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Mercy Road
Inspired by the true story of the World War I American Women’s Hospital, Mercy Road is a novel about love, courage, and a female ambulance driver who risks everything.
In 1917, after Arlene Favier’s home burns to the ground, taking her father with it, she must find a way to support her mother and younger brother. If she doesn’t succeed, they will all be impoverished. Job opportunities are scarce, but then a daring possibility the American Women’s Hospital needs ambulance drivers to join a trailblazing, all-female team of doctors and nurses bound for war-torn France.
On the front lines, Arlene and her fellow ambulance drivers work day and night to aid injured soldiers and civilians. In between dangerous ambulance runs, Arlene reunites with a childhood friend, Jimmy Tucker, now a soldier, who opens her heart like no one before. But she has also caught the attention of Felix Brohammer, a charismatic army captain who harbors a dark, treacherous secret.
To expose Brohammer means risking her family’s future and the promise of love. Arlene must make a stay in the safety of silence or take the greatest chance of her life.
In 1917, after Arlene Favier’s home burns to the ground, taking her father with it, she must find a way to support her mother and younger brother. If she doesn’t succeed, they will all be impoverished. Job opportunities are scarce, but then a daring possibility the American Women’s Hospital needs ambulance drivers to join a trailblazing, all-female team of doctors and nurses bound for war-torn France.
On the front lines, Arlene and her fellow ambulance drivers work day and night to aid injured soldiers and civilians. In between dangerous ambulance runs, Arlene reunites with a childhood friend, Jimmy Tucker, now a soldier, who opens her heart like no one before. But she has also caught the attention of Felix Brohammer, a charismatic army captain who harbors a dark, treacherous secret.
To expose Brohammer means risking her family’s future and the promise of love. Arlene must make a stay in the safety of silence or take the greatest chance of her life.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2019
2178 people are currently reading
4074 people want to read
About the author
Ann Howard Creel
16 books485 followersAnn Howard Creel writes guaranteed heart-wrenching historical fiction. In her novels, strong female characters face unforeseen obstacles and then have to make life-changing decisions.
After first writing for children, she turned her attention to Historical Fiction. Her first novel for adults, THE MAGIC OF ORDINARY DAYS, was made into a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie on CBS. Her recent titles have been Kindle bestsellers and include WHILE YOU WERE MINE, THE WHISKEY SEA, THE UNCERTAIN SEASON, THE RIVER WIDOW, and MERCY ROAD.
She now writes full-time. Ann's main characters are always strong women facing high-stakes situations and having to make life-changing decisions. Her historical settings have ranged from Victorian-era Galveston to World War II in New York City. Her latest novel, A LIFE CAME CALLING, coming in August 2025, takes readers to the Smoky Mountains near the end of World War II.
WHY I WRITE ABOUT WORLD WAR II
My biggest inspiration has been my parents, who lived the war. Due to the courage and unity of their time, they have been called "the greatest generation," and WWII has also been called "the last good war."
After first writing for children, she turned her attention to Historical Fiction. Her first novel for adults, THE MAGIC OF ORDINARY DAYS, was made into a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie on CBS. Her recent titles have been Kindle bestsellers and include WHILE YOU WERE MINE, THE WHISKEY SEA, THE UNCERTAIN SEASON, THE RIVER WIDOW, and MERCY ROAD.
She now writes full-time. Ann's main characters are always strong women facing high-stakes situations and having to make life-changing decisions. Her historical settings have ranged from Victorian-era Galveston to World War II in New York City. Her latest novel, A LIFE CAME CALLING, coming in August 2025, takes readers to the Smoky Mountains near the end of World War II.
WHY I WRITE ABOUT WORLD WAR II
My biggest inspiration has been my parents, who lived the war. Due to the courage and unity of their time, they have been called "the greatest generation," and WWII has also been called "the last good war."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 369 reviews
December 1, 2019
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
What would you do if the life you knew was changed forever? For Arlene Favier, her mother, and her brother, Luc, it is a January night in Paris, Kentucky as they watch their family home burn and the head of their family dies. It soon becomes clear that Arlene's father left them with mountains of debt and so she and her brother need to find work. But societal norms cannot accept change and as the days pass, Arlene feels more distraught over finding a job. A kind soul recommends work in another city and while there, Arlene applies(accidentally) to be an ambulance driver for the American Women's Hospital in France. An experience that will require her to learn courage under pressure.
In her latest novel, Ann Howard Creel explores the horror of the war in France, the comradrie of the women's hospital team and the shaping of a new world. For those familiar with Creel's books, readers can expect a little bit of romance and the transition of Arlene from wide eyed innocent to one forever changed by her experiences. If I had one criticism, I will admit their is a tendency especially in the last chapter for a bit too much melodrama. Other than that, I read the novel in one sitting.
Goodreads review published 08/11/19
Publication Date 19/11/19
What would you do if the life you knew was changed forever? For Arlene Favier, her mother, and her brother, Luc, it is a January night in Paris, Kentucky as they watch their family home burn and the head of their family dies. It soon becomes clear that Arlene's father left them with mountains of debt and so she and her brother need to find work. But societal norms cannot accept change and as the days pass, Arlene feels more distraught over finding a job. A kind soul recommends work in another city and while there, Arlene applies(accidentally) to be an ambulance driver for the American Women's Hospital in France. An experience that will require her to learn courage under pressure.
