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Mercy
From USA Bestselling author May McGoldrick writing as Jan Coffey
A vengeful ghost. An old secret. A weekend getaway they’ll never forget.Julia Klein’s life has begun to unravel—her daughter Amy has been suspended from school, Julia is about to lose her job, and her boyfriend Garrett is being transferred thousands of miles away. Overwhelmed, she and Amy leave for a weekend at a rambling old colonial inn. Julia never suspects that Garrett, desperate to find a way to keep Julia in his life, has decided to surprise her by joining them. Nor does she expect her daughter to befriend a mischievous ghost…or that she herself would be possessed by the malevolent spirit of a long-dead mother.
As a dark secret emerges, Julia, Amy, and Garrett find themselves pitted in a fight for survival against a ghostly presence that intends to resurrect/repeat/relive a crime committed two centuries ago. And this time, Amy and Julia will be the victims.
A vengeful ghost. An old secret. A weekend getaway they’ll never forget.Julia Klein’s life has begun to unravel—her daughter Amy has been suspended from school, Julia is about to lose her job, and her boyfriend Garrett is being transferred thousands of miles away. Overwhelmed, she and Amy leave for a weekend at a rambling old colonial inn. Julia never suspects that Garrett, desperate to find a way to keep Julia in his life, has decided to surprise her by joining them. Nor does she expect her daughter to befriend a mischievous ghost…or that she herself would be possessed by the malevolent spirit of a long-dead mother.
As a dark secret emerges, Julia, Amy, and Garrett find themselves pitted in a fight for survival against a ghostly presence that intends to resurrect/repeat/relive a crime committed two centuries ago. And this time, Amy and Julia will be the victims.
Audible Audio
First published October 8, 2012
6 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Jan Coffey
607 books83 followersJan Coffey, Nik James, and May McGoldrick are pen names for USA Today bestselling authors Nikoo Kafi and Jim McGoldrick. Together, they have crafted over fifty fast-paced, conflict-filled historical, contemporary, and Western novels, and two works of nonfiction.
Nikoo’s education and training was in engineering. She worked in robotics and submarine shipbuilding. Before earning a PhD in sixteenth-century Scottish and English literature, Jim pursued a hundred and one jobs, including a decade in submarine construction.
Storytellers at heart, Nikoo and Jim were always searching for careers that gave them time for both family and writing. Then, after thirteen years of marriage, they recognized each other’s creative strengths. Nikoo is all about characters and feeling. Jim is about action and sense of place. Their first attempt in writing fiction together produced their award-winning novel, The Thistle and the Rose. Since then, their stories have touched the hearts and minds of millions of readers all over the world. Their work has been translated into over a dozen languages and counting.
Nikoo and Jim are four-time Rita Finalists and the winners of numerous awards for their writing, including the Daphne DeMaurier Award for Excellence, the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewers’ Choice Award, three NJRW Golden Leaf Awards, two Holt Medallions, and the Connecticut Press Club Award for Best Fiction.
The authors make their home in California.
Here is a complete catalogue of May McGoldrick, Nik James and Jan Coffey’s work, in chronological order.
Each book stands on its own.
MAY McGOLDRICK
Macpherson Clan Series
The Thistle and the Rose
A Midsummer Wedding (novella)
Angel of Skye
Heart of Gold
Beauty of the Mist
The Intended
Flame
Tess and the Highlander
The Dreamer (Highland Treasure)
The Enchantress (Highland Treasure)
The Firebrand (Highland Treasure)
Much Ado About Highlanders (Scottish Relic)
Taming the Highlander (Scottish Relic)
Tempest in the Highlands (Scottish Relic)
Arsenic and Old Armor
---
Pennington Family Series
The Promise
The Rebel
Borrowed Dreams
Captured Dreams
Dreams of Destiny
Romancing the Scot
It Happened in the Highlands
Sweet Home Highland Christmas (novella)
Sleepless in Scotland
Dearest Millie (novella)
How to Ditch a Duke (novella)
---
Royal Highlander Series
Highland Crown
Highland Jewel
Highland Sword
---
A Prince in the Pantry (novella)
Ghost of the Thames
---
Made in Heaven
Thanksgiving in Connecticut (novella)
NIK JAMES
The Winter Road (novella)
High Country Justice
Bullets and Silver
Silver Trail Christmas
JAN COFFEY
Trust Me Once
Twice Burned
Triple Threat
Fourth Victim
Five in a Row
Silent Waters
Cross Wired
The Janus Effect
The Puppet Master
Blind Eye
Road Kill
Mercy (novella)
Tropical Kiss
Aquarian
When the Mirror Cracks
NONFICTION
Marriage of Minds: Collaborative Fiction Writing
Step Write Up: Writing Exercises for 21st Century
---
Sign up for the May McGoldrick, Nik James, Jan Coffey Newsletter
https://www.maymcgoldrick.com/contact-us
---
Visit their author websites
www.MayMcGoldrick.com
www.NikJamesAuthor.com
www.JanCoffey.com
Nikoo’s education and training was in engineering. She worked in robotics and submarine shipbuilding. Before earning a PhD in sixteenth-century Scottish and English literature, Jim pursued a hundred and one jobs, including a decade in submarine construction.
Storytellers at heart, Nikoo and Jim were always searching for careers that gave them time for both family and writing. Then, after thirteen years of marriage, they recognized each other’s creative strengths. Nikoo is all about characters and feeling. Jim is about action and sense of place. Their first attempt in writing fiction together produced their award-winning novel, The Thistle and the Rose. Since then, their stories have touched the hearts and minds of millions of readers all over the world. Their work has been translated into over a dozen languages and counting.
Nikoo and Jim are four-time Rita Finalists and the winners of numerous awards for their writing, including the Daphne DeMaurier Award for Excellence, the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewers’ Choice Award, three NJRW Golden Leaf Awards, two Holt Medallions, and the Connecticut Press Club Award for Best Fiction.
The authors make their home in California.
Here is a complete catalogue of May McGoldrick, Nik James and Jan Coffey’s work, in chronological order.
Each book stands on its own.
MAY McGOLDRICK
Macpherson Clan Series
The Thistle and the Rose
A Midsummer Wedding (novella)
Angel of Skye
Heart of Gold
Beauty of the Mist
The Intended
Flame
Tess and the Highlander
The Dreamer (Highland Treasure)
The Enchantress (Highland Treasure)
The Firebrand (Highland Treasure)
Much Ado About Highlanders (Scottish Relic)
Taming the Highlander (Scottish Relic)
Tempest in the Highlands (Scottish Relic)
Arsenic and Old Armor
---
Pennington Family Series
The Promise
The Rebel
Borrowed Dreams
Captured Dreams
Dreams of Destiny
Romancing the Scot
It Happened in the Highlands
Sweet Home Highland Christmas (novella)
Sleepless in Scotland
Dearest Millie (novella)
How to Ditch a Duke (novella)
---
Royal Highlander Series
Highland Crown
Highland Jewel
Highland Sword
---
A Prince in the Pantry (novella)
Ghost of the Thames
---
Made in Heaven
Thanksgiving in Connecticut (novella)
NIK JAMES
The Winter Road (novella)
High Country Justice
Bullets and Silver
Silver Trail Christmas
JAN COFFEY
Trust Me Once
Twice Burned
Triple Threat
Fourth Victim
Five in a Row
Silent Waters
Cross Wired
The Janus Effect
The Puppet Master
Blind Eye
Road Kill
Mercy (novella)
Tropical Kiss
Aquarian
When the Mirror Cracks
NONFICTION
Marriage of Minds: Collaborative Fiction Writing
Step Write Up: Writing Exercises for 21st Century
---
Sign up for the May McGoldrick, Nik James, Jan Coffey Newsletter
https://www.maymcgoldrick.com/contact-us
---
Visit their author websites
www.MayMcGoldrick.com
www.NikJamesAuthor.com
www.JanCoffey.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 19, 2013
A good old fashioned ghost story that will not disappoint. Since this is a novella the author moves quickly without skimping on information. Julia takes her daughter Amy away for a few days to escape some personal problems. Garrett her boyfriend decides to join them at the inn they're staying at. Of course the inn is haunted and things start happening immediately. This story has me thinking about sleeping with thee lights on tonight. Great read for the Halloween season.
August 14, 2014
4 stars
Mercy's main story is about Julia and her daughter, Amy. Amy can't talk after she see her dad dead in front of her. She also got bullied at school and that make Julia more desperate. When her boyfriend, Garrett plan to move to Atlanta and leave them both, Julia plan a vacation for Amy. Turn that the inn they go to is haunted. And Garrett surprised Julia with going there for her. There's something sinister with the inn. Garrett start seeing a ghost, a lady in grey who look hating him so much. Julia start getting nightmare and Amy suddenly have an invisible friend called Mercy. When the ghost begin it attack, Garrett try to reveal the sad history behind the inn.
Mercy is the first Jan Coffey's work I'd read. I request this for the ARC when reading the description. Mercy will give you heebies jeebies, make you looking behind your back, or kinda remind you of any horror stories you had been watch. Don't read this in the dark or in the middle of the night! The cover is also misleading, for the romance is just a bonus for the story (at last for me). The main focus of this novelette is the relationship between Julia and Amy. There's a part that make me frustated, when Julia doesn't want to go from the inn, even after she got attack from the ghost, which in my opinion is ridiculous.
Afterall, Mercy is perfect if you want a really quick read and want to scare yourself. Not to death, enough to get paranoid, don't want to go to bathroom alone and sleep with the lights on ;)
Thanks for Entangled for provided the e-ARC
Mercy's main story is about Julia and her daughter, Amy. Amy can't talk after she see her dad dead in front of her. She also got bullied at school and that make Julia more desperate. When her boyfriend, Garrett plan to move to Atlanta and leave them both, Julia plan a vacation for Amy. Turn that the inn they go to is haunted. And Garrett surprised Julia with going there for her. There's something sinister with the inn. Garrett start seeing a ghost, a lady in grey who look hating him so much. Julia start getting nightmare and Amy suddenly have an invisible friend called Mercy. When the ghost begin it attack, Garrett try to reveal the sad history behind the inn.
Mercy is the first Jan Coffey's work I'd read. I request this for the ARC when reading the description. Mercy will give you heebies jeebies, make you looking behind your back, or kinda remind you of any horror stories you had been watch. Don't read this in the dark or in the middle of the night! The cover is also misleading, for the romance is just a bonus for the story (at last for me). The main focus of this novelette is the relationship between Julia and Amy. There's a part that make me frustated, when Julia doesn't want to go from the inn, even after she got attack from the ghost, which in my opinion is ridiculous.
Afterall, Mercy is perfect if you want a really quick read and want to scare yourself. Not to death, enough to get paranoid, don't want to go to bathroom alone and sleep with the lights on ;)
Thanks for Entangled for provided the e-ARC
December 30, 2012
Loved this novella. Have read several books by this husband/wife team and have enjoyed them all.
September 20, 2013
Ghosts scare the bejesus out of me and Mercy didn't disappoint. This story was scary and well written. It was a wonderful example of love concurring all. Loved it!!!
October 9, 2018
Not your Ordinary Ghost Story
This story have me goosebumps. It made me feel like I was there. Amy was in the backseat of her father's car when it went down an embankment. She hasn't spoken since. Her mother takes her to a B & N for some stress relief.
This story have me goosebumps. It made me feel like I was there. Amy was in the backseat of her father's car when it went down an embankment. She hasn't spoken since. Her mother takes her to a B & N for some stress relief.
October 5, 2013
Review also posted on my blog, Becky on Books.
Mercy is a quick read, but spookily satisfying nonetheless.
Julia Klein lost her husband two years ago. Their young daughter Amy hasn't spoken a word since, having suffered understandable psychological trauma after being trapped in the car as her father died. Julia had been working on her nursing degree when the tragedy struck and she had to quit school to work as a nurse's aide. Her life has been a struggle ever since, with a low paying job and weekly therapists and psychologists for her daughter to pay for, not to mention all the other expenses of raising a child. Recently, though, things had started to get better--she met someone, and even knowing her complicated life, it looked like he just might stick.
And then the week from you-know-where hit. Amy was suspended from school for violent behavior. Garrett's transfer to Atlanta was becoming a reality, and her clinic job was suddenly in danger. Desperate for an escape, she decides to take Amy away for a weekend to a colonial-era inn on the Massachusetts coast. She hopes that when she returns to Boston, she'll be able to see a way out of the mess her life has become.
Even though Julia had told him he didn't need to be there, Garrett Ochoa knew his girlfriend was facing a tough battle and could use his support. He pulls a few strings and manages to get himself a reservation at the same inn that Julia and Amy are staying at, right in the room next door. Almost right away, though, he feels as if something doesn't want him there.
It turns out the inn is haunted with not just one, but two ghosts--one, the relatively friendly and benign spirit of Mercy Turner, appears to have been Amy's age when she died. The other ghost, though, apparently that of Mercy's mother, is far from amicable. As the two spirits begin to interact with our three protagonists, Garrett, a network producer, begins to investigate their history. What he finds chills him--Mercy's mother committed a horrible act decades ago, and it looks like at least two guests since then have recreated it. Julia and Amy appear to be next on the ghost's list--can they possibly prevent such a horrible fate? Or is it already too late?
This story was a perfect read for a dark and chilly autumn night. It was a real page turner, and was just suspenseful enough to raise my blood pressure a tad without keeping me up later that night. The relationship between Garret, Julia, and Amy was very sweet, as were the touches of romance. I'll definitely be on the lookout for more from this author. B+ rating.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Mercy is a quick read, but spookily satisfying nonetheless.
Julia Klein lost her husband two years ago. Their young daughter Amy hasn't spoken a word since, having suffered understandable psychological trauma after being trapped in the car as her father died. Julia had been working on her nursing degree when the tragedy struck and she had to quit school to work as a nurse's aide. Her life has been a struggle ever since, with a low paying job and weekly therapists and psychologists for her daughter to pay for, not to mention all the other expenses of raising a child. Recently, though, things had started to get better--she met someone, and even knowing her complicated life, it looked like he just might stick.
And then the week from you-know-where hit. Amy was suspended from school for violent behavior. Garrett's transfer to Atlanta was becoming a reality, and her clinic job was suddenly in danger. Desperate for an escape, she decides to take Amy away for a weekend to a colonial-era inn on the Massachusetts coast. She hopes that when she returns to Boston, she'll be able to see a way out of the mess her life has become.
Even though Julia had told him he didn't need to be there, Garrett Ochoa knew his girlfriend was facing a tough battle and could use his support. He pulls a few strings and manages to get himself a reservation at the same inn that Julia and Amy are staying at, right in the room next door. Almost right away, though, he feels as if something doesn't want him there.
It turns out the inn is haunted with not just one, but two ghosts--one, the relatively friendly and benign spirit of Mercy Turner, appears to have been Amy's age when she died. The other ghost, though, apparently that of Mercy's mother, is far from amicable. As the two spirits begin to interact with our three protagonists, Garrett, a network producer, begins to investigate their history. What he finds chills him--Mercy's mother committed a horrible act decades ago, and it looks like at least two guests since then have recreated it. Julia and Amy appear to be next on the ghost's list--can they possibly prevent such a horrible fate? Or is it already too late?
This story was a perfect read for a dark and chilly autumn night. It was a real page turner, and was just suspenseful enough to raise my blood pressure a tad without keeping me up later that night. The relationship between Garret, Julia, and Amy was very sweet, as were the touches of romance. I'll definitely be on the lookout for more from this author. B+ rating.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2013
"Every minute of Julia [Klein's] day was a fight for survival." She lost her husband in a car wreck two years ago, Their daughter, Amy, spent hours trapped in the car with her dead father. Amy has not spoken a word since. She is also being bullied at school so she brought Julia's pepper spray and non-verbally threatened the kids. Boston considers pepper spray a weapon, so technically, Amy brought a weapon to school. Now she is suspended from school "for violet behavior, pending the results of an investigation and further psychological testing."
The hospital where Julia works is being bought out so she is losing her job and health insurance. With the huge debt her late husband left her, how will Julia pay for the therapy sessions Amy goes to twice a week for her psychological trauma? To top it all off, her boyfriend, Garrett, was transferred to Atlanta for work. "[Julia] knew that there could be no happily ever after. She had too much baggage for any man to want to hang around for any extended time."
So Julia packs up Amy and goes to Newport for the weekend "to separate the two of them from all the troubles, routines, schedules, and tensions in their lives." The Inn they are staying at is haunted, allegedly, by a six-year-old girl and her mother. While exploring the room, Amy finds a new friend - a six-year-old girl she can see through named Mercy.
I GIVE THIS BOOK: 4 Stars
This novella packs a punch! My heart was racing at the end. Racing in a this is good horror kind of way.
This author has a very unique talent. She is able to pack a lot of information into sixty-some pages, but does not overwhelm you. When I was reading, I thought, "How can she tell this story novella-style?" As I continued to read, my thoughts changed to ...well, they changed to focus more on the story because I wanted to find out what was happening.
I never really understood novella, so I never bothered to waste my time reading them. But color this girl impressed! The book made me understand the joy of a novella and the talent of their authors.
Until next time, live life one page at a time!
The hospital where Julia works is being bought out so she is losing her job and health insurance. With the huge debt her late husband left her, how will Julia pay for the therapy sessions Amy goes to twice a week for her psychological trauma? To top it all off, her boyfriend, Garrett, was transferred to Atlanta for work. "[Julia] knew that there could be no happily ever after. She had too much baggage for any man to want to hang around for any extended time."
So Julia packs up Amy and goes to Newport for the weekend "to separate the two of them from all the troubles, routines, schedules, and tensions in their lives." The Inn they are staying at is haunted, allegedly, by a six-year-old girl and her mother. While exploring the room, Amy finds a new friend - a six-year-old girl she can see through named Mercy.
I GIVE THIS BOOK: 4 Stars
This novella packs a punch! My heart was racing at the end. Racing in a this is good horror kind of way.
This author has a very unique talent. She is able to pack a lot of information into sixty-some pages, but does not overwhelm you. When I was reading, I thought, "How can she tell this story novella-style?" As I continued to read, my thoughts changed to ...well, they changed to focus more on the story because I wanted to find out what was happening.
I never really understood novella, so I never bothered to waste my time reading them. But color this girl impressed! The book made me understand the joy of a novella and the talent of their authors.
Until next time, live life one page at a time!
October 14, 2013
Julia Klein has a young daughter named Amy. After being trapped in a car during an accident that claimed the life of her father two years ago, Amy no longer spoke to anyone. To top it off, Amy is bullied by school children, and the latest episode gets Amy suspended because she isn't able to communicate to anyone what has been going on. Julia is also dealing with the fact that her boyfriend Garrett is moving away. Needing a break, Julia takes Amy away for a weekend getaway at an inn just outside Newport.
As Julia gets acclimated to the inn, she and Amy decide to see what sort of activities there are for kids, being that it's so close to Halloween. The receptionist indicates to Julia that the inn is part of the Haunted Newport Trail and the inn is frequented by the ghost of a young girl named Mercy Turner. Unphased, Julia and Amy head outside to find a park to play in. At this point, Garrett sneaks into the inn, wanting to surprise both girls, only to come face to face with an entity that is far cry from a young girl. Let the spookiness commence!!
When Garrett is immersed in several episodes of paranormal activity he decides to look into the history of the inn. What he finds is not only disturbing but potentially dangerous. And when Julia is possessed by one of the ghosts, will either Julia or Amy survive what the ghost has planned?
If you want a quick read full of suspense, history (of the inn), and bone-chilling activity then make sure to grab a cop of Mercy. The writing is excellent, the plot strong and easy to follow. There's just enough backstory to make the story easy to understand, yet not too much unnecessary filler. Both Julia and Garrett are strong characters in this novella and Amy is a great supporting addition to the scenes that unfold.
Mercy is a spine tingling, very realistic ghost story. It had me at the edge of my seat from start to finish.
Review Copy Courtesy Of: Entangled Publishing, via NetGalley, at no cost in exchange for an honest review.
As Julia gets acclimated to the inn, she and Amy decide to see what sort of activities there are for kids, being that it's so close to Halloween. The receptionist indicates to Julia that the inn is part of the Haunted Newport Trail and the inn is frequented by the ghost of a young girl named Mercy Turner. Unphased, Julia and Amy head outside to find a park to play in. At this point, Garrett sneaks into the inn, wanting to surprise both girls, only to come face to face with an entity that is far cry from a young girl. Let the spookiness commence!!
When Garrett is immersed in several episodes of paranormal activity he decides to look into the history of the inn. What he finds is not only disturbing but potentially dangerous. And when Julia is possessed by one of the ghosts, will either Julia or Amy survive what the ghost has planned?
If you want a quick read full of suspense, history (of the inn), and bone-chilling activity then make sure to grab a cop of Mercy. The writing is excellent, the plot strong and easy to follow. There's just enough backstory to make the story easy to understand, yet not too much unnecessary filler. Both Julia and Garrett are strong characters in this novella and Amy is a great supporting addition to the scenes that unfold.
Mercy is a spine tingling, very realistic ghost story. It had me at the edge of my seat from start to finish.
Review Copy Courtesy Of: Entangled Publishing, via NetGalley, at no cost in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2013
For the true romantic at heart.
Julia Kern's daughter, Amy, has been struggling after the car accident that took her father's life. Amy's problems at school lead to a suspension that only complicates the situations overwhelming Julia. With the possibility of losing her job just as Garrett, her boyfriend, is leaving for a new job thousands of miles away, the suspension is the last straw. Packing up she and Amy head to an old inn for a weekend away from their problems, but the inn has it's own haunting troubles... literally.
Garrett's new job is a once in a lifetime opportunity but leaving behind Julia and the little girl he has come to care for is not so easy. Knowing Julia could use some moral support Garrett arrives at the inn to surprise the mother-daughter duo. But his role will quickly become that of protector as a spectral mother-daughter duo threatens to take Julia and Amy from him forever.
It's not every day the hero and heroine of a romance are already together at the start of a story and this one made it work big time. MERCY was spine chilling with the ghostly elements, moving with the struggle Julia and Amy were facing, and fiercely romantic. I loved Garrett! There's a special place in my heart for any hero willing to take on another man's child as his own and the love he felt for Amy was well written. He wasn't just there for Julia, he loved Amy too. That's powerful stuff. MERCY manages to be a great spooky story with a family element that may or may not work for readers, I thought it made for a refreshingly good story I could re-read over and over.
If you look for something a little suspenseful and supernatural but romantic during the month of October look no further. It's a quick and satisfying read on multiple levels. I will definitely be watching Coffey for more short stories like this.
Notes: ARC received via publisher.
Julia Kern's daughter, Amy, has been struggling after the car accident that took her father's life. Amy's problems at school lead to a suspension that only complicates the situations overwhelming Julia. With the possibility of losing her job just as Garrett, her boyfriend, is leaving for a new job thousands of miles away, the suspension is the last straw. Packing up she and Amy head to an old inn for a weekend away from their problems, but the inn has it's own haunting troubles... literally.
Garrett's new job is a once in a lifetime opportunity but leaving behind Julia and the little girl he has come to care for is not so easy. Knowing Julia could use some moral support Garrett arrives at the inn to surprise the mother-daughter duo. But his role will quickly become that of protector as a spectral mother-daughter duo threatens to take Julia and Amy from him forever.
It's not every day the hero and heroine of a romance are already together at the start of a story and this one made it work big time. MERCY was spine chilling with the ghostly elements, moving with the struggle Julia and Amy were facing, and fiercely romantic. I loved Garrett! There's a special place in my heart for any hero willing to take on another man's child as his own and the love he felt for Amy was well written. He wasn't just there for Julia, he loved Amy too. That's powerful stuff. MERCY manages to be a great spooky story with a family element that may or may not work for readers, I thought it made for a refreshingly good story I could re-read over and over.
If you look for something a little suspenseful and supernatural but romantic during the month of October look no further. It's a quick and satisfying read on multiple levels. I will definitely be watching Coffey for more short stories like this.
Notes: ARC received via publisher.
September 28, 2013
Amy and Julia Klein have a very complicated life. Julia is a widow, raising her daughter Amy as a single Mom after a car crash killed her husband, and severely traumatized Amy. Amy is six, and has not said one word since the accident. She's been tested and retested, and there is still no diagnosis. Amy attends a local school, but unknown to teachers and her Mom is constantly bullied, till one day she cracks.
At the time of the accident, Julia was halfway through a nursing degree, but alone and broke she needed a job and went to work as a nurses aid in a local hospital. She thought her dreams of a beautiful life were shattered. Three months ago Julia started dating Garrett Ochoa. She knew as soon as he got a close up look at her life, he would be gone, but he stayed. He has taken a job in Atlanta so she assumes this is his way to distance himself from her and Amy. Julia decides a weekend away from Boston to a fun hotel and Halloween activities would be good for them. Just the two of them, and distance away from all their difficulties at home.
I'm not a fan of haunted houses and ghost stories, but this novella captured me from the first page. It is also a beautiful love story and a tale of good and evil. The characters are strong and the story intriguing. As much as Julia believes that Garrett is trying to distance himself, he is out to prove he's in for what ever comes for their way. This is a perfect time of year for this enjoyable story of hauntings and ghosts. It is short, but packs a lot of tension in it's small number of pages. I highly recommend it. I had to remind myself to breathe in some places!
I received this novella from Entangled Publishing for an honest review.
At the time of the accident, Julia was halfway through a nursing degree, but alone and broke she needed a job and went to work as a nurses aid in a local hospital. She thought her dreams of a beautiful life were shattered. Three months ago Julia started dating Garrett Ochoa. She knew as soon as he got a close up look at her life, he would be gone, but he stayed. He has taken a job in Atlanta so she assumes this is his way to distance himself from her and Amy. Julia decides a weekend away from Boston to a fun hotel and Halloween activities would be good for them. Just the two of them, and distance away from all their difficulties at home.
I'm not a fan of haunted houses and ghost stories, but this novella captured me from the first page. It is also a beautiful love story and a tale of good and evil. The characters are strong and the story intriguing. As much as Julia believes that Garrett is trying to distance himself, he is out to prove he's in for what ever comes for their way. This is a perfect time of year for this enjoyable story of hauntings and ghosts. It is short, but packs a lot of tension in it's small number of pages. I highly recommend it. I had to remind myself to breathe in some places!
I received this novella from Entangled Publishing for an honest review.
September 9, 2016
Julia Klein’s life has begun to unravel—her daughter Amy has been suspended from school, Julia is about to lose her job, and her boyfriend Garrett is being transferred thousands of miles away. Overwhelmed, she and Amy leave for a weekend at a rambling old colonial inn. Julia never suspects that Garrett, desperate to find a way to keep Julia in his life, has decided to surprise her by joining them. Nor does she expect her daughter to befriend a mischievous ghost...or that she herself would be possessed by the malevolent spirit of a long-dead mother.
As a dark secret emerges, Julia, Amy, and Garrett find themselves pitted in a fight for survival against a savage presence that intends to resurrect/repeat/relive a horrible crime committed two centuries ago. And this time, Amy and Julia will be the victims.
Review:
I love a good chiller!
The sad back story for Julia and Amy; as well as for Mercy and Eliza really helped me get into the story and get immersed with the characters. Julia and Eliza both lost their husbands and fought to keep their daughters safe and sound. The love story between Julia and Garrett was excellent and has me so rooting for them. Garrett is the kind of guy every girl wants and he fights for the family he wants. The scenes where the characters are interacting with the ghosts are scary and spine tingling and truly left me anxious to know what was coming next or what scary thing the ghost was going to do.
The Author did an excellent job of conveying a well rounded story and characters in short story.
Curl up, with the lights on and read on a great fall night.
4 stars
As a dark secret emerges, Julia, Amy, and Garrett find themselves pitted in a fight for survival against a savage presence that intends to resurrect/repeat/relive a horrible crime committed two centuries ago. And this time, Amy and Julia will be the victims.
Review:
I love a good chiller!
The sad back story for Julia and Amy; as well as for Mercy and Eliza really helped me get into the story and get immersed with the characters. Julia and Eliza both lost their husbands and fought to keep their daughters safe and sound. The love story between Julia and Garrett was excellent and has me so rooting for them. Garrett is the kind of guy every girl wants and he fights for the family he wants. The scenes where the characters are interacting with the ghosts are scary and spine tingling and truly left me anxious to know what was coming next or what scary thing the ghost was going to do.
The Author did an excellent job of conveying a well rounded story and characters in short story.
Curl up, with the lights on and read on a great fall night.
4 stars
October 11, 2013
Julie decides a weekend getaway will be good for her and her daughter Amy. Amy has been suspended from school and is a troubled child. Two years ago she was in a wreck that killed her dad and Julie's husband. She hasn't talked since then. If dealing with all that wasn't enough Julie may be losing her job and her boyfriend Garrett is moving for his job. The weekend seems to be off to a good start Amy has an imaginary playmate and seems to be happy. What Julie doesn't realize is the inn is haunting and Amy's imaginary friend is actually a ghost named Mercy. She isn't the only ghost around either Mercy's mom Eliza is around and she has plans for Julie and Amy. It is up to Garrett to figure out the old mystery and save them.
This is a short story I really enjoyed. It has a spooky feel that sends shivers up your spine. While it is a short story it still all the great qualities a long book has. You get to know the characters, what happened to them in the past, what s going on now and you get a wonderful ending. Amy has been through so much and she still continues to go through stuff. She just doesn't fit in with others. Julie is a great mom. She has done so much to help and support Amy on her own. Her child is very important to her. Garrett I love him. He comes back to surprise the girls and helps them. My favorite thing with him is he actually talks and plays games with Amy. He doesn't treat her different or try to use her to get close to her mom. He is there and cares for her. The mystery of these ghost is a gruesome one that will haunt you. I really liked the whole story and would recommend to anyone wanting a great short haunting read.
This is a short story I really enjoyed. It has a spooky feel that sends shivers up your spine. While it is a short story it still all the great qualities a long book has. You get to know the characters, what happened to them in the past, what s going on now and you get a wonderful ending. Amy has been through so much and she still continues to go through stuff. She just doesn't fit in with others. Julie is a great mom. She has done so much to help and support Amy on her own. Her child is very important to her. Garrett I love him. He comes back to surprise the girls and helps them. My favorite thing with him is he actually talks and plays games with Amy. He doesn't treat her different or try to use her to get close to her mom. He is there and cares for her. The mystery of these ghost is a gruesome one that will haunt you. I really liked the whole story and would recommend to anyone wanting a great short haunting read.
December 15, 2014
I received an ARC through NetGalley.
Mercy is a disturbing, creepy, and kind of cute novella perfect for Halloween time. Julia's hit a rough patch in her life. Her boyfriend moving away and her daughter getting suspended are the last straw, so she decides on a weekend getaway. She takes her daughter, Amy, out to an inn where she hopes they can partake in some fun family friendly Halloween activities. And then her boyfriend, Garrett, shows up as a surprise, much to Julia and Amy's delight. What's suppose to be a nice weekend, turns into something much more sinister as the inn is actually haunted. There's not one, but two ghosts. Amy befriends the little girl, Mercy, while Mercy's mother is out for revenge.
I was immediately creeped out by Mercy, because of Amy. Kids are scary, especially kids that don't talk. You just don't know what the heck they're plotting. Amy is a good kid though, and actually the hero of the story thanks to her friendship with Mercy. I was disturbed because of the reason behind the haunting. I don't want to give too much away, but some bad bad things happened in that inn, which use to be a brothel. Let's just say not all of the men were interested in the adult women. Anyway, being an Ever After story there has to be a happy ending, which actually was kind of cute...in a creepy and disturbing way. I liked it though.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
Mercy is a disturbing, creepy, and kind of cute novella perfect for Halloween time. Julia's hit a rough patch in her life. Her boyfriend moving away and her daughter getting suspended are the last straw, so she decides on a weekend getaway. She takes her daughter, Amy, out to an inn where she hopes they can partake in some fun family friendly Halloween activities. And then her boyfriend, Garrett, shows up as a surprise, much to Julia and Amy's delight. What's suppose to be a nice weekend, turns into something much more sinister as the inn is actually haunted. There's not one, but two ghosts. Amy befriends the little girl, Mercy, while Mercy's mother is out for revenge.
I was immediately creeped out by Mercy, because of Amy. Kids are scary, especially kids that don't talk. You just don't know what the heck they're plotting. Amy is a good kid though, and actually the hero of the story thanks to her friendship with Mercy. I was disturbed because of the reason behind the haunting. I don't want to give too much away, but some bad bad things happened in that inn, which use to be a brothel. Let's just say not all of the men were interested in the adult women. Anyway, being an Ever After story there has to be a happy ending, which actually was kind of cute...in a creepy and disturbing way. I liked it though.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
October 17, 2013
Originally reviewed on These Pretty Words.
Downright scary. That’s the only way I can describe this novella.
Julia and her mute daughter, Amy, head to an old Inn thinking a weekend away will be good for them. From almost the moment they arrive, odd things start happening. Secret hiding spaces, mystery friends, drafts, voices…this is a quintessential haunted-house story.
The story itself involves some seriously dark topics – from bullying to abandonment, child trauma to child prostitution – though most everything is only touched upon, not written in any sort of detail. Amy, the daughter of the main character, is a sweet but sad little girl who needs more than a weekend away. The way Jan Coffey writes her thoughts and actions makes you feel for the child, and I worried about her from the first time her thoughts danced across the page.
I wasn’t the biggest fan of Garrett, Julia’s perhaps-boyfriend. His indecision was a bit irritating and his actions and words didn’t always match up, but the romance between him and Julia was a tad sweet so I’ll give him a pass.
Overall I rate this one at three stars. Scary scenes, violent ghosts and a decently built history behind the haunting make this a perfect fall read if you want to give yourself a decent spook.
Downright scary. That’s the only way I can describe this novella.
Julia and her mute daughter, Amy, head to an old Inn thinking a weekend away will be good for them. From almost the moment they arrive, odd things start happening. Secret hiding spaces, mystery friends, drafts, voices…this is a quintessential haunted-house story.
The story itself involves some seriously dark topics – from bullying to abandonment, child trauma to child prostitution – though most everything is only touched upon, not written in any sort of detail. Amy, the daughter of the main character, is a sweet but sad little girl who needs more than a weekend away. The way Jan Coffey writes her thoughts and actions makes you feel for the child, and I worried about her from the first time her thoughts danced across the page.
I wasn’t the biggest fan of Garrett, Julia’s perhaps-boyfriend. His indecision was a bit irritating and his actions and words didn’t always match up, but the romance between him and Julia was a tad sweet so I’ll give him a pass.
Overall I rate this one at three stars. Scary scenes, violent ghosts and a decently built history behind the haunting make this a perfect fall read if you want to give yourself a decent spook.
September 29, 2013
Mercy is Julia Klien and her daughter, Amy. Amy has been traumatized by the death of her father and haven't spoken a word since the accident. Because of her inability to speak, Amy has been bully in school. Julia is now at her hair's end since the school is has expelled Amy and has sent social services to see if she is a fit mother. Julia is also dealing with her new boyfriend Garrett Ochoa accepting a job in Atlanta, Georgia. Julia is close to giving up in trying make the long-distance relationship work with Garrett and decided to take a trip to the Newport inn to spend time with her daughter Amy and to figure out if she should continue her relationship with Garrett.
The inn keeper and the employees knew about a ghost child, Mercy who haunts their Inn at Newport. Little is known about Mercy until Amy met her. Soon Julia is haunted by Mercy's mother and reliving her life.
Garrett who decided to surprise Julia, is now trying to save Julia and Amy from an angry ghost.
Even the story is short, it has a beginning, the middle, and an ending. Readers will not be disappointed or frustrated with this short story.
The inn keeper and the employees knew about a ghost child, Mercy who haunts their Inn at Newport. Little is known about Mercy until Amy met her. Soon Julia is haunted by Mercy's mother and reliving her life.
Garrett who decided to surprise Julia, is now trying to save Julia and Amy from an angry ghost.
Even the story is short, it has a beginning, the middle, and an ending. Readers will not be disappointed or frustrated with this short story.
October 13, 2013
Now this was an interesting ghost story. Julia and Amy (mother and daughter) go away for a weekend after Amy is suspended from school for aggression. Julia doesn't believe her daughter is guilty, but Amy hasn't spoken since she was in a car accident with her father in which he was killed.
At the hotel, Amy is befriended by Mercy, a young ghost who shows her a secret cupboard in the room of the inn at which they are staying. Meanwhile, Julia begins to have horrific dreams involving rape and hangings. But are they dreams or a ghost's memories?
When Garrett surprises them at the inn, the ghost's rage escalates. Personally witnessing the ghost's wrath, he starts delving into the inn's past and discovers that there have been multiple deaths involving a mother and daughter hanging themselves in the very room in which they are staying. Will he be able to fix the misdeeds and miscommunications of the past before they claim two more victims?
It has been awhile since I have read a ghost story, and this novella was a good start to get me interested in them again. Care to recommend any good ghost stories for this month?
At the hotel, Amy is befriended by Mercy, a young ghost who shows her a secret cupboard in the room of the inn at which they are staying. Meanwhile, Julia begins to have horrific dreams involving rape and hangings. But are they dreams or a ghost's memories?
When Garrett surprises them at the inn, the ghost's rage escalates. Personally witnessing the ghost's wrath, he starts delving into the inn's past and discovers that there have been multiple deaths involving a mother and daughter hanging themselves in the very room in which they are staying. Will he be able to fix the misdeeds and miscommunications of the past before they claim two more victims?
It has been awhile since I have read a ghost story, and this novella was a good start to get me interested in them again. Care to recommend any good ghost stories for this month?
October 2, 2013
Mercy is a fantastic little novella that is perfect for a rainy night in bed. While it seems to be a simply ghost story at first, things take a deadly twist when Julia is possessed by a very unhappy spirit. There is a lot more to the spirit than first meets the eyes though. Garrett, Julia's boyfriend uncovers some of the unhappy story while doing research on a haunting that he believes to be real, but the real key to the story is Amy, Julia's daughter. But Amy hasn't spoken a word in years, and she may not have the courage to speak up now.
A very quick read that was a perfect start to October and the Halloween season. Just scary enough to get the pulse going a little, but not enough that I couldn't get to sleep. Garret and Julia are very lovable characters, and the way they treat Amy is so touching. You can see how much the family loves each other, which makes the ending even better.
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/...
A very quick read that was a perfect start to October and the Halloween season. Just scary enough to get the pulse going a little, but not enough that I couldn't get to sleep. Garret and Julia are very lovable characters, and the way they treat Amy is so touching. You can see how much the family loves each other, which makes the ending even better.
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/...
October 1, 2013
Julia Klein's world is falling apart. She lost her husband two years ago. Her daughter, Amy, was with him when he had his fatal accident. She has never recovered from the trauma. A weekend getaway sounds like a perfect escape. Unfortunately that's not the case. The Inn is haunted. Amy's new playmate is Mercy Turner, a ghost. Eliza, Mercy's mother, is angry and vengeful and wants to punish the living. Garrett Ochoa, Julia's boyfriend, surprises his two girls on their holiday. Eliza doesn't like his intrusion. As Garrett works to find the truth about Mercy, Eliza takes possession of Julia. Will he be able to save them from her revenge? Mercy is a well written, riveting story that will give you chills. The characters are engaging and sympathetic. You want them to find the peace and happiness that they deserve. Garrett is a wonderful, tender hero who care about Julia and Amy. I found this very touching. The suspense was heart stopping. A perfect quick read that will satisfy your desire for thrills and chills.
September 29, 2013
Mercy by Jan Coffey
Julia Klein and her daughter Amy are staying in a Newport hotel to get away from troubled times at home. Garrett Ochoa just got a job promoting and is moving to Atlanta but isn't sure what to do about his relationship with Julia and Amy. He decides to surprise them and stay the weekend with them in Newport. But the hotel have a ghost of a little girl named Mercy. And Mercy wants to play with Amy. And it seems there is more going on in this hotel than this single ghost. Maybe bad things.
A little scary with ghosts and a little girl. Will she be okay? And then some serious scratching on a door in Garrett's room that then disappears. I was tense reading this short novella, scared for the girl and mother. And isn't that the mark of a good read? You are just as involved and scared as the characters?
Julia Klein and her daughter Amy are staying in a Newport hotel to get away from troubled times at home. Garrett Ochoa just got a job promoting and is moving to Atlanta but isn't sure what to do about his relationship with Julia and Amy. He decides to surprise them and stay the weekend with them in Newport. But the hotel have a ghost of a little girl named Mercy. And Mercy wants to play with Amy. And it seems there is more going on in this hotel than this single ghost. Maybe bad things.
A little scary with ghosts and a little girl. Will she be okay? And then some serious scratching on a door in Garrett's room that then disappears. I was tense reading this short novella, scared for the girl and mother. And isn't that the mark of a good read? You are just as involved and scared as the characters?
September 30, 2013
Julia is having a hard time being a single mother, her boyfriend Garrett moving away for work and her daughter Amy hasn't talked since the accident that killed her daddy. Julia is taking the weekend to a historical Inn in hopes of just getting out of routine. Garrett surprises Julia and comes to the Inn that weekend. Garrett feels like there is a ghost around he feels icy and then it's gone, Julia is having nightmares she can't explain. Garrett calls his assistant to get the history of the Inn. Julia hears Garrett's conversation with his assistant and know what she is hearing was in her nightmares. Garrett talks to the previous owner of the Inn and to now more about the murder-suicides that have happen over the years. Garrett doesn't finish talking before he is out the door and racing to the Inn to save Julia and Amy from the same fate happening all over again.
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October 15, 2013When she is thrown into a stall by the bullies that are bulling her, Amy befriends the ghost child that wanted to know if she’d play with her. After a little while, her mother (Julia) while they are staying at an old inn she becomes possessed by the ghost child’s vindictive mother, who believed that her husband had left them with nothing and had abandoned them. To say she had a lot of rage was an understatement. Luckily, for the living child (Amy) there was a guy, her mother’s boyfriend (Garrett) who likes her and her mother and tries to help them solve
a) The possession of the living child’s mother(Julia) and how to get her back to normal
b) How to get the ghost child and her mother to leave for good
c) The mystery of the ghost child’s dad and why he left the way he did
Just in time for Halloween it’s short, quick and a really good read.
a) The possession of the living child’s mother(Julia) and how to get her back to normal
b) How to get the ghost child and her mother to leave for good
c) The mystery of the ghost child’s dad and why he left the way he did
Just in time for Halloween it’s short, quick and a really good read.
October 1, 2013
This is a great short story involving a bed and breakfast, ghosts, possession, love and a Happily Ever After.
Julia takes her daughter, Amy, to an inn to get away from it all. Garrett surprises her by following her so that he can support her. Their romance grows stronger as Garrett investigates the story of the ghosts that haunt the B&B.
The author bewitches the reader with an intriguing plot and strong characters. The suspense builds as the ghosts relive their pasts and Garret races to save the two he loves the most.
The author describes the ghostly visits with spine chilling detail that gives the reader shivers and goose bumps as they read it. This is a great story to tell around a camp fire with friends, especially on Halloween.
Julia takes her daughter, Amy, to an inn to get away from it all. Garrett surprises her by following her so that he can support her. Their romance grows stronger as Garrett investigates the story of the ghosts that haunt the B&B.
The author bewitches the reader with an intriguing plot and strong characters. The suspense builds as the ghosts relive their pasts and Garret races to save the two he loves the most.
The author describes the ghostly visits with spine chilling detail that gives the reader shivers and goose bumps as they read it. This is a great story to tell around a camp fire with friends, especially on Halloween.
October 7, 2013
This book is a ghost recreation murder/mystery. I loved that the author gave you enough background information to interest you and then keeps you interested with the current plot.
Julia has taken her daughter Amy on a weekend getaway to try to get Amy to relax from problems at school. Amy hasn't spoken a word since her dads car accident in which she was a passenger. Julie has found a boyfriend, Garret, but has a hard time trusting that he wants to remain in their life as he just got a new promotion in another town. Boy is her mind changed when he shows up and surprises her. Then they all get the surprise of their life when a resident ghost tried to commit a murder suicide.
Great book, just enough to keep you interested and want to keep ready.
Julia has taken her daughter Amy on a weekend getaway to try to get Amy to relax from problems at school. Amy hasn't spoken a word since her dads car accident in which she was a passenger. Julie has found a boyfriend, Garret, but has a hard time trusting that he wants to remain in their life as he just got a new promotion in another town. Boy is her mind changed when he shows up and surprises her. Then they all get the surprise of their life when a resident ghost tried to commit a murder suicide.
Great book, just enough to keep you interested and want to keep ready.
October 7, 2013
I loved this book! This was my first time reading a book by Jan Coffey. This was a great love story with a different twist to it. Julia Klein lost her husband in a car wreck two years before and her daughter Amy was trapped into the car with her father. Since that day Amy has not spoken.
When Amy ends up in trouble at school, mother and daughter goes on a trip to an inn, which is haunted by a mother and daughter, Mercy, ghosts who cause others to kill themselves in the same manner that they died.
Luckily Julia and Amy don't have to go through this alone when Julia's boyfriend, Garrett, shows up for the weekend too. Garrett is the one who finds a way to help Mercy and her mother to move on which prevents Julia and Amy from dying.
It proves that love can conquer anything.
When Amy ends up in trouble at school, mother and daughter goes on a trip to an inn, which is haunted by a mother and daughter, Mercy, ghosts who cause others to kill themselves in the same manner that they died.
Luckily Julia and Amy don't have to go through this alone when Julia's boyfriend, Garrett, shows up for the weekend too. Garrett is the one who finds a way to help Mercy and her mother to move on which prevents Julia and Amy from dying.
It proves that love can conquer anything.
October 15, 2013
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This was a superbly written, scary, goosebumpy ghost story. It had all the elements you want and need in the perfect scary story. This author was able to produce imagery and emotions that stayed with me - I can still see the scene in the hallway when Garrett goes up the stairs to his room.
This book had a powerful message of forgiveness and hope mixed in with all the anger and sadness. There was also some interesting history concerning the surrounding area and I have no doubt that there are many haunted inns in that area of the US.
Definitely a good, albeit short, read. I look forward to more from this author.
This was a superbly written, scary, goosebumpy ghost story. It had all the elements you want and need in the perfect scary story. This author was able to produce imagery and emotions that stayed with me - I can still see the scene in the hallway when Garrett goes up the stairs to his room.
This book had a powerful message of forgiveness and hope mixed in with all the anger and sadness. There was also some interesting history concerning the surrounding area and I have no doubt that there are many haunted inns in that area of the US.
Definitely a good, albeit short, read. I look forward to more from this author.
August 9, 2016
Mercy is a very good short story! I usually do not read short stories because I often find them incomplete due to the shorter length, but the blurb grabbed my attention so much that I wanted to give it a shot, and I’m so glad I read it. I really liked how much this story contained the pertinent details as to why the past was causing events to repeat periodically with certain new occupants staying at the bed and breakfast, and how the circumstances of the past finally helped with the dilemmas of a mother and daughter in the past and the present.
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 26, 2013
Things are not going well for Julia. She needs a getaway to try and put things back to rights. She just picks a bad place to getaway. The haunted inn and the story behind it was just downright creepy. The little girl ghost befriending Julia's daughter was sweet but soon turned into a nightmare for Julia. Luckily her boyfriend shows up to surprise her and saves the day. I liked this story it was just a little to rushed for me.
I was given a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
I was given a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2013
A haunting tale of a young girl who experienced tragedy a long time ago and another who has been traumatized recently. They come together in this story to set each other free. I loved this book it was short but had a lot of impact. A mystery from long ago and a mother trying to protect her child while denying herself a romance she thinks is impossible only to find out in the end not only is it possible but it is her and her daughter's saving grace.
September 27, 2013
A quick creepy read. Perfect for Halloween which is coming up. Julia decides to go on a vacation after Amy gets into trouble at school. Only she finds more trouble than she ever imagines because the Inn she chose as her getaway is haunted. Strange things begin to happen.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 2, 2013
I'm typically not a big fan of novellas because they tend to not get into as much detail and character description as I'd like. However, for as short as this story was, I was impressed with the amount of detail written. It took me a couple of chapters to get into it, but once I did, I really enjoyed it. I love a good ghost story, and this was definitely one to remember.
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