Mercy and Grace

by Anoop Judge

From India to America, a woman’s search for family, home, and self becomes a journey of secrets and forgiveness in a powerful novel by the author of No Ordinary Thursday . At twenty-one years old, Gia Kumari finally leaves the Delhi orphanage where she was raised. With few prospects for the future, she receives an unexpected invitation from a stranger named Sonia Shah in San Francisco—an internship at Sonia’s weddings and events company. Gia and America. It’s love at first sight as she navigates an unfamiliar but irresistible new world of firsts. It’s Gia’s first real job; her first meeting with her only known family, her uncle Mohammed Khan; and her first romance with Sonia’s quirky yet charming stepson, Adi. But it might be too good to be true. Gia’s newfound happiness is unfolding in the shadow of a terrible family secret, the impact of which is still being felt in a place Gia now calls home. To save what matters most, Gia must come to terms with a tragic past she’s only beginning to understand—and a lifetime of lies she must learn to forgive.

Genres: Fiction

283 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 19, 2023

About the author

I am an award-winning author, a former T.V. personality, and "a recovering litigator."

Born and raised in the bustling sprawl of New Delhi, India, I now live in the San Francisco Bay Area.

I am the author of five books,
LAW: WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT and HOW TO GET IN, THE RUMMY CLUB which won the 2015 Beverly Hills Book Award, THE AWAKENING OF MEENA RAWAT, an excerpt of which was nominated for the 2019 Pushcart Prize, NO ORDINARY THURSDAY, (which was a FIRST READS book selection), and MERCY AND GRACE.

Reviews

[Rebecca Stapleton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Life is too short to read books that bore me

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the main character in this book. I was with her and kept rooting for her throughout the book. I found most characters pretty well developed and enough back story was given so that you knew who they were and what they were about.
There were quite a few flashbacks and generally I'm not a fan of them because a lot of times they can distract you, but these were done quite well. They added to the story and kept your attention and gave you enough information to move the story forward.
#Goodreads Giveaway Honest review

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

At age 21, Gia can no longer live at the orphanage where she grew up. Through a confluence of events she gets a job in San Francisco. There she finds the truth about her past.

A few things elevate the otherwise predictable story. For one, the main character, Gia, is a very likeable and relateable character. She is refreshingly straightforward, even as she seeks answers about her past.

The second thing is the way the author so adeptly portrays Indian culture. Part of the book takes place during the horrific Muslim-Hindu culture wars that took place in India about 25 years ago.

In fact the story moves between 2 timelines: 25 years ago and the present.

I received a complimentary eARC from Netgalley. This is my honest review.

[Mugdha Mahajan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book takes readers on an emotional journey as Gia Kumari, a young woman leaving behind her past in Delhi, embarks on a new chapter of her life in San Francisco. With an invitation to work at a weddings and events company, Gia discovers love, family, and the bittersweet complexities of her own history. Roshan Ali masterfully crafts a tale of self-discovery, blending romance, secrets, and the power of forgiveness. The characters come alive with their quirks and vulnerabilities, making them relatable and endearing. As Gia unravels the mysteries of her past, readers will be captivated by the heartfelt narrative and the depth of emotions it evokes. "Firsts" is a beautiful and poignant novel that reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story unfolds in two timelines. In the early 1990s, Shaumya and Hassan’s wedding day arrives. It should be a day of celebration. But Shaumya is Hindu, and Hassan, Muslim. They are torn apart by the conflict between the two cultures, and all that is left of Shaumya’s dreams of wedded bliss is Hassan’s child.

In the current day, Gia Kumari’s life is about to change. She’s grown up at the Mercy and Grace orphanage, and the day has finally come where she’s aged out. The sisters tell her it is time for her to leave. She has an uncle in America, and when she gets an unexpected job offer in San Francisco, where her uncle lives, she figures he’s pulled some strings. Sonia Shah, her new boss, is somewhat distant and cold, but Gia loves her job. She loves America. She’s getting to know her uncle and his family. She has her first boyfriend. Life is good, until the past Gia never knew comes to light. Can she forgive what she sees as grievous wrongs done to her?

Y’all know I love a good dual timeline story. Anoop Judge brings the past forward through flashbacks, so we have that here. I wasn’t an orphan, but I was adopted, so I could relate a little to Gia’s longing to know her roots, where she came from, who her people were.

