The venture ahead could leave their friendship behind.Made a safe-haven after the Civil War, Ironwood Plantation is a refuge of equality for former slaves. But twenty years and a new generation later, they have become an isolated community with little contact with the rest of the world.Mercy Carpenter is everything the world thinks she shouldn’t be. Educated and adventurous, she longs to make a … adventurous, she longs to make a life for herself beyond the beautiful prison of Ironwood. When she secretly submits an article to the Boston Globe under a man’s name and receives an enthusiastic response and an offer for employment, she’s determined to take advantage of the opportunity. But she isn’t prepared for a startling world that won’t accept her color or her gender, and her ambitions soon land her in grave danger.
The privileged daughter of a plantation owner and an aspiring suffragette, Faith Harper is determined not to marry. Especially not her father’s opportunistic new business partner. She doesn’t want any man telling her what to do, least of all the annoyingly chivalrous Nolan Watson. But when Mercy goes missing, Faith will do anything to find her best friend, even if it means trusting a man she doesn’t understand. In a time where prejudices try to define them, Mercy and Faith must push the boundaries of their beliefs and trust in the God who holds the keys to freedom.
*Includes discussion questions
Don’t miss these other titles from Bestselling Christian Historical author Stephenia H. McGee
Ironwood Plantation Family Saga
The Whistle Walk
Heir of Hope
Missing Mercy
The Accidental Spy Series (Previously The Liberator Series)
An Accidental Spy (Previously Leveraging Lincoln)
A Dangerous Performance (Previously Losing Lincoln)
A Daring Pursuit (Previously Labeling Lincoln)
Stand Alone Historical Titles
In His Eyes
Eternity Between Us
Contemporary
The Cedar Key
Time Travel
The Back Inn Time Series
Her Place in Time
Novellas
The Heart of Home
The Hope of Christmas Past
more
Missing Mercy by Stephenia McGee is a marvellous Christian historical novel set in 1887. It is the dawn of a new era for some but for others they are still seen as second class citizens. Women and people of colour have to fight to be heard.
Within the story there are two feisty females – one white and one black. They are both strong women with dreams to break into a man’s world. They are also friends.
The novel deals with the issue of race and segregation. There is a myth that the North is more accepting. “It’s different up north… They [Negroes] don’t have to hide up there.” In reality there is still a long way to go and nearly a hundred years before African Americans will be accepted. It is hoped that “Our children… see their God-given souls and not… their skin tone.”
God’s plans are so much greater than ours. If we stubbornly choose our path instead of His, it will take longer to get to our destination. “Despite all the terrible choices she’d made, God had kept her in His hand.” God will never abandon us. He will respect our choices but that does not mean He will let go His hold of us.
At times we feel abandoned by God. “She’d once felt His hand on her heart, His gentle spirit speaking into her. But as she’d grown older, that voice had faded.” If God feels far away, it is not Him who has moved. God is as close to us as we want Him to be. If we want more of Him, we need to draw closer. “You’ll… notice His voice more as you read His word.”
There is the theme of rescue – both physical and spiritual. The literary device of pathetic fallacy is used as a terrible storm mirrors the turmoil within souls.
God sends people across our paths at just the right time. They will be people who can help point our lives in the correct direction.
Missing Mercy was an exciting read with marvellous characters. It was also a book that honoured God. Stephenia McGee always writes powerful tales with comprehensive descriptions enabling the reader to ‘walk’ through the action. I love all her books, they are simply fabulous.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Another great novel from the Ironwood plantation. This one is mostly about two women, one the spoiled and headstrong daughter of the plantation owners and her friend Mercy, a freed slave who is more like a sister to her. Mercy was raised along with Faith and even received the same education as Faith. The freed slaves are secluded on the Ironwood plantation and really have no interactions with other white people. They are well cared for and treated as equals. Mercy heard that up north Negros are treated as equals by everyone. So she runs away, not telling anyone where she is going. Heading North to Boston to become a journalist, but doesshe have a rude awakening. Thus begins the harrowing tale of finding where Mercy has gone and what has become of her. Faith blames herself and is determine to find her to even risking her life…….There is so much excitement suspense and danger through out these pages with many twists and surprises. McGee has created strong believable characters with a somewhat different plot than you were expecting with a great ending…… I received a copy of the book from the publisher/author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments are solely my own.
This is a wonderful story full of friendship, intrigue, suspense and most of all forgiveness! Stephenia never fails to give a fantastic historical novel, and this was does not disappoint. Her research skills are outstanding, and her faith in God comes through in every page.
