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A Mercy of Widows
A Widow's Perspective on Assisted Dying
Finalist: 2023 Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Finalist: 18th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards
"A great voice that in spite of the heavy themes, carries a lightness so you root for Heddie and her dog, Fella. Clever and also quite touching." ~ J Marie Rundquist, author of All I'm Asking and As Though You Were Mine.
Her heartbreak is real but lack of a wedding ring has left her defenseless. Will grappling with MAID legislation destroy her or bring her peace?
Heddie Wright is a shadow among the living. After her boyfriend's death from cancer, with no wedding ring to mark her loss, she stands defenseless against a world blind to her pain—mourning her lost love alone and unheard. But when she's thrust into a mercy-killing trial, her journey as a juror becomes a path of personal discovery, where each day in court peels back her emotional facade and forces Heddie to grapple with the letter of the law alongside the aching questions of love's endurance and the costs of loyalty.
A Mercy of Widows is set against Canada's Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) legislation, capturing a nation's struggle with ethical dilemmas surrounding life's final dignity. Filled with dynamic dialogue, Lane's narrative combines the gravity of a legal drama with a wry touch of humour, sketching characters who are as flawed as they are fervent.
As secrets come to light, Heddie—and the reader—must consider what redemption truly looks like when peace feels just beyond reach. Echoing the moral complexity of Jodi Picoult and the emotional authenticity of Kristin Hannah, Marcy Lane's narrative is both straightforward and richly compassionate. A Mercy of Widows captures Heddie Wright's transformation from silent grief to a bearer of hope, where true courage lies in facing the past and real endurance is continuing to love amid life’s most profound trials.
Early reviewers said:
“This debut novel fearlessly dives deep into uncharted emotional, moral and legal territory. Plus there are dogs!” HW, Calgary
“It’s a fantastic read.” EB, Calgary
“A memorable read. I loved it!” Janet, Ontario
“Surprisingly funny for a book about death.” CG, Connecticut
Finalist: 2023 Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Finalist: 18th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards
"A great voice that in spite of the heavy themes, carries a lightness so you root for Heddie and her dog, Fella. Clever and also quite touching." ~ J Marie Rundquist, author of All I'm Asking and As Though You Were Mine.
Her heartbreak is real but lack of a wedding ring has left her defenseless. Will grappling with MAID legislation destroy her or bring her peace?
Heddie Wright is a shadow among the living. After her boyfriend's death from cancer, with no wedding ring to mark her loss, she stands defenseless against a world blind to her pain—mourning her lost love alone and unheard. But when she's thrust into a mercy-killing trial, her journey as a juror becomes a path of personal discovery, where each day in court peels back her emotional facade and forces Heddie to grapple with the letter of the law alongside the aching questions of love's endurance and the costs of loyalty.
A Mercy of Widows is set against Canada's Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) legislation, capturing a nation's struggle with ethical dilemmas surrounding life's final dignity. Filled with dynamic dialogue, Lane's narrative combines the gravity of a legal drama with a wry touch of humour, sketching characters who are as flawed as they are fervent.
As secrets come to light, Heddie—and the reader—must consider what redemption truly looks like when peace feels just beyond reach. Echoing the moral complexity of Jodi Picoult and the emotional authenticity of Kristin Hannah, Marcy Lane's narrative is both straightforward and richly compassionate. A Mercy of Widows captures Heddie Wright's transformation from silent grief to a bearer of hope, where true courage lies in facing the past and real endurance is continuing to love amid life’s most profound trials.
Early reviewers said:
“This debut novel fearlessly dives deep into uncharted emotional, moral and legal territory. Plus there are dogs!” HW, Calgary
“It’s a fantastic read.” EB, Calgary
“A memorable read. I loved it!” Janet, Ontario
“Surprisingly funny for a book about death.” CG, Connecticut
426 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 23, 2023
23 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Marcy Lane
5 books8 followersMarcy Lane is a late-blooming author who writes about people who don’t have tidy answers — only grit, heart, and the occasional stubborn streak. Her novels blend emotional depth with a touch of wry humour, always rooted in distinctly Canadian landscapes.
