Mercy Will Follow Me

Mercy #1

by Sarah Hanks

Natassa seems to have it all – a devoted husband with a good income, beautiful children, a faithful best friend- but it only takes one night for her world to crumble, catapulting her into a journey of trauma and healing, old pressures and new friendships. Will she learn to stand her ground or will she always live in someone else’s shadow?

DeAndre longs to break free from the neighborhood that keeps dragging him down, but the streets are made of quicksand. Dreams can hardly take flight there, even if he paints them wings. And when he does the unthinkable, could mercy ever be a possibility?

In the 1800s, a mulatto enslaved girl is torn from her mother and left to figure out who she is on her own. Through her time as a house slave in Tennessee and Kentucky, Mercy grapples with her deep ache for her Mama and her understanding of black and white. Which is more important to her? Freedom or loyalty?

Join these three characters, see how their stories intertwine, and dare to believe that mercy will follow you.

Genres: Inspirational, Christian Fiction, Christian

356 pages, ebook

Published January 24, 2021

About the author

Sarah Hanks is a multi-award-winning author of split-time Christian fiction. Her background in teaching and children’s ministry prepared her for exercising her creativity as a writer, now her full -time job. She and her husband have ten children, a couple of whom seem to have inherited their mother’s love for playing with words and crafting stories. Though Sarah dreams of a cabin by the beach, the family lives jammed together in beautiful chaos near St. Louis, Missouri. She buys earplugs in bulk.
You can follow her on Facebook or Instagram @authorsarahhanks. Check out the freebie page of her website at www.sarah-hanks.com.

Reviews

[Janell Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional book that takes you through some of the toughest subjects in our world today. Sarah does an amazing job of linking the historic past to the modern day problems. You will get invested in the characters and when the book is done you will be waiting with bated breath for the next one because you HAVE to know what happens with all of them!

[Jennifer Penrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was very well written. God continually gives us mercy when we come to him. There is nothing we can do to earn it. This book displays that beautifully.

[Cassidy Cooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much--SO much--to this story, and I am so excited to dig into it. Pain and redemption, and beauty for ashes, are reoccurring themes that Sarah weaves throughout each volume; there are many uncomfortable, painful part of Mercy Will Follow Me, but there are equally beautiful themes of hope that will ring true.
To be completely honest, I typically do not read a lot of Christian fiction; I find a lot of it to be disingenuous and "perfect" in a world that is anything but. This isn't your Hallmark-movie kind of Christian novel. I think it's the kind of story we need today--a story that reflects a pain that many of us identify with, as well as the redeeming power of the Lord.
This story is a powerful introduction to Natassa's journey; I say, "powerful," because as much as I went into reading it with the thoughts of, "here we go--another boring story of a perfect life and a bored housewife," I quickly changed directions. Sarah has created characters that get into your head and into your heart, and make you want to know them better. I found myself wanting to know more about their lives, their back stories, and how everything works out (if it does). The next in the series can't come quickly enough, and I am truly excited to dive into what happens next!

[Deena Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author tackles some hard and sensitive topics in this book, so if rape and/or racism are a trigger for you, you may want to pass on this one. (The rape is not shown or described, but we know it happened and it's referred to throughout the story).

In the historical timeline, the author boldly portrays slavery as the atrocity it truly is, and the characters dialect is true to that time period, but some in today's culture may struggle reading it. In the modern-day timeline, the rapist is a young black guy caught in the cycle of crime and poverty. This could be viewed by some as stereotyping.

Themes of mercy, forgiveness, and freedom permeate this story, which I really appreciate.

I listened to this on audio and almost stopped listening at the beginning. In my opinion, the narration for the current-day black guy was so robotic and unnatural, it made me cringe. The female narrators were much better.

I stuck with it because I wanted to find out what happened. I especially enjoyed the historical timeline highlighting the slave, Mercy's, journal entries and how they impacted Natassa's journey in current-day.

I think I probably would've enjoyed the story more had I read it rather than listened to it.

