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Tennessee Dreams #1
Heart of Mercy
Mercy Evans has known a great deal of heartache and hardship in her twenty-six years. She lost her mother at a young age and was only sixteen when her father was killed in a brawl sparked by a family feud spanning several generations. Yet Mercy never doubts the presence and provision of her heavenly Father. When a house fire claims the lives of her two best friends, leaving their two young sons as orphans, Mercy offers to be their guardian. It seems simple enough, until the judge mandates that the boys be placed with a married couple. Samuel Connors is a man adrift. Despite the success of the blacksmith business he inherited from his father, he senses a void unaffected by material rewards. His mother keeps nagging him to find a wife, but the only woman who comes to mind is Mercy Evans. What would she want to do with the man whose father is now serving a life sentence for the murder of hers? Mercy is determined to do whatever it takes to win custody of the Watson boys. But marry a mortal enemy of the Evans family? God alone can give her the heart to go through with it.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2013
About the author
Sharlene MacLaren
36 books227 followersAfter 31 years of teaching second and fourth grades, Shar decided to say, "Bye-bye, Students!" and "Hello, Writing World!" and it's been an interesting, exciting, challenging, and inspiring adventure. One thing she knows for certain—God dropped a seed of passion for writing in her heart back in the summer of 2000, and He's been growing it ever since. She signed on with Whitaker House Publishers in early 2006 and in December of that same year released Through Every Storm, a general fiction title that finaled in the American Christian Fiction Writers Book-of-the-Year. Another general fiction title, Long Journey Home, hit shelves in 2008. (It is her pleasure to announce that both of these titles are also available in SPANISH.)
Sharlene’s beloved, bestselling “Little Hickman Creek Series” released in 2007-08. This 3-book series set in 1895 KENTUCKY won the “Road to Romance” Reviewers’ Choice Award and a third place standing in the Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest in 2008 and 2009. Also, in 2009, her historical series, “The Daughters of Jacob Kane”, began hitting bookshelves in stores countrywide. In late summer of 2010, Tender Vow, another general fiction stand-alone, will release, and following that, a 1920s 3-book set called “River of Hope”. The first in that series, River Song, should become available in the spring of 2011. Yep, you guessed it – Shar is BUSY!!!
Shar has done numerous book-signings across the country, appeared on many national television and radio shows, and participated in countless interviews. She has been married to the love of her life since December of 1975, has two wonderful daughters and two handsome sons-in-law. The joys of her life, however, are her adorable grandchildren. Besides her involvement in music at her local church, Shar has been a speaker for the local MOPS organization, is involved in KIDS’ HOPE, USA, a mentoring program for at-risk children, counsels young women in the international APPLES OF GOLD program, and attends two bi-weekly Bible studies. She and her darling husband, Cecil, live in Spring Lake, Michigan with Peyton, their loveable collie, and Mocha, their big, lazy cat.
Sharlene’s beloved, bestselling “Little Hickman Creek Series” released in 2007-08. This 3-book series set in 1895 KENTUCKY won the “Road to Romance” Reviewers’ Choice Award and a third place standing in the Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest in 2008 and 2009. Also, in 2009, her historical series, “The Daughters of Jacob Kane”, began hitting bookshelves in stores countrywide. In late summer of 2010, Tender Vow, another general fiction stand-alone, will release, and following that, a 1920s 3-book set called “River of Hope”. The first in that series, River Song, should become available in the spring of 2011. Yep, you guessed it – Shar is BUSY!!!
Shar has done numerous book-signings across the country, appeared on many national television and radio shows, and participated in countless interviews. She has been married to the love of her life since December of 1975, has two wonderful daughters and two handsome sons-in-law. The joys of her life, however, are her adorable grandchildren. Besides her involvement in music at her local church, Shar has been a speaker for the local MOPS organization, is involved in KIDS’ HOPE, USA, a mentoring program for at-risk children, counsels young women in the international APPLES OF GOLD program, and attends two bi-weekly Bible studies. She and her darling husband, Cecil, live in Spring Lake, Michigan with Peyton, their loveable collie, and Mocha, their big, lazy cat.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 29, 2015
I loved The Heart of Mercy. I gave it five stars.