She grew up as an army brat in Canada, the UK, and Germany, which left her with a fascination for human nature and the small communities we build wherever we land. Her debut, A Mercy of Widows, was shaped by her own experience losing two life partners to cancer and has been praised for its compassion and honesty.
Her first mystery, Her Final Toast, introduces Erie Bluff — a lakeside Ontario town held together by gossip, grudges, and an inconvenient number of secrets. It’s the kind of place where everybody knows your business, even if you don’t.
Marcy realized she was truly an author at the launch of her second book — publishing one might have been a fluke, but two made it a passion. She now writes stories that leave readers with a sense of hope, optimism, and quiet contentment.
She lives in southwestern Ontario with her two opinionated dogs, Bug and Lucy, who remain deeply suspicious of schedules and deadlines.
To stay in touch and receive bonus stories, extras, and news, visit: https://marcylane.com
She grew up as an army brat in Canada, the UK, and Germany, which left her with a fascination for human nature and the small communities we build wherever we land. Her debut, A Mercy of Widows, was shaped by her own experience losing two life partners to cancer and has been praised for its compassion and honesty.
Her first mystery, Her Final Toast, introduces Erie Bluff — a lakeside Ontario town held together by gossip, grudges, and an inconvenient number of secrets. It’s the kind of place where everybody knows your business, even if you don’t.
Marcy realized she was truly an author at the launch of her second book — publishing one might have been a fluke, but two made it a passion. She now writes stories that leave readers with a sense of hope, optimism, and quiet contentment.
She lives in southwestern Ontario with her two opinionated dogs, Bug and Lucy, who remain deeply suspicious of schedules and deadlines.
To stay in touch and receive bonus stories, extras, and news, visit: https://marcylane.com
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 19, 2023
SPLENDOROUS!
A MERCY of WIDOWS by Marcy Lane—I didn’t just read it, I inhaled it. Let me tell you more:
This novel (debut novel—wow!) is brilliantly conceived and profound in its exploration of love, living, and what it means to be in a loving relationship.
It’s achingly honest in its exploration of life with a terminally ill “other”—to marry to obtain a piece of paper or not and the conundrum one faces if not.
This book is also a heart-healing love story, wide awake as love is the higher light—and the better law to follow.
And just when the protagonist is unsure of "a place" for her and her grief to belong, there’s wickedness and scheming.
It explores loss and grief and spotlights the human capacity for kindness even through the dark times.
It’s a heartfelt novel about loss, compassion, unconditional love, grieving and uncertainty, wickedness and scheming, and Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID)—the difficult subject of medically assisted suicide and planned deaths (new to me). And the protagonist’s views on the subject. It’s set in Canada, where assisted dying is legal.
We follow along in the backdrop of Canada’s legal system where two widows and twelve jurors grapple to bring us, the readers, some clarity on life's tough choices and then leave us to consider how we feel about the same.
A MERCY of WIDOWS is an emotionally charged novel, keenly on a quest for justice where hurt collides with forgiveness and in the end, redemption!
And it’s funny too—the word nerd in me laughed hard. It includes all the qualities that make a story a good story. I could go on, but I’ll end my review here—a five-star rating from a satisfied reader in Japan.
Congratulations to the Author, and I cannot wait to read more books like this from this gifted human.
A MERCY of WIDOWS by Marcy Lane—I didn’t just read it, I inhaled it. Let me tell you more:
This novel (debut novel—wow!) is brilliantly conceived and profound in its exploration of love, living, and what it means to be in a loving relationship.
It’s achingly honest in its exploration of life with a terminally ill “other”—to marry to obtain a piece of paper or not and the conundrum one faces if not.
This book is also a heart-healing love story, wide awake as love is the higher light—and the better law to follow.
And just when the protagonist is unsure of "a place" for her and her grief to belong, there’s wickedness and scheming.
It explores loss and grief and spotlights the human capacity for kindness even through the dark times.
It’s a heartfelt novel about loss, compassion, unconditional love, grieving and uncertainty, wickedness and scheming, and Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID)—the difficult subject of medically assisted suicide and planned deaths (new to me). And the protagonist’s views on the subject. It’s set in Canada, where assisted dying is legal.
