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Mercy Like Sunlight
Who Will Set Her Free from the Darkness Inside?
Mary Margaret Delaney hides in the shadows, her arms scarred, her heart wounded by grief and weighed down with regret. Adrift on the streets of Chicago, she is surrounded by strangers and hounded by demons, both real and imagined. Her neighbors in Lincoln Park call her Mad Mary—until a fearless young pastor dares to call Mary his friend.Inspired by the biblical account of Mary Magdalene, this touching contemporary story first appeared in Liz’s nonfiction book, Mad Mary, later titled Unveiling Mary Magdalene. Now updated as a stand-alone novella, Mercy Like Sunlight is a powerful tribute to God’s boundless compassion and unending grace.
“I was deeply moved by the story of Pastor Jake and Mary Margaret Delaney. So well written. So challenging to me. So Christlike. And so Chicago!”
—Neta Jackson, best-selling author of The Yada Yada Prayer Group
“Irresistible, unconditional love shines through on each and every page!”
—Sharon Ewell Foster, Christy Award-winning author of Passing by Samaria
Mary Margaret Delaney hides in the shadows, her arms scarred, her heart wounded by grief and weighed down with regret. Adrift on the streets of Chicago, she is surrounded by strangers and hounded by demons, both real and imagined. Her neighbors in Lincoln Park call her Mad Mary—until a fearless young pastor dares to call Mary his friend.Inspired by the biblical account of Mary Magdalene, this touching contemporary story first appeared in Liz’s nonfiction book, Mad Mary, later titled Unveiling Mary Magdalene. Now updated as a stand-alone novella, Mercy Like Sunlight is a powerful tribute to God’s boundless compassion and unending grace.
“I was deeply moved by the story of Pastor Jake and Mary Margaret Delaney. So well written. So challenging to me. So Christlike. And so Chicago!”
—Neta Jackson, best-selling author of The Yada Yada Prayer Group
“Irresistible, unconditional love shines through on each and every page!”
—Sharon Ewell Foster, Christy Award-winning author of Passing by Samaria
- GenresChristian Fiction
154 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
23 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Liz Curtis Higgs
76 books1,436 followersFormer Bad Girl, grateful for the grace God offers. Happy wife of Bill, one of the Good Guys. Proud mom of two grown-up kids with tender hearts. Lame housekeeper. Marginal cook. Pitiful gardener. Stuff I love? Encouraging my sisters in Christ—across the page, from the platform, online, in person. Unpacking Scripture. Traveling wherever God leads. Listening to His heart. Leaning into His embrace.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 27, 2014
Mercy Like Sunlight: Liz Curtis Higgs
I’ve read a number of works from Liz Curtis Higgs & she never fails to impress me. ‘Mercy Like Sunlight’ is no exception. Truly, it is one of her finest works.
Jake Stauros is the pastor of Calvary Fellowship. Calvary is a varied bunch, not just an ordinary congregation. Jake’s goal is to make a difference in this community for Christ. While he thought he knew just about everyone, he was taken aback when he met Mary Margaret Delaney.
Dubbed ‘Mad Mary’, she was a crazy-haired, mumbling misfit in town. No one seemed to know too much about her & that was fine by them. When she & Jake literally ran into one another, an unlikely friendship is formed. Jake’s desire is to show her Christ’s love. Mary’s desire is to simply die & be rid of her pain.
Flowing with God’s love, Jake is about to invade her space in a major way. Whether or not she’s ready, he isn’t sure, but he’s sure going to try. Can Christ’s grace show Mary Margaret how to live again?
Liz Curtis Higgs has crafted a story of unconditional love & redemption. Jake’s character is everything we should be in order to ‘love our neighbors as ourselves.’ In fact, Jake is the epitome of what every pastor should be- more concerned with people than opinion, more determined to show love than fill seats.