In her latest novel, Ann Howard Creel explores the horror of the war in France, the comradrie of the women's hospital team and the shaping of a new world. For those familiar with Creel's books, readers can expect a little bit of romance and the transition of Arlene from wide eyed innocent to one forever changed by her experiences. If I had one criticism, I will admit their is a tendency especially in the last chapter for a bit too much melodrama. Other than that, I read the novel in one sitting.
Goodreads review published 08/11/19
Publication Date 19/11/19
February 6, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Ann Howard Creel for giving me to the chance to read her new book: Mercy Road.
Arlene Favier is devastated when her family home in Paris Kentucky burns to the ground and why did her father decide at the last minute to run back inside the burning house? She has no idea her father's horse breeding farm is struggling, she's left to look after her Maman and her young brother Luc. Arlene needs to look for work to support her family, she travels to Cincinnati and she's not prepared at all for life on her own. She applies for the only job that she has any qualifications for, she finds a notice advertising for French speaking drivers and she's recruited to drive an ambulance for the new American Woman's Hospital in France. Her Papa was French, he taught her to speak his native language and to drive a car or a small truck.
Nothing could prepare Arlene and her fellow ambulance drivers for the terrible conditions they face in France during WW I. France is a total disaster, damaged buildings, displaced civilians, food shortages and the retreating German army is destroying everything in their path. Worst of all is the terrible war injuries to both soldiers, civilians and children. The team of women American doctors have joined forces to help the war effort, they raised their own funds, purchased medical equipment, supplies and employed female ambulance drivers.
Arlene forms as strong friendship with one of her fellow drivers Cass, she's older than Arlene and seems to be the obvious one to be able to cope with the terrible conditions in France? But it's not the case, Arlene is soon very concerned about her friend mental state and she's also having issues with an American officer called Felix Brohammer. He's arrogant, despite Arlene making it very clear she's not interested in him he continues to believe they're in a relationship and Arlene is playing hard to get?
Arlene is very focused on her job, she's working very long hours driving the ambulance, they need to be constantly on guard at all times, the roads are full of pot holes, driving conditions change due to the weather and also the Germans constantly launching shells at them.
Amongst the chaos Arlene is very happy to see a familiar face from home, Jimmy Tucker, he worked for her father doing odd jobs around the farm and her snobby mother didn't like them being friends.
Soon she and Jimmy are fighting their obvious attraction to each other, the issues Arlene is having with Felix Brohammer escalates and it all gets way out of hand.
Arlene makes a choice to protect her friend, has she lost all she's been working hard for by not speaking up about the nasty Felix Brohammer and has this effected her romantic relationship with Jimmy?
Mercy Road is a story about how during WW I women's roles changed, their courage, their bravery, their dedication to each other and their country.
I loved the book, I gave it 4 stars and Ann Howard Creel is one of my favorite author's.
I highly recommend reading Mercy Road, The Magic Of Ordinary Days and While You Were Mine.
I have shared my review on Goodreads, NetGalley, Barnes & Noble, Twitter, Australian Amazon and my blog.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
Arlene Favier is devastated when her family home in Paris Kentucky burns to the ground and why did her father decide at the last minute to run back inside the burning house? She has no idea her father's horse breeding farm is struggling, she's left to look after her Maman and her young brother Luc. Arlene needs to look for work to support her family, she travels to Cincinnati and she's not prepared at all for life on her own. She applies for the only job that she has any qualifications for, she finds a notice advertising for French speaking drivers and she's recruited to drive an ambulance for the new American Woman's Hospital in France. Her Papa was French, he taught her to speak his native language and to drive a car or a small truck.
Nothing could prepare Arlene and her fellow ambulance drivers for the terrible conditions they face in France during WW I. France is a total disaster, damaged buildings, displaced civilians, food shortages and the retreating German army is destroying everything in their path. Worst of all is the terrible war injuries to both soldiers, civilians and children. The team of women American doctors have joined forces to help the war effort, they raised their own funds, purchased medical equipment, supplies and employed female ambulance drivers.
Arlene forms as strong friendship with one of her fellow drivers Cass, she's older than Arlene and seems to be the obvious one to be able to cope with the terrible conditions in France? But it's not the case, Arlene is soon very concerned about her friend mental state and she's also having issues with an American officer called Felix Brohammer. He's arrogant, despite Arlene making it very clear she's not interested in him he continues to believe they're in a relationship and Arlene is playing hard to get?
Arlene is very focused on her job, she's working very long hours driving the ambulance, they need to be constantly on guard at all times, the roads are full of pot holes, driving conditions change due to the weather and also the Germans constantly launching shells at them.
Amongst the chaos Arlene is very happy to see a familiar face from home, Jimmy Tucker, he worked for her father doing odd jobs around the farm and her snobby mother didn't like them being friends.
Soon she and Jimmy are fighting their obvious attraction to each other, the issues Arlene is having with Felix Brohammer escalates and it all gets way out of hand.
Arlene makes a choice to protect her friend, has she lost all she's been working hard for by not speaking up about the nasty Felix Brohammer and has this effected her romantic relationship with Jimmy?
Mercy Road is a story about how during WW I women's roles changed, their courage, their bravery, their dedication to each other and their country.
I loved the book, I gave it 4 stars and Ann Howard Creel is one of my favorite author's.
I highly recommend reading Mercy Road, The Magic Of Ordinary Days and While You Were Mine.
