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Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Brenda Rickman Vantrease's THE MERCY SELLER.
Bee from Muncie, IN
Have you previously read a book by Brenda Rickman Vantrease?
No.
What other authors do you read?
Linda Lael Miller and Jennifer Apodaca, and others.
What did you think of THE MERCY SELLER?
I really liked it.
Would you ever read a future book by Brenda Rickman Vantrease?
Yes.
Betsy from Gig Harbor, WA
Have you previously read a book by Brenda Rickman Vantrease?
I have not previously read a book by Brenda Rickman Vantrease, although I have heard of her. I did immediately go to the library and get her earlier book (THE ILLUMINATOR) that [takes place] before this one, although THE MERCY SELLER could be a stand alone.
What other authors do you read?
I read all kinds of authors as I am a high school librarian. I would compare her to Philippa Gregory and Ann Benson --- both are authors that are widely read in my library at school.
What did you think of THE MERCY SELLER?
I grew up in a church that followed many of the biblical traditions, so THE MERCY SELLER was interesting to me because of the lengths to which these brave people went to as they fought for the right to copy the Bible themselves and pass it on. To me, it was obvious that the research done for this book and its [preceding novel] was extensive. I very much enjoyed them and definitely look forward to books that this author will write in the future.
Debbie from Upland, CA
Have you previously read a book by Brenda Rickman Vantrease?
No.
What other authors do you read?
Robert Crais, Michael Connelly, Tami Hoag, Sue Grafton, Nora Roberts, Joanne Fluke, Janet Evanovich and many, many more.
What did you think of THE MERCY SELLER?
I started out reading historical fiction and, in the last few years, have gravitated to suspense and mystery books. THE MERCY SELLER was everything and more that I loved in a good historical work. I enjoyed following this tale of Anna and Gabriel, and the religious persecution of the 1400s.
Would you ever read a future book by Brenda Rickman Vantrease?
Definitely; in fact I am planning on getting a copy of THE ILLUMINATOR and reading Finn's story. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful book!
Gail from Knoxville, TN
Have you previously read a book by Brenda Rickman Vantrease?
No.
What other authors do you read?
Margaret George, Alison Weir, Michael Connelly, James W. Hall, C. J. Box, Jack Kerley, Bernard Cornwell, Mary Anna Evans, Giles Blunt, J. A. Jance, Randy Wayne White, John Connolly, Clive Cussler, Michele Martinez, Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, Christine Kling, Greg Iles, Jeffery Deaver, Lee Child and Karleen Koen.
What did you think of THE MERCY SELLER?
Loved it. Great pace and interesting subject; the book flowed really well.
Would you ever read a future book by Brenda Rickman Vantrease?
Yes.
Kay from Lafayette, LA
Have you previously read a book by Brenda Rickman Vantrease?
This is the first book by Brenda Rickman Vantrease that I’ve read, but it will not be the last! I just ordered a copy of THE ILLUMINATOR because I enjoyed THE MERCY SELLER so much. I can hardly wait to get back into this story.
What other authors do you read?
Lately, I’ve really enjoyed reading books by Steve Berry, Clive Cussler, James Rollins, Lee Child, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, Philippa Gregory and Diane Setterfield. I love to read historical fiction and I always love a good thriller.
What did you think of THE MERCY SELLER?
I absolutely loved THE MERCY SELLER. I really enjoyed the vocabulary challenge and felt that it fit the time period. It didn’t take very long to fall in love with Anna and Finn. The story was told so well that I felt transported to another time and place, and it really was difficult to put down the book.
Would you ever read a future book by Brenda Rickman Vantrease?
Yes, indeed. I will read all future books by Brenda Rickman Vantrease, and I plan to circulate my copy of THE MERCY SELLER to a few of my friends who also are avid readers. Thanks so much for a truly excellent novel.
Ronna from Potomac, MD
Have you previously read a book by Brenda Rickman Vantrease?
No.
What other authors do you read?
Leif Enger
Jodi Picoult
Ted Dekker
Marilynne Robinson
Anne Tyler
Francine Rivers
Robert Liparulo
Pat Conroy
Laura Childs
Karen Kingsbury
Amy Tan
Jan Karon
Phillipa Gregory
Kazuo Ishiguro
Ridley Pearson
Mary Kay Andrews
Debbie Macomber
Craig Parshall
Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Lisa See
Nancy Fairbanks
J. A. Jance
Linda Fairstein
Joanne Harris
OK, I read a lot; this list should give enough of an idea of the authors I like!
What did you think of THE MERCY SELLER?
When I signed up for this book, I said that I would love it or hate it. Well, I not only loved it, I thoroughly liked it too! This time period ---1412-1417--- is not often written about in historical fiction from this point of view. The connection in Prague with the Jewish community, and the connection in England with Harry V and John Wycliffe, was intricately woven and very interesting to read about. It was a very refreshing point of view. The copying of books and Bibles in the "people's languages" sure caused a great stir. Yet, today, this is still the biggest best-selling book ever! All readers and book lovers should find this really interesting. Then the love story between the book copier's daughter and the "Spy" was fabulous! They were such rich, deeply thoughtful, and tender characters. I have already told two of my book groups that we will be reading this book. I also want to read Vantrease's earlier work, THE ILLUMINATOR, as I assume [that THE MERCY SELLER is its sequel].
Also, I have only read one previous book that goes into the lives of Kathryn and Jerome before. Their lives are fascinating also. So much enjoyment in such a fine book!
Would you ever read a future book by Brenda Rickman Vantrease?
Absolutely!
Megan from Austin, TX
Have you previously read a book by Brenda Rickman Vantrease?
I have not previously read a book by this author.
What other authors do you read?
I read many authors Tom Wolfe, Connie Willis, Eric Flint, Mercedes Lackey, Sherri Tepper, Isabelle Allendeand Margaret Atwood.
What did you think of THE MERCY SELLER?
I liked the book, especially the social history of France/Europe.The religious history was also interesting. Sometimes the plot moved a bit slowly.
Would you ever read a future book by Brenda Rickman Vantrease?
I would read another book by this author.
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