Rated of 5
by Wendy F. (Kalamazoo, MI) 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!
Rated of 5
by Kitty M. (Flint, MI) 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.
Rated of 5
by Aleta S. (Bainbridge Island, WA) 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.
Rated of 5
by Carol P. (Kaysville, UT) 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.
Rated of 5
by Elinor S. (Naples, FL) Tender Mercy of Roses
I loved this book. The writing was poetic and spiritual. The theme of turning desperation into hope was uplifting. I'm going to plant some Cherokee roses in my garden and think of the wonderful characters in this book when I look at them. Kudos to Anna Michaels.
Rated of 5
by Joyce W. (Rochester, MN) Unbelievable mix of styles
I think the author needs to find her own style. This book seems like it came from six different authors; we have the drunken detective with haunting memories, the Lovely Bones premise, the cowgirls with rodeos, the southern lifestyle and language, and the mystical animal images. Every so often she throws in some flowery adjectives and phrases. I found the book bizarre.
The mystery of who killed the girl gets lost in between piecing together the detective's relationships and her demons. There is way too much going on in one book.
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of 5
by Wendy F. (Kalamazoo, MI) 
of 5
by Kitty M. (Flint, MI) 
of 5
by Joyce W. (Rochester, MN) 
