Hearts of Mercy by Joan Donaldson

Summary

When Viney Walker’s long, absent father arrives in the 19th century Utopian Community of Rugby, TN, he begs her to return with him to the Great Smoky Mountains. Her sister, Lizzie, urges Viney to go, because a new setting will help her heal from a broken engagement. In her new home, Viney begins to understand her father who suffers PTSD from fighting in the Civil War. She also meets her Walker cousins, including handsome and brawny James. The couple’s romance angers the White Caps, a vigilante group that disciplines lewd women, and they warn Viney to mend her ways.

Seeking revenge and the freedom to love James, Viney joins a counter vigilante group. She plots a trap for the White Caps, but finds herself tied to a post, with a whip racing toward her.

When Viney Walker’s long, absent father arrives in the 19th century Utopian Community of Rugby, TN, he begs her to return with him to the Great Smoky Mountains. Her sister, Lizzie, urges Viney to go, because a new setting will help her heal from a broken engagement. In her new home, Viney begins to understand her father who suffers PTSD from fighting in the Civil War. She also meets her Walker cousins, including handsome and brawny James. The couple’s romance angers the White Caps, a vigilante group that disciplines lewd women, and they warn Viney to mend her ways.

Seeking revenge and the freedom to love James, Viney joins a counter vigilante group. She plots a trap for the White Caps, but finds herself tied to a post, with a whip racing toward her.

Hearts of Mercy won first place in the romantic-suspense category of the 2019 PenCraft Awards

Reviews

Kirkus Reviews

A captivating tale about father-daughter relationships, personal independence, and second chances. – Kirkus Reviews

IndieReader

…an excellent heroine, an intriguing historical hook, and a wonderful sense of character. — IndieReader 

Hearts of Mercy appeared as an IndieReader book of the month.

Authors Reading

Hearts of Mercy is the perfect book to cuddle up with on a rainy day. — Authors Reading

Book Club Questions for Hearts of Mercy

  • Because Viney lived in the classless settlement of Rugby, she had a different point of view about women. Have you ever experienced a clash of cultures when visiting a new country or location?
  • Many families have “feuds” between various members. What do you think about Viney’s father returning after nineteen years and asking her to take care of him? Do you sympathize with her anger?
  • While Viney and Lizzie approach life differently, they deeply love each other. Do you have a strong relationship with your siblings? Especially with a sister? How can we nurture such relationships throughout adulthood?
  • Viney meets James during a vulnerable moment as she grieves losing her fiancé, Charlie. Did you ever jump into a new romance while hurting from a breakup? What happened?
  • Viney loves dancing what Appalachian folks call: A Big Set or a Round Dance. While many of the moves are used in square dancing, in a big set, numerous couples dance with everyone in the circle. Have you gone square dancing or Contra dancing? How can folk dancing nurture a sense of community?
  • The Walker Sisters are famous in the Great Smoky Mountains where they lived a self-sufficient lifestyle, tanning leather for shoes, butchering their hogs, weaving cloth and sewing clothes. While you may not butcher a hog, have you ever sewn a dress or stirred up strawberry jam? What activities practiced by the Walker Sisters would you like to experience?