I have shared my review on Goodreads, NetGalley, Barnes & Noble, Twitter, Australian Amazon and my blog.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
September 5, 2019
I read Ms. Creel’s The Magic of Ordinary Days about hardship and love during WWII in 2011 and gave it a solid four stars. When I was approved by Net Galley for an arc of Mercy Road, I was excited. Unfortunately it took me well over two months to finish. I would have tagged it ‘dnf’ but I felt obligated to read the narrative.
Though the plot showed promise, the characters were two-dimensional. It was one of those stories where the author told but did not show. There was too much going on. Thoughts and details were spelled out but I never cared for any of the characters.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
Though the plot showed promise, the characters were two-dimensional. It was one of those stories where the author told but did not show. There was too much going on. Thoughts and details were spelled out but I never cared for any of the characters.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
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October 6, 2019
2 stars.
*
Mercy Road is a pretty lukewarm read. It has a steady pace, but nothing about it stands out. Arlene's perspective comes off a bit stilted at times and the dialogue reads are pretty forced and doesn't flow smoothly. The characters themselves could be a little more well developed, although there are some interesting figures in the side characters that contribute to intriguing subplots.
What gets me is that the setting should be interesting? Yet the plot focuses more on romance and a military scheme than the actual War. I find that an odd direction to take, especially when neither of those elements are well developed and fleshed out. The main conflict actually gets resolved (or what passes as resolved) off-page. I'm sure other people will have a good time with this, but the book didn't really work for me.
*
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*
Mercy Road is a pretty lukewarm read. It has a steady pace, but nothing about it stands out. Arlene's perspective comes off a bit stilted at times and the dialogue reads are pretty forced and doesn't flow smoothly. The characters themselves could be a little more well developed, although there are some interesting figures in the side characters that contribute to intriguing subplots.
What gets me is that the setting should be interesting? Yet the plot focuses more on romance and a military scheme than the actual War. I find that an odd direction to take, especially when neither of those elements are well developed and fleshed out. The main conflict actually gets resolved (or what passes as resolved) off-page. I'm sure other people will have a good time with this, but the book didn't really work for me.
*
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2019
I'm so pleased to share my upcoming release, MERCY ROAD, with readers and fans on Goodreads.
When I stumbled upon a story of truly unsung female heroes during World War I, I knew I’d found the inspiration for my next historical novel. Banned for service in the US Army, a group of female physicians and surgeons formed the American Women’s Hospital and independently sent an all-female team of doctors, nurses, ambulance drivers, and aides to war-torn France in 1918. Soon after I’d discovered this almost unknown piece of history, a character began to form and take on shape and dimension in my mind.
Arlene Favier, a young French-speaking horsewoman from Paris, Kentucky, joins the first team of the American Women’s Hospital as an ambulance driver, passes through Paris, France, and ends up serving soldiers and civilians alike on the front lines. Amid the chaos of war, she never expects to find romantic attention from two very different soldiers, and not only does she find herself in physical danger every day, her heart and belief in the human spirit become endangered, too. Because even during the days of life and death, things are not always as they appear to be, and not all soldiers are heroes.
MERCY ROAD, to be released November 19th, is now available for pre-order, and I’ve been thrilled with the number of people already ordering, thanks to readers like you who love historical fiction!
When I stumbled upon a story of truly unsung female heroes during World War I, I knew I’d found the inspiration for my next historical novel. Banned for service in the US Army, a group of female physicians and surgeons formed the American Women’s Hospital and independently sent an all-female team of doctors, nurses, ambulance drivers, and aides to war-torn France in 1918. Soon after I’d discovered this almost unknown piece of history, a character began to form and take on shape and dimension in my mind.
Arlene Favier, a young French-speaking horsewoman from Paris, Kentucky, joins the first team of the American Women’s Hospital as an ambulance driver, passes through Paris, France, and ends up serving soldiers and civilians alike on the front lines. Amid the chaos of war, she never expects to find romantic attention from two very different soldiers, and not only does she find herself in physical danger every day, her heart and belief in the human spirit become endangered, too. Because even during the days of life and death, things are not always as they appear to be, and not all soldiers are heroes.
MERCY ROAD, to be released November 19th, is now available for pre-order, and I’ve been thrilled with the number of people already ordering, thanks to readers like you who love historical fiction!
November 22, 2019
This book takes us to the Great War (WWI) and the efforts of the American Women's Hospital and one of their ambulance drivers in France. See what I thought of this novel on my blog here. https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2019/11/2...
November 28, 2019
Alene Favier was awoken in the middle of the night by her father. She smelled smoke. Their home was on fire. Maman, her younger brother Luc and her father met on the front lawn in Paris, Kentucky, and watched their worldly possessions go up in smoke. Suddenly without warning or reason, her father runs back into the house, in search of who knows what, but he did not return. Arlene and her family lost not only their head of household in a house fire that night, but also the financial means to rebuild.
Keeping the family afloat fell to twenty two year old Arlene. She has no skills other than a high school education and being fluent in French. However, the American Women’s Hospital was looking for French speaking women who could drive, repair automobiles, and ferry sick and wounded civilian and army personnel to hospitals in war torn France. these things Arlene could do and she was selected. Off to the Great War she goes.
This novel By Ann Howard Creel has what a good novel should have: heroism, treachery, secrecy, suffering, dignity, romance and death, all set in a country I love. The characters and setting are excellent. A memorable read.
Highly recommended.
Keeping the family afloat fell to twenty two year old Arlene. She has no skills other than a high school education and being fluent in French. However, the American Women’s Hospital was looking for French speaking women who could drive, repair automobiles, and ferry sick and wounded civilian and army personnel to hospitals in war torn France. these things Arlene could do and she was selected. Off to the Great War she goes.
