Book Review: Shades of Mercy by Anita Lustrea and Caryn Rivadeneira

Mercy is a potato farmer’s daughter who grew up in small-town Maine. In 1954, she finds herself in love with a childhood friend who also happens to belong to a local tribe of Maliseets. Unfortunately, although changes in civil rights have taken place in the South and other areas of the country, citizens of the Northwoods of Maine are still treating the Maliseet very poorly. Mercy and Mick’s forbidden and secret romance becomes even more dangerous as the story unfolds, and one tragedy leads to another before God’s blessings in disguise come to light.

I enjoy reading historical fiction, particularly when the authors do credit to actual historical events. Shades of Mercy was not a disappointment. The authors did a great job at placing the characters in the proper context and bringing the story to life. Parts of the story will make your stomach churn as you see the injustice toward the Maliseet, and as the story nears a close, it becomes very emotionally charged.

I highly recommend this book to young adults or older adults who enjoy historical fiction. It is not only an enjoyable and clean romance, but a look back at parts of American history that are frequently swept under the rug.

I received this book for free from the publisher through the Moody Publishers blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions and thoughts I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255