Christmas Mercy: an Everyday Love companion novella

Torn apart by betrayal. Reunited by chance. This Christmas could bring mercy, forgiveness, and a second chance at love. Seven years ago, Rob Vaughn left small town Oklahoma to find work and help his fiancée pay their young daughter’s medical expenses. Blindsided with news that left him angry and heartbroken, he found no reason to return until called home by a nudge from the Lord. While he still can’t trust Vera, he reaches out to apologize for the way he left, only to discover the reasons he stayed away all this time were based on lies.

In Vera Dyson’s experience, fathers don’t stay. Hers left when she was thirteen, and then her fiancé took off at twenty-three. In Rob’s absence, Vera found strength in Christ and, with her mother’s wisdom and guidance, raised a capricious, visually impaired daughter. When Rob shows up out of the blue, it doesn’t take long to figure out his parents were behind his vanishing act. But why?

Working toward forgiveness, Vera and Rob build an amicable relationship so Edie can know her father. A Christ-centered, mature love finally looks possible for the pair. However, as the web of lies they’ve both believed for so long begins to unravel, their capacity for grace and mercy is tested.

Formerly titled Christmas Mercy, this novella first appeared in the Crossroads Collection Five Gold Rings . It takes place concurrently and after the events of Whatever Happens Next (Everyday Love Book Three) .

" Christmas Mercy ... amazing. Betrayal, manipulation, fears, and mayhem almost ruined both couple’s lives, which set the stage for some awesome hope, forgiveness, and maturity." —Aryn the Libraryan, reviewer ★★★★★

"There are second chance romances. And then there is this second chance romance. Intense. Heartfelt and heart rending. Everything you could ask for, so much passion, people, family...forgiveness, mercy, so much that seems hard and impossible, yet we’re commanded. An incredible book..." Michaela, review for Christmas Mercy from Five Gold Rings ★★★★★

"A beautifully written story summed up by the 'Forgiveness doesn't always mean the hurt disappears, but it brings a measure of comfort and healing to those who've been wronged.' I need to find more books by this author!" —G.G., review for Christmas Mercy from Five Gold Rings ★★★★★