The reason I gave this bok five stars is because I could feel the love for God coming through the author as she wrote this story.
Again that phrase, Through the Lord all things are possible. My favorite phrase of all times. it keeps me going through bad days and good days.
I admired Mercys faith. it remained strong throughout the whole story even when her mother in law caused a whole big mess. I finally admired her mother in law as she discovers the love of Good is for everyone including her. Even though we sin if we turn to God He will forgive. I just love happy endings! I hope I got the message that Sharlene was trying to give us
Thank you for another wonderful story Sharlene!
The reason I gave this bok five stars is because I could feel the love for God coming through the author as she wrote this story.
Again that phrase, Through the Lord all things are possible. My favorite phrase of all times. it keeps me going through bad days and good days.
I admired Mercys faith. it remained strong throughout the whole story even when her mother in law caused a whole big mess. I finally admired her mother in law as she discovers the love of Good is for everyone including her. Even though we sin if we turn to God He will forgive. I just love happy endings! I hope I got the message that Sharlene was trying to give us
Thank you for another wonderful story Sharlene!
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May 8, 2020Mercy Evans knows a great amount of heartache, losing her mother at a young age, losing her father over a feud with the Connors. Now in a house fire, Mercy loses her two friends, leaving Mercy to care for their two young sons. Mercy offers to be their guardian, but the judge insists they need to be raised in a married couple's home. Mercy is determined to marry to keep the boys.
Samuel Connors, the son of the feuding family to the Evans and son of the man that killed Mercy's father, finds himself to the perfect candidate to Mercy's dilemma. He saved the boys from the fire and marrying Mercy will get him out from under his controlling mother's roof.
Their marriage arrangement is settled but it brings out secrets behind their families feud and uncovers secrets of their parents.
A story of a Romeo and Juliet:feuding families. A story of forgiveness,having faith and finding one's path in faith. It reminded me of Karen Kingsbury book.
Mercy was a caring, loving, believer. She was a selfless character,always helping others.
Samuel was a hero:first saving the boys, marrying Mercy even though it went against his family, he was great to the boys, finding time to spend with them. He learnt forgiveness and faith from Mercy.
The book starts off with. Tragedy, it evolves into hopeful book with love, family and faith in God
Samuel Connors, the son of the feuding family to the Evans and son of the man that killed Mercy's father, finds himself to the perfect candidate to Mercy's dilemma. He saved the boys from the fire and marrying Mercy will get him out from under his controlling mother's roof.
Their marriage arrangement is settled but it brings out secrets behind their families feud and uncovers secrets of their parents.
A story of a Romeo and Juliet:feuding families. A story of forgiveness,having faith and finding one's path in faith. It reminded me of Karen Kingsbury book.
Mercy was a caring, loving, believer. She was a selfless character,always helping others.
Samuel was a hero:first saving the boys, marrying Mercy even though it went against his family, he was great to the boys, finding time to spend with them. He learnt forgiveness and faith from Mercy.
The book starts off with. Tragedy, it evolves into hopeful book with love, family and faith in God
August 30, 2024
Feuding families and orphaned children, Mercy Evans has a calm about her. Reading the Bible gives her the strength to fight for the custody of the children and when tasked with the orders she must marry to keep the children she places and ad for a husband. Loved the story line!
September 6, 2020
Loved this wonderful historical fiction story of two feuding families!
November 1, 2020
Great love story. I cannot wait to read more. I would like to have my own Sam Conners in my life.
May 23, 2024
Loved the story of God’s tender heart to those far from him.
