Finding Mercy: A Novel

Mercy Medallion Trilogy #2

by Michael Landon Jr., Cindy Kelley (Contributor)

When Mercy abandons Captain Elijah Hale to search for her true identity, he goes after her. With the threat that bounty hunters might be hot on her trail, Mercy does all she can to stay ahead of the danger, frustrating both the bad men who are after her—and Captain Hale who wants to find her and escort her safely home. But when she stumbles upon clues that help her learn who she is and where she's from, the danger escalates and she has to learn to keep her friends close and her enemies even closer—if she can determine which is which!

This is historical romance with a blend of intrigue from beloved storytellers renowned for their work in film and print.

Michael Landon, Jr., son of legendary actor Michael Landon, is the award-winning producer of films such as The Ultimate Life, The Last Sin Eater, Saving Sarah Cain, The Love Comes Softly series and the new episodic drama When Calls the Heart. He and his cowriter in books and film, Cindy Kelley, have authored novels such as The Silent Gift and One More Sunrise.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Christian, Civil War, Romance

418 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2014

About the author

Michael Landon Jr., son of television legend Michael Landon, is an award-winning storyteller, first in television and film, and now in books. His print works include Traces of Mercy and One More Sunrise co-written with Tracie Peterson.

Reviews

[Camille Eide · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Mercy picks up where the suspense of Traces of Mercy leaves off. The lovely young Confederate sharp-shooter, still suffering from amnesia, is on the run from bounty hunters and driven by a need to find out who she is, in spite of what uncomfortable truths she might uncover. She finds Captain Elijah Hale a maddeningly stubborn companion, and, though she doesn’t care to admit it, a genuine friend.

Through the smoldering rubble of what was once a thriving South, Mercy presses on in search of her past. The south is being rebuilt, slowly, laboriously, in a changing culture and by the hands of men and women, once slaves, now freedmen living by an unfamiliar new code, confusing new rules.

Soon, Mercy begins to become acquainted with who she was before the war, before losing her memory—and she isn’t sure she likes what she finds. It seems a twist of Providence has now given her an entirely different view of life and people, and finds she is no longer the person she was raised to be.

This saga plays out like a movie, full of drama, suspense, bits of humor, and a growing romance. It’s woven with intriguing twists and new conflicts as Mercy unravels more difficult truths. And in the midst of her soul-searching, her life continues to be in danger. And the Yankee officer who gallantly escorted the lovely Confederate soldier home has battles of his own—his heart not the least of them.

With or without the aid of memories, Mercy must take a dangerous stand. Since she can’t rely on knowing her past, she must stand on what her heart tells her. If only she could be sure she can trust what it’s saying . . .

This is a powerful story of coming to terms with prejudice and ignorance, of rising above the clash of culture and conscience, and having the courage to do what’s honorable even if it means risking all you have left—like the tiny token of mercy you hold in your hand. It’s a gripping saga of post-Civil War south and real characters you feel you know as friends. It’s a story that settles into your bones and lingers long after you close the book.

Not your typical Historical series, Traces of & Finding Mercy are Drama/Suspense at its finest!

[Caitlyn Santi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been impatiently waiting to read this book since last year when I read and absolutely fell in love with the first book, Traces Of Mercy! Needless to say, when I was given the opportunity to review this book I jumped at the chance! I had very high expectations for Finding Mercy and I'm thrilled to say that it surpassed all of them, I loved every minute of this book! Just when I thought it couldn't get anymore awesome, it did! I once again loved Mercy and Elijah and I absolutely adore Isaac! Finding Mercy took me on an emotional roller coaster, mainly on the two extremes of grinning from ear to ear in pure joy, to sitting on the edge of my seat in suspense wondering what would happen next, this book made me feel it all! Both this book and the first one made my favorites shelf, I highly recommend this book but Traces Of Mercy should definitely be read prior to this one!
I just loved this book so much, I know I will be re-reading it many times in the future!
My only complaint about this book was that the ending did seem just a tad rushed and abrupt, but granted this could simply be due to the fact that I didn't want the book to end, and it also made me a bit sad because by the ending it seems this is likely to be the last book about these characters and I really didn't want to say goodbye to them!
In closing, I adored this book and I'm thrilled that I got the chance to read it!