I really liked Gia as a character. She was generally optimistic and not afraid of hard work or a challenge. But bless her heart, sometimes she can’t keep her mouth shut when she should. She lets information out at times and in situations where it could cost the company business and could cost her her job. (Is she morally right even if it isn’t good business sense? I’ll let you read the book and decide.) She had a very strong sense of right and wrong, and she wasn’t afraid to stand up for it.

My only complaint about the story is that it felt like some events unfolded too fast. Gia’s romance with Adi moved super fast, it seemed. Was that due to her lack of experience with boys? Possibly. But it was almost insta-romance. The resolution of the conflict felt like it happened pretty quickly, too. If I were in Gia’s shoes, I might have had to wrestle with the unexpected revelations a little longer.

All in all, this is a beautifully written story, and Gia is a character you can cheer for. And when secrets are brought into the light, even if there is pain, there can also be healing and restoration.

Thanks to WOW! Women on Writing for an advance copy. I was not obligated to write a review. All opinions here are mine, and I don’t say nice things about books I don’t actually like.

[Rutuja Ramteke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anoop Judge's "Mercy and Grace" takes us on a captivating journey alongside Gia Kumari, a young woman emerging from the confines of an orphanage in Delhi. Thrust into the vibrant world of San Francisco with an internship at a wedding and events company, Gia experiences a multitude of "firsts" – a real job, a connection with her only known relative, and the thrill of romance. Yet, beneath the veneer of newfound happiness lurks a chilling secret that threatens to shatter Gia's newfound world.

The novel excels in its portrayal of Gia's transformation. We witness her wide-eyed innocence as she navigates the bustling streets of San Francisco, contrasting beautifully with the steely determination that emerges as she confronts her past. The budding romance with Adi adds a touch of sweetness, but it's never allowed to overshadow the central theme of self-discovery.

Judge masterfully weaves family drama with the intrigue of a hidden past. The weight of the secret hangs heavy throughout the narrative, keeping the reader engaged and yearning for answers alongside Gia. As the truth slowly unravels, we witness the devastating impact it has had on not only Gia's life but also the lives of those around her.

The exploration of forgiveness is another powerful aspect of the novel. Gia grapples with the complexities of letting go, particularly when faced with a lifetime of deception. The characters around her, particularly her uncle Mohammed Khan, offer valuable perspectives on healing and moving forward.

"Mercy and Grace" is not without its emotional challenges. The exploration of loss and the lingering effects of past trauma can be poignant at times. However, the narrative is ultimately uplifting. Gia's journey of self-discovery, while arduous, is ultimately a testament to the human spirit's resilience.

If you're looking for a novel that blends heartwarming moments with a touch of mystery, all wrapped around a protagonist's inspiring journey of self-discovery, then "Mercy and Grace" is definitely worth adding to your bookshelf.

[Mili Das · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anoop Judge brilliantly created a literary journey that intertwined with two timeline stories, one explores a girl’s life in tumultuous 1992 India, when Babri Masjid destroyed, and a religious massacre that destroys a lot of lives, an unstitched wound is reopened again, and another part lets readers dive into an orphanage girl Gia’s life. Gia, is a girl full of spirit and her eyes full of dreams, a dream life and a dream job, but will it be fulfilled? She doesn’t know. Through the characters and plot the novel explores themes of life and, the mystery of fate, the novel pays homage to the eternal relationship between mother and child.

Gia is an ambitious, sparkling girl, she has lots of dreams in her big eyes but she doesn’t know where to start. She is an orphan girl, clueless about her past and future. She grew up in an atmosphere that was kind to her but it’s not home, she has to leave this place now.
At twenty-one years old, Gia Kumari finally leaves the Delhi orphanage where she was raised. With few prospects for the future, she receives an unexpected invitation from a stranger named Sonia Shah in San Francisco: an internship at Sonia’s weddings and events company. Gia and America. It’s love at first sight as she navigates an unfamiliar but irresistible new world of firsts.

It’s Gia’s first real job; her first meeting with her only known family, her uncle Mohammed Khan; and her first romance with Sonia’s quirky yet charming stepson, Adi. But it might be too good to be true. Gia’s newfound happiness is unfolding in the shadow of a terrible family secret, the impact of which is still being felt in a place Gia now calls home. To save what matters most, Gia must come to terms with a tragic past she’s only beginning to understand—and a lifetime of lies she must learn to forgive.

Through her book, Anoop Judge tried to etch an excellent portrait of womanhood from two different aspects.

