Evelyn was never wanted. Her father even bargained with God to bring his son home from the war, and he would put Evelyn in a convent. Evelyn's brother did come home, and she did go to the convent.

Her time in the convent wasn't pleasant. Evelyn saw and endured unpleasant things.

After a few years, she and a few of her fellow nuns opened a shelter in Brooklyn that housed girls suffering from domestic abuse and abandonment.

The red door with the angel knocker was a welcome refuge for these girls.

This refuge is threatened when one of the bishops from Evelyn's past who holds a grudge against her arrives to see exactly what they do at the women's shelter and threatens to shut it down.

We follow Evelyn as she worries about the fate of the house and about the girls inside....what if they say the wrong thing while Father Hawkins is interviewing them? How will she keep them safe and keep Mercy House open if he finds damning evidence whether real or made up?

Evelyn was a very strong, feisty, but sad woman who would do or say anything to protect the girls she was helping. I really liked her.

Sister Maria and Sister Josephine were very likeable.

The girls at the home were rough but likeable.

Bishop Hawkins was despicable.

Be aware that there are some upsetting and coarse situations addressed in MERCY HOUSE, but it was an educational read and one that will be enjoyed by women's fiction fans. Historical fiction fans will also enjoy this book.

Well written with authentic characters. 5/5

This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Mercy House by Alena Dillon is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Catholic Sister Evelyn runs a safe house for women in Brooklyn along with two other sisters. Their stories and those of the women they care for, added to societal issues facing both women and the Catholic church in the 21st century, make for a terrific read. Sister Evelyn rocks! Comedian Amy Schumer and CBS are reportedly developing a movie based on the book. Highly recommended.