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The Tender Mercy of Roses
Now in paperback, the acclaimed debut novel featuring the ghost of a murdered cowgirl who guides her grief-stricken father and a disgraced former detective to her killer—and a long-hidden family secret.
The celebrated novel from a shimmering new voice in Southern fiction, Anna Michaels
At twenty-six, Pony Jones is a record-breaking legend of the rodeo circuit. And when the beloved young star’s body is discovered in the northern Alabama woods, it’s Pony’s spirit—invisible to the eye but not to the sixth sense—that guides the living to clues to her murder. Swept up in a whirlwind mystery of intense emotion are her grief-stricken father, Titus, bent on retribution; and Jo Beth Dawson, a hard-drinking former detective with an otherworldly connection with Pony—and an urgent compulsion to uncover the truth. The Huntsville rodeo leads Jo Beth to Titus, and what the unlikely partners find is more shocking than murder long-buried family secrets that will bring them to search their souls for redemption . . . and tie the three of them closer than they could imagine.
The celebrated novel from a shimmering new voice in Southern fiction, Anna Michaels
At twenty-six, Pony Jones is a record-breaking legend of the rodeo circuit. And when the beloved young star’s body is discovered in the northern Alabama woods, it’s Pony’s spirit—invisible to the eye but not to the sixth sense—that guides the living to clues to her murder. Swept up in a whirlwind mystery of intense emotion are her grief-stricken father, Titus, bent on retribution; and Jo Beth Dawson, a hard-drinking former detective with an otherworldly connection with Pony—and an urgent compulsion to uncover the truth. The Huntsville rodeo leads Jo Beth to Titus, and what the unlikely partners find is more shocking than murder long-buried family secrets that will bring them to search their souls for redemption . . . and tie the three of them closer than they could imagine.
352 pages, Paperback
First published May 17, 2011
12 people are currently reading
645 people want to read
About the author
Anna Michaels
10 books10 followersAnna Michaels lives in an enchanted cottage in Mississippi where she grows the roses that served as inspiration for her debut novel, The Tender Mercy of Roses. Her gardens are also filled with cardinals, warblers and mocking birds that swing on a suspended dragon outside her office window and entertain her while she writes.
Her love affair with words started when Anna was a child. She used to read books in a tree swing on her daddy’s farm and dream of being a writer. Also a pianist and sometimes-lyricist, Anna says she “hears the music of words.” She describes her writing process as “recording the melody and the magic of story.”
Anna has a long history of service to her community. She created the first Puppet Ministry in northeast Mississippi. During her fourteen year tenure on the Lee County Library Board of Trustees, she created the Legacy for Learning, a private foundation to support the library. She is also reponsible for creating and securing funding for the Celebration of Writing, a segment of Tupelo's annual Gum Tree Arts Festival that encourages young writers. Currently she serves on the Executive Board of the Tupelo Film Committee.
The arts have always played a big part in Anna's life. She was assistant director of music for Tupelo Community Theater's production of The King and I. In addition to singing in the chorus of many musicals at TCT, Anna has played such roles as M'Lynn in Steel Magnolias, The White Witch in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, and Chick in Crimes of the Heart.
Anna loves sitting on her front porch swing with friends, singing in her church choir, watching classic movies, playing her vintage baby grand piano, and spending time with her family.
Currently, Anna and her unicorn muse are spinning another magical story. She will share details of her second novel as they unfold.
Her love affair with words started when Anna was a child. She used to read books in a tree swing on her daddy’s farm and dream of being a writer. Also a pianist and sometimes-lyricist, Anna says she “hears the music of words.” She describes her writing process as “recording the melody and the magic of story.”
Anna has a long history of service to her community. She created the first Puppet Ministry in northeast Mississippi. During her fourteen year tenure on the Lee County Library Board of Trustees, she created the Legacy for Learning, a private foundation to support the library. She is also reponsible for creating and securing funding for the Celebration of Writing, a segment of Tupelo's annual Gum Tree Arts Festival that encourages young writers. Currently she serves on the Executive Board of the Tupelo Film Committee.
The arts have always played a big part in Anna's life. She was assistant director of music for Tupelo Community Theater's production of The King and I. In addition to singing in the chorus of many musicals at TCT, Anna has played such roles as M'Lynn in Steel Magnolias, The White Witch in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, and Chick in Crimes of the Heart.
Anna loves sitting on her front porch swing with friends, singing in her church choir, watching classic movies, playing her vintage baby grand piano, and spending time with her family.
Currently, Anna and her unicorn muse are spinning another magical story. She will share details of her second novel as they unfold.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
July 3, 2016
For more details, read the Goodreads synopsis of The Tender Mercy of Roses by Anna Michaels.
This book has so much to love: murder, mystery, ghosts, family secrets, and addiction recovery! I really liked seeing the plot from Pony's perspective (the ghost); JoBeth Dawson was a real kick in the pants protagonist, and the ending was quite the surprise! This was the author's debut novel and I look forward to reading more by her.
Go Cards! L1C4!!
This book has so much to love: murder, mystery, ghosts, family secrets, and addiction recovery! I really liked seeing the plot from Pony's perspective (the ghost); JoBeth Dawson was a real kick in the pants protagonist, and the ending was quite the surprise! This was the author's debut novel and I look forward to reading more by her.
Go Cards! L1C4!!
February 13, 2011
I shouldn't really mark this as "read" because it was a DNF. Mysteries are my preferred genre, like comfort food, and this one had such promise but the florid (is there a word for overly florid?) prose just did me in. Each paragraph had at least one analogy or purple passage in it - "Was it possible the tragedy collecting on her like green scum on dead water wasn't her fault?" is just one example.
If you like that kind of writing along with your mystery, go for it. I'll pass.
If you like that kind of writing along with your mystery, go for it. I'll pass.
May 30, 2011
Pony Jones was just twenty six years old when she was murdered. Pony had so much potential. She was one of the best rodeo riders. She could even out ride some of the men. Could this be the reason why Pony was murdered? Pony’s father, Titus knew the moment Pony was no longer on this Earth. He saw the signs and a wolf visited him.