This novel By Ann Howard Creel has what a good novel should have: heroism, treachery, secrecy, suffering, dignity, romance and death, all set in a country I love. The characters and setting are excellent. A memorable read.
Highly recommended.
May 31, 2022
This was a book about a woman whose family owned a horse farm in Kentucky. But when tragedy strikes, it is up to oldest daughter Arlene to go out and work to make money to rebuild the family home. Since she is fluent in French, and can drive a car, she signs up to be an ambulance driver with the American Women's Hospital and goes off to France. While there she meets Felix Brohammer, an engineer working on the front who is also an unwanted suiter, and Jimmy,the boy from back home, who her mother told her to stay away from because he was not in her class. With the story of her at the front transporting injured soldiers, stumbling on a mystery of who is selling non-issued equipment, and making the money needed to rebuild her family home, Arlene has many adventures and not always in her favor.
I enjoyed this book, however, there were parts I felt rushed (Arlene and Jimmy's romance) or just thrown in to make the storyline end (Felix Brohammer). In all I enjoyed the book and the story transported me to that period of time.
Thank you to Netgally and Lake Union Publishing for this advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
August 23, 2019
I am pleased I read this book, based on the true story of a group of female ambulance drivers during WW1. These stories about unsung heroes of the war are really important for education and inspiration purposes and I hope to read more books like this in the future. Mercy Road featured one of the most gripping opening chapters of a book that I have read in a long time. I thoroughly enjoyed Arlene's journey into independence and into the war with all the horrors she faces there. The only thing that disappointed me with this book was the central romance between Arlene and Jimmy. The beginning of their love felt rushed and unbelievable and it was a shame that the romance element dominated most of the second half of the book. Jimmy was underdeveloped as a character and seemed quite dull and one-dimensional so their relationship didn't engage me at all. I would have liked to have seen more detail about Arlene's work and to have known more about Cass too who was a fascinating character.
Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2019
A book about a girl from a horse farm in Kentucky that learns to drive an ambulance in war torn France.
This book kinda grabbed my attention from the first page! It was a quick book, I liked the characters and enjoyed the story! Thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union publishers for the early copy
This book kinda grabbed my attention from the first page! It was a quick book, I liked the characters and enjoyed the story! Thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union publishers for the early copy
December 4, 2019
An enjoyable read, with enough historical details to bring the story to life. The characters are very flat and the story moved a bit slow. I really wanted more from the characters. I enjoyed the setting details and the beginning of the book. The beginning started off with a bang but the story started fizzling out. The book almost lost me in the middle but started gaining traction again. The ending was perfect and all of my questions were answered nicely. Overall, an enjoyable read.
May 25, 2019
Ann Howard Creel's books are inspired by history and her female characters face life-changing challenges.
Her newest novel Mercy Road was inspired by a photograph of a female ambulance driver in France during WWI. Female doctors and nurses were banned from serving in the U. S. Army so they formed the American Women's Hospital and raised funds to send a volunteer team to France.
Creel's novel begins with a tragedy that leaves Arlene Favier aware of how life can change in an instant. A fire takes her home and father and the family's source of income. Desperate to find a job to support her mother and brother, and with dreams of rebuilding her father's stud farm, Arlene stumbles into an opportunity that will use her few employable skills--as a chauffeuses driving an ambulance for doctors volunteering in France.
With most French doctors serving at the front, there was a lack of medical services for civilians and refugees. With her command of French and experience with machines, Arlene is the perfect volunteer. With the lure of a cash bonus at the end of the war which would allow her to rebuild the family home, Arlene joins the American Women's Hospital service, formed to aid citizens and refugees.
To go to France in May 1918 required great courage and fortitude. The war had destroyed the land and the infrastructure. By September 1918, there were 1.85 million refugees. Food shortages and the lack of housing and clean water contributed to illness including typhus, tuberculosis, dysentery, and influenza. The Hospital Service also assisted men wounded at the front. The women were exposed to the horrors of battlefield wounds, the dead, and the dying.
"Now I not only knew death; I knew the shade and scent of human blood and the charred appearance and stench of burnt human bodies. I knew the look of what lay beneath our skin." from Mercy Road by Ann Howard Creel
Arlene was excited to arrive in Paris, her father's birthplace. With restrictions against seeing soldiers, she rebuffs the attention of the handsome but oversure Captain Brohammer. He takes it as a challenge, pursuing her throughout the war even though Arlene makes clear she is not interested. But when she meets up with a childhood friend once employed by her father, her hesitancy to become romanticly involved is challenged.
The plot involves intrigue, accusations with devastating implications, and personal growth that challenges old ideas and the embracing of possibilities.
I received a free ebook from the author in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
Her newest novel Mercy Road was inspired by a photograph of a female ambulance driver in France during WWI. Female doctors and nurses were banned from serving in the U. S. Army so they formed the American Women's Hospital and raised funds to send a volunteer team to France.
Creel's novel begins with a tragedy that leaves Arlene Favier aware of how life can change in an instant. A fire takes her home and father and the family's source of income. Desperate to find a job to support her mother and brother, and with dreams of rebuilding her father's stud farm, Arlene stumbles into an opportunity that will use her few employable skills--as a chauffeuses driving an ambulance for doctors volunteering in France.
With most French doctors serving at the front, there was a lack of medical services for civilians and refugees. With her command of French and experience with machines, Arlene is the perfect volunteer. With the lure of a cash bonus at the end of the war which would allow her to rebuild the family home, Arlene joins the American Women's Hospital service, formed to aid citizens and refugees.
