Mercy House: A Novel

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Description

Never underestimate the power of a group of women. Fierce, thoughtful and dramaticthis is a story of true courage."Susan Wiggs, New York Times bestselling author

She would stop at nothing to protect the women under her care.

Inside a century-old row house in Brooklyn, renegade Sister Evelyn and her fellow nuns preside over a safe haven for the abused and abandoned. Gruff and indomitable on the surface, warm and wry underneath, little daunts Evelyn, until she receives word that Mercy House will be investigated by Bishop Hawkins, a man with whom she shares a dark history. In order to protect everything theyve built, the nuns must conceal many of their methods, which are forbidden by the Catholic Church.

Evelyn will go to great lengths to defend all that she loves. She confronts a gang member, defies the church, challenges her own beliefs, and faces her past. She is bolstered by the other nuns and the vibrant, diverse residents of the shelterLucia, Mei-Li, Desiree, Esther, and Katrinawhose differences are outweighed by what unites them: theyve all been broken by men but are determined to rebuild.

Amidst her fight, Evelyn discovers the extraordinary power of mercy and the grace it grants, not just to those who receive it, but to those strong enough to bestow it.

Reviews

A life-altering debut featuring fierce, funny, and irreverent women who battle the most powerful institution in the world. This is the book weve all been waiting for. Amy Schumer "Never underestimate the power of a group of women. Fierce, thoughtful, and dramatic--this is a story of true courage." Susan Wiggs, New York Times bestselling author InMercy House, Alena Dillon gives us one of fictions more unlikely lovable heroines: elderly, dynamic Sister Evelyn, whose taleand that of her housematesis as unexpected as it is moving. This is a thoughtful, accomplished debut. Therese Ann Fowler, New York Times bestselling author of Z, A Well-Behaved Woman, andA Good Neighborhood [A] stirring, fiery debut...Dillon balances her protagonists righteous anger with an earnest exploration of Evies faith and devotion to justice and community service. This uncompromising story will light up book clubs. Publishers Weekly "...Dillon's debut novel is heartwarming to its core. With a widely diverse cast of supporting characters, author Dillon brings Bed-Stuy to life. Realistic in scope and pious without being preachy, Mercy House will appeal to fans of Naomi Ragen's The Devil in Jerusalem (2015) and Autumn J. Bright's Lovely (2017)." Booklist "Dillons debut novel is heartwarming and easy to read, it never glosses over the history of abuse and sexism in the Catholic church...Those interested in religious fiction will also appreciate a simple narrative tackling complex church events. Perfect for reading groups." Library Journal "For fans of Ann Patchetts The Patron Saint of Liars or Maile Meloys Liars and Saints, Mercy House is a must-read." San Francisco Book Review

Author Bio

Alena Dillon's work has appeared in Slice Magazine, The Rumpus, and Seventh Wave, among others. She earned her MFA from Fairfield University. Mercy House is her debut novel. She lives on the north shore of Boston with her husband, son, and their black labrador, Penny.