Jo Beth Dawson used to be a good cop, until her drinking and a failed marriage got the best of her. Jo Beth would rather be left alone but when she found Pony’s body in the field of roses, she knew that she could not just walk away and leave Pony. Sam Donovan is in charge of the murder case. He used to be Jo Beth’s partner.
The Tender Mercy of Roses is author, Anna Michaels debut novel. This book did have the feel of the Lovely Bones but it also had its own favor. When Pony would appearance in the story, these were my favorite parts. I got a sense of who Pony was. She was wiser than her twenty six years. Jo Beth was my other favorite character. She started out rough around the edges but as the story went on, I felt sadness for her and finally triumph for whom she became. Jo Beth and Sam worked well together. The Tender Mercy of Roses has a nice scent to it. It blossomed into a good book.
Jo Beth Dawson used to be a good cop, until her drinking and a failed marriage got the best of her. Jo Beth would rather be left alone but when she found Pony’s body in the field of roses, she knew that she could not just walk away and leave Pony. Sam Donovan is in charge of the murder case. He used to be Jo Beth’s partner.
The Tender Mercy of Roses is author, Anna Michaels debut novel. This book did have the feel of the Lovely Bones but it also had its own favor. When Pony would appearance in the story, these were my favorite parts. I got a sense of who Pony was. She was wiser than her twenty six years. Jo Beth was my other favorite character. She started out rough around the edges but as the story went on, I felt sadness for her and finally triumph for whom she became. Jo Beth and Sam worked well together. The Tender Mercy of Roses has a nice scent to it. It blossomed into a good book.
April 27, 2011
This book was beautifully written. There was a certain poetic element to the way the author used words. For those people who like pretty or thoughtful quotes for their blogs or anywhere else they post things, this book had something worth quoting in nearly every page. I like the style in which the story unfolded, you get to read everyone's POV, including the newly dead main character whose murder is a mystery until the end. Well, really you can guess who killed her early on but because the story wasn't just a murder mystery it doesn't matter if you can guess the outcome or not. I liked the main character & even though I thought the fact that she was such a mess would annoy me, I instead developed a soft spot for her. She's such a wounded mess, but that there's still a spark of strength in her kept her from being pathetic & had me rooting for her. I quite liked Pony putting her nose in everyone's business from the great beyond, it made for some humor in a story that would have otherwise been heartbreaking.
July 15, 2011
I LOVED this book. It was a quick read and beautifully written. I love the Author's prose, the Native American folklore weaved into the story, and the characters are memorable. I would LOVE to see this made into a movie. It's that good.
This is the perfect kind of book IMO. It's got a great story, full-bodied characters that you come to love in spite of their deep flaws, a love story, and best of all it is magical--full of mysticism. Reminiscent of The Lovely Bones (without the searing pain)in it's dealing with the subject of death, I found it to be deeply touching.
If I could write a book--this is what I'd write. Beautiful.
This is the perfect kind of book IMO. It's got a great story, full-bodied characters that you come to love in spite of their deep flaws, a love story, and best of all it is magical--full of mysticism. Reminiscent of The Lovely Bones (without the searing pain)in it's dealing with the subject of death, I found it to be deeply touching.
If I could write a book--this is what I'd write. Beautiful.
March 19, 2018
First time I read this author. I give her 3.5 stars.
August 4, 2011
I thought this was a pretty good book. Part of the book is told from the point of view of Pony Jones, a 26 year old rodeo star who is found dead.
The other part of the book focuses on Pony's dad Titus and on Jo Beth Dawson, a former detective who now spends her days under the haze of alcohol.
Jo Beth uncovers Pony's dead body and finds herself compelled to investigate further. She begins to realize that she is much more connected to the spirit of Pony Jones then she could ever imagine.
The story is more about Jo Beth and Titus than a suspenseful murder mystery. I was a bit unimpressed with the supernatural portion of the book that dealt with Native American spirit guides, totems and the dead communing with the living. But this is also what made the book unique.
I was not surprised at who the killer of Pony Jones was, but again, I think this book was more about the characters of Titus and Jo Beth finding peace, forgiveness and the strength to continue a meaningful life.
A good summer read! Thanks to the Goodreads First Reads program for this book.
The other part of the book focuses on Pony's dad Titus and on Jo Beth Dawson, a former detective who now spends her days under the haze of alcohol.
Jo Beth uncovers Pony's dead body and finds herself compelled to investigate further. She begins to realize that she is much more connected to the spirit of Pony Jones then she could ever imagine.
The story is more about Jo Beth and Titus than a suspenseful murder mystery. I was a bit unimpressed with the supernatural portion of the book that dealt with Native American spirit guides, totems and the dead communing with the living. But this is also what made the book unique.
I was not surprised at who the killer of Pony Jones was, but again, I think this book was more about the characters of Titus and Jo Beth finding peace, forgiveness and the strength to continue a meaningful life.
A good summer read! Thanks to the Goodreads First Reads program for this book.
May 21, 2011
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The Tender Mercy of Roses was a great novel, along the same vein as The Lovely Bones. But this novel is set in a world known as the deep south, where the rodeo circuit is the real All American sport and Native American folklore is more common than fairy tales. The story is a haunting story that will capture your attention until the very last page. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it, but only mildly surprised at who the real killer was.
The Tender Mercy of Roses was a great novel, along the same vein as The Lovely Bones. But this novel is set in a world known as the deep south, where the rodeo circuit is the real All American sport and Native American folklore is more common than fairy tales. The story is a haunting story that will capture your attention until the very last page. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it, but only mildly surprised at who the real killer was.
February 20, 2011
Reminscent of Sharyn McCrumb; Michaels pairs a modern mystery with plenty of Cherokee mountain mysticism. Spirits and strange events surround the death of rodeo rider Pony Jones and down-and-out ex-cop Jo Beth Dawson is caught in the middle.
June 19, 2011
3 1/2 but a delightful and interesting read. A little Lonely Bones crossed with Alice Hoffman and Sarah Addison Allen but much in it's own right also. Not quite as gloomy and loved the Cherokee Rose which ties together all the sub stories in the novel.
June 4, 2012
This was so touching and just so real and i loved the different perspective that the narrator came from. Loved it.
June 10, 2011
This review first appeared on my blog: http://www.knittingandsundries.com/20...