Read Full Review Here

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[Marcia Crabtree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored reading this book; I eager devoured every word and phrase and paragraph. Although it’s author, Anoop Judge, has published several books before this one, this is the first of hers that I have read. Now I think I must read some of her previous works, because I found her writing style to be so engaging and interesting. Her use of a sort-of dual timeline between past and present, “Then” and “Now,” without specifying exactly when each occurred, only that they were simultaneously progressing, kept me captivated. As I learned more about “Then,” I was able to better understand and appreciate what was occurring “Now.”

Although one of the main characters comes off generally as icy and cold, it’s clear that this is a mechanism she uses to protect herself from her past; and it’s clear that all of the main characters are shaped by their past. Nevertheless, although it takes the entirety of the novel to coalesce, each character obtains their happy ending. I found this to be quite surprising yet satisfying. Also, the book gave me a new perspective on Indian culture and history and the unfortunate division religion has wrought in that country as it has all over the world, making it quite relevant today. Death and destruction occurs in the name of one’s faith, then and now.

For the majority of the book, Ms. Judge was able to keep me guessing as to what would happen until the happy conclusion, with one exception. However, to disclose it might ruin the surprise for other readers.

I am grateful to Ms. Judge, Lake Union Publishing, and BookSirens for providing me a free, digital, readers copy to enjoy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Susanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This engrossing story is told in two parallel timelines, one in present day California and one 25 years ago, during the horrific Hindu-Muslim culture wars that took place in India. The author tells the story of Gia, an Indian orphan that is aging out of the orphanage, the only home she has ever known, when she unexpectedly is given the chance of a lifetime, with a job at an event agency in California. She ascribes this good luck to a recently discovered uncle, but things turn out very differently. The story has emotional resonance and the characters come alive, but there are a few too many "too good to be true" developments that pulled me out of the flow of the story. Overall, well worth a read, but the story would have profited from a bit more editing and filling out the abrupt and inexplicable twists and turns.

[Kimberly Barnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gia Kumari’s life is about to change. She has been offered a job in the United States. Gia Kumari makes the trip from Delphi to San Francisco. She has led a life devoid of family in India, living in an orphanage. Gia arrives in the United States, with a job promised to her by a stranger named Sonia Shah as an assistant at a wedding and event planning company. Gia arrives in the United States excited for her new job and life. She is impressed and overwhelmed by the sights and sounds that she is exposed to in her new home. While Gia is happily acclimating to life in the United States, she has no idea of the terrible secrets that will come to light about her childhood and past. Will Gia overcome these secrets or succumb to them? What will be gained and what may be lost? This book is heartfelt, emotional, and bittersweet. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Sara Trimble · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Thoughts on Mercy and Grace

Mercy and Grace is a dual coming of age story about a young Indian girl who bravely travels from her home land of Delhi, where she's lived her entire 21 years in an orphanage to America to meet her only surviving family - an uncle.

Simultaneously, the story goes into the past, unfolding the tragic events of Gia's parents' forbidden love affair. In a culture where you aren't free to love whomever you choose, the couple found themselves on the wrong side of a political minefield between Muslims and Hindus.

I enjoyed getting immersed into a culture and lifestyle with which I'm not familiar. The struggles of a young woman moving to a world so unlike anything she's ever experienced warmed my heart and made it ache at the loneliness and desperation to belong.

Gia must overcome family secrets and come to terms with the past to move forward with her future.

[Chris L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

IT's always a pleasure to read a book from a perspective that we don't usually get. In Anoop Judge's "Mercy and Grace," she looks at a young Indian woman who leaves India to find a job (and her true identity) in the U.S. As an orphan in India, she has to leave to uncover some truths. It's in the U.S. that she finds a new family, and she discovers the truth about her past. Gia is such a likeable character that I became engrossed in finding out the truth about her. I wanted her to succeed because she was so vibrant and well-written. I found the idea of accepting hard truths to be something that readers will understand. If the plot points can sometimes border on the predictable, the prose and the character of Gia make up for those moments. A recommendation.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gia has found herself aging out of the orphan system in India and must leave the only home she’s ever known. She finds herself boarding a plane to California, reconnecting with her uncle and landing a job as an event planner. Her life seems too good to be true.

Told in dual timelines – one in present day San Francisco and one set 25 years in the past during the Hindu-Muslim culture wars in India – the author touches on several sensitive topics, including different religious beliefs and abandonment issues. This was well done and has you rooting for Gia to find her place in the world.

Thank you to Anoop Judge, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of the book for an honest review.

[Sharon Valler: Live Love Read Review · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gia Kumari, leaves her life in Delhi, and the orphanage she grew up in, as a young woman to take up a job in a wedding company in San Francisco. She loves her new life, despite the huge adjustment needed.

