Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

House of Mercy

Rate this book
When Beth’s world falls apart, can she ever be whole again?

Beth has a gift of healing—which is why she wants to become a vet and help her family run their fifth-generation cattle ranch. Her father’s dream of helping men in trouble and giving them a second chance is her dream too. But it only takes one foolish decision for Beth to destroy it all.

Beth scrambles to redeem her mistake, pleading with God for help, even as a mystery complicates her life. The repercussions grow more unbearable—a lawsuit, a death, a divided family, and the looming loss of everything she cares about. Beth’s only hope is to find the grandfather she never knew and beg for his help. Confused, grieving, and determined to make amends, she embarks on a horseback journey across the mountains, guided by a wild, unpredictable wolf who may or may not be real.

Set in the stunningly rugged terrain of Southern Colorado, House of Mercy follows Beth through the valley of the shadow of death into the unfathomable miracles of God’s goodness and mercy.

384 pages, Paperback

First published August 7, 2012

41 people are currently reading
676 people want to read

About the author

Erin Healy

15 books332 followers
Erin Healy is a supernatural-suspense novelist and an award-winning fiction editor. She began working with Ted Dekker in 2002 and edited twelve of his heart-pounding stories before their collaboration on KISS, the first novel to seat her on "the other side of the desk."

Erin is the owner of WordWright Editorial Services, a consulting firm specializing in fiction book development. She lives with her family in Colorado.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
145 (40%)
4 stars
121 (33%)
3 stars
69 (19%)
2 stars
18 (4%)
1 star
9 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for Keiki Hendrix.
231 reviews523 followers
October 4, 2012
I’ve read Erin Healy’s previous novels and enjoyed them. As I began this review, I searched for adequate words to describe her writing style. I settled on two words, vivid and elegant.

In Erin Healy’s newest novel, House of Mercy, the author uses vivid imagery and elegant descriptive style to explore attempts to understand events where we truly want to do what is right in the face of devastating events, but some consequences cannot be avoided.

This story is about a young woman named Beth who makes a bad choice and then another as she attempts to help a friend. The consequence of these choices, even though her motives were pure, is a lawsuit that may cost her family’s ranch.

Beth bears the guilt of this and prays for mercy from God. When her father dies, Beth sets out in search of her grandfather. Beth has the gift of healing but is puzzled when she cannot command the gift at will. She could not heal her father. If she cannot use this gift, why does she have it?

Questions, lots of questions. Still, Beth prays for mercy and receives an answer that mercy will come, but not in the way she expects. It’s in the midst of all this turmoil, both legally and within her family, that Beth is forced to trust.

A truly enjoyable read. If you are looking for a book that explores the mystery of what mercy truly is, pick this one up.

Amazon Vine™. In accordance with Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, the review copy of "House of Mercy" by Erin Healy was provided free of charge by Amazon Vine Program in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for J.S. Bailey.
Author 25 books250 followers
November 12, 2012
One thing that I love about Erin Healy's novels is the emotional impact her writing has on the reader. House of Mercy is the story of Beth Borzoi, who makes one foolish mistake that brings her world crashing down around her. Her actions lead to a lawsuit, a death, and the search for a man she has never known. I felt myself grieving with Beth through her loss and pain to the extent that I almost could feel it myself. I often found myself getting angry at characters who were treating Beth unfairly. It isn't often that I want to punch a character in the face! ;)

As the title says, the theme of this novel is God's mercy, as well as the mercy that we can have for each other. (I guess I'll have to work on that since I really did want to knock some sense into certain characters.) I don't want to say much more--you'll have to read it for yourself!

Erin left enough loose ends for there to be a sequel, which I look forward to reading. House of Mercy is a job well done!
229 reviews3 followers
July 26, 2012
When Beth’s world falls apart, can she ever be whole again?

Beth has a gift of healing—which is why she wants to become a vet and help her family run their fifth-generation cattle ranch. Her father’s dream of helping men in trouble and giving them a second chance is her dream too. But it only takes one foolish decision for Beth to destroy it all.

Beth scrambles to redeem her mistake, pleading with God for help, even as a mystery complicates her life. But the repercussions grow more unbearable—a lawsuit, a death, a divided family, and the looming loss of everything she cares about. Beth’s only hope is to find the grandfather she never knew and beg for his help. Confused, grieving, but determined to make amends, she embarks on a horseback journey across the mountains, guided by a wild, unpredictable wolf who may or may not be real.

Set in the stunningly rugged terrain of Southern Colorado, House of Mercy follows Beth through the valley of the shadow of death into the unfathomable miracles of God’s goodness and mercy.

House of Mercy by Erin Healy was a captivating read that really captured need we have for God's mercy and grace and how He gives it to us freely, even when we run from His love. The plot line flowed well and filled with moments of sorrow, joy, tribulation, and hope. The novel was interesting and kept me glued to the pages. The literal yet symbolic nature of many of the scenes in House of Mercy were intriguing and helped drive home the points Erin was making in her novel. House of Mercy was certainly a unique novel. There were many instances that seemed very unrealistic and maybe even crazy, but they all flowed together to create a powerful story that revealed what true love, mercy and acceptance are. I would have liked if there had been some mention of Jesus in the story. God was mentioned often, but some times in a more mystical light than what is reflected through the Bible. I think that mentioning at some point any character's belief in Christ as God's ultimate gift of mercy would have added to the story. I have read all of Erin Healy's novels, and I really enjoy her choices of both description and language.

The character development in House of Mercy was excellent as well. Beth was a deep and interesting character, filled with both strengths and weaknesses. I did not really like Beth at first as she was immature and not concerned for how her actions would affect her family and those she loved. I enjoyed seeing her growth as a person as she traveled and experienced the mercy and love of her Heavenly Father. The other characters were individual and captivating as well. One of the antagonists in the plot had a very unique psyche, and it was horrifyingly interesting to see her thought processes and to watch her actions. The men who worked on the ranch were exciting and filled with surprises themselves. I was happy to see a surprising romance even develop in the midst of the pain and uncertainty.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel. Its plot, tone, language, and character development were all created well and helped me experience House of Mercy to the fullest. The book ended in a very satisfying if not tantalizing manner. I wonder if there might be a sequel ..... if not, I will have to simply let my imagination run free in imagining what awaits for the characters.

I received this novel for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review. .
Profile Image for Faith.
2,206 reviews
August 28, 2012
An intricately woven story of family and relying on God for true strength and power.


Bethesda Borzoi is the daughter of a noble rancher, and her world is turned on its end by one horrible mistake with devestating repercussions. As things unravel one by one Beth must lean on her faith to trust her future to God no matter how bleak it seems.


Riveting from the very beginning to the last page, House of Mercy was the kind of book that just sucked me into it's depths. The many well-rounded characters took me on a trip through every emotion, from disgust and heartbreak, to happiness and satisfaction.


I loved how diverse the cast of characters were. There were some that I loathed from the beginning and others who slowly stole my heart. I absolutely loved the character of Wally, the warm-hearted, but forgetful cowhand.


The story was a wonderfullythought provoking read, with emotions going in all directions, switching from one point of view to another. Beth grew in so many ways over the course of the book, spiritually and otherwise. Also, I just loved the theme of relying on God's power and not on your own.


Overall, a different kind of book for me, but I enjoyed it nontheless. The ranch setting was one of the things that I loved most about this book, as I was visiting my cousins on my grandma's ranch at the time I read this book and could relate to many of the descriptions. The characters were so well-built that I felt as if I had met real people, though to be honest some of the "meetings" were not that pleasant! This was a book I thoroughly enjoyed, and I know that I will be reading more from Erin Healy in the future!


I received this book from the publisher through B&B Media in return for an honest review. Thank you!
Profile Image for Brandi (Rambles of a SAHM).
817 reviews33 followers
September 16, 2012
Have you ever done something on impulse that wound up having repercussions that extend far beyond what you could have ever imagined? Have you ever struggled with how to undo what has already been done?


That is exactly the spot we find our lead character in when we meet her. She makes a decision against her better judgment that begins a downward spiral not only for herself but for those that she loves the most.


At one time if you would have asked me if I liked speculative fiction I would have said no…but then along came Erin Healy. This woman has such talent. She takes the seemingly implausible and turns it into something completely believable. I continually ask myself how she comes up with this stuff while I’m reading her work.


In House of Mercy, Erin gives us a peak at where the idea for this book came from. In the back of the book under the author’s note section she shares about an extremely difficult time in her life. During a conversation with God, she felt like He was asking her, “Do you believe I’m good even when I don’t give you what you think you need?” And that is where the storyline was born.


