Mercy, Mercy Me

by Ronn Elmore

Ever since he was young, Dwayne Grandison has been a student of the Bible. Now, as a highly trained psychologist and the super-hot, soon-to-be star of the first African-American-owned Christian TV network, he is about to face both a devastating scandal and the most wrenching decision of his life. Shaken by his wife's death, Dwayne doesn't feel spiritually sound enough to lead the new counseling program at his church. He also doesn't think he can truly help its founder, ex-celebrity Nina Jordan, a woman as appealing as she is down to earth and compassionate. When renowned, dazzling TV evangelist Beverlyn Boudreaux asks him to do a show, it seems like a godsend. But when stardom and a vicious rumor concerning a certain male singer take their toll, Dwayne must trust God to help him choose between the things he wants and those he really needs.

Paperback

First published October 16, 2003

Reviews

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 2 out of 5]

When the wife of celebrity psychologist Dr. Dwayne Grandison is killed, he sinks into a deep depression. Their marriage was shaky because he wanted to start a family and his wife wanted to pursue material wealth. Wondering if God really cares, Dwayne immerses himself in his counseling practice and continues to attend church where his brother Lafayette is the pastor.

Nina Jordan, a former child actress, has been through the nightmare of drug abuse. Because of her faith, she has come out stronger on the other side, and has started a women's mentoring and counseling program at the church. Dwayne has agreed to work with her to start up a similar program for men. Though sparks fly between the two right away, something keeps Nina from pursuing a relationship. Beverlyn Boudreaux is a world famous gospel singer, evangelist, and speaker. After a wild childhood, her uncle rescued her, helping to further her career. Beverlyn, launching the first African-American owned Christian television network, hires Dwayne to host a counseling show. She thinks that he might be the life partner she's been waiting for.

Mercy, Mercy Me takes an interesting look into the lives of three prominent people and the adventures that unfold when they interact and clash. Dwayne, obviously reeling from the loss of his wife, is still a good counselor. But it seems odd that he's not very smart about the ways of women and the world, since he deals with celebrities on a daily basis. I would expect Dwayne to be wiser about manipulation, but he lets Beverlyn plow right over him. And for all of his talk about wanting to please God rather than make money, he's easily seduced by the huge income he receives as a television personality. The prologue reveals a scandal that doesn't happen until almost the end of the book. Though it seems out of place, I might have given up without something to anticipate - reading about Dwayne overwhelmed by being caught between two women just isn't exciting.

Ronn Elmore (a therapist and minister) writes in a way that incorporates insight and intimate knowledge. Despite its flaws, Mercy, Mercy Me is a unique addition to Christian fiction, one that avoids being heavy handed in its spiritual message.

[SassyMama · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have Mercy On Me

Sucessful therapist Dwayne Grandison was still mourning the loss of his wife from a car accident when his brother, Pastor Lafayette Grandison approaches him about working with a new ministry at New Covenant Assembly. The position involves working closely with counselor Nina Jordan, an ex child star. Nina has successfully founded a female counseling program at the church and needs Dr. Grandison's expertise for the new male counseling program.
Approximately around the same time, Dr. Grandison is recruited by well-known evangelist Beverlyn Boudreaux for a talk show host position on her brand new Christian television network. Sparks fly as Dwayne works with both women in two very different atmospheres. Beverlyn's world is glitzy and glamorous, while working with Nina is more laid back and in the trenches of the church. In addition, he is committed to his practice and to volunteering with the men's ministry. Realizing there are not enough hours in the day for all three of his commitments, he is forced to make choice.~~~~~~~Romantic sparks begin to fly and he finds himself attracted to both Nina and Beverlyn, but again, he has a choice to make. The decision is made easier when he gets caught in an ugly scandal and one woman remains by his side.~~~~~~~The story started with a powerful prologue full of suspense and intrigue, but the excitement was tapered off with slow, uneventful chapters. It took a while to get to the actual plot, which was your basic love triangle.~~~~~~~The most interesting aspect of the novel was the behind-the-scenes look at television evangelists and the realistic portrayal of the business side including the temptation of money, glitz and glamour. The author also successfully presented spiritual messages, without being preachy, which is a definite plus. All in all, I'm sure fans of Elmore will love "Mercy, Mercy Me".

[Elaine Tomlin]

It was interesting understanding how someone who grows up in a church enviroment and is serving God. Can fall into the same circumstances when filled with grief and not taking time to really be patience to hear what God is really saying to you. I enjoyed the book, would recommend it to read it shows how successful people have to be int therapy just to maintain their success.

[Michelle Chavis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I wish he would've written more.

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

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