Book Jacket

 

rank 1504
word count 12580
date submitted 31.05.2010
date updated 19.07.2010
genres: Fiction, Romance, Christian, Religi...
classification: universal
incomplete

The Road to Mercy

Melissa McGovern Taylor

After nine years in prison, Karen Denwood returns to her hometown to be shunned and rejected. Unexpectedly, she finds forgiveness in the most unlikely person.

 

The word murder isn't frequently heard in the small town of Mercy, North Carolina. Yet, behind the well-kept streets and smiling faces, Mercy bears a burden of pain from the past. Karen Denwood knows this all too well―she created the burden.

After nine years in prison, Karen clings to the hope that the residents of Mercy will allow the "murderer" of Frank Aldridge to reenter the town limits unscathed. To Karen's dismay, the town residents shun her one by one. With only her aunt's acceptance, Karen loses hope for a fresh start in her hometown…until she finds forgiveness in the most unlikely person.

Joseph Aldridge returns to Mercy planning to reopen his grandfather's old store as a veterinary clinic. After joining a prison Bible study, he never expects to come face-to-face with Karen Denwood, the woman responsible for his grandfather's death. Just when Joe thinks he can't let go of the past, God plants a seed of forgiveness in his heart for Karen.

In the midst of Karen's struggle for acceptance in Mercy, Joe draws closer to her side. Will forgiveness blossom into something more or will their tragic history continue to tear them apart?

 
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tags

america, christian, church, forgiveness, inspirational, love, mercy, north carolina, prison, romance, small town

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32 comments

 

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Tom Balderston wrote 519 days ago

Forgiveness story - always worth of consideration. Let me know when more complete.
Tom Balderston
The Wonder of Terra

Eunice Attwood wrote 592 days ago

This tale is inspirational to say the least. Beautifully written and sensitive. It is a very moving account of a young woman going through a myriad of complex emotions, and you have captured her essence well. Backed. Eunice - The Temple Dancer.

Eunice Attwood wrote 592 days ago

This tale is inspirational to say the least. Beautifully written and sensitive. It is a very moving account of a young woman going through a myriad of complex emotions, and you have captured her essence well. Backed. Eunice - The Temple Dancer.

James Apologist wrote 650 days ago

I am interested in your book and am putting it on my watchlist. I will be reading parts of it as soon as I can. In that it is related to the Bible, it perhaps bears some similarity to my own book, which, if you are a Christian, potential Christian, or a thoughtful and objective skeptic in this regard, you might enjoy. Its title is "Things Are Not as They Seem."

Regina Tittel wrote 674 days ago

Awesome beginning chapter! I would have corrected anything that I saw as wrong but it all looks great. Can't wait to read more!
-Regina Tittel

Barnett wrote 710 days ago

Melissa, If you upload any more chapters of The Road to Mercy, let me know. I hope you get this published.

Tina (Healing Love)

Jesselowe wrote 712 days ago

This story has a good positive note. The character of Karen is sympathetic, her struggles to overcome the problems of her father's alcoholism and her mother's death are described well, and later her crime and incarceration present strong conflicts to carry the reader through the story. What I'm trying to say is she isn't self-righteous or self-pitying. Jesselowe

Barnett wrote 713 days ago

Very interesting book so far. I would definitely read the rest of it. I'm glad to back you. If you would like to read my book, it's called Healing Love. --Tina

MelMcGTaylor wrote 716 days ago

H.K.,
I forgot to mention to you that the lack of criminal charges againt Karen's dad are addressed in a later chapter.
Thanks again for your support!
~Melissa

You have done an excellent job crafting this story thus far. The reader has a strong sense of the characters, as well as the tension that is about to collide. Your writing also flows well so that the reader can participate in the story, not just read the words.
I do wonder, however, why did Karen's father not get charged with any crime for killing his wife? This is the only flaw I find in the story line....
Great Job! Please let me know when chapters five and up are avaliable! I would love to finish this story.
Bully and backed ,
HK
Light of the Son

Telegraph wrote 716 days ago

Heart wrenching realism with polished charcters and diolouge that is paced well. C W

