Mercy Hollings is learning that her ability to "press" others into doing what she wants them to do can have serious side effects.  Still reeling from Dominic's death and revelations (see BEG FOR MERCY for more details), Mercy is reluctantly looking into her own past with the help of her best friend, Sukey.  Meanwhile, an offer to work with abused women in her role as a hypnotherapist is irresistible to Mercy.  What will happen when Mercy's emotions cause her to lose control again?

ANGEL OF MERCY is the second book featuring hypnotherapist, Mercy Hollings.  I was a bit ambivalent on the first book as the names distracted me and the storyline just didn't completely mesh for me.  I had decided to read at least one more book, though, since Mercy's ability, the "press", was so unique.  Boy, am I ever glad!

Mercy is an impetuous, feisty character.  Her qualms about her abilities have left her in doubt as to whether she is fully human.  It's hard to not like Mercy as she is so, well, human, despite all her own misgivings!   Mercy's willingness, no call it a passion even, to defend both her friends and anyone in need is admirable.  Admittedly, her impulsivity doesn't often create the situations she is aiming for but she is still learning and growing and it's admirable to see a character who recognizes her own strengths and weaknesses.

ANGEL OF MERCY touches on some very sensitive topics.  The whole issue of battered women is a delicate one and Mercy's anger is very understandable.  Toni Andrews does a great job at showing the dark side of this issue and its impact on everyone involved.

ANGEL OF MERCY is a solid second effort from Toni Andrews.  Mercy Hollings is an interesting character and I look forward to seeing where her quest for her own identity leads her.

Reviewed by Debbie

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Posted June 2008