August 30, 2016
Title: HEART OF MERCY
Author: Sharlene MacLaren
Publisher: Whitaker House
November 2013
ISBN: 978-1603749633
Genre: Historical
Twenty-six-year-old MERCY EVANS has spent a good share of her life fending for herself, her mother having passed away when she was nine, and her father getting himself killed in a heated argument when she was only 15. Not quite old enough to be considered an adult when orphaned and yet too old for adoption, she develops a tough façade and grows into an independent Christian woman with a heart for the downtrodden. Despite life's hard knocks, bitterness never has been an option for her, and if anything, it's taught her to live up to her name.
When her best friends' house burns to the ground and two young boys, four and five, lose both their parents to the fire, Mercy fights for custody of them, but a judge rules the boys must go to a married couple--and unless she can find a husband within 30 days that is exactly what will happen. The boys love Mercy and want nothing more than to live with her, but the last thing she wants or needs is a husband to make that happen.
By the sweat of her brow she worked her way through nurses' training and makes a halfway decent living working for the lone doctor in Paris, Tennessee where she resides, at least enough to support herself, but two growing boys needing food and clothing? How will she manage that? Moreover, how will she work while caring for them? In some ways, she can understand the judge's decision, and yet when the boys look at her with wounded hearts and sobbing eyes, she can't stand by and do nothing. It seems apparent she must find herself a man--but SAMUEL CONNORS? How could she possibly marry her archenemy?
HEART OF MERCY is the first book of Ms. MacLaren's Tennessee Dreams series. It starts out with a bang and the energy level almost flows off the page and into the reader. The story starts out running and doesn't ease up.
While written in more of a telling style versus showing, the energy level literally surrounds the reader, drawing them in, as in a whirlpool, totally immersing them in the story. And while it's the typical Hatfield and McCoy story, it is told with a twist. One can't help but root for Mercy and Sam and those poor orphaned boys.
If you love historical fiction, you won't want to miss HEART OF MERCY. But be sure to start it early in the day as you won't be able to sleep until you finish the book. Fans of Ms. MacLaren will devour this book and it's sure to bring more fans into the fold. $14.99. 336 pages.
Author: Sharlene MacLaren
Publisher: Whitaker House
November 2013
ISBN: 978-1603749633
Genre: Historical
Twenty-six-year-old MERCY EVANS has spent a good share of her life fending for herself, her mother having passed away when she was nine, and her father getting himself killed in a heated argument when she was only 15. Not quite old enough to be considered an adult when orphaned and yet too old for adoption, she develops a tough façade and grows into an independent Christian woman with a heart for the downtrodden. Despite life's hard knocks, bitterness never has been an option for her, and if anything, it's taught her to live up to her name.
When her best friends' house burns to the ground and two young boys, four and five, lose both their parents to the fire, Mercy fights for custody of them, but a judge rules the boys must go to a married couple--and unless she can find a husband within 30 days that is exactly what will happen. The boys love Mercy and want nothing more than to live with her, but the last thing she wants or needs is a husband to make that happen.
By the sweat of her brow she worked her way through nurses' training and makes a halfway decent living working for the lone doctor in Paris, Tennessee where she resides, at least enough to support herself, but two growing boys needing food and clothing? How will she manage that? Moreover, how will she work while caring for them? In some ways, she can understand the judge's decision, and yet when the boys look at her with wounded hearts and sobbing eyes, she can't stand by and do nothing. It seems apparent she must find herself a man--but SAMUEL CONNORS? How could she possibly marry her archenemy?
HEART OF MERCY is the first book of Ms. MacLaren's Tennessee Dreams series. It starts out with a bang and the energy level almost flows off the page and into the reader. The story starts out running and doesn't ease up.
While written in more of a telling style versus showing, the energy level literally surrounds the reader, drawing them in, as in a whirlpool, totally immersing them in the story. And while it's the typical Hatfield and McCoy story, it is told with a twist. One can't help but root for Mercy and Sam and those poor orphaned boys.