Two women – Faith and Mercy, are raised on the same plantation as the very best of friends, but race and segregation cause them to have vastly different outlooks at the world around them. The girls mothers are the closest of friends and try their best to provide a safe environment where there is no prejudice and everyone has equal rights. But is 1887, not 1987, and life just wasn’t that way in this time period.
Two strong women embark upon an adventure of a lifetime. I loved it! I enjoyed how they both had to learn important lesson about themselves and God. It’s nice that this book can be read as a stand-alone, but it is better to read the whole series first to better understand everything. Stephenia H. McGee did such a great job writing this book. She didn’t shy away from all the details that this book needed. I highly recommend it!
I was given a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author, but was not required to write a review. The thoughts and comments are my own.
Missing Mercy is a compelling conclusion to the Ironwood Plantation series. Ms. McGee has seamlessly woven the Civil War era with Present Day. She has gracefully handled the slavery issue. Rich details immersed me into the story. Friendship, forgiveness and healing are strong threads throughout this masterpiece! I look forward to reading more of Ms. McGee’s stories.
Recommend to those who enjoy time-slip novels.
I borrowed a copy through Kindle Unlimited. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
It was great, learned so much! It may have been a bit over the top on adventures. I learned a lot about what was going on after the Civil War.
My Thoughts on Missing Mercy:
What a neat novel! I love the Civil War time period but rarely delve much into the twenty-year period after. Missing Mercy is a great novel I recommend.
I love the relationship between Mercy and Faith. Also, I like their names too. I love that the author is showing how there were two sides to the world back then. Not everyone was racist and considered the black and whites as two separate peoples. But rather some did and some didn’t see color at all but rather saw people for who they were inside.
Great job of writing. I loved getting to know the characters and couldn’t wait to dive back into the book when I had to take a break.
This was my first book to read by this author and now I know that I need to go back and read the first two books in this series because I’m not hooked! Time to reserve some books from the library or request them in.
Ready for a good read that you can bury your nose in and only come up when done? This fits the bill. Better yet get the whole series and devour them one after the other!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Stephenia McGee’s books have been on my to-read list for quite a while, and I jumped at the chance to read and review “Missing Mercy.” Although I have not read the first two books in this series and would recommend reading them in order to establish the full background of this saga, I was able to enjoy this one without feeling lost. Far from being an ordinary historical fiction book, “Missing Mercy” grafts novel ideas into a time period that is generally less written about, lending it a unique air.
Opening in Oakville, Mississippi in 1887, “Missing Mercy” draws readers into a fascinating world. I have not read anything quite like it before, particularly in a realistic setting, and I definitely want to go back and read the first two books in order to delve deeper into Ironwood! This utopic plantation serves as a safe place for former slaves to live among the white family who owns the land, and while idyllic, it is also notably insulated. As such, when Mercy Carpenter comes of age, she desires to venture into the outside world despite her parents’ objections. Her dream of becoming a journalist seems within reach after the “Boston Globe” offers her a job, not realizing that she is a woman or a Negro, but she is in for a rude and perilous awakening away from the confines of Ironwood. Her best friend, Faith Harper, tries unsuccessfully to warn her, but she also has her own struggles, with parents determined to see her married. In a time when women are expected to be docile homemakers, Faith kicks against the goads, preferring to read as much as she can and learn her father’s shipping business. Despite being white, she is not truly free, either.
This novel examines a plethora of issues plaguing America in the wake of the Civil War and its aftermath. The utopia, of course, does not stem the aspirations of the generation born after the War. It is human nature to challenge authority figures, and I am reminded of the folly of youth and of the adults; in a manner of speaking, they are all talking but not listening to each other. Because there is no initial reconciliation between both viewpoints, people get hurt. Sadly this reflects the state of many of us who are Christians today, and the Church as a whole as well. Division becomes more frequent, when we should be focusing on unity. Within the novel, this division occurs on multiple levels, leading to disillusionment and danger. As Mercy discovers, the Northern sentiments toward people of color were often hostile despite their stance during the Civil War, a stark reminder that people are imperfect and that racism has deep roots. Only God can change a person’s heart, and as Mercy and Faith come to learn, we have to rely on Him for all things. Galatians 5:13-14 summarizes the central message of this book: “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh ; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Historical fiction readers, those interested in post-Reconstruction society and utopian communities, fans of stories with strong female protagonists, and anyone in search of a wonderful inspirational series will not want to miss out on “Missing Mercy” and the rest of the Ironwood Plantation Family Saga. There are discussion questions at the end of the book to facilitate book club conversations or private reflection.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
‘For the one who feels plain, ordinary or forgotten – He has great plans for you, and His plans always prosper.’
