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The Edge of Mercy
Two women, three hundred years apart, must face the devastation of all they hold dear...
Suspecting her husband is having an affair, Sarah Rodrigues fights to appear unbroken while attempting to salvage her family. Though distracted by her own troubles, Sarah is summoned to an elderly friend’s deathbed for an unusual request—find a long-lost daughter and relay a centuries-old family story.
Determined not to fail her friend, Sarah pieces together the story of her neighbor’s ancestor, Elizabeth Baker, a young colonist forced into an unwanted betrothal but drawn to a man forbidden by society.
While Sarah’s family teeters on the edge of collapse, her world is further shaken by the interest of a caring doctor and a terrible accident that threatens a life more precious than her own.
Inspired by the unconditional love she uncovers in Elizabeth’s story, Sarah strives to forgive those who’ve wounded her soul. But when light shines on the dark secrets of her neighbor’s past and the full extent of her husband’s sins, will looking to a power greater than herself rekindle lost hope?
Suspecting her husband is having an affair, Sarah Rodrigues fights to appear unbroken while attempting to salvage her family. Though distracted by her own troubles, Sarah is summoned to an elderly friend’s deathbed for an unusual request—find a long-lost daughter and relay a centuries-old family story.
Determined not to fail her friend, Sarah pieces together the story of her neighbor’s ancestor, Elizabeth Baker, a young colonist forced into an unwanted betrothal but drawn to a man forbidden by society.
While Sarah’s family teeters on the edge of collapse, her world is further shaken by the interest of a caring doctor and a terrible accident that threatens a life more precious than her own.
Inspired by the unconditional love she uncovers in Elizabeth’s story, Sarah strives to forgive those who’ve wounded her soul. But when light shines on the dark secrets of her neighbor’s past and the full extent of her husband’s sins, will looking to a power greater than herself rekindle lost hope?
302 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2019
352 people are currently reading
1965 people want to read
About the author
Heidi Chiavaroli
20 books1,071 followersHeidi Chiavaroli is a hope-inspired storyteller writing from the deep curiosity of her own heart. Her debut novel, Freedom's Ring, was a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist, a Romantic Times Top Pick, and a Booklist Top Ten Romance Debut. Her Carol award-winning novel, The Orchard House, inspired her to create The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast Series, a contemporary twist on Little Women. Heidi makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband and two sons. Visit her online at heidichiavaroli.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
March 2, 2019
From endorsement:
A book as rich as it is raw. Heidi Chiavaroli takes readers on a journey that is often painful for the realistic trail on which many have tread. But she doesn’t leave us in the shadowy places—she shines light on the source of hope, forgiveness, and unconditional love.
A book as rich as it is raw. Heidi Chiavaroli takes readers on a journey that is often painful for the realistic trail on which many have tread. But she doesn’t leave us in the shadowy places—she shines light on the source of hope, forgiveness, and unconditional love.
April 23, 2019
Full review on FaithfullyBookish.com
As I indulgently devoured the richness and graceful strength of this story, its raw authenticity struck a deep chord in my heart. The spectrum of belief and unbelief, faith and works, mercy and grace represented through these characters’ journeys constantly reminded me of the many instances of God’s tangible presence and provision in my own life.
Modern-day Sarah faces one crisis after another and, although it was sometimes difficult as a reader to walk that road alongside her, strength and wisdom were gained through the endurance of each trial. Elizabeth Baker’s journal gives readers an intimate look at a tumultuous time in our nation’s history.
This is my first experience with Chiavaroli’s work and I have to say the story definitely met my high expectations and I’m even more eagerly anticipating reading her previously published books! I highly recommend this story to fans of women’s fiction, historical fiction, and even romance readers will find much to enjoy within these pages.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
As I indulgently devoured the richness and graceful strength of this story, its raw authenticity struck a deep chord in my heart. The spectrum of belief and unbelief, faith and works, mercy and grace represented through these characters’ journeys constantly reminded me of the many instances of God’s tangible presence and provision in my own life.
Modern-day Sarah faces one crisis after another and, although it was sometimes difficult as a reader to walk that road alongside her, strength and wisdom were gained through the endurance of each trial. Elizabeth Baker’s journal gives readers an intimate look at a tumultuous time in our nation’s history.
This is my first experience with Chiavaroli’s work and I have to say the story definitely met my high expectations and I’m even more eagerly anticipating reading her previously published books! I highly recommend this story to fans of women’s fiction, historical fiction, and even romance readers will find much to enjoy within these pages.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
April 7, 2019
Another lovely time slip novel from the talented Heidi Chiavaroli.
The Edge of Mercy brings readers to the middle of marital strife. While I REALLY didn't like Matt much of the time, his characterization was probably spot on. The present day story of Sarah and Matt was engaging and threaded with gems of wisdom.
It was the 17th century tale of Elizabeth that stole my heart. What a difficult time to live in. And the romance...
My gratitude to the author for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
The Edge of Mercy brings readers to the middle of marital strife. While I REALLY didn't like Matt much of the time, his characterization was probably spot on. The present day story of Sarah and Matt was engaging and threaded with gems of wisdom.
It was the 17th century tale of Elizabeth that stole my heart. What a difficult time to live in. And the romance...
My gratitude to the author for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
August 5, 2019
2.5 stars, rounding down because what's missing here matters. What's missing is the description of a marriage worth saving.
The broad outline of The Edge of Mercy invites comparison to Francine Rivers' The Scarlet Thread. Both are Christian romances about troubled marriages in which the husband compensates for feelings of social inadequacy by "trading up" to a lover who has the kind of background to which he aspires while the betrayed wife finds solace and guidance in reading the journal of a female ancestor* who also suffered trials and tribulations.
(* Note for accuracy: the journal in The Edge of Mercy was actually written by the heroine's neighbor's ancestor.)
Sadly, The Edge of Mercy was no The Scarlet Thread where it mattered most: the disintegration of the marriage and the buildup to the infidelity.
The heroine's marriage in The Edge of Mercy can best be described as dreary. Not happy. Not combative or tempestuous. Not even miserable, until the husband asks for a "break" for the summer in which he rents a beach cottage in Newport while she stays in their boxy three-story house she never wanted in the first place.
