If you frequently read my reviews, you may have noticed that I am very selective about giving five star reviews,but I happily give that to The Mercy Tree by new-to-me author Sharlene MacLaren. Those who enjoy reading women's fiction will quickly become engrossed in this story set in 1955, a tale of a pastor whose sin, committed while serving as a soldier in Japan nine years prior, comes to light in a very public way. It is a story of struggles within relationships whether they be between spouses, parents and children, or members of a church community, as well as being a story about forgiveness and grace.

This book is well-written. The dialogue is natural and brings forth a great depth of emotion. The characters seem real-to-life; many may feel like someone you know. As with all of us, they are not perfect, but are sinners in need of a Savior. I am so very grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Mercy Tree from the author without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. ( )

Only God could fix the mess he’d gotten himself into.

Life is made up of choices and some of them can return many years later, requiring the question of how they should continue on under these circumstances. So it was for the pastor of a vibrant church where he and his family were loved and cared for. Guilty, he knew he must confess to his family and the church, but what would the outcome be? Would forgiveness be there from his wife first and then the rest? This story highlights the grace that the Lord gives freely to all of us, in spite of our mistakes. It was wonderful to see the change in many lives all because one stepped out in humility and asked forgiveness.

An early copy was received through Whitaker House. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited. ( )

“Henry had stepped out of God’s grace. Was there any hope for him?”

Not what I expected!! I started this book, The Mercy Tree, by Sharlene MacLaren with much trepidation. It seemed to be an old-fashioned 50s novel with those restrictive, legalistic Christian values. But, as I read on, I began to realize this was just a depiction of many evangelical churches of that era, and the people within. Are/were all Christians like that? No more than all cats are tabby or all cats are white.

We see a pastor, Henry Griffin, who in his time In Japan strays from his faith (he was not a pastor at the time, nor was this a continuing situation). However, when he keeps silent and is finally forced by surprising circumstances to admit to his family and congregation his error, what will the results be?

Travel this emotional journey with Henry; his wife, Nora; her “proper” mother; the town busybody and others as we see how “church culture” clashes with the love and commands of God.

So many people, Christians, and non-Christians alike, get their focus wrong about what following Christ is. It’s not about being perfect; we can’t. It’s not about following the Ten Commandments or even the rules of the Old Testament. “Too many people get caught up in the do’s and don’ts of Christianity when really, it’s not about that. It’s about living in freedom and forgiveness.”

I received a copy of this book from the author. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own. ( )