I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via CFBA in exchange for an honest review. The above is my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.

[Celestria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I liked this better than book 1. But I'm a little confused because this is labeled a trilogy but as far as I can tell, a third book was never written. This book had an epilogue that also makes it feel like the final book. There was one thing I feel was kinda unresolved, but other than that, things were wrapped up well I guess.

[Marianne Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding Mercy is the sequel to Traces of Mercy. Charlotte Chapman, aka Mercy, is a Confederate sniper who has amnesia. The Civil War has ended and she is reunited with her family. She learns her mother died in childbirth and her father is deceased. She meets her stepmother and two step-siblings. Her family clings to past beliefs and is still operating a rice plantation in Georgia. Though her memory does not return, she has snippets of her former life. Through her interactions with former slaves and observations of how her family and others treat them, she learns of her previous disrespectful attitudes and vows to improve their living conditions. This is a clever tool to inform the reader of historical events without sounding didactic. Charlotte says, "Is that what I used to sound like?" when she hears abrasive comments. Through events, Charlotte discovers her family intends to rob her of inheriting the estate as her father wished and takes matters in her own hands to ensure justice administered. An exciting plot and well-developed characters, the authors pen vivid descriptive passages as well as apt insights as to suffering amnesia. I felt the ending too rushed but would recommend this as a good read.

[Nicki Olsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Book Description*

Mercy, as we saw in book one, is still on the run from both sets of men. Those who are out for her capture, and maybe, those who are out for her heart. When one or both of the groups of men who are looking for her catch up, Mercy is all the more worried for her life. Then a group of union soldiers look after her when she's ill...or so she thought. When Mercy does find her family, will it be a warm welcome? Who was the man in the picture frame who looked so familiar? Will she ever trust her heart again, whether it's as Mercy or as...someone else?

Captain Elijah Hale and his young african American companion, Isaac are quickly gaining on Mercy...or at least he hopes. When they come accross a fort of suspisious union soldiers who have her horse, it's up to Elijah and Isaac, once again, to make sure she's safe. Slowly but surely Elijah's feeling grow for a young woman...will she return the sentiment or send him packing? Will he be able to keep Mercy safe from something-or someone- she once trusted?


*What I liked*

I could go on and on about every detail I loved about this book, just as much as the first. Instead, I'll give you my top favorites, and why I liked this book better then the first...no cliff hanger. You could absolutely read this second book without reading the first although it wouldn't be as informative. Not so with the first. The first is such a cliff hanger, you HAVE to read the second book. I would know. I'm one of those 'get books free or I generally don't buy them' people and I payed money for this ebook. Worth every cent.
I loved the cover, the characters relationships with one another, and the mystery and edge of your seat suspense that Michael & Cindy draw into this book. Absolutely AMAZING.


*What I didn't like*

I'm not going to tell you what I don't like about this book. There isn't any, so I'll just tell you what some of you non- mystery/suspense people may not like. There is some serious, catch your breath stuff in here that you may not like. Things involving the Klan, bounty Hunters, and betrayal from people you may or may not suspect. It's deep but it's good. There is also a lot of hatred between the 'Yankees' & 'rebels' but that's expected, needed in a civil war book.

*My Rating*

I give Finding Mercy... 5 stars!!




*Why my rating is what it is*

My rating is five stars for a book filled with just the right amount of history, romance, betrayal, and suspense to make this the perfect civil war book. By far the best I've read in this war.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been anxious to read this book, and thought I wouldn't get it to review, when all of a sudden, a year after it's release, FINDING MERCY finds it's way to my mailbox in Advance Reader Copy form. Wow. It took it's time getting here! After reading (and loving) Traces of Mercy, I had high expectations for this book and it lived up to them and more. I loved this book! Fans will want to read Traces of Mercy first as this series doesn't stand alone.