They married when they were teenagers, after the heroine became pregnant with their son and her pastor father insisted they get married. The shotgun groom dropped out of school to start a landscaping business to support his new family; somewhere along the way the heroine became an RN but deferred her dream of becoming a nurse practitioner. There are no flashback scenes depicting happy times. Nor are there dramatic disagreements. The problem with their marriage gets summed up as a kind of indifference to each other's preferences: he has always refused to go hiking with her; she has always refused to go golfing or sailing with him. (Seriously, not sharing these specific activities gets cited repeatedly as the trouble spot in their 17-year relationship.)
There is no precipitating event creating a marital crisis. (In The Scarlet Thread, for example, the husband insisted on moving his wife from her hometown in rural Northern California to L.A. so he could pursue his ambitions. The wife was extremely hostile about this.) The reader can infer that the timing of the split in The Edge of Mercy results from the husband's latest job landscaping a fancy Newport estate where the OW lives with her parents. (Sees fancy house. Meets fancy hot blonde. Time to reconsider his unfancy marriage.) If the wife bears any blame for the marital breakdown before this, it lies in her passivity and avoidance.
That passivity continues during their summer "break." I would compare her to Penelope waiting for Odysseus to return, but Penelope showed more gumption.
I don't have a lot of faith in the reconciliation. It's tied too closely to the trauma of the son's accident, while the disintegration of the marriage came from the relentless eroding force of indifference. Shock doesn't reverse seventeen years of that. In the end, the husband got away with taking a summer sexcation. And his doormat of a wife slides right back into the shiny wedding rings and boxy home she never wanted.
On a positive note, I do think Chiavaroli did a better job integrating the "time slip" narrative (the historical journal entries) with the contemporary marriage in jeopardy story than Rivers did in The Scarlet Thread. By making the journal author an ancestor of the heroine's deceased neighbor who needed to mend fences with her estranged daughter, Chiavaroli really layered the narratives of sacrifice and loss and forgiveness.
The broad outline of The Edge of Mercy invites comparison to Francine Rivers' The Scarlet Thread. Both are Christian romances about troubled marriages in which the husband compensates for feelings of social inadequacy by "trading up" to a lover who has the kind of background to which he aspires while the betrayed wife finds solace and guidance in reading the journal of a female ancestor* who also suffered trials and tribulations.
(* Note for accuracy: the journal in The Edge of Mercy was actually written by the heroine's neighbor's ancestor.)
Sadly, The Edge of Mercy was no The Scarlet Thread where it mattered most: the disintegration of the marriage and the buildup to the infidelity.
The heroine's marriage in The Edge of Mercy can best be described as dreary. Not happy. Not combative or tempestuous. Not even miserable, until the husband asks for a "break" for the summer in which he rents a beach cottage in Newport while she stays in their boxy three-story house she never wanted in the first place.
They married when they were teenagers, after the heroine became pregnant with their son and her pastor father insisted they get married. The shotgun groom dropped out of school to start a landscaping business to support his new family; somewhere along the way the heroine became an RN but deferred her dream of becoming a nurse practitioner. There are no flashback scenes depicting happy times. Nor are there dramatic disagreements. The problem with their marriage gets summed up as a kind of indifference to each other's preferences: he has always refused to go hiking with her; she has always refused to go golfing or sailing with him. (Seriously, not sharing these specific activities gets cited repeatedly as the trouble spot in their 17-year relationship.)
There is no precipitating event creating a marital crisis. (In The Scarlet Thread, for example, the husband insisted on moving his wife from her hometown in rural Northern California to L.A. so he could pursue his ambitions. The wife was extremely hostile about this.) The reader can infer that the timing of the split in The Edge of Mercy results from the husband's latest job landscaping a fancy Newport estate where the OW lives with her parents. (Sees fancy house. Meets fancy hot blonde. Time to reconsider his unfancy marriage.) If the wife bears any blame for the marital breakdown before this, it lies in her passivity and avoidance.
That passivity continues during their summer "break." I would compare her to Penelope waiting for Odysseus to return, but Penelope showed more gumption.
I don't have a lot of faith in the reconciliation. It's tied too closely to the trauma of the son's accident, while the disintegration of the marriage came from the relentless eroding force of indifference. Shock doesn't reverse seventeen years of that. In the end, the husband got away with taking a summer sexcation. And his doormat of a wife slides right back into the shiny wedding rings and boxy home she never wanted.
On a positive note, I do think Chiavaroli did a better job integrating the "time slip" narrative (the historical journal entries) with the contemporary marriage in jeopardy story than Rivers did in The Scarlet Thread. By making the journal author an ancestor of the heroine's deceased neighbor who needed to mend fences with her estranged daughter, Chiavaroli really layered the narratives of sacrifice and loss and forgiveness.
April 22, 2019
The Edge of Mercy shares the story of two women, three hundred years apart, in such an intimate, heart-exposing way that it made me feel along with them—first their initial hope & happiness, then heartache, anger, betrayal, rejection, deep pain, the stirrings of hope again, and finally peace, joy, and a new depth of love. This is a story for all who long to know if it is possible to experience beauty from ashes. This is a story for all women who need the reminder that “God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.” (I John 3:20 the Message)
Can’t wait for Heidi’s next book!
Wise words I loved:
“How do dirty ashes and vile grease create such pure beauty? I asked Goodwife Howland if she thought our lives could be like the soap. If good things could come from the bad. She told me the good Lord promises beauty from ashes in his Word. I would like to read of such things. I will search Papa’s Bible tonight.”
“After I spoke all this, I felt God calling my soul. I had never known such an insistence, and yet I knew it in that moment. ’Twas like a stirring of the wind that swept through the windows and into my heart, yet the leaves outside the window scarce moved. I prayed, then. And I felt assurance, peace, as if all would be well. And yet I am uncertain how that could be.”
“ . . . whereas the Gospels tell of one sacrifice . . . I wonder what it means for me, a lone girl amid war and ugliness . . . I am drawn to the suffering of Christ. For the first time I feel a kinship with this God of the weak . . . Over and over I read, and yet one verse I have found my heart clings to. ‘And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect through weakness.’ I read this and shed warm tears, for I cannot deny that the words are like sweet balm to my wretched heart. ’Tis nothing but this. ’Tis nothing but His grace and promise and finished work to see me through. ’Tis all I have left to cling to.”
