Publication Release date - July 1, 2014
Book Summary
Veteran social worker Ellen Moore has seen the worst side of humanity—the vilest acts one person can commit against another. She is a fiercely dedicated children's advocate and a devoted mother and wife. But one blistering summer day, a simple moment of distraction will have repercussions that Ellen could never have imagined, threatening to shatter everything she holds dear, and trapping her between the gears of the system she works for.
Meanwhile, ten-year-old Jenny Briard has been living with her well-meaning but irresponsible father since her mother left them, sleeping on friends' couches and moving in and out of cheap motels. When Jenny suddenly finds herself on her own, she is forced to survive with nothing but a few dollars and her street smarts. The last thing she wants is a social worker, but when Ellen's and Jenny's lives collide, little do they know just how much they can help one another.
A powerful and emotionally charged tale about motherhood and justice, Little Mercies is a searing portrait of the tenuous grasp we have on the things we love the most, and of the ties that unexpectedly bring us together.
Summary
In this riveting prequel novella to her novel Little Mercies, New York Times bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf explores how even the smallest lies can have far-reaching consequences.
When the body of a woman is discovered in a local park—with her bewildered four-year-old son sitting beside her—veteran social worker Ellen Moore is called in to assist in the police investigation. Positioned beneath a statue of Leto, the goddess of motherhood, the crime is weighted with meaning and, Ellen discovers, remarkably similar to one from a decade past.
Ellen's professional duty is to protect the child, but she's not equipped to contend with a killer. As she races to connect the dots, she knows her time is running out. And the stakes are high: if she fails, another mother is sure to make the ultimate sacrifice.
Publication release - May 1, 2014
My Review - 4 1/2
This is the prequel of Little Mercies which will be released July 1, 2014
We meet a social worker, Ellen, which gets involved in murder cases where children are present, in this case a possible witness. I enjoyed the character of Ellen and look forward to more of her in Little Mercies. Her priority is for the little ones without forgetting the important information needed for an investigation, she has integrity which I appreciated and enjoyed.
This novella had it all, enough to get to know the characters, a murder, investigation and an outcome, sweet brilliance. Heather Gudenkauf didn't use the multiple voice style she usually does, which I love, but I am hoping she brings that back with Little Mercies. I have enjoyed her books and think she has a sweet tone when dealing with crime or mysterious stories.
I received this from NetGalley - thank you
I highly recommend reading Heather Gudenkauf.
My other reviews by her:
The Weight of Silence 5 my favourite by her so far
These Things Hidden 3 1/2
She has also wrote One Breath Away
I love ripped from the headlines stories!
ReplyDeleteI love to see how the authors are inspired by these stories also.
DeleteI like this author and will keep my eye out for the book. So many authors are doing prequels.
ReplyDeleteI love to read a prequel from an author I haven't tried before, it is the perfect tester in my opinion.
DeleteI really enjoy this author and have read all her books. One Breath Away was my favorite. Thanks for sharing this review. I look forward to picking both books up when available.
ReplyDeleteThat is the only one I haven't read Rita. Weight of Silence, her debut is my favourite.
DeleteI've read all her others and didn't realize she had a novella out or that her newest comes out this summer. I MUST get these! So glad you shared AND liked it!
ReplyDelete