If you love historical fiction, you won't want to miss HEART OF MERCY. But be sure to start it early in the day as you won't be able to sleep until you finish the book. Fans of Ms. MacLaren will devour this book and it's sure to bring more fans into the fold. $14.99. 336 pages.
January 23, 2016
HEART OF MERCY is the first in the Tennessee Dreams series by Sharlene MacLaren. It’s a perfect story of opposites attract, and that love knows no barriers.
Mercy Evans has survived the death of both her mother and father, and now must overcome another heartbreaking loss. When a fire claims the lives of her best friends, she is determined to raise their two boys on her own. When a judge decides the boys would be better off with a married couple, there is only one thing she must do. Get married. But to who? When the most unlikely candidate comes forward, Mercy is beyond shocked. Samuel Connors belongs to the Connors clan, a family the Evans’ have been feuding with for decades. Knowing there has to be another option, Mercy continues her search for a man that she could tolerate.
Samuel Connors is satisfied with a simple lifestyle. He just wishes it didn’t involve living under his controlling mother’s roof. When he finds out Mercy is advertising for a husband, he is more than intrigued. Of course, being the one who saved the two young boys from the house fire that took their parents, he feels a bond with the boys and wants to remain present in their lives. But he has his share of obstacles to overcome. Not only has the Evans and Connors being feuding forever, but Samuel’s father is responsible for the death of Mercy’s father, a tragedy he doesn’t think Mercy is apt to overlook.
A marriage of convenience is not necessarily what Mercy was looking for. But, it’s obvious the Watson boys have an attachment to Samuel. Keeping that in mind, she is willing to overlook her own discomfort and do what is best for the boys. Now, if only she and Samuel can keep the rest of their families from starting an all-out war. Especially since their feelings for each other grow more personal.
I enjoyed HEART OF MERCY. Both main characters were people I easily fell in love with. But at times, I felt the story dragged a little. I also don’t like romance novels that take the whole book to move the hero and heroine into a loving relationship. The mystery element did help to move the story along. Even though I guessed the ominous secret, I still appreciated the way it unfolded. Overall, HEART OF MERCY was an enjoyable read. I look forward to the next installment in the Tennessee Dreams series.
Book provided for review purposes.
Mercy Evans has survived the death of both her mother and father, and now must overcome another heartbreaking loss. When a fire claims the lives of her best friends, she is determined to raise their two boys on her own. When a judge decides the boys would be better off with a married couple, there is only one thing she must do. Get married. But to who? When the most unlikely candidate comes forward, Mercy is beyond shocked. Samuel Connors belongs to the Connors clan, a family the Evans’ have been feuding with for decades. Knowing there has to be another option, Mercy continues her search for a man that she could tolerate.
Samuel Connors is satisfied with a simple lifestyle. He just wishes it didn’t involve living under his controlling mother’s roof. When he finds out Mercy is advertising for a husband, he is more than intrigued. Of course, being the one who saved the two young boys from the house fire that took their parents, he feels a bond with the boys and wants to remain present in their lives. But he has his share of obstacles to overcome. Not only has the Evans and Connors being feuding forever, but Samuel’s father is responsible for the death of Mercy’s father, a tragedy he doesn’t think Mercy is apt to overlook.
A marriage of convenience is not necessarily what Mercy was looking for. But, it’s obvious the Watson boys have an attachment to Samuel. Keeping that in mind, she is willing to overlook her own discomfort and do what is best for the boys. Now, if only she and Samuel can keep the rest of their families from starting an all-out war. Especially since their feelings for each other grow more personal.
I enjoyed HEART OF MERCY. Both main characters were people I easily fell in love with. But at times, I felt the story dragged a little. I also don’t like romance novels that take the whole book to move the hero and heroine into a loving relationship. The mystery element did help to move the story along. Even though I guessed the ominous secret, I still appreciated the way it unfolded. Overall, HEART OF MERCY was an enjoyable read. I look forward to the next installment in the Tennessee Dreams series.