To go to France in May 1918 required great courage and fortitude. The war had destroyed the land and the infrastructure. By September 1918, there were 1.85 million refugees. Food shortages and the lack of housing and clean water contributed to illness including typhus, tuberculosis, dysentery, and influenza. The Hospital Service also assisted men wounded at the front. The women were exposed to the horrors of battlefield wounds, the dead, and the dying.
"Now I not only knew death; I knew the shade and scent of human blood and the charred appearance and stench of burnt human bodies. I knew the look of what lay beneath our skin." from Mercy Road by Ann Howard Creel
Arlene was excited to arrive in Paris, her father's birthplace. With restrictions against seeing soldiers, she rebuffs the attention of the handsome but oversure Captain Brohammer. He takes it as a challenge, pursuing her throughout the war even though Arlene makes clear she is not interested. But when she meets up with a childhood friend once employed by her father, her hesitancy to become romanticly involved is challenged.
The plot involves intrigue, accusations with devastating implications, and personal growth that challenges old ideas and the embracing of possibilities.
I received a free ebook from the author in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
June 26, 2021
3/5 ⭐️
I really enjoyed the aspect of needed and ambulance drivers in WW1, but towards the end I skimmed some of it.
I really enjoyed the aspect of needed and ambulance drivers in WW1, but towards the end I skimmed some of it.
November 12, 2019
After the loss of her father to a house fire, and facing imminent financial ruin, Arlene accepts a position of ambulance driver with the AWH in France. As part of her employment, Arlene must never put herself in a compromising position which could bring shame to the AWH. The money she will make, if she stays to the end of the war, will be enough to rebuild their home and continue her father’s Thoroughbred stud service with her younger brother Luc. Being an ambulance driver in war-torn France is not an easy job and can lead to an emotional impediment. Although she is witnessing the horror of the war, Arlene works without rest to bring as many injured to the makeshift hospitals. Some make it, some don’t. While in France, she attracts the attention of Captain Felix Brohammer. Captain Brohammer is not all he appears to be, and Arlene does all she can to dissuade him while trying to prove that he is not an honest man. Arlene reunites with her childhood friend, Jimmy Tucker, who is also an ambulance driver, and there are strong feelings between them. Captain Brohammer is a jealous and dangerous man. Will Arlene’s love for Jimmy put her into danger?
Mercy Road is a wonderful historical book about the role of the American Women’s Hospital (AWH) during WWI. The book is beautifully written and takes you on the journey of its wonderful characters. If you enjoy wartime historical books, this one is definitely a great one.
🙋🏼♀️ Thank you Lake Union Publishing and Thomas Allen and Son for sending me a final copy of this stunning novel. Mercy Road by Ann Howard Creel will be available at your favourite bookstore on November 19, 2019.
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June 14, 2019
What I love about Ann Howard Creel's books are the way they stay with you, long after you've finished them, and I am sure that this is going to happen again for me with her upcoming release, Mercy Road.
I have just finished Mercy Road, thanks to NetGalley and to Lake Union Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Somehow, Ann Howard Creel's characters get under my skin and Arlene is a woman for whom I felt empathy from the very first page, when a terrible tragedy causes her to lose everything she has ever known. I felt that I was there with her as she made tough decisions against the backdrop of the First World War, ultimately taking up the opportunity to go to France to serve as an Ambulance driver, just as a group of US women did during that terrible time.
It was at times, a delight to follow Arlene's journey when she had the chance to live a little and when the chance for love broke through. At other times, Arlene's story and the stories from the battlefields in France is moving, heartbreaking. Ann Howard Creel's description of the chaos and personal tragedy for the French people and for the soldiers of World War One has clearly been impeccably researched.
Other things I loved about this book were Ann's almost dreamy descriptions of France. I thought these were extremely well done. The way she was able to find beauty in such brutal times added so much to this memorable book. Ultimately, the characters take their own journeys, and they learn along the way.
I recommend that anyone who is interested in history and who enjoys a good story will be moved by this remarkable book.
I have just finished Mercy Road, thanks to NetGalley and to Lake Union Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Somehow, Ann Howard Creel's characters get under my skin and Arlene is a woman for whom I felt empathy from the very first page, when a terrible tragedy causes her to lose everything she has ever known. I felt that I was there with her as she made tough decisions against the backdrop of the First World War, ultimately taking up the opportunity to go to France to serve as an Ambulance driver, just as a group of US women did during that terrible time.
It was at times, a delight to follow Arlene's journey when she had the chance to live a little and when the chance for love broke through. At other times, Arlene's story and the stories from the battlefields in France is moving, heartbreaking. Ann Howard Creel's description of the chaos and personal tragedy for the French people and for the soldiers of World War One has clearly been impeccably researched.
Other things I loved about this book were Ann's almost dreamy descriptions of France. I thought these were extremely well done. The way she was able to find beauty in such brutal times added so much to this memorable book. Ultimately, the characters take their own journeys, and they learn along the way.
I recommend that anyone who is interested in history and who enjoys a good story will be moved by this remarkable book.
September 2, 2019
Thank you NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and the author Ms. Ann Howard Creel for the opportunity to read this Advanced Readers Copy of "Mercy Road"
An unexpected historical fiction story that takes us to the front lines of the war to end all wars.
WWI story told with a strong tour de force of female characters.
"Arlene", a young Victorian girl, finds herself the main breadwinner after the death of her father in a tragic fire that took everything.
Unable to find work locally, no one will hire her...Victorian times were hard times for women, especially single ones...Arlene answers an ad for "French Speaking" women and the stage is set for a life of unexpected events.
Arlene gets the job, trains as an ambulance driver, and then heads to Paris France to work alongside female doctors rescuing wounded soldiers from the front.
Fraught with the horrors of war, loves lost, and secrets that cast shadows far into the future, this is an extraordinary story based on true events!
5 stars
An unexpected historical fiction story that takes us to the front lines of the war to end all wars.
WWI story told with a strong tour de force of female characters.
"Arlene", a young Victorian girl, finds herself the main breadwinner after the death of her father in a tragic fire that took everything.
Unable to find work locally, no one will hire her...Victorian times were hard times for women, especially single ones...Arlene answers an ad for "French Speaking" women and the stage is set for a life of unexpected events.
Arlene gets the job, trains as an ambulance driver, and then heads to Paris France to work alongside female doctors rescuing wounded soldiers from the front.
Fraught with the horrors of war, loves lost, and secrets that cast shadows far into the future, this is an extraordinary story based on true events!
5 stars
November 15, 2019
Full Review on The Candid Cover
3.5 Stars
Mercy Road by Ann Howard Creel is a book that has a really interesting concept. The involvement of women in the First World War is not something that I have read much about before. It is so interesting and awe inspiring to learn about the American Women’s Hospital. While I enjoyed the story and the main character, the side characters are not very complex.
Arlene is a really interesting character, and considering the setting of the novel, she is well ahead of her times. She is a headstrong woman who isn’t afraid to follow her own path. This becomes clear when she leaves her family and heads off to France to help support them. I really enjoyed reading about Arlene, as she is a character who is easy to relate to.
❀ VIVID DESCRIPTIONS
Learning about the conditions of the French people and the risky situations the female ambulance drivers put themselves in is quite gripping. The descriptions that the author uses to describe the devastation and the struggles the war caused are vivid. It is very inspiring to read about these women who were on the front lines collecting injured and sick civilians.
While it is enjoyable to read Arlene’s story and her life as an ambulance driver, there are aspects of the story that are not as well-developed. There are many other women in the novel, but their stories aren’t revealed much, with the exception of Cass. That being said, Cass’s story is one that I would have liked to read more of. The women aren’t close friends, yet they share a room and a common connection as ambulance drivers. I would have liked to see this friendship evolve more than it did.
❀ INTERESTING CONCEPT
The idea that there were women on the front lines of World War I is incredible to discover. Mercy Road is an historical novel that shares some interesting aspects of the stories behind the American Women’s hospital. The concept of the novel is fascinating, but there are parts of the story that are lacking.
3.5 Stars
Mercy Road by Ann Howard Creel is a book that has a really interesting concept. The involvement of women in the First World War is not something that I have read much about before. It is so interesting and awe inspiring to learn about the American Women’s Hospital. While I enjoyed the story and the main character, the side characters are not very complex.
Arlene is a really interesting character, and considering the setting of the novel, she is well ahead of her times. She is a headstrong woman who isn’t afraid to follow her own path. This becomes clear when she leaves her family and heads off to France to help support them. I really enjoyed reading about Arlene, as she is a character who is easy to relate to.
❀ VIVID DESCRIPTIONS
Learning about the conditions of the French people and the risky situations the female ambulance drivers put themselves in is quite gripping. The descriptions that the author uses to describe the devastation and the struggles the war caused are vivid. It is very inspiring to read about these women who were on the front lines collecting injured and sick civilians.
While it is enjoyable to read Arlene’s story and her life as an ambulance driver, there are aspects of the story that are not as well-developed. There are many other women in the novel, but their stories aren’t revealed much, with the exception of Cass. That being said, Cass’s story is one that I would have liked to read more of. The women aren’t close friends, yet they share a room and a common connection as ambulance drivers. I would have liked to see this friendship evolve more than it did.
❀ INTERESTING CONCEPT
The idea that there were women on the front lines of World War I is incredible to discover. Mercy Road is an historical novel that shares some interesting aspects of the stories behind the American Women’s hospital. The concept of the novel is fascinating, but there are parts of the story that are lacking.
November 16, 2019
Arlene Favier lives in Paris, Kentucky with her parents and brother. After a fire destroys their home and their father dies in the fire, the family finds that they have no money. Arlene realizes that she has to get a job and after looking all over town with no luck, she decides to try a larger town. When she answers a help wanted ad for a French speaking female, she finds out that the job is for an ambulance driver in France. World War I is going on and the job is very dangerous but with the hopes of helping out her family, she decides to accept it. Arlene becomes part of the American Women’s Hospital in war-torn France during World War I. Serving as doctors, nurses, aides, and ambulance drivers, the women struggle to be respected in a traditionally male environment. After extensive training, the women ambulance drivers are put to work and find that their training couldn't prepare them to face all of the destruction, all of the dead bodies and all of the injured people - both military and civilians. It's very difficult but Arlene is an extremely tough woman and is able to survive. When Arlene runs into an old friend from home, she finds some peace as her feelings for Jimmy grow but even though they are both ambulance drivers, they are in different parts of France so they rarely see each other. When a scandal occurs. Arlene has to decide whether she will remain quiet and keep her secrets buried or take the blame and possibly lose her job.
This was a well written book. I really enjoyed the main character of Arlene and was impressed with her strength and dedication to her job and her friends. The parts of the novel about the battlefields in France are horrific but despite all of the carnage, there is a romance for Arlene and fantastic female friendships. It's apparent that the author did a lot of research into the war but her strong female characters is what makes this book so special.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
This was a well written book. I really enjoyed the main character of Arlene and was impressed with her strength and dedication to her job and her friends. The parts of the novel about the battlefields in France are horrific but despite all of the carnage, there is a romance for Arlene and fantastic female friendships. It's apparent that the author did a lot of research into the war but her strong female characters is what makes this book so special.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
December 31, 2021
This book started good but then when they actually join the war it gets bad and irritating.
Some of the interactions are a bit unbelievable, also the actions of the main character are a bit silly and pointlessly dangerous.
And the romance was very disappointing
Some of the interactions are a bit unbelievable, also the actions of the main character are a bit silly and pointlessly dangerous.
And the romance was very disappointing
November 16, 2019
WWI and American Mercy Hospital is the background. Women still not allowed to operate in the theatre of war despite a huge demand for them so they do whatever they could to alleviate suffering.
Arlene has been brought up in a comfortable home with money and loving parents. Losing her home and her beloved father to a fire, she now finds herself bankrupt and without a roof above their heads. Leaving her brother to look after the family stud business, Arlene takes on a courageous new role of ambulance driver in France. Working in the heartland of the war, and doing the best she can in very hard circumstances she did not expect to find a stalker in the form of an American officer, who would not take no for an answer and who proved dangerous when thwarted.
The story of the officer, finding romance with someone else was just part of the story. The more important part was the role that these female American surgeons and ambulance drivers played in the War. They did an important role of bringing relief to the villagers in the perimeter of the actual action who were neglected in the bigger picture of the actual battle. On top of that they also worked with wounded soldiers, ferrying them to the camps at much personal danger to themselves.
I have not read of this service before and maybe it is a hitherto ignored part of American history. Something that has not been given much prominence maybe. Which is a pity.
The story was a good one highlighting another aspect of one of the Great Wars.
Arlene has been brought up in a comfortable home with money and loving parents. Losing her home and her beloved father to a fire, she now finds herself bankrupt and without a roof above their heads. Leaving her brother to look after the family stud business, Arlene takes on a courageous new role of ambulance driver in France. Working in the heartland of the war, and doing the best she can in very hard circumstances she did not expect to find a stalker in the form of an American officer, who would not take no for an answer and who proved dangerous when thwarted.
The story of the officer, finding romance with someone else was just part of the story. The more important part was the role that these female American surgeons and ambulance drivers played in the War. They did an important role of bringing relief to the villagers in the perimeter of the actual action who were neglected in the bigger picture of the actual battle. On top of that they also worked with wounded soldiers, ferrying them to the camps at much personal danger to themselves.
I have not read of this service before and maybe it is a hitherto ignored part of American history. Something that has not been given much prominence maybe. Which is a pity.
The story was a good one highlighting another aspect of one of the Great Wars.
November 25, 2020
Arlene's family is very closed knitted, they will stop at nothing to remain close. Despite the dire cirumstances that surrounds them, they love each other deeply. Arlene with her brother and adoring father are the two most important people in her life. After a tragic fire that leaves her Father dead, she embarks on a journey away from her loved ones but promises to keep the memory of her deceased Father alive. Upon discovery, she finds gainful employment with a help of new friends that spark her interest in women rights and the need for work.
As the months progress, she makes finds love in the eyes of two strangers but there is one that meets her eye. Yet she is determined not to be swayed away by any man but she is losing hope on keeping her promise to herself to not be tied down to anyone. Arlene's personal life is collided with trauma and dreams that no one could ever dream of in this amazing novel about the resurgrance of family values and faith.
This was a very difficult novel to rate, it started off really strong but lost me towards the end. I also strongly disliked the ending, it left many unanswered questions and had many loopholes. Nevertheless, it was a good three star solid rating but it could have been higher with a better conclusion and consistency througout the story.
As the months progress, she makes finds love in the eyes of two strangers but there is one that meets her eye. Yet she is determined not to be swayed away by any man but she is losing hope on keeping her promise to herself to not be tied down to anyone. Arlene's personal life is collided with trauma and dreams that no one could ever dream of in this amazing novel about the resurgrance of family values and faith.
This was a very difficult novel to rate, it started off really strong but lost me towards the end. I also strongly disliked the ending, it left many unanswered questions and had many loopholes. Nevertheless, it was a good three star solid rating but it could have been higher with a better conclusion and consistency througout the story.
July 5, 2019
It's a special moment when you start reading a book and know that it's going to be like no others and could possible be one of your favorite reads in a long time. I felt that way once I started reading Ann Howard Creel's latest novel, and I was not disappointed as the book went on. In fact, it got better. I loved the personal, touching love story, but I also learned about a fascinating time in history that I'd never heard of before. The ending was a complete surprise and was most satisfy. I highly recommend this novel. This is Creel's best so far.
Thanks to the author, NetGalley, and Lake Union for the advanced reading copy. My review is my unbiased opinion.
Thanks to the author, NetGalley, and Lake Union for the advanced reading copy. My review is my unbiased opinion.
September 20, 2021
Love this quote from Mercy Road which really typifies the book: "Let us not fail, my ladies. Let us do more, always do more than we think we’re capable of. As we embark on this journey, ask yourself now and every day—every bad day, every good day—if you have done your best.” She paused; then, as she slowly swept her gaze around our little assembled entourage again, she said, “Ask yourself even now—especially now—as in the words of the poet Edgar Guest, ‘Have you earned your tomorrow?”
Great storytelling about World War II from the female perspective. Can't wait to read more from Ann Creel.
Great storytelling about World War II from the female perspective. Can't wait to read more from Ann Creel.
November 22, 2019
A well written, very interesting look at the women of the female ambulance crops of WWI. I was not aware the service these women offered and enjoyed learning more about their service.
June 3, 2019
*ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Rating (on a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being excellent)
Quality of writing: 4
Pace: 3
Plot development: 4
Characters: 4
Enjoyability: 4
Ease of Reading: 5
Overall rating: 4 out of 5
Rating (on a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being excellent)
Quality of writing: 4
Pace: 3
Plot development: 4
Characters: 4
Enjoyability: 4
Ease of Reading: 5
Overall rating: 4 out of 5
May 30, 2019
I’ve been a fan of Ann Creel’s historical fiction since discovering The Magic of Ordinary Days. The research behind each novel doesn’t disappoint, and is evident here again in Mercy Road.
Serving in a non-military capacity, The American Women’s Hospital ministered to the villagers and troops injured in the Great War. Arlene Favier signs on as an ambulance driver unaware of the courage she’ll need to endure the battlefield conditions. While vivid descriptions of the war-torn French countryside and the horrific injuries suffered by both citizens and soldiers are sobering, the author does not let the story become mired there. At the novel’s heart is an unexpected and tender love story, painted in similar light strokes.
Arlene’s fellow women drivers and female doctors of this privately funded medical team play an integral role as a sub-theme of gender biases is woven skillfully throughout. Suspense enters in the form of a charismatic army captain who hides a traitorous secret.
The ending is both believable and satisfying. Sometimes beauty does rise from ashes.
Highly recommended.
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Serving in a non-military capacity, The American Women’s Hospital ministered to the villagers and troops injured in the Great War. Arlene Favier signs on as an ambulance driver unaware of the courage she’ll need to endure the battlefield conditions. While vivid descriptions of the war-torn French countryside and the horrific injuries suffered by both citizens and soldiers are sobering, the author does not let the story become mired there. At the novel’s heart is an unexpected and tender love story, painted in similar light strokes.
Arlene’s fellow women drivers and female doctors of this privately funded medical team play an integral role as a sub-theme of gender biases is woven skillfully throughout. Suspense enters in the form of a charismatic army captain who hides a traitorous secret.
The ending is both believable and satisfying. Sometimes beauty does rise from ashes.
Highly recommended.
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2020
This book is one of the only WWI books about the female ambulance drivers from America that I have found. For that the story is interesting, however I did find the book a bit slow for my tastes. For those interested in the social history of WWI it is worth a read though.
March 4, 2020
I really wanted to like this book. It had an interesting premise and I like historical fiction but this book was just plain boring. I read about half and then pretty much just skimmed my way through the last half of the book.
January 6, 2020
Strong start, but the writing, especially in the second half, made me cringe...
March 5, 2021
Mercy Road
A Novel
by Ann Howard Creel
Lake Union Publishing
General Fiction (Adult) | Historical Fiction
Pub Date 19 Nov 2019
I am reviewing a copy of Mercy Road through Lake House Publishing and Netgallley:
1917 Arlene Farvier looses her home and Father in the same fire, and finds out most of her Father’s money is gone so she must find a way to support her mother and younger brother. If she doesn’t succeed, they will all be poor. The problem is job opportunities are scarce, so when a daring opportunity arises she must take it, the American Women’s Hospital needs ambulance drivers to join a trailblazing, all-female team of doctors and nurses bound for war-torn France.
While on the frontlines Arlene and her fellow ambulance drivers work day and night to aid injured soldiers and civilians. While in between dangerous ambulance runs Arlene reunites with a childhood friend, Jimmy Tucker, who is now a soldier. She opens her heart to Jimmy like she had to no one before. Arlene has not only caught the attention of Jimmy, but also of Felix Brohammer, a charismatic army captain who harbors a dark, treacherous secret.
Exposing Brohammer means risking her family’s future and the promise of love. Arlene must make a choice: stay in the safety of silence or take the greatest chance of her life.
If you are looking for an excellent World War 1 era novel I highly recommend Mercy Road!
Five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
A Novel
by Ann Howard Creel
Lake Union Publishing
General Fiction (Adult) | Historical Fiction
Pub Date 19 Nov 2019
I am reviewing a copy of Mercy Road through Lake House Publishing and Netgallley:
1917 Arlene Farvier looses her home and Father in the same fire, and finds out most of her Father’s money is gone so she must find a way to support her mother and younger brother. If she doesn’t succeed, they will all be poor. The problem is job opportunities are scarce, so when a daring opportunity arises she must take it, the American Women’s Hospital needs ambulance drivers to join a trailblazing, all-female team of doctors and nurses bound for war-torn France.
While on the frontlines Arlene and her fellow ambulance drivers work day and night to aid injured soldiers and civilians. While in between dangerous ambulance runs Arlene reunites with a childhood friend, Jimmy Tucker, who is now a soldier. She opens her heart to Jimmy like she had to no one before. Arlene has not only caught the attention of Jimmy, but also of Felix Brohammer, a charismatic army captain who harbors a dark, treacherous secret.
Exposing Brohammer means risking her family’s future and the promise of love. Arlene must make a choice: stay in the safety of silence or take the greatest chance of her life.
If you are looking for an excellent World War 1 era novel I highly recommend Mercy Road!
Five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
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