding romance warms you up and gives you the happy butterflies. I'm not normally a fan of romance, let alone the super sappy Christian romance, but this book went far beyond my wildest expectations.
This coming of age tale follows young Mercy as she learns just how prejudiced God-fearing Christian people can be. It's Maine in the fifties and a local tribe of Maliseet Indians have been shunted to the dump to live in squalid conditions. Mercy's father is a good Christian and hires the Maliseets to work on his farm even though people in town look down on the tribe as less than human. Mercy and her family have a soft spot for them, especially for Mick, a good looking boy that Mercy has fallen hopelessly in love with. Mercy discovers the hard way just deep the town's and her family's prejudices can go. Will she ever be able to be with Mick publicly? Doesn't Jesus love everyone equally?
This book is a fast read and doesn't get to sappily romantic or preach hell-fire and damnation. It's inspirational, happy, and leaves you in a happy positive mood :)
A copy of this book was provided by Moody Press for free in exchange for an honest review.
This coming of age tale follows young Mercy as she learns just how prejudiced God-fearing Christian people can be. It's Maine in the fifties and a local tribe of Maliseet Indians have been shunted to the dump to live in squalid conditions. Mercy's father is a good Christian and hires the Maliseets to work on his farm even though people in town look down on the tribe as less than human. Mercy and her family have a soft spot for them, especially for Mick, a good looking boy that Mercy has fallen hopelessly in love with. Mercy discovers the hard way just deep the town's and her family's prejudices can go. Will she ever be able to be with Mick publicly? Doesn't Jesus love everyone equally?
This book is a fast read and doesn't get to sappily romantic or preach hell-fire and damnation. It's inspirational, happy, and leaves you in a happy positive mood :)
A copy of this book was provided by Moody Press for free in exchange for an honest review.
April 8, 2014
Shades of Mercy is a sweet coming of age story dealing with young love and racial prejudice. The love story is fairly sweet, though somewhat troublesome as there seemed to be little oversight of Mercy leading to her sneaking off to be with Mick whenever she could. The racial prejudice was dealt with honestly which is sometimes painful to read. As someone who has always been taught to judge someone by their actions and not their race or skin tone, it can be hard to read how very nasty people can be to those who do not share their own race. It is truth, however, and therefore a necessary part of the book.
That being said, I had a hard time engaging with the characters. I found myself putting to book down in the slower sections (of which there were many), and had to force myself to pick it back up and read some more so I could review it. That definitely dropped my rating for it.
If you want a simple, and sometimes slow story of young love coupled with racism, then check this book out. You might love it.
I received a copy of this book from River North Publishing for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
That being said, I had a hard time engaging with the characters. I found myself putting to book down in the slower sections (of which there were many), and had to force myself to pick it back up and read some more so I could review it. That definitely dropped my rating for it.
If you want a simple, and sometimes slow story of young love coupled with racism, then check this book out. You might love it.
I received a copy of this book from River North Publishing for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 30, 2014
Mercy is blessed to live on a farm with her parents. The land is fertile for the many vegetables growing on this farm. Mercy's family welcome the Maliseets in fact Mercy has secretly loved a Maliseet boy since childhood. They hire the Maliseets of Maine's Northwoods. The Maliseets are living in shanties on a garbage dump and suffer from the racial tensions that are out of control among many of the locals. Things come to a head when a natural disaster occurs. God has a plan and it takes this disaster to get his plan into motion.
This story brought out that there are many faces in racism and how past hurts and grievances can grow into evil actions and attitudes. The authors write about how God uses his children to defend his children of oppression. Will racism always be with us? If we have ignorant people I guess it will continue. The characters of Mercy and her parents were amazing in that they were vital instruments in God's plan to help the Maliseet.
I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishers/River North for an honest review.
This story brought out that there are many faces in racism and how past hurts and grievances can grow into evil actions and attitudes. The authors write about how God uses his children to defend his children of oppression. Will racism always be with us? If we have ignorant people I guess it will continue. The characters of Mercy and her parents were amazing in that they were vital instruments in God's plan to help the Maliseet.
I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishers/River North for an honest review.
