When a cowgirl makes a fatal mistake that jeopardizes her entire family, making things right will take nothing less than a miracle. When God doesn’t give her the solution she wants, she goes on a journey to find it for herself—in an estranged grandfather, a mysterious wolf, and a supernatural gift of healing that she can’t control.
Erin Healy is an award-winning fiction editor who has worked with talented novelists such as James Scott Bell, Melody Carlson, Colleen Coble, Brandilyn Collins, Traci DePree, L. B. Graham, Rene Gutteridge, Michelle McKinney Hammond, Robin Lee Hatcher, Denise Hildreth, Denise Hunter, Randy Ingermanson, Jane Kirkpatrick,Bryan Litfin, Frank Peretti,Lisa Samson, Randy Singer, Robert Whitlow, and many others.
She began working with Ted Dekker in 2002 and edited twelve of his heart-pounding storiesbefore their collaboration on Kiss, the first novel to seat her on “the other side of the desk.”
Erin is the owner of WordWright Editorial Services, a consulting firm specializing in fiction book development. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and the Academy of Christian Editors. She lives with her family in Colorado.
My Impressions:
Mercy has often been defined as not getting what you deserve. In Erin Healy’s newest book, House of Mercy, the concept of mercy along with the goodness of God is explored in a spell-binding tale that intersects the fallen world and man’s free will with the miraculous love of God.
Beth Borzoi is a young woman on her way to vet school. This gifted healer has already made a name for herself in the Colorado valley she calls home. But a thoughtless mistake endangers not only her future, but the livelihood of her family and those who benefit from the ranch the family runs. Beth spends her time trying to make things right, bargaining with man and God to save her family and her dreams. But sorrow and grief are part of the human experience and no amount of work or scheming can change the consequences of human decisions.
House of Mercy is a tale told from two perspectives — the reality of choice and mistakes and the supernatural sovereignty, grace and love of God. So many Bible verses came to mind while reading this story, but the one that stuck with me is from the book of Lamentations — Through the LORD’S mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23 NKJV). And though there are hard lessons for the characters to learn, God’s mercy shines through.
Healy brings her characters to life. They are stubborn, impatient, and often unforgiving — traits I have shared so many times. The story is at once realistic and symbolic, something my mind had trouble with until I just let the story take over. And though there are some questions as to the outcome for Beth and her family, the truth of God’s plan and future for them is assured.
House of Mercy will get you thinking and stay with you long after you finish the last page. This is a wonderful book for discussion of the nature of God and His design and desires in the light of man’s free will.
Highly Recommended.
(I received House of Mercy from The B&B Media Group in return for an honest review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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