Mercy Come Morning

by Lisa Tawn Bergren

There are no second chances. Or are there? 
 
Krista Mueller is in a good place. She’s got a successful career as a professor of history; she’s respected and well-liked; and she lives hundreds of miles from her hometown and the distant mother she could never please. It’s been more than a decade since Alzheimer’s disease first claimed Charlotte Mueller’s mind, but Krista has dutifully kept her mother in a first-class nursing home.

Now Charlotte is dying of heart failure and, surprised by her own emotions, Krista rushes to Taos, New Mexico, to sit at her estranged mother’s side as she slips away. Battling feelings of loss, abandonment, and relief, Krista is also unsettled by her proximity to Dane McConnell, director of the nursing home—and, once upon a time, her first love. Dane’s kind and gentle spirit—and a surprising discovery about her mother—make Krista wonder if she can at last close the distance between her and her mother … and open the part of her heart she thought was lost forever.

“A timeless tale, to be kept every day in the heart as a reminder
that forgiveness is a gift to self.”
—PATRICIA HICKMAN, author of The Pirate Queen

Previously released as Christmas Every Morning

Genres: Christian Fiction, Inspirational, Fiction, Romance, Womens Fiction, Christian, Roman

240 pages, Paperback

First published August 16, 2002

About the author

About

Lisa Tawn Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 60 books, with more than 4.5 million copies sold. She recently released The Sugar Baron's Daughters Series (KETURAH, VERITY and SELAH), and recently finished a teen series called Remnants (SEASON OF WONDER, SEASON OF FIRE, and SEASON OF GLORY). She's also written the River of Time Series (WATERFALL, CASCADE, TORRENT, BOURNE & TRIBUTARY, DELUGE) and The Grand Tour Series (GLAMOROUS ILLUSIONS, GRAVE CONSEQUENCES, GLITTERING PROMISES), time-slip romance duology called River of Time: California (THREE WISHES and FOUR WINDS), and some contemporary romances (ONCE UPON A MONTANA SUMMER and ONCE UPON AN IRISH SUMMER are the newest releases).

Lisa’s time is split between managing home base, writing, consulting and helping Tim with his business. Her husband Tim is a sculptor of ducks-out-of-fenceposts (RMRustic.com), graphic designer and musician. They have three big kids–Olivia (who just got married), Emma (who is about to get married) and Jack (who is a junior in high school).

The Bergrens make their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Reviews

[Carole Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this many years ago under it's original title of Christmas Every Morning and enjoyed it so much that I wanted to read it again. This is a rich and deeply moving story, focusing on the mother-daughter relationship affected by Alzheimer's for several years. The setting is Taos, New Mexico and the author has woven elements of culture, traditions, religion, and music/dance into the narrative so effectively that they come alive for the reader. There's a powerful chemistry between Dane and Krista, with the promise of second chances. Krista struggles with the forgiveness borne out of a dysfunctional relationship, and Dane exhibits the hero characteristics that we all love - tenderness, compassion, patience and commitment. Mercy Come Morning is a beautifully written story with an emotionally fulfilling conclusion.

[Kitty Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Title: "Mercy Come Morning"
Author: Lisa Tawn Bergren
Published By: Waterbrook Press
Age Recommended: 18 +
Reviewed By: Kitty Bullard
Raven Rating: 5

Review: Having a grandmother in a nursing home, suffering from Dementia and the first stages of Alzheimer's this book really hit home. Alzheimer's is a disease that can really devastate a family and hurt so many. It's hard to watch a loved one drift further and further away from you every day and there's nothing that can be done about it.

In this novel, Krista Mueller has been out of touch with her mother, Charlotte for several years. Now an entire decade has gone by since her mother began her battle with Alzheimer's and she has recently been diagnosed with heart failure. Feeling her mother slipping further away, Krista returns to the home of her youth to spend those last precious days with her mother and hope to recapture a relationship they never really had the chance to have.

The book is beautiful and at the same time heart-wrenching. So many valuable messages are conveyed in this novel that reading it can give a person a much better understanding of just how important family relationships are. I highly recommend this novel and intend to read more of Lisa Tawn Bergren's passionately written works.

Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...