December 22, 2013
This is a tale of Mercy who lived during 1954 and who is in a secret relationship with her Maliseet beau Mick. She lives with her parents on a farm, and her father hires the Maliseet to help him work it. The Maliseet are living below poverty level as they make their homes at the local garbage dump. Mick tries to rise above all that and dreams of a life of college and a marriage with Mercy. All of this comes to a crashing halt as one Maliseet dares to run away with the love of his life, a prominent shop keeper's daughter. Now the whole town is on edge, past secrets come to the surface, and allegations are made which can destroy Mick and Mercy's future happiness. This story is told from Mercy's perspective and we follow along with her as she holds on to true love, learns some valuable lessons, and sees the strength of her father and mother's faith as well. I looked forward to reading more of Mick and Mercy's story in the next book. I received this book from The Book Club Network, Inc. for my honest opinion.
September 25, 2014
Mercy is the "son" her parents never had. While growing up on their farm in Maine, during the early 1950s, she became friends with some of the Maliseet Indians that her family hired to help to manage their crops. Over time Mercy's friendship with Mick turns into something stronger.
Can Mick and Mercy have a relationship when their families are so different? How will others in the community feel about them during these troubled times?
This is an interesting novel about differences in race and the tensions that can go along with them. It's also a story about love, friendship and the importance of family. Most of all, it reminds us that we can rise above life's problems if we trust in God.
My favorite character was Mr. Pop. His relationship with his family was very important to him, but his faith in God was even greater.
I received a copy of Shades of Mercy from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.
Can Mick and Mercy have a relationship when their families are so different? How will others in the community feel about them during these troubled times?
This is an interesting novel about differences in race and the tensions that can go along with them. It's also a story about love, friendship and the importance of family. Most of all, it reminds us that we can rise above life's problems if we trust in God.
My favorite character was Mr. Pop. His relationship with his family was very important to him, but his faith in God was even greater.
I received a copy of Shades of Mercy from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2014
A good book, and as good as I had hoped it would be. It’s about the conflict between the whites and the Indians in Maine – I had no idea they had this kind of tension there in the 1950s! This book provided a fascinating look at some complicated situations that seemed true to life. It’s a growing up story about a young girl of 16 and her Indian boyfriend. The book was full of good writing, and had an excellent story – I would read more, either in this series or by these authors. I especially loved the description of a food pantry in Mercy’s house – it reminded me of the luscious food descriptions in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s book, Farmer Boy. I’m a sucker for food descriptions. ;) But this was a heartwarming and sweet story!
**RiverNorth asked me to review this and provided my copy, along with others for giveaway. I wasn’t required to review it positively, nor was I recompensed in any other way for my review.**
**RiverNorth asked me to review this and provided my copy, along with others for giveaway. I wasn’t required to review it positively, nor was I recompensed in any other way for my review.**
September 7, 2013
Someday. Someday I’ll…. Someday, you’ll.... Someday, we’ll….
Who hasn’t dreamt of someday? Perhaps that’s why Shades of Mercy is so appealing. Set in rural Maine in 1954, “someday” held the promise – or the threat – of change, depending on one’s perspective.
For Mercy Millar, “someday” meant life with the man she loved. But for Mick and his people, the Maliseets, “someday” was much more complicated. And for the residents of Watsonville, Maine, “someday” will determine who they are…and who they want to be.
Shades of Mercy is a coming-of-age love story. But more than that, it’s a story of hope for all our “somedays.”
Read Shades of Mercy. You won’t be sorry.
(I received this book from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this review and my opinion is not influenced in any way by the manner in which the book was provided.)
Who hasn’t dreamt of someday? Perhaps that’s why Shades of Mercy is so appealing. Set in rural Maine in 1954, “someday” held the promise – or the threat – of change, depending on one’s perspective.
For Mercy Millar, “someday” meant life with the man she loved. But for Mick and his people, the Maliseets, “someday” was much more complicated. And for the residents of Watsonville, Maine, “someday” will determine who they are…and who they want to be.
Shades of Mercy is a coming-of-age love story. But more than that, it’s a story of hope for all our “somedays.”
Read Shades of Mercy. You won’t be sorry.
(I received this book from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this review and my opinion is not influenced in any way by the manner in which the book was provided.)
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