Ransom Heart wrote 717 days ago

A sad and very credible backstory -- the mother's death in the drunk driving accident, the child's decline in grief, the father's inaccessibility; the judgments laid upon the girl -- all the ingredients for a story of a struggle for redemption and peace. Backed.
Marianne (Saint Paddy and the Sundial)

mvw888 wrote 717 days ago

A very intriguing start and just my type of story. You have drawn complex, interesting characters and when you do that, readers are willing to follow just about any type of plot to see what will happen to them. I think that the inspirational aspect of your book is obviously important to you, but sometimes this type of theme takes away from a strong story, or distracts. Maybe I'm not explaining that well but anyway, in the case of this book, none of that applies. This is really well done; I enjoyed it and wish you the best.

---Mary
The Qualities of Wood

crazy mama wrote 717 days ago

I back this book to support Christian Fiction writers. What a wonderful way to share Gods message. Well done!!

mariecapri wrote 717 days ago

Hello Mel. I was completely absorbed by your story. Karen's closeness to her mother was well voiced. The turmoil they faced from Ray's alcoholic state came across really well The sympathy towards Karen is heart felt as Frank is such a lovable character and was clearly fond of her. I can see where this is going, it has the beginnings of a really good book and I hope you do really well with it. Backed and best of luck! Maria (Cosmic Linx)

Vanessa Darnleigh wrote 718 days ago

Absolutely agree with the last comment...raw and real. Unpretentious and gripping because it is impossible to ignore or dismiss...a bit of editing to tighten up the narrative in places but otherwise most accomplished...well done...backed for now
Stewart

lizjrnm wrote 720 days ago

Backed with pleasure! You have a real talent for writing and this is such a down to earth and realistic read! It doesn't need dragons and vampires to move the plot along - justreal people with real issues! Love it!!

Liz
The Cheech Room

name falied moderation wrote 721 days ago

Not my genre or usual read however Melissa you have written a very good story here, with vivid characters that evoke emotions and play on a well written stage. Have to read it all but will WL after BACKED. I would really apprecite it if you would read some of my book, different genre but that is the wonder of this site. and please fell free to comment thank you and BEST of luck

Denise

The Letter

PATRICK BARRETT wrote 721 days ago

Heart wrenching & refreshingly different short pitch which compelled me to happily read your submission. It is well written and full of mystery and suspense & I feel it should do well. Wishing you every success - Paula (Cuthbert - How mean is my Valley?)

yasmin esack wrote 721 days ago

Very well crafted with emotion flying high. Nice descriptions (her thoughts parted like the Red Sea) and you have written this extremely well. Suspenseful and intriguing within a realm of reality.

backed

HK Rogers wrote 722 days ago

You have done an excellent job crafting this story thus far. The reader has a strong sense of the characters, as well as the tension that is about to collide. Your writing also flows well so that the reader can participate in the story, not just read the words.
I do wonder, however, why did Karen's father not get charged with any crime for killing his wife? This is the only flaw I find in the story line....
Great Job! Please let me know when chapters five and up are avaliable! I would love to finish this story.
Bully and backed ,
HK
Light of the Son

Burgio wrote 722 days ago

ROAD TO MERCY
This is a good story. It’s hard to have a main character who isn’t good and true and you don’t have that here because Karen is a convicted murderer. Your writing style carries this, however, and makes her likable in spite of her background. She becomes sympathetic as town people shun her. Makes this a good read. Burgio (Grain of Salt).

Hypo99 wrote 722 days ago

Hi Melissa. This is not my usual read but after reading your pitch, I was drawn to it. You write with such skill and confidence. I will read more later. This story has a human touch and delves into matters that we all should understand.

I want to back this book now.