We follow along in the backdrop of Canada’s legal system where two widows and twelve jurors grapple to bring us, the readers, some clarity on life's tough choices and then leave us to consider how we feel about the same.
A MERCY of WIDOWS is an emotionally charged novel, keenly on a quest for justice where hurt collides with forgiveness and in the end, redemption!
And it’s funny too—the word nerd in me laughed hard. It includes all the qualities that make a story a good story. I could go on, but I’ll end my review here—a five-star rating from a satisfied reader in Japan.
Congratulations to the Author, and I cannot wait to read more books like this from this gifted human.
November 14, 2023
An easy read about complex issues regarding the right to a dignified death as well as the legalities of common law partners and their rights as beneficiaries.
Heddie is probably a woman that runs in everyone's circle. Having been in a monogamous relationship for six years, she moved in with her partner to help him after his cancer diagnosis. Today's norm of common law agreements have not yet addressed all of the unknown terms that will affect the survivor of a live in union based on both love and care giving for end of life.
Then, there is the person who is seeking help to shorten his days of suffering, also has to deal with family who have different ideology to his own or simply cannot accept wanting to leave life. So much energy is spent trying to get everything "in order".
Although death is inevitable, so is grieving. Parents, siblings, partners and close friends often battle one another for rights: the right to love, the right to give care, the right to remain a confidant. The author does a nice job of walking the reader through the different stages of loss as well as narrating the accompanying feelings that the different characters possess.
Adding the involvement of the main character in jury duty, further enlightens the reader on the subject of medically assisted deaths for those facing terminal illnesses. By using the legal process, this twist provides research and arguments for both sides of the compassionate death by choice debate.
Not all is shrouded in darkness and legal jargon. What story cannot be uplifted by the humane thinking of a dog trainer and her border collie? Add a best friend and her kids...now you've returned everything to a balanced state!
Heddie is probably a woman that runs in everyone's circle. Having been in a monogamous relationship for six years, she moved in with her partner to help him after his cancer diagnosis. Today's norm of common law agreements have not yet addressed all of the unknown terms that will affect the survivor of a live in union based on both love and care giving for end of life.
Then, there is the person who is seeking help to shorten his days of suffering, also has to deal with family who have different ideology to his own or simply cannot accept wanting to leave life. So much energy is spent trying to get everything "in order".
Although death is inevitable, so is grieving. Parents, siblings, partners and close friends often battle one another for rights: the right to love, the right to give care, the right to remain a confidant. The author does a nice job of walking the reader through the different stages of loss as well as narrating the accompanying feelings that the different characters possess.
Adding the involvement of the main character in jury duty, further enlightens the reader on the subject of medically assisted deaths for those facing terminal illnesses. By using the legal process, this twist provides research and arguments for both sides of the compassionate death by choice debate.
Not all is shrouded in darkness and legal jargon. What story cannot be uplifted by the humane thinking of a dog trainer and her border collie? Add a best friend and her kids...now you've returned everything to a balanced state!
October 20, 2025
A powerful, fearless debut that examines love, loss, and the moral limits of compassion
A Mercy of Widows is a profound and beautifully written exploration of what it means to grieve, to love without recognition, and to seek peace in the most ethically complex of circumstances. Marcy Lane’s prose is quietly stunning precise, observant, and full of empathy.
At the heart of this story is Heddie Wright, a woman navigating invisible grief after losing her partner to cancer a loss made lonelier by society’s disregard for unmarried love. When she’s selected as a juror in a mercy killing trial connected to Canada’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) legislation, Heddie is forced to confront not only the moral and legal weight of the case but also her own lingering heartbreak.
Lane weaves together legal drama, moral philosophy, and emotional realism in a way few debut authors dare attempt. The courtroom scenes are intellectually sharp, filled with ethical nuance and human frailty, while moments with Heddie and her loyal dog, Fella, provide quiet warmth and humor.
What truly sets this book apart is its balance between gravity and grace the way Lane allows readers to sit with discomfort while still offering hope. Like the works of Jodi Picoult, Kristin Hannah, and Ann Patchett, A Mercy of Widows dares to ask impossible questions about dignity, autonomy, and love’s endurance in the face of loss.
