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Kristen K. (Atlanta, Georgia)
(04/14/11)
The Tender Mercy of Roses
Mystery, mysticism, cowboys and Indians, addiction recovery…. what's not to like about this book? It is a fast paced read and kept me entertained and amused. The book is probably not for the hard-boiled realist but for those who believe life can be mysterious and whimsical. I look forward to reading more of this author
Audre G. (Othello, WA)
(04/14/11)
The Tender Mercy of Roses
I chose this book because the publisher compared it to The Lovely Bones and Garden Spells. Unfortunately it seemed like a failed attempt to capitalize on the success of these books. I didn't care about the characters because they weren't fully developed and it was difficult to keep track of the two families and the time lines. The language was flowery and repetitive.
MeM (tempe, az)
(04/13/11)
Excessive descriptions, not enough story
I really wanted to like this book. The synopsis sounded interesting and it was my first review. I was so excited.
The descriptions are pretty. But there are so many of them and they’re extra long and flowery, they lost their impact and became tedious. It seemed they were added to a short story to make a book.
Carole P. (Framingham, MA)
(04/13/11)
The Tender Mercy of Roses
This spellbinding book has it all. Mystery, mysticism, family secrets, and above all else love. Beautifully written, it draws you in from the start.
Although totally different from these two books, it reminded me of how I felt reading "The Help" and "Room". A chill up my back, the need to keep reading and sadness when the book ended.
Wendy F. (Kalamazoo, MI)
(04/12/11)
Tender Mercy of Roses
The Tender Mercy of Roses is a look into family secrets kept and how they can affect those generations to come. The prose in this book is at times insightful, lyrical and homespun. Pony Jones’ ghost meanders through the story to uncover secrets of the rodeo as well as those of her family. The intertwining of souls lost and found introduce us to Pony, Jo Beth, and Titus and how their lives are interconnected. I really enjoyed this one!
Kitty M. (Flint, MI)
(04/12/11)
The Tender Mercy of Roses
When I refer to "a quick read" it usually means "This book was not worth my time", but this book was a quick read because I did not want to stop reading. This is a murder mystery with many family secrets, involving Native Americans, rodeo stars, a police officer who had to leave the force because she used alcohol to escape her problems and other flawed, but genuine characters. Readers who are able to suspend reality and enjoy the magical realism format will find this book a delight.
Aleta S. (Bainbridge Island, WA)
(04/07/11)
A Tender Story of Strong Characters
Anna Michaels succeeds in weaving a basket of colorful, distinctive voices in her first novel, The Tender Mercy of Roses. Hardscrabble country, rodeo and law enforcement life in Alabama set the stage for prejudice, envy and tangled relationships that twist this murder mystery-love story-spiritual journey to its conclusion. Native American magic and thought mingles with the sudden splendor, fragrance and abundance of Cherokee Roses as the author sends flashes of bittersweet loveliness into unfolding events, but be ready to walk away from this tale feeling some well-targeted thorn pricks to the heart.
Carol P. (Kaysville, UT)
(04/06/11)
The Tender Mercy of Roses
I enjoyed the book. I finally had to start writing down who belonged to who to keep the characters straight. It was an interesting trip from beginning to end. I like that she was not repetitive like many longer novels. It was engaging from the beginning. Thank you for sharing this novel with me. I wish Anna the best. She does have talent.