“What if I chose to believe these ancient words? What if I chose to believe in God’s strength and not my own? That only by reaching the end of myself could I see what God was capable of? I clutched the promise close and did not let it go, trusted that it was for me, that God called me in that moment, that He knew my suffering and was promising something undeserved. Love. Mercy. Hope. And all-sufficient grace.”
Can’t wait for Heidi’s next book!
Wise words I loved:
“How do dirty ashes and vile grease create such pure beauty? I asked Goodwife Howland if she thought our lives could be like the soap. If good things could come from the bad. She told me the good Lord promises beauty from ashes in his Word. I would like to read of such things. I will search Papa’s Bible tonight.”
“After I spoke all this, I felt God calling my soul. I had never known such an insistence, and yet I knew it in that moment. ’Twas like a stirring of the wind that swept through the windows and into my heart, yet the leaves outside the window scarce moved. I prayed, then. And I felt assurance, peace, as if all would be well. And yet I am uncertain how that could be.”
“ . . . whereas the Gospels tell of one sacrifice . . . I wonder what it means for me, a lone girl amid war and ugliness . . . I am drawn to the suffering of Christ. For the first time I feel a kinship with this God of the weak . . . Over and over I read, and yet one verse I have found my heart clings to. ‘And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect through weakness.’ I read this and shed warm tears, for I cannot deny that the words are like sweet balm to my wretched heart. ’Tis nothing but this. ’Tis nothing but His grace and promise and finished work to see me through. ’Tis all I have left to cling to.”
“What if I chose to believe these ancient words? What if I chose to believe in God’s strength and not my own? That only by reaching the end of myself could I see what God was capable of? I clutched the promise close and did not let it go, trusted that it was for me, that God called me in that moment, that He knew my suffering and was promising something undeserved. Love. Mercy. Hope. And all-sufficient grace.”
March 16, 2019
Originally posted on Christian Shelf-Esteem https://christianshelfesteem.wordpres...
If you have not been introduced to the writing of Heidi Chiavaroli, you are missing out! I first became acquainted with her when I read her debut novel, Freedom’s Ring. With her third release, The Edge of Mercy, Chiavaroli has established herself as a master of the Colonial/contemporary time-slip novel and one who fearlessly tackles delicate issues. As with her other books, you may want to have a box of tissues close at hand.
The story opens with Sarah Rodrigues losing her wedding bands as she stands upon Abram’s Rock, where she has gone to lament over her husband’s request for separation. The two have been married for 17 years and have a teenage son, Kyle. After reading the first chapter, I was hooked. Partly because I cannot imagine my husband of 15 years making the same request, but also because of the way Matt and Sarah’s marriage began. I wanted to believe they could pull through.
The historical timeline doesn’t begin until Chapter 9 when, in response to her neighbor’s dying wish, Sarah undertakes the work of transcribing Elizabeth Baker’s journal (1675). I found the legend of Abram’s Rock along with Elizabeth’s revelations about God and love to be exquisitely intertwined with Sarah and Matt’s journey towards reconciliation. This is not a love story in the traditional sense, but rather a rending and mending of hearts.
I was struck by a number of elements of this story. First, by how real and honest the author was with Sarah’s emotions and how that played out in the dialogue between characters. Premarital sex, the marriage bed, and infidelity were not off limits—though there’s nothing gratuitous in her writing. I liked how Chiavaroli indirectly demonstrates how belief in God is personal, and it’s not bequeathed to us by our parents or imparted to us by our spouses. Lastly, how being yoked to an unbeliever can make for a shifting foundation in marriage. For while early on Sarah ruminates “Matt never spoke of God, especially not to me. Faith—religion—was the one thing we simply couldn’t find common ground on. So we’d just stopped talking about it altogether. It worked for us.” By the end, her opinions have changed and her hope rests in God and in their new shared faith.
Christian Shelf-Esteem received a book to facilitate this review. The views and opinions expressed are 100% honest and my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255 Guidelines, concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising.
If you have not been introduced to the writing of Heidi Chiavaroli, you are missing out! I first became acquainted with her when I read her debut novel, Freedom’s Ring. With her third release, The Edge of Mercy, Chiavaroli has established herself as a master of the Colonial/contemporary time-slip novel and one who fearlessly tackles delicate issues. As with her other books, you may want to have a box of tissues close at hand.
The story opens with Sarah Rodrigues losing her wedding bands as she stands upon Abram’s Rock, where she has gone to lament over her husband’s request for separation. The two have been married for 17 years and have a teenage son, Kyle. After reading the first chapter, I was hooked. Partly because I cannot imagine my husband of 15 years making the same request, but also because of the way Matt and Sarah’s marriage began. I wanted to believe they could pull through.
The historical timeline doesn’t begin until Chapter 9 when, in response to her neighbor’s dying wish, Sarah undertakes the work of transcribing Elizabeth Baker’s journal (1675). I found the legend of Abram’s Rock along with Elizabeth’s revelations about God and love to be exquisitely intertwined with Sarah and Matt’s journey towards reconciliation. This is not a love story in the traditional sense, but rather a rending and mending of hearts.
I was struck by a number of elements of this story. First, by how real and honest the author was with Sarah’s emotions and how that played out in the dialogue between characters. Premarital sex, the marriage bed, and infidelity were not off limits—though there’s nothing gratuitous in her writing. I liked how Chiavaroli indirectly demonstrates how belief in God is personal, and it’s not bequeathed to us by our parents or imparted to us by our spouses. Lastly, how being yoked to an unbeliever can make for a shifting foundation in marriage. For while early on Sarah ruminates “Matt never spoke of God, especially not to me. Faith—religion—was the one thing we simply couldn’t find common ground on. So we’d just stopped talking about it altogether. It worked for us.” By the end, her opinions have changed and her hope rests in God and in their new shared faith.
Christian Shelf-Esteem received a book to facilitate this review. The views and opinions expressed are 100% honest and my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255 Guidelines, concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising.
April 15, 2019
The Edge of Mercy was a breath of fresh air for me. I loved the deep, introspective look at both Sarah in the present day and Elizabeth in the past. At the same time, this story is raw, vulnerable, and deeply emotional. Sarah’s marriage to Matt is on the brink of failure. Her feelings are so poignantly painted in this story. Her emotion is palpable; her reactions feel so genuine. While some of the story literally made me angry, I was also deeply impacted by the theme of sacrificial love, which is a theme that stretches across time to connect Sarah to Elizabeth’s story in the 17th Century. The historical tale is equally as compelling. Usually I’m a bit more engaged in the historical setting, but in this story, both past and present held my attention.