With its lyrical writing, thoughtful pacing, and emotional intelligence, this novel belongs in the hands of every book club, reader of literary fiction, and anyone interested in the human side of law and morality.
A stunning, resonant debut that deserves far wider recognition.
Nicole Blanchard
A Mercy of Widows is a profound and beautifully written exploration of what it means to grieve, to love without recognition, and to seek peace in the most ethically complex of circumstances. Marcy Lane’s prose is quietly stunning precise, observant, and full of empathy.
At the heart of this story is Heddie Wright, a woman navigating invisible grief after losing her partner to cancer a loss made lonelier by society’s disregard for unmarried love. When she’s selected as a juror in a mercy killing trial connected to Canada’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) legislation, Heddie is forced to confront not only the moral and legal weight of the case but also her own lingering heartbreak.
Lane weaves together legal drama, moral philosophy, and emotional realism in a way few debut authors dare attempt. The courtroom scenes are intellectually sharp, filled with ethical nuance and human frailty, while moments with Heddie and her loyal dog, Fella, provide quiet warmth and humor.
What truly sets this book apart is its balance between gravity and grace the way Lane allows readers to sit with discomfort while still offering hope. Like the works of Jodi Picoult, Kristin Hannah, and Ann Patchett, A Mercy of Widows dares to ask impossible questions about dignity, autonomy, and love’s endurance in the face of loss.
With its lyrical writing, thoughtful pacing, and emotional intelligence, this novel belongs in the hands of every book club, reader of literary fiction, and anyone interested in the human side of law and morality.
A stunning, resonant debut that deserves far wider recognition.
Nicole Blanchard
May 14, 2024
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: A Mercy of Widows
Author: Marcy Lane
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 5/5
Of the 15 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
14 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“Anybody interested in assisted dying will find this novel memorising. The plotting is excellent, the character development is strong and the suspense in the second half of the novel is top notch.” Female reader, aged 54
“Interesting mix of a woman suffering personal loss and, at the same time, having to face the ethics of assisted dying. Very much a character-led story, this is as much thought-provoking as it is a good read! I enjoyed getting to know the female protagonist and I was rooting for her to find her way through the mess of dilemmas facing her.” Female reader, aged 39
“What a FAB read this is! The author’s adept at developing her characters and offering the reader a tightly plotted story with plenty of twists. The Canada setting is particularly interesting as the laws on assisted dying seem to be very different to here in the UK. Not a ‘fun’ book, but it is thought-provoking and very hard to put down.” Male reader, aged 66
“A challenging subject taken on by a smart author who knows how to tell a story.” Male reader, aged 69
To Sum It Up:
‘A compelling, character-led novel looking at the thought-provoking and often challenging subject of assisted dying. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
13th May 2024
TITLE: A Mercy of Widows
AUTHOR: Marcy Lane
Star Rating: 5
‘A thoroughly engrossing legal drama highlighting and challenging the thorny subject of assisted dying. Highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
I must say, I very much enjoyed this character focused novel from the talented pen of Marcy Lane. Accessibly written and often rather thought-provoking, I loved not only getting to know the characters but also contemplating the thorny subject of mercy killing.
So, what's it about? Well, in a nutshell, it’s the story of a woman living in Canada where assisted dying is legal. She's trying very hard to get over the loss of her partner when she suddenly finds herself a juror in a mercy-killing trial. What follows is a cleverly constructed legal drama, the protagonist struggling with her own thoughts and feelings on assisted dying whilst still trying to cope with the loss of the man she loved.
There were a number of elements of this story particularly enjoyed. Firstly, the author works well with dialogue, using it to not only develop her small cast of characters, but also the plot. Secondly, I like the protagonist. Not surprisingly, she's rather broken in this novel; but I enjoyed watching her battle her way through. And thirdly, the novel is an excellent tool for exploring assisted dying and, whether you agree with it or not, this story will get you thinking.
I'm delighted to recommend this book to anybody who enjoys a well-constructed legal drama. I think they'll enjoy rooting for the protagonist, and hoping she'll find the truth she's looking for. There's also the odd comical moment which adds balance to the story; as a result, it’s not too depressing to read - it’s even got a few dogs in it!
