Mercy Road

By: Ann Howard Creel

Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld

Length: 9 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

Inspired by the true story of the World War I American Women’s Hospital, Mercy Road is a novel about love, courage, and a female ambulance driver who risks everything.

In 1917, after Arlene Favier’s home burns to the ground, taking her father with it, she must find a way to support her mother and younger brother. If she doesn’t succeed, they will all be impoverished. Job opportunities are scarce, but then a daring possibility arises: the American Women’s Hospital needs ambulance drivers to join a trailblazing, all-female team of doctors and nurses bound for war-torn France.

On the front lines, Arlene and her fellow ambulance drivers work day and night to aid injured soldiers and civilians. In between dangerous ambulance runs, Arlene reunites with a childhood friend, Jimmy Tucker, now a soldier, who opens her heart like no one before. But she has also caught the attention of Felix Brohammer, a charismatic army captain who harbors a dark, treacherous secret.

To expose Brohammer means risking her family’s future and the promise of love. Arlene must make a choice: stay in the safety of silence or take the greatest chance of her life.

©2019 Ann Howard Creel (P)2019 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Where Did the Title Come From?

The story is much like the Title, you sort of say, well I sort of see how it fits....

The writing is not bad, but the story is a mixed salad, not a blend. First it is the story about the horse farm, then it is a story about ambulance driving. The stories are just tossed together.

The transitions whether big or small (farm to war) or small are just not well handled. For example, the main character are having their first love scene and something reminds her of the bad guy and she is suddenly talking about him, and live scene dropped. A good editor could have helped with that.

I won’t say this is not worth your time, if you like to read. But if you have to make time to read, there are better. I mike try this author again. With a little work and a good editor, she has potential.

lacked depth

struggled to like it. kept waiting for the characters to be developed. nothing was wrapped up. no truths exposed. Despite being in a war the author lacked the ability to draw you in make you feel the terror and horror of war. Main character lacked emotion.

Great read! Great listen!

I enjoyed this book very much. the characters were fascinating and I learned a lot about the war in France.

Overall worth the listen

One reviewer said this book is depressing. I didn't find it to be so. Rather, I found it frustrating that people continue to be people even in a war zone. Wherever you go, there you are. As if I expected some transcendence. This is a love story and a story of a woman who made her dreams become real. Setting is WWI.

Hoped for more....

I really wanted to like this book and its characters but couldn't really enjoy it. Main character lacked depth and character. Story only scratched the surface.

Meh! 🫤

This story had potential, but fell flat. The mystery/ intrigue was not realized, which was a true disappointment.

An enjoyable listen

The plot involves intrigue, accusations with devastating implications, and personal growth that challenges old ideas and the embracing of possibilities.

Wonderful

Very well done story of the time period. I love listening to Saskatoon, she is a real pro.

Great Story

A great listen. Narrator has a pleasant voice. Story grabs you from the beginning, which is difficult to do.

page turner

loved it. the story was captivating. main characters relatable. had an easy flow that kept you wanting to know what happens next.