FIRST SENTENCE: It don't take no high school education to figure out I'm in a pickle.
A wisp of a girl, with her tiny red cowboy boots - that was Pony Jones. Raised alone by her father Titus after her mother Morning Star, who was 1/2 Cherokee, died in childbirth, she was the first woman to ride the bulls in professional men's rodeo - and she won. Now, at 26, she finds herself dead somewhere on the TN/AL state lines, and for some reason, God won't let her move on. Not only that, but he keeps whipping her from place to place and person to person. She has to help someone, but she really wishes God would let her know what the heck He wants her to do. It's bad enough being a ghost, but to see good food and not be able to eat it? That just ain't right.
Jo Beth Dawson lives in her portable trailer, with booze to keep her company. A former policewoman from Huntsville, granddaughter of Clint Dawson, who formed the first professional rodeo, she is a woman who has given up on life and living. She used to have a savior complex, but when that didn't keep a 14-year-old boy from jumping, the spotlight shone hot and heavy on her actions, and the scrutiny and questions caused her to leave town and her life. When her best friend Maggie asks her to come back to visit, she packs up and drives from her current spot in Hot Coffee, MS. When she parks her trailer at a campground along the way, she discovers Pony's body, covered with a flower called the "Cherokee Rose". Calling the police brings her former partner, Sam Donovan, into the picture.
For some reason, Jo Beth can't get rid of the image of the young girl in her little red boots. She finds herself drawn into her own investigation, of both her family and of Pony's death. In the end, she will uncover the secrets that bind these families together.
*********************************************************************
The Legend of the Cherokee Rose and the Trail of Tears(nu na hi du na tlo hi lu i)
When gold was found in Georgia, the government forgot its treaties and drove the Cherokees to Oklahoma. One fourth of them died on the journey west. When the Trail of Tears started in 1838, the mothers of the Cherokee were grieving and crying so much, they were unable to help their children survive the journey. The elders prayed for a sign that would lift the mother’s spirits to give them strength. God, looking down from heaven, decided to commemorate the brave Cherokees and so, as the blood of the braves and the tears of the maidens dropped to the ground, he turned them into stone in the shape of a Cherokee Rose. The next day a beautiful rose began to grow where each of the mother’s tears fell. The rose is white for their tears; a gold center represents the gold taken from Cherokee lands, and seven leaves on each stem for the seven Cherokee clans. No better symbol exists of the pain and suffering of the "Trail Where They Cried" than the Cherokee Rose The wild Cherokee Rose grows along the route of the Trail of Tears into eastern Oklahoma today.
Source: The Cherokee 1994 Heritage Calendar by Dorothy Sullivan, Memoray Circle Studio, Norman, OK
***************************************************************
Told in varying POV's, from the first-person voice of Pony, to the third-person of Sam, Titus, Jo Beth and others, this is an intricately woven tale of love and heartache, as well as hope. I was drawn in from page 1, to the story of Pony and her father Titus, whose loss of Morning Star caused him to retreat from the world to live in virtual isolation with the only person he had left. You will smile at some of Pony's dialogue (I know, it's sad that she's so young and she's now a ghost, but your personality doesn't leave you just because you're no longer among the living), and some parts of this novel brought tears to my eyes, mixed with a tiny smile - the kind of sad/happy feeling. The only reason this doesn't get five stars from me is that there is some fuzziness around Sam's story and his relationship with Jo Beth, and that doesn't really get cleared up, although I hoped it would. The killer and his/her reasons are not clear until almost the end, and I was happy to see just desserts paid.
Cherokee Rose was the name of Pony's grandmother, and in this novel, the roses serve as a harbinger of sorts. They show up at Titus's home, and he knows his daughter is gone. They surround Pony's body, and pop up in various places where they never were before.
A murder mystery mixed with family drama and secrets, The Tender Mercy of Roses is a wonderful, emotional story that will have you smiling on one page, and blinking back tears on the next.
QUOTES
Then lo and behold the preacher waxes eloquent about a option called endowments.
Now, I had two of them suckers setting on my chest. I knew on account of my science teacher. The week before he'd invited me to his house to look at the stars through his telescope. While I was on his back porch trying to find the man in the moon, he sneaked up behind me, told me I was "well-endowed," then proceeded to try to feel both of 'em. I run back into the kitchen, grabbed the nearest weapon and whacked him over the head with his own corn bread skillet. He's the one ended up seeing stars.
...Jo Beth overhear Mrs. Claude Upton refer to her as "poor little rich girl with a no-good daddy." Though she had been only six at the time and hadn't seen her daddy in two years, Jo Beth lit into Mrs. Upton like one of the wild bulls Rafe Dawson used to ride at the rodeo.
"You take that back! If you don't I'll have my granddaddy hogtie you behind a mean bull and drag you all over Tupelo."
Then she'd spat on Mrs. Upton's Etienne Aigner shoes.
Sam knew then, understood with the same clarity he's had when he'd gone home from work and found Lana's closet empty. Titus Jones had no interest in how the cops were trying to solve the crime: he was going to hunt down the man who had murdered his daughter.
God help the killer.
Writing: 5 out of 5 stars
Plot: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Characters: 4 out of 5 stars
Reading Immersion: 4.5 out 5 stars
BOOK RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars
FIRST SENTENCE: It don't take no high school education to figure out I'm in a pickle.
A wisp of a girl, with her tiny red cowboy boots - that was Pony Jones. Raised alone by her father Titus after her mother Morning Star, who was 1/2 Cherokee, died in childbirth, she was the first woman to ride the bulls in professional men's rodeo - and she won. Now, at 26, she finds herself dead somewhere on the TN/AL state lines, and for some reason, God won't let her move on. Not only that, but he keeps whipping her from place to place and person to person. She has to help someone, but she really wishes God would let her know what the heck He wants her to do. It's bad enough being a ghost, but to see good food and not be able to eat it? That just ain't right.
