Social Worker Ellen Moore is used to seeing the worst side of the human race. It has been her job to protect the children of her community and it is a job she does well while also managing her busy family life with a husband and children of her own.
One blistering hot day while trying to help a family in need, one moment of distraction, one slip while trying to do too much at the sale time, Ellen’s world comes tumbling down around her putting her on the other side of her world in the craziest of ways. Suddenly life is speeding by as a blur as events unfold and her careless actions could cause the life of one of her own.
In another story line, ten year old Jenny Briard lives moment to moment. Since her mother disappeared one day she has lived with her abusive father and lives moment to moment wondering where she will be sleeping that night and if there will be food. When Jenny takes to the streets in search of where she believes her mother may have gone, her life becomes entangled with Ellen’s.
Ellen can not explain the appearance of this wayward child who has wormed her way into her life but she does not have time to deal with that in the midst of her own turmoil. Jenny certainly does not want a social worker looking to closely at her and fears being sent back to the man she is trying to escape. What neither Ellen or Jenny knows is that the timing of their encounter is right on time.
I simply adore Heather Gudenkauf’s writing. She writes true feeling life stories that could be anything you would see in your local newspapers. Tragedy. Justice. Truth.
When this book was offered for me to read I was super excited to have a chance to dig into another of these amazing stories. I had no idea that once I opened the book, I was not going to put it down until I closed the last satisfying page. (*note that during this reading there is some awkward making of lunch with one hand while my other held the book open) 😉
Interesting, fast paced, heart pumping action, what unfolds in this story line is truly something you can imagine really happening. Heather Gudenkauf’s Little Mercies grabbed me and made for gush worthy summer reading.
- Print Length: 320 pages
- Publisher: Harlequin MIRA (June 24, 2014)
Book clubs – this book would make for an amazing discussion. Download the Book Club Kit (PDF)
I have a giveaway going for a package of Heather Gudenkauf’s books. Please comment on that post for an entry and receive a bonus entry for commenting on this one as well. I will announce the winner of the package on Friday July 18th.
Book Journey 
I’m currently in a ladies’ book club and I haven’t felt real confident about proposing titles, because most of the women have already read the titles I’m interested in. The book looks like a fabulous read and it’s newly published too! Thank you for the suggestion!
Yes – the topic is a good one… its one of those things you can see people actually doing and would make for amazing discussion. I may recommend it to my book club too.
This sounds a super read. Thanks for the review
Sure Mystica 🙂
Don’t you love it when a book makes you want to gush? This sounds really good!
It was awesome… I thought it would be good, I was not expecting this good.
I’ve got to get my hands on this!
Yes you do Kathy! 😀
I really like it. I’m in the mood for a short story collection.
😀
This book sounds so good, and I can’t wait to read it. I’m a big fan of Heather’s writing.
You will love this one. It may be my favorite of hers.
I LOVED this book! Glad you enjoyed it.
I loved it too 😀
Good to hear you enjoyed another of Heather Gudenkauf’s books.
Oh yeah!
I have this book and want to read it soon! I’ve heard it’s great – I really enjoyed a previous book by this author, too. I’m glad you liked it!
She is a great author.
Sounds like I need to read this book soon.
Yes! 😛
I like this author, but haven’t read anything by her in a while! Glad you enjoyed this book!
You will too Vicki!
Just read a book by Sarah Jio that I couldn’t put down, so I know about that all-consuming desire to see what happens in a book! Love that you made lunch while reading this one!
Could not put it down 😀
I felt the same way…I could not put it down for any reason!
It really was a great read!
I do like this author. Sounds like a great read!
Both of the storylines sound interesting. I haven’t read this author before. Thanks for the giveaway.
I enjoyed reading your review. I just completed this book and will post my review next week. I enjoyed this book as well.
I just finished this book too. LOVED IT.
This is my first book by Ms. Gudenkauf. I need to check out her other titles.
Forgot…I too had the book on the kitchen counter as I was making dinner. 🙂
It is that good, ladies. ENJOY if you read it.
I am so in the mood to read a book that is “hard to put down”! Thanks for the great suggestion!
I enjoyed One Breathe Away and this one sounds really good. Thanks for sharing your enthusiastic thoughts.