Mary is a flawed woman with a deep well of sin & regret. Any woman who has suffered can relate to her story. Both she & Jake have undeniably similar characteristics to Biblical, New Testament characters. I was happy when our author noted at the book’s end that Mary was based on Mary Magdalene. Reactions that she receives from the townspeople shouldn’t surprise us in our world. How many of us would run to minister to someone with a frightening or disturbing exterior?
But, this story of redemption will move the hearts of readers as it did mine. I had to call my mom & aunt after I’d finished it to tell them it’s a ‘must-read’. Take my advice: read this one. It’s a perfect 5 star novel from a very talented & blessed author.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
I’ve read a number of works from Liz Curtis Higgs & she never fails to impress me. ‘Mercy Like Sunlight’ is no exception. Truly, it is one of her finest works.
Jake Stauros is the pastor of Calvary Fellowship. Calvary is a varied bunch, not just an ordinary congregation. Jake’s goal is to make a difference in this community for Christ. While he thought he knew just about everyone, he was taken aback when he met Mary Margaret Delaney.
Dubbed ‘Mad Mary’, she was a crazy-haired, mumbling misfit in town. No one seemed to know too much about her & that was fine by them. When she & Jake literally ran into one another, an unlikely friendship is formed. Jake’s desire is to show her Christ’s love. Mary’s desire is to simply die & be rid of her pain.
Flowing with God’s love, Jake is about to invade her space in a major way. Whether or not she’s ready, he isn’t sure, but he’s sure going to try. Can Christ’s grace show Mary Margaret how to live again?
Liz Curtis Higgs has crafted a story of unconditional love & redemption. Jake’s character is everything we should be in order to ‘love our neighbors as ourselves.’ In fact, Jake is the epitome of what every pastor should be- more concerned with people than opinion, more determined to show love than fill seats.
Mary is a flawed woman with a deep well of sin & regret. Any woman who has suffered can relate to her story. Both she & Jake have undeniably similar characteristics to Biblical, New Testament characters. I was happy when our author noted at the book’s end that Mary was based on Mary Magdalene. Reactions that she receives from the townspeople shouldn’t surprise us in our world. How many of us would run to minister to someone with a frightening or disturbing exterior?
But, this story of redemption will move the hearts of readers as it did mine. I had to call my mom & aunt after I’d finished it to tell them it’s a ‘must-read’. Take my advice: read this one. It’s a perfect 5 star novel from a very talented & blessed author.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
January 30, 2024
He lives
It took me a but to realize that this was a modern version of the Easter story. So well written.
I have been to Chicago's Lincoln Park and could picture the setting.
Indeed the message came through loud and clear. Thank you Liz.
It took me a but to realize that this was a modern version of the Easter story. So well written.
I have been to Chicago's Lincoln Park and could picture the setting.
Indeed the message came through loud and clear. Thank you Liz.
February 6, 2024
He's not here
What a wonderful book. s the story progresses it somehow begins to seem vaguely familiar. There's a readers guide that's good for group discussion. This book. would be excellent for a reader club choice!
What a wonderful book. s the story progresses it somehow begins to seem vaguely familiar. There's a readers guide that's good for group discussion. This book. would be excellent for a reader club choice!
May 17, 2017
A wonderful reminder of God's grace and mercy
An amazing book. Touched my heart . Reminded me what Easter is truly about. Definitely worth that. Read this book!
An amazing book. Touched my heart . Reminded me what Easter is truly about. Definitely worth that. Read this book!
May 19, 2014
Jake Stauros, Pastor of Calvary Fellowship, “A church full of misfits,” one visitor grunted on his way out the door.”
Mary Margaret Delaney, or ‘Mad Mary’ as the neighborhood refers to her, is in a deep state of depression, almost maddening. In addition to depression, she is a cutter. Mary was married and had a daughter, but they are no longer in her life.
