Little Mercies is the first book I’ve read by Heather Gudenkauf, though I’m familiar with her as an author. She seems to gain more fans after each book, and I’m sure that this one will be no different.
Ellen Moore is a social worker, so she’s seen it all. She is an advocate for children who are abused and neglected, and it takes a toll on her. She’s so invested in the kids she serves, that she sometimes wonders if she doesn’t have enough left over for her own kids and her newly widowed mother.
In the blink of an eye something happens that puts Ellen on the other side. She’s now being scrutinized for child endangerment. Will that change the way she looks at the parents of the children she serves?
This is the kind of topic that is sometimes hard to read. Gudenkauf walks the line well, giving enough information about the kids for us to feel for them, but not so much as to traumatize the reader. I know many people do, but I don’t shy away from these kinds of stories. Read my post about Why I Read Heartwrenching Novels over at 5 Minutes for Mom.
This was definitely an enjoyable novel, and I’ll probably go back and read some more of Gudenkauf’s work and definitely look out for future books. I’ve already downloaded the prequel novella featuring Ellen Moore, Little Lies (see below for a link and a great price!). I think what I liked so much about it was the pacing. She knew how to tell a story, but it didn’t seem overly sensationalized or manipulative. It has just the right amount of suspense and character development for me.
Find out more
- Read an excerpt of Little Mercies
- Read the prequel novella Little Lies (99 cents on Kindle right now!)
- Visit Heather Gudenkauf’s Official Site
- Follow Heather Gudenkauf on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest
- Visit Little Mercies page on Goodreads
Giveaway
Click over to my post at 5 Minutes for Mom to find out how to win a bundle of 3 Heather Gudenkauf’s novels.
i would like to read Jennifer’s book