This story made me feel deeply; it truly captured my heart in a way that not every story does. Chiavaroli takes her characters through what seems to be bleak end to something stronger, more resilient, and more real than what was there before. This is truly one of those situations that my words seem inadequate. This story is about marriage, yes, but mostly it’s about two women in two different times who realize what it means to love without condition, to love without asking for anything back. It's about what happens when you've come to the end of yourself and anything you can do, and what that means about the One who created you.
"I think sometimes we might not recognize hope until we've been in the darkness."
This is Chiavaroli’s third release, and I am already impatient for her next book. Start with any of her three novels, you can’t go wrong. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel. I was not required to post a review, positive or otherwise, and this review is my honest opinion.
This story made me feel deeply; it truly captured my heart in a way that not every story does. Chiavaroli takes her characters through what seems to be bleak end to something stronger, more resilient, and more real than what was there before. This is truly one of those situations that my words seem inadequate. This story is about marriage, yes, but mostly it’s about two women in two different times who realize what it means to love without condition, to love without asking for anything back. It's about what happens when you've come to the end of yourself and anything you can do, and what that means about the One who created you.
"I think sometimes we might not recognize hope until we've been in the darkness."
This is Chiavaroli’s third release, and I am already impatient for her next book. Start with any of her three novels, you can’t go wrong. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel. I was not required to post a review, positive or otherwise, and this review is my honest opinion.
May 8, 2019
The Edge of Mercy was in intensely powerful story. This author knows how to take my emotions and pull them all over the place, wreck my heart, and yet leave me with a feeling of hope and assuredness when all is finished.
I was equally intrigued by both the contemporary and the historical stories in this dual timeline novel. I appreciated the way the historical story of Elizabeth, Abram, and Caleb was told through Elizabeth’s journal entries. This method allowed me to keep a slight bit of emotional distance from the story, while still being thoroughly interested in the outcome.
The contemporary story of the marriage problems between Sarah and Matt pulled me in and just simply broke my heart. I was so mad at Matt and felt helpless as I followed Sarah’s journey. I was also absolutely captivated by every little detail about their past romance, wanted to know the reasons behind Matt’s present day behavior, and was desperate to find out how things would settle out between them.
I loved the way the author used Elizabeth’s journal and her faith journey to inspire Sarah, not only in what love really looked like, but also in finally leading Sarah to her own faith journey. I loved the power this journal had in the lives of those who read it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
I was equally intrigued by both the contemporary and the historical stories in this dual timeline novel. I appreciated the way the historical story of Elizabeth, Abram, and Caleb was told through Elizabeth’s journal entries. This method allowed me to keep a slight bit of emotional distance from the story, while still being thoroughly interested in the outcome.
The contemporary story of the marriage problems between Sarah and Matt pulled me in and just simply broke my heart. I was so mad at Matt and felt helpless as I followed Sarah’s journey. I was also absolutely captivated by every little detail about their past romance, wanted to know the reasons behind Matt’s present day behavior, and was desperate to find out how things would settle out between them.
I loved the way the author used Elizabeth’s journal and her faith journey to inspire Sarah, not only in what love really looked like, but also in finally leading Sarah to her own faith journey. I loved the power this journal had in the lives of those who read it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
April 9, 2019
Wow! I'm speechless, in the best way. Having read (and loved!) all of this author's previous books I automatically signed up to review this one without even knowing what it was about! Based solely on the fact that it's a Heidi Chiavaroli novel I knew that I would be swept away and would hate to put the book down, both of which happened almost instantly. I was completely engaged in the story and was rooting for the characters from the start! The Edge of Mercy is an emotionally rich, soul-stirring read, it grabbed hold of my heart and wouldn't let go! I feel that God has used this book to change my heart and encourage my faith, and if you read it I have no doubt that He will speak to your heart through it as well!
This isn't an easy, lighthearted read, but if you are looking for a book that will grab your heart and take you on a journey that will impact your life for the better then The Edge of Mercy is the perfect choice!
I loved this book and am so happy to have read it! I highly recommend The Edge of Mercy and cannot wait for Heidi Chiavaroli's next book!
I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
This isn't an easy, lighthearted read, but if you are looking for a book that will grab your heart and take you on a journey that will impact your life for the better then The Edge of Mercy is the perfect choice!
I loved this book and am so happy to have read it! I highly recommend The Edge of Mercy and cannot wait for Heidi Chiavaroli's next book!
I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
May 16, 2019
Reviewed at The Power of Words: https://bit.ly/2WOgXQ6
Quite simply, The Edge of Mercy is exquisite. Powerful, emotional, poignant, unforgettable. Worthy of my “best of the best” shelf.
I’m kicking myself for not having discovered Heidi Chiavaroli’s books before now, for she sets her stories in my favorite era, that of Colonial America through the Revolution. The Edge of Mercy has a dual timeline, Sarah and Matt in the present day, and that of Elizabeth, Abram and Caleb in 1675 told through Elizabeth’s journal. It’s the story of a troubled marriage that began on a shaky foundation, a marriage on the brink of failure, and the author skillfully handles elements like premarital sex and infidelity.
I think what makes this story so special and impactful is that it is inspired by personal events. Heidi writes: “All books have a piece of my heart, but this book…I don’t know, it feels especially personal. Maybe because it’s set in my hometown. Maybe because it explores the intricacies of marriage. Maybe because it was from watching my parents struggle—and conquer—their own marriage troubles for a lot of my growing up years that this book was able to be told from an especially authentic place.”
The story of Elizabeth’s family imparts a far-reaching legacy with the power to effect lasting change. Sometimes we learn best by being shown what real, sacrificial love is. And as for those impossible-to-forgive circumstances, that’s where God’s grace enters in. I think we all share a thankfulness that with God, there are no impossible circumstances, and that He gives us supernatural grace to extend the same.
The Edge of Mercy is an engrossing and compelling novel. It just doesn’t get any better than this!
Very highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Quite simply, The Edge of Mercy is exquisite. Powerful, emotional, poignant, unforgettable. Worthy of my “best of the best” shelf.