[Jenny Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ooooh Sarah Hanks, my-new-favorite-author, I had no idea when I plopped down next to you in that class how good you are! I purchased all three of the Mercy books and am looking forward to reading the next two.
Technically speaking, you made us care about your protagonist, care about DeAndre, and certainly care about Mercy (both of them). You give just enough description that we can see the settings - though if I owned a restaurant and saw Natassa and Brandon walk in, I’d give them a table close to the door.
Thank you for writing this.
Next up? Mercy’s Song

[Sarah VanBuskirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mercy Will Follow Me by Sarah Hanks wrecked me!! 💔😭 This was an emotional and hard read with lots of triggers for rape and abortion. I promise you this story is worth the read! I couldn’t put it down. What a beautiful story woven from the horror of rape. The difficulties this brings into all relationships. Her marriage was already struggling with communication and this seemed to push her further into a struggle with communicating. Oh, how I can relate to how hard it can be to communicate with my spouse. This story challenged me to be more open and communicate even when it’s hard, to my husband. Sarah Hanks is a mastermind at weaving contemporary christian fiction with historic fiction. As the story unfolds you also get a beautiful historical fiction story of a bi-racial slave and all the shocking and revolting things that came with that. But the joys of forgiveness and learning to lean on God for his promise of Psalm 23:6 Surely your goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Does that mean we will have perfect lives here no, is there a peace and mercy that only God can give and a promise to be with him in eternity? Yes! This story ended with me wanting to dive into book two! I can’t wait to start Mercy’s Song. Thank you for writing on such hard and controversial subjects.

Quote from one of my favorite characters in this book.

“Sore spots-they show us just where we need healing, my dear. If it weren’t for them, we’d walk around broken inside forever. God has a way of bringing those broken things to the surface. So He can heal them.”

………..
Being wanted is a powerful thing.

[Kimberly Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Hanks has a remarkable way of pulling you into the lives of each of her main characters. As I read paragraphs of detail I understood each ones strengths and weaknesses and joined their venturesome journeys. It is emotional. And the topics are relevant for today. As hours fly by, this novel is hard to set down! I am looking forward to book two when it comes out!

About two-fifths into the story...another character's very tender and historic point-of-view fills the pages of this book. The entries of Mercy's journal will inspire you. You will fall in love with Mercy. I am so thankful for the incredible amount of research Sarah Hanks did in order to write the portions of Mercy's journal into her book.

For me, my eyes were opened to some of what our brothers and sisters of color had to endure through the many years of slavery. I am sorrowful. I am without words. I pray that God will use this incredible work to awaken compassion, mercy, peace and healing to every soul that reads Mrs. Hanks inspiring book series.

[Priscilla Bettis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mercy Will Follow Me is a contemporary Christian, dual-timeline novel and the first in Sarah Hanks’ Mercy Series. Natassa has a beautiful family, but she is emotionally shattered when she is victimized in a brutal crime. (The crime is not graphically detailed if you’re a sensitive reader, but it’s clear what happens.) Will she ever recover?

There is a story within the story. Natassa has a diary written by a young slave named Mercy. Mercy’s story is just as compelling as Natassa’s. Themes of racism, mercy, and freedom infuse both stories.

Characters learn to trust God, to seek a righteous path even when it’s a tougher way, and grow in faith. It’s an inspiring read!

The ending wraps up the story but launches the reader into the next book. It’s the perfect ending for the first book in Hanks’ series.

Overall, Mercy Will Follow Me is a compelling, entertaining read that makes you think. I couldn’t put it down!

[Mindi Wroblewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

After putting Sarah's book to the side for several months now, I finished it this afternoon. While it is fresh in my mind, first off, I wish I hadn't waited so long to read it! Second, Sarah is a phenomenally gifted writer! Third, though it was a page turner and I didn't want to stop I had to force myself several times so as to digest the story bit by bit; there is so much to it. What a powerful message of redemption, yes, but also of being truthful, totally honest, and not keeping inside that which eats away at our insides until we can no longer contain it! Sarah's Mercy did a full circle as she weaved together the lives of all involved. What a difference honesty makes, and what freedom comes from letting the Lord orchestrate His way instead of us trying to hide our fears and let them fester inside of us. Great job, Sarah. Look forward to reading Mercy's Song. God bless.

[B. Anne Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Hanks took me through a fictional journey as never before in this fascinating, and yet very relevant, split-time novel. This was a page-turner, and I read the entire book in one day!

The main character, Natassa, shows immense courage to stand up for life after an unplanned pregnancy due to sexual assault, despite pressure from her friends and family. In her desperate search for answers, Natassa happens upon another story of a slave girl in the 1800’s, which gives her the strength to press on as she navigates the realities of her new life. Hanks does a brilliant job of weaving the relevant subjects of life, race, and faith into this compelling dual story line.