[Belinda Vlasbaard · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,25 sterren - Nederlandse hardcover

Dit boek laat weer eens zien dat haat en liefde wel erg dicht bij elkaar liggen.
Zakdoekjes heel erg nodig en een pot kruiden thee.

Krista voelt dat haar jeugd niet zo is als bij andere gezinnen,en bouwt langzaam een muur om haar heen. Later als haar moeder alzheimer krijgt neemt ze een nog grotere afstand tot de wereld. Hoe komt dit toch. Je kruipt als het ware in haar huid. Haar moeder komt uiteindelijk in een verpleegtehuis die ze in vijf jaar maar drie keer bezoekt,totdat ze hoort dat haar moeder stervende is. Dan keert het tij.

Het boek gaat van het verleden terug naar het heden en zo voel je wat Krista en haar moeder zoal mee hebben gemaakt. Dus achterwaarts, voorwaards. Daardoor is er ook een soort van spanningsboog. Het zit vol gevoelige momenten en heb ook stukjes met waterige ogen zitten lezen.Het geloof speelt op de achtergrond mee wat voor mij als wedergeboren christen een pluspunt was. De titel vind ik ook erg goed gekozen. Wil je een roman lezen over Alzheimer, misschien heb je er raakvlakken mee binnen je familie of vrienden kring, dan is dit wel een aanrader.

  

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was one reason I wanted to read this book. That reason is because it is about mothers and daughters. Having lost my mom in 1997, I like to read books about mother/daughter relationships, especially those involving forgiveness and redemption. There were two obstacles that almost hindered my enjoyment of this book. One was Krista was not the most likable character in the world and two, the story started a little slow. Once the story got moving and Krista’s attitude started to come around, I really enjoyed this book.

Although my mom did not have Alzheimer’s and we did not have a strained relationship, she was my best friend, I connected with these characters and their story because of the strong bond that exists between mother and daughter. The romance between Krista and Dane was also a nice aspect of the story. Overall, Mercy Come Morning was a very sentimental read that I really liked. I had hoped to really like this story and I was not disappointed.

[Sarah Esmae Wolfe · Rating 2 out of 5]

"You are an adult now, Krista. You can fight off your own predators. But the biggest one you face is inside you. You know that, don't you?"

Krista Mueller returns to her home in New Mexico around Christmastime to visit her dying mother who was officially diagnosed with Alzheimer’s twelve years ago, which was the last time she saw her mother when she admitted her to Cimarron Care Center.

She carries around the ghosts of what her mother used to be, all the bad memories and blocks out the good. She’s afraid to love and forgive.

While there, she re-meets her high school sweetheart, Dane McConnell, a doctor there, who reminds her of what it means to love with mercy and grace.

The first thing I noticed is that Mercy Come Morning has incredibly long chapters. Of 222 pages, it only has 15 chapters. I found myself often stopping in the middle of scenes due to lack of time to read instead of being able to find a good stopping point within the next few pages.

It takes a while for this book to progress. It’s about ¾ of the way through before the plot begins to go anywhere. There is way too much backstory and New Mexico history thrown at you during the first half of the book. Enter page-skimming. Because of this, I felt like I was being told a story instead of living the story as it happened to the characters. Like a huge part of the story happened before I joined.

If I weren’t reviewing this book I would have put it down and started another book before I was even halfway through. But once you get past all the history, history, and more history, a great story begins to unfold. Author Lisa Tawn Bergren weaves in the magic of Christmas with the miracle of giving second chances.

I had a little trouble connecting with the actual character of Krista, she sometimes seems inconsistent in character. I was, however, able to connect with her struggle to forgive her mother; in that way she was very real.

Dane seems a bit unrealistic. Of course I would like to think there are men this perfect, Dane is a little too much. The struggle of the story is more of Krista’s internal struggle to let go and love, both her mother and Dane. The relationship struggle is between her and her mother instead of her and Dane, which is probably why this is classified as Fiction/General/Contemporary on the back cover of the book instead of Romance.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

[Sep · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgiveness is everything, and Ms. Bergren's book illustrates this well.

Krista's mother was not perfect by a long shot, and as an adult, Krista kept her distance and built careful barriers to protect a heart too often broken as a child. Unfortunately, this has separated her from a nice guy named Dane.