Book provided for review purposes.
December 30, 2013
I love Christian fiction, but especially THIS book. Packed with solid Biblical truths like forgiveness, honesty, and mercy, this is a must have for any reader who loves this genre. Like a champion racehorse, this novel bursts through the gate at a full gallop and doesn't stop until the very, very satisfying conclusion.
I truly enjoyed every facet of this story. Mercy Evans is a strong character, yet not so strong that she turns the reader off and you wish she'd find an untimely death because she's so perfect. Sam Connors is written so well, it's easy to empathize and care for him - and wish he were your hero. Have a cantankerous, difficult, dreary mother-in-law you're struggling with? Yeah, so does Mercy. And I wouldn't wish that woman on a poor bear defending her cubs! In short, Ms. MacLaren wrote characters so real they make you wish there were more people like Mercy, Sam, and Clarence. (And maybe less of the mother-in-law type, but even she had redeeming qualities that have the ability to teach much.)
There were so many parts of this book I loved. The proposal Sam fumbles through is the best I've read yet. I loved how Mercy was always praying and seeking God's guidance and direction in every situation - easy and difficult, and how she never railed on God and allow bitterness to take root. This book is full of nuggets of truth that will stick with you for a long time to come and keep you pondering on them. I will forever find it odd how some think fiction is meaningless and has nothing to offer. This story is deep and multilayered with much to teach.
I truly enjoyed every facet of this story. Mercy Evans is a strong character, yet not so strong that she turns the reader off and you wish she'd find an untimely death because she's so perfect. Sam Connors is written so well, it's easy to empathize and care for him - and wish he were your hero. Have a cantankerous, difficult, dreary mother-in-law you're struggling with? Yeah, so does Mercy. And I wouldn't wish that woman on a poor bear defending her cubs! In short, Ms. MacLaren wrote characters so real they make you wish there were more people like Mercy, Sam, and Clarence. (And maybe less of the mother-in-law type, but even she had redeeming qualities that have the ability to teach much.)
There were so many parts of this book I loved. The proposal Sam fumbles through is the best I've read yet. I loved how Mercy was always praying and seeking God's guidance and direction in every situation - easy and difficult, and how she never railed on God and allow bitterness to take root. This book is full of nuggets of truth that will stick with you for a long time to come and keep you pondering on them. I will forever find it odd how some think fiction is meaningless and has nothing to offer. This story is deep and multilayered with much to teach.
December 26, 2013
So sad all this hate and feuding between families, and in the end, they can't remember why. Decades go by and things get worse, but the hearts of two people joined together for convenience. When Samuel Connor enters a burning house, and saves the lives of two young boys, Joseph and John Roy, their lives and his become entwined with Mercy Evans.
Can you imagine being so desperate that you need to marry within thirty days, and your not even dating. That is what the judge did to Mercy. The old thing about woman not being capable without a man? Anyway feuding family members are against a union of Marcy and Samuel...a marriage of convenience??
Some cruel things happen, in the name of keeping on with the feud, but to hurt innocent children...ugh! Seems both Mercy and Samuel have grown up without much parental love. They instinctively seem to do better with children, than either experienced themselves.
Be ready for a great experience of a small town living in late 1800's Paris, Tennessee. I loved my visit here and can't wait for the next book in this series.
I received this book through First Wild Card Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
Can you imagine being so desperate that you need to marry within thirty days, and your not even dating. That is what the judge did to Mercy. The old thing about woman not being capable without a man? Anyway feuding family members are against a union of Marcy and Samuel...a marriage of convenience??
Some cruel things happen, in the name of keeping on with the feud, but to hurt innocent children...ugh! Seems both Mercy and Samuel have grown up without much parental love. They instinctively seem to do better with children, than either experienced themselves.
