"Mercy's Rain"

(An Appalachian Novel)

by Cindy K. Sproles

5.0 out of 5 stars A story of mercy and redemption

Description

When your life is built around a father's wrath, how can you trust in the love of Father God?

Mercy Roller knows her name is a lie: there has never been any mercy in her young life. Raised by a twisted and abusive father who called himself the Pastor, she was abandoned by the church community that should have stood together to protect her from his evil. Her mother, consumed by her own fear and hate, won't stand her ground to save Mercy either.

The Pastor has robbed Mercy of innocence and love, a husband and her child. Not a single person seems capable of standing up to the Pastor's unrestrained evil. So Mercy takes matters into her own hands.

Her heart was hardened to love long before she took on the role of judge, jury, and executioner of the Pastor. She just didn't realize the retribution she thought would save her, might turn her into the very thing she hated most.

Sent away by her angry and grieving mother, Mercy's path is unclear until she meets a young preacher headed to counsel a pregnant couple. Sure that her calling is to protect the family, Mercy is drawn into a different life on the other side of the mountain where she slowly discovers true righteousness has nothing evil about it--and that there might be room for her own stained and shattered soul to find shelter. . . and even love.

Mercy's Rain is a remarkable historical novel set in 19th century Appalachia that traces the thorny path from bitterness to forgiveness and reveals the victory and strength that comes from simple faith.

Purchase at the following locations:

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Biography

Cindy Sproles is an author and speaker. She has cofounded ChristianDevotions.us and serves as managing editor for SonRise Books and Straight Street Books, imprints of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. Cindy teaches at Christian Writers Conferences and ladies retreats and ladies conferences across the country. Her devotions are heartfelt and honest. Edgy and inviting. Cindy serves as the executive editor of ChristianDevotions.us, a writing mentor, and life-coach. Author of four non-fiction books, Cindy's Fiction debut novel, Mercy's Rain(Kregel Publishing), will release January 2015. She is a contributing author to CBN.com and InspireaFire.com and serves as the director of Writers ADVANCE! Boot Camp Conference. Visit her at www.cindysproles.com or contact her at cindyksproles@gmail.com

My Thoughts ~

A debut novel, Mercy's Rain is a powerful life portrayal of a young girl whose father was "the pastor." Set in the late 1800s in the Appalachian Mountains Mercy's story unfolds. Mercy's childhood knew no mercy. The only child to "the pastor" and her momma, Mercy was a victim of child abuse. Her momma was unable help, existing in a living hell of her own.

Mercy's story is a difficult one to read and absorb, but the disclosures are substantial. Cindy Sproles has produced a disquieting and painful portrayal of the early years of Mercy Roller, and the agonizing acts her father executed to mold her into a good Christian. The heart breaks for Mercy, and at times for her momma, but you'll discover the devil incarnate in her father, "the pastor." Acts of atrocity occur throughout the telling of Mercy's story. I felt such emotion throughout this book, heartache, anger, misery, and revulsion. 

This is a very detailed depiction of a young life that is destroyed by her own father. The depth of character is impressive, and detailed. This edgy Christian fiction story is told with grace and compassion. "Mercy's Rain" is all about mercy, forgiveness and redemption. This book is not for the weak of heart. It's a tough read, but the depth of faith and hope that carries the reader through this gut-wrenching tale is compelling.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.