Sweet Mercy By Ann Tatlock

I received this book from Bethany House Blogger Program for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description:

Stunning coming-of-age drama set during the Great Depression and Prohibition

When Eve Marryat's father is laid off from the Ford Motor Company in 1931, he is forced to support his family by leaving St. Paul, Minnesota, and moving back to his Ohio roots. Eve's uncle Cyrus has invited the family to live and work at his Marryat Island Ballroom and Lodge.

Eve can't wait to leave St. Paul, a notorious haven for gangsters. At seventeen, she considers her family to be "good people," not lawbreakers like so many in her neighborhood. Thrilled to be moving to a "safe haven," Eve soon forms an unlikely friendship with a strange young man named Link, blissfully unaware that her uncle's lodge is anything but what it seems.

When the reality of her situation finally becomes clear, Eve is faced with a dilemma. Does she dare risk everything by exposing the man whose love and generosity is keeping her family from ruin? And when things turn dangerous, can she trust Link in spite of appearances?



My Thoughts: 

Sweet Mercy is the first book by Ann Tatlock I have had the pleasure of reading. This book takes place during the 1930's, the Great Depression and Prohibition. Eve and her family find themselves having to move from St. Paul, Minn to Ohio due to lay offs at Ford Motor Company.  They move into her Uncle's Lodge, The Marryat Island Ballroom and Lodge, and work their.  Leaving St. Paul seemed like a blessing to Eve because of all the illegal activities in her neighborhood but finds that things may not be as different here at the lodge.  Now Eve has to decide what to do.

Sweet Mercy is a great book. I am a huge fan of historical fiction, especially during Prohibition time. I enjoy learning about the different parts of the Unites States and how Prohibition affected them. Ann Tatlock writes with authority about The 1932's, Prohibition, The Great Depression, and the different places in the United States.  Ann Tatlock has written a unique cast of characters in this book. The characters are real people whose lives are messy and imperfect, faced with decisions that are NOT black and white. I had a very hard time putting this book down, it grabbed my attention and help it through to the end. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys, Christian Historical Fiction, you will not be disappointed. Ann Tatlock in another author for my must read list. I look forward to reading more from Ann Tatlock. I give this book 4 STARS.