I’m kicking myself for not having discovered Heidi Chiavaroli’s books before now, for she sets her stories in my favorite era, that of Colonial America through the Revolution. The Edge of Mercy has a dual timeline, Sarah and Matt in the present day, and that of Elizabeth, Abram and Caleb in 1675 told through Elizabeth’s journal. It’s the story of a troubled marriage that began on a shaky foundation, a marriage on the brink of failure, and the author skillfully handles elements like premarital sex and infidelity.
I think what makes this story so special and impactful is that it is inspired by personal events. Heidi writes: “All books have a piece of my heart, but this book…I don’t know, it feels especially personal. Maybe because it’s set in my hometown. Maybe because it explores the intricacies of marriage. Maybe because it was from watching my parents struggle—and conquer—their own marriage troubles for a lot of my growing up years that this book was able to be told from an especially authentic place.”
The story of Elizabeth’s family imparts a far-reaching legacy with the power to effect lasting change. Sometimes we learn best by being shown what real, sacrificial love is. And as for those impossible-to-forgive circumstances, that’s where God’s grace enters in. I think we all share a thankfulness that with God, there are no impossible circumstances, and that He gives us supernatural grace to extend the same.
The Edge of Mercy is an engrossing and compelling novel. It just doesn’t get any better than this!
Very highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
March 11, 2019
From endorsement: The Edge of Mercy is most definitely one for the keeper shelf. With her characteristic depth of emotion and willingness to address hard issues, Chiavaroli delivers a beautiful and gentle reminder that hope can persist even in the darkest of circumstances.
Read
April 11, 2019I'm so excited to bring this new time slip novel to you, my friends.
All books have a piece of my heart, but this book…I don’t know, it feels especially personal. Maybe because it’s set in my hometown. Maybe because it explores the intricacies of marriage. Maybe because it was from watching my parents struggle—and conquer—their own marriage troubles for a lot of my growing up years that this book was able to be told from an especially authentic place.
I hope you enjoy it, dear reader. I hope the characters capture your imagination and your heart. Most of all, I hope you see light and hope within its pages.
All books have a piece of my heart, but this book…I don’t know, it feels especially personal. Maybe because it’s set in my hometown. Maybe because it explores the intricacies of marriage. Maybe because it was from watching my parents struggle—and conquer—their own marriage troubles for a lot of my growing up years that this book was able to be told from an especially authentic place.
I hope you enjoy it, dear reader. I hope the characters capture your imagination and your heart. Most of all, I hope you see light and hope within its pages.
April 12, 2019
I could not put this book down! I read it in one day (well, two when you consider it was 2:30 a.m. when I finished). I was immediately taken in by the modern day story, and then when Sarah, the main character, started reading Elizabeth’s journal from the 17th century I was completely involved. This is the first of Ms Chiavaroli’s books I’ve read, but now I plan to read her first two!
March 1, 2025
Wow. What a powerful story of love, forgiveness, the depth of the covenant of marriage and the relentless pursuit of God. Heidi Chiavaroli is quickly becoming a must-read author for me. Even knowing that, I didn't anticipate how much this story would touch my heart. Bravo! Amazing book.
August 14, 2019
From the first page, I was hooked! This was definitely my favourite Heidi Chiavaroli novel. I devoured this as fast as I could, and I would've done it faster if I hadn't had to go to work today :) I don't know why but I really connected with Sarah. Really, I liked all the characters except Matt, but I came around to him as well, when I had more knowledge of where he was coming from. I cried through this whole novel, the tears were just streaming down my face.
I'm not married, so I'm wasn't sure where I connected with this story so much, but then I started understanding the story and the love that Caleb had for Elizabeth and how he never gave up on his love for her. It's kind of like how God loves us, and wow, it all comes back down to that.
I'm not married, so I'm wasn't sure where I connected with this story so much, but then I started understanding the story and the love that Caleb had for Elizabeth and how he never gave up on his love for her. It's kind of like how God loves us, and wow, it all comes back down to that.
March 25, 2019
I absolutely LOVED this book! Heidi Chiavaroli doesn’t shy away from hard topics and I praise her for that! She does this with so much grace! Her books are so deep and raw. This book touched my heart. I truly felt Sarah’s pain and heartbreak! I really loved the message of hope that shone through the darkness. This is one book that I know I will read again! Definitely one of the best books of 2019!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
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August 5, 2019My God! That piece of sexist shit that the author has the courage to call a book was written and published in this century ?! Are you fking kidding me right?!
July 21, 2019
Originally posted on Inkwell Inspirations
In her latest time-slip novel, Heidi Chiavaroli creates an extremely compelling story filled with deep raw emotion and authenticity. She tackles difficult topics such as infidelity and pregnancy outside of marriage, while giving hope for the future and the realization of God’s grace and love.
The Edge of Mercy tells the contemporary story of Sarah and Matt, whose seventeen-year marriage is crumbling. When Matt moves out for the summer and acquires a new woman in his life, Sarah finds herself broken and unsure of her future. After an unusual request written in her late neighbor Barb’s will, Sarah begins transcribing the journals of Barb’s 17th century ancestor Elizabeth from the local historical museum. The journals take the readers back to the time of King Philip’s War in the late 1600s and the Legend of Abram’s rock. Elizabeth finds herself attracted to an intriguing Native American named Abram, while her secure, dependable neighbor Caleb seeks her hand in marriage. The growing tension and fighting between the settlers and Native Americans place Elizabeth in extreme danger. Sarah begins to see similarities between her circumstances and what Elizabeth experienced in the 17th century. Can Sarah find healing and repair her marriage or is it too late for her and Matt?
Heidi Chiavaroli is known for writing thought-provoking time-slip novels that take readers out of their comfort zone, while at the same time, drawing them closer to their faith. Forgiveness, enduring love, and second chances are important themes in this novel. The Edge of Mercy is highly recommended for fans of contemporary and historical fiction, and readers who enjoy time-slip novels by authors such as Melanie Dobson, Rachel Hauck, and Sarah Monzon.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
In her latest time-slip novel, Heidi Chiavaroli creates an extremely compelling story filled with deep raw emotion and authenticity. She tackles difficult topics such as infidelity and pregnancy outside of marriage, while giving hope for the future and the realization of God’s grace and love.