I loved Mercy and Elijah and Isaac, and this book introduced us to new characters to love. It says it's a triology, but I can't find any information on the third book. I hope it will be written!

FINDING MERCY had me sitting on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next. Full of suspense and intrigue, this is a must read historical. My only complaint is that the ending felt a bit rushed.

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story

I really liked this story, it had lots of action and intrigue. The things I didn't like were the cussing, the way the family deceived Charlotte aka Mercy, only to leave it without forgiveness, I felt her memory loss has been prolonged, and why did she have to take her wedding ring off? I'm hoping the final in this series will answer these questions.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

How exciting to find Finding Mercy on the shelf at my local library. Because it has been on my wish list for some time, I snatched it up quick. I was not disappointed. I thought Finding Mercy was better than Traces of Mercy. And I loved Traces of Mercy. I definitely recommend this book!
5 stars

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoilers ahead:

Overall I feel like this was a pretty good ending to this series. I was happy to learn what happened to Mercy and that she found where she belonged. I was afraid it would become slow and it did drag a bit in some places. I liked Elijah a lot and I liked Mercy more in this book then the first one. Their romance was very sweet. That being said there weren't many likable characters. The ending felt a bit weird to me and was a little disappointing. From other reviews it seems like there was going to be a 3rd book so maybe that is why. Mercy never gets her memory back and I would have liked to know her reasoning behind becoming a soldier. I was also disappointed her family turned out being horrible. All of them. As a matter of fact I think its very suspicious that Mercy's father dies right when he kicks his wife and her kids out. I think his wife had something to do with his death, but that is never explained. Just that a slave killed him. I also would have liked to see more about God. Elijah was a believer, but I'm not sure Mercy ever became one. She just doesn't seem to have a relationship with God aside from a prayer here and there.
I thought Finding Mercy captured the time after the Civil War well and I was glad Mercy was able to make some changes to her life. She was able to figure out who she was and who she wanted to be.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book in this series so much, I had to look for the sequel to find out what happened next.

Mercy was being escorted out of the state by Elijah, a military man for her own safety but she gave him the slip when they stop for the night to rest. She had been finally convinced she had disguised herself as a man during the Civil War and enlisted with the role as sniper. She suffered amnesia from a head injury shortly after being captured and is trying to learn her true identity.

Travelling south, in her attempt to keep ahead of the bounty hunters who are chasing her, she stumbles upon a clue to her true identity. It is the first real break she had discovered and she is determined to follow up on the lead.

When she finally arrives at the place she believes is her true home, she soon discovers her life was not all that she hoped for. Who truly is her enemy?
A good conclusion to this 'trilogy'!

[the_bookish_took · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this book and finished it today. I really enjoyed this book much more than it's first in the set. As I kept nearing the end I kept asking myself how they were going to finish the story in X amount of pages and whatever did happen to him? They finish the story and we do eventually find out what happens with him. With Traces of Mercy I was in a dilemma because I liked the beginning but then the middle just went on forever until Hale showed up with his ultimatum and her decision to kill him and how it ended, but this one just pulled me into the story all the through and was more about issues with finding out about her family and the problems that they had after the war. It was different from the first one. And the ending scene at the house reminded me of Beauty and the Beast which I rather liked. Yeah, so anyway, Finding Mercy I think was worth spending half a day reading.

[Jana Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apparently this is supposed to be a trilogy, but it’s been 6 years since this second book came out. Thankfully, it resolves everything I particularly cared about, so I don’t feel too upset about having no third book to read. This was an exciting installment in the series and I liked how it immerses itself in Southern life after spending the first book in the North. Both were fascinating points of view. I liked how the romance planned out in this one, but I actually could have used more of it—the romance didn’t get quite enough attention. Which is not typical for me, because I prefer when romances have a lot of other stuff going on. But it was almost an afterthought in this one, which was a bit of a bummer because I. Felt like it had a lot of potential.
But it was a great book and I read it in a day.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book much more than the first in the series. We see Mercy come to terms with how terrible she has been, both in her recent history and in her forgotten past. Her character develops into a more likeable person and she begins to change and attempt to make things right.

