What a great conclusion to the Stone Creek Brides series. Although this can be read as a stand-alone I suggest you read all three to get background stories on characters and also because you won’t want to miss out on the other stories. First off the cover is as beautiful as the words contained inside. I’m so happy Nora has her own story, as I fell in love with her character when she was first introduced and her mistreatment by her aunt. She is kind and compassionate and her life at home had me in tears. It is sad how unwed mothers are treated by others but God still has a plan their lives, which includes Nora’s sister. There is so much I want to comment on but I don’t want to spoil the story line. I can say it has a mystery of who is starting fires, romance, faith, family, friends, and delicately deals with abuse. An all encompassing book that will keep you engrossed and leave you satisfied but sad that it is over. I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required. ( )

Scandals and Mercies by Kathleen Rouser is a Christian Historical Romance. Nora Armstrong was taken from her family’s farm to live with her wealthy aunt and uncle. She struggles to accept and conform to her aunt’s idea of a suitable husband and hides her sister’s shameful secret from them.

James Cooper is a report on the quest for a great story to move him forward in his career. After the local home for unwed mothers burns down, the arson investigation brings big-city reporter James Cooper back to Stone Creek—and back into Nora’s life. James’s meddling aunt raises more questions than she answers about his past.

As the story progresses, secrets are revealed, mysteries develop, and endangered mothers require protection. I loved watching the interactions between James and Nora. I also appreciated how the author turns characters who seem cold and harsh into characters you could understand.

So, if you enjoy Christian Historical Romances, check out Scandals and Mercies by Kathleen Rouser.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

Scandals and Mercies is the third book in Kathleen Rouser's Stone Creek Brides series. This is an enjoyable, easy to read Christian historical romance that is well written and easy to imagine. This story does follow after the rest in the series with similar wonderful characters, so it is best to read them in order. In this story we meet Nora and James. Both have been raised by aunts who have a secret about their younger life that affects how they view others.

I enjoyed reading of how Nora felt about her aunt and how she wasn't able to obtain her dream of being a teacher. I found it interesting the extremes James would go to be able to advance in the newspaper field. I also enjoyed catching up with the other characters that have been introduced in the earlier books in this series. I appreciate how the author touched on the sensitive topic of unwed pregnancies, abuse and neglect.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review. ( )

This story is a reminder of how people judge others. It was sad to see people in town treating unwed mothers so harshly. I kept thinking of the scripture that says, “He without sin cast the first stone.” Nora is such a sweet caring young woman. She has become more like a maid at her uncle and aunt’s place. Her aunt is cruel and says such hurtful words to Nora. Nora is also keeping a secret about her sister that will soon be found out if they are not careful.

When a fire destroys the home where unwed mothers we’re staying the town seems to be divided on whether to help them or not. James is here in town working at the newspaper. He thinks the fire will be a big story and help his career. Arson is suspected but who would want to harm the women and their babies? I was disappointed in the article he published and saw a bitter heart within him.

Nora and James are attracted to each other but they do have a few obstacles to overcome. Faith is very important to Nora, yet James is not sure he believes in God. When something tragic happens to Nora’s aunt everything changes. I loved how the author illustrates how we are to care for others and forgive them. This part reminded me of my mother. We never had a good relationship but when she became very sick I knew I had to be there to care for her. Nora shows her compassion and love for her aunt even though she has been treated so badly by her.

When a dark secret is revealed to James his world seems to fall apart. Here is where I thought the author did a great job of showing how vulnerable a character was and his journey to forgive. Janes knows that he has misjudged so many but can he learn to trust God?

As I read the story I felt that old familiar feeling of rejection. Several characters experience it and it made me remember growing up knowing that my parents never loved me. Their rejection followed me into adulthood. The only way I was able to forgive them was to ask God for help. We see in the story where a few characters experienced how painful rejection is. They didn’t handle it well but God always has a way to deal with things that pull us away from our faith.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )

We are back in Stone Creek, Michigan in 1902. Prejudice runs deep in some people while others are ready to help put the past just where it belongs - in the past. Nora Armstrong loves the opportunity to play piano for the church, but wishes she was able to get her teaching certificate - something her Aunt Gertrude and Uncle Edmond refuse to even consider. After all, they did not send her to finishing school to be a teacher but rather to marry a wealthy man.

James Cooper is the local journalist, always ready to print the truth, even if it rubs folks the wrong way. When his Aunt Phoebe arrives in town, the earth beneath his feet is shaken - how can he ever live it down!

Nora is learning to reflect the light of Jesus into the world. Will it show James that God really does exist? An early copy of Stone Creek Brides book3 was received through Wild Heart Books and BookFunnel. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited. ( )