Where Mercy Flows [Paperback]

Karen Harter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 21, 2006

In this poignant first novel, a woman returns to the home of her estranged, domineering father to face family secrets of the past--and present.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Harter's redemption-filled debut charts the journey of prodigal daughter Samantha Dodd, a 24-year-old single mother who returns home to Stillaguamish Valley in rural Washington State after a seven-year estrangement from her family. Along with her beloved five-year-old son, TJ (the result of an affair and the reason her husband left her), Samantha arrives burdened with shame for her past sins—and afflicted by a debilitating illness. Unemployed, broke and without medical insurance, she must face her morally implacable father, a justice of the State Superior Court, whose approval has always seemed out of reach. Despite Samantha's fears, her homecoming leads to reconciliation with her nurturing mother, her "perfect" sister Lindsey (who gives voice to faith-filled messages) and her childhood friend Donnie Duncan, whose feelings for Samantha run deep. Samantha's relationship with her father, who makes the ultimate sacrifice for her, serves as the cornerstone of the novel. When Samantha's illness, a viral heart disease, becomes deadly and an anonymous stalker threatens her father, she triumphs over adversity to realize her potential for love and faith. Secular readers may find the story preachy, but the novel's traditional values will resonate with a Christian audience. (Mar. 21)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Seven years after running away, 24-year-old Samantha Dodd returns to her small hometown in Washington with her 5-year-old mixed-race son, TJ, in tow. She is leery about the reaction of her stern father, who is a judge, to her single-mother status and her precarious health, but TJ proves to be the ideal icebreaker, anxious to examine his grandpa's complicated fishing gear and impressive worm farm. When Sam discovers the full extent of her health problems--she needs a heart transplant--she begins to compare herself to her perfect sister and wallow in regret over her past mistakes, including cheating on her husband with a Mexican horse breaker. However, her old childhood friend Donnie invades her life and her heart, convincing her to rally and fight for survival. First-novelist Harter finds intriguing ways to deepen her prodigal-daughter story, especially through Sam's heightened sense of place. But it's the familial relationships that drive the novel home and may make it a popular choice for reading groups (a guide is appended). Joanne Wilkinson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Paperback: 294 pages
• Publisher: Center Street (March 21, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931722609
• ISBN-13: 978-1931722605
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.8 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,294,086 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful tearjerker!, March 19, 2006

By 

M. H. Fayad "Mideast/Midwest" (Missouri) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Where Mercy Flows (Paperback)

I was very lucky to get an advanced reading copy of this book. OMG, I felt everything that Samantha was feeling. Samantha is working through her own feelings of self-worthlessness when she returns home. The seven years that she has been gone, after running away with her high school sweetheart, have not been kind to Sam. She has lived on the edge, while trying to be a good mother to her son. She returns home, wondering if she will be accepted, and also her beautiful son, the result of a one-night stand with a man of a different race. Not only is she and her son accepted by her family, they are also cherished. However, it seems that the acceptence that Sam is seeking, comes not from her family, but from within herself. I found this to be a beautiful story of discovery and cried throughout most of the book. The emotions brought forward by this author are real and it was another book that I couldn't go to sleep without finishing.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars fabulous character driven tale, March 31, 2006

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Where Mercy Flows (Paperback)

Seven years ago teenager Samantha Dodd eloped with her boyfriend causing a strain with her mother and sister, but especially with her father, the "Judge". Over five years she had an extramarital affair that led to her giving birth to a boy, TJ. Her husband walked out on her and their marriage. Samantha was too proud to go home and face the judgment of her father until now. Ailing, lacking health insurance and afraid for TJ, Samantha returns to the home of her parents in Stillaguamish Valley, Washington.

Samantha's mom and sister welcome her and TJ with open arms. She also hits it off with childhood friend Donnie Duncan, who has always loved Samantha. However, her relationship with the Judge remains strained as she feels he judges her as a failure. When he learns that she suffers from a viral heart disease that will lead to his beloved daughter's death and danger from a stalker, the Judge takes action from the heart to stop the assailant and to learn from his friend Dr. Matt what he can do to save the life of his daughter.

This is a fabulous character driven tale in which Samantha will soon learn what true love really is. The cast is strong as each of the family members seems real and the dynamics with Samantha at the center fabulous as she sees her mom fears she will leave again; sis prays for her salvation; and dad remains in judgment. She will realize she has been judge, jury and hang-woman and must pardon herself in this superb heart-wrenching inspirational family drama.

Harriet Klausner

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoy the read and keep the tissue handy!, April 29, 2006

By 

Raised Eyebrow (Bothell, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Where Mercy Flows (Paperback)

This book is very easy to read and enjoy. From the vivid descriptions of the beautiful landscape of Northwest Washington, the knowledgeable details of fly fishing, and the unique lives of those who make up a small rural town - you are easily pulled into the story. It is an emotional story and I found myself wiping the tears away as the story unfolded.