All in all, a bit of a gem!
‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
Title: A Mercy of Widows
Author: Marcy Lane
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 5/5
Of the 15 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
14 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“Anybody interested in assisted dying will find this novel memorising. The plotting is excellent, the character development is strong and the suspense in the second half of the novel is top notch.” Female reader, aged 54
“Interesting mix of a woman suffering personal loss and, at the same time, having to face the ethics of assisted dying. Very much a character-led story, this is as much thought-provoking as it is a good read! I enjoyed getting to know the female protagonist and I was rooting for her to find her way through the mess of dilemmas facing her.” Female reader, aged 39
“What a FAB read this is! The author’s adept at developing her characters and offering the reader a tightly plotted story with plenty of twists. The Canada setting is particularly interesting as the laws on assisted dying seem to be very different to here in the UK. Not a ‘fun’ book, but it is thought-provoking and very hard to put down.” Male reader, aged 66
“A challenging subject taken on by a smart author who knows how to tell a story.” Male reader, aged 69
To Sum It Up:
‘A compelling, character-led novel looking at the thought-provoking and often challenging subject of assisted dying. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
13th May 2024
TITLE: A Mercy of Widows
AUTHOR: Marcy Lane
Star Rating: 5
‘A thoroughly engrossing legal drama highlighting and challenging the thorny subject of assisted dying. Highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
I must say, I very much enjoyed this character focused novel from the talented pen of Marcy Lane. Accessibly written and often rather thought-provoking, I loved not only getting to know the characters but also contemplating the thorny subject of mercy killing.
So, what's it about? Well, in a nutshell, it’s the story of a woman living in Canada where assisted dying is legal. She's trying very hard to get over the loss of her partner when she suddenly finds herself a juror in a mercy-killing trial. What follows is a cleverly constructed legal drama, the protagonist struggling with her own thoughts and feelings on assisted dying whilst still trying to cope with the loss of the man she loved.
There were a number of elements of this story particularly enjoyed. Firstly, the author works well with dialogue, using it to not only develop her small cast of characters, but also the plot. Secondly, I like the protagonist. Not surprisingly, she's rather broken in this novel; but I enjoyed watching her battle her way through. And thirdly, the novel is an excellent tool for exploring assisted dying and, whether you agree with it or not, this story will get you thinking.
I'm delighted to recommend this book to anybody who enjoys a well-constructed legal drama. I think they'll enjoy rooting for the protagonist, and hoping she'll find the truth she's looking for. There's also the odd comical moment which adds balance to the story; as a result, it’s not too depressing to read - it’s even got a few dogs in it!
All in all, a bit of a gem!
‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
November 20, 2023
"A Mercy of Widows" is Marcy Lane's first book and I was really impressed. As an avid book reader I would love to give her five stars. The subtitle says "A story of troubled living and assisted dying ". I think the author's book is more than That. Expecting the story to be very sad and depressing, I was surprised by the main character's sense of humor. I laugh a lot while reading it. Heddie is one of a kind woman with a well trained dog named Fella. You become the Heddie, her internal voice and actions expressed so vividly. The situation in which the grieving woman has found herself is showing us how complicated life becomes if we do not set our boundaries and make assumptions about other people. I also found the story very educational - huge advice for a reader - what happens if you do not make a legal will and express your wishes before you die. The novel is very nicely published and easy to read. It will be a great selection for every book club.
October 1, 2023
A Mercy of Windows by Marcy Lane
This is a touching story about loss, grief and moving forward after the protagonist, Heddie Wright, loses the love of her life, Hugh, to cancer and his brother schemes to deny her anything that Hugh intended her to have. To complicate the situation, Heddie is selected for jury duty on a murder case involving a widow accused of mercy killing her terminally ill husband. Heddie is forced to reconcile her feelings about the evolving MAID legislation, (Canada’s Medical assistance in dying), as well as her own grief. The characters are well developed and the plot refreshingly unique. Marcy Lane’s use of humor throughout makes the story relatable and endearing.
