Under the Cover of Mercy

A Novel

By: Rebecca Connolly

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

November, 1914.

The Great War has come to Brussels, the Germans have occupied the city, and Edith Cavell, Head Nurse at Berkendael Medical Institute, faces an impossible situation. As matron of a designated Red Cross hospital, Edith has sworn an oath to help any who are wounded, under whatever flag they are found. But Governor von Lüttwitz, the ranking German officer, has additional orders for her. She and her nurses must also stand guard over the wounded Allied prisoners of war and prevent them from escaping.

Edith feels that God called her to be a healer, not a jailer. How can she heal these broken boys, only to allow them to be returned to the hands of their oppressors to be beaten again?

So when members of the Belgian resistance, desperate for help, bring two wounded British soldiers to her hospital in secret, she makes a decision that will change everything: she will heal the soldiers, and then attempt to smuggle them out of the hospital to freedom.

With her loyal friend and fellow nurse, Elizabeth, by her side, Edith establishes her hospital as a safe house for the resistance, laboring tirelessly to save as many soldiers as she can. Working under the watchful eyes of the German army, Edith faces challenging odds and charges of treason—which carries the death penalty if she is caught—as she fights alongside the resistance to bring—and keep—hope to her small corner of a war-torn world.

Based on a true story, Under the Cover of Mercy is the remarkable account of one woman who defied an entire nation in order to heal those who needed her help the most.

©2023 Rebecca Connolly (P)2023 Shadow Mountain

Very heart warming

I love books that depict the good even in the worst of times. I loved the strength of Edith Colvell and the other nurses in this story. It gives me strength to stand and do what is right and good

Strength of main character. Enjoyed novel very much.

It came to an end abruptly … but I guess that was part of the writer’s intention.

compelling true story

Fascinating true story about red cross nurses in WWI. Gripping and poignant. The narrator at times has an unusual lilt to her voice, but is excellent at accents, which translates well in this story, as it takes place in Brussels. Highly recommend!

terrible narrator

The narrator was so pathetic! I couldn't stand her voice. thankfully it is a great story.

Hero

This is a story of true courage and moral clarity. The story was not as imaginative as a fictional novel, but that’s to be expected since this is a true story, though told in novel form. There are no plot twists or character epiphanies. Yet, a heart-rending witness to a life lived for Jesus. “Offer to God the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord,” Edith quotes from Psalm 4 in her practical, wholehearted way.