The Edge of Mercy tells the contemporary story of Sarah and Matt, whose seventeen-year marriage is crumbling. When Matt moves out for the summer and acquires a new woman in his life, Sarah finds herself broken and unsure of her future. After an unusual request written in her late neighbor Barb’s will, Sarah begins transcribing the journals of Barb’s 17th century ancestor Elizabeth from the local historical museum. The journals take the readers back to the time of King Philip’s War in the late 1600s and the Legend of Abram’s rock. Elizabeth finds herself attracted to an intriguing Native American named Abram, while her secure, dependable neighbor Caleb seeks her hand in marriage. The growing tension and fighting between the settlers and Native Americans place Elizabeth in extreme danger. Sarah begins to see similarities between her circumstances and what Elizabeth experienced in the 17th century. Can Sarah find healing and repair her marriage or is it too late for her and Matt?
Heidi Chiavaroli is known for writing thought-provoking time-slip novels that take readers out of their comfort zone, while at the same time, drawing them closer to their faith. Forgiveness, enduring love, and second chances are important themes in this novel. The Edge of Mercy is highly recommended for fans of contemporary and historical fiction, and readers who enjoy time-slip novels by authors such as Melanie Dobson, Rachel Hauck, and Sarah Monzon.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
April 2, 2019
This was such a beautiful redemptive story about love and marriage. This book was a dual timeline of sorts, but different from this author's other dual timeline novels. This one fully takes place in present day, but our heroine is tasked with transcribing a journal from 1675 and so from the journal entries, we learn the story of Elizabeth.
Sarah Rodrigues has always been content with what she has - a wonderful husband, an amazing son, good friends and neighbors and her part-time nursing job. Until one day, when her husband requests "a break" for the summer, asking to take their son with him to teach him hard work and get to spend time with him. All of a sudden, that which was most important is suddenly gone. When her neighbor leaves her the mysterious task of finding her daughter and transcribing this journal, Sarah finds it as something to do since her house is empty, but as she goes, she learns a great deal from Elizabeth's story. She comes to believe that was her neighbor's intent all along.
This book (like Ms. Chiavaroli's other novels) is emotionally wrought and has "all the feels". She deals with difficult topics such as death, divorce, infidelity, and physical trauma, but gives us such a satisfying ending to the story. I would recommend this one to anyone who is struggling in love and/or enjoys emotionally laden satisfying stories. I'll leave you with a quote from Elizabeth's journal: "Even as love is an object of but two people, it is shaped and formed by others, by the circumstances that surround it. It can grow, or it can shrivel."
Special thanks to the author and Hope Creek Publishers for an advanced copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
Sarah Rodrigues has always been content with what she has - a wonderful husband, an amazing son, good friends and neighbors and her part-time nursing job. Until one day, when her husband requests "a break" for the summer, asking to take their son with him to teach him hard work and get to spend time with him. All of a sudden, that which was most important is suddenly gone. When her neighbor leaves her the mysterious task of finding her daughter and transcribing this journal, Sarah finds it as something to do since her house is empty, but as she goes, she learns a great deal from Elizabeth's story. She comes to believe that was her neighbor's intent all along.
This book (like Ms. Chiavaroli's other novels) is emotionally wrought and has "all the feels". She deals with difficult topics such as death, divorce, infidelity, and physical trauma, but gives us such a satisfying ending to the story. I would recommend this one to anyone who is struggling in love and/or enjoys emotionally laden satisfying stories. I'll leave you with a quote from Elizabeth's journal: "Even as love is an object of but two people, it is shaped and formed by others, by the circumstances that surround it. It can grow, or it can shrivel."
Special thanks to the author and Hope Creek Publishers for an advanced copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
August 10, 2019
Two timelines in this story:
1700s
Elizabeth, Abram, and Caleb... a love triangle. Both men love Elizabeth.
Abram was a Native American living alone in a cave. He was staying away from both his tribe who wanted to kill him, and white men who fear his people. Elizabeth came across him on a walk one day and was immediately attracted to him. At the same time, her father wanted her to marry Caleb, a stable man of good character. At first I didn’t know what to think about him. He seemed controlling and fairly blah. Later he proved to be a very good, loving man who wanted the best for her.
Present day...another triangle of sorts. Sarah and Matt and Cassie.
Sarah's husband felt the need to take a break from their marriage so he moved, taking their only son for the summer to help him with his business. Sarah had always loved her husband fiercely, so this was all baffling. One day she saw a young blond flirting with him and he didn’t look inclined to brush her off. Suddenly her marriage felt unsafe, naturally leading pain and anger. Personally, I was angry for her.
The storyline from the past had a connection to the current story when Sarah's neighbor (Barb) died, leaving Sarah everything AND a task. She was to find her estranged daughter, translate a story (like a journal) written by one of Barb's ancestors from its original old-English wording and writing style, then give it to Mary, Barb's daughter.
I wasn’t crazy about Mary. She was resentful and unforgiving of her past with her mother. Also, the character's change over the next few days was unrealistic and a bit too quick.
All in all though, it was a good story
1700s
Elizabeth, Abram, and Caleb... a love triangle. Both men love Elizabeth.
Abram was a Native American living alone in a cave. He was staying away from both his tribe who wanted to kill him, and white men who fear his people. Elizabeth came across him on a walk one day and was immediately attracted to him. At the same time, her father wanted her to marry Caleb, a stable man of good character. At first I didn’t know what to think about him. He seemed controlling and fairly blah. Later he proved to be a very good, loving man who wanted the best for her.
Present day...another triangle of sorts. Sarah and Matt and Cassie.
Sarah's husband felt the need to take a break from their marriage so he moved, taking their only son for the summer to help him with his business. Sarah had always loved her husband fiercely, so this was all baffling. One day she saw a young blond flirting with him and he didn’t look inclined to brush her off. Suddenly her marriage felt unsafe, naturally leading pain and anger. Personally, I was angry for her.
The storyline from the past had a connection to the current story when Sarah's neighbor (Barb) died, leaving Sarah everything AND a task. She was to find her estranged daughter, translate a story (like a journal) written by one of Barb's ancestors from its original old-English wording and writing style, then give it to Mary, Barb's daughter.
I wasn’t crazy about Mary. She was resentful and unforgiving of her past with her mother. Also, the character's change over the next few days was unrealistic and a bit too quick.
All in all though, it was a good story
April 9, 2019
Heidi Chiavaroli writes some of the best timeslip novels that I have read. Her writing and stories always grab me from the first page. This story is no different. I was sucked in from the beginning and read it in three sittings. I slightly preferred the historical story. That being said, I was more invested in the characters from the storyline that takes place in the present.