Dane, now a doctor, has created a wonderful rest home for people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. (The descriptions of his activities and treatments were part of the book's charm.) He tells Krista to come for a visit because her mothe ris dying. Unfortunately, her Alzheimer's is very advanced. Krista needs a miracle, some glimmer of the mom who on some days was wonderful.

This story inspires one to keep short lists, forgive, and be as kind as is safe with the difficult people in our lives.

[Jen Borley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, solid story about a challenging mother daughter relationship, the uncomfortable realities of withheld affection and how that can hold you back into your adult life. Letting go just when you figure it all out so you can get to living. I do wish there was more to the story detailing Krista’s return to Dane.

[Jess Van Dyne-Evans · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book did a lot better job with the descriptions of the surroundings and the culture of the area than it did fleshing out the characters. The story jerks along like a half-broken hurdy-gurdy and isn’t very relatable or compelling at all.

[Dorothy J · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful heartwarming story

I was privileged to join Krista on her journey through past pain, healing of old wounds, forgiveness, and new love. The characters and setting were beautiful! Thank you.

[Broberg Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiul story...

I have always loved Lisa Tawn Bergen's writing, and this book underscores my stance. The realities of Alzheimer's are so warmly, lovingly portrayed with the sufficiency of God as a loving Father as the balance. Highly recommended!

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like slapping Krista at some point; why would you push someone back for such a long time! Only for you to realize too late there's something else.

This was a great read. If you stumble on this ensure you read it to the last. I need a man like Dane though....Lord!

[Larissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was sad but really good. I think she did a good job with this story.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tender and lovely

I always like a book that inspires me and makes me cry. Made me want to hold my loved ones close.

[Carolyn Lockwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful.

[Linea Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thought provoking book.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall Review: There are times when we are hard on ourselves and don’t allow ourselves to have happiness because we don’t feel that we deserve it. This is Krista Mueller’s life motto—she’s successful in her job, but not in her personal life. She pushes everyone away constantly. Once she hears that her mother is dying, she finally faces all of her old ‘skeletons’.

As horrible as Alzheimer’s is, this book is very hopeful, positive and optimistic about it without making it feel trite. I felt so much empathy for Krista as she discovered more about her mother (and, in this process, herself) and all that happened in the past. There is a lot of back and forth between Krista’s past and present, but it flowed very well and I never felt confused. I enjoyed all the history both about New Mexico and the world at large. The culture of New Mexico presented here was very beautiful! It made me want to go there and see for myself!

Mercy Come Morning is all about relationships—between parent/child, between boyfriend/girlfriend, between husband/wife, between friends. It’s all about stepping into someone else’s shoes—about stepping out of yourself and taking a good look at what has gone on, or is going on around you! It is a journey of coming together and gaining understanding; a sweet reminder that while life is tough and can be harsh and full of pain and misunderstandings and tears, we can find joy and peace all around us if we just open our eyes and look. A lovely and uplifting Sunday afternoon read! Overall rating is 4 out of 5 stars!

Content Review:

PROFANITY: None

VIOLENCE: A few mild instances

SEXUAL CONTENT: A few mild to moderate instances

MATURE THEMES: Moderate

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 18+

There is no profanity, however this is a very Christian book so be prepared for many prayers and petitions to heaven.

As far as violence, it is all very mild. A character slaps another. The death tolls of some wars are mentioned. There are some characters who die due to various causes: war, old age, sickness.

There is some sexual content. There are allusions to a character having various men overnight (this happens fairly often). A character is sexually assaulted. Both of these instances are necessary to the plot and are handled very well without description. Two characters kiss.

There are many moderate mature themes: Death of loved ones, Alzheimer’s, dealing with abuse (both physical and mental), taking care of a mentally sick parent. Some other mild themes are forgiveness, self-discovery and discovery of one’s past.

Mercy Come Morning is recommended as a Clean Read for ages 18+!

This review was written by Emily
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Waterbrook Multnomah for a review

To see more fantastic books reviewed with content in mind, visit us at Squeaky Clean Reads!!

[Iola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: Previously Published as Christimas Every Morning

Krista Mueller's elderly mother is dying, so she returns home to Taos, New Mexico, at the request
of Dane McDonnell, the director of the Cimarron Care Center where her elderly mother lives. Dane is also Krista's first love, and although she initially suggests that she didn’t really know why the relationship never went anywhere, we do get hints as the story progresses. Despite not having spoken for years, Krista's mother now sings Christmas carols no one even knew that she knew. Krista gradually finds out more about her mother from an old book of hymns that has diary entries and keepsakes interleaved between the pages.