Jo Beth Dawson lives in her portable trailer, with booze to keep her company. A former policewoman from Huntsville, granddaughter of Clint Dawson, who formed the first professional rodeo, she is a woman who has given up on life and living. She used to have a savior complex, but when that didn't keep a 14-year-old boy from jumping, the spotlight shone hot and heavy on her actions, and the scrutiny and questions caused her to leave town and her life. When her best friend Maggie asks her to come back to visit, she packs up and drives from her current spot in Hot Coffee, MS. When she parks her trailer at a campground along the way, she discovers Pony's body, covered with a flower called the "Cherokee Rose". Calling the police brings her former partner, Sam Donovan, into the picture.
For some reason, Jo Beth can't get rid of the image of the young girl in her little red boots. She finds herself drawn into her own investigation, of both her family and of Pony's death. In the end, she will uncover the secrets that bind these families together.
*********************************************************************
The Legend of the Cherokee Rose and the Trail of Tears(nu na hi du na tlo hi lu i)
When gold was found in Georgia, the government forgot its treaties and drove the Cherokees to Oklahoma. One fourth of them died on the journey west. When the Trail of Tears started in 1838, the mothers of the Cherokee were grieving and crying so much, they were unable to help their children survive the journey. The elders prayed for a sign that would lift the mother’s spirits to give them strength. God, looking down from heaven, decided to commemorate the brave Cherokees and so, as the blood of the braves and the tears of the maidens dropped to the ground, he turned them into stone in the shape of a Cherokee Rose. The next day a beautiful rose began to grow where each of the mother’s tears fell. The rose is white for their tears; a gold center represents the gold taken from Cherokee lands, and seven leaves on each stem for the seven Cherokee clans. No better symbol exists of the pain and suffering of the "Trail Where They Cried" than the Cherokee Rose The wild Cherokee Rose grows along the route of the Trail of Tears into eastern Oklahoma today.
Source: The Cherokee 1994 Heritage Calendar by Dorothy Sullivan, Memoray Circle Studio, Norman, OK
***************************************************************
Told in varying POV's, from the first-person voice of Pony, to the third-person of Sam, Titus, Jo Beth and others, this is an intricately woven tale of love and heartache, as well as hope. I was drawn in from page 1, to the story of Pony and her father Titus, whose loss of Morning Star caused him to retreat from the world to live in virtual isolation with the only person he had left. You will smile at some of Pony's dialogue (I know, it's sad that she's so young and she's now a ghost, but your personality doesn't leave you just because you're no longer among the living), and some parts of this novel brought tears to my eyes, mixed with a tiny smile - the kind of sad/happy feeling. The only reason this doesn't get five stars from me is that there is some fuzziness around Sam's story and his relationship with Jo Beth, and that doesn't really get cleared up, although I hoped it would. The killer and his/her reasons are not clear until almost the end, and I was happy to see just desserts paid.
Cherokee Rose was the name of Pony's grandmother, and in this novel, the roses serve as a harbinger of sorts. They show up at Titus's home, and he knows his daughter is gone. They surround Pony's body, and pop up in various places where they never were before.
A murder mystery mixed with family drama and secrets, The Tender Mercy of Roses is a wonderful, emotional story that will have you smiling on one page, and blinking back tears on the next.
QUOTES
Then lo and behold the preacher waxes eloquent about a option called endowments.
Now, I had two of them suckers setting on my chest. I knew on account of my science teacher. The week before he'd invited me to his house to look at the stars through his telescope. While I was on his back porch trying to find the man in the moon, he sneaked up behind me, told me I was "well-endowed," then proceeded to try to feel both of 'em. I run back into the kitchen, grabbed the nearest weapon and whacked him over the head with his own corn bread skillet. He's the one ended up seeing stars.
...Jo Beth overhear Mrs. Claude Upton refer to her as "poor little rich girl with a no-good daddy." Though she had been only six at the time and hadn't seen her daddy in two years, Jo Beth lit into Mrs. Upton like one of the wild bulls Rafe Dawson used to ride at the rodeo.
"You take that back! If you don't I'll have my granddaddy hogtie you behind a mean bull and drag you all over Tupelo."
Then she'd spat on Mrs. Upton's Etienne Aigner shoes.
Sam knew then, understood with the same clarity he's had when he'd gone home from work and found Lana's closet empty. Titus Jones had no interest in how the cops were trying to solve the crime: he was going to hunt down the man who had murdered his daughter.
God help the killer.
Writing: 5 out of 5 stars
Plot: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Characters: 4 out of 5 stars
Reading Immersion: 4.5 out 5 stars
BOOK RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars
November 17, 2025
I would love to give this book a higher rating because I did like the story. However, the writing style was aggravating. Almost every paragraph contained a simile descriptor. So much so that it seemed as though the author was really reaching far and wide to find new similes because she was running out of comparisons. Without them, the story could have been told in half the number of pages.
July 29, 2019
Native American inspiration--flourishing language in this beautiful mystery.
September 26, 2024
An engaging tale of a disgraced former detective, haunted by a murdered cowgirl, as she works on solving the case.
June 26, 2025
Amazing!
May 26, 2011
From Goodreads:
"While the body of rodeo star Pony Jones lies motionless in the northern Alabama woods, her spirit is on a mission to find her killer. Invisible to the eye but not to the sixth sense, the only thing Pony can do is guide the living to the truth.
Her grief-stricken father, Titus, wants nothing more than retribution for his daughter's death, so when former police detective Jo Beth Dawson comes to town, something compels him to seek out her help.
But when Jo Beth and Titus team up to track down Pony's murderer, it turns loose a whirlwind of intense emotion and unexpected encounters. As they uncover more and more clues leading them to the killer, dark family secrets are revealed and the two must search their souls for redemption."
My Thoughts:
The Tender Mercy of Roses was a quiet novel driven by the main characters and the secrets that have shaped their lives. The story is shaped by Jo Beth, a former detective turned self-destructive alcoholic, with the weight of the world on her shoulders. Jo Beth is one of those characters that I couldn't help but feel for from the very beginning. Both her past and her downfall are given to us in pieces throughout the story. This helped to add layers to the story as Jo Beth is pulled into the investigation of Pony's death. My favorite part of this book was hands down the characters in the story. I felt they were well developed, realistically portrayed, and just were plain interesting. I wanted to read about their stories, figure out the secrets that they were possibly hiding, and see how it all tied into the mystery of Pony's death. The mystery was part of the story but it wasn't the main focus. Instead, the focus of the story was the past and how hidden secrets affected all of the character's lives. It was Pony's story, her father Titus' story, and of course it was Jo Beth's story as well. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this novel. The writing was gorgeous at times and I found myself just going along for the ride that the author was leading me. This wasn't a fast-paced novel by any means but instead a novel that was meant to be savored and enjoyed. I really liked the atmosphere created within the book. The author was able to create a haunting atmosphere where nothing is what it seems and the most important thing was staying true to oneself. I found the ending to be very satisfying and I was sad to see it end. All in all, this is a book that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend especially to those who enjoy literary fiction. Recommended!
Disclosure: I was sent this book to review from the publisher as part of a Gallery Books Blog Tour. My thanks for the chance to share my honest thoughts!
"While the body of rodeo star Pony Jones lies motionless in the northern Alabama woods, her spirit is on a mission to find her killer. Invisible to the eye but not to the sixth sense, the only thing Pony can do is guide the living to the truth.
Her grief-stricken father, Titus, wants nothing more than retribution for his daughter's death, so when former police detective Jo Beth Dawson comes to town, something compels him to seek out her help.
But when Jo Beth and Titus team up to track down Pony's murderer, it turns loose a whirlwind of intense emotion and unexpected encounters. As they uncover more and more clues leading them to the killer, dark family secrets are revealed and the two must search their souls for redemption."
My Thoughts:
The Tender Mercy of Roses was a quiet novel driven by the main characters and the secrets that have shaped their lives. The story is shaped by Jo Beth, a former detective turned self-destructive alcoholic, with the weight of the world on her shoulders. Jo Beth is one of those characters that I couldn't help but feel for from the very beginning. Both her past and her downfall are given to us in pieces throughout the story. This helped to add layers to the story as Jo Beth is pulled into the investigation of Pony's death. My favorite part of this book was hands down the characters in the story. I felt they were well developed, realistically portrayed, and just were plain interesting. I wanted to read about their stories, figure out the secrets that they were possibly hiding, and see how it all tied into the mystery of Pony's death. The mystery was part of the story but it wasn't the main focus. Instead, the focus of the story was the past and how hidden secrets affected all of the character's lives. It was Pony's story, her father Titus' story, and of course it was Jo Beth's story as well. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this novel. The writing was gorgeous at times and I found myself just going along for the ride that the author was leading me. This wasn't a fast-paced novel by any means but instead a novel that was meant to be savored and enjoyed. I really liked the atmosphere created within the book. The author was able to create a haunting atmosphere where nothing is what it seems and the most important thing was staying true to oneself. I found the ending to be very satisfying and I was sad to see it end. All in all, this is a book that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend especially to those who enjoy literary fiction. Recommended!
Disclosure: I was sent this book to review from the publisher as part of a Gallery Books Blog Tour. My thanks for the chance to share my honest thoughts!
May 19, 2011
The Tender Mercy of Roses is the debut novel of Anna Michaels and a novel of Fiction from Gallery Books.
Book Blurb:
At twenty-six, Pony Jones is a record-breaking legend of the rodeo circuit, a beloved young star. And when her body is discovered in the northern Alabama woods, it is Pony’s spirit - invisible to the eye but not to the sixth sense - that helps reveal clues to her murder.
Pulled together in a whirlwind mystery of intense emotion and unexpected encounters are her grief-stricken father, Titus, bent on retribution; and Jo Beth Dawson, a hard-drinking former detective plagued by bad memories and a failed marriage.
Jo Beth feels an otherworldly connection with the dead woman - and an irresistible compulsion to uncover the truth. The rodeo in Huntsville leads Jo Beth to Titus, and what the unlikely partners do find is more shocking than murder itself: long- buried family secrets that will bring them to search their souls for redemption...and tie the three of them closer than they could imagine.
My thoughts:
Pony Jones is a young woman of Cherokee descent who lost her mother in childbirth. Raised by her father, Pony was taught the ways of her mother’s people in honor of her mother’s memory. But that is not all she was taught.
Her father taught her to love the rodeo. And love it, she did. Pony was a record-breaking legend, well loved and respected.
But now she has been murdered.
Jo Beth Dawson was a police woman for thirteen years - until she could no longer handle it alone and turned to the bottle for comfort. She left Alabama, her career, her marriage - and most of her dignity behind - vowing to never return.
But some things are easier said than done. Jo Beth has one friend left in Alabama - one friend period - and Maggie has asked Jo Beth to visit.
Jo Beth expected the visit to be hard - but she didn’t expect to be caught up in a murder investigation. Neither did she expect to find long denied family rumors validated - and long buried family secrets come to light.
The Tender Mercy of Roses is a very compelling read. Pony Jones narration is griping and I wanted to find out who caused her death and why they felt the need to take this young woman’s life.
I give The Tender Mercy of Roses 4 out of 5 stars.
Product Details
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Gallery (5-17-11)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1439180997
ISBN-13: 978-1439180990
Book Blurb:
At twenty-six, Pony Jones is a record-breaking legend of the rodeo circuit, a beloved young star. And when her body is discovered in the northern Alabama woods, it is Pony’s spirit - invisible to the eye but not to the sixth sense - that helps reveal clues to her murder.
Pulled together in a whirlwind mystery of intense emotion and unexpected encounters are her grief-stricken father, Titus, bent on retribution; and Jo Beth Dawson, a hard-drinking former detective plagued by bad memories and a failed marriage.
Jo Beth feels an otherworldly connection with the dead woman - and an irresistible compulsion to uncover the truth. The rodeo in Huntsville leads Jo Beth to Titus, and what the unlikely partners do find is more shocking than murder itself: long- buried family secrets that will bring them to search their souls for redemption...and tie the three of them closer than they could imagine.
My thoughts:
Pony Jones is a young woman of Cherokee descent who lost her mother in childbirth. Raised by her father, Pony was taught the ways of her mother’s people in honor of her mother’s memory. But that is not all she was taught.
Her father taught her to love the rodeo. And love it, she did. Pony was a record-breaking legend, well loved and respected.
But now she has been murdered.
Jo Beth Dawson was a police woman for thirteen years - until she could no longer handle it alone and turned to the bottle for comfort. She left Alabama, her career, her marriage - and most of her dignity behind - vowing to never return.
But some things are easier said than done. Jo Beth has one friend left in Alabama - one friend period - and Maggie has asked Jo Beth to visit.
Jo Beth expected the visit to be hard - but she didn’t expect to be caught up in a murder investigation. Neither did she expect to find long denied family rumors validated - and long buried family secrets come to light.
The Tender Mercy of Roses is a very compelling read. Pony Jones narration is griping and I wanted to find out who caused her death and why they felt the need to take this young woman’s life.
I give The Tender Mercy of Roses 4 out of 5 stars.
Product Details
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Gallery (5-17-11)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1439180997
ISBN-13: 978-1439180990
May 23, 2011
RATING: 4.5) THE TENDER MERCY OF ROSES by Anna Michaels is an amazing crime fiction with paranormal tendencies.This is a debut novel by this author.This story begins in the Northern Alabama woods where the body of a young rising rodeo star is found dead in the bushes. The dead girl's name is Pony,while her soul is very much alive,even if her body is not she is confused,can still see her family,the killer and will eventually found peace.This story is filled with Native American myths,the scent of Cherokee Roses,and has an amazing crime fiction plot.Jo Beth,is a disgraced former police detective,is the one who stumbles upon Pony's body and feels a connection to the young girl which compels her to find the killer.Pony's father,Titus,is grief stricken over her death,sets out to find the killer,out for revenge,and will run into Jo Beth. While this story is not only heart wrenching it is also emotional,full of healing,secrets revealed,magical moments,grief, family,fate, salvation,redemption,and the examination of family values.This story is magical,spiritual,
and moves within the unseen places of the soul.It will bring one women back to life while ending another young women's.It is bring closure to a father and secrets revealed that are decades old and where worth taking a young women's life over.This is a fast paced story that will leave you in awe.If you enjoy magical plots,Native American myths,a great crime who done it,and the redemption of a family than "The Tender Mercy of Roses" is the story for you.You can almost smell the scent of the Cherokee Roses.For a debut author this is an author to watch for in the future.What a outstanding crime fiction with a little paranormal mix into the plot.A must read.This book was received for the purpose of review from the publisher and details can be found at Galley Books,an imprint of Simon & Schuster and My Book Addiction Reviews.
and moves within the unseen places of the soul.It will bring one women back to life while ending another young women's.It is bring closure to a father and secrets revealed that are decades old and where worth taking a young women's life over.This is a fast paced story that will leave you in awe.If you enjoy magical plots,Native American myths,a great crime who done it,and the redemption of a family than "The Tender Mercy of Roses" is the story for you.You can almost smell the scent of the Cherokee Roses.For a debut author this is an author to watch for in the future.What a outstanding crime fiction with a little paranormal mix into the plot.A must read.This book was received for the purpose of review from the publisher and details can be found at Galley Books,an imprint of Simon & Schuster and My Book Addiction Reviews.
June 1, 2011
I don't usually read a debut novel then speculate about the author's future writing career, but in this instance I felt I had to. Anna Michaels has an amazing talent, but this book is so uneven that I'm hoping she takes her time with her sophomore work and delivers something really extraordinary.
Ostensibly a mystery novel regarding the death of rodeo star Pony Jones, the book's main weakness is in its utter lack of suspense. The killer's identity is telegraphed fairly early, and Titus' and Jo Beth's search for the killer is dealt with in a pretty pedestrian, almost ho-hum, fashion. In fact, most of the story and dialog, even the establishment of relationships between the characters, is dealt with in a fairly off-hand manner reminiscent of the worst mystery writing.
Where this book shines, though, is in two aspects. First, the magical realism with which Ms Michaels wreaths it totters at times on the brink of the absurd, but manages to work in the end, mostly due to her exquisite command of language. Sentences like "We hold love while we can, the bits and pieces burning through us like a comet. Afterward, we are left breathless and branded" evoke the romance of roses and loss. She chooses her words carefully, burnishing lustrous phrases that glow like camellias in the night (if you'll pardon the flower simile.)
The second aspect is the voice of Pony Jones. Vibrant, occasionally wry and ceaselessly charming, Pony's ghost watches and narrates as her loved ones try to solve the mystery of her death. She's lauded so much by those who've survived her that the reader catches just the faintest whiff of Mary Sue, but it really is hard to dislike Pony.
If this book had been able to do more with its plot, and with its characterization of people who weren't Pony, it would have been truly amazing. I'm hoping Ms Michaels only continues to improve with subsequent novels.
I received this book gratis as part of GoodReads' First Reads program.
Ostensibly a mystery novel regarding the death of rodeo star Pony Jones, the book's main weakness is in its utter lack of suspense. The killer's identity is telegraphed fairly early, and Titus' and Jo Beth's search for the killer is dealt with in a pretty pedestrian, almost ho-hum, fashion. In fact, most of the story and dialog, even the establishment of relationships between the characters, is dealt with in a fairly off-hand manner reminiscent of the worst mystery writing.
Where this book shines, though, is in two aspects. First, the magical realism with which Ms Michaels wreaths it totters at times on the brink of the absurd, but manages to work in the end, mostly due to her exquisite command of language. Sentences like "We hold love while we can, the bits and pieces burning through us like a comet. Afterward, we are left breathless and branded" evoke the romance of roses and loss. She chooses her words carefully, burnishing lustrous phrases that glow like camellias in the night (if you'll pardon the flower simile.)
The second aspect is the voice of Pony Jones. Vibrant, occasionally wry and ceaselessly charming, Pony's ghost watches and narrates as her loved ones try to solve the mystery of her death. She's lauded so much by those who've survived her that the reader catches just the faintest whiff of Mary Sue, but it really is hard to dislike Pony.
If this book had been able to do more with its plot, and with its characterization of people who weren't Pony, it would have been truly amazing. I'm hoping Ms Michaels only continues to improve with subsequent novels.
I received this book gratis as part of GoodReads' First Reads program.
May 25, 2011
Sad, sweet and suspenseful, The Tender Mercy of Roses by Anna Michaels is an enjoyable, touching story of family loyalty. It’s also a cautionary tales of what bad things can happen when people take that type of loyalty way too far.