This third book in the Ironwood Plantation Family series is my introduction to this wonderful set of stories. This one can easily stand alone, but I am certainly going to read the other two as well. A totally fascinating setup – a gated community if you will – Ironwood is a plantation where color is not seen. Faith, the owner’s daughter, and Mercy, the housekeeper’s daughter, are sisters from other mothers. They learn together, play together and have grown up together. The difference is that Faith can leave the compound, but Mercy is discouraged from doing so for safety reasons. Slavery may have been outlawed, but feelings still run very high in Mississippi in the 1880’s.
What follows is an in depth look at what it was like for a young colored girl to step out on her own, braving a world she knows nothing about. Faith, who thinks she is worldly-wise, also finds out how little she really knows about the world outside Ironwood.
Adventure, danger, a hurricane and much more keep the reader glued to the words of this page-turner! Many lessons are learned about themselves, but the most important one is that God has the future in His hands and they need to trust Him to follow through.
I received a copy of this ebook through Vine Press and CelebrateLit. The impressions, comments and rating were in no way solicited.
A small description at the beginning made me wonder if the girls’ relationship was like that of Tiana and Charlotte in Disney’s movie The Princess and the Frog. While Faith is a rich girl, that is the main similarity she has to Charlotte besides being sheltered.
Mercy chafes at her lack of opportunities. Despite feeling trapped in the safety at Ironwood due to the prejudices that remain in the surrounding area, Mercy is sure people in the North see people of color as equals..
Before Mercy leaves, she quarrels with her dear friend Faith. This was one of my least favorite parts of the book. I dislike what feels like forced misunderstandings in a book and there are a lot. However, they are realistic. Mercy uses nearly all her money to travel by train to accept employment offered her by the newspaper. Mercy arrives nearly penniless.
Unfortunately, Mercy thinks Faith is now prejudiced against her ability to succeed because of Mercy’s color. Faith is just being realistic that Mercy won’t receive a fair chance. Mercy is also jealous of Faith’s opportunities because she is white.
Mercy quickly finds out how unkind people can be outside of Ironwood. She is accused of horrible things and the newspaper editor refuses to employ her. She is now stuck in Boston without a place to stay or means of support.
Everyone at Ironwood is frantic when they realize Mercy secretly left home. Mr. Harper travels to Boston with his daughter Faith and his employee to find Mercy. Faith and Nolan learn girls have been mysteriously disappearing from the streets of Boston. They search for Mercy from the newspaper offices, to a church, the docks, and beyond. In the meantime, some of their misunderstandings begin to be resolved.
Mercy feels like a failure. She meets with good people, an older African-American woman with her adopted Spanish son, Jed. Hezzie is a remarkable woman who helps restore Mercy’s hope. She reminds Mercy, God ‘puts us where we are supposed to be.’
Mercy wonders why God lets people die. Hezzie’s response reminds me of the Serenity Prayer.
Mercy eventually sees her life was blessed by her trials. God’s hand showed through the events to weave an intricate pattern. I’ve seen this too with my life. God is always present especially when we ask.
Jed is as remarkable as his mother, Hezzie. He has experienced racism from people of all colors who didn’t accept his mother’s and his difference in race. Yet he has not become bitter! Instead he dreams of unifying God’s church where people of all colors can worship together.
There is romance too! The relationships were realistic and sweet. I loved the insight that real love includes a genuine interest in the other person’s well-being.
Mercy previously saw taking care of a home and family as ordinary until she begins to see the bigger role God has for her and how her gifts fit. Mercy hasn’t been broken down by all her trials. She’s gained wisdom, courage, friends, and a new vision of her purpose in God’s plan.
With all the action, a hurricane, and other dangers, the book was difficult to put down. There were some very funny moments, beautiful descriptions, and the recounting of a remarkable dream as well. The best quote of all perhaps: “He [God] won’t desert you.” It’s true! This was the first book I read in this series. I recommend reading this remarkable book!
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are completely my own.
Full review with quotes available on Book of Ruth Ann
What a compelling page turner, I had a hard time putting this one down, the author grabbed me from the first page, I really enjoyed it!
Now this is the third book in this series, and sadly this is the first I’ve read, and I was not lost at all, but know the first two are on my list.
