Missing Mercy: Ironwood Plantation Family Saga, book three

Trust, friendship, prejudice, slavery, and romance

A small description at the beginning made me wonder if the girls' relationship was like that of Tiana and Charlotte in Disney's movie The Princess and the Frog. While Faith is a rich girl, that is the main similarity she has to Charlotte besides being sheltered.

Mercy chafes at her lack of opportunities. Despite feeling trapped in the safety at Ironwood due to the prejudices that remain in the surrounding area, Mercy is sure people in the North see people of color as equals..

Before Mercy leaves, she quarrels with her dear friend Faith. This was one of my least favorite parts of the book. I dislike what feels like forced misunderstandings in a book and there are a lot. However, they are realistic. Mercy uses nearly all her money to travel by train to accept employment offered her by the newspaper. Mercy arrives nearly penniless.

Unfortunately, Mercy thinks Faith is now prejudiced against her ability to succeed because of Mercy's color. Faith is just being realistic that Mercy won't receive a fair chance. Mercy is also jealous of Faith's opportunities because she is white.

Mercy quickly finds out how unkind people can be outside of Ironwood. She is accused of horrible things and the newspaper editor refuses to employ her. She is now stuck in Boston without a place to stay or means of support.

Everyone at Ironwood is frantic when they realize Mercy secretly left home. Mr. Harper travels to Boston with his daughter Faith and his employee to find Mercy. Faith and Nolan learn girls have been mysteriously disappearing from the streets of Boston. They search for Mercy from the newspaper offices, to a church, the docks, and beyond. In the meantime, some of their misunderstandings begin to be resolved.

Mercy feels like a failure. She meets with good people, an older African-American woman with her adopted Spanish son, Jed. Hezzie is a remarkable woman who helps restore Mercy's hope. She reminds Mercy, God 'puts us where we are supposed to be.'

Mercy wonders why God lets people die. Hezzie's response reminds me of the Serenity Prayer.

Mercy eventually sees her life was blessed by her trials. God's hand showed through the events to weave an intricate pattern. I've seen this too with my life. God is always present especially when we ask.

Jed is as remarkable as his mother, Hezzie. He has experienced racism from people of all colors who didn't accept his mother's and his difference in race. Yet he has not become bitter! Instead he dreams of unifying God's church where people of all colors can worship together.

There is romance too! The relationships were realistic and sweet. I loved the insight that real love includes a genuine interest in the other person's well-being.

Mercy previously saw taking care of a home and family as ordinary until she begins to see the bigger role God has for her and how her gifts fit. Mercy hasn't been broken down by all her trials. She's gained wisdom, courage, friends, and a new vision of her purpose in God's plan.

With all the action, a hurricane, and other dangers, the book was difficult to put down. There were some very funny moments, beautiful descriptions, and the recounting of a remarkable dream as well. The best quote of all perhaps: "He [God] won't desert you." It's true! While this was the third book in the series, I experienced no confusion reading it first. I recommend reading this remarkable book!

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are completely my own.