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Jenna's Creek #1
Streams of Mercy
On the day of her fathers funeral seventeenyear old Jamie Steele discovers that her dad was once the prime suspect in the disappearance of a local girl. All too familiar with his hard fisted lifestyle and violent temper Jamie has to find out for herself if he was capable of the crime everyone in their small town thinks he committed. The more she discovers about the disappearance of Sally Blake the more convinced she becomes that her dad was involved. What will she do if hes proven guilty Can she find the mercy in her heart to forget the past and mourn the father she lost
301 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2004
383 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 21, 2016
Okay...I don't give many 5-star reviews, but I can't think of a single reason to give this book anything less.
This was a different book. Within the pages are several stories, the main one being the mystery.
Seventeen year old Jamie listened in on a conversation between her aunt and grandmother, just after her father's death, the crux of which was that her father, James, had been a suspect in a possible murder...however no body was ever found. But mixed with a missing girl he was dating years before, and James's volatile temper, he became the prime suspect for whatever happened to Sally Blake.
She didn't really love nor miss the virtually absentee father, who left her and her sister for their grandmother to raise after her mother's death years ago. She admitted to being scared of him and the only feelings he was quite upfront about was his smoldering anger, which expressed itself mostly, and often violently upon their mother.
But even though she wasn't close to him, she felt she needed to find out what happened to Sally and whether or not her dad was responsible for her death, or whether Sally just skipped town, never to be heard from again.
Now, this sounds like a Nancy Drew sort of story, especially since the main character is only 17, but I assure you, this is not written simply or in any way juvenile. Oh, there were high school feelings and interactions interspersed, but mostly Jamie dealt with adults and handled her life in a mature fashion.
There are two stories aside from the murder that were interesting, one I hope is in another book... One was about a popular boy who shows some interest in her, but she learns an important life lesson with what she goes through with him. The other was about her boss and an indiscretion in his life many years ago that had a long lasting affect on several people. It, as far as I can tell, has little to do with the plot of the book, other than to give the reader some insight into Noel, but was a very interesting side story. To me it shows how sin's effects are far reaching.
Yep, I really liked this book and I recommend it to anyone.
This was a different book. Within the pages are several stories, the main one being the mystery.
Seventeen year old Jamie listened in on a conversation between her aunt and grandmother, just after her father's death, the crux of which was that her father, James, had been a suspect in a possible murder...however no body was ever found. But mixed with a missing girl he was dating years before, and James's volatile temper, he became the prime suspect for whatever happened to Sally Blake.
She didn't really love nor miss the virtually absentee father, who left her and her sister for their grandmother to raise after her mother's death years ago. She admitted to being scared of him and the only feelings he was quite upfront about was his smoldering anger, which expressed itself mostly, and often violently upon their mother.
But even though she wasn't close to him, she felt she needed to find out what happened to Sally and whether or not her dad was responsible for her death, or whether Sally just skipped town, never to be heard from again.
Now, this sounds like a Nancy Drew sort of story, especially since the main character is only 17, but I assure you, this is not written simply or in any way juvenile. Oh, there were high school feelings and interactions interspersed, but mostly Jamie dealt with adults and handled her life in a mature fashion.
There are two stories aside from the murder that were interesting, one I hope is in another book... One was about a popular boy who shows some interest in her, but she learns an important life lesson with what she goes through with him. The other was about her boss and an indiscretion in his life many years ago that had a long lasting affect on several people. It, as far as I can tell, has little to do with the plot of the book, other than to give the reader some insight into Noel, but was a very interesting side story. To me it shows how sin's effects are far reaching.
Yep, I really liked this book and I recommend it to anyone.
April 25, 2012
This was a good book. Not one of the best ones I've read but it did hold my attention and had nice feel-good ending. It's about a woman whose life unexpectedly changes when her younger sister abandons her two small children and leaves them in her care. She struggles with the changes that two small children bring to single person's life. This book touches every emotion, from anger and the emotional pain of abandonment to "finding Jesus." It did draw out a bit in the middle of the book, still was a good read. I'd recommend it.
July 11, 2013
First book I've read from this author and found it charming. She was very insightful on the subject of abandoned children.
January 19, 2024
Two young girls were sent to live with their grandparents after their Mom died. Their Dad who was abusive was in jail. But the cops didnt have enough evidence to charge him. The girls didnt know where he was then. No one told them anything about him. So the oldest girl 17 yrs old got a job at a store . She didn know why everyone whispered around her. So one day she decided to look up information about her Dad and about why he went to jail. She hated her Dad for him being abusive to them. So eventually She was to get some info from other people. She did lots of snoping and came up to what she was looking for about her Dad. She just needed to know,
February 12, 2017
I think the subtitle is a little misleading. It's more of a mystery than a suspense--there is no current physical danger to anyone.
The story is a good mystery, but it's more than that. It's a story of love and hate, mercy and forgiveness.