Mercy Come Morning is a story of a not-so-young woman finding herself as she gets to know the mother who has been silent for so many years, and who was distant even before that. Although I found the flashback scenes distracting (because of the constant references to exact years, which was particularly annoying when they didn’t always add up - for example, Mother was supposedly born in 1930, but she married in 1942 and turned 40 in 1962), overall I found the novel to be interesting and thought provoking.

The story is told in the first person, by Krista, interspersed with the diary entries, letters and flashbacks to Krista’s own childhood memories. There is a skill to writing in the first person. A skilful author can make us see the narrator both as she sees herself, and as others see her. We need to be able to empathise with and like the narrator even while we see her faults. Lisa Tawn Bergren has this ability, which means we can empathise with Krista (and Dane) and engage ourselves in her situation.

Every year, Queen Elizabeth II delivers a televised Christmas message to the people of the Commonwealth. The theme of her 2011 Christmas Message was family and forgiveness, the same as the message of Mercy Come Morning. Many of Krista’s issues stem from the fact that she never knew her father, she had a virtually non-existent relationship with her mother (who started showing signs of Alzheimer’s when Kristia was only a teen), and a relationship with God that has never filled the gap inside her. I found this to be a slightly disturbing admission at first, because the churches I have attended preach that Jesus will fill the gap inside, yet here we have a Christian character revealing the opposite. It struck me that this is perhaps a more realistic portrayal of life, in that we are often unable to understand and fully accept God’s love and peace (and fill the gap inside) until we have come to terms with the links between family, forgiveness and faith in our own lives.

Thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah for providing a free ebook for review. This review also appears on my blog, www.christianreads.blogspot.com.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to review Mercy Come Morning by Lisa Tawn Bergren. It has previously been published under another title, Christmas Every Morning.
The cover and synopsis drew me to this novel, and I just had to find the story behind the cover.
I have never read a novel such as this one. I felt such emotions through this book, and by the end I was crying. I am not easily moved, but I was so swept up in this novel I couldn‘t contain certain emotions.

The main character, Krista Mueller, receives a call from the care center her Alzheimer mother resides in. She is told her mother only has a few weeks at most and she needs to come back ASAP. Krista is very reluctant to return to her hometown of Taos, New Mexico. Her longtime old friend, (and childhood sweetheart) and care center owner, Dane McConnell urges her back. expressing the importance and explaining they found something that she needs to see in her mother’s room.
Hesitantly Krista returns to her hometown as well as to her mother’s side. She can’t but help to hope everything is all over with soon enough as she doesn’t want to be there, and she can’t stir up the emotions a mother and daughter SHOULD feel for one another. If that isn’t bad enough she can’t let herself feel emotions towards Dane even though he clearly tries to connect with her.
As she starts to read an old diary of sorts that her mother kept in a Christmas carol book, she starts to see a side of her mother that she never would’ve thought her capable. As the story switches back from Krista’s past and present as well as her mother’s personal entries she finds herself reassessing her entire life and all of her past. God has always been a presence in her life, but can He help her to truly forgive not only a bitter mother she never understood, an old flame who keeps trying to re-ignite their passion, but herself as well? Because of such a troubled past will she ever be able to open the part of her heart that she thought would forever be closed?

I loved the fact that this book made me feel as if I was there in person. I truly have no complaints about this novel at all. It would particularly make a good Christmas gift as it is centered around the holiday, and the message it reveals is a great one. It sends off a great message of forgiveness, and never giving up on God even through the most challenging of times. It shows if we let God lead us, we will end up exactly where we should be, no matter how far off the path we have gotten. It is a fantastic story of redemption as well, and not one I will forget anytime soon.

Disclaimer:
Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Vivian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Imagine growing up as an only child, never really knowing your father and having an older mother with an undiagnosed mental illness. Fast forward a few years and your mother is beginning to show signs of Alzheimer's and you're in college. You do the best that you can but as the disease progresses and your studies continue you realize you can’t do it by yourself and you don’t want to for much longer. Fast forward a few more years and now your mom has congestive heart disease and is dying. You haven't visited in a few years but now you have to go for one last visit. This is the premise of Mercy Come Morning by Lisa Tawn Bergren.

Krista Mueller is now in her late thirties and a college history professor. She has left all that is familiar from New Mexico behind, including her mother, as she tries to make a life for herself in Colorado. She's comfortable with her life until she receives the phone call stating that her mother is dying. Krista realizes that there are unresolved emotions with regard to her mother. She felt that her mother never loved her and left her alone to fend for herself and was hypercritical of her with respect to her dancing skills. The last thing Krista wants to do is return to New Mexico but she knows that she must.
As Krista tries to resolve her feelings about her mother, she must also confront her feelings about Dr. Dane McConnell. Dane is a childhood friend, her first true love and the director of the nursing home that cares for her mother. She also has a surrogate mother in Elena, an old family friend. Krista is someone trying to do the right thing, initially for all the wrong reasons. But as time progresses she realizes that her mother didn't have an easy life and that she tried to do the best she could.
I found most of the characters realistic in their actions if not somewhat flat. Krista comes across initially as a childish and somewhat selfish woman. It's hard to imagine someone in their late thirties being so self-absorbed and spoiled. I also found it somewhat unrealistic to expect that the joy of holiday celebrations is the impetus to get Krista to accept her mother as is and begin to "heal her heart." This seemed a little trite and overly simplistic in my opinion. Mercy Come Morning seems to ultimately be about second chances and acceptance. Krista learns to accept and love her mother with all of her faults. Krista also learns to accept her own personal limitations and the knowledge that she cannot control everything and everyone. The ending was a bit trite but overall this is a decent story about self-discovery, self-acceptance and family . . . especially the necessity to accept our family members as is.

[Rina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was unsure how I would like this story – after all it’s about a woman saying goodbye to her mother who has had Alzheimer’s for a very long time and is now dying of congestive heart failure. Doesn’t sound like a very happy or uplifting read. But it is.

Krista Mueller has had a rough life – she never knew her father, her grandparents died when she was 10, her mom was emotionally distant and then during her teen years became noticeably mentally unstable. It wasn’t until Krista was in college that her mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

Charlotte was over 40 when Krista was born and hadn’t had an easy life either. Krista never understood her mother and had never tried to understand her. But now Charlotte is dying and Krista realizes she needs to find some healing and let her go.

Dane McConnell is the director of the nursing home and a childhood friend of Krista. They even dated in high school, but something happened between them and then Krista could never bring herself to get too close to him again. Even though he still deeply cares for her.

Dane found an old Christmas song book amongst Charlotte’s possessions with journal entries in it. Through the handful of entries Krista allows herself to think about her mom’s life from a different perspective and find healing.

The story jumps between the present and the past frequently and it’s rather confusing. Krista is a history professor so she remembers facts and events that took place around the time of each of her mom’s journal entries. Which is neat, but it’s hard to follow the timeline.

I would have found it helpful to know at the beginning that Charlotte was over 40 when Krista was born and that the story takes place in about 2002 (when the book was originally written – it was first published under the title Christmas Every Morning). So now you know. Hope it helps.

There are a few sweet kisses and the reader is told of some immoral choices and an instance of sexual abuse but no details are given. It’s a sweet story of a daughter trying to understand her mother. It’s a sad story of a woman once full of life now close to death. It’s a realistic story of a woman coming to grips with her painful past and figuring out how to face her future.

Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher through the Blogging for Books book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.

Review originally published on my blog: http://rinasreading.blogspot.com/2012...

[Wendi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mercy Come Morning (Previously Released as Christmas Every Morning)
By Lisa Tawn Bergren
Published by WaterBrook Press

Mercy Come Morning is the story of one woman’s struggle to overcome a very painful past and find some semblance of closure with her mother, who’s at the center of it all.

The last thing Krista Mueller wants to do is return home. Its been years since she last faced her estranged mother Charlotte; but when she receives an adamant request from childhood friend Dan McConnell, she knows she must return. Charlotte who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease is dying of congestive heart failure, and there is little time remaining.

Returning to Taos, New Mexico is a conflicting experience for Krista. The place itself is magical; alive with deep and vivid color, fragrant scents, and the rhythm of music. But her memories of loneliness, abandonment and abuse, overwhelm her. Patient and kind, Dane does his best to coax her into achieving the closure he knows she needs so she won’t spend the rest of her life burdened by regret.

