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Mercy's Embrace

(Mercy's Embrace #2)

Laura Hile (Goodreads Author)

4.25 · Rating details · 153 ratings · 34 reviews

Twelve-thousand a year and an extensive estate can gild a sow's ear, or so Elizabeth Elliot has always supposed. But now that she's fallen for the dashing Patrick Gill, Elizabeth is almost ready to give up Mr Rushworth's fortune. Painfully aware of her bruised pride and vulnerable heart, Elizabeth can only despise herself for loving so common a man. But it has never ...more

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Paperback, 214 pages

Published November 25th 2009 by Wytherngate Press

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Feb 21, 2019 Debbie Brown rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2019-jaff, kindle-unlimited, jaff

The middle book in a trilogy can be a tricky thing. It has to move the overall plot forward forward and set up the Grand Finale to come in the next book, but it needs to have its own self-contained plot as well. I'm happy to report that Ms. Hile has managed it deftly in Mercy's Embrace: So Lively a Chase Book 2: Elizabeth Elliot's Story

The primary story here is that "Mr. Gill" (a.k.a. Admiral McGillvary) is furthering his friendship with Elizabeth Elliot, recognizing how strong his feelings for The middle book in a trilogy can be a tricky thing. It has to move the overall plot forward forward and set up the Grand Finale to come in the next book, but it needs to have its own self-contained plot as well. I'm happy to report that Ms. Hile has managed it deftly in Mercy's Embrace: So Lively a Chase Book 2: Elizabeth Elliot's Story

The primary story here is that "Mr. Gill" (a.k.a. Admiral McGillvary) is furthering his friendship with Elizabeth Elliot, recognizing how strong his feelings for her are becoming, and realizing he must find a way to tell her the truth about himself. Elizabeth is surprised to find this counting house clerk the only one she can confide in right now as she struggles with her whiny sister Mary (who has come to Bath) and the critical state of her family's finances. Meeting him at a tea room each Tuesday and Thursday becomes increasingly important to her. But her sisters' husbands become aware that something is going on, and Wentworth worries that Elizabeth's actions will bring further scandal to the Elliot name.

The swirl of events here becomes comical at times, as the Elliot family just does not communicate and therefore don't coordinate their efforts. First, Sir Walter makes a demand of Elizabeth that she cannot agree to, offering no explanation, and an announcement of her betrothal appears in the papers. One of Sir Walter's creditors finally catches up with him, and he has to suffer the consequences. Lady Russell hides his situation from his daughters, forbidding the girls from visiting him as she works toward a solution. Elizabeth gets advice from Mr. Gill and gears herself up to meet with the dreaded Admiral McGillvary to try and clear her father's debt. Frederick Wentworth and Charles Musgrove also know Sir William is in trouble, but they are inclined to step aside, knowing that rescuing their father-in-law this time will only delay the inevitable, as he will never curtail his spending habits. Mary is oblivious to anything except her own imagined ill usage and misses even obvious clues about what's going on around her.

Fortunately for Mary, the Wentworths' closest neighbor is a doctor, Mr. Minthorne. His cousin, Miss Owen, is keeping house for him and assisting some patients as a nurse until he marries. She loves children and is happy to watch the two Musgrove boys playing in the park adjoining their properties. Interactions between Miss Owen and Elizabeth and then with Charles Musgrove have significant effects.

Other new characters, even in small roles, are equally interesting. Mr. Yee is the Wentworth butler who has an uncanny way of knowing everything going on. Mr. Longwell has the same role with Lady Russell and works with the same efficiency, though his character is decidedly different from Mr. Yee.

This is a wonderful book that leaves everything a tangled mess and yet ends at an appropriate moment. On to Book #3! ...more

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Dec 10, 2017 Claudine DiMuzio / Just Jane 1813 rated it it was amazing

Just finished this book tonight... WOW!! Even better than the first book in this series!! Review & giveaway of Book two coming this week to Just Jane 1813.

Go to justjane1813.com for my review & giveaway of Book One. Thank you to all of my Goodreads friends for visiting my review today. I always love reading your comments!!

