Reviews

The Miracle of Mercy Land by River Jordan

whittiersteph's review

1.0

Oh, mercy me. I am a fairly positive person by nature, and I've struggled and struggled with this review. Why? I didn't like the book. I've tried and tried to read it with fresh eyes, determined that today I am going to like this story. The premise is fascinating. The book feels good. (I know, strange. But I like it when the paper and cover are nicely made. It makes reading more enjoyable for me.) The cover art is beautiful. The storyline is exciting, but... I'm not quite sure if I just don't fit with the writing style that Ms. Jordan uses, or if it was the character of Mercy that rubbed me the wrong way. The fascination with the book reminded me of a nearly drug-like addiction. Since I love that I grew up in the south I thought I'd fall madly in love with the southern description of Bay City. Not so. Instead of finding strength and "stick-to-it-iveness" in Mercy and her fellow paper staff I found her to be, well, pale. I felt more like I was listening to a sweet but bland girl ramble than living in the exciting moment of a girl who had the courage to strike out on her own in a time when women didn't do such things. I feel like the book moved slow, and like the characters didn't develop quite as deeply as I'd like. I wish that I had enjoyed the book because I would have loved to write a glowing review of a fantastic tale of unimaginable situations that happened to extraordinary ordinary people. Unfortunately I can't.

Rating: 1 Star. I hope that you enjoy it more than I did. Unfortunately it's not one that I'll read again or recommend.

Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this book by WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review.

godsdanceralwayz's review

5.0

The Miracle of Mercy Land, by River Jordan, is unlike any other story I’ve ever encountered. It is full of life, seasoned with mystery, hope, and the complications of the past. It is written in an almost rhythmic form, not quite poetic, but has a distinct voice. For lack of a better description word it reads like honey. I promise you when you read it this will make perfect sense to you. I think this quote from the novel best sums up the story: “But if we learn our lessons from the stories, if they change us for the better, then the stories are worth fighting for and keeping (333).” Main character Mercy Land receives a phone call from her boss that sets her on a journey. Little does she know it leads her straight to her past, and sets her on the way to her future. She learns the most important lesson that perhaps one can learn, and that’s exactly who she is, Mercy Land. This novel crosses the line from the imaginable to the unimaginable, allowing the reader that brief moment of escape. Enter the magical world of Mercy Land and find your story that’s worth fighting for and keeping!

*This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.*