Readers will be glad they found this book, and even more thrilled to know the journey continues in the Mercy Trilogy by Sarah Hanks.

[MissFaerieKaiti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I was more invested in this story than was strictly healthy, but I'd do it over again in a heartbeat. I loved all three storylines interwoven here. Some parts are hard, messy, or even violating, but the title aptly sums up the message that ties it all together, sometimes subtly, sometimes overtly. My favorite part is how the narrative acknowledges that the way things end up for each character is not a formula for the way similar stories necessarily should go. You see here three stories with three endings that fit the three characters. There's no delusion that they're speaking for the entirety of human experience, but yet (if it's not pretentious of me to say) there's wisdom in these pages for those who will take it to the Lord in prayer.

Mercy Will Follow Me can be read as a standalone, but I look forward to how the author continues the story.

[Tara Geller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this Book Sarah! I am greatly anticipating the release of book 2! “You’re looking for a formula. You read the journal and you done think you got the Good Lord figured out now. You found a box you can fit Him in.” Bethany chuckled. “Well, sugar, let me tell you something. God’s liable to bust out of any box you try to stuff Him into. He is not the God of formulas. He’s the God of miracles.” How true is this?! I couldn’t get enough of Mercy and her journal. I didn’t expect to pick up this book and have the pages speak to my heart like they did. Forgiveness was woven through the pages offering a story of healing I didn’t even know I needed. Two different time lines, one amazing journey.

[SatisfiedReader2007 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. You should definitely check this book out, as it is an uplifting story with loads of depth to it. Sarah does an amazing job of balancing the historical fiction and modern stories, choosing the perfect and most logical time to shift back and forth between the two. The modern story is very intriguing and Natassa's journey after the horrible event that happened to her is amazing to read about. The highlight of the book is most definitely the historical fiction side, which brings up a lot of emotions and thoughts regarding the time it is set in. Mercy is an extremely compelling protagonist and her story is compelling as well.

Overall, it was a good read. You should check it out, as it is well worth your time.

[Michele Gagliano-Pyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow Sarah Hanks, what a great read! Mercy Will Follow Me captured my attention from the beginning to end and left me hanging with anticipation for book #2. I have grown to have a heart for the perpetrator, which is against the grain. The way I see it is, the depth of their pain has to be unbearable to do the things that they do. The way Sarah uses her gifts and talents in her writing actually gives the reader this heart for the perpetrator while at the same time, feeling compassion for the victim. Having the capability to create a win/win out of a crime so destructive is incredibly unique and most brilliant. Only the work of the Lord can heal and forgive like that. Sarah you did a fantastic job showing the world the glory of God's holiness manifesting through those who seek Him.

[Shannon Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Mercy Will Follow Me" grips hold from the start, challenging rough, hidden corners of belief, and following the reader well beyond the turning of the final page. The characters are tangible, their journeys compelling and beautifully navigated. The author opens the eyes of your heart to look past ingrained assumptions and prejudice to see with eyes of mercy, insight, grace, compassion. You cannot walk away from the reading of this novel without an enrichment of your view of fellow man and a burning desire to do better than has been done, to throw off the old bitter ways and walk forward renewed as mercy follows.

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book far exceeded my expectations. Was it going to be a book that would make me feel guilty about the color of skin God gave me? Would it be a predictable sappy Christian book? No, it is neither. It is a well-written, engaging, interesting book. One whose characters are complex, the content complex and not one we like to talk about. Messy, ugly topics of rape and slavery that we’d much prefer to simply not address. However, Sarah has brought these topics into a beautiful story of real life humanity. A story wrapped in God’s crazy love for All of us. I’m looking forward to book two in this series to see how the story of the Mercys and of God’s mercy unfolds. A good read!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, from the beginning to the end. The three main characters, Natassa, DeAndre, and Mercy are from vastly different worlds, with vastly different experiences of life. Sarah Hanks takes you into their journey as they encounter significant turmoil in their lives, search for something better in their lives, battled the culture they live in, and how a God who shows mercy can be encountered in the midst of the painful life events they experience. A story inspiring readers to find compassion, hope, and restoration despite tragic circumstances.

