Customer Reviews

Mercy's Embrace: Elizabeth Elliot's Story Book 3 - The Lady Must Decide

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is the final book in Hile's trilogy (Book 1: So Rough A Course, Book 2: So Lively A Chase) and it's as well written as the first two. This book is a believable and delightful conclusion to the series. It's Elizabeth Elliot's story. This last book concludes the tale of Elizabeth's chance at love. It's a funny, entertaining read.
Although she wasn't likeable to me in Austen's Persuasion, I enjoy her character in Ms. Hile's books and I care about her finding happiness. The three Elliot sisters and their father could have stepped out of Persuasion and into Hile's books; they act as one would expect them to based on their temperaments in Persuasion.
My only complaint is that the story is finished. I would enjoy reading more about Miss Owen, the Musgroves, Lady Russell, and Longwell. What do you say, Laura Hile?
I recommend this series. I await more from Laura Hile.

Though not originally a fan of Elizabeth Elliot in Jane Austen's Persuasion, I am absolutely delighted with her in this series and am left wanting more with respect to Elizabeth and Admiral McGillvary, Charles Musgrove and Miss Owen. I believe I have fallen in love with the Admiral. Please Ms. Hile, provide us with a 4th book.

I won't bother actually writing a review, as Meredith pretty much said it all. I will only add that McGillvary is the stuff dreams are made of... growl!! :-)

My book came just in time for a week long vacation. As always, it was engaging, intelligent, and left me satisfied. Looking forward to her next book, series????

(Note: Potential readers should be made aware that this is the third book in the Mercy's Embrace series, and that it is necessary to read book 1 and 2 prior to reading this one.)

Elizabeth Elliot, suffering from a lack of financial freedom, enduring the scorn of malicious Bath gossips, and feeling the bitter betrayal of her closest friend and confidante, finds herself impelled to make a decision about her future. One thing is for certain, she must marry. Elizabeth is tired of being a burden to her sister Anne, and since her father can no longer support or provide for her she must find someone who can! The question is: who should she marry? Should she risk her heart and marry for love? Or should it be a marriage of convenience and mutual disdain? The Lady Must Decide...

Meanwhile, Lady Russell is having second thoughts about her madcap mission to save Sir Walter from his creditors. Will Sir Walter appreciate the great sacrifice she is making to save his hide? Is this undertaking worth the price of losing her loyal and devoted butler? Once again, The Lady Must Decide...

Back in Bath, Charles Musgrove has suddenly become aware that the inclinations of heart don't tend towards his wife. Should he spend the rest of his life living with a woman who doesn't possess his heart? Or should he forsake honor and duty and pursue the woman who does? Yet again, The La- er...I'm mean The Gentleman Must Decide...

As you can see, there is a profusion of trials, turmoil, and dilemmas in the third installment in Ms. Hile's Mercy's Embrace series. In The Lady Must Decide you will find the answer to all these question. Furthermore, within these pages you will encounter a lot of mishaps and chaos that will have you laughing out loud. Just imagine a scene with an immaculately attired Sir Walter, large food hampers, a boat dock, and the Thames River! (What do you think happened?) In addition to many comedic moments, The Lady Must Decide contains a captivating and tender romance story. Elizabeth must decide between two men, both whom she has declared to hate. However, both men want her and will resort to dueling to win her if need be. I greatly enjoyed these scenes where William Elliot tries to contend with Admiral McGillvary. (Go Team McGillvary!)

This novel was entertaining and satisfying in many respects, the only area I found lacking was its conclusion. I wish that it did not end with so many unanswered questions. Yes, there is resolution, but not for every story. I'm curious about: What will happen with William Elliot and Penelope Clay? Will Cleora McGillvary be forced to leave her father? And what is Sir Walter's fate? It felt as if there was a scene or two missing. Perhaps this isn't a three-part story after all! I see on Ms. Hile's website that she is working on a novel titled Mercy's Hard Bargain, let's hope this wonderful saga continues!

How I adore this series! Elizabeth Elliot has undergone such a gradual yet praiseworthy transformation that she has completely won my approbation and admiration! If someone were to ask me who my favorite Austen heroines are Elizabeth Elliot would be right up there with Elizabeth Bennet and Catherine Morland! This series is a magnificent gift for those who want to revisit the world of Persuasion and see their favorite characters brilliantly rendered! The Mercy's Embrace series has it all: clandestine affairs, misguided elopements, diverting nautical cant, nefarious scoundrels, and it is all written with a sparkling wit! I give this series my highest recommendation! Brava Laura Hile!


Austenesque Reviews

I stayed up long past my bedtime last night devouring this third installment of the Mercy's Embrace series, and The Lady Must Decide did not disappoint. I am very attached to the characters, especially Elizabeth Elliot and Admiral McGillvary, and I humbly suggest (and request) that Ms. Hile write a fourth book. I think that a wedding and a few years of connubial bliss, plus a view of the impending disaster that plagues Sir Walter, would be quite interesting.

Does Charles Musgrove survive his unrequited love for Miss Owens? Does Mary wake up from her drug-induced haze and realize that she is pushing her husband away? Does Lady Russell marry the man she truly loves - her butler?

Inquiring minds want to know!

Have I mentioned how much I have enjoyed this series? This is third book in Laura Hiles's Mercy's Embrace Trilogy. In case you missed the first two books, they are: Book One: So Rough A Course and Book Two: So Lively A Chase. I liked the way this novel is presented in three parts. It is reminiscent of how some books were printed in the regency era. This book, The Lady Must Decide, picks up where book two left off, in Patrick McGillvary's office. I was very anxious about this moment. It's true! I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what Elizabeth's reaction was going to be. Don't worry, I am not going to spoil it for you. I want you to enjoy it as much as I did. Elizabeth has been given many unpleasant and unflattering offers and must decide the best course of action to take. So many of Elizabeth's decisions are influenced by what society dictates. She want a comfortable home so she has to marry and marry well. She can't make a living for herself and does not wish to be a burden on her family. I have to say I am glad to be living in a time where I can make my own choices. I also liked the side stories that are going on with the other characters. They are as entertaining as Elizabeth's story and these books would not be complete without them. Laura Hile has given a wonderful voice to Elizabeth Elliot. I really think Jane Austen would be pleased with this series. I am so glad that I read these books. I no longer dislike Elizabeth Elliot thanks to Laura Hile.

I enjoyed this series tremendously. I at first had a hard time picturing Elizabeth changing her personality into something I'd enjoy. I can see how a person would change with the right motivation and companionship. However I had hoped the third book would tie up all the loose ends but we're still left dangling in a sense. I don't know if Ms. Hile is writing a fourth in this series or not. Ms. Hile's characters are humorous, witty, personable and likeable. It's a relatively easy quick to read type book..you get pulled in and can hardly wait to finish and with 205 pages or so is easy to do. For those who always wanted to know more after the basics of Persuasion this has a good story line. My reason for not giving it a 5 star rating is because I really just wanted it to have a definite end. It seems by book three to me there should have been a wedding.