Anna Michaels is a pseudonym for Peggy Webb, author of the Southern Cousins Mystery series. She paint a beautiful landscape with her words and carries the reader along smoothly through this unusual crime thriller. But Ms. Michaels used, what I felt was, an excess of metaphors. While most of them were creative and colorful, two or three per paragraph is overkill.
Also, I wish Pony had not been quite so idolized. Other than her mangling of the English language, Pony is an absolutely perfect person. This made it hard for me to find her character believable. We’re all flawed -- it would have made for a better story if Pony had had some realistic flaws too.
The other players -- Jo Beth, Sam, Titus, even the cheerleading Maggie -- were well thought out and convincing. I was really pulling for all of them, hoping that everything would work out okay and that they could solve the murder without destroying their own lives.
All in all, I found The Tender Mercy of Roses to be a great book. Ms. Michaels can really spin a magical webb (sic) that will snare you and hold you until the last page is read!
(Received complimentary copy for review purposes only.)
Anna Michaels is a pseudonym for Peggy Webb, author of the Southern Cousins Mystery series. She paint a beautiful landscape with her words and carries the reader along smoothly through this unusual crime thriller. But Ms. Michaels used, what I felt was, an excess of metaphors. While most of them were creative and colorful, two or three per paragraph is overkill.
Also, I wish Pony had not been quite so idolized. Other than her mangling of the English language, Pony is an absolutely perfect person. This made it hard for me to find her character believable. We’re all flawed -- it would have made for a better story if Pony had had some realistic flaws too.
The other players -- Jo Beth, Sam, Titus, even the cheerleading Maggie -- were well thought out and convincing. I was really pulling for all of them, hoping that everything would work out okay and that they could solve the murder without destroying their own lives.
All in all, I found The Tender Mercy of Roses to be a great book. Ms. Michaels can really spin a magical webb (sic) that will snare you and hold you until the last page is read!
(Received complimentary copy for review purposes only.)
May 28, 2011
Pony Jones, a rodeo star, lays dead in the Alabama woods, but her spirit lingers in order to find her killer. Her father Titus, bent on revenge, teams up with a disgraced ex-police detective, Jo Beth, who feels a connection with the body and becomes determined to find the perpetrator. The scent of Cherokee roses and Native American magic permeates the story as they try to find the murderer. Jo Beth seems somewhat mysterious at first until her background is made clear and her friend Maggie cheers the group onward. Jo Beth is at the crux of this story in more ways than one. The families of Pony and Jo Beth are deeply intertwined. There is also an under lying conflict between the the detective, Sam Donovan, who is Jo Beth's former partner.
I really thought this book was a great mix of mystery, thriller and paranormal much like a bit of Sarah Addison Allen and The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold with a dash of The Late Lamented Molly Marx by Sally Koslow . The writing really sparkles and you are quickly drawn into the magical world of Pony which is quite believable. There are dark dramas played out by each character and you wonder if they will each be able to keep their lives together while unravelling this mystery and not destroy each other. I just wish I didn't know who the killer was right at the start and that would have been explained a bit later in the book.
I really thought this book was a great mix of mystery, thriller and paranormal much like a bit of Sarah Addison Allen and The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold with a dash of The Late Lamented Molly Marx by Sally Koslow . The writing really sparkles and you are quickly drawn into the magical world of Pony which is quite believable. There are dark dramas played out by each character and you wonder if they will each be able to keep their lives together while unravelling this mystery and not destroy each other. I just wish I didn't know who the killer was right at the start and that would have been explained a bit later in the book.
July 6, 2011
I received The Tender Mercy of Roses through the Goodreads First-Read program. When I received it, the cover won me over right away. Most people say you can't judge a book by its cover---true. But you would be surprised how many new authors' books are sold due to the cover. This cover is beautiful and so is the story inside. Good mystery with very believable plot and characters. I didn't figure out who murdered Pony Jones until page 293. As a Tennessean, I am always looking to read books about my state and the south written by southern authors. Anna Michaels knows the south and the language thereof. I also enjoy books about Native Americans. Michaels does an excellent work on weaving Native American legend and lore into this book. Some of the criicism I have would be too many repeated phrases and too many references to roses. Don't get me wrong---I love the rose theme--but there is a point where it becomes tooo much. And Sam's gum chewing habit just got on my nerves. There is definitely overkill(no pun intended) on death and a ghostly presence. But over all, Michaels has given us a very enjoyable debut novel. I believe she has a very promising career in her future because she has a gift for writing. Looking forward to her next one.
July 27, 2011
I won this advance copy of the book in a Goodreads drawing, and was quite excited to read it. The story is interesting, exciting, and provocative. I currently live in the south so enjoyed the many local southern references to places and characters, and in particular like the rodeo and native American sequences.
For me the real highlight of this story is the character of Pony Jones and her father Titus. I enjoyed reading about them so much, I'd encourage the author to write a "prequel" so we could see a little more into their psyche, and what made them who they are now. I felt that the character of JoBeth was not as developed and was disappointed in that. There are many references to why she drinks so much, and is on the run, but they didn't add up for me as to why she is so self-destructive.
The incredible common thread of the Cherokee roses adds such an intriguing mystical aspect to the story, that I commend the author for her creativity and ability to make it seem real.
A good read, and again - I'd like to know more about Pony - or even her mother's story!
For me the real highlight of this story is the character of Pony Jones and her father Titus. I enjoyed reading about them so much, I'd encourage the author to write a "prequel" so we could see a little more into their psyche, and what made them who they are now. I felt that the character of JoBeth was not as developed and was disappointed in that. There are many references to why she drinks so much, and is on the run, but they didn't add up for me as to why she is so self-destructive.
The incredible common thread of the Cherokee roses adds such an intriguing mystical aspect to the story, that I commend the author for her creativity and ability to make it seem real.
A good read, and again - I'd like to know more about Pony - or even her mother's story!
July 15, 2011
I could have read this book in one sitting if my time hadn't been so limited this week. I found myself thinking about the characters and the mystery, even when I wasn't reading. Anna Michaels writes beautifully, as well. I got caught up in her use of words, which lent a southern flavoring and poetry to the story.