[Godisgraciousx2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time I've read one of Sarah Hank's books, and I LOVED it! She beautifully entwined three separate stories in two different timelines, capturing God's mercy through the story itself more than any preaching. Content-wise, I would not recommend for children, as she deals with very hard, real topics such as racism, rape, slavery, and systematic injustice. There is also some alcohol content. All that being said, these things were all handled with delicacy and care, and I would recommend reading to get a fresh perspective and an intriguing few hours!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I love a complex, multi-layered book with three-dimensional characters, and this books fits the bill. It runs on two timelines, which is interesting, of course, but the complexity of the characters is what really strikes me. The main characters are nuanced and fully fleshed out - warts and all. The author tackles some big issues in this book, but she handles them, like she does her characters, with empathy and insight. Looking forward to the next in the series!

[Melissa Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not get enough of this book! Sarah has expertly woven the story together and seeing it from each character's perspective makes you feel like you know them. The themes of mercy, forgiveness, love, and justice are all wrapped up in a beautiful package. I don't typically read novels, but this was a real page turner! I didn't want the story to end, I feel like the characters have come alive and I can't wait to see where the story goes next. I'm eagerly anticipating the second book!

[Cathy Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story..... I was so drawn in by this story and loved how the author juxtaposed issues in each of the characters’ lives to shine light in each person’s perspectives and approaches to life. The author is able to challenge each and every one of us, the readers, to empathize and even “walk a mile in someone else’s shoes” and maybe even to challenge what we we have come to believe is “right in our own eyes”.

[JANET KONTZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! There were many things I loved about it but I think the characters stand out the most for me. I enjoyed seeing Natassa develop throughout the story and I liked her friendship with Breanna. I also liked the friendship between DeAndre and Reg. The accompanying story of Mercy was so interesting (I'm a fan of historical fiction) and was the perfect addition to Natassa's story. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not the sort of book I generally gravitate toward, but I had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook, and was sucked right into the story (despite a narrator I didn’t enjoy 🫣). The characters were frustrating, which is precisely what made them believable, and what made me value the transformations they went through during the story.

Note: if you do listen to this as an audiobook, the content is quite graphic, so I would recommend not listening to it with children present.

[Brandie West · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went through all the emotions as a read this fiction that blends historical realities into some of the major issues of justice that exist in our current world today. I found myself searching my own story and healing from wounds I didn’t realize were there, as I journeyed with the main character, yet found my story also intertwined with other characters as well. This story is not just your rainy day entertainment, it has the power to challenge, heal, build bridges, and manifest individual stories of mercy all over by those who read and share! Not enough stars to rate how much I loved this story, and didn’t want to come out of it. Can’t wait for the next one!

[Rebecca Trump · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Hanks has written a masterful story of tragedy, guilt, regret, forgiveness, love, compromise and God’s mercy through it all. Sarah has an easy way about her storytelling that just flows so steady and smooth and draws you into the world of her characters. This is a wonderful read and I can’t wait for the next book.

[Mary Wills · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to be part of the launch team for the book Mercy Will Follow Me. It is a page-turner that weaves together the stories of a slave girl from the past and a modern-day couple enduring tragedy. It is easy to relate and fall in love with the characters. It challenged my thinking and left me, wondering, “What would I do?” A brilliant read, and I am hoping for a sequel

[Amy Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a long time since I've read a novel (life is busy), but I read all 335 pages of this one in two days! The modern-day story is compelling, but it's the historical fiction portion of this novel that demands you read " just one more page" until you realize it's nearly 1 am. You must read this book!

[Tarah Thacker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so pleased with this story (or stories) and how each character intertwined together. I kept wanting to go off and read to finish. I enjoyed it wasn’t predictable, but it was pleasantly surprising where the story turns. You leave the last page wanting more and can vividly visualize the story and characters. It was a wonderful book!

[Heather Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

A phenomenal story by a phenomenal author. I so enjoyed the main characters and their journey. I significantly less enjoyed the secondary characters, who did pretty much everything "wrong" and did not respond in crisis as the Church should. If this were real life and I was Natassa, I would have a harder time forgiving them for their massive failures than anyone else.

[Brittany Roach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Sarah’s book! The modern day storyline with historical fiction woven in is my favorite. It was a page-turner for sure! And there are two more books in the series that I can’t wait to be published so I can read them and continue to journey with these fantastic characters!!