The Miracle of Mercy Land, by River Jordan

On the front cover of The Miracle of Mercy Land there is a quote by Patti Callahan Henry (whom I have never heard of) who says of this book, that it is "A Triumph of Beauty." I'm inclined not to argue with that statement.

This is technically a piece of Christian fiction and, according to the author's notes in the back, it is a book about the choices we make in life and how they effect countless people and generations. It is both of those things. But I don't really associate it with either (and referring to the fact that it is labeled Christian fiction - I mean that as a sincere compliment! Certainly "religious themes" were present, but they were subtle and did not dominate the story. A rare treat - for subtly often tells a better story!)

Instead, I think it's just an amazing, mysterious, beautiful and intriguing story. Because it is mysterious, and it is a story that unfolds slowly, I want to take care not to give too much away. I'll tell you this much:

The story takes places in the 1930's, before the onset of World War II. Most of the story is told through the eyes of Mercy Land, a girl who grew up in a small town (not on the map, really) called Bittersweet. She makes a move to Bay City, Alabama and ends up working a job at a newspaper. She works for a man named Doc who has run the local paper for longer than most people can remember. Then, in one moment, on a fateful day, a mysterious book shows up on Doc's desk and he calls Mercy in to share and keep the secret of the book.

This mysterious book that begins to possess the lives of Doc and Mercy is magical, mysterious, and quite deadly. It has great power and raises lots of question marks.

And that's all I'm going to say, making this an incredibly short review and letting you be on your way about finding a copy to read yourself. (Heh.)

I'll recommend it to you. Without hesitation! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this fabulous story, full of plot twists and turns, which clearly differentiates between the powers of darkness and truth. I completely lost myself within the pages and enjoyed the brief getaway!

If you stumble across a copy of The Miracle of Mercy Land, I'd enthusiastically encourage you to pick it up! It is a kindred spirit to The Silent Gift, by Michael Landon, Jr. (linked to my review.) Spell binding.

My thanks goes to KBK Public Relations who asked me if I wanted to read this book, and sent a copy despite my hemming and hawing about it. I wasn't sure I would be able to get to this book in a good time frame but they persisted! Sometimes I'm glad for other people's follow through! I am glad not to have missed this tale and I'll read anything by River Jordan that I an get my hands on now.