This book has it all, putting myself in Mercy’s shoes, and having led a sheltered life, without knowing it, and taking a train ride to Boston. I can just see her getting into the wrong car, and no concept of how far she had to travel, not being prepared, but God was with her.
If you want a read that will keep your attention, with prejudice at its highest, hurricanes, kidnapping and sweet kindness and God’s free love, don’t miss this book!
I received this book through Celebrate Lit. and was not required to give a positive review.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I realize that I’ve been missing out. What a tremendous book! Missing Mercy is set in the late 1880’s. Women and people of color are considered lower than second class citizens. Mercy, a young Black woman, desires a life that fulfills her dream of writing and living freely up north where Black people are free to pursue such things. Her family has been open to allow her to learn how to read, write and speak freely about what’s on her mind. Mercy, at times, forgets that God may have other plans.
Faith, the daughter of the plantation owner, is the other main character. Headstrong, strong willed and not one to shy away from voicing her opinion; is a person that I rooted for throughout this wonderful book. Faith is at the age where she should be looking at marriage. One problem…while her parents are pushing for this, it isn’t on Faith’s radar one bit. Particularly not to the dreadful man her father is pushing her toward.
The strong bond of friendship between the two women is at the core of this novel. They each learn that God watches over each of us even when we fail to include Him in our plans.
This is, simply put, a beautiful book and one that I so very highly recommend. It’s Christian historical fiction at its finest.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own. @stepheniamcgeeauthor #missingmercy #bookstagram
Mercy Carpenter grew up on Ironwood Plantation, a refuge of equality for former slaves. There she became fast friends with Faith Harper, the Plantation owner’s daughter. Being a refuge, the girls were sheltered from the outside world. Mercy, being a free spirit, wants to be a journalist, but no one seems to understand her ambition, not even Faith.
Striking out on her own without anyone’s knowledge, Mercy takes off to Boston after submitting an article that was published and a job offer in hand. Little does she know the truth of the world outside her very door.
Faith, while trying to discourage a suitor, is terribly upset over Mercy’s running away. Once they all put clues together and discover Mercy went off to a newspaper office in Boston, she sets out with her father and unwanted suitor to find Mercy before something terrible happens to her.
Will Faith and her father find Mercy before it’s to late? Will Faith’s suitor, Nolan Watson, break down the wall Faith has built around her heart? What of Mercy and her quest to be a journalist?
Check out this wonderful story of these headstrong and courageous women, daughter’s of two strong women who survived the Civil War with their unusual friendship still intact. I love Stephenia’s books. She is a very talented writer and I hope and pray she continues to bring her fans more and more wonderful stories.
I received a free review copy of this book from Stephenia in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
You cannot look at the cover of this book and not be intrigued by the story. Then when you read the book blurb, you are a tad more intrigued. Then you start reading, and BAM – you are hooked and cannot put it down until you reach the end. I am a big fan of McGee’s work, and Missing Mercy is an obvious reason why. Not only does it share an interesting tale, but it also presents the gospel in such a beautiful way. She doesn’t preach to her readers, she encourages them.
There are so many things about this book that I love, but perhaps what stuck with me most is Mercy and Faith’s friendship. Through the hurdles, disappointment, and fears, they were always there for each other. They each grew tremendously during the course of this story, both in different ways. Mercy had big dreams, but learned that unfortunately being both a woman, and a woman of color meant those dreams were nearly impossible. But here’s the thing – God can do anything. We’ve all been in difficult situations that seem nearly impossible, but with God they are totally possible!
McGee is one of my favorite historical fiction authors. Her books always inspire, encourage, and make me hungry for more. While I’m sorry to see these characters go, the good thing is that I can visit them whenever I want to. And trust me, that will be happening again soon!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
‘May twelfth, eighteen eight-seven. Mercy has gone missing.’
These are the words found in a diary that relates what occurred in the lives of two young women in Oakville, Mississippi in 1887. Mercy Carpenter has decided to leave Ironwood Plantation to make a new life elsewhere. She has lived there and been safe at the plantation but she believes that there’s so much more waiting outside of these boundaries. She’s heard that there are wonderful opportunities in the North but she doesn’t anticipate what she will encounter– prejudices aren’t just race related because there can also be prejudices about gender! What follows is a story of danger, uncertainty, and disappointment as Mercy leaves the plantation, Faith sets out to find the black woman who is more like a sister than a friend, and they both encounter unknown consequences.
