If you have read my other reviews of the books in the Heart of the Frontier series (‘Treasured Grace‘ and ‘Beloved Hope‘) you’ll notice that my review of each book was a bit more positive then the previous. Perhaps because I grew to know the characters better with each addition. Perhaps because the story line and the plot grew on me more. Perhaps . . . Who knows, probably both those things and a myriad more I can’t think of right now. I should try to remember to refrain from writing when I’m tired, but then I might never write! It’s been seven years since the attack on the Whitman Mission. Seven years of healing and growing and maturing. Those hard topics still rise to the surface from time to time for the girls. This time we get to see Mercy, now 20, find her way in the world.

Mercy, despite her tender age at the beginning of this trilogy, has become quite the firecracker. She’s full of passion about what she believes is right and isn’t afraid to set anyone who crosses her on their ear. She’s also full of compassion and yes even mercy. Despite having lived through the Whitman massacre herself she has compassion and love for the natives of the region. She has a servant’s heart that understands that not all things are black and white, despite the common outlook that differs from her’s. It’s hard to believe she was once a child of 12, small for her age, that was protected by her sisters. Especially as she finds herself again embroiled in an Indian uprising and again being held hostage (of sorts) in a half-constructed fort with a man she barely knows (yet loves! don’t get me started, OK I’ll start in a minute) and her sister’s child. She’s not being protected by her sister’s this time, she’s protecting. She’s protecting a child (Faith) and her friends and her love and her ideals.

Insta-love is like the plague of books for me. So many authors use it as a catalyst to get a story off the ground quickly and often it’s not done well and leaves me dissatisfied and frustrated. It’s rare for ‘love at first sight’ or even love in a matter of weeks to be legitimate and lasting. That being said, this book, while frustrating, didn’t totally turn me off. Perhaps it was all the danger and craziness that went along with the insta-love. Perhaps it was the fact that, at least for Mercy, she already knew about Adam and who he was. Perhaps it was the fact that she got tired of waiting for him to step up and admit he had feelings and she proposed to him! I told ya she was a firecracker. Regardless, Mercy was the perfect ending to this trilogy. However, I’m not convinced that she’s the best ending. Faith has a story to tell. Faith has been a silent, mostly unseen, part of this journey from near the beginning. There needs to be just one more book. The book of Faith.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

Cherished Mercy by Tracie Peterson is a delightful Christian historical romance. It is the third book in the Heart Of The Frontier series but can be read as a stand-alone as the previous two books are incorporated in the story. I would recommend reading the previous two books first as they will help in the reader's understanding of character development and why some characters behave as they do.
This series has followed three sisters through the real life Whitman Mission massacre (1847) to this novel opening in 1855. This book is Mercy's story. The reader has seen her develop from a twelve year old to a young woman, still tender hearted but tough when she has to be. She is, as her name suggests, full of mercy. She realises that a heart full of hate is not productive, nor what God wants.
There are characters driven by hate and greed. Cherished Mercy has its focus on the Native Americans. Greed, ignorance and fear have driven many to hate. Vigilantes, sponsored by the government, show themselves to be blood thirsty murderers, content on lining their pockets rather than showing compassion to women, children and the elderly. Very few seem to be looking to God.
There are good people. "He doesn't let hatred control his actions, but seeks to do God's will." Hearts and motives of a few are pure.
The novel is about roots and heritage. No one can be blamed for the sins of their parents. We are all a unique and new creation under God.
Faith is another theme. "Faith isn't faith unless it's tested." When life is hard, we see where values lie.
Prayer is important. "Ain't never known anything that wasn't made better by prayer." When no other option is available, we can always pray and be sure that God hears us. "Prayer had been her refuge."
Family is precious - the blood family and the family of God.
This Heart Of The Frontier series has been fabulous. I have read the three books back to back for maximum enjoyment. It has been wonderful getting to know the sisters Grace, Hope and Mercy. To see their responses and watch their characters grow. I 'felt' a connection to them all.
Tracie Peterson is a marvellous and talented writer. Treat yourself today and buy all three Heart Of The Frontier novels. Settle back, forget the chores, and be transported to another time and place. Enjoy. I certainly did.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

I absolutely adored this series by Tracie Peterson, and she capped it off with a wonderful tale about Mercy, the Flanagan's youngest sister. All three Flanagans lived through the Whitman Massacre, but Mercy lived through another Indian uprising. The missionary friends of the Flanagans, Isaac and Eletta Browning have asked that Mercy come to them to help Eletta with a difficult pregnancy. While she was with the Brownings, many people were taking a vigilante approach to the Indians in the area--the only good Indian is a dead Indian kind of thinking.

Mercy's name always seemed to fit her. She was the most merciful of the sisters, quick to forgive and long-suffering in patience. She also had many friends among the local Indians when she was living with the Brownings, she wanted them protected because they posed no threat.

This is also the story of Mercy falling in love with Adam, Isaac's brother; and the story of all they have overcome to get to where they are. I was confused by the geography Tracie was describing. She mentioned towns that I know but I couldn't figure out where they were in connection to the other towns she was describing. That is my only criticism.

It would be helpful to read Cherished Mercy after the other two books in the series, it's helpful to know the characters and what happened to them along the way. Those experiences make the characters into who they are.

This is a five star book, two thumbs up, and a friend to walk with you along the way.

My thanks to Bethany House for allowing me to read and review this book.

I came across the first book in the series, Treasured Grace, by chance and I became invested in the lives of the Flanagan Sisters. This book was focused on Mercy, the youngest of the sisters, and it was a very fitting end to the series.
Mercy, who was quite young in the first book, has grown up quite a bit since I last saw her (I haven’t yet read the second book in the series so that was quite a while ago). Both her sisters have married and have a family, in fact at the beginning of the book, her sister Hope was welcoming another one into the family. When their old friend, Eletta, requests Mercy’s help at the mission she and her husband Isaac were, Mercy goes over there to help but not without her family stating their concern about her going, what with the fights going on between the Indians that side and the whites, especially after what she went through in the first book.
Adam, Isaac’s brother, is also at the mission with his brother and his family also spreading the Good News to the Indians in that area. At first he’s weary of having, what he thinks will be a flirty, silly, woman from the city, come and help them in their primitive setting but he soon learns Mercy is nothing like what he expects. Mercy goes over there to help and becomes friends with the peaceful Indian tribe there, the Tututni, as well as Eletta and Isaac’s daughter, seven year old Faith.
Overtime, despite the peacefulness of the Indian tribe around them, the unrest and trouble in other parts came their way and Mercy was thrust back in a situation much like the Whitman massacre.
This book highlighted the reality of the wars between the whites and the Indians at that time. There was a lot of animosity, the Indians where not even viewed as humans by many people. My heart bled for the Indians most of all because the life they knew was being upended as people were spreading out looking for land, many not even willing to pay them as they ought to, many not understanding why they’d rather fight for the land and the life they had always known than to go to a reserve. And as the girls uncle Edward Marsh stated, it hadn’t been that long since they themselves fought for independence. It was easier to view them as less than human, as wild creatures that resorted to violence at every turn than to put themselves in their shoes, to understand that many of them to preserve the life they had known for centuries that was being threatened. Even in the midst of all that despair there were a couple of characters who saw them as humans. From Alex, in the first book who had lived among them and changed Grace’s wrong view of them to Isaac, Eletta and Adam who had gone to live among them to spread the Good News, not imposing their ideas on them but living their lives as an example, sacrificing. Hope and Mercy, who despite all they had been through, still viewed them as human. There was hope in the midst of it all.
Thanks to Netgalley and Baker Publishing for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

The award-winning Tracie Peterson has done it once again - she has by her masterful craft of weaving the written word and her intense study of history. Created a work of art that takes the reader on the Oregon Trail to settle in forests amongst the tribes of Rogue River Indians she weaves this tale of fear and love of sacrifice and hatred, life, and death. Received this book from the publisher for our honest review

Cherished Mercy is the final novel in a series by Tracie Peterson about the early pioneers on the Oregon Trail and the historical events such as the Massacre at the Whitman Mission. Mercy is the youngest sister who survived and is now grown. She has been asked to join some missionary friends, the Brownings in a much more primitive area to aid the wife. Eletta, in her pregnancy. The area is in turmoil as the Indians and white settlers are in conflict. Her family encouraged her not to go but she feels called and her faith leads her to trust her instincts and help her friends


Adam Browning is the brother of Eletta's husband. He has Indian blood himself and has bitter feelings from an earlier rejection by his fiancee when his heritage was revealed. He doesn't want another relationship and further he doesn't trust that Mercy has the strength or right motive for coming.


Complicating matters, the Brownings are the adoptive parents of Mercy's sister Hope's daughter born of rape during the massacre. Though Mercy is aware of the child's heritage, the Brownings don't realize she knows.


So Adam and Mercy, both, have traumatic pasts and complicated feelings filtered through misinformation that makes any relationship for them difficult; however as things come to a head and a tragedy strikes, they must learn to trust in and lean on each other.


This was an enjoyable read that created great closure to a very informative historical series. I received this novel form Netgalley for an honest review. I recommend this series if you enjoy historical romance.

A wonderful conclusion to the Heart of Frontier series! There was much heartbreak and sadness in this series. The dependence on God in the frontier is such an encouragement. It's easy to be drawn into the drama of just enduring life. I enjoyed getting to know Mercy and her giving heart in this novel. Highly recommended!

Have you ever read a story that you didn't want to end? Do you mourn over the loss of characters from a story once you finish a book? That's where I'm at right now!! I have anxiously been awaiting the release of the third book in the Heart of the Frontier series by Tracie Peterson. I finally took the time to read this book today. It only took me 5 hours to reunite with Mercy, fall in love with Adam, and grow a great appreciation of Hope, Grace, and Faith. I probably cried 2 of the 5 hours reading this fabulous book, so fair warning, have tissues handy!!

Mercy has been called upon to go to Issac and Eletta's to assist Eletta in her final days of pregnancy. She is excited about the prospect of going but with all the unrest between the Indians and the white man, there is a lot of fear and trepidation facing her. She's also likely to miss the birth of another niece or nephew while gone, and Mercy feels a bit torn about leaving her sisters and going so far away. However, her faith in God gives her the courage to travel to see her life-long family friends.

Eletta and Issac are thrilled with this new life they are bringing into the world but they have no idea if Mercy is going to be able to come and assist them. The Indian tribes are warring daily with the white man and the tensions are higher with each passing day. When Mercy arrives, it gives both Eletta and Issac a peace knowing she is there and can help assist with day-to-day chores and helping with Faith.

Adam is the brother of Issac. He's also a minister of the Word like Issac and teaches the children in Eletta's absence from the school. He's had a pretty tough go of things lately and has no interest in doing anything other than serving the Lord. He's concerned about the increased tensions between the Indians and white man and is doing this best to keep the peace. His internal peace is stirred when he meets Mercy and he wonders if he can keep his focus on important matters.

This story is a true page turner and it's a little difficult for me to say much more about this story without giving away too many things. This book is full of hope, grace, mercy, faith, forgiveness, love, and compassion but also has a darker side of rape, murder, and racism. While I read the first two books out of order, I would definitely recommend reading the first two books before reading this one to get the full back story on Mercy. I love how the Flanagan sisters' story came full circle here and I will miss reading more about them.

I would have to say that, so far, this is my favorite book of 2017!!!

Cherished Mercy is such a cherish-able story. You have Incredible Mercy who has already gone through so very much in her life - has decided to move on from her past - which is so unreal - and move from the mission so was in that saved her before and is now living in - to another one - and there she met Adam - the Minister - Mercy's heart and prayers are for the Natives and the Missionaries and the peoples to get along - she prays for that heartily. Now that she is in a new Mission something serious happens and it blows the mind - you cannot believe it - and I cannot share it with you - though I would love to - you know I would.........this book is authentic, full of love, raith, enjoyment and so much panache the author put in throughout the book.

This is book three in the Heart of the Frontier series and suppose to be the last of the series. It would be good to see a book on Faith, the half breed daughter that was given to a missionary couple working with the Indians I’ve read Treasured Grace and Beloved Hope in this series. They are all exceptional.