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Jun 21, 2010 Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: jane-austen, persuasion

So Lively a Chase, book two in Laura Hile's remarkable Mercy's Embrace trilogy, recommences with our heroine, Elizabeth Elliot, swimming in a sea predicaments and trials, both of her own-making and her father's. In addition to constantly fending off her indefatigable and unwanted suitors, Elizabeth now has to contend with a household full of people (Anne and Mary have returned to Bath with their husbands) who are all highly suspicious of her habits and altered behavior. And to top it all off, So Lively a Chase, book two in Laura Hile's remarkable Mercy's Embrace trilogy, recommences with our heroine, Elizabeth Elliot, swimming in a sea predicaments and trials, both of her own-making and her father's. In addition to constantly fending off her indefatigable and unwanted suitors, Elizabeth now has to contend with a household full of people (Anne and Mary have returned to Bath with their husbands) who are all highly suspicious of her habits and altered behavior. And to top it all off, Elizabeth has found herself to be in love – deeply and resolutely in love – with Patrick Gill, a man of no fortune or rank. What our humbled heroine doesn't know is that Mr. Gill has deceived her and is not the fortuneless and lowly clerk she believes him to be.

Meanwhile, our dashing and devastatingly handsome hero, Admiral McGillvary, is striving to escape from his own tangled web of lies and waiting for the perfect opportunity to come clean and confess his true identity to Elizabeth. Will that moment ever come?

There is much more to this series than Elizabeth Elliot and Admiral McGillvary, however. Sir Walter, still hiding from his creditors, soon finds himself in a disastrous situation to which Lady Russell devises the most astounding solution. One which her faithful servant, Longwell, vehemently disapproves of. Moreover, per their usual, Charles and Mary Musgrove are experiencing some marital discord. Mary continues to be peevish and ill, while Charles finds the company of Wentworth's plain and friendly neighbor, Miss Owen, to be refreshingly agreeable. Not only are these many plots and story-lines absorbing and amusing, they are ingeniously and deftly interwoven with each other. The action of the story jumps from plot to plot as the events of the story are often occurring simultaneously. Furthermore, Ms. Hile seems to have a penchant for leaving her readers on tenterhooks, so be prepared for each story to be interrupted at the most inopportune moment!

The second novel in a trilogy must be the most challenging for an author to write. The first novel is where the reader becomes acquainted with all the characters and is introduced to the conflict. The third novel is where all loose ends are tied up and everything is satisfyingly concluded. But the second novel is where the author needs to keep their readers enthralled and entertained without resolving the story. In this second installment of the Mercy's Embrace series, author Laura Hile capably maintains her readers' engagement and leaves them ravenously longing for a conclusion! Ms. Hile's writing is powerfully engrossing, witty, and exhilarating. The action of the story is fast-paced and there is a copious amount of tension and drama. When reading one of her novels I become so invested that sometimes my heart beats faster or I anxiously hold my breath. Other times I am laughing out loud and wearing a perpetual smile upon my face. Laura Hile is truly a exceptionally skilled author, and I am a devoted admirer of her writing!

If you love to read Austenesque novels and have ever wondered what happens to the haughty and beautiful Elizabeth Elliot after the close of Persuasion, I encourage you to read the Mercy's Embrace series by Laura Hile. It is brimming with romance, drama, and humor!

(Potential readers should be made aware that this is the second book in the Mercy's Embrace series, and that it will be necessary to read all three books to attain the complete story).

Austenesque Reviews ...more

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Dec 23, 2017 Sheila Majczan rated it it was amazing

4.5 rounded up to 5 stars

This is the second of three and it is definitely not to be read alone.

Elizabeth Elliot and Patrick Gill continue to meet for tea every Tuesday and Thursday but family and acquaintances demand attention for her while disguise and having to remember his role is the part Mr. Gill plays.

Elizabeth is not one of my favorite Jane Austen characters and she is slow to win my regard in these books. I do believe it is mainly because the man she befriends and falls in love with is ...more

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Feb 22, 2018 Carole (in Canada) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommends it for: Austenesque, Romance

Shelves: favorites, sequels, secondary-characters-to-persuasion

Oh my goodness the tension is rising! Not only do we have Elizabeth trying to juggle her suitors, but we have Sir Walter Elliot still refusing to face his financial ruin and making announcements that he has no right to make. Lady Russell has decided to help her long time friend, Sir Walter, and may be regretting those decisions. Mary and Charles Musgrove have arrived back in Bath and we all know how Mary loves to complain. I was also thrilled to see Miss Bingley in Bath as well. Amazingly ...more

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Feb 16, 2019 QNPoohBear rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: austenesque, regency-romance, clean-romance, kisses-only, christian-fiction

Elizabeth Elliot is besieged with problems. Her Papa is hiding out at some mysterious facility and has given up the lease of their house. Now Elizabeth is homeless and forced to live in her sister Anne's home. Not only that but Elizabeth has more suitors than she cares for. Mr. Rushworth's divorce is about to be finalized and he is pressing his suit, her odious cousin is nowhere to be found except to cause gossip and mischief and Sir Henry Farley desires her but has a wife still living. Her only Elizabeth Elliot is besieged with problems. Her Papa is hiding out at some mysterious facility and has given up the lease of their house. Now Elizabeth is homeless and forced to live in her sister Anne's home. Not only that but Elizabeth has more suitors than she cares for. Mr. Rushworth's divorce is about to be finalized and he is pressing his suit, her odious cousin is nowhere to be found except to cause gossip and mischief and Sir Henry Farley desires her but has a wife still living. Her only friend and confident is Patrick Gill, a poor clerk who works for the dreadful Admiral McGillivray the man responsible for her father's disappearance! When her father's situation becomes drastic, Elizabeth must take matters into her own hands, little knowing that others are planning for his future and hers.

As a story this sure gets interesting. There is so much happening I couldn't put it down. It ends on a cliffhanger so I had to downloaded the third book and start it right away! As a Jane Austen continuation, the story fails. It doesn't sound like her or even really a period novel, the situations are rather ridiculous and I don't like the character developments.

None of these characters, with the exception of Anne and Mary, sound like their original counterparts and the new characters are not that likable. Sir Walter is even more vain, idiotic and pompous. His story borrows from Little Dorrit. It should have stayed there but the outcome is completely silly. We're told he wasn't interested in marrying Lady Russell and neither was she so her actions do not make much sense. Also, problems could be solved by communication. Even if the situation is desperate, he needs to be taught a lesson. I would not pay his debts. Frederick is in agreement with me. He can't and won't damage his own estate to have nothing to pass down to his future children. He could be kinder and more sympathetic to Elizabeth. No she has not been kind to Anne in the past and snubbed Frederick but if anyone BOTHERED to observe her and talk to her they'd see she's under a lot of stress and be a little more kind. I'm beginning to think Frederick should not have married Anne. He has little sympathy or liking for her family. Despite the fact they feel the same about her, they're still family and she loves them. Anne is sweet, good and kind and that is why Frederick loves her. Can't he pay SOME of the debt like Elizabeth's dressmaker's bill? He remains stubborn, yet he is protective of her reputation and takes care to find out who she is meeting.

Anne is Anne still. Her nerves seem frayed at the end. She's worried about her father and doesn't see anyone doing anything to help him. Not to mention her sisters and her silly cousin. It's no wonder she's stressed to the breaking point. I'd like to see more tender moments between Anne and Frederick to show Elizabeth what true love actually looks like. Mary is Mary. She's even more hysterical and vain. I do not like the idea of her taking a sleeping draught (syrup of poppies, prescribed by a doctor!) If Mary dies of a laudanum overdose I will be really mad. She needs to learn a lesson. Some of Mary's marital problems are normal and some are brought on by her hysterics and hypochondria. Charles is now ignoring her. I do not like where his plot is heading. Not one bit. He's jovial and friendly but bored. Why not take Mary to the Assembly Rooms? Give her some attention or go home to Uppercross and take the boys.

As for Elizabeth, she is completely stressed, more than Anne. She has taken on the burden and guilt of her father's debt and feels responsible for it. I don't feel that she is. If her father told her not to worry, as his dependant, she can't really do anything about it. She could try to curb his spending but will he listen? No. Did he listen to Anne? No. She isn't worried for her own reputation or her own future as much as the old Elizabeth was. She has prayed and through her friendship with Mr. Gill, has become a better person. Does she communicate with her sisters about any of this? No. She doesn't even have any friends, except maybe Caroline Bingley, who I believe is more of a frenemy. Patrick Gill is Elizabeth's only confidante, yet he isn't who he claims to be.

