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Darcy C. (San Diego, CA)
The Tender Mercy of Roses
This book had such a lovely way in which it described all of the occurrences of “magic” in the world. The way that certain moments were described and how those moments felt mysterious and held extra meaning was just one of the elements of this story that grabbed me! I really got into the story and was rooting for both Pony (even though she had already died) --- the way her spirit kept fighting was like an supernatural sleuth and Jo Beth -- the tough dame who is bent on finding out who killed Pony. I know that sounds corny, but there wasn't anything corny about this book. If I had to describe the book in one word
…more it would be: haunting. Not like a spooky book, but a book that you find yourself thinking about even weeks after you have read it. It was that good! The author has a lovely voice in this book. I found myself hoping that I might be able to use the same eloquence in my life as the author did in this novel. The descriptive language was a joy to read and just roll around the words in your mind. This was such a lovely book. (less)I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It had a bit of everything in it - redemption, magic, suspense and mystery. What I enjoyed most was the quality of the author's writing. When I start to read a book, I like to have the first chapter grab me. Then I like to have the story pull me in and keep me going so that I forget how many hours I have spent reading. This author did that for me. The story flowed smoothly and effectively. I loved the author's development of her characters as well as her story line.
This was a very quick read and I was sad when the book ended. I loved the Cherokee roses that the author introduced
…more into the novel. I thought that the addition of this made the novel very special. I sincerely hope that Anna Michaels writes more books as I will be waiting in line to purchase & read them. (less)The characters in he book are fantastic. It was difficult for me to accept their super human qualities but as I got into the story they became real and it didn't matter how unusual their qualities were. They became believable with all their problems. All the characters in the story needed the tender mercy of the roses--I believe it means that the Spirit World would look after them and help with their problems.The character who needed the most help was Jo Beth Dawson caught in a web of alcoholism and psychological pain a prison from which she could not escape without this help. I was mostly interested in the
…more development of the characters than the answer to the question " who done it! I really hated for the book to end. Obviously I loved this book and would rate it a 10 if possible. Hopefully the author, Anna Michaels, will have more stories to tell, and I thank her for such an enjoyable read. (less)This spellbinding book has it all. Mystery, mysticism, family secrets, and above all else love. Beautifully written, it draws you in from the start.
Although totally different from these two books, it reminded me of how I felt reading "The Help" and "Room". A chill up my back, the need to keep reading and sadness when the book ended.
Wendy F. (Kalamazoo, MI)
Tender Mercy of Roses
The Tender Mercy of Roses is a look into family secrets kept and how they can affect those generations to come. The prose in this book is at times insightful, lyrical and homespun. Pony Jones’ ghost meanders through the story to uncover secrets of the rodeo as well as those of her family. The intertwining of souls lost and found introduce us to Pony, Jo Beth, and Titus and how their lives are interconnected. I really enjoyed this one!
Elinor S. (Naples, FL)
Tender Mercy of Roses
I loved this book. The writing was poetic and spiritual. The theme of turning desperation into hope was uplifting. I'm going to plant some Cherokee roses in my garden and think of the wonderful characters in this book when I look at them. Kudos to Anna Michaels.
Kay W. (West Hills, CA)
Wonderful Story
I loved the characters from the first written word describing them until the ending where I sobbed.
Normally I am not an emotional person but the writing and vivid descriptions by this author and of this wonderful story brought me to my knees. Some of the aspects of the story seemed a little fanciful at first but I came to understand their contributions to the telling of the story. The dynamics of the characters and their families were complicated and sad. I highly recommend this book.
Irene M. (Ashland, OR)
Roses
This is certainly an interesting debut novel. The characters are interesting, especially the voice of Pony Jones
The combination of a newly-arrived detective, a grieving father and a murdered daughter is quite compelling.
This is not a book for young children, but as an adult, I look forward to more novels by Anna Michaels.
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