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Matt and Sarah’s story literally made my heart ache. Seemingly, out of the blue, Matt decides they need to take a break - actually that he needs a break from Sarah and their marriage. There was so much pain and, at least for Sarah, so many unanswered questions. I really wanted Matt’s point of view throughout the story. I wished I could have known what was going through his mind. Sarah’s main goal was to do whatever she needed to do to make their marriage work and Elizabeth’s journals gave her the hope she needed . I really want to say more about Matt and Sarah and how I feel about their whole story, but that would totally go into spoiler territory. 😕
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Elizabeth’s story is told totally through her journals. It is a story of the hardships incurred during the colonial times and one of unconditional love. I loved the character of Abram and I can say no more ~spoilers. I also loved Caleb. He shows us what unconditional love really is. I can’t wait to see what Heidi brings us next!
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I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
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Matt and Sarah’s story literally made my heart ache. Seemingly, out of the blue, Matt decides they need to take a break - actually that he needs a break from Sarah and their marriage. There was so much pain and, at least for Sarah, so many unanswered questions. I really wanted Matt’s point of view throughout the story. I wished I could have known what was going through his mind. Sarah’s main goal was to do whatever she needed to do to make their marriage work and Elizabeth’s journals gave her the hope she needed . I really want to say more about Matt and Sarah and how I feel about their whole story, but that would totally go into spoiler territory. 😕
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Elizabeth’s story is told totally through her journals. It is a story of the hardships incurred during the colonial times and one of unconditional love. I loved the character of Abram and I can say no more ~spoilers. I also loved Caleb. He shows us what unconditional love really is. I can’t wait to see what Heidi brings us next!
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I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
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May 9, 2019
A beautiful, powerful, and inspiring story, The Edge of Mercy by Heidi Chiavaroli is a book that takes on some hard real-life topics. This story shows the struggling relationship between a husband and wife and the toll it takes on their family. It goes through the struggles and pain, as well as redemption and forgiveness. The story goes back and forth between present and an old journal that one of the main characters is transcribing. This journal plays a role in helping heal the relationships of several characters within the story. Chiavaroli’s story is beautifully written with emotion and heart and will tug at the heart of readers. In this gripping story, the author reminds readers the importance of creating and working at lasting relationships. Fans of Chiavaroli’s previous stories will definitely not want to miss out on this one!
Genre: time slip, contemporary, historical
Publisher: Hope Creek Publishers
Publication date: April 9, 2019
Number of pages: 302
An e-review copy of this book was provided by NetGalley via JustRead Publicity Tours, as well as a print copy provided via the author’s launch team. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Genre: time slip, contemporary, historical
Publisher: Hope Creek Publishers
Publication date: April 9, 2019
Number of pages: 302
An e-review copy of this book was provided by NetGalley via JustRead Publicity Tours, as well as a print copy provided via the author’s launch team. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
May 3, 2019
I finished this emotional story last night. Author Heidi Chiavaroli packs a powerful punch with her books & characters, and this one was no exception.
In The Edge of Mercy, she tackles tough subjects with grace and writing finesse. The story is split time and takes a bold yet tender look at marriage in all its many facets, including the layers with which we love others. Sarah, Matt, Elizabeth, and Caleb all felt like real people as I turned pages, their heartache and questions drawing me deeper into their struggles of the heart.
The spiritual arc is wonderful and authentic, and my emotions were fully engaged in the present-day story as well as the colonial-era story.
It’s a beautiful, memorable story I highly recommend!
In The Edge of Mercy, she tackles tough subjects with grace and writing finesse. The story is split time and takes a bold yet tender look at marriage in all its many facets, including the layers with which we love others. Sarah, Matt, Elizabeth, and Caleb all felt like real people as I turned pages, their heartache and questions drawing me deeper into their struggles of the heart.
The spiritual arc is wonderful and authentic, and my emotions were fully engaged in the present-day story as well as the colonial-era story.
It’s a beautiful, memorable story I highly recommend!
April 1, 2019
I so enjoyed this book. I had such a hard time putting it down and when I did, I just kept thinking about the characters and where the story was going to take them. Well written and well worth your time!
November 22, 2022
I really love Heidi Chiavaroli's books because they're real. Raw, unique page-turners with all the deep down grittiness of life...the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Two special heroines connect through an old diary written centuries earlier and find out that above all, "God's grace is sufficient" and discover some pretty tough truths along the way. My emotions were all over the place and some of this novel was tough to read, but life is not all roses and lollipops. Sometimes marriages fail, families become estranged, and not everyone knows God.
Chiavaroli has written a touching, emotive story of hope, forgiveness, and of a God who can put all the broken pieces back together. Highly recommend!
Two special heroines connect through an old diary written centuries earlier and find out that above all, "God's grace is sufficient" and discover some pretty tough truths along the way. My emotions were all over the place and some of this novel was tough to read, but life is not all roses and lollipops. Sometimes marriages fail, families become estranged, and not everyone knows God.
Chiavaroli has written a touching, emotive story of hope, forgiveness, and of a God who can put all the broken pieces back together. Highly recommend!
June 7, 2024
totally enthralling read
I am going to have a book hang-over from this book….it was so good…so engrossing…so emotional….I can’t put into words how much it touched me. It was set in 1675 and present day, and the way the author weaved both stories together was nothing short of amazing. It was a hard read at times as you see a marriage going through an agonizing time….then there was the love triangle both past and present….there was redemption, forgiveness, and unconditional love. Do yourself a favor and read this enthralling book! I very highly recommend it!
I am going to have a book hang-over from this book….it was so good…so engrossing…so emotional….I can’t put into words how much it touched me. It was set in 1675 and present day, and the way the author weaved both stories together was nothing short of amazing. It was a hard read at times as you see a marriage going through an agonizing time….then there was the love triangle both past and present….there was redemption, forgiveness, and unconditional love. Do yourself a favor and read this enthralling book! I very highly recommend it!
March 18, 2021
Review pending
April 8, 2019
The Edge Of Mercy by Heidi Chiavaroli is a marvellous historical and contemporary Christian novel that focuses on life, love and new beginnings.
God is at the heart of the novel, working in the background, longing for us to return to Him. “God didn’t show up at church… if He had I missed Him.” God is with us everywhere we go. If we cannot ‘see’ or ‘feel’ Him, maybe our eyes and heart are not really looking. When we truly seek Him with all our heart, He will be found.
