Two women, three hundred years apart, must face the devastation of all they hold dear… Suspecting her husband is having an affair, Sarah Rodrigues fights to appear unbroken while attempting to salvage her family. Though distracted by her own troubles, Sarah is summoned to an elderly friend’s deathbed for an unusual request—find a long-lost daughter and relay a centuries-old family story. … relay a centuries-old family story.
Determined not to fail her friend, Sarah pieces together the story of her neighbor’s ancestor, Elizabeth Baker, a young colonist forced into an unwanted betrothal but drawn to a man forbidden by society. While Sarah’s family teeters on the edge of collapse, her world is further shaken by the interest of a caring doctor and a terrible accident that threatens a life more precious than her own.
Inspired by the unconditional love she uncovers in Elizabeth’s story, Sarah strives to forgive those who’ve wounded her soul. But when light shines on the dark secrets of her neighbor’s past and the full extent of her husband’s sins, will looking to a power greater than herself rekindle lost hope?
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Originally posted on Christian Shelf-Esteem https://christianshelfesteem.wordpress.com/2019/03/04/book-review-the-edge-of-mercy-by-heidi-chiavaroli/
If you have not been introduced to the writing of Heidi Chiavaroli, you are missing out! I first became acquainted with her when I read her debut novel, Freedom’s Ring. With her third release, The Edge of Mercy, Chiavaroli has established herself as a master of the Colonial/contemporary time-slip novel and one who fearlessly tackles delicate issues. As with her other books, you may want to have a box of tissues close at hand.
The story opens with Sarah Rodrigues losing her wedding bands as she stands upon Abram’s Rock, where she has gone to lament over her husband’s request for separation. The two have been married for 17 years and have a teenage son, Kyle. After reading the first chapter, I was hooked. Partly because I cannot imagine my husband of 15 years making the same request, but also because of the way Matt and Sarah’s marriage began. I wanted to believe they could pull through.
The historical timeline doesn’t begin until Chapter 9 when, in response to her neighbor’s dying wish, Sarah undertakes the work of transcribing Elizabeth Baker’s journal (1675). I found the legend of Abram’s Rock along with Elizabeth’s revelations about God and love to be exquisitely intertwined with Sarah and Matt’s journey towards reconciliation. This is not a love story in the traditional sense, but rather a rending and mending of hearts.
I was struck by a number of elements of this story. First, by how real and honest the author was with Sarah’s emotions and how that played out in the dialogue between characters. Premarital sex, the marriage bed, and infidelity were not off limits—though there’s nothing gratuitous in her writing. I liked how Chiavaroli indirectly demonstrates how belief in God is personal, and it’s not bequeathed to us by our parents or imparted to us by our spouses. Lastly, how being yoked to an unbeliever can make for a shifting foundation in marriage. For while early on Sarah ruminates “Matt never spoke of God, especially not to me. Faith—religion—was the one thing we simply couldn’t find common ground on. So we’d just stopped talking about it altogether. It worked for us.” By the end, her opinions have changed and her hope rests in God and in their new shared faith.
Christian Shelf-Esteem received a book to facilitate this review. The views and opinions expressed are 100% honest and my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255 Guidelines, concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising.
4.5 stars
I avoided this book for a long time because it was labelled ‘time slip’ – it isn’t at all, and historical romance. Not really that either.
This is women’s fiction by which I mean that it is about a woman’s journey (or two women if you count the one in the historical journal) and the issues in front of her.
Loved the authenticity of the story. Sarah’s marriage is like many other people’s – jogging along. She has a lot of lessons to learn but essentially (as it is for all of us) she needs to meet her Creator and rethink everything. The spiritual journey was well handled too and wasn’t easily resolved.
I will now be much keener to read Heidi’s other stories.
A book as rich as it is raw. Heidi Chiavaroli takes readers on a journey that is often painful for the realistic trail on which many have tread. But she doesn’t leave us in the shadowy places–she shines light on the source of hope, forgiveness, and unconditional love.
The Edge of Mercy is most definitely one for the keeper shelf. With her characteristic depth of emotion and willingness to address hard issues, Chiavaroli delivers a beautiful and gentle reminder that hope can persist even in the darkest of circumstances.
5 things from The Edge of Mercy by Heidi Chiavaroli
1) lost rings, lost loves; is mercy attainable in the face of betrayal?
2)an old journal and a neighbor’s last request
3) can happily-ever-after exist way after you say “I do”?
4)marriage is a two-way street. If I’m discontent with how my spouse is doing have I evaluated my part?
5)’Tis not wrong to love someone because they first loved you. For isn’t that how we express our love for God?
First time with this author, definitely will read more!
Quite simply, The Edge of Mercy is exquisite. Powerful, emotional, poignant, unforgettable. Worthy of my “best of the best” shelf.
I’m kicking myself for not having discovered Heidi Chiavaroli’s books before now, for she sets her stories in my favorite era, that of Colonial America through the Revolution. The Edge of Mercy has a dual timeline, Sarah and Matt in the present day, and that of Elizabeth, Abram and Caleb in 1675 told through Elizabeth’s journal. It’s the story of a troubled marriage that began on a shaky foundation, a marriage on the brink of failure, and the author skillfully handles elements like premarital sex and infidelity.
I think what makes this story so special and impactful is that it is inspired by personal events. Heidi writes: “All books have a piece of my heart, but this book…I don’t know, it feels especially personal. Maybe because it’s set in my hometown. Maybe because it explores the intricacies of marriage. Maybe because it was from watching my parents struggle—and conquer—their own marriage troubles for a lot of my growing up years that this book was able to be told from an especially authentic place.”
The story of Elizabeth’s family imparts a far-reaching legacy with the power to effect lasting change. Sometimes we learn best by being shown what real, sacrificial love is. And as for those impossible-to-forgive circumstances, that’s where God’s grace enters in. I think we all share a thankfulness that with God, there are no impossible circumstances, and that He gives us supernatural grace to extend the same.
The Edge of Mercy is an engrossing and compelling novel. It just doesn’t get any better than this!
Very highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
The Edge of Mercy is the third novel, by talented author Heidi Chiavaroli, I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Her knowledge and love of history shines in each of her works.
The Edge of Mercy is a very well written time slip story about two women experiencing great difficulty in their lives and struggling with making the right decision.
Sarah Baker suspects her husband may be having an affair; while barely holding on, she does everything she can to mend her family. Sarah’s elderly neighbor, whom she has befriended, needs her help to find her long missing daughter and share a centuries old family story. Shocked to learn that her neighbor even had a daughter, Sarah begins her search.
Discovering the story of Elizabeth Baker, a young colonist, provides a focus Sarah needs while at the same time providing an avenue to work through her own pain. Elizabeth is betrothed to a man she does not love, by her father who is unwell and wants to be sure she is cared for should he pass on. Her betrothed is a good man, who loves her but he is not the man her heart cries for, a man forbidden to her by societal standards.
While learning Elizabeth’s story, Sarah becomes friendly with one of the doctors in the hospital where she works as a nurse. As she struggles with her growing attraction to him and her desire to restore her marriage, tragedy strikes her family.
Will the unconditional, steadfast love Sarah learns about Elizabeth Baker become the path to forgiveness and the restoration of her marriage? This is not an easy feat.
I highly recommend The Edge of Mercy, both for its well-written story and the reflection of unconditional love displayed in the lives of three women, Elizabeth, Sarah and Sarah’s elderly neighbor.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Just Read Tours and am not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own.
The Edge of Mercy was a breath of fresh air for me. I loved the deep, introspective look at both Sarah in the present day and Elizabeth in the past. At the same time, this story is raw, vulnerable, and deeply emotional. Sarah’s marriage to Matt is on the brink of failure. Her feelings are so poignantly painted in this story. Her emotion is palpable; her reactions feel so genuine. While some of the story literally made me angry, I was also deeply impacted by the theme of sacrificial love, which is a theme that stretches across time to connect Sarah to Elizabeth’s story in the 17th Century. The historical tale is equally as compelling. Usually I’m a bit more engaged in the historical setting, but in this story, both past and present held my attention.
This story made me feel deeply; it truly captured my heart in a way that not every story does. Chiavaroli takes her characters through what seems to be bleak end to something stronger, more resilient, and more real than what was there before. This is truly one of those situations that my words seem inadequate. This story is about marriage, yes, but mostly it’s about two women in two different times who realize what it means to love without condition, to love without asking for anything back. It’s about what happens when you’ve come to the end of yourself and anything you can do, and what that means about the One who created you.
“I think sometimes we might not recognize hope until we’ve been in the darkness.”
This is Chiavaroli’s third release, and I am already impatient for her next book. Start with any of her three novels, you can’t go wrong. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel. I was not required to post a review, positive or otherwise, and this review is my honest opinion.
I just love historical romance so when I discover a new author whose storytelling grips me from page one, it’s a wonderful treat!