Jessie is an appealing character. Even though she's only seventeen years old and is naive, she is surprisingly mature in many ways. In spite of the difficult childhood she'd had, she was strong.
The Christian element was subtle, but the worldview was distinctly Christian.
The story is a good mystery, but it's more than that. It's a story of love and hate, mercy and forgiveness.
Jessie is an appealing character. Even though she's only seventeen years old and is naive, she is surprisingly mature in many ways. In spite of the difficult childhood she'd had, she was strong.
The Christian element was subtle, but the worldview was distinctly Christian.
August 3, 2018
A satisfying read.
The writer slowly spins a story that keeps her readers pulled in, needing to know what happens next. It isn't a mystery that will keep you awake at night, nor will the romance set your heart on fire, but it's a story that holds your interest. A story that, when you reach the end, makes you glad to have read it. I found myself caring about, and wanting to know more about each character. The sign of a good book.
The writer slowly spins a story that keeps her readers pulled in, needing to know what happens next. It isn't a mystery that will keep you awake at night, nor will the romance set your heart on fire, but it's a story that holds your interest. A story that, when you reach the end, makes you glad to have read it. I found myself caring about, and wanting to know more about each character. The sign of a good book.
September 4, 2018
Wow. This was hard to read, not because it wasn’t good - because it was very good - but because of the trauma in all the characters’ lives. Life was not easy for any of them, and it was hard not to feel for their deep struggles.
Obviously, the author did a great job! I was glad there were moments of levity, especially considering the protagonist was a teenager; considering the trials in her life, it was nice to see her have some happiness along the way.
5 stars.
Obviously, the author did a great job! I was glad there were moments of levity, especially considering the protagonist was a teenager; considering the trials in her life, it was nice to see her have some happiness along the way.
5 stars.
April 7, 2020
This is so much more than a mystery novel! You see Jamie struggle with the resentment she has of her father, and finding out he was the prime suspect is Sally Blake’s disappearance 25 years ago, she begins to accuse him herself. That isn’t the only thing happening, he meets new friends, learns about love, learns who she can trust, and how this all effects her. This was a good read! Easy and fun, with a little mystery to spice it up!
September 12, 2025
Pleasantly Surprised
I wasn't op I wasn't optimistic about reading this book But I was tired of reading books that could have been rated R. Wanted to read a good Christian author and I was surprised I really enjoyed the book I enjoyed the mystery to it I enjoyed the Characters and how she explains the background and I could picture the drugstore I could picture the farm so yes I did enjoy this book I would give it a 5 star rating.
I wasn't op I wasn't optimistic about reading this book But I was tired of reading books that could have been rated R. Wanted to read a good Christian author and I was surprised I really enjoyed the book I enjoyed the mystery to it I enjoyed the Characters and how she explains the background and I could picture the drugstore I could picture the farm so yes I did enjoy this book I would give it a 5 star rating.
March 14, 2020
justI liked it and give her my thanks as I continue this series.
Just when I think I have figured out what the end so
Willbe ,I was pleased to find out it was not the one that pushed her gather down the stairs😊
e
Just when I think I have figured out what the end so
Willbe ,I was pleased to find out it was not the one that pushed her gather down the stairs😊
e
July 26, 2020
This is a cute story of a 17 year old girl living with her younger sister and grandparents. Tired of living with people thinking her late father may have murdered a girlfriend, she became determined to solve the disappearance of a girl which occurred 25 years earlier.
July 1, 2024
Jamie
Understanding parents are not easy for teenager's it is a difficult time.in their life.Jamie had a.mystery to solve a missing woman. She solved it no one realised the guilty party.
Understanding parents are not easy for teenager's it is a difficult time.in their life.Jamie had a.mystery to solve a missing woman. She solved it no one realised the guilty party.
July 3, 2024
Hunting for Truth
Jamie was going for firsts this summer, the first without either parent, the first job, the first looking for the truth. When she overheard gossip about her father, she set out to find the truth there, too.
Jamie was going for firsts this summer, the first without either parent, the first job, the first looking for the truth. When she overheard gossip about her father, she set out to find the truth there, too.
December 4, 2024
Lesson in Forgiveness
Well written, heartwarming story about dealing with emotions of childhood hurts. Sweet resolution for the main character! I liked how artfully Biblical principle of forgiveness was woven into story.
Well written, heartwarming story about dealing with emotions of childhood hurts. Sweet resolution for the main character! I liked how artfully Biblical principle of forgiveness was woven into story.
October 28, 2025
loved it!
Loved how attention grabbing this book was the whole time! Some books take some time to get in to, but the author did a wonderful job making it easy to enter the world she created in these pages 😊
Loved how attention grabbing this book was the whole time! Some books take some time to get in to, but the author did a wonderful job making it easy to enter the world she created in these pages 😊
March 23, 2018
On the day of her father’s funeral, seventeen-year-old Jamie Steele discovers he was once the prime suspect in the disappearance and possible murder of an old girlfriend.