Elijah is a likeable character and much more morally upright that anyone else in the story. Why he's willing to give up so much of his life to trail Mercy is less obvious.

The romance is thin and it's more a story of adventure and a bit of mystery. I would have like to see more written about how their feelings for one another developed. Obviously Mercy attempted to murder Elijah in the first book, so a bit more insight into why he actually ends up falling in love with her would have been good.

I see the series is called a trilogy, but don't see a third book.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

After quickly reading through the first book in this series I couldn't wait to get my hands on the sequel and see what the rest of Mercy's journey held. This book did not disappoint and I appreciated the way this story stayed consistent with a storyline that showed Mercy's strength and wisdom while being true to her heart and what she believed was right.

[Susan Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the first 2 books of this series to be an engaging read. I always enjoy historical fiction because it brings to life the events that have shaped our current world. The author suggests that there will be a 3rd book, but I haven't seen it. I'm looking forward to reading it when it's released.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is follow up of Traces of Mercy which ended with her trial and sentence of hanging. However Elijah helps to save her and now she is never to come to Missouri again. He takes her out of Missouri and they head north . This is the story of her adventures to figure out who she is, what she was, and what she becomes.

[Lynda L Dulany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating

This book is the hardest book to put down I have ever read. Well written, spellbinding, fascinating with the surprises thrown in to guarantee complete fascination with the book and story. Thank you for a great time.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing the story of Mercy, who has amnesia. She had been a Confederate soldier, and there are those who hate her and would stop at nothing short of her destruction. As with the first book, I was glued to this one, too. Great stories!

[Leslie Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book on a plane to pass the time and it was great! Mercy takes a fall and gets amnesia. It is the time when the North and south are fighting. She doesn’t remember her family or even her name.

[Tommie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read

I truly enjoyed reading this book. It was one of those books that keep you up at night because you want to find out what happens next.

[Scott H Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down!

I couldn't sleep! The characters were on my mind night and day! Where's book three? Keep up the good work.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story line and hard to stop reading. This would make a great movie.

[Casey Mei · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is a little simpler than you might normally read, but treat it as a YA.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite as edge-of-my-seat as the first one, but still an interesting story.

[Beth Koster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read

I would highly recommended this book to those who love history. The action holds your interest, the characters keep you coming back for more. The story behind the story is so intriguing.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlike other reviewers, I'd not read the first book in this series so had no idea what to expect. I'll admit that part of the reason I purchased the book was the fact that it was co-written by Michael Landon, Jr. and I was (as I'm sure other readers were) a fan of his famous father. I also enjoy fiction set in that time period (Civil War) so.....it was a given, I'd want to read the book. I wasn't disappointed - although, I wish I'd read the first book before this one. The fact that I hadn't didn't detract from this book, though. I enjoyed the storyline, the characters were well developed and if there were editing errors (one of my particular dislikes) I was so wrapped up in the story that I didn't notice. I do intend to get the first book book - sometime - read it, and then re-read this one. I don't notice a third book, but hope that another will be forthcoming. I'd love to know how this story "wraps up:". Seeral questions still need answe ring and I'd like them "wrapped up".

[GJ S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clean historical civil war novel

I loved this book easy to connect with the characters. I loved how the Lord was a important part of the story. I recommend the very talented authors.

[Jacki Lemonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing readimg. Loved the first and second books. Looking forward to book 3.

Fast reading and keeps you on our toes of what will happen next. Each character is developed fully into someone you love or dislike.

[Janka H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely second installment in the historical trilogy about finding M/mercy and coping with the findings (pun intended :)).

Mercy is on the run from the bounty hunters. But they are not the only dangerous men around and Mercy is once again saved by the Captain Elijah Hale in the last minute (nice habit, Captain!). And the saving place is the place when Mercy finally remembers something - the man on the portrait IS somehow familiar. And where is the face, there is the name, and then there is the address. And Mercy finally finds her place in the world, home, name and family. Or does she? Without memories backing her, she is trying to understand the truth both about herself and about the situation from the wider angle - because both her family and friends and the whole the South is deeply struggling from the scars left by war, hate, unjustice and misunderstandings.
Will there be reconciliation from the wounds old and new?

