Customer Reviews

Mercy's Embrace: Elizabeth Elliot's Story Book 2 - So Lively a Chase

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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Laura Hile's story of Elizabeth Elliot is simply fabulous. This second installment offers a very realistic "emotional growing" of the beautiful, intelligent Elizabeth Elliot into a true woman of the world. She takes Elizabeth's characteristics from Jane Austen's novel, which were so unlikeable, and shows how they could be such a blessing to Hile's hero, whom all will love and adore. Further, the ancillary stories about other well know Austen characters make you feel like you're having a reunion of sorts; you will get to indulge in your likes and dislikes of many other Austen characters. I offer fair warning, though... you won't be able to put down this book (same as it's predecesor), and if you're buying this book before Spring 2010, will have to suffer delightfully with the rest of us who are anxiously awaiting the final installment. Should you be looking at this review after the third book is published, be sure to buy all three at once! Finally, prepare to be entertained, as Laura Hile is truly an excellent writer!!

I waited a year for this second of the series. I read it in 2 days. I'm ready for the third. This book, like the first, is totaling engaging. Every time I think I have Elizabeth figured out, or what her next move will be,
I am surprised and delighted by what happens next. Though both Elizabeth and Patrick start out as not very likeable people, under Ms Hile's delightful imagination and deft writing, they gradually and believably become characters you find yourself rooting for. They both have a long way to go to reach that point - Elizabeth longer than Patrick - but they seem to be on the right track. Anne is still Anne. Mary is still Mary, but why someone doesn't give her a "smack up beside the head" is beyond me. Charles seems to be getting the attention he deserves and craves. Oh, Lady Russell, what were you thinking ? Thank you, Ms Hile. I am already anticipating Part Three. Keep them coming.

I cannot tell you all how much I loved this series. I read the first two books in about 48 hours and had to wait for the third to be delivered then read it in about 24 hours and began the series all over again. I knew there had to be more to Elizabeth than what was shown in Persuasion! I believe she has met her match in the Admiral. I wish Mary had not been such a fool, but then that is the way Miss Austen originally wrote her.

So Lively a Chase, book two in Laura Hile's remarkable Mercy's Embrace trilogy, recommences with our heroine, Elizabeth Elliot, swimming in a sea predicaments and trials, both of her own-making and her father's. In addition to constantly fending off her indefatigable and unwanted suitors, Elizabeth now has to contend with a household full of people (Anne and Mary have returned to Bath with their husbands) who are all highly suspicious of her habits and altered behavior. And to top it all off, Elizabeth has found herself to be in love - deeply and resolutely in love - with Patrick Gill, a man of no fortune or rank. What our humbled heroine doesn't know is that Mr. Gill has deceived her and is not the fortuneless and lowly clerk she believes him to be.

Meanwhile, our dashing and devastatingly handsome hero, Admiral McGillvary, is striving to escape from his own tangled web of lies and waiting for the perfect opportunity to come clean and confess his true identity to Elizabeth. Will that moment ever come?

There is much more to this series than Elizabeth Elliot and Admiral McGillvary, however. Sir Walter, still hiding from his creditors, soon finds himself in a disastrous situation to which Lady Russell devises the most astounding solution. One which her faithful servant, Longwell, vehemently disapproves of. Moreover, per their usual, Charles and Mary Musgrove are experiencing some marital discord. Mary continues to be peevish and ill, while Charles finds the company of Wentworth's plain and friendly neighbor, Miss Owen, to be refreshingly agreeable. Not only are these many plots and story-lines absorbing and amusing, they are ingeniously and deftly interwoven with each other. The action of the story jumps from plot to plot as the events of the story are often occurring simultaneously. Furthermore, Ms. Hile seems to have a penchant for leaving her readers on tenterhooks, so be prepared for each story to be interrupted at the most inopportune moment!

The second novel in a trilogy must be the most challenging for an author to write. The first novel is where the reader becomes acquainted with all the characters and is introduced to the conflict. The third novel is where all loose ends are tied up and everything is satisfyingly concluded. But the second novel is where the author needs to keep their readers enthralled and entertained without resolving the story. In this second installment of the Mercy's Embrace series, author Laura Hile capably maintains her readers' engagement and leaves them ravenously longing for a conclusion! Ms. Hile's writing is powerfully engrossing, witty, and exhilarating. The action of the story is fast-paced and there is a copious amount of tension and drama. When reading one of her novels I become so invested that sometimes my heart beats faster or I anxiously hold my breath. Other times I am laughing out loud and wearing a perpetual smile upon my face. Laura Hile is truly a exceptionally skilled author, and I am a devoted admirer of her writing!

If you love to read Austenesque novels and have ever wondered what happens to the haughty and beautiful Elizabeth Elliot after the close of Persuasion, I encourage you to read the Mercy's Embrace series by Laura Hile. It is brimming with romance, drama, and humor!

(Potential readers should be made aware that this is the second book in the Mercy's Embrace series, and that it will be necessary to read all three books to attain the complete story).

Mercy's Embrace: So Rough a Course
Mercy's Embrace: Elizabeth Elliot's Story - So Lively a Chase
Mercy's Embrace: The Lady Must Decide

Excellent read! I have never read any books of the Austen genre, but read Laura Hile's So Rough a Course on the recommendation of a friend. I loved it and was anxious to get the 2nd. It was engaging. I am waiting for the release of the 3rd. Thanks to Ms. Hile for creating a humorous, intelligent series. I'm looking forward to seeing what else you have up your sleeve.

This is the second part of a three part novel. Incase you missed my review of Book One So Rough A Course check it out here. I really enjoyed the second book. The story keeps getting better and better. Elizabeth has grown on me. Her character is growing and changing into a likeable heroine despite her world falling apart around her. Patrick Gill reminds me of a cross between Mr. Darcy and George Wickham or Col. Brandon and Willoughby. He's the perfect mix of gentleman with a hint of wickedness to him. I really like the chemistry Elizabeth and Mr. Gill share. I can't express enough what a wonderful job Laura Hile did with this story. If you like Jane Austen inspired stories I recommend you give this a try. You will not be disappointed.

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Excellent book ... couldn't put it down. Am looking forward to more from Laura Hile

I loved the first book in this series, but I have to say that I think book two, So Lively a Chase, is even better! I read it in one day, and I have already started book three.

What's not to love? Elizabeth Elliot is a beautiful, impoverished, well-born lady who is fast becoming a spinster. As she watches her matrimonial prospects dwindle to the corpulent and newly divorced Mr. Rushworth, her desperation increases. She even suffers the degradation of the offer of protection from a known lecher. Patrick McGillvary, her true love, is caught in his own web of lies and deceit, ensuring her anger when she discovers his real identity.

Through all of her tribulation, Elizabeth remains impertinent and holds her head high. She is thoroughly likeable and admirable - growing ever more distant from the proud, unapproachable Elizabeth of Persuasion as she learns through humiliation and disappointment.

Laura Hile has written an engrossing series - fast-paced, humorous, and realistic. Excuse me, please. I have another book to read!