The book setting is in the Oregon Territory in the mid 1800s during a time of great unrest between the Native Americans and the white settlers. This is the story of Mercy Flanagan the youngest of the three sisters. Mercy agrees to help her sister’s dear friend Eletta as she is having a difficult pregnancy and sent a letter requesting Mercy to come and help her. Eletta and her husband Isaac are serving in a mission to the native Tututni Indians. This is during a time when Native Americans are being pursued by the US government and either captured or killed in an effort to reclaim the land and relocate many to reservations. Mercy is very tender hearted and God fearing and she fits right in with the Brownings as they worked with the Tututni. She also loves Faith, her niece that the Brownings have adopted. Adam, the brother of Isaac returns to the mission and there is an instant attraction between them. Adam feels like nothing can come of this because his mother was half Indian, and feels like no white woman would accept him….. I loved reading the history that Peterson details in her books and this one is no exception. Adam and Mercy overcome many obstacles as they seek to help the natives. A lot of heartaches and sorrows as the story unfolds but ends beautifully…….
Disclaimer: I received this Book from the publisher, Bethany House, for free to read and review through the blogger review program. I was not required to give a favorable review only an honest review, nor was I compensated for my review. All thoughts and comments in this review are my own.

First sentence: "Push, Hope. You have to push," Grace commanded. Mercy Flanagan wiped her sister's forehead as she labored to give birth to her baby. After ten hours of intense pain, Hope had clearly weakened.

Premise/plot: Cherished Mercy is the third book in Tracie Peterson's Heart of the Frontier series. Previous books in the series have focused on Grace and Hope, Mercy's two older sisters. In the novel, Mercy follows her heart and goes to help a friend in need even though there is some risk involved. Eletta is pregnant and her husband, Isaac, is very worried about her because the pregnancy is proving to be so difficult and dangerous.

The risk involved? Well, traveling throughout Oregon territory with the tension and unrest of the region. There are many--particularly in the army, particularly the government--who believe the Native Americans should be gotten out of the way. The nicest want the Indians kept on a reservation out of their way. The cruelest? Well, they subscribe to the notion that the only good Indian is a dead one. On her travels, Mercy meets some cruel men who are eager and excited at the idea of killing Indians.

Mercy moves in with Eletta, Isaac, their daughter Faith, and Adam (Isaac's brother). She comes to love them and their community. Isaac, Eletta, and Adam work very closely with one (maybe two) of the Native tribes. The ties of friendship are strong. But a series of worse case scenarios happens...leaving plenty of questions about what will happen next.

My thoughts: I've enjoyed the other books in the series. But I really loved, loved, loved Cherished Mercy. I think I loved Mercy the best of all the sisters. I love her compassionate spirit; I love her bravery. I love her honesty and genuineness. I also came to love Adam. The characterization is so good in this series. I almost hate for the series to end. I would definitely recommend the trilogy.

Mercy Flanagan, at the tender age of 20, is wise beyond her years and seemingly very capable as a homemaker and teacher. She credits her older sisters, Grace and Hope, with her preparatory years. She is a survivor of the Whitman mission massacre and tender-hearted toward the plight of the various Indian nations in the Northwest territories. A favor to help family friend Eletta Browning with her difficult pregnancy puts Mercy in the Rouge River Valley. Her counterpart, Adam Browning, is a pastor and social worker for the Indian nations. One-quarter Indian, Adam is afraid to reveal that to Mercy lest she regard him with disdain.
Readers of earlier books in the series will recognize the characters in the Rouge River Valley, including 7 year old Faith Browning.
The story reveals the westward expansion greed of the new United States and how its greed negatively impacted relations with the Indian tribes.

I'm sad to say that I have a few books from Netgalley that I DNF on... either it didn't hook me into the story and I lost least or I found out that there is more to the series and can't get the first and so on book from that series... Yup here it goes, Don't believe me wash the dishes! Look at the website: http://fkrants.blogspot.com/2017/09/ng-dnf-sept-edition.html

Cherished Mercy  by Tracie Peterson

Mercy Flanagan survived the Whitman Massacre as a child, and now her heart's cry is for peace between the native peoples and the white settlers inhabiting Oregon Territory. Unfortunately, most of the settlers would rather the tribes were removed from the land completely, one way or the other, and tensions are rising. Mercy has grown tired of  --Oregon City and feels that she has a larger purpose in life, so when she learns that family friend Eletta Browning is pregnant, she travels south to the Rogue River Valley to help.
At the Rogue River Mission, Mercy meets Eletta's brother-in-law, Adam, who has suffered a broken engagement. Mercy finds him attractive, but Adam seems determined to focus on ministering to the local tribes and keeps Mercy at arm's length.
When tragedy strikes and tensions in the territory reach the boiling point, Mercy is pushed to the limit of her strength. She and Adam must rely on their firm faith in God in order to make it out alive. -from the publisher