Ironwood Plantation was supposed to be a haven for freed slaves but instead, it had almost become a prison and Stephenia McGee paints a poignant picture with Faith’s realization that ‘Truth be told, Faith had thought little of the opportunites afforded to her, while at the same time expecting that Mercy should be grateful for a safe place and stay quietly at home.’
This is the third book of the Ironwood Plantation Family Saga and McGee has created memorable characters and exciting events to conclude this series. The Civil War is one of my favorite eras and this novel is set twenty-two years after the end of this war. It reaffirms what I’ve read before: that the end of the war wasn’t the end of the hate and prejudice that had bound the United States for so long.
This is a story of the search for freedom and for affirmation and it shares the universal need for hope, faith, and perseverance. There is also the possibility of romance for both Mercy and Faith but the real love story is the love between the two of them and this book reminds us once again that love isn’t determined by blood ties or family relations. If you enjoy historical fiction and Christian romance you will certainly want to read Missing Mercy.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book but a positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts.
What an unusual and intriguing story! I love the relationship between African American Mercy Carpenter and caucasian Faith Harper! Both are strong-willed young ladies! Faith does not want a man telling her what to do and remains single despite the men her parents introduce her to! I admired Mercy for wanting to be a journalist but my heart went out to her when she left the safety of Ironwood to pursue her dream. Stephenia McGee has written an unusual story of post civil war Mississippi and New York! I recommend Missing Mercy to others who enjoy historical fiction. I received an advance e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.
I have enjoyed the Ironwood Plantation Family Saga to date. The third book, Missing Mercy, does not disappoint. I loved Faith and Mercy’s story. These two best friends are brave and admirable women. Their faith and determination made me want to keep reading to find out what was going to happen to them next. I could not put the book down until I was completely finished in one sitting. I loved it!
Missing Mercy is getting a well deserved five plus stars from me. I highly recommend this Christian Historical Fiction for readers who enjoy a beautifully written and clean read. I look forward to reading more by Stephenia H McGee in the future.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Missing Mercy
Mercy wants to be a writer but in 1887 women aren’t able to have a career. Also being a black girl doesn’t help any. She sneaks off to the city to the newspaper. Things didn’t go the way she thought they would. Faith and her father go to the city to look for Mercy. Will they be able to find her?
I loved Mercy, so determined to be a writer for the newspaper. To prove she can take care of herself. I love reading historical books, things were so different from now. I definitely recommend reading this book.
I received an advanced copy of the book from the author. This book review is my own opinion.
I really enjoyed this story! I can tell you from personal experience that it can be read as a standalone story, but I can also assure you that it is a wonderful third book in The Ironwood Novel Trilogy. If you have the chance, I would recommend reading them in order. I cannot wait to go back and dig into the earlier stories. Author Stephenia H. McGee has a wonderful way of melding the past with God’s timeless truth, and creating an ideal version of what history (and the present) could be if we all truly lived with faith and mercy. I love that the main characters are Faith (Harper) and Mercy (Carpenter). This story takes place a generation after the civil war. Their parents are former slave owners (Harpers), and former slaves (Carpenters) who create a place where they all can live in peace and security. Faith and Mercy want more than living in this peaceful place, they each want to make a difference. This desire takes them individually on adventures they never could have imagined. This story has well crafted characters, endearing minor characters, and one real slimeball. Topics introduced in the story cover racism, human trafficking and natural disasters. One of my favorite lines is from Jed, a future preacher, “I have this impossible idea that God wants all his children to realize that what makes them different isn’t nearly as important as what makes them the same.” I was given a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author, but was not required to write a review. The thoughts and comments are my own.
The third book in the Ironwood Plantation series. Now I haven’t read the other two and plan to do so but this works well as a stand alone.
The author does a marvelous job of conveying the characters thoughts and actions, you really feel as though you are here in this time and place.
The heart-pounding, adrenaline filled action it’s all there for you to soak in the experience of this determined head strong woman.
Was it right, was it wrong for a young woman of color way ahead of her time to want the equality men and white women have? No, I don’t think so, she was raised by forward thinking parents so this is how she expected to be treated up North where things are “better”.
Grave danger is awaiting her in the North where people are just not ready to accept this forward thinking miss because of her gender and color.
This book does not have any dull moments and there are valuable life lessons to be learned .
Well rounded and developed characters with spiritual blessings sprinkled throughout.
I highly recommend this book!
Expected publication: October 1st 2019 by By The Vine Press.
I was given a complimentary copy. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.