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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While one woman’s marriage is falling apart, she reads the journal of a colonial woman whose life is torn apart by illness and death. She learns not everyone is who they seem to be on the surface and forgiveness is healing.
Well written, kept my interest
Sarah’s marriage of 17 yrs. is falling apart. Her deceased neighbor asked her to transcribe Elizabeth’s journal for her estranged daughter.. As she does, she comes to learn about love, sacrifice, and forgiveness. I loved Elizabeth and Caleb’s story.
The Edge of Mercy shares the story of two women, three hundred years apart, in such an intimate, heart-exposing way that it made me feel along with them—first their initial hope & happiness, then heartache, anger, betrayal, rejection, deep pain, the stirrings of hope again, and finally peace, joy, and a new depth of love. This is a story for all who long to know if it is possible to experience beauty from ashes. This is a story for all women who need the reminder that “God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.” (I John 3:20 the Message)
Can’t wait for Heidi’s next book!
Wise words I loved:
“How do dirty ashes and vile grease create such pure beauty? I asked Goodwife Howland if she thought our lives could be like the soap. If good things could come from the bad. She told me the good Lord promises beauty from ashes in his Word. I would like to read of such things. I will search Papa’s Bible tonight.”
“After I spoke all this, I felt God calling my soul. I had never known such an insistence, and yet I knew it in that moment. ’Twas like a stirring of the wind that swept through the windows and into my heart, yet the leaves outside the window scarce moved. I prayed, then. And I felt assurance, peace, as if all would be well. And yet I am uncertain how that could be.”
“ . . . whereas the Gospels tell of one sacrifice . . . I wonder what it means for me, a lone girl amid war and ugliness . . . I am drawn to the suffering of Christ. For the first time I feel a kinship with this God of the weak . . . Over and over I read, and yet one verse I have found my heart clings to. ‘And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect through weakness.’ I read this and shed warm tears, for I cannot deny that the words are like sweet balm to my wretched heart. ’Tis nothing but this. ’Tis nothing but His grace and promise and finished work to see me through. ’Tis all I have left to cling to.”
“What if I chose to believe these ancient words? What if I chose to believe in God’s strength and not my own? That only by reaching the end of myself could I see what God was capable of? I clutched the promise close and did not let it go, trusted that it was for me, that God called me in that moment, that He knew my suffering and was promising something undeserved. Love. Mercy. Hope. And all-sufficient grace.”
If you haven’t read a book written by Heidi Chiavaroli yet, you are missing out. Her stories are engaging, emotional, and timely.
In The Edge of Mercy, Sarah is struggling with a marriage in crisis and she must decide whether to fight to save it or to let it go. On top of that, her neighbor and friend gave her a task that Sarah feels obligated to fulfill.
I admit, there were times in this story when I wanted Sarah to take a stronger stance with her husband. She was too passive much of the time for my liking, letting life roll over her. But as she transcribes Elizabeth’s story, her decisions made more sense.
And the last few chapters of this book are powerful. And the hope that is offered in the end, the promise that maybe, just maybe, what has been broken and treated carelessly can be restored and treasured moving forward.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The Edge of Mercy is a time-slip novel with the stories of Sarah and Matt Rodrigues set in our current time and Elizabeth Baker, Abram, and Caleb Tanner living in the late 1600s. The first nine chapters of this book relate to the contemporary setting and I had a hard time getting into Sarah’s reactions to her husband telling her that he wants to live away from the house for the summer. Her reaction that it is a separation is met with his assertion that it is a break but Sarah, of course, is devastated and wonders if he might be having an affair. As she grapples with the feelings of hurt and betrayal she also becomes involved in granting the request of her dying neighbor to deliver a family journal that was written in the late 1600s to the neighbor’s estranged daughter.
I admit to enjoying historical fiction and it is this story of an historical journal that really drew me in. It is 1675 and Elizabeth Baker is promised to one man but she feels an immense attraction to another. It is Elizabeth’s story that grabbed my attention and I fell in love with this young woman who must deal with loving a man who is Native American and thus considered unacceptable. As Sarah reads Elizabeth’s written thoughts she is compelled to compare their similarities. Yes, their lives were centuries apart but they both have been forced to deal with circumstances out of their control. This journal reveals Elizabeth’s realization that her intense physical attraction for Abram overshadowed the deep and abiding love that Caleb offered her and she finally understands that Caleb’s love demonstrated the ultimate sacrifice. Elizabeth’s words tell of both her human loves and her deepening love for God. As Sarah continues to read she is prompted to examine her own life, her marriage and her personal faith. And finally, Sarah understands! ‘What if I chose to believe these ancient words. What if I chose to believe in God’s strength and not my own? That only by reaching the end of myself could I see what God was capable of?’