Through flashbacks, we learn of two families torn apart by the Hindu-Muslim wars in India in the early 1990s.

I enjoyed following Gia's journey and admired her strength and determination. especially when the sad truth about her past was revealed.

The book was well written and the story flowed well. There were parts that bored me, and struggled to stay immersed and engaged in the story, but I did manage to get to the end and I'm glad I did.

3 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Anoop Judge and Lake Union for an ARC in return for an honest review.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 Mercy and Grace is the orphanage where Gia was raised in India. Gia is invited to move to San Francisco to work for a wedding planning company. Once in the United States Gia is introduced to family she never knew about and learns the events of her birth. My favorite is her uncle Mohammed. He's still dealing with trauma from the past but is as open and honest as he can be with Gia. Sonia is Gia's boss. Sonia has made some bad decisions, a lot of them are very selfish so it's hard to feel for the situation she now sees herself in. Gia is a character you want to cheer for, you want to see her succeed and find the family base she seems to be seeking.

[Chris Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

First things first, I am so happy to have won this ebook from Goodreads. I apologize for taking so long to read and review. This book was worth the wait. It was an easy comfortable read. The characters were interesting and I immediately wanted to know more of their story.
I don't know if this qualifies as a spoiler I liked that even ine of the characters who seemed to have a super life had faced unseen hardships and her story further proved that you just don't know what is going on in anyones life.
I'm a sucker for a happy ending so I loved the epilogue. I would love to attend their next Thanksgiving dinner. I will look for more of Anoops' books.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy when books introduce me to cultures or history outside of my own little bubble. In this case, it was the tension between Hindus and Muslims in India, which I didn't really know much about before. This was an emotional read, and Gia was one of those main characters that you can't help but root for.

The one complaint I would have about this book would be that the romance subplot could have been fleshed out more. I feel like it happened really fast, and we didn't really get much development on page. Overall though, I enjoyed this and would recommend.

[Rachael Fader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt Story

Being born into a country that doesn’t always condone inter-religious relationships, but tolerated them none the less, we are very fortunate to be able to live in a society where the consequences are not life threatening. For Saumya and Hassan, a Hindu and Muslim, that was not the case. What ensues is a nightmare of a wedding day and the endless consequences of that horrid day. This was wonderfully written and the emotional rollercoaster was chef’s kiss!

[Likestotravel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mercy and Grace is a poignant and precious family drama spread over several generations and several countries. The back-and-forth perspectives from the past and current share the history as well as the new situations while the family evolves. This is a pleasant book that I enjoyed reading.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Hallie Winchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this advance reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. This was a really interesting and well written novel! I truly enjoyed the surprises and twists of the plot throughout the story, pitting a plucky orphan against America the modern and beautiful, with a few unexpected twists thrown in. I highly recommend this novel!

[Polly Krize · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Having to leaving her orphanage home in New Delhi, Gia finds herself homeless until she receives an invitation to act as an intern at a event and wedding planner in San Francisco. Her adventure begins and all does not turn out as she thought, but there is hope. Well written and recommended.

[Kelly Pramberger]

A really good and developed story by Judge. Mercy and Grace is a beautiful book to read. I liked it a lot. Family secrets and self-discovery. All good things that appeal to me in a book! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Four stars!

[Noreen Roux · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a a hard time starting this but when I did, I couldn't stop. I got hooked. This follows Gia a orphan abandoned by her mother during riots between religions Muslim and Hinduism in the 1970's. To Marry a Hindu when your a Muslim was forbidden. That's what made the book interesting to me. Exploring other nationalities and their religious beliefs. This book talks about abandonment, Love and especially forgiveness. I would read more from this Author. The book was beautifully written.

[Reisse Myy Fredericks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book for its cover and, while the contents weren’t my favorite, this soapy family drama was well-written and sweet—if not notably earth-shattering in its exploration of historic religious conflict, the immigrant experience, and moral absolutism. Mid, but not mad about it.

[Shar]

DNF

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read about a young orphan finding her way to family in a new country.

[Robyn Fletcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Issy Charlesworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book and the themes it covers but feel like at the end it completely glossed over a crucial moment in the relationship between Gia and Sonia and skipped to six months later which was disappointing

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Young Indian girl leaves an orphanage to take up a spectacularly glamorous job in the USA.

Yep, so far, so Bollywood.

And that's really the problem. It's a nice attempt but I found this too 'straight to TV' in it's plot development. No big surprises. No great sense of jeopardy. All just very 'nice'.