The Miracle of Mercy Land by River Jordan

River Jordan's The Miracle of Mercy Land is set in the deep South in the 1930s. Mercy Land leaves her family in Bittersweet to become Doc's Girl, or right-hand helper, at Bay City's local paper, The Banner. She thinks she's in line to take over the paper, until a mysterious book appears on Doc's desk one night and he summons a strange man for the role instead. Secrets emerge, people aren't who they seem to be, and the devil has a cameo as a Marilyn Monroe look-alike.

I loved the book in the beginning. It was fast-paced, full of intrigue, and had me hooked. But it ended up like a loaf of undercooked bread. The right ingredients were present, but the loaf was taken out of the oven too soon. The ending didn't quite make it for me. I didn't get it on the first read, either. That's why I'm mixed in my recommendation. Jordan tells a clean, romantic, emotional tale. I just prefer my books a little crisper. (PG-13 for traumatic events, 3/5 stars)

[I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review.]