I do not like Patrick at all. His relationship with Elizabeth began as a game. He is a man accustomed to getting what he wants and he wants Elizabeth. Goodness knows why because she's nothing but rude to him as his true self. She misjudges him and his words at every turn. What he thinks he's saying and doing is not how she interprets it. He should have left her alone after they meet in Bath. Instead he perpetuates a lie. She is going to be FURIOUS when she finds out her only friend is the man responsible for her father's debt and I do not blame her. I would be too. Patrick Gill is kind, sympathetic and chivalrous. The Admiral can't see that as his true self he doesn't act that way, making people dislike him. Plus he's involved in banking so naturally he's odious. I can't stand relationships based on lies. He has a wicked reputation with the ladies but that seems to be in the past. I don't believe he yet wants to marry Elizabeth for the right reasons. If only he can overcome his pride and become Patrick Gill in his everyday life.

There's a subplot involving Mr. Elliot and Penelope Clay. It seems she's smarter than she appears and he is more devious that ever. He puts everyone in a tight spot and behaves very very badly. I almost feel sorry for Penelope but I don't really. I feel more sorry for Mr. Shepherd, having to deal with first Sir Walter and now his heir. Mr. Elliot's friends, Colonel and Mrs. Wallis, are absolutely horrid people.

Another subplot revolves around Miss Owen. She's much like Anne, very virtuous and kind. Miss Owen is treated like a servant in the family, much as Anne was. I really like her, however, children like that need discipline not kindness. They're spoiled rotten little boogers. Their fathers (where IS Estella's husband?) need to step up and issue some spankings or beatings or whatever it was parents did back then to naughty children.

The servants are not invisible here. They play a large role in the action, especially Lady Russell's Longworthy. This is nice but I think sometimes the servants don't act like servants of the period.

I can't wait to find out how everything gets resolved. Since this is a Christian novel, I expect some lessons will be learned.

Content:
Religion- praying, Bible quotations, probably Christian themes I'm not picking up on
talk of mistresses and illegitimate pregnancy
one really gross passage on aging and body fluids ...more

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Mar 18, 2010 Jane Greensmith rated it it was amazing

Laura Hile is the author of Mercy’s Embrace, a three-book novel, of which the first two books are now available. So Rough a Course (Book One) and So Lively a Chase (Book Two) tell the story of Elizabeth Elliot, the older sister of Anne Elliot, the heroine of Jane Austen’s Persuasion, and how she comes to fall in love with Patrick McGillvary, the man she vows to hate. I just finished So Lively A Chase and I’m eagerly awaiting publication of the third and final volume in this wonderful story.

In ...more

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Feb 28, 2019 Suzan Lauder rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: no-sex-no-violence, jaff-regency

Warning: This is not a stand-alone book. It's second in a series of three that can't be read out of order.

I loved this book more than the first. I stayed up late reading it to get to a critical moment, but I wasn't watching the % read on my Kindle, so it was only to get to the cliffie faster than I expected. I thought I was really compelled to read on after the first book, but that doesn't compare to that of this one. Brilliant writing, intertwined action that must have been hard for the author ...more

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Sep 25, 2018 Kathleen Buckley rated it it was amazing

I got So Rough a Course, Book 1 of Laura Hile’s trilogy, Mercy’s Embrace: Elizabeth Elliott’s Story for free and liked it so much I immediately bought Books II (So Lively a Chase) and III (The Lady Must Decide). As I read them compulsively, one after another, I’m reviewing them together. The books are reminiscent of Jane Austen’s, and are a good read, even if you aren’t an Austen fan. Her characters think and act like early 19th century English gentry, not like 20th or 21st century people in ...more

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Mar 07, 2018 Maureen Chritzman rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Hard to Put Down

In this second installment of the series, Elizabeth is trying to figure out how to bring about a semblance of independence for herself....but at what price? And what about her growing feelings for Mr. Gill? Lady Russell tries to save Elizabeth's father, and comes up with a rather crazy scheme. Mary and Charles are having problems of their own, leaving the Wentworths stuck trying to keep everything under control. With so many twists and turns, this is a fun, humorous read. Bring ...more

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Sep 25, 2018 Susan rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: austenesque-2018, austenesque

In this Persuasion sequel (Book 2) Elizabeth Elliot's problems continue. Having fallen for poor Patrick Gill can she give up Mr. Rushworth and his fortune even if he is getting a divorce. With Sir Walter's debt mounting what can be done. And what are Lady Russell's plans
A very enjoyable well-written story, I like this Elizabeth in the first Book and I continue to do so. Sir Walter and Mary Musgrove are as annoying as ever.

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Jun 16, 2018 Anita B rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Kerry's Embrace: So Lovely a Chase Book 2: Elizabeth Elliot 's Story

We continue with Elizabeth 's story in her search for a husband while dealing with her father and two sisters. A wonderful Regency Romance!

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Mar 21, 2019 Elise rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Step up!

This book was a way better than the first one!!! For me I felt that the author was talking more about Lady Russell & Sir Walter rather than Miss Elliott & Mr. Gill. My heart is racing!!! I need to know what's going to happen next book here I come!!!

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Nov 16, 2017 Allison rated it really liked it

I'm loving Elizabeth Elliot's story. Amazing that Hile is turning her into a sympathetic character before my very eyes.

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Jan 27, 2019 Nely Shih rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Apr 22, 2018 Marguerite Gray rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Just when I think Elizabeth has a problem solved, another twist arrives. I love this series. Now I have to read Book 3 immediately.

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May 29, 2018 Yiota rated it liked it

Shelves: adult, british, romance

Good followup to the 2nd - really starting to feel for Elizabeth!! Curious to see how it ends.

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Oct 22, 2018 Rima rated it it was amazing

Great continuation to Elizabeth's story, with some Bible verses and Christian themes woven in lightly and naturally.

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Aug 30, 2012 Christina rated it it was amazing

Author Laura Hile's So Lively a Chase, Book 2 in her lovely Mercy's Embrace trilogy, continues with Miss Elizabeth Elliot struggling to manage her feckless, frivolous father and dwindling finances, all the while contriving to make a most propitious match for herself. In this follow-up to Jane Austen’s Persuasion, our unlikely heroine, Miss Elizabeth Elliot, painfully aware of her dangerous situation of being put “on-the-shelf” and no fortune of her own is conflicted. Should she accept the hand Author Laura Hile's So Lively a Chase, Book 2 in her lovely Mercy's Embrace trilogy, continues with Miss Elizabeth Elliot struggling to manage her feckless, frivolous father and dwindling finances, all the while contriving to make a most propitious match for herself. In this follow-up to Jane Austen’s Persuasion, our unlikely heroine, Miss Elizabeth Elliot, painfully aware of her dangerous situation of being put “on-the-shelf” and no fortune of her own is conflicted. Should she accept the hand of a fleshy, bungling yet obscenely rich suitor who she is certain she could easily lead by the nose, or follow her heart’s devotion with an obscure man into a humble, common existence?

Living on the kindness of her sister’s hospitality, she continues to resist the attentions of the clumsy Mr. Rushworth and her scheming cousin, Mr. Elliot, while believing herself to have fallen in love with a kind, comely and clever, however entirely unacceptable clerk, Mr. Patrick Gill. All the while the handsome, moneyed Admiral Patrick McGillvary is struggling with his own self-inflicted troubles – knowing full well, the truth of his identity will surely bring on the wrath of Elizabeth, only to lose her forever.
“ ‘I am thoroughly sick of lies! I shall never tell another!’
He regarded her solemnly over the top of his menu. ‘Never?’
‘Not if I can help it,’ she said seriously. ‘And let come what may! Lying is… cowardly!’ Her words made him wince. ‘Not everyone tells lies out of perverseness, Elizabeth,’ he said quietly. ‘Sometimes a lie begins as a simple jest, which then gets out of hand and grows.’” p.81.

The newly married Anne and Captain Wentworth return to Bath, and find they now have a full house. Not only is Elizabeth under their roof and protection, but sister, Mary Musgrove, her husband, Charles, and their children have also arrived. Sir Walter, still feigning illness whilst hiding from his creditors, is soon to be thrown into debtor’s prison however Lady Russell contrives an astonishing rescue. The Musgrove’s marriage turns topsy-turvy when Charles finds himself enamored by a neighbor’s spinster sister. And the household is all-curious as to Elizabeth’s mysterious comings and goings… as well as her altered behavior.
“ ‘What I think, ‘ said Anne, ‘is that you have been reading too many novels, Cousin Estella. And that is not what you were invited here to do!’
‘But- what else was there? I could hardly accompany your sister to her love-trysts!’
‘Her what?’ cried Anne.
Mary’s ringing laughter was even worse. ‘Love tryst?’ she crowed ‘Elizabeth? I don’t believe it for a minute. Anne, she is jesting – she must be! What man in his right mind would have Elizabeth?’”p.13.

These amusing, well-developed ancillary plots helped drive the story; each so engaging and fast-paced, I could hardly believe how quickly I was turning pages just to keep up with all the action. Hile’s masterful depiction of Austen’s pretentious, vain, selfish, and thoughtless Elizabeth Elliot is undergoing a glorious transformation before our very eyes as she experiences her own tribulations, humiliations and disappointment. And if you thought the cliffhanger from Book 1 was unforgivable, be forewarned. This ending will leave you breathless with anticipation! Better to simply buy the series in it’s entirety with one full sweep of the credit card. Brava! Again, 5 stars.

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Jun 25, 2012 Jakki rated it it was amazing

As Sir Walter Elliot gets even deeper in financial trouble, his eldest daughter, Elizabeth, feels it is up to her to save him. After all, it was she who encouraged him to purchase items beyond their means. Yet, when Captain Wentworth refuses to settle her father’s debts, Elizabeth is left with few options. How can a gentlewoman raise that kind of money? Sell one’s jewelry? Possibly, but that will not cover the vast sums her father owes. Marriage, it seems, is the only answer, but to whom? With As Sir Walter Elliot gets even deeper in financial trouble, his eldest daughter, Elizabeth, feels it is up to her to save him. After all, it was she who encouraged him to purchase items beyond their means. Yet, when Captain Wentworth refuses to settle her father’s debts, Elizabeth is left with few options. How can a gentlewoman raise that kind of money? Sell one’s jewelry? Possibly, but that will not cover the vast sums her father owes. Marriage, it seems, is the only answer, but to whom? With Sir Walter willing to sell his daughter in the marriage market, ensuring a settlement that will alleviate his financial burden, will Elizabeth have much say in the matter?

At every turn, Elizabeth Elliot finds herself surrounded by possible suitors. Her cousin, William Elliot, is in need of a woman who will be a credit to him, one who is both beautiful and accomplished. With twelve thousand a year, Mr. Rushworth looks even more enticing. But can either of these men touch her heart as deeply as Mr. Gill, a man with no title, connection, or money? Can Elizabeth afford to follow her heart while still managing to save her father?

I enjoy watching characters like Elizabeth change and develop as a story progresses. I am always amazed when an author can take one of Austen’s secondary characters, and an unpleasant one at that, and make me like and empathize with them. As Jennifer Becton did with Caroline Bingley, Laura Hile does with Elizabeth Elliot, who moves from being a vain, snobby, self-important lady into one who is kind. We see this as she befriends the lowly clerk Mr. Gill as well as Miss Winnie Owen, the neighbor’s cousin and housekeeper.

Whether it is Austen’s characters or her own, Hile’s characterizations are wonderful. They are so well developed, leaving me feeling empathy, dislike, disgust, annoyance, or disbelief with each of them. While some are dynamic, others remain static creating a great comparison, especially between the Elliot siblings.

At the end of So Lively A Chase, I was left with an array of emotions. It was a good thing I had the final book in the trilogy, The Lady Must Decide, in my possession, as I picked it up immediately! And that would be my advice to you: have book three on hand when you finish So Lively A Chase.