Throughout the story Beth calls out for God to have mercy. God continually tells her that He will show her mercy. But He also reminds her that His mercy doesn’t exist because of who Beth is. It exists because of Who God is.


Towards the end of the book the message of mercy was so powerful that I literally had to put the book down and spend a moment of private praise and worship. You can’t help but examine the mercy that has been shown to you in your life.


Five stars, two thumbs up, and all of that! Go get this book…you will not regret it!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my review.
Profile Image for Carrie.
362 reviews5 followers
August 15, 2012
House of Mercy is an interesting blend of magic and mystery as the heroine, Bethesda Borzoi, searches to fix the tragic mistake she makes. Beth only wants to help, be it people or animals, just like her father. She has a gift for healing and decides to become a vet and work on the family ranch. One night she is contacted by a friend who asks her to help his sick horse. To do so she makes a choice that will spiral into the potential destruction of everything she holds dear.

Beth’s mistakes that night lead to the death of a valuable stud horse and a vindictive owner who wants to punish her. The costs from the lawsuit threaten to bankrupt the family ranch and destroy Beth’s family. The members of her family take sides on the issue; splintering them and making Beth feel as if she is not welcome. With the tragic death of her father, Beth sets off on a journey to hopefully right her own wrongs, as well as some from her mother’s past, by locating her estranged grandfather and begging him for financial assistance.

Her journey through the mountains felt almost surreal. Throughout the novel there is the appearance of a magnificent grey wolf that doesn’t seem as if it is physically there. Grey wolves haven’t been seen in the area for decades and the encounters are dreamlike in their quality. Even Beth questions if she is seeing a real wolf or just a creature in her imagination. She also experiences unexplainable abilities to heal simply by laying her hands upon the injury. Her abilities don’t always work (she tries to heal her father when he has a heart attack) and she questions why God gives mercy to some and not others.

Parallel to Beth’s journey there is the story of the estranged grandfather she is traveling to find. He has experienced some unexplained signs that make him believe his daughter, Beth’s mother, will be coming back to him. I was surprised at his reaction when Beth finally shows up and tells him who she is. I expected him to be thrilled to have part of his family in his life but he was instead angry that she was there instead of his own daughter.

The idea of mercy is a prominent theme throughout this novel, as well as the idea of goodness. Why do bad things happen to good people? Beth struggles with her faith and her belief in the goodness of God as she watches her family fall apart. As in other Erin Healy novels there was the continuous religious aspect of the story and how the characters deal with life’s challenges. But I didn’t find it preachy or in your face. It had a magical, mystical feel and at that’s pretty much how I want my religion ;)

My only complaint with this novel was a few things weren’t resolved. Beth steals a valuable saddle in the beginning she later discovers has an interesting history. There were hints that the saddle would reappear but it never does. There are comments made by various characters that leave the reader waiting for resolution…and it never comes. The fate of the family ranch and Beth’s family unit overall is never really resolved. I would have appreciated a hint that let me know everything would be either okay or not. It makes me wonder if maybe this story line will be continued in a future book.

I enjoyed Healy’s latest and if I have an opportunity I will pick up the other books she’s published.

4 out of 5 stars.
Profile Image for Emma.
55 reviews25 followers
December 19, 2012
Some people feel a profound need to fix the world. Beth Borzoi does and learns the hard way that it is not her place to try and mend everything. Her mistake could cost her family everything. In attempt to right her wrong, Beth sets out on a quest to find her estranged grandfather…but she is being led by a wolf. The very wolf that had seemed to launch the nightmare her life had become.

I have a confession to make. I needed something to read, and I picked House of Mercy because it had a horse on the cover. I knew nothing about the author and had heard nothing about the book which normally makes me hesitant to pick something up. But House of Mercy is one of those books that once you’ve read, you pick up a copy every time you see it because it seems you’re always giving your copy away. “You haven’t read it? Here, take mine!”

Mrs. Healy’s website mentions her interest in “thin places,” and I think that is what sets this book apart. Many authors write either fantasy or realistic fiction, but a few, like Mrs. Healy, tell realistic stories that contain glimpses into something “other.” I found the way the novel approached the supernatural fascinating – completely scriptural, but allowing for a mysticism modern culture often shies away from. Instead of portraying the supernatural in a Christian light, it is portrayed as part of Christianity.