When Krista is given an old “journal” of her mothers, she’s afforded a never before seen glimpse into her mothers thoughts, before and during the onset of Alzheimer’s. These insights, along with the love and support of her friends, awaken things long buried and leads Krista to a life-changing conclusion.

While written for a general audience, Mercy Come Morning will be particularly poignant for those who have friends or loved ones suffering with Alzheimer’s or other forms of Dementia. Bergren does an amazing job developing her two leading female characters and the chasm that has been built between them, making forgiveness seemingly impossible. As someone who has wrestled with similar circumstances, this book rang true and honest in its depiction of the struggle, and I found the close incredibly satisfying.

Read Chapter One of Mercy Come Morning here:

I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group as part of their BloggingForBooks program. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the outset of this story, Krista is called back home to Taos, New Mexico and the Alzheimer’s care center in which she has placed her mother, Charlotte, for the past several years. Charlotte is being vigilantly cared for by Dane McConnell, who is not only the driving force behind the care center, but also Krista’s high school sweetheart and the man with whom she has just never been able to quite reconcile her feelings.

While the romance between Dane and Krista looms in the background of this story, what I found to be most enjoyable about this book was the journey of forgiveness that Krista embarks on in her mother’s final days. Through a discovery of an occasional journal that was kept by her mother, Krista is now able to view her mother with eyes of empathy and understanding, rather than anger and frustration for the perceived lack of love and care she often felt as she was growing up. Ms. Bergren is able to draw us into Krista’s sometimes heart-wrenching and bittersweet emotions in a direct and genuine way that honestly depicts the process of her saying good-bye to her mother.

One of the interesting dichotomies running through this story centers around Krista's unresolved feelings of being unloved and alone due to Charlotte having essentially become a shell of a woman emotionally as she was raising Krista. Yet, Krista has also retreated within herself, in many ways, building walls around herself that must be broken down in order for her to live a full and rewarding life. Krista, in many ways, has begun to emulate those behaviors that she most despised in her mother. It is through her forgiveness of Charlotte, that Krista is able to start breaking down the walls she has created.

Mercy Come Morning was a quick, but enjoyable read for me. I personally was much more interested in Ms. Bergren’s exploration of the relationship between Krista and her mother than her delving into the relationship woes of Krista and Dane. I found Krista’s search for resolution and ultimately her path to forgiveness to be relatable and moving.


I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

[Cheryl Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever had that situation where unfortunately your jewelry box has become a tangled mess? And so with all of those lovely necklaces so bitterly entwined you find that all you are left is beautiful jewelry not being worn because of the knots that mar the beauty of the jewelry and render it useless for the wearer. This exact scenario is reminiscent to me of what the main character Krista Mueller is embroiled in, in the very powerful and healing book Mercy Come Morning by Lisa Tawn Bergren.

Krista Mueller is a successful college professor in history living her life away from her mother who is in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s. Having never felt affirmation or love from her mother Krista has kept her distance, literally. Only now her mother is dying and it is necessary for her to return to her hometown of Taos, New Mexico to be by her dying mother’s bedside. Wrestling with so many emotions and meeting her old first love Dane McConnell who is the director of the nursing home where her mother is staying, poor Krista has lots of things to figure out.

Using my earlier tangled mess analogy, it is so fascinating to read this story. Poor Krista has so many knots to untangle with regards to her past with her mother, her past with Dane and just her past in general. This was a very tender and sensitively written story and one that can appeal to anyone wondering if it’s ever too late to reconcile and find peace, especially with a loved one. At first Krista’s jumbled mess makes you think there is no way that she is going to be able to untie all of these knots, but she does, one knot at a time and by the end of the novel you are filled with an overwhelming sense of peace and hope. Forgiveness is powerful and frees not only those we are forgiving but ourselves as well. I think this is a special book of hope for all of us, but especially for those going through a situation with those we love who are suffering from Alzheimer’s. Very well done. 4 stars.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As far as contemporary novels go, Lisa Bergren has always been one of my favorite authors. I love her laid-back, yet interesting, style of writing that has just enough romantic tension to fulfill my occasional romance novel fix. Mercy Come Morning was such a book, and while it was originally released as Christmas Every Morning (a title I'd read long ago, but had forgotten), I was glad to have had the opportunity to reread it.

This is not a novel for everyone...let me just say that up front. The main character, Krista, has some deep emotional scars as a result of her relationship with her mother, and as her mother is reaching death's door after a long Alzheimer's illness, she struggles to find a way to set everything to rights before it's too late. If not for a book full of Christmas carols filled with hastily scratched notes from her mother, Krista might have never known why the relationship between her and her mother failed.

I found the imagery of "Christmas every morning" the perfect backdrop for this story. Sometimes, during the Christmas season, we hear so many of the same songs over and over again, but may not allow the words to penetrate our hearts. I know I'm certainly guilty of that. "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" and "Oh, Holy Night" now have a new meaning to me personally because of their inclusion in this story.

For those wanting to read Mercy Come Morning, be sure to have a box of tissues handy. Lisa penned some truly beautiful scenes between Krista and her mother that had me tearing up more than once. I have no doubt that this novel has ministered to many people both in the original release and the re-release--those dealing with a family member with Alzheimer's, or even those dealing with a recent death. It was a difficult story to begin, but one that has a bittersweet, yet joyous, conclusion.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://wendyalton.blogspot.com/2011/0...

Reading the back cover of this book, you would think it was a story about loss. However, it is truly a book about grace... the gift of grace that we receive and that we must give.

Krista is a 37 year old history professor in Colorado Springs who has an extremely estranged relationship with her mother, Charlotte. Charlotte has Alzheimers and is quickly declining from congestive heart failure as well. Reluctantly, Krista returns to her home town, Taos, New Mexico, to be with her mother in her last days.

Charlotte is a patient at Cimarron, a special and unique therapy institution created by Krista's high school sweetheart, Dane. While in Taos, she stays with her mother's best friend, Elena, who offers unconditional love and support for Krista and for Charlotte.

There is no way to express how wonderful this book is without giving away the special presents in the book itself. The characters come alive from the first pages, and Krista's path toward grace and forgiveness is heart-wrenching and joyous all at the same time. in addition to the wonderful characters and the gripping story, the author gives us beauty in the Taos landscape, authentic food, heritage and culture. You can truly imagine being there, smelling the delicious food, seeing the colors in the beautiful landscape, and hearing the music from days long past.

Grace, acceptance and forgiveness. "Mercy Come Morning" can be summed up by something that Krista says at the end of her journey: "Grace is like that. The more you give, the more you gain."

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

[Beauty in the Binding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Krista Mueller experienced a difficult childhood and opted to suppress her feelings of loss and abandonment for a happier life far away from her distant mother. While Krista financially provides first-class nursing home treatment for her mother, she sees no reason to revisit her mother or the past. When her ex-boyfriend, Dane McConnell, convinces Krista to temporarily return to her dying mother's bedside, Krista is less than thrilled to be near her mother or her first love. Both evoke feelings long buried and Krista realizes she can no longer run from her past. She's not willing to entertain the idea of loving either her mother or Dane, but as the days progress and secrets are revealed, she finds herself drawn to both of them like never before.

When I picked up Mercy Come Morning by Lisa Tawn Bergren, I expected a purely fictional book. I was pleasantly surprised to find a good deal of romance interlaced with the fiction story. The authentic characters and compelling situations caught my attention from the start. I appreciated the author's compassionate treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Though I've never had to deal with it on a personal level, I know it is a difficult condition for all involved. The themes about second chances and the beauty of true healing are also worth noting. I recommend this book to fans of Christian romance or Christian fiction.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher as part of FIRST Wild Card Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

[Tima · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book to review because I had read some books by this author many years ago. It wasn't anything like I was expecting based on my previous experience, but I'm so glad I chose to read it.

The story begins with a woman returning home to her mother's death bed. Her mother has Alzheimer's disease so in some ways she's already gone. But Krista returns to settle some issues in her own mind about things that happened when she was a child. She's also dealing with a lost love and the ramifications of starting the relationship again.

The story deals with the pains and inadequacies we see from our childhood perspectives. Sometimes our parents aren't what we thought they were. And sometimes we understand things better when we are in their shoes.