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Feb 19, 2017 E. Davidson rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Middle book

The middle book of a trilogy is always a bit disappointing but this time not so much as to prevent me from reading the 3rd. I am particularly disappointed in the characterization of Lady Russell and hope her spirit of independence is reclaimed.

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Jul 26, 2012 Candy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: austenesque

My heart really goes out to Elizabeth Elliot in So Lively A Chase. The pressure is on high, as she is realizing what dire straights her father is in. Should she marry Mr. Rushworth even though she finds him repulsive? He would give her the financial support she would need. Then there is Mr. Elliot, he is trying hard to present his suit, but Elizabeth is avoiding him at all cost. She is getting closer to Mr. Gill, unfortunately he cannot help her father’s financial situation ...or can he? All the ...more

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Dec 18, 2009 Sumi rated it liked it

Shelves: jane-austen-inspired

This is the second of three books. I'm not sure why it was decided it was to be a trilogy. With some judicious editing I'm sure it could have fit into one volume. I have nothing against a series of books, I just prefer to have one story per volume.

Overall this book was less satisfying than the first. I'm not sure what Mary and Charles Musgrove are doing in Bath besides being irritating. The issues they are having are perhaps better done as their own story in a book featuring them. Perhaps the ...more

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Jun 12, 2012 veganjilly rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fiction, favorites, shelfari-favorites

I loved this one just as much as the first one; and possibly more! These characters are so real and so accessible. It is funny how much Elizabeth grew on me. She goes through such a metamorphosis and really matures in the process, and I felt like I was doing so right along with her. I went from liking her character in the first book (but being slightly annoyed by her), to completely embracing her flaws and seeing them as an endearing part of her character. Admiral McGillvary is, likewise, a ...more

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Aug 19, 2010 Marcie rated it really liked it

This is the second part of a three part novel. Incase you missed my review of Book One So Rough A Course check it out here. I really enjoyed the second book. The story keeps getting better and better. Elizabeth has grown on me. Her character is growing and changing into a likeable heroine despite her world falling apart around her. Patrick Gill reminds me of a cross between Mr. Darcy and George Wickham or Col. Brandon and Willoughby. He’s the perfect mix of gentleman with a hint of wickedness to ...more

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Dec 26, 2010 Patricia Gulley rated it it was amazing

An excellent continuation, the middle book of a trilogy. Very enjoyable and interesting concerning debts, entailment, and the extent the upper crust could get themselves into debt--And the attitude they took towards those they owed it to. Elizabeth Elliot's change, her understanding of what she had been, now was and could be is a wonderful arch for the story. My one minor complaint is that so much depends on the total lack of communication between all the characters. Talk about disfunctional, ...more

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Apr 19, 2012 Brenda rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2014, austen, austen-persuasion, 2014-jaff, kindle

4.5 stars - really enjoyed it! But oh my goodness, talk about a cliffhanger ending! I'm glad I didn't read these when book 3 hadn't been completed! I've been on tenterhooks the whole book waiting for the Mr. Gill reveal. And I am liking Elizabeth more and more, something I never thought would happen.

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Apr 09, 2010 Laura Hile rated it it was amazing · (Review from the author)

What can I say? I'm a new author published by a very small P.O.D. (print-on-demand) publishing company. It costs a small fortune for the "little guys" to produce a large book. This one is as exciting as the first, but be warned. It ends with a screaming cliffhanger ...

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Jan 21, 2012 Robin Helm rated it it was amazing

Book 2 of the Mercy's Embrace series certainly did not disappoint. I stayed up until two o'clock in the morning finishing the book and bought the third one immediately. Patrick McGillvary is a new hero for my list of dreamy men.

Robin Helm

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Dec 19, 2016 Rachel rated it liked it

While parts of this one were really, really rough, I still felt very engaged by the story and the characters, even if the structure and plot started descending into the realms of the "fanficy" by the end. Again, I wish she had a good editor.

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About Laura Hile

Laura Hile

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Faith, Hope, Laughter ... and Happily Ever After

Readers are loving Laura Hile's joyous Austenesque Regency novels. Her signature style---intertwined plots, cliffhangers, and laugh-out-loud humor---keep them coming back for more.

The comedy Laura comes by as a teacher. There's never a dull moment with teen students!

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