The Mercy
When the young men made their way to the opposite side of the table, Rose would have been blind not to notice blond Hank Zook and dark-haired Ezra Lapp looking her way. Good friends since childhood, Hank and Ezra both sat across the table from Rose and her cousins. Younger though they were, Rose suspected both boys might be feeling a little sorry for her. She’d noticed in the past that Ezra especially was quick to befriend any girl who appeared not to have a ride.
Then and there, she decided that no matter what Ezra said or how pleasantly he smiled at her, she would not go riding with him tonight. Appealing as it might be to accept an invitation from a potential beau rather than walk home through the brittle snow and ice, Rose wouldn’t allow herself to be the object of pity.
Sure enough, when the hour had grown quite late, Ezra did seek her out, and Rose politely declined. She was more surprised when Hank asked her, as well, so much so that she agreed to go with him as the other fellows and girls paired up and left the barn. Silently, she fell into step with Hank, wondering if, lonely though she was, she was doing the right thing as they walked to his waiting carriage.
“Mighty cold tonight, ain’t?” Hank offered to help her into his open buggy.
She nodded, hoping he’d brought along plenty of woolen lap robes. Like Silas always did. . . .
Once they were settled inside, she realized it was snowing again. A blessing, she thought. Like all farmers, her father had taught her to accept the weather with gratitude no matter what the Good Lord sent their way. She was glad, however, for the extra layers of clothes she’d worn beneath her coat and dress, and thankful for her outer bonnet, which shielded her face from the heavy flakes that were coming fast now.
“Hope ya didn’t think I was too vorwitzich—bold—comin’ over and talking to you, Rose Ann.”
“Thought nothin’ of it.”
Hank exhaled, clearly relieved. “I won’t keep you out too long, since it’s so chilly.”
She thanked him. Of course, had it been Nick, he would’ve simply bundled her up. But she caught herself. She’d never gone courting with Nick. Why was she thinking of him?
But as Hank continued to talk, Rose’s mind kept wandering back to the days when she and Nick were best friends. Even though he’d been a troublemaker from day one—or so the People said—he had been her truest companion. Just then she wondered what Hank might think if he knew what she’d written in her secret letter to Nick. Consorting with such a fellow. Some even suspected him of murder.
From THE MERCY by Beverly M. Lewis. Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Copyright © 2011 by Beverly M. Lewis. Used by permission. All rights to this material are reserved. Material is not to be reproduced, scanned, copied, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without written permission from Baker Publishing Group. http://www.bakerpublishinggroup.com
The Mercy
A keen interest in her mother’s Plain heritage inspired bestselling author Beverly Lewis to write Amish-related novels, beginning with The Shunning. “I love to think of the books I write, including my novels set in the Plain community, as a journey not only for me...but for you, my dear reader-friends,” she says. Her newest Amish novel, The Mercy, will captivate old and new readers alike.
Rose Kauffman longs for Nick Franco, the Bishop’s foster son, to return. He left the Amish community under a cloud of suspicion after his foster brother’s death—but is Nick really the rebel he appears to be? Rose’s feelings for Nick refuse to fade, and she’s frustrated that he won’t come back and make things right with the People. Nick declared his love for Rose—but is he willing to sacrifice modern life for her? Is there any possible middle ground between a woman reclaiming her old-fashioned Amish lifestyle and a thoroughly modern man?
Meanwhile, Rose’s older sister, Hen, is taking care of her estranged Englisher husband. Injured and helpless after a car accident, he has reluctantly come to live with Hen and their young daughter during his recovery. Can their marriage recover as well?
Hardcover Book : 320 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers ( September 06, 2011 )
Item #: 13-449302
ISBN: 9781617931369
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.25 x 0.687inches
Product Weight: 12.0 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
wonderful 
February 20, 2012
I really enjoyed this book, actually couldn't wait to read it. I loved the way that Ms Lewis finished, by letting the readers know how other lives in the book faired. And as with all of her books I loved it
Reviewer: Ladonna
Another Glowing Book
October 27, 2011
Beverly Lewis amazes me with her thoughtful insight into the lives of the Amish in this her finale of Rose and Hen's plain lives. Once again we follow these two sisters to a happy ending. Enjoy this look into the plain and simple ways of the Amish as I did.
Reviewer: Carolyn
Great as always
October 17, 2011
I really like the series and all the other series this author has written. I have them all and will keep buying as long as she keeps writting.
Reviewer: Leita D
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