In my wildest imagination, I cannot fathom what it would be like to wake up one day with no memory of anything--no name, family, friends--nothing of your life prior to that moment. And worse yet, what if no one can be found who knew you before? You have no place to call home and nowhere to go. Imagine having to ask yourself: Who am I? Do I have a husband? Children? What do I know how to do? Anything? Can I read? Write? For me, those would be grounds for a panic state of huge proportions, to put it mildly.

From the first pages of Traces of Mercy, I put myself in the shoes of Mercy, the main character, and walked with her through every dilemma. As days passed with no improvement, I sympathized with her, pulled for her, and rejoiced when she discovered she could read and write. I alternately laughed and cried while reading the sometimes childish, other times sad or humorous journal entries of her unfolding life, as she discovered new things daily--though nothing of her past.

Just when things were going in Mercy's favor, her life spiraled downhill after a stranger showed up and related appalling pieces of her past life and produced proof--things so unpardonable she couldn't believe they were true. To make matters worse, he gave her an ultimatum. Eventually Mercy's journal entries caused great trauma for her, and she used extreme measures, trying to save herself and the happy future she'd been promised by the handsome man with whom she had fallen in love. Since I believe self-preservation is inherent in most people, I wondered if I would have done the same as Mercy.

A miraculous feat to right a wrong was needed from the one who'd started her downfall.Was it even possible that the accuser was capable of doing what was needed to save Mercy from a gruesome destruction? Would he accomplish it? I agonized with Mercy through each trouble and trial and rejoiced with her through every triumph.

In spite of dire circumstances, Mercy's strength and courage forced her on--to search for her life before--because she couldn't be completely happy in the future until she knew who she was in the past. I understood and loved her, and I'll wait, not patiently, for the next book. I'll ride a horse, buggy, or walk with Mercy on her journey into her past, so she can put it behind her and then turn around and march gallantly forth into her future.

I was graciously provided a pre-release reader copy of Traces of Mercy with no obligation to write a review. It was my pleasure to do so.

Linda Robinson

Author of Rails of Freedom

An interesting tale about a girl with strange circumstances, Traces of Mercy was an exciting tale. Towards the end of the Civil War, Mercy suffers an accident that leaves her with amnesia. She moves in with the local nuns and helps out around the convent. She spends her time trying to remember anything about herself.

When she catches the eye of the most eligible bachelor in St. Louis, Mercy thinks that perhaps she can forget about trying to remember her past and focus on her future. But when someone who knows her shows up and confronts her, she finds that her life has become even more complicated.

I thought Traces of Mercy was AWESOME. I read it in just a few days and was upset when I discovered that it was the first in a trilogy. Therefore, the story does leave you hanging, but its totally worth it. The authors were wonderful and I cannot wait for the next two books.

I received this book from the Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.

I will be honest. I was reluctant to read this book as I feared it would be predictable and boring. It is most definitely not predictable and definitely not boring. I admired Mercy's strength and gumption. She is certainly a spunky young woman. My heart went out to her and I found myself finishing this book in tears. I was deeply moved by the love demonstrated by several different characters and a myriad of relationships. This would definitely make a wonderful movie. This is a 5 PLUS star book!! I am delighted to be able to recommend it to readers.

I received a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Though I am not typically a reader of historical fiction, Traces of Mercy grabbed me from the first page and kept me intrigued to the last (and beyond). Familiar with their previous work on the Janette Oke "Love Comes Softly" films, and because of their work on Hallmark Channel's TV phenomenal new series "When Calls The Heart," I expected a book by Michael Landon Jr and Cindy Kelley to be a heart-tugging, well-written, faith-friendly drama full of compelling characters. I was not disappointed.

This story begins with a gripping scene that sets a tone for the rest of the book–one of faith, love, fierce loyalty, riveting conflict, and one of the most breathtaking examples of mercy I've ever read.

A beginning full of twists gives us an intriguing heroine who can't remember who she is. She must discover her identity and past without the help of memories, a name, or anyone who knows her. One of the beauties of this story is that we discover who Mercy is right alongside

her and you can't help but root for her. But with time, Mercy isn't sure she wants to know. Between wanting to know why she was found wearing men's clothing, and hoping her mysterious past would not to interfere with her new-found joy, Mercy's finds herself living her own personal "Civil War."

This well-written, engaging story flows like an action/adventure/romance film with a number of well-rounded, compelling characters in its cast including a wise, big-hearted nun and a fiercely loyal servant boy.

Set against the backdrop of post-Civil War St. Louis, Missouri, we feel the aftermath and sad irony that a "civilized society just came through a bloody war because a way of life was threatened." The lingering national unrest and mistrust sets the background for this story as Mercy seeks the answers she needs and the love she dares to hope for.

This heart-tugging story is part of an ongoing story, the first in a three-part trilogy. I am eagerly looking forward to the next book in the Mercy Medallion Trilogy.

I am eagerly awaiting the release of the next book in this exciting series. It is difficult to tell about the book with out giving much of the story away. So at best I am going to say - Read it! I enjoyed it very much. It kept my attention and the plot is exciting and captivating with its surprising twists and turns. Mercy has many lessons to learn about herself and others. There is much for the reader to learn also including such things as love, forgiveness, and understanding. I really enjoyed it, and highly recommend it.

I received this book from the publisher.