D.W. Hogan author of Unbroken Bonds
This is a touching story about loss, grief and moving forward after the protagonist, Heddie Wright, loses the love of her life, Hugh, to cancer and his brother schemes to deny her anything that Hugh intended her to have. To complicate the situation, Heddie is selected for jury duty on a murder case involving a widow accused of mercy killing her terminally ill husband. Heddie is forced to reconcile her feelings about the evolving MAID legislation, (Canada’s Medical assistance in dying), as well as her own grief. The characters are well developed and the plot refreshingly unique. Marcy Lane’s use of humor throughout makes the story relatable and endearing.
D.W. Hogan author of Unbroken Bonds
October 26, 2023
Captivating read, draws you in entirely!
I love the main character, Heddie, and found myself speaking aloud to her or grumbling about some of the other less savoury characters. I am very sensitive to stories involving animals, and this one is excellent. You can really feel how the author understands animals and readers who love them!
I have trouble focussing for long periods but was swept away by this stunning story, realising when I came up for air that I'd been reading for several hours!
It's one of those great novels that combines a compelling story and strong characters with lots of research so the reader comes away satisfied and informed.
Highly recommended for an entertaining and enlightening read!
I love the main character, Heddie, and found myself speaking aloud to her or grumbling about some of the other less savoury characters. I am very sensitive to stories involving animals, and this one is excellent. You can really feel how the author understands animals and readers who love them!
I have trouble focussing for long periods but was swept away by this stunning story, realising when I came up for air that I'd been reading for several hours!
It's one of those great novels that combines a compelling story and strong characters with lots of research so the reader comes away satisfied and informed.
Highly recommended for an entertaining and enlightening read!
December 10, 2024
Marcy Lane has created a believable protagonist, Heddie, who finds herself in a frustratingly plausible situation- her long term romantic partner has died, and his only extant last will and testament leaves her out. The situation is complicated by hard feelings between Heddie and her partner's brother, who is both the executor and major beneficiary of the will. The issues between Heddie and her almost-brother-in-law also play out in a criminal trial in which Heddie serves as a juror. A woman is accused of murdering her husband. The accused and the apparent victim were both advocates for Medical Assistance in Dying. The author did an excellent job showing us the human side of what can so easily be a dry and abstract legal debate.
September 11, 2023
A Mercy of Widows is a compelling, timely Canadian read. We follow the complicated grief journey of Heddie who grapples with truly trying circumstances while being a juror on a murder trial involving the controversial Maid legislation. The characters are rich and believable and the plot kept me enthralled from start to finish. There were deep ethical dilemmas and heart-wrenching circumstances to wade through. I was routing for Heddie all the way through! It's a must read, particularly dealing with the complexities of unanswered questions when someone you love dies and leaves behind so many loose threads. If you've lost a partner, this read will help you wade through your own grief journey.
September 8, 2023
Ms. Lane's novel deftly manages to be high spirited and lighthearted, which is not nothing for a novel that incorporates themes based on the loss of a loved one, and Canada's medical assistance in dying laws. I found that the main character was highly relatable, shocked by recent events, but pushing through her difficult circumstances, meeting challenges one on one, and persevering. I admired the character's intelligence and perseverance in trying times. This was great, and I hope to be able to read more of this author's work.
October 5, 2023
Marcy takes you immediately into the head of Heddie as she struggles to come to terms with the death of her beloved Hugh and the loss of her home. Just as she is questioning whether she really knew Hugh’s end of life wishes, she is selected to be on a jury for a first degree murder charge relating to a mercy killing. A novel that makes you question your own emotional preparedness should this issue arise in your family. Marcy handles the topic with great sensitivity and compassion. Definitely a novel that will spark discussion.
November 12, 2023
I loved this novel about a woman grieving who then also has to serve on a jury for a death that hits close to home as both fall under the backdrop of Canada's medical assistance in dying (MAID) laws. The main character, Heddie, has such a great voice and in spite of the heavy themes, she carries a lightness about her and I couldn't help but root for her (and her dog, Fella). Lane addresses the real consequences that can happen when two partners aren't legally bound to one another and the necessity of legal documents to cover the rights of people closest to the lost loved one. Clever, and also very touching.