Hope you get the chance to take a little peek inside The Russian Hat

Sincerly
Brendan Doherty
The Russian Hat

tomkepler wrote 722 days ago

Melissa,
Your writing is powerful, and as a teacher, I feel for the father, the daughter, the mother, the principal--all involved with the suffering of the human spirit. I know this fits the Christian genre, and perhaps the direct allusions are part of the genre. For my part, the direct comments about appealing to God were not necessary--or I should say could be subtler. This would expand your message of divine guidance to a wider audience. At any rate, you have taken a tragic aspect of life and turned it into a story with a message of healing and redemption. Excellent effort.
Backed,
Tom Kepler
The Stone Dragon

AuthorTom wrote 722 days ago

Backed with confidence! Tom Ryerson (Carnal Wreckage)

lynn clayton wrote 723 days ago

You've obviously had these scenes clear in your mind which is why they're so vivid on the page. Not only the dialogue of your characters, but their thoughts as well, ring true. A human story with breadth of vision and understanding. backed. Lynn

MelMcGTaylor wrote 723 days ago

JC,
Thank you so much for the advice. I went ahead and made some revisions. I hesitate removing too much info, but a pitch is always a work in progress. I'll keep at it.
~Melissa

Welcome aboard, Melissa. This website will improve your writing craft, if you allow it. I'm a bit of a pitch doctor, having read thousands of pitches in my time on this website, so I want to share my insight here with you. You have to think of your pitches as your sales tool to grab the casual reader's eyes. The short pitch actually works here because this is a Christian. If it was not, I would have said it tells instead of shows. For the long pitch, break it down into smaller paragraphs so it reads faster, then end it with one succinct question to pique your casual reader's interest. Perfecting your pitches is how you climb in ranking to gather more exposure and comments to better your novel. The writing is good so I am SHELVING you.

Though I have been a very active member for over a year and have the most commented book, I can still use your comments on my book when you get the chance. Every little bit helps. Cheers!

JC
The Obergemau Key

Barry Wenlock wrote 723 days ago

Hi Melissa, you're a great writer. This will do well. I enjoyed your story. Enough said.
Backed with pleasure, Barry
Little krisna and the Bihar Boys

January wrote 723 days ago

Melissa,

Wonderful writing, intriguing dialogue and great storytelling!

Backed with pleasure,
January

soutexmex wrote 723 days ago

Welcome aboard, Melissa. This website will improve your writing craft, if you allow it. I'm a bit of a pitch doctor, having read thousands of pitches in my time on this website, so I want to share my insight here with you. You have to think of your pitches as your sales tool to grab the casual reader's eyes. The short pitch actually works here because this is a Christian. If it was not, I would have said it tells instead of shows. For the long pitch, break it down into smaller paragraphs so it reads faster, then end it with one succinct question to pique your casual reader's interest. Perfecting your pitches is how you climb in ranking to gather more exposure and comments to better your novel. The writing is good so I am SHELVING you.

Though I have been a very active member for over a year and have the most commented book, I can still use your comments on my book when you get the chance. Every little bit helps. Cheers!

JC
The Obergemau Key

eloraine wrote 723 days ago

I loved it, good luck. E.Loraine Royal Blood Chronicles book one

SusieGulick wrote 723 days ago

Dear Melissa, I love that you had the contents of her love-letter that she received - that was a plus. :) Yes, Jesus loves us & is the answer. :) Yes, it's all in the Bible - all of God's promises to us are there. :) Thanks for your story - hope you write much more for Jesus. :) Before I began to read your book, I was prepared by your pitch, which was very well done - it hooked me. :) Your story is good because you create interest by having short paragraphs & lots of dialogue, which makes me want to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. I'm "backing" your book: When you back a book, it only improves the ranking of that book, not yours. However, the author whose book you are backing may decide to back your book also, in which case yes, your ranking would be improved...authonomy. :) Please "back" my TWO memoir books, "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" & my completed memoir unedited version? "Tell Me True Love Stories," which tells at the end, my illness now & 6th abusive marriage." Thanks, Susie :)

p.s. Remember: Every time you place a book on your bookshelf, your recommendation pushes the book up the rankings. And while that book sits on your bookshelf, your reputation as a talent spotter increases depending on how well that book performs. :)

:)

sharon cooper wrote 723 days ago

Hello Melissa. It seems we have a few things in common. I was an English and ESL teacher for many years and now I'm enjoying the opportunity to write Christian fiction. I'm backing your book based on your pitch, and I look forward to reading. I would greatly appreciate your taking a peek at Seka, my novel about a Ugandan boy and the American missionary family he befriends. If you like it (albeit in its rough form) please consider backing it and commenting. Thanks in advance, and Blessings!
Sharon Cooper
Seka

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