This is a book packed with emotional themes. The doubts and deep hurts that infidelity causes are explored but there is also the promise of forgiveness, redemption and being restored. I loved how the author has been able to weave these two stories, over three hundred years apart, into a memorable novel of love, hope and unconditional love. I especially enjoyed the historical details and the legend of Abram’s rock being used in the plotline. I found The Edge of Mercy to be a compelling novel and I will be reading more of Heidi Chiavaroli!
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book but I am voluntarily sharing my thoughts in this review.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it definitely won’t be the last.
It turned out to be nothing like I expected—but better. The time-slip component was well done, and I was quickly drawn into Elizabeth’s 17th-century story just as easily as I was Sarah’s present-day one.
Each of the characters was relatable, real, and complex. By the end of the story, they’d truly moved from my head into my heart, and i was sad for the story to end. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to any of them!
The entire story perfectly illustrates the Bible verse “My power is made perfect in your weakness.” This is a story whose message will stay with me long after finishing.
I received a copy of the book from JustRead Publicity Tours. All opinions are my own.
I just finished reading this incredible story and decided to quickly jot down a review before I forget what really touched me.
First, I have to make a confession…this is my first Heidi Chiavaroli book that I’ve read….yes, I actually have two others by this same author sitting on my shelf, just waiting to be read…but I’ve yet to read them. Somehow, they’ve been waiting on me. (you better believe me when I say this–I am now a fan of Ms. Chiavaroli’s…and will definitely be reading any and every other book she writes!) This story is absolutely phenomenal and life-changing!
I had an obligation to get a review posted for this book by a certain date, so wanted to go ahead and get it read.
I am SO, so glad I did! This story is heart-wrenching in it’s honesty. It had me all twisted in knots, and felt like my insides were hanging out…so much realness here.
If you are married and have experienced any conflict in your marriage (I’m pretty sure, if we’re honest…we all have–marriage, while extremely rewarding, is also very hard at times!).
This book touches on marital difficulties. Relationship issues. Unfaithfulness….divorce is hinted at.
The main character, Sarah, well, she is such a real person. I could so very easily relate to her and the struggles she was facing.
I cried with her when her husband brought her divorce papers. I ached for her as she faced the very real possibility that her marriage of over 17 years was over.
And then…well, this story is full of unseens. Corners, twists, turns, and you never know just quite what to expect.
God shows up in a big way. Hope, forgiveness, love even when it feels impossible…and that’s only scratching the surface.
There is also a time slip story included. Bits and pieces of a young lady’s diary, her encounter with Native Americans, a story of grace, forgiveness, and so much more.
I really loved this story and will not soon forget it.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
The Edge of Mercy by Heidi Chiavaroli is a compelling time-slip novel. Not having read this author before, I was not sure quite what to expect but having heard good things about her previous two books, I was looking forward to reading this one. I was not disappointed. I enjoyed how the two stories are skillfully intertwined throughout the book–Sarah’s contemporary life in the midst of a struggling marriage and Elizabeth’s life 300 some years prior as she faces what she fears will be a loveless marriage. The writing style is graceful and flows smoothly and the dialog flows well without seeming forced. The characters are vividly portrayed, their emotions and actions are realistic and relatable, their flaws and faults are there along with their strengths and humanity. Her neighbor thought Sarah had the heart of a warrior, yet Sarah just wanted to be loved, cherished, to be enough. Would she be able to fight through the challenges life has thrown at her? The author has not shied away from gritty subjects as she tackles with finesse death, the hardships of a colonial war, a marriage in shambles, a midlife crisis, and the pull of extramarital relationships. Is there hope for a marriage if one can’t believe in love? Can the past be put behind to enable one to move forward? It was hard to put the book down wanting to see how things would work out for both Sarah and her 17th Century journal companion, Elizabeth. The Edge of Mercy is a story of finding hope when we are at our weakest and even heart-broken, of recognizing that God’s grace is sufficient and does not run dry. It is a poignant story about the beauty of a love that has the power to conquer painful disappointments and heartache. If you love stories that touch your emotions and linger a while in your soul, this book is not to be missed.
I read a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions expressed are my own.