Although this story involves a murder mystery, I felt that it wasn't morbid at all. The rodeo setting didn't overwhelm the rest of the story. The ethereal Native American element gave it a beautiful spirituality that felt natural.
Be advised: There was some strong language, but only a little of it. It seemed like Michael used it only to help develop a clearer picture of Pony Jones' character; her masculine upbringing, her wild personality, her lack of education. That's how it struck me, anyway.
I really enjoyed it. If you don't have a problem with mild profanity, I'd definitely recommend it.
Although this story involves a murder mystery, I felt that it wasn't morbid at all. The rodeo setting didn't overwhelm the rest of the story. The ethereal Native American element gave it a beautiful spirituality that felt natural.
Be advised: There was some strong language, but only a little of it. It seemed like Michael used it only to help develop a clearer picture of Pony Jones' character; her masculine upbringing, her wild personality, her lack of education. That's how it struck me, anyway.
I really enjoyed it. If you don't have a problem with mild profanity, I'd definitely recommend it.
June 16, 2011
"The Tender Mercy of Roses" is a brilliant book that will create a lasting impression on the reader. Pony Jones, a talented female rodeo star, is found murdered, but strangely, her body blanketed with white Cherokee roses. Her grief-stricken father, Titus, is bent on revenge and must deal with main character, Jo Beth Dawson, once a brilliant police detective, now a drunken mess of a woman trying to climb her way back to life. Jo Beth's former police partner, Sam Donovan,deals with Pony's murder and seeks out the person who ended her young life so violently. He, too, must deal with Jo Beth and their long-ago past as policemen. And then there are the Cherokee roses which seem to spring up everywhere and brind miracles and changes with their blooming.
This story is incredibly well-written, well-edited,and it's character and plot development are beyond fault. Definitely a story for readers everywhere.
This story is incredibly well-written, well-edited,and it's character and plot development are beyond fault. Definitely a story for readers everywhere.
June 25, 2011
I won this book as a Goodreads giveaway ARC. It is the uncorrected copy which,unfortunately, did not arrive until last week. That said, it is a light read which I completed in 1-2 days.
Pony Jones, a Native American rodeo rider, is found dead at the age of 26. She was the first woman's champion bull rider. Her body is found by Jo Beth Dawson, an ex-cop, with an alcohol problem. The alcohol does little to eliminate the ghosts of those that Jo Beth could not save. Pony's spirit joins Jo Beth's gallery of ghosts. Pony's spirit also is in no mood tolerate Jo Beth's deficits. Whether Jo BEth saves Pony's spirit or Pony's spirit saves Jo Beth would be a tough call. Regardless, their partnership explores family relationships, family stories and family truths in an easy, interesting, mystery. A light read, I would recommend for beach reading or when searching for an engaging but light read.
Pony Jones, a Native American rodeo rider, is found dead at the age of 26. She was the first woman's champion bull rider. Her body is found by Jo Beth Dawson, an ex-cop, with an alcohol problem. The alcohol does little to eliminate the ghosts of those that Jo Beth could not save. Pony's spirit joins Jo Beth's gallery of ghosts. Pony's spirit also is in no mood tolerate Jo Beth's deficits. Whether Jo BEth saves Pony's spirit or Pony's spirit saves Jo Beth would be a tough call. Regardless, their partnership explores family relationships, family stories and family truths in an easy, interesting, mystery. A light read, I would recommend for beach reading or when searching for an engaging but light read.
Read
August 15, 2011Well, I never received this book. I went to the sender site and thought that I entered "never received". Instead, I hit "received". I did not know how to edit, so I left it as it was. Needless to say that I was new to everything and screwed it all up. I put it on my list to read though, and will give my review after I buy it.
UPDATE: Thanks to the publishers, I finally got this book. It was well worth the wait. I haven't been reading who done its lately, but that will be changing now. I was hooked again on page 1. I knew that I had a winner. Chapters alternate between the present and observations by Pony, who was murdered. It opened with her input and showed what a firecracker she was, even in death.
Native American quotes and beliefs were interspersed in and between chapters. I found them both soothing and very true to life.
UPDATE: Thanks to the publishers, I finally got this book. It was well worth the wait. I haven't been reading who done its lately, but that will be changing now. I was hooked again on page 1. I knew that I had a winner. Chapters alternate between the present and observations by Pony, who was murdered. It opened with her input and showed what a firecracker she was, even in death.
Native American quotes and beliefs were interspersed in and between chapters. I found them both soothing and very true to life.
January 2, 2013
In The Tender Mercy of Roses, Pony Jones has made her mark in the rodeo circuit where she has taken the coveted prize by riding a bull better than any of her male competitors. Sadly, Pony turns up dead and it is up to her father (Titus Jones) and Joe Beth Dawson (former detective who has taken to the bottle) to solve the mystery. Although Pony is dead, her spirit remains very much alive and cannot proceed to the afterlife until her murderer is tracked down and the case is closed.
Family secrets, deception, and finally redemption tie all 3 of these characters together in this fast reading murder mystery. Although I felt the story dragged on a bit, the Native American theme was insightful for me. Notably, I found a reference to death most interesting:
“May the Great Spirit shed light on your path. There is no death, only a change of worlds.”
Family secrets, deception, and finally redemption tie all 3 of these characters together in this fast reading murder mystery. Although I felt the story dragged on a bit, the Native American theme was insightful for me. Notably, I found a reference to death most interesting:
“May the Great Spirit shed light on your path. There is no death, only a change of worlds.”
April 9, 2013
Not really a mystery as the murderer and the Romeo and Juliette romance are easy to figure out, but rather a mystical tale full of magical realism. The strongest voice of the story is Pony Jones, alredy dead when we meet her. A successful female bull rider,Pony isn't about to leave this earth without revealing her killer. Jo Beth Dawson, a failed alcoholic cop, finds her grave and is drawn into detective work again against her will. She will run up against Pony's anguished father out for revenge and her former partner on the police force. Jo Beth hears Pony's voice, sees her spirit animal in the form of a white wolf, and experiences the wild growth of Cherokee roses wherever Pony's soul lights down. In the end, a hopeful and miraculous resolution releases Pony to meet her ancestors and gives peace to Jo Beth and her father.
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