We all need mercy. We have all done things we regret. We have all done things for which we feel shame. All of us feel unworthy at times. Regaining Mercy is the story of one woman’s need for mercy.
For Mindy, feelings of regret, shame and unworthiness show up daily. Some of the people on Elnora like to keep reminding Mindy of her past failings and are unwilling to let her put her past behind her. Dermott stands up for her and tries to help her. Mindy questions his motivation which makes it hard for Dermott to help. Neighbor Tina is a helpful friend but when someone makes an unfounded, careless comment, Mindy wonders what Tina really thinks of her.
As is often the case in real life, the struggles can draw us closer to God. Mindy faces many struggles. Through it all Tina and Dermott are praying for her – what will it take to have Mindy turn to God for healing from the regret, shame and unworthy feelings.
Carolyn Miller uses a play on words a bit with Tina’s daughter’s name, Mercy; the title of the book, Regaining Mercy; and the mercy of God needed by Mindy. Mercy really is an ongoing theme in the book.
One of the things I enjoy about the Independence Island series is the recurring characters. It is always fun to read a little more about a character we met in another book. The best thing though is that the books do not need to be read in a specific order.
If I could change one thing about this series, it would be to have a list of recurring characters with a bit about them and which books they have appeared in.
Regaining Mercy and the other books in the Independence Island series would be appropriate for a high school library even though they are adult novels.