The lives of two women, Sarah and Elizabeth, who lived over 300 years apart, intersect through an old journal in this riveting time slip novel. Modern day, Sarah, discovers a kinship with Elizabeth through faith, shared suffering, and emotional heartbreak. Chiavaroli captured me early in the story with her beautiful prose that flow beautifully on the page and characters that wove themselves deep into my heart. At its core, The Edge of Mercy is a story of forgiveness and hope, and offers a heart-wrenching glimpse of the tough landscape one must navigate when called to love unconditionally.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
“Before now I did not realize the ferocity of marriage. It binds with the gentleness of a sweet dove, but protects like a vicious, roaring lion.”
I have loved Heidi Chiavaroli’s writing since the first page of her first novel Freedom’s Ring. Yet I am again astounded and awestruck by her beautiful melodic writing that puts me at the heart of the main character. I don’t read a whole lot of first person narrative fiction, but Heidi Chiavaroli has definitely won me over (at least for her books). This time-slip novel where present-day Sarah is fighting for her marriage that is falling apart and 1675 Elizabeth is struggling to survive in the war between her English and the Native Americans is a must-read for any historical fiction or time-slip aficionado. The author will memorize you with her gifted storytelling, well-crafted plot, heart-achingly real characters, and tangible and inspirational growth in faith among the characters.
Present time gives us Sarah and Matt, who married young and are at a crossroad after 17 years of marriage. Sarah, our narrator, is loving, tender, self-sacrificing but also fearful and afraid to step outside of her comfort zone. The year 1675 gives us Elizabeth who is caring for her dying father and Caleb who is older than Elizabeth but loves her unwaveringly. Elizabeth is young and desires adventure and excitement though she’s bound by her love and loyalty to her father. Sarah and Elizabeth both suffer through different circumstances but their heartbreaks and difficulties allow them to learn what true love and mercy mean.
I received a copy of the book from the author/Hope Creek Publishers and via JustRead Publicity Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
As a writer, word command speaks to me. The Edge of Mercy is poetry.
This is my first read from author Heidi Chiavaroli and I was intantly drawn in by her writing. It was truly an enjoyable read. I rarely read books that have dual timelines but when it’s done so fluently and flawlessly it’s refreshing. This story of two women who deal with love and hardships intertwined with faith.
3.5 stars (See NOTE )
This book was incredible. The author took a subject that is incredibly tough—heart wrenching and raw—and wove a story of Grace. Love. Perseverance.
The split-time aspect was very well done, and the two storylines intertwined seamlessly. Both women face seemingly impossible choices, but in the midst of unbearable tragedy, they are drawn to the One whose sacrificial love gives us the victory, and carries us through even the worst of circumstances.
The characters felt very real, the descriptions were fantastic, and this book had me enthralled and glued to the pages until the very end—and what an incredible, grace-filled ending!
This was my first Heidi Chiavaroli novel, and as amazing as this one was, I can’t wait to get to some of her others!!
NOTE: There was quite a bit of mature content in this book (nothing graphic, but it is the story of a married couple). I felt it was a bit much, so it is better suited to a more mature audience. That is also the reason for the 1/2 star rating.
I received a copy of this book from the author for FREE, and a positive review was not required.
The Edge of Mercy was in intensely powerful story. This author knows how to take my emotions and pull them all over the place, wreck my heart, and yet leave me with a feeling of hope and assuredness when all is finished.
I was equally intrigued by both the contemporary and the historical stories in this dual timeline novel. I appreciated the way the historical story of Elizabeth, Abram, and Caleb was told through Elizabeth’s journal entries. This method allowed me to keep a slight bit of emotional distance from the story, while still being thoroughly interested in the outcome.
The contemporary story of the marriage problems between Sarah and Matt pulled me in and just simply broke my heart. I was so mad at Matt and felt helpless as I followed Sarah’s journey. I was also absolutely captivated by every little detail about their past romance, wanted to know the reasons behind Matt’s present day behavior, and was desperate to find out how things would settle out between them.
I loved the way the author used Elizabeth’s journal and her faith journey to inspire Sarah, not only in what love really looked like, but also in finally leading Sarah to her own faith journey. I loved the power this journal had in the lives of those who read it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Heidi Chiavaroli is a master when it comes to writing. Her ability to enrapture the reader in her stories and hold them captive until the very end is astounding! I am currently sitting in a book fog after sitting down to read a few chapters only to find myself reading the whole book!
One thing that Heidi is known for is her willingness to take the reader on a journey to territories untraveled. She bravely writes about the hard places in life that people are afraid to see exposed. In this story, Heidi takes the reader into the trenches of a marriage in shambles. She doesn’t shy from the roller-coaster fears and hopes the characters experience as they sort out their relationship.
It’s difficult to share anything with the historical timeline without giving away any spoilers. Initially I struggled with it emotionally but I believe it was all intentional to bring about the ending as it did. I believe I was thinking too hard about putting all of the pieces together before the whole story was able to unfold. The further I went into Elizabeth’s story, the more my emotions took a few hits and I found myself reaching for my tissue box. I also feel a need to mention as a heads up that even though it wasn’t heavy throughout the book, some of the war violence scenes had some fairly graphic wound descriptions.
I honestly don’t think I can recommend Heidi Chiavaroli’s books enough. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors of all-time. I am not afraid of a book that makes me cry. If I can read a book that makes me feel something, then the author has done their job right. This book had me going through all types of emotions! This is a story I’m sure will stay with me for a very long time.
*I received a copy of this book from the author. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
From the first page of The Edge of Mercy, I was swept away by Heidi Chiavaroli’s beautiful prose to Massachusetts for a riveting time slip novel with powerful themes of love, forgiveness, and mercy. Chiavaroli’s colorful imagery, richly painted settings, and obvious historical knowledge, along with the emotionally-layered, engaging characters, combine to make this a memorable and touching story that is bound for my keeper shelf. The characters came alive on the page—those in 1675 and others in our time, and I found myself wrapped up in their lives. Elizabeth, Caleb, and Abram’s story was compelling and moving, and I was drawn in by the history aspect of it. Sarah and Matt’s story was heart-breaking and thought-provoking, and kept me turning pages late into the night.
This is the first book I’ve read by Chiavaroli, but I’m sure it won’t be the last. I’ve heard many wonderful things about her first two books, and I’m hoping to read them soon. I’m also looking forward to more of her writing in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.
As I indulgently devoured the richness and graceful strength of this story, its raw authenticity struck a deep chord in my heart. The spectrum of belief and unbelief, faith and works, mercy and grace represented through these characters’ journeys constantly reminded me of the many instances of God’s tangible presence and provision in my own life.
Modern-day Sarah faces one crisis after another and, although it was sometimes difficult as a reader to walk that road alongside her, strength and wisdom were gained through the endurance of each trial. Elizabeth Baker’s journal gives readers an intimate look at a tumultuous time in our nation’s history.
This is my first experience with Chiavaroli’s work and I have to say the story definitely met my high expectations and I’m even more eagerly anticipating reading her previously published books! I highly recommend this story to fans of women’s fiction, historical fiction, and even romance readers will find much to enjoy within these pages.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
I absolutely loved this story by Heidi Chiavaroli! It leaves you emotionally raw with its story lines that pull at your heartstrings. At the end of each chapter you are left wanting more and aren’t disappointed with each new chapter.
Two women living hundreds of years apart are living lives where they are facing devastating events that ultimately can destroy all they hold close to their hearts, but with these events come love, forgiveness, strength and growth and a way to grab hold to what is most important.
I’m really looking forward to reading more books in the future by Heidi Chiavaroli!
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
3.5 stars
“It would take more than an article of clothing to fix my marriage.”
Sarah Rodrigues is stunned when her husband abruptly decides that he wants to give their marriage some breathing room over the summer; in reality, it’s a separation. They’ve been married for seventeen years and in some ways remain strangers, yet bonded in the deepest sort of way; or so Sarah thought. She’s utterly devastated.
As if one heartbreak isn’t enough, Sarah’s kindly next door neighbor suffers a fatal heart attack, and on her deathbed issues one final request; transcribe an historical family document, find her estranged daughter, and give her the gift of words from beyond the grave. It’s an arduous task, and Sarah is not sure she even wants to begin, but soon discovers that she and a young colonist by the name of Elizabeth Baker, have something in common; a misunderstanding of love.
“I think sometimes we might not recognize hope until we’ve been in the darkness.” . . . that’s when hear His voice saying, “my power is made perfect through weakness”.
A timely and quite thought provoking novel by a very talented writer.
I received a digital copy of this book through Just Read Publicity Tours, but also purchased a print copy for easier reading. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
With a skill akin to an expert quilter, Heidi Chiavaroli has taken the experiences of two women born centuries apart and pieced them together into a heart-wrenching story of hope, forgiveness, and the understanding that no one, no people group, is all bad or all good. The Edge of Mercy was an emotional journey that lasted long after I read the last word. I encourage you to take that journey too.