The Merciful Scar by Rebecca St. James & Nancy Rue
Thomas Nelson / 2013
Thomas Nelson / 2013
About the book:
Kirsten has spent her life trying to forget. But mercy begs her to remember.
When she was in high school, a terrible accident fractured her family, and the only relief Kirsten could find was carving tiny lines into her skin, burying her pain in her flesh. The pain she caused herself was neat and manageable compared to the emotional pain that raged inside.
She was coping. Or so she thought.
But then, eight years later, on the night she expects her long-time boyfriend to propose, Kirsten learns he’s been secretly seeing her best friend. Desperate to escape her feelings, she reaches for the one thing that gives her a sense of control in the midst of chaos.
But this time the cut isn’t so tiny, and it lands her in the psych hospital. Within hours of being there she knows she can’t stay—she isn’t crazy, after all. But she can’t go back to the life she knew before either.
So when her pastor mentions a treatment program on a working ranch, Kirsten decides to take him up on the offer and get away from it all. But the one thing she can’t escape is herself—and her shame.
The ranch is home to a motley crew, each with a lesson to teach. Ever so slowly, Kirsten opens herself to embrace healing—even the scarred places that hurt the most. Mercy begs her to remember the past . . . showing her there’s nothing that cannot be redeemed.
When she was in high school, a terrible accident fractured her family, and the only relief Kirsten could find was carving tiny lines into her skin, burying her pain in her flesh. The pain she caused herself was neat and manageable compared to the emotional pain that raged inside.
She was coping. Or so she thought.
But then, eight years later, on the night she expects her long-time boyfriend to propose, Kirsten learns he’s been secretly seeing her best friend. Desperate to escape her feelings, she reaches for the one thing that gives her a sense of control in the midst of chaos.
But this time the cut isn’t so tiny, and it lands her in the psych hospital. Within hours of being there she knows she can’t stay—she isn’t crazy, after all. But she can’t go back to the life she knew before either.
So when her pastor mentions a treatment program on a working ranch, Kirsten decides to take him up on the offer and get away from it all. But the one thing she can’t escape is herself—and her shame.
The ranch is home to a motley crew, each with a lesson to teach. Ever so slowly, Kirsten opens herself to embrace healing—even the scarred places that hurt the most. Mercy begs her to remember the past . . . showing her there’s nothing that cannot be redeemed.
My rating:
My thoughts:
The Merciful Scar is the first book I've read by Nancy Rue and also the first fiction book I've read by Rebecca St. James. The book started out great and I felt for Kirsten right away. The story's subject was kind of dark (self-injury/cutting) and one that I've read very few (if any) books about.
The few things I didn't like about The Merciful Scar: Even though the writing was really good, there were times it didn't click with me; there were some things in the story I didn't agree with theologically; and, lastly, I wish the ending would have had a bit more closure.
I loved how real all the characters in The Merciful Scar felt. Kirsten, Emma, and Andy all had things in their lives they were struggling with - which made them very relatable.
Overall, The Merciful Scar was a good read and I enjoyed reading it. I look forward to reading more books from these authors and recommend this one - just be warned that the subject matter is about cutting, so if you have a weak stomach, you might find those parts of the story very hard to read. I didn't have trouble reading those scenes, but then I do have a tough stomach for those kinds of things in novels.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via BookSneeze® for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
The Merciful Scar is the first book I've read by Nancy Rue and also the first fiction book I've read by Rebecca St. James. The book started out great and I felt for Kirsten right away. The story's subject was kind of dark (self-injury/cutting) and one that I've read very few (if any) books about.
The few things I didn't like about The Merciful Scar: Even though the writing was really good, there were times it didn't click with me; there were some things in the story I didn't agree with theologically; and, lastly, I wish the ending would have had a bit more closure.
I loved how real all the characters in The Merciful Scar felt. Kirsten, Emma, and Andy all had things in their lives they were struggling with - which made them very relatable.
Overall, The Merciful Scar was a good read and I enjoyed reading it. I look forward to reading more books from these authors and recommend this one - just be warned that the subject matter is about cutting, so if you have a weak stomach, you might find those parts of the story very hard to read. I didn't have trouble reading those scenes, but then I do have a tough stomach for those kinds of things in novels.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via BookSneeze® for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
The story sounds very sad although I do like the cover. The pain on her face is evident.
ReplyDeleteThe story was sad at times, but also hopeful. The cover is great and definitely fits the story. Thanks for commenting, Ashley!
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