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Table of Contents
About The Book
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author Richard Paul Evans, synonymous with emotionally powerful Christmas storytelling, comes a new novel based on a historical figure, set in Gilded Age New York. One woman whose single act of courage ignites a movement to protect the most vulnerable.
Based on a true story
In 1874, Marietta “Etta” Wheeler left the small, upstate New York farm town she was raised in to follow her husband to the bustling metropolis of New York City. In her new world, she feels small and lost, and finds herself looking for purpose in her life.
That purpose finds her in the tenements of Hell’s Kitchen, when she comes across a young girl living in brutal conditions no child should face. With a singular mission to save the girl, Etta finds herself tested by the highest levels of society and bureaucracy, and finding bravery that surprises even herself.
What begins as a simple act of compassion unfolds into a journey that will not only change the course of both of their lives but will change the nation’s history.
Based on a true story
In 1874, Marietta “Etta” Wheeler left the small, upstate New York farm town she was raised in to follow her husband to the bustling metropolis of New York City. In her new world, she feels small and lost, and finds herself looking for purpose in her life.
That purpose finds her in the tenements of Hell’s Kitchen, when she comes across a young girl living in brutal conditions no child should face. With a singular mission to save the girl, Etta finds herself tested by the highest levels of society and bureaucracy, and finding bravery that surprises even herself.
What begins as a simple act of compassion unfolds into a journey that will not only change the course of both of their lives but will change the nation’s history.
Product Details
- Publisher: Gallery Books (October 20, 2026)
- Length: 320 pages
- ISBN13: 9781668264218
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Raves and Reviews
Praise for the #1 New York Times bestselling author Richard Paul Evans
"King of Christmas fiction."
—The New York Times
“The most popular holiday tale since Tiny Tim.”
—Newsweek
“The master of the holiday tearjerker . . . Fans of Evans’ work will be both moved by and invested in this semiautobiographical tale.”
—Booklist
“Chock-full of holiday spirit . . . this enjoyable Yuletide tale deserves a place under many a Christmas tree.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Masterful storytelling . . . in true Evans form”
—Deseret News
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
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Book Cover Image (jpg): Mercy's Child
Hardcover 9781668264218
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Author Photo (jpg): Richard Paul Evans Photo by Emily Drew.(0.1 MB)
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