The novel explores the foundations of our lives. If our lives are built on anything but Jesus, we are on shaky ground. “If Jesus was supposed to save me, why did I feel like I constantly had to save myself?” We all have a God shaped hole that only He can fill, whether we realise it or not. If we continually chase after material things, we will be neglecting our spiritual life.
Within the story there is a marriage in crisis. There are some heart wrenching scenes. The reader can ‘see’ the pitfalls opening up but is powerless to prevent them. Trust is fractured and needs repairing. Forgiveness needs to be sought and also received but is it all too late?
Life throws us a rocky ride at times. It is here that we discover the foundation of our lives. “I am broken. I have only… God, or I am nothing.” God longs for us to turn to Him.
Prayer is simply talking to God. “I will continue to seek the Lord in prayer.” Sometimes there are no words. “I clung to one simple prayer… God, help.” God knows our hearts and our deepest needs, even when we cannot verbalise them.
The Edge Of Mercy has parallel stories running centuries apart. Technology has moved on but the human need for God, for love and relationships and for hope has changed little. “Finding hope when we are at our weakest.”
The Edger Of Mercy blends fact and fiction in a series of ancient letters that both engages and educates the reader. I thought it was a cracking story that informed me whilst also being very entertaining and revealing the steadfastness of God.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
God is at the heart of the novel, working in the background, longing for us to return to Him. “God didn’t show up at church… if He had I missed Him.” God is with us everywhere we go. If we cannot ‘see’ or ‘feel’ Him, maybe our eyes and heart are not really looking. When we truly seek Him with all our heart, He will be found.
The novel explores the foundations of our lives. If our lives are built on anything but Jesus, we are on shaky ground. “If Jesus was supposed to save me, why did I feel like I constantly had to save myself?” We all have a God shaped hole that only He can fill, whether we realise it or not. If we continually chase after material things, we will be neglecting our spiritual life.
Within the story there is a marriage in crisis. There are some heart wrenching scenes. The reader can ‘see’ the pitfalls opening up but is powerless to prevent them. Trust is fractured and needs repairing. Forgiveness needs to be sought and also received but is it all too late?
Life throws us a rocky ride at times. It is here that we discover the foundation of our lives. “I am broken. I have only… God, or I am nothing.” God longs for us to turn to Him.
Prayer is simply talking to God. “I will continue to seek the Lord in prayer.” Sometimes there are no words. “I clung to one simple prayer… God, help.” God knows our hearts and our deepest needs, even when we cannot verbalise them.
The Edge Of Mercy has parallel stories running centuries apart. Technology has moved on but the human need for God, for love and relationships and for hope has changed little. “Finding hope when we are at our weakest.”
The Edger Of Mercy blends fact and fiction in a series of ancient letters that both engages and educates the reader. I thought it was a cracking story that informed me whilst also being very entertaining and revealing the steadfastness of God.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
April 23, 2019
Heidi Chiavaroli is a master when it comes to writing. Her ability to enrapture the reader in her stories and hold them captive until the very end is astounding! I am currently sitting in a book fog after sitting down to read a few chapters only to find myself reading the whole book!
One thing that Heidi is known for is her willingness to take the reader on a journey to territories untraveled. She bravely writes about the hard places in life that people are afraid to see exposed. In this story, Heidi takes the reader into the trenches of a marriage in shambles. She doesn't shy from the roller-coaster fears and hopes the characters experience as they sort out their relationship.
It's difficult to share anything with the historical timeline without giving away any spoilers. Initially I struggled with it emotionally but I believe it was all intentional to bring about the ending as it did. I believe I was thinking too hard about putting all of the pieces together before the whole story was able to unfold. The further I went into Elizabeth's story, the more my emotions took a few hits and I found myself reaching for my tissue box. I also feel a need to mention as a heads up that even though it wasn't heavy throughout the book, some of the war violence scenes had some fairly graphic wound descriptions.
I honestly don't think I can recommend Heidi Chiavaroli's books enough. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors of all-time. I am not afraid of a book that makes me cry. If I can read a book that makes me feel something, then the author has done their job right. This book had me going through all types of emotions! This is a story I'm sure will stay with me for a very long time.
*I received a copy of this book from the author. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
One thing that Heidi is known for is her willingness to take the reader on a journey to territories untraveled. She bravely writes about the hard places in life that people are afraid to see exposed. In this story, Heidi takes the reader into the trenches of a marriage in shambles. She doesn't shy from the roller-coaster fears and hopes the characters experience as they sort out their relationship.
It's difficult to share anything with the historical timeline without giving away any spoilers. Initially I struggled with it emotionally but I believe it was all intentional to bring about the ending as it did. I believe I was thinking too hard about putting all of the pieces together before the whole story was able to unfold. The further I went into Elizabeth's story, the more my emotions took a few hits and I found myself reaching for my tissue box. I also feel a need to mention as a heads up that even though it wasn't heavy throughout the book, some of the war violence scenes had some fairly graphic wound descriptions.
I honestly don't think I can recommend Heidi Chiavaroli's books enough. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors of all-time. I am not afraid of a book that makes me cry. If I can read a book that makes me feel something, then the author has done their job right. This book had me going through all types of emotions! This is a story I'm sure will stay with me for a very long time.
*I received a copy of this book from the author. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
November 26, 2019
The book is real and raw. It isn’t for the young or the faint of heart. It covers mainly the topic of how God works in our lives, which is a question we as mere mortals will never be able to answer. We do, however, live in hope if we are in Christ...and this book is full of hope. Hope for the broken heart,soul, life, and marriage. There is a place only Gods hand can reach...and once we accept his grace, we learn how to give it and so much more.
I enjoyed the historical story more than the contemporary...but that’s just me. Because of some topics in this book, I do recommend it for older readers. I know that it’s hard to know what authors to start the teen crowd on because I see it a lot. This isn’t for them, but if you are a mother of a teen- you might just learn something...and have your heart touched.
I enjoyed the historical story more than the contemporary...but that’s just me. Because of some topics in this book, I do recommend it for older readers. I know that it’s hard to know what authors to start the teen crowd on because I see it a lot. This isn’t for them, but if you are a mother of a teen- you might just learn something...and have your heart touched.
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