This title is the third in the Heart of the Frontier series. Although it can be read as a standalone, readers will appreciate the characters and storyline more having read the other titles in the series. The character of Mercy is a strong character and written so the reader can empathize with Mercy's love of the native people, yet her hesitancy of the situation she finds herself among. An additional storyline is Mercy's sister, Hope, who was raped while being held captive during the Whitman Mission Massacre gave up the daughter as a result. She comes back to this situation during the conclusion of this beautiful story. Fans of Tracie Peterson's historical fiction offerings will fall in throughly enjoy this fast read. 

I received an ARC ebook from Netgalley  and the publisher, Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

"Cherished Mercy" by Tracie Peterson is the third book in the Heart of the Frontier series and this one is about the youngest of the sisters Mercy. While I have really enjoyed this book series as it showed both sides of the Indian wars that happened at the time. The main character Mercy shows love to others that most at the time would have hated and even to people who want to harm her. This was a beautiful story of mercy and of loving others no matter what who they are. I highly recommend this book.

I was given this book from NetGalley for free and was not required to give a positive review.

Mercy Flanigan was aptly named. Her ability to show mercy to others amazes those around her, but she realizes that when you embrace bitterness and grudges there isn’t room for the things you’d rather embrace. A lesson we can all benefit from. Mercy is the youngest of the three Flanigan sisters, and the main character in this third and final installment of the Heart of the Frontier series. To truly appreciate her story, the reader would greatly benefit from having read the series in sequence. The sisters’ travels along the Oregon Trail and the presence of two of them at the Whitman Mission Massacre lead up to Mercy’s finding herself in the middle of the Rogue River War as the year 1855 draws to a close. Tracie Peterson’s storytelling skills are backed up by her diligent research when placing her characters in true historical events.
As part of Mercy’s story, readers will meet seven-year-old Faith Browning whose parents and uncle are missionaries among the Tututni. Faith is a precocious child who learned to read at the age of two. Unfortunately, the life she knew among a loving family and supportive community spins into chaos with the increased volatility between an army and volunteer militia supported by a government that favored extermination of Oregon’s native population and the Rogue River Indian tribes. Faith proves herself to be a strong young lady, remaining faithful to her Lord and to her family’s instruction. Readers will hope that Faith may make an appearance in a future Peterson series.
Fans of historical fiction and romantic fiction alike will enjoy Cherished Mercy and the Heart of the Frontier series. I am appreciative of NetGalley and Bethany House for providing me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion. I received no monetary compensation for this review.

Cherished Mercy was a wonderfully intense book. I have loved Mercy from the beginning of this series and was really excited to read her story; I was not disappointed. This book was wonderful, heartfelt, and at times very sad and suspenseful. This book made me tear and get Goosebumps.

I loved Mercy’s relationships with Eletta, Isaac, and Faith as well as Adam and the Tututni. She truly loved everyone, no matter their skin color. The way she defended the Tututni with her own life was heroic and beyond brave. I also loved how well she and Adam complimented each other. Their love story was engaging and sweet. Their shared love for Faith was inspiring to read.


*I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.*

Cherished Mercy

by Tracie Peterson

Bethany House

Bethany House Publishers



Christian

Pub Date 05 Sep 2017

I am reviewing a copy of Cherished Mercy through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:

Mercy Flannigan survived the Whitman Massacre as a child and now she is praying for peace between the white settlers and the Indians in the Oregon territory. Sadly, most of the settlers would rather have the tribes moved all together. Mercy has grown tired of Oregon City and feels she has a greater purpose in life so when the oppurtunity arises and she learns their family friend Eletta Browning is sick and pregnant she goes to Rogue River Valley to see if she can assist.

The Rogue River Mission is where Mercy meets Adam Eletta's brother in law. Soon Mercy finds herself helping out at the school as well.

White men come in the night, killing many. Children and old men lay dead, shot. It is soon discovered that the men also killed Issac, Elena's husband, and the Pastor. Soon it becomes obvious that Eletta must be taken away. In the meantime Mercy finds herself caring for and comforting Eletta and Issac's daughter faith.

Mercy and Adam must find their strength when tragedy strikes, they must rely on God for the strength they need to endure.

Five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!