Quite simply, The Edge of Mercy is exquisite. Powerful, emotional, poignant, unforgettable. Worthy of my âbest of the bestâ shelf.
I'm kicking myself for not having discovered Heidi Chiavaroli's books before now, for she sets her stories in my favorite era, that of Colonial America through the Revolution. The Edge of Mercy has a dual timeline, Sarah and Matt in the present day, and that of Elizabeth, Abram and Caleb in 1675 told through Elizabeth's journal. It's the story of a troubled marriage that began on a shaky foundation, a marriage on the brink of failure, and the author skillfully handles elements like premarital sex and infidelity.
I think what makes this story so special and impactful is that it is inspired by personal events. Heidi writes: âAll books have a piece of my heart, but this bookâ¦I don't know, it feels especially personal. Maybe because it's set in my hometown. Maybe because it explores the intricacies of marriage. Maybe because it was from watching my parents struggleâand conquerâtheir own marriage troubles for a lot of my growing up years that this book was able to be told from an especially authentic place.â
The story of Elizabeth's family imparts a far-reaching legacy with the power to effect lasting change. Sometimes we learn best by being shown what real, sacrificial love is. And as for those impossible-to-forgive circumstances, that's where God's grace enters in. I think we all share a thankfulness that with God, there are no impossible circumstances, and that He gives us supernatural grace to extend the same.
The Edge of Mercy is an engrossing and compelling novel. It just doesn't get any better than this!
Very highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I'm kicking myself for not having discovered Heidi Chiavaroli's books before now, for she sets her stories in my favorite era, that of Colonial America through the Revolution. The Edge of Mercy has a dual timeline, Sarah and Matt in the present day, and that of Elizabeth, Abram and Caleb in 1675 told through Elizabeth's journal. It's the story of a troubled marriage that began on a shaky foundation, a marriage on the brink of failure, and the author skillfully handles elements like premarital sex and infidelity.
I think what makes this story so special and impactful is that it is inspired by personal events. Heidi writes: âAll books have a piece of my heart, but this bookâ¦I don't know, it feels especially personal. Maybe because it's set in my hometown. Maybe because it explores the intricacies of marriage. Maybe because it was from watching my parents struggleâand conquerâtheir own marriage troubles for a lot of my growing up years that this book was able to be told from an especially authentic place.â
The story of Elizabeth's family imparts a far-reaching legacy with the power to effect lasting change. Sometimes we learn best by being shown what real, sacrificial love is. And as for those impossible-to-forgive circumstances, that's where God's grace enters in. I think we all share a thankfulness that with God, there are no impossible circumstances, and that He gives us supernatural grace to extend the same.
The Edge of Mercy is an engrossing and compelling novel. It just doesn't get any better than this!
Very highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
