Shades of Mercy by Anita Lustrea & Caryn Rivadeneira - Review with 3 Books to Give away

Shades of Mercy by Anita Lustrea and Caryn Rivadeneira is a coming of age story set in Northern Maine in the year 1954. It is a story filled with young love, sadness, happiness, racial tension and many other feelings that the authors stir up within the reader.

The story begins in what the reader can only presume is modern day. Mercy's granddaughter, Laurel, is on her way to New York to see her.  But mostly she wants to see New York the way her grandfather knew New York before he passed away.  Mercy thinks to herself that it would be better to take her to Maine where Laurel's grandfather came to be the man that he was. Knowing they don't have the time to do that, Mercy decides to tell Laurel their story. The story of 15 year old Mercy and 16 year old Mick, a Maliseet Indian. The story of their forbidden love. And that is where the real story begins.

Mercy and Mick are always talking about "someday". Someday, Mercy's dad will finally realize she isn't the son he never had but a young beautiful daughter. Someday, Mercy and Mick can finally be together without hiding their relationship. Someday, they will leave Maine and see more of the world. Will their someday come?

One thing I enjoy when I read historical novels is when I can learn something. In Shades of Mercy the reader learns of the prejudices people of Maine had against the Maliseet tribe. It's really sad that because their skin was a different color they were made to live in a garbage dump. Yes, you read that right. They lived in the Flats which were nothing more than shacks built over the dump. My heart went out to them. Reading about them made me want to find out more about the tribe to find out how things got better for them.

The authors of Shades of Mercy are new to me. At first, I didn't know whether I would enjoy reading a book in first person, but I found that the character of Mercy pulled me in and made me feel as if I was right there with her. I grew to love the character of Mercy.  I grew to love Mick as well and found myself continually rooting for them. I wanted them together. I wanted their world to change for the better.

Shades of Mercy  is a heartwarming story of young love during a time of racial prejudice. It is a story that shows the real meaning of grace. It also shows the ugly side of racism. It is filled with love, friendship and hope. All in all this book touched me deeply.

I would highly recommend Shades of Mercy to anyone who enjoys reading historical novels. Be prepared though as the authors did an excellent job of showing us what it must have been like in Northern Maine during this time in our Nation's history.

On a 5-Star Scale - 4 Stars!!!!

I would like to thank the publishers River North, a division of Moody Publishers for my copy of Shades of Mercy. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

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The publishers were gracious enough to send me three extra copies of the book to offer to you in a giveaway!

************ GIVEAWAY RULES  ************

1.  Giveaway is open to US and Canada.

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Giveaway will run through February 22nd  and three winners will be selected using Random.Org

Smiles & Blessings,