As much I feel the undertone for the first volume was the truth, so much I believe the topic of the second volume is reconciliation. I love that the book is not judgmental and tries to see the situation from both sides and recognizes the truth, pain but also the blame on each side (now I am speaking mostly about the real historical struggles on South. I loved the objective view of things, which makes you think even more). And offers the way to forgive and to reconcile - by showing and accepting mercy. I loved that!

I also love how the novel portrays the "family thing", the bickering and misunderstandings - and I would love it for the novel to venture into these issues deeper. Unfortunately, the authors decided for the different turn and this is where I feel the novel lost a bit of steam for me. I can understand the authors to take the route because of the plot development, but still, I would love if they took the different path.

As for the characters - I just love Elijah. True swoon-worthy hero! Also I like Chessie, who somehow radiates love and dignity, even when filled with anger and hostility. And I love young Victoria, just for being lovely young thing. And Betty Ann! I would love to see more of the female friendship scenes here! And I like pastor for being able to leave his fear behind him.
The characters in their entirety feel a lot - everyone of them have met with pain, but everyone decide to cope with it differently. And they (all of them, even the bad ones) are showing a way of what the right path is.

The novel feels like a movie, which is both good and bad things in my books. I mean, I love the execution, I would just trade the big final scene (very suitable for movie) for something more emotionally touching. But I am no guy, of course :) I feel that this is the result of the female-male writing team. Don´t get me wrong, I love the cooperation and I think that overall the book has the best of both worlds (masculine and feminine). And I can cope with one man thing, when I have lots of the scenes I am deeply touched with!

I am very affected by the reconciliation topic and I feel invited to build more bridges instead of burning them. Big thanks for that!

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mercy is still trying to figure out just who she is. After finding herself injured and suffering from amnesia, she learns from Captain Elijah Hale, that she served in the Civil War as a Confederate sharpshooter for the South. Knowing nothing more than what Captain Hale conveys to her, she struggles with coming to terms in finding out who she is. She clings to a mercy medallion she was wearing when she woke up, and now goes by the name Mercy. Captain Hale is aware of who Mercy was during the war, because the medallion she was wearing used to belong to him. As Mercy stood trial for the attempted murder of the congressman she was engaged to. After Captain Hale managed to convince the courts that Mercy was innocent of the charges, there were still those that believed she should have hanged.

Now why she pieces together clues from her past on where she might have been raised, she attempts to elude a group of bounty hunters who will stop at nothing to ensure they are paid to bring her back and see her hanged even though she is considered an innocent woman now. Traveling with Captain Hale and Issac, a young slave for a time, she manages to lose them in an effort so find her memories without involving the two people who mean the world to her. However, Mercy's troubles are far from over when she realizes that no one person is an island, and everyone needs help from those you can trust. Out of food and exhausted, Mercy stumbles into a slave camp and begs for something to eat. Since they are just as poor as she is, she consumes the leftover fish a boat tosses nearby. But that soon turns to food poisoning and the only help she can find is Fort Danielson, who is supposed to be manned by the Confederate army, but she is more than surprised to find the Union soldiers have now taken over the fort and its been quite a while since any of them have seen a woman, especially one in the condition she is in.

I received Finding Mercy by Michael Landon Jr and Cindy Kelley compliments of David C. Cook Publishers and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. This is the sequel to Traces of Mercy and picks up precisely where the first novel left off. Fans of the American Civil War will appreciate the details in this historical novel from the hatred of the Civil War supporters, to the issue dealing with plantation slaves and their respective owners just trying to recover from the war, even though Abraham Lincoln had declared them emancipated and now free. Recovery was difficult for them all and soon Mercy discovers her long lost past isn't what she remembers at all. Will the picture of one man provide the clues she has been searching for or will it merely be another dead end? You'll have to read this one to find out. I rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars and is the second novel in the Mercy Medallion Series. There is a great discussion guide for book groups at the end as well as an author note details the role women played in the Civil War.