Bernadette Baker lives through every mother's worst nightmare when her adopted sixteen-year-old daughter, Veronica, is brutally murdered in a shocking and random act of violence. Ten years later the murderer, Raelynn Blackwell, is facing execution for her crime, and despite being united in their grief over Veronica, the Baker family is deeply divided on the subject of the death penalty. When a shocking discovery threatens to tear the family apart each of them is forced to face their conflicting reactions.
A heart-wrenching and ultimately redemptive family drama of forgiveness, destiny, and the true nature of justice. This family drama is a must-read that teaches us about the true nature of justice and our very humanity. -Sr. Helen Prejean, C.S.J., author of Dead Man Walking
A stunning achievement. Dorothy Van Soest is indeed a masterful storyteller. I eagerly await her next book. --Hal Zina Bennett, bestselling author of Write From the Heart: Unleashing the Power of Our Creativity
A thought-provoking novel about the full implications of the death . . . Complex characters populate this well-considered take on capital punishment.? --Kirkus Reviews ? Just Mercy combines a brisk read with deep themes of justice, forgiveness, the abiding love of family and the sanctity of human life. --Joe Martin, Real Change Newspaper Just Mercy is a moving, fast-paced read that artfully sweeps us up in the journey of forgiveness- Leslie Neale, Director, Producer, Unlikely Friends
Just Mercy reads like a motion picture ... bringing home the horror of the death penalty and the complexities of how compassion arrives in unexpected ways.--Jarvis Jay Masters, Author of Finding Freedom: Writl6