November 11, 2025
A Mercy of Widows is a remarkable debut novel, balancing difficult, grief-filled moments of loss with an empathetic examination of what it means to own our end-of-life decisions. Using legal insight, humour and balanced perspectives, Heddie, the protagonist, navigates both her duties as a juror on a medically assisted suicide case and her grief over losing her partner and the legalities that accompany their common-law union. An emotionally charged novel that will not disappoint. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
September 8, 2023
Enjoyed the character development, the descriptive detail, and the word plays: a mercy of widows — delightful! Hooked me by the third chapter and pulled me and all my senses into the courtroom drama as I itched to read how the various conflicts would be resolved. Very timely topic, too — fodder for my own thought process about death and dying and life and living
March 20, 2024
I just finished the AI Narrated version of Marcy Lane's, 'A Mercy of Widows' and honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect given the subject matter, but I loved it! The characters were interesting, each scenario so different and yet intertwined with emotional grit and wit. It opened my eyes to many choices we face, but most of all how different and contraversial we all are.
April 18, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! I didn't know much at all about MAID or the history of it in Canada. Reading through this story gave me a great introduction to what it is about while still entertaining me. Great character development, and description. I enjoyed the main story line as well as the other storylines going on in the back ground. Would definitely recommend this book!
Currently reading
April 22, 2024I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was so well written that I felt like I was the main character. I could feel her pain and and her anxiety. It was so relatable to any of us that have been mistreated in some way! The characters feelings and emotions were illustrated so well making this read very real! I would recommend it very highly!
September 6, 2023
Family drama, mystery, ethical issues, legal thriller plus cute doggie and fun wordplay. This book is hard to categorize but a memorable read. I loved it!
October 29, 2023
A witty page turner considering the subject matter. A widow on jury duty on a mercy killing trial. Marcy knocked this out of the park. Looking forward to reading her next book.
January 20, 2024
Am excellent book. Informative and heartfelt. A wonderful first novel. Thank you to Marcy lane for her work
July 8, 2024
Excelent
June 1, 2024
I received a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions expressed are strictly my own.
This book addresses the controversial subject of right to die, and the author did it in a very gentle and unbiased way. Excellent character development .
The main character’s point of view , her grief journey and the courtroom scenes made it more genuine.
The story was told with humor and best of all there was a cute dog!
This book addresses the controversial subject of right to die, and the author did it in a very gentle and unbiased way. Excellent character development .
The main character’s point of view , her grief journey and the courtroom scenes made it more genuine.
The story was told with humor and best of all there was a cute dog!
February 26, 2024
If you’re a fan of character-driven fiction featuring flawed women trying to learn and grow and do the right thing, check out A Mercy of Widows. Set in Canada, where assisted dying is legal, it follows Heddie, a professional dog trainer selected to serve as a juror in a heated mercy-killing trial. She’s trying to heal and move on after her partner Hugh’s recent death from cancer. Yet she’s troubled by the suspicion he applied for an assisted death without her knowledge.
During the trial, Heddie promises herself she’ll listen impartially to choose the appropriate verdict. At the same time, she learns Hugh left unfinished business, creating legal problems for her as well. She finds herself re-examining her life—and her personal views on assisted dying—while struggling to deal with lost income and eviction, both consequences of caring for Hugh. A Mercy of Widows serves up lighthearted moments, too, like a tug-of-war involving Hugh’s ashes and a dognapping caper gone awry.
This thought-provoking debut novel provides an even-sided look at a difficult topic showcased against the backdrop of a legal trial (think Jodi Picoult).
During the trial, Heddie promises herself she’ll listen impartially to choose the appropriate verdict. At the same time, she learns Hugh left unfinished business, creating legal problems for her as well. She finds herself re-examining her life—and her personal views on assisted dying—while struggling to deal with lost income and eviction, both consequences of caring for Hugh. A Mercy of Widows serves up lighthearted moments, too, like a tug-of-war involving Hugh’s ashes and a dognapping caper gone awry.
This thought-provoking debut novel provides an even-sided look at a difficult topic showcased against the backdrop of a legal trial (think Jodi Picoult).
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