Be ready for a great experience of a small town living in late 1800's Paris, Tennessee. I loved my visit here and can't wait for the next book in this series.
I received this book through First Wild Card Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
May 17, 2014
Another excellent job by Sharlene MacLaren. Family feuding at its best. Funny how things that go on for a long time become habit and soon we don't know it's origin or why it continues but the tradition must remain!
Mercy and Sam both feel the feud is unnecessary in life and that the world will not stop revolving if it were to suddenly stop. When it becomes necessary for Mercy to find a husband, Sam is quick to offer himself to the job. It takes a little convincing but Sam finally finds himself married to Mercy, but in name only. But this only fuels the feud even more.
As the story unfolds we learn a few interesting tidbits and cheer on the Sam Conners family. It's good to see them finally come together and find their own happy ever after and to help bring an end to something that has only been destructive for generations.
Very much looking forward to book two in this series!
Mercy and Sam both feel the feud is unnecessary in life and that the world will not stop revolving if it were to suddenly stop. When it becomes necessary for Mercy to find a husband, Sam is quick to offer himself to the job. It takes a little convincing but Sam finally finds himself married to Mercy, but in name only. But this only fuels the feud even more.
As the story unfolds we learn a few interesting tidbits and cheer on the Sam Conners family. It's good to see them finally come together and find their own happy ever after and to help bring an end to something that has only been destructive for generations.
Very much looking forward to book two in this series!
June 7, 2014
LOVED this book! I liked her take on the Hatfields and McCoys feud and how the Connors and Evans feud played out. I loved Mercy Evans and how she sacrificed to provide a home for Joseph and John Roy after their parents died in a house fire, yet still had standards that stayed firm even in contemplating a marriage of convenience. I loved how neither Mercy nor Sam Connors seriously cared about the feud (or at least like most of their families)... and how they each had a relative that was removed from the feud as well. Sam's mother kept referring to a secret and when it was revealed, I didn't see it comin'. Sharlene MacLaren has written another enjoyable book with characters I'd love to know!
January 13, 2015
I walked in the public library and saw Book 2 of the Tennessee Dreams series with the new fiction books. It looked interesting so I went to the stacks for Book 1 so my wife and I could read it first. I enjoyed the book. Flora Connors reminds me of someone I know. I'm wondering if she would see herself in the book if she would read it. She needs exactly what Flora found. Actually, it's the same thing we all need. I enjoy some romance mixed with suspense and drama. Above all, I enjoy fiction books that point the readers to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. I found all of these in this book.
January 11, 2014
This was my first book by this author. It will not be my last. The storyline was fresh with a new spin on a marriage of convenience. I was drawn in to the story from the first few pages. The characters were great. Loved Sam and Mercy. The ending was great. The conflict was minimal. Looking forward to book two in the series.
October 15, 2017
Sharlene MacLaren is definitely skilled in bringing her characters to LIFE.
Her hero and heroine aren't perfect, and I love how well she portrays their foibles while keeping me liking them and hoping the best for the outcome.
Heart of Mercy is so well titled too.
I can always - ALWAYS - count on a sigh-worthy ending to her books - and Heart of Mercy does NOT disappoint!
Her hero and heroine aren't perfect, and I love how well she portrays their foibles while keeping me liking them and hoping the best for the outcome.
Heart of Mercy is so well titled too.
I can always - ALWAYS - count on a sigh-worthy ending to her books - and Heart of Mercy does NOT disappoint!
February 13, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this book.
September 10, 2014
Book 1 of 3
*Great! Love Sharlene MacLaren!
*Great! Love Sharlene MacLaren!
April 15, 2014
An endearing story, written at a relaxing pace. I am already looking forward to "Threads of Joy"!
July 23, 2016
Interesting story, a bit far fetched, but fascination for that era makes me wonder. I know stories happened like this all the time, I am just not sure if they really fell in love.
December 27, 2016
Very inspiring
July 15, 2014
Loved this book!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews