First Line Fridays: The Edge of Mercy by Heidi Chiavaroli

Happy Friday!

First Line Fridays is hosted by Hoarding Books and participants share the first line from a nearby book.

Today I'm sharing the first lines from The Edge of Mercy by Heidi Chiavaroli:

"I slipped the two rings off my finger to cradle them in my palm."

Have you read this book? It's Heidi Chiavaroli's newest novel and just released earlier this month.

Read my review of The Edge of Mercy.

What are you reading this weekend?

Have a great weekend! Happy reading!


About the Book:

Two women, three hundred years apart, must face the devastation of all they hold dear...

Suspecting her husband is having an affair, Sarah Rodrigues fights to appear unbroken while attempting to salvage her family. Though distracted by her own troubles, Sarah is summoned to an elderly friend’s deathbed for an unusual request—find a long-lost daughter and relay a centuries-old family story.

Determined not to fail her friend, Sarah pieces together the story of her neighbor’s ancestor, Elizabeth Baker, a young colonist forced into an unwanted betrothal but drawn to a man forbidden by society. While Sarah’s family teeters on the edge of collapse, her world is further shaken by the interest of a caring doctor and a terrible accident that threatens a life more precious than her own.

Inspired by the unconditional love she uncovers in Elizabeth’s story, Sarah strives to forgive those who’ve wounded her soul. But when light shines on the dark secrets of her neighbor’s past and the full extent of her husband’s sins, will looking to a power greater than herself rekindle lost hope?

Book Review: The Edge of Mercy by Heidi Chiavaroli

About the Book:

Two women, three hundred years apart, must face the devastation of all they hold dear...

Suspecting her husband is having an affair, Sarah Rodrigues fights to appear unbroken while attempting to salvage her family. Though distracted by her own troubles, Sarah is summoned to an elderly friend’s deathbed for an unusual request—find a long-lost daughter and relay a centuries-old family story.

Determined not to fail her friend, Sarah pieces together the story of her neighbor’s ancestor, Elizabeth Baker, a young colonist forced into an unwanted betrothal but drawn to a man forbidden by society.

While Sarah’s family teeters on the edge of collapse, her world is further shaken by the interest of a caring doctor and a terrible accident that threatens a life more precious than her own.

Inspired by the unconditional love she uncovers in Elizabeth’s story, Sarah strives to forgive those who’ve wounded her soul. But when light shines on the dark secrets of her neighbor’s past and the full extent of her husband’s sins, will looking to a power greater than herself rekindle lost hope?


My Thoughts:

The Edge of Mercy by Heidi Chiavaroli is a well-written time-slip novel that oozes with raw emotion, authenticity, and deep themes. It took a few chapters for the book to really grab me, but once it did, I didn't want to put it down. The time-slip component was not at all confusing and I enjoyed how both stories wove together.

The Edge of Mercy gave me all the feels. Sadness, shock, tension, and hope. There's a rawness and authenticity about Sarah as she struggles with shattered expectations and an uncertain future. The novel addresses gritty, real life issues of marriage and infidelity. Tucked into these prominent themes are quieter, but important truths about life, love, and God. One quote I loved: “It's about finding hope when we're at our weakest. About the power of God's love, and our potential to love one another.”

The Edge of Mercy is the first book I've read by Heidi Chiavaroli and now I'm eager to read her others. I recommend this women's fiction novel to readers looking for a moving story of heartache, hope, and love. 4.5 Stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

March Recap and Expected April Reading!

Today I'm sharing a bit about what I've been reading and what I hope to read. In March I finished:

1. Of Fire and Lions by Mesu Andrews.
2. Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan.
3. Catching the Wind by Melanie Dobson.
4. Sweet on You by Becky Wade.
5. A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh by Carolyn Miller.

Of the five books I read, I'd say Catching the Wind was probably my favorite... perhaps because I didn't expect to like it and was so pleasantly surprised?


In April, I expect to read:

1. The Memory House by Rachel Hauck. - I'm currently reading and loving this novel. It's been a long time since I read anything by Rachel Hauck and it makes me want to revisit some of her prior novels.

2. The Edge of Mercy by Heidi Chiavaroli. - My first novel by this acclaimed author!

3. True to You by Becky Wade - I read this years ago, but the local book club I attend chose it as our April selection, so I'll be revisiting Nora and John's love story.

4. Flight of Arrows by Lori Benton - I read The Wood's Edge in February have been awaiting the chance to return to the series, but I'm not sure if it will happen this month or not.

5. What If It's True? by Charles Martin - Not quite sure what to expect with this one, but I'm a fan of his fiction, so I'll give it a try.

What will you read this month?