Jake and Mary meet one day when Mary literally runs into him on the sidewalk, after stealing a toy for her cat from the toy store. Jake gives Mary his card and invites her to church. In her state of mind, she is afraid of Jake, yet she decides to attend one of the church services for a brief moment then disappears.
While on his way home from the church one evening, Jake sees Mary in the park and she is bleeding. He calls 911 and she is transported to hospital. Mary does not like hospitals, and her hysterics cause her to be admitted to the psychiatric ward. Taking interest in Mary’s well-being, Jake visits her daily until she is released from the hospital.
Mary and Jake’s story is similar to that of Mary and Jesus’ story, but in a modern way. Mary who is shunned by the neighborhood, in which she lives, becomes the concern and care of Jake. With Jake’s help and additional assistance from church members, Mary is on the road to recovery.
I enjoyed this novel depriving oneself to a fruitful and prosperous life because of self-condemnation. Ms. Higgs has written a novella showing how compassion and love can bring a person back to life. I recommend this book for everyone who likes to read about encouragement and support efforts.
Blogging for Books provided this book to me for free in exchange for an honest review.
Mary Margaret Delaney, or ‘Mad Mary’ as the neighborhood refers to her, is in a deep state of depression, almost maddening. In addition to depression, she is a cutter. Mary was married and had a daughter, but they are no longer in her life.
Jake and Mary meet one day when Mary literally runs into him on the sidewalk, after stealing a toy for her cat from the toy store. Jake gives Mary his card and invites her to church. In her state of mind, she is afraid of Jake, yet she decides to attend one of the church services for a brief moment then disappears.
While on his way home from the church one evening, Jake sees Mary in the park and she is bleeding. He calls 911 and she is transported to hospital. Mary does not like hospitals, and her hysterics cause her to be admitted to the psychiatric ward. Taking interest in Mary’s well-being, Jake visits her daily until she is released from the hospital.
Mary and Jake’s story is similar to that of Mary and Jesus’ story, but in a modern way. Mary who is shunned by the neighborhood, in which she lives, becomes the concern and care of Jake. With Jake’s help and additional assistance from church members, Mary is on the road to recovery.
I enjoyed this novel depriving oneself to a fruitful and prosperous life because of self-condemnation. Ms. Higgs has written a novella showing how compassion and love can bring a person back to life. I recommend this book for everyone who likes to read about encouragement and support efforts.
Blogging for Books provided this book to me for free in exchange for an honest review.
April 26, 2014
I love reading Liz Curtis Higgs books and I really enjoyed seeing her last year at Women of Faith. She is on fire for God and it shows in her books and the way she speaks. When I seen she was coming out with a new book, a novella to be specific, I couldn’t wait to read it.
Mercy Like Sunlight is a story about a woman, who lives in a old home, she has scars on her arms from where she cuts herself, and has a wounded heart, filled with grief and regret. She feels like no one cares, no one wants her around, she even has a nick name, Mad Mary. She has demons in her life that will not let her be.
Pastor Jake is walking when he runs into this lady. He is deeply moved by what he sees, someone who needs help and he is concerned with her. He is the Pastor of a small church and in time invites Mary to church. She comes but then runs out, she is scared and doesn’t know how to handle her life.
Will Mary learn to let go and let God in her life? Will Pastor Jake be able to help her find her way to God?
I love how Ms. Higgs takes the biblical story of Mary Magdalene and Jesus and turns it into a wonderful story of redemption, love and trust. You will definitely not be disappointed in this novella, I highly recommend it to all Christian Fiction lovers.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.
Mercy Like Sunlight is a story about a woman, who lives in a old home, she has scars on her arms from where she cuts herself, and has a wounded heart, filled with grief and regret. She feels like no one cares, no one wants her around, she even has a nick name, Mad Mary. She has demons in her life that will not let her be.
Pastor Jake is walking when he runs into this lady. He is deeply moved by what he sees, someone who needs help and he is concerned with her. He is the Pastor of a small church and in time invites Mary to church. She comes but then runs out, she is scared and doesn’t know how to handle her life.
Will Mary learn to let go and let God in her life? Will Pastor Jake be able to help her find her way to God?
I love how Ms. Higgs takes the biblical story of Mary Magdalene and Jesus and turns it into a wonderful story of redemption, love and trust. You will definitely not be disappointed in this novella, I highly recommend it to all Christian Fiction lovers.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.
March 29, 2014
Liz Curtis Higgs has a remarkable way of changing the setting of biblical stories and in doing so, opening my eyes to see Scripture in a new light, with shadowy things seeming to come into view. We seem to go "behind the scenes" and get a glimpse into the thoughts of characters and the reactions of those around them. I come away with a fresh appreciation for those whose stories are in Scripture, and am always challenged to look at myself and those around me with mercy and grace and an awesome thrill at what God can do!
I've loved every one of Liz Curtis Higgs' novels and this novella warmed my heart, too. The Mary Margaret we meet in the beginning of the book is so far from the woman who was among Jesus' close followers ... And her transformation as she went from hiding, to running away, to being drawn near, to clinging tightly to the Savior is awesome! Only Jesus can transform us. Only Jesus can save us. Many times, only Jesus even WANTS us! In depicting the biblical woman as a modern day woman, Liz has allowed me to see biblical truths in a new way. I hope you will read Mary Margaret Delaney's story ... And then go to the Bible and read Mary Magdalen's story!
I've loved every one of Liz Curtis Higgs' novels and this novella warmed my heart, too. The Mary Margaret we meet in the beginning of the book is so far from the woman who was among Jesus' close followers ... And her transformation as she went from hiding, to running away, to being drawn near, to clinging tightly to the Savior is awesome! Only Jesus can transform us. Only Jesus can save us. Many times, only Jesus even WANTS us! In depicting the biblical woman as a modern day woman, Liz has allowed me to see biblical truths in a new way. I hope you will read Mary Margaret Delaney's story ... And then go to the Bible and read Mary Magdalen's story!
May 16, 2014
Mary wanders the streets of Chicago in a fog. Voices tell her she's made too many mistakes to be well again. But a young pastor sees something worth saving in her. Pastor Jake sets out with the help of his mother and a few church members to bring Mary back to God.
The author used the story of Mary Magdalene as inspiration for this novella. The story was well written, and still followed the lines of the Biblical story. The characters were unique and interesting. The story of redeeming love was well written. But despite all of this, the story was somehow missing something for me. I couldn't connect with anyone in the story and didn't feel any of the emotions. It was just a nice story. The ending felt a little lost and wandering to me. I've read and enjoyed books by this author before, so I'm not sure what the disconnect was for me.
I received this book free of charge from WaterBrook in exchange for my honest review.
The author used the story of Mary Magdalene as inspiration for this novella. The story was well written, and still followed the lines of the Biblical story. The characters were unique and interesting. The story of redeeming love was well written. But despite all of this, the story was somehow missing something for me. I couldn't connect with anyone in the story and didn't feel any of the emotions. It was just a nice story. The ending felt a little lost and wandering to me. I've read and enjoyed books by this author before, so I'm not sure what the disconnect was for me.
I received this book free of charge from WaterBrook in exchange for my honest review.
August 2, 2014
What a beautiful story and a quick one too.
Liz has written a lovely story about Jesus’s amazing grace and mercy. This book made me hungry for more of my Savior, those types of books are few and far between. This book also opened my eyes to how many people I can judge for outward appearance and never give thought to what might be going on inside of them.
Mercy Light Sunlight starts as a very sad story but soon Mary is surrounded by hope and by Jake who won’t let her just slip by. Soon many people are surrounding her with love but there are those who bulk at the idea of helping someone like Mary, and unfortunately we have those people in our churches, don’t we?
I am sure you will be like me, cheering Mary on, hoping she doesn’t give back into her demons and will rest in the arms of her Savior.
If you are looking for a quick, inspiring read you will want to pick up this book.
A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2016
I read this book in March, just in time to prepare for the Easter season. I loved it. I've never read a novel by Liz Curtis Higgs that I didn't like, but this one was different in that it was contemporary. I was also curious to see how she would tell the Mary Magdalene story in a contemporary setting, so I wasn't sure what to expect except that it was a Liz book and I love her. Well, the book was a touching and heart-felt story that touched me deeply. The writing was beautiful and the story's characters complex, believable, and true to life. The story will touch you deeply and if you're looking for an Easter read, it will be especially meaningful.
April 28, 2014
Mercy Like Sunlight is a story of hope. The love of God and His mercy is so visible in the life of Jake Stauros, when he stumbled upon Mary Margaret Delaney. He brought her hope and helped her to know more about God. He lived a life of compassion until one day which changed his life from earthly to eternal.
It had a surprising climax, leaving me to wish a better ending for Jake. At the last page I understood Liz Curtis Higgs wrote the best ending this story could ever had.
*I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.
My review is based solemnly on my honest opinion about the book.
I have enjoyed it.
It had a surprising climax, leaving me to wish a better ending for Jake. At the last page I understood Liz Curtis Higgs wrote the best ending this story could ever had.
*I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.
My review is based solemnly on my honest opinion about the book.
I have enjoyed it.
May 2, 2014
Tortured by demons of guilt & grief ever since a disastrous event Mary Delaney aka Mad Mary is in the depths of despair has no hope left. What a terrible condition to be in! She meets Pastor Jake and eventually accepts his help. What we get is a beautiful modern day retelling of Mary Magdalene & Jesus setting her free! Liz Curtis Higgs writes the most touching stories, this one is no exception.
The characters are wonderful, so real. The perfect story during this Easter season! 5 stars!
I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The characters are wonderful, so real. The perfect story during this Easter season! 5 stars!
I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2018
Another great read from Liz Curtis Higgs. She has such a way of connecting her audience to her characters, and this story was no exception. This short novella consumed my afternoon, but I was grateful for it. I had originally read the story in Mad Mary, and for years her story stayed with me. Revisiting this character and her story, helped renew my sense of awe in how God works through our mess. A powerful retold story from scripture that will have readers gripped.
June 23, 2014
Such a beautiful story!
I devoured this story with tears streaming down my face. Such a wonderful telling of the Lord's love for each of us. Liz Curtis Higgs has an amazing gift for touching the reader's heart with her stories. Many thanks to the author for sharing her gift for story-telling.
I devoured this story with tears streaming down my face. Such a wonderful telling of the Lord's love for each of us. Liz Curtis Higgs has an amazing gift for touching the reader's heart with her stories. Many thanks to the author for sharing her gift for story-telling.
May 8, 2016
Well done, Liz!
I love the way Liz can take the story of a person from Biblical times and write it with a more modern-day person as the main character, still in keeping with the main facts of the original story. Her writing is not only entertaining and engaging, it makes one look at the original story in a whole new way.
I love the way Liz can take the story of a person from Biblical times and write it with a more modern-day person as the main character, still in keeping with the main facts of the original story. Her writing is not only entertaining and engaging, it makes one look at the original story in a whole new way.
June 2, 2014
This was an excellent, well-written book that I picked up and read in two evenings. I love how Liz Curtis Higgs weaves her stories and how this one took a Biblical story and gave it a modern spin. You will not be disappointed!
March 23, 2014
Perfect read as we approach Easter
January 16, 2016
review coming
May 26, 2014
I LOVED this book. What a fantastic story of a transformed life and the love of the Father in anothers life... Highly recommend it !!
May 1, 2017
An easy read. Liked how fast and short it was, but at the same time wanted more detail and depth into her mental illness and the other characters of the book. I thought if it went deeper the reader could gain more empathy for people who struggle inwardly.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews