Mercy

Rhynan #3

by Rachel Rossano

The royal wedding approaches and the country is alive with anticipation.

Among the craftsmen traveling to the capital is Constance Rendare and her family. An artist, a widow of an unhappy marriage, and the mother of a young son, she dreams of escaping the cruel servitude of her father’s household.

Wilard Naron serves the Earl of Dentin. He returns to the capital, his childhood home, to collect his earnings and finally free himself from his father’s reputation.

Kidnappings, bandits, and a plot against the king complicate the journey. The conflicts throw Constance and Wilard together as their circumstances grow steadily worse. The more the pair uncovers, the direr the future looks for the country and for them.

Genres: Medieval, Historical

408 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 6, 2020

About the author

Rachel Rossano is a happily married mother of three children. She spends her days teaching, mothering, and keeping the chaos at bay. After the little ones are in bed, she immerses herself in the fantasy worlds of her books. Tales of romance, adventure, and virtue set in a medieval fantasy world are her preference, but she also writes speculative fantasy and a bit of science fiction.

She loves to read, discuss, and listen to comments on a wide variety of topics, both fiction and non-fiction.

Reviews

[Abigail Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mercy was a bit different than the first two books in the series, and I did enjoy it, it was just a little bit different from the other books.

I enjoyed seeing how Constance grew throughout the novel and the healing that she found, it was very sweet.

Since Wilard works for the Earl of Dentin, I of course liked him right away!

I cannot wait for the next book in this series.

I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher/review company. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5/5.0

Rachel Rossano’s latest addition to her series is sure to delight the lovers of her medieval tales! She does a wonderful job of creating her characters, as one will surely fall in love with Wilard and Constance.

Read full review in the 2020 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[TJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still the smooth, easy and very enjoyable reading that this author is known for but the pace in this particular story is just a bit too milk-toast for my taste. Although there was nothing wrong with the story, I could never land on just what the story is. There is very little romance. Mystery? Well, a little. Straight historical? Not really, although it is set in medieval times.

SOPE.... lovely flow, wonderful characters.... but, not my very most favorite of this talented author.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book by Rossano is always an enjoyable read.
This was the first book in a while that I wasnt easily distracted from. Other readers have called this book slow, but I think perhaps it simply wasn't as romantic as the two books before? The pace was constantly on the move, and the story progressed without any lagging on the characters' part. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and setting, and hope to see more of several names from these pages in their own novels!

[Alyson L · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited for this next installment in the Novels of Rhynan series and Mercy is so much of what we've come to expect from Rachel Rossano ~ An easy read, great world-building and characters full of personality. I love all of that plus it is also always a clean book, free of foul language and vivid sex scenes, something hard to come by!

I loved both of the primary characters in this story. Constance could so easily have fallen into any number of stereotypes, but she stayed true to her own distinct character. And Willard-- love him to bits! I really do not remember him in HONOR, but I fell totally in love with him in this story, most especially because of the way he treated Constance.

While I didn’t enjoy this novel quite as much as HONOR or DUTY, I very much enjoyed being able to see beloved familiar faces, such as Dentin and Elsa. I look forward to the next book in the series and seeing where that takes the overarching plot. I enjoyed the characters and how the good triumphed over evil. I had a nice warm and fuzzy feeling at the end.

4 ❤️❤️❤️❤️
3 🔥🔥🔥

Disclaimer
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Mariella Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Been a little while since I read this one and forgot to review it, but looking at the cover still makes me smile. Lots of fun moments between these characters. It was a story I really enjoyed and felt like a solid possible close to this series.

[C. Wanganga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel Rossano has done it again. I love this series. I felt like I was coming home, reading more about the characters I love and meeting new ones that touched my heart. Her characters are so real and believable and make the story come alive. The plot of Mercy moved along at a good pace and in places I couldn’t put the book down. Mercy is a book of hope. I love this quote “no matter how ugly we began, we can become beautiful with work and care”. This line is so reflective of life. With God’s grace and mercy, our lives can be turned around and made beautiful again. A truely wonderful book. Can’t wait for the next one in the series.

[Angie Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eeeeep!!!! I love the Rhynan books! <3<3<3 And this one was just as wonderful as I was hoping!

I really loved both of the main characters in this installment! Constance could so easily have fallen into any number of stereotypes, but she kept her own distinct character and avoided so many of the annoying extremes I was prepared for. <3 I loved that she didn't carry her independence to extremes, especially when she began to be able to trust certain people, and I loved the way she cared for the difficult members of her family without falling into the "I'm totally worthless except to slave for everyone" trap. And Wilard--ahhhhh!!!!! I honestly don't have a clear memory of him from Honor, but I fell totally in love with him in this story! Especially the way he treated Constance; it was just so perfect and lovely. <3

And as wonderful as the main characters are, the secondary characters are just as good! Rhynan has to have a monopoly on the best and most fun servants in the world... XD Owen was both lovable and believable, and I want to see so much more of Alice! Also the recurring characters from other books--yessssss!!! *me at the first few mentions of Dentin* "Gracious, why is everyone so intimidated by him?" *me when he actually comes on the scene* "Oh, right, he is kind of intimidating, isn't he?" *me as I snicker through the rest of the book* "But he's so hilariously sweet, even when he's clueless and overbearing!" X'D And then there were other characters who just went from bad to worse. Talk about family problems! *shudders*

One of my other favorite parts of the series--the intricate political atmosphere that deepens with every new installment. I'm still holding my breath for how everything will work out in future books, although I drew a breath of relief at the end of this one. So, so interested in seeing how everything is going to end up!

Overall, this series is a serious favorite, and this book did not disappoint in the slightest. I can't wait for the next one!

Content--mentions of drinking and drunkenness; mentions of cursing (no words); mentions of a man who seduces women and a girl who becomes pregnant out of wedlock (no details); mentions of abuse and violence; kidnapping, threats, and attempted murder; mentions of blood, wounds, and vomiting (not graphic)

[Jacque · Rating 5 out of 5]

Master Wilard is leading a group of ten wagons from Monmora to Caraway for a royal wedding. He has enjoyed three years of anonymity, but his family's reputation has finally caught up with him. His good friend Hugh is also traveling with him. Constance and her son, Owen, along with her sister Meri are also part of the caravan. Her father, Master Guileson, is driving the wagon team. Constance has endured the loss of her mother, an abusive husband, father, and sister. She has built a protective wall around her and Owen. When Master Wilard, "steals" her shoe, in order to make her a new one, she sees Master Wilard differently. Master Wilard is a man of integrity. The Earl of Dentin tells Constance "... your situation has changed. Money and friendship have opened up avenues I assume were previously closed." Owen has impressed people of character. Owen has his own room! The journey to Caraway is filled with adventure! Kidnapping, murder plot, treason. . . a tender love story! Very well written!

[Carol Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book in the Novels of Rhynan series. This third installment has all the adventure and romance you have come to expect from Rachel Rossano. It is also a clean book free of foul language and sex scenes.

Constance is the daughter of the artist commissioned to paint the wedding portraits for the upcoming royal wedding. While enroute to the castle he is kidnapped. Soon after, her sister abandons her for a charming, but not so wholesome, young man who is traveling in the same caravan. Constance is left to continue on to the castle while caring for her son and trying to find a way to solve the mystery of her father’s capture. Her path intertwines with the path of Willard Naron during the caravan and they set out to seek answers together and uncover a plot against the king.

I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy adventure, romance and mystery. Because of a fair amount of violence contained within the story I would not recommend it to the very young reader.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jesus told his disciples to forgive others. When asked, in exasperation, how many times, Jesus implied that there was no limit. In Mercy, as family members betray Constance, stealing and destroying her small possessions, she is repeatedly challenged to extend mercy and forgiveness. The hardest part of it is when they show no repentance!

As in many of Rachel Rossano’s books, a youthful lad is in training whose spontaneity defies discipline. The Lord Dentin, once Securer of the Land, arises anew to pursue justice and defend the weak and powerless. And the king has become more perverse and paranoid.

Another title for this might be In Pursuit of Justice. The tangled plot and warm-hearted characters will keep you engaged to the end, at which point you may be hoping she’ll write a fourth book! If so, I recommend you pursue this world further by reading the Once Upon a Duchy series.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series! It is best read from the beginning.

In this story Constance and her father and sister are travelling to the capital for the King's wedding. Her father is the painter that is doing the portrait. Constance's father and sister treat her like dirt and they treat her pre-teen son like dirt too, although the story never really gives a reason for this. Constance is a widow.

Wilard works for The Earl of Dentin, a character we met all the way in book 1. He is no longer the Securer of the Kingdom, but he still has the ear of the king. As in all the other stories, trouble is afoot in the kingdom and when Constance's father is kidnapped he becomes a part of the plot to take the king's life, and Constance becomes involved in try to stop it.

This is a clean story filled with action and even a wee bit of romance!

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written book, this author's books always make an enjoyable read.

This is the third book in the series, and I found it less romantic than "Duty" and "Honor"

It is fast paced and I relly like the World building that the author contines on this series - Anavrea.

We meet Simon Cordale, the Earl of Dentin and his lovely wife Elsa sme 6 years after the end of the events of the book "Honor" but this time the action centers around Wilard Naron and the widow Constance. They meet on a caravan of wagons traveling to the capital, and events take place that entwine their lives.
I loved Constance's character growth!

Loved the HEA, and seeing the characters relationships/friendships grow, seeing their children grow throughout the series and their love strengthen :)
A beautiful ending to the series

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel Rossano’s third addition to her Rhynan series, Mercy, is a fabulous read. It is by far my favorite of the series. Even though it is part of a series, I feel that it can be read as a stand alone. I thought this story was a beautiful story of love and hope for Wilard and Constance. There is some adventure and action that made me keep reading until I was finished all the way to the end in one sitting.
I am giving Mercy a very well deserved five stars. I would love to read more by Rachel Rossano in the future. I recommend this book, as well as, the rest of the series for those who enjoy well written clean and sweet romance.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

[Tracy Forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel Rossano ended her series with flare.

As with book one and two, this is my second time reading the third book. I have enjoyed reading the the series both times. I can say for certain I will read for them a third time in the future. Rachel has brought the characters and the century of the books to life. The stories revolve around the capital and the new king placed on the thrown as an outcome of a civil war in the realm. I can confidently say that you will enjoy reading the series.

[D'anah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

I love her books!! Apart from a few editing issues, this one is no exception. How true that often the nicest and most honourable people come from horrendous backgrounds. Really enjoyed the characters and how the good foils the plans of evil. Leaves you feeling warm and happy.

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I didn’t enjoy this installment as much as Honor or Duty, I very much enjoyed returning to this world and seeing familiar faces, such as Dentin and Elsa and getting the pulse on King Mendal. I did like learning more about Willard Naron, a supporting character in Duty. I look forward to the next book in the series and seeing where that takes the overarching plot.

[Michele McAboy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another home run

I love Rachel's ability to tell a story. All of her characters are believable, even the ones on the sidelines. She gives you enough detail to draw you in, but unlike some want to be authors she doesn't gorge you on so much detail that makes you just turn the page. On to the next one...

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story—there was a lot going on in the story and that made it enjoyable to me. I liked the action/suspense. I have forgotten the stories and characters from the previous books (too much time has elapsed since I read them) but that didn’t matter—this was great.

[Momma Media · Rating 5 out of 5]

delightful

Well written, absorbing and engaging. It takes a lot to keep my interest these days, reading so much, but this one did. Can’t wait for the next book.