Mercy

A Timeslip Novel

By: L.C. Russell

Narrated by: Julia Holland

What is your life worth when someone else owns it?

When Mercy Maddox makes a spur of the moment decision to pretend she is the fare of a man holding a name card at Savannah Airport, she doesn't suspect she's about to climb into the back seat of a hit man hired to kill his passenger—nor find herself on an Antebellum plantation a hundred and eighty years in the past.

The journey results in a botched rape attempt and Mercy fleeing into the murky swamps of eastern Georgia where she is shot and left for dead. But that's only the beginning of this story. Mercy discovers she has traveled back in time to a place that has not existed for almost 200 years—Butler Plantation, the largest rice and cotton plantation in the south. There, she is caught up in a ruse to impersonate the famous Fanny Kemble Butler and finds herself embroiled in a plot to foil the Reverse Underground Railroad—the heinous practice of kidnapping free people of color in the north to be sold as slaves in the burgeoning southwestern cotton producing states.

This book is based on real people and real events. It is an adventure story, a love story, and a story of one woman's courage to free both herself and those she loves—those she holds dear.

©2024 Virginia Russell (P)2024 Virginia Russell

Unplanned Travel

In Mercy, L.C. Russell takes listeners on an extraordinary account that masterfully intertwines history with fiction into the tumultuous era of the Antebellum South. From the beginning, Ms. Russell gathers fans into a gripping premise: Mercy Maddox, in a moment of spontaneity, unwittingly finds herself embroiled in a life-threatening situation that transports her 200 years back to 1838. This twist of fate sets the stage for a riveting adventure filled with danger, resilience, and unexpected love.

The protagonist, Mercy, is a compelling character whose strength and determination are palpable throughout the narrative. As she assumes the identity of the infamous Fanny Kemble Butler, the story evolves into a poignant exploration of identity, survival, and the fight against the injustices of the time. The author’s meticulous attention to historical detail not only brings Butler Plantation to life but also provides a heart-wrenching backdrop for Mercy’s story to unfold. This novel's powerful portrayal of love in the face of adversity makes it exceptional.

The growing relationship between Mercy and Jayda, Fanny's enslaved protector assigned by her husband to keep her safe, transcends time and societal constraints, showcasing the enduring power of love amidst the horrors of slavery. Their connection is beautifully depicted, resonating deeply with themes of courage and freedom. The narrative is further enriched by depicting the Reverse Underground Railroad, a dark historical chapter where freed blacks in the North were captured and sold as slaves to plantation owners in the South. The emotional weight of this topic is handled with sensitivity, shedding light on the countless lives affected by this heinous practice.

As Mercy navigates this dangerous world, readers root for her triumph and the liberation of those around her. Will Mercy make it to her best time to live? Who will help her achieve her goal?

Julia Holland delivers exceptional narration with perfect pace and tones that keep listeners engaged and rooting for the heroine and hero of this story. The characters' voices are distinctive and realistic to the bygone era. There were no issues or problems with the flawless delivery of this masterful tale of time travel.

Overall, A Time for Mercy is an adventure story and a profound and thought-provoking reflection on human resilience and the relentless quest for freedom. The author has created a mesmerizing tale that will linger in one’s thoughts indefinitely. This is a must-listen or read for anyone who appreciates a perfect historical fantasy that blends thrilling escapades with deep historical significance.

Beautiful Narration.

I loved listening this book. The narration was of a high quality, and the story was interesting.