There are starting to be a fair amount of Christian books that depict the supernatural in the form of demons and angels, but Beth’s story is far more internal. In many ways, it reminded me of the Native American practice of young people going on a spiritual journey to find themselves. A great deal of emphasis is put on Beth’s full name and its meaning. The wolf who lead her, while flesh and blood, has strong elements of a spirit guide. And above all, Beth starts on the path of learning and understanding how her gift is to be used.

I found the quarreling among the siblings, Beth’s alienation from the family, and her friendship with Jacob unusually well written. Often these are elements that I feel detract from a story, but they flow into the narrative and add a depth to Beth’s story. The characterizations of her grandfather and Cat were stunning. I loved how carefully we are introduced to them, and that first slight hint that our first impressions of Cat might be wrong. Even Beth’s brother Levi has a great deal of depth to him although on the surface he comes across simply as an antagonist. There is a scene between him and Beth in the family graveyard that tells the reader almost as much about what drives Levi as you learn about Beth during the entire book. And of course, the most careful drawn character in the book is that of Mercy – in all interpretation of the word.

While I highly recommend this book for adults, there are several disturbing and violent sections that make it questionable for a younger audience. Mature elements aside, I don’t see many kids younger than highschool age being able to follow and appreciate the themes the book is structured around.

Reblogged from my site: myrdan.com

My thanks to BookSneeze for sending me a review copy of House of Mercy, in return for my honest opinion of this book.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,439 reviews35 followers
August 30, 2012
Beth Borzoi is a twenty-two year old girl who has been blessed with the gift of healing. She has dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, but poor decisions made one night will have ramifications that could cost her family to lose their fifth generation cattle ranch, The Blazing B, as well as tear her family apart. Dejected by the circumstances that she has brought upon her family, Beth is determined to make amends for her mistakes, and journeys to seek out the assistance of her maternal grandfather that she has never met. Setting out on horseback on her journey, Beth is guided by a mystical grey wolf, who she names Mercy, across the rough mountainous terrain of Colorado. Beth's journey will lead her to discover her faith and trust in God, to learn the profound truth that God is good, and her acceptance of his plan for her redemption through his love, mercy, and goodness.

House of Mercy is a compelling story of a girl's journey of self-discovery to learn that God's mercy and goodness is a powerful truth to live by. The author masterfully weaves a tale written in the third person narrative, that engages the reader to follow along on Beth's spiritual journey of growth, faith and redemption through her discovery of God's grace, goodness and mercy. The themes of mercy and goodness is predominant throughout the story, not in a preachy sort of way, but one that conveys a thoughtful message of putting your faith and trust in God for strength as you learn to deal with life's challenges. This riveting story will captivate you in a thought provoking way, while evoking strong emotions that will move you spiritually.

The author transports the reader to the breathtaking setting of Colorado's rugged mountain terrain and cattle ranch, rich in detail and vivid descriptions, you can close your eyes and feel the beauty of this mid-western area. The characters are realistic and engaging; their diversity, strengths and weaknesses are intriguing; their actions and dialogues contribute to making this story a compelling read. I enjoyed following Beth's growth that evolved from her spiritual journey, it was inspiring to see how she learns to put her faith and trust in God's hands. The addition of the mystical grey wolf into the storyline was intriguing, it provided a supernatural and symbolic element that added to the story's multi-layered mystique.

House of Mercy is story full of mystery, suspense and mystique that will draw you in and engage you on your own spiritual journey. It is a story that teaches a lesson in faith, growth, mercy and acceptance; it will resonate with you long after the last words have been read.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the publisher via The B&B Media Group, Inc. in exchange for my honest review.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Profile Image for Deba.
146 reviews38 followers
September 24, 2015
In Erin Healy’s "House of Mercy," a thread is weaved through a story of redemption, forgiveness and acceptance by realizing God’s everlasting mercy towards us. Healy's ability to weave a story that draws you in is not just captivating, but also, very well-written. She pens a tale that touches your soul and lives forever in your heart. HOUSE OF MERCY is about the source of all comfort, and that is exactly what makes it a read you won't be able to deny. It includes spiritual references for one to think about God’s abundant, enduring mercies and how we can be merciful and forgiving to others.

"The main character is Beth, a young twenty-something year old woman who lives on her family’s fifth-generation massive cattle ranch in Colorado in current day times. With her love of nurturing animals, she steals an antique silver horse saddle from one of the ranch hands to pay for a nearby friend’s horse’s eye surgery. To repay her, the friend offers her a ride on his ranch owner’s pure thoroughbred horse. The saying “you reap what you sow” comes full force around when Beth has an accident with the prized horse and it is injured and put down. The stud’s owner sues Beth and her family for not only destroying the famed horse but for multiple infractions, causing the family to consider selling all their land to pay the large debt.

The main subplot to the story is the supernatural, mystical wolf named Mercy that taunts, frightens, befriends and protects Beth whenever she tries to correct her sins or do things her way. After her father dies from a heart attack, the real or imagined wolf leads her horseback through the mountains of Colorado to the grandfather she never knew, where she realizes that it is God Who controls our comings and goings, not ourselves."

The book would be enjoyed by all sexes and ages of preteen above but is targeted to young Christian women. After the end of the story, there is a chapter dedicated to Healy’s next unrelated novel. I might add there is room for a good sequel to explain many of the loose ends.

I won this book from a give away at Goodreads, but the thoughts expressed are my feelings about this book. And with a little help from Connywithay, I have stated them accordingly.
Profile Image for Cindy.
Author 3 books17 followers
August 4, 2012
Beth Borzois has a gift. She is really good with animals and has known this since she was a young teenager, in fact her dream was to go to college to be a vet. However, all her dreams come crashing down around her after one night of poor choices. Riding a thoroughbred race horse, she is attacked by a wolf, and the horse falls, breaking a leg, and now the owner is after blood, he is suing her family for everything they have, and more. Somehow, some way Beth has to find a way to fix this.

I found the title of this book a bit twisted, since other than her father, there is not much mercy for Beth in her own home. Her mother is not happy and her older brother is downright cruel to her. I really did not care for the brother at all.

Following the court case, her father has another major heart attack and dies and now Beth is on a quest to fulfill his last wishes to her. She is off to find a grandfather she thought was dead.

Garner Remke, does not realize he is in danger, but a storm blows through and convinces him that he must find his estranged daughter Rose, Beth's mom. He feels certain that her husband has died and she needs him. However his new friend and the new doctor in his little town, Cat Ransom convinces him that all is well. She does however start slipping her herbs that make him ill, so he will depend on her medical services. A demented woman with a past that she is trying to hide, Catherine Ransom is about to plunge off the deep end, and she is trying to take Garner with her.

I enjoyed this book greatly, I really like Erin Healy's writing, she has enough suspense and mystery to draw you in, and enough talent to keep you reading to the end. I was disappointed with the ending of the book, a couple of loose ends I felt, but who knows maybe there is more to come from the Borzois family. 360 pages US $15.99 4 stars.

This book was provided by Booksneeze for my honest opinion and review. No payment was received for my review.
Profile Image for Christian Fiction Addiction.
689 reviews333 followers
August 16, 2012
House of Mercy is one of those books where I became so absorbed in the character's lives, so worked up over the unjust treatment Beth received (especially from her brother), that I could barely sit still while reading it due to my desire to reach down into its pages and make people behave! Erin Healy is a fabulous author, seeming to effortlessly combine a unique, fast-paced plot with suspense and elements of the supernatural. She excels at creating characters who pulse with life, who are set down in situations that immediately draw upon your sympathies and have you rooting for them to succeed. Beth is a character who broke my heart after she finds herself in dire circumstances, suffering from a horrible mistake with far-reaching consequences. However, not only was Beth a well-developed character, but the rest of the cast of characters who star in this novel were equally well-fleshed out (and I must say that the villain is ever so creepy, mostly due to her normal and respectable exterior caging the mind of a delusional killer!). What I loved most about this story is Erin's portrayal of God's mercy, and the profound truth that God is good. I love where Beth is asked "Why do you follow such a God?" and answers "because I believe he is good. Not because he gives me what I want, but just because he is. He doesn't owe me any other explanation". That, indeed, is truth to live by. The conclusion is true-to-life, providing resolution while reminding that in reality not everything works out perfectly, and while the story doesn't leave you hanging per se, I for one would love to see Beth return in a future novel.

There's so much to like here, from the excellent characters and the enjoyable plot, to the miracles and the unique role of the wolf, to the faith that has been woven into the book's pages. I award this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher, Thomas Nelson, and Rick Roberson of B & B Media Group.
Profile Image for Gail Welborn.
609 reviews18 followers
November 26, 2012
Erin Healy blends a touch of magical fantasy with mystery in her new release, House of Mercy, where readers meet a young woman who’s blessed with the supernatural gift of healing. That gift and the 6,500 acre cattle ranch her family has worked for five generations is why Beth wants to become a vet and work the Blazing B ranch with her family. She couldn’t know she would put that dream, as well as her family in jeopardy by what she was about to do.

Beth Borzoi rationalized her actions as she “tugged the faded leather saddle” from its resting place on the “heavy duty rack” in the tack room. She wasn’t a thief and she wasn’t stealing. She was only putting the tarnished “silver-plated saddle” to better use even though the saddle wasn’t hers. She knew she should have asked her friend Jacob, but dismissed the thought with another. “She was saving an animal’s life.”

Before she could load the heavy saddle into her pickup she ran into Wally one of several men who lived at the ranch, “discarded men who needed the peace the Blazing B had to offer.”

She knew Wally suffered with anterograde amnesia from a stroke that affected his short-term memory. He was fit to work, just needed reminders to keep him in the “context of his new life.” She fixed her grip and balanced the saddle weight against her knee while she refreshed Wally’s memory of who she was and listened to what had gone missing this time. He told her he was digging in the “secret spot” to find his “lockbox,” the one the grey wolf had stolen. He must have “…dug it up and carried off the box in his teeth…then reburied it…” he finished sadly.

She knew grey wolves weren’t in the Colorado area and discarded Wally’s explanation not knowing…Full Review: http://tinyurl.com/aukf3gv
Profile Image for Meagan Myhren-Bennett.
Author 30 books162 followers
July 31, 2012
House of Mercy
by Erin Healy

Bethesda(Beth) has made a mistake - a mistake that could cost her everything she holds dear. Beth is determined to put things right but that may not be possible. At 22 you'd think she'd know better and she in fact did, but she wanted to help. It didn't like such a big thing. No one would miss it.

But one wrong decision leads to another and Beth is caught up in something she never expected and her entire family will pay for it. With no hope of coming up with the projected judgement, Beth hopes for mercy. But when mercy doesn't come and the Borzoi family faces a new crisis they are soon divided.

Beth is determined to fix what she has ruined, but she doesn't know how to raise the money she needs to in the time the court has given.

Throughout House of Mercy Beth keeps seeing a wolf, but wolves no longer live in Colorado. Is this her judgement from God or a tool of His mercy sent to guide her? Following the wolf, that she names Mercy, Beth sets out to find the grandfather she never knew. But how can this man whom is dead to her mother possibly help them?

House of Mercy is a story of mercy and of growth. No matter how old we are, we all need to grow in our hearts, our minds, and our souls. Mercy is not a given, it is a gift that must be bestowed. We cannot manipulate mercy nor can we force anyone to grant it and expect it to still be mercy.

I received this book free from the publisher through theBookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. 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
Profile Image for Brenda.
1,150 reviews15 followers
August 29, 2012
Beth Borzoi knows she has the gift of healing, and that's why she has the dream of becoming a vet, but an act of poor judgement causes her to make a mistake that not only puts dreams on hold but could also cost her and her family everything that they hold dear.

Strong,well written characters really made this contemporary fiction come to life. Beth's character was easy to like, although I felt like she was a bit immature in the beginning,she really was a good person who tried to make the right decisions but often they backfired on her. It was interesting to see how her character struggled because of some of her decisions. As she embarks on a journey in the mountains to find a grandfather she doesn't know we see her taking a spiritual journey as well. As she grows and changes thru the story we see her learning to put her faith and trust in God. The mystical wolf woven into the story adds another dimension to the story giving it a supernatural element.

Overall, an interesting read with well developed characters and a unique story line that held my attention until the end, although the ending left me with a few questions.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Maureen Timerman.
3,238 reviews490 followers
August 5, 2012
A book I never wanted to end...I felt like I was walking with my hand in Gods. Erin Healy has written a powerful book, and we experience good and evil.
Bethesda Borzios has wanted to be a Vet since she was a little girl, but one night a wrong decision [or was it the right one] changes her life forever. Because of her decision her family is about to loose their home and ranch. Beth is determined to remedy what she has broke, but how.
Does she have enough faith to follow where God is leading her? Can she trust a wolf? She does finally name the persistent wolf Mercy. When her brother Levi tells her he has sold her truck, she goes looking for it on the ranch. This leads to a series of events that eventually brings her to her Grandfather...maybe just in time. Here we meet evil head on, and will have to wonder who will be the winner.
I see there is a sequel to the book coming next year...can't wait!!

I received this book Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.
1,575 reviews30 followers
September 10, 2012
MY THOUGHTS

This was different than my usual genre read, but I thoroughly enjoyed this intriguing and mysterious book. I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of life on the ranch so wonderfully described by the author. I really like Beth, and was sadened at times for the situation she was in. As you get into the story, you will see that Beth’s family has their issues too, issues that need tending to. But we will see that Erin Healy clearly uses Beth’s difficult situation to show God’s mercy and grace, and how God can take the very difficult times in our lives, even caused by our bad choices, and make something good from them.

If you enjoy a good, clean mysterious thriller, with a bit of supernatural added, then I strongly encourage you to go grab a copy of “House of Mercy” to read and enjoy. This is my second book by Erin, and they both are such awesome books I will sure be back for more Erin Healy reading.

This book was provided by FIRST Wild Card Tours and B&B Media. I was not requried or expected to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.
Profile Image for Janna Ryan.
292 reviews40 followers
September 6, 2012
Erin Healy has a very interesting book on her hands in her latest release, "House of Mercy". I'm not quite sure what to think of it to be honest. It is considered suspense but I almost think spec fiction might be a better category for it. It is very out there, not in a bad way or a good way, just a very unique way. My first impression is that I had a hard time putting it down once I started. The characters were engaging, especially Beth, and I really started feeling what she was going through. The bad are bad, and the confused are in the middle. I cringed along the way as bad decisions were made and consequences happened. I think the reason I say that I'm not sure what to think is that I didn't find the ending very satisfying and I am huge on endings. Interesting premise, strong characters, lots of twists - not sure about the ending.
Profile Image for Shannon.
Author 10 books619 followers
March 25, 2013
Compelling characters, a twisting mystery, and a spectacular setting combine to make this a unique tale of redemption and discovery. And it's Erin Healy, people! Her writing is just killer.
Profile Image for Ariel.
362 reviews
March 18, 2020
Oh yes, I very much enjoyed that book. Didn’t want it to end even though I flew through wanting to see what happens😅 When I turned that last page though 🤯. Where is the rest!?! It’s not over!! I could see leaving somethings up in the air for us to wonder about, but not others. Not the past stuff. Maybe that’s what happened to the sequel. Not actually enough to carry it and it should’ve all been in this. I would’ve kept reading.
This book wasn’t what I expected from the description on the back, but it was very good. Some characters to like and others not so much. An interesting story with many ups and downs.
Profile Image for Wendell Hennan.
1,202 reviews4 followers
June 4, 2018
Supernatural stories are not my passion and while it was difficult to reconcile in my mind the reality of Mercy, the huge wild wolf who leads Beth through adventures and healing, I kept reading through to the end. Beth is responsible for the death of a valuable stud horse and the owner successfully sues her and her family's ranch. The stress results in her father dying from a heart attack and the family is thrown into double stress and disagreement. Beth learns or her grandfather and seeks him out in hopes that he can provide the needed financial assistance.
Profile Image for Lindsay.
135 reviews
November 27, 2023
Beth makes a costly mistake that could cost her family the ranch they've owned for generations. Then a tragedy pushes their family to the brink. Her brother is pushing its sale, but she wants to find the one person who might be able to save them.
House of Mercy is a beautifully written book with lovely world building, believable characters, and a touch of the supernatural. My only complaint is an ambiguous ending. Even so, I love the genuine feel of the ranch and the relationships. One of my favorites.
69 reviews
January 6, 2018
I always enjoy reading Erin’s books. This was no exception. House of Mercy tells a story of wrong choices and God’s redemption and oh His Mercy in everything we do. God told Beth to believe Him. And she did. With this belief came her healing!!! I would love to read a sequel to this book as some of the stories are still untold
Profile Image for Jackie Rogers.
1,187 reviews22 followers
February 25, 2019
Erin Healy knows how to tell a story. Her books start simply and build the tension throughout. Liked the horses and the wolf in this story. The wolf was a magic touch. Beth has made a big mess for hewr family and wants to make it better. The wolf is on her side. Loved this novel.
Profile Image for Caryl.
1,933 reviews24 followers
February 9, 2018
COMPELLING! I was immediately drawn into the story. The twists and turns kept me turning the pages. I love the deep, spiritual truth woven into the story. This book is a must read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.