Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Review: Echoes of Mercy

Echoes of Mercy by Kim Vogel Sawyer is one of the best stories I've read from this author. It's set in 1904 Kansas and highlights the injustices of children working in factories, missing their childhoods, and having no education leaving them with few options as adults. Anybody who knows me, knows I absolutely love historical fiction. I love learning about life long ago and hearing little known facts of their lives so this book was a big hit with me. :-)

Twenty-seven year old Caroline Lang's painful past has formed how she thinks so working for the Labor Commission was a natural fit. Her job has helped her change the lives of children with similar childhoods, and her goal to get children in school and out of work is her main priority. With that in mind, she accepts the new job her boss, Noble, wants her to investigate. As soon as Carrie arrives in Sinclair, Kansas, she immediately goes to the Dinsmore Chocolate Factory to get hired on so she can find out more information about her coworker's death.

Ollie Moore is the day time janitor at the chocolate factory where he is doing his own investigation into the workings of the factory. His goal is different, though. He wants to know how to more efficiently help the workers do their jobs. When he meets Carrie, he is immediately drawn to her. She is so different from all the other workers. Her spirit, her confidence, her independent spirit intrigue him. But something is off with her. Why is she always asking questions, and why is her speech so refined? He knows she isn't who she claims to be, but who is she really?

This was a well written story with lots of great characters. The plot was good, and I liked how different characters would take over telling the story for a bit. It made for a well-rounded book and in the process helped me know and understand all the characters. If you enjoy historical fiction with some detective work thrown in, you will love this novel!

I was given this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review.




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