This story will resonate with those who are dealing with relatives who have Alzheimer's, but it also touches on the relationship between children and parents vs. grown children and their parents.
It's about past, present and future. It's about love, forgiveness and opening our hearts to love.

I enjoyed the story as a story. But I also appreciated the theme of forgiveness running through. The author wrote in such a way that lead me to believe she's lived (or thoroughly researched) this experience. And to me this is the sign of a great writer; writing that pulls me in with their words and places me in the story. I felt like I would recognize the care facility where her mother was staying or the town where Krista grew up. Wonderful writing and a wonderful story of redemption.

I received this book free of charge from WaterBrook Press in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Tima · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book to review because I had read some books by this author many years ago. It wasn't anything like I was expecting based on my previous experience, but I'm so glad I chose to read it.

The story begins with a woman returning home to her mother's death bed. Her mother has Alzheimer's disease so in some ways she's already gone. But Krista returns to settle some issues in her own mind about things that happened when she was a child. She's also dealing with a lost love and the ramifications of starting the relationship again.

The story deals with the pains and inadequacies we see from our childhood perspectives. Sometimes our parents aren't what we thought they were. And sometimes we understand things better when we are in their shoes.

This story will resonate with those who are dealing with relatives who have Alzheimer's, but it also touches on the relationship between children and parents vs. grown children and their parents.
It's about past, present and future. It's about love, forgiveness and opening our hearts to love.

I enjoyed the story as a story. But I also appreciated the theme of forgiveness running through. The author wrote in such a way that lead me to believe she's lived (or thoroughly researched) this experience. And to me this is the sign of a great writer; writing that pulls me in with their words and places me in the story. I felt like I would recognize the care facility where her mother was staying or the town where Krista grew up. Wonderful writing and a wonderful story of redemption.

I received this book free of charge from WaterBrook Press in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Virginia Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Mercy Come Morning", by Lisa Tawn Bergren, is a beautifully written story of coming home again, learning to forgive and be forgiven, and letting go in order to move forward. Krista Mueller is called home when her mother, Charlotte, becomes critically ill. Charlotte has suffered from Alzheimer's Disease for many years, and Krista has always ensured that her mother received the best of care. Now, however, her mother is dying, and Krista must face her complicated feelings about her relationship with her mother. For years Charlotte has been cared for at a facility run by Krista's first love, Dane McConnell. Coming home to be with her mother means Krista will also be spending time with Dane, for whom she still has feelings. Dane has always loved Krista, and he has waited for her to one day resolve her personal issues and be ready to return his love. There are many sensitive issues touched upon in this story, and the author presents the highly emotional subject matter with a gentle, sure hand. The reunion romance between Krista and Dane is one that will make you long for a happy ending for the couple. The setting of Taos, New Mexico is presented in such an appealing way that you wish you were right there to see the "blue suede color" in the sunset. The story line of the difficult and complex relationship between Krista and her mother really resonated with me. I saw many aspects of my own mother and myself in Krista and Charlotte. Most of us never achieve total resolution, but we must all learn to be kind to ourselves in order to find some measure of peace of mind. Sometimes letting go is the only way to receive what we really need.

Review Copy Gratis WaterBrook Press

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know if any of you have watched The George Lopez Show, but that is what this book vaguely put me in mind of except in a more serious tone. The lead character's mother drama seemed much like George's on the show. He thinks all his mother's intentions were bad to only find out the underlying reasons she was like she was.
The book did keep my interest though. I wanted to find out what was happening even when the book lulled in spots. I was way more interested in reading about her mother's experiences than Krista's though. I'm sure she is an intriguing character, but it wasn't the vibe I got. I also liked that this book was based in the hispanic culture. I haven't read many fiction books about Hispanic-Americans so it was a nice twist to a genre that can become worn out. So many of the novels I've come across feature the same culture, and ideas that I don't feel like I was exposed to anything new.
I also like how this book features a woman who is in her late thirties and still single. For some reason the books I read that feature young women desperate for marriage annoy me. I feel less pressure about the expectations society places on women to marry early when I read books where women have matured a great deal before pursuing the idea of seriously being with someone. It feels a lot more relatable even though I'm in my early twenties.
This book focuses on a mother-daughter relationship with a side of romance. I don't think it's the typical Christian romance book, and I like how the author tries to make something different.

This book was provided by Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for a review.