September 12, 2020
A rattling good read
A kind of romance but with a strong strand of mystery and crime solving, beautifully combined. Hope to read more...
A kind of romance but with a strong strand of mystery and crime solving, beautifully combined. Hope to read more...
January 13, 2022
Good
Although this book is good it is also mostly sad. I realized from the summary that it probably would be. However, it sounded intriguingly interesting. It was.
Although this book is good it is also mostly sad. I realized from the summary that it probably would be. However, it sounded intriguingly interesting. It was.
May 11, 2022
Great story, excellent author. Well worth the read.
August 21, 2024
Take as a whole, very good
It started a little slow for me and dragged some here and there (although others might not think so), but good mystery and story.
It started a little slow for me and dragged some here and there (although others might not think so), but good mystery and story.
January 13, 2025
Solving a 25 year murder seems unlikely but it happens.
February 1, 2017
Average - Not thrilling but certainly good suspense, turns and unlikely twists.
March 18, 2017
What a story!
This is a great start to the Jenna's Creek Series. I definitely recommend this book and I will be looking for more by this author.
This is a great start to the Jenna's Creek Series. I definitely recommend this book and I will be looking for more by this author.
October 9, 2016
A nice mystery
Streams of Mercy is a good emotional novel. It deals with the lives and emotions of many people in the small town of Jenna's Creek. It shows how judgmental a small town can be. It also shows the kindness of some people in the small town. It also deals with the difficulties of forgiveness. It's a good read.
Streams of Mercy is a good emotional novel. It deals with the lives and emotions of many people in the small town of Jenna's Creek. It shows how judgmental a small town can be. It also shows the kindness of some people in the small town. It also deals with the difficulties of forgiveness. It's a good read.
February 7, 2012
This is the first book in the Jenna’s Creek series by Teresa Slack and I found it to be very good and very well written.
I was intrigued by the young girl Jamie who was seventeen. She found out on the morning of her dad’s funeral that he was suspected in a murder over twenty years ago. She was never close to her father, because he beat her mom and didn’t really seem to care for them, but she wanted to clear his name and try to bring closure to her feelings.
I enjoy Teresa’s books because she tells many different stories in each book she writes. Besides finding out about the murder, this story is also about Jamie getting a job and making friends, about the different lives of all of the people who live in Jenna’s Creek.
It was a very interesting book, full of many twists and turns and kept me interested. A very good book for everyone. Would recommend it.
Thank you to the author for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
I was intrigued by the young girl Jamie who was seventeen. She found out on the morning of her dad’s funeral that he was suspected in a murder over twenty years ago. She was never close to her father, because he beat her mom and didn’t really seem to care for them, but she wanted to clear his name and try to bring closure to her feelings.
I enjoy Teresa’s books because she tells many different stories in each book she writes. Besides finding out about the murder, this story is also about Jamie getting a job and making friends, about the different lives of all of the people who live in Jenna’s Creek.
It was a very interesting book, full of many twists and turns and kept me interested. A very good book for everyone. Would recommend it.
Thank you to the author for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
April 25, 2009
It's well into the story before it takes off and becomes difficult to put down. It's pretty much all pointing to Jamie's father as the one who killed a girl many many years ago. Jamie heard her relatives talking about it on the day of her father's funeral. Now it's pretty much, but not quite, all she can think about. People are saying he's guilty. Evidence looks that way as well. Jamie wants to know the truth one way or the other. She believes she won't be able to forgive him for the way he treated her mother, her sister and herself unless it is proven that he wasn't involved in the murder of the young lady. There's no body though; it was never found. Perhaps Sally just ran away without telling anyone. The whole Town's talking.
After the mystery is discovered, the story continues and I found myself saying something on the idea "Oh no! Another chapter!"
After the mystery is discovered, the story continues and I found myself saying something on the idea "Oh no! Another chapter!"
June 24, 2013
In my opinion, this book wasn't categorized properly.. should have been under "Christian Lit." The intro on the cover did NOT mention the theme of salvation & forgiveness as it appeared in the book(again and again and again). I picked this book out because it was by a regional author & I do like to make them a part of my reading. Not saying the author doesn't show talent...just not my taste in fictional reading.
May 18, 2016
This is one of the better books I have ordered for my Kindle. The author kept me guessing about what would eventually happen and about who would be guilty of a murder committed 25 years before. It is a quick, easy read. One of my suggestions would be for the author to find a more deligent proof reader; there were several grammatical or typo errors in the book. I liked the novel and will probablly read some more books by this author.
August 13, 2013
Nicole (flacky and irresponsible) drops her kids with her sister Michele to raise. Michele initally doesn't want the kids, but grows to love them and finds Christ in the process. She also hooks up with Kyle, her highschool sweetheart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2013
On the day of her fathers funeral, Jamie Steele finds out he was once arrested for murder and the murder has never been solved. She resolves to find the truth. She works at the drug store and falls for Jason there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews