Mercy Nurses

Courage, compassion, love of their country, love of God, and truth to their profession is what these nurses were about. In a time of great evil and terror they were a flame of light for those who needed them. Putting everything on the line, even their lives, they helped those that needed their help.

This story takes place during WWI, The Great War, which was the war to end all wars. At least that's what everyone thought. The story is based on real people, real places and real events. It may be a fictional story and some of the characters may be different, but it catches the essence of the time period and the bravery of those brave souls working as nurses under Edith Cavell.

Edith Cavell was one of the most unselfish caring people ever. She cared for her nurses, she cared for the soldiers she helped and she cared for her moral character, and her ideals. She refused to give up her pledge she took as a nurse to help those that needed help and this is what she did. There is even a statue in her honor.

This is a story of how Edith used her hospital as a safe house for the Resistance helping injured and needy allied soldiers to recover and to flee Belgium for a neutral country. In view of the Nazi's, under their noses, and against their rules they worked to free those soldiers fleeing from the Nazi's.

Eventually there would come a reckoning and many of the resistance would pay for helping these soldiers, but many soldiers were saved and those brave helpers never regretted helping them escape although they paid dearly for their parts in this.

It was a wonderful story of brave women, especially Edith and I was awed by the courage and fortitude shown. I would recommend this book.

Thanks to Rebecca Connolly for writing this story, to Shadow Mountain Publishing for publishing it and to NetGalley for providing me with a copy to read and review.

Rebecca Connolly obviously appreciates history and goes in depth with research. Edith Corvell was a Red Cross nurse from England who chose to work at the Burkendael Medical Institute in Brussels even when war broke out. The first world war brought German occupation to the area where she served and taught nursing. This fictionalized account of her bravery, mercy and kindness to her fellow human beings is an honorable story. It causes me to want to learn more about her dedication to all patients in her care which led to her ultimate sacrifice. I received an advanced reader's copy of the book from the publisher and NetGalley. This is my own unsolicited opinion about the book.
I have to say that I wish the characterization in the story had been stronger. I truly found it hard to care for the people in the story, including this amazing woman. I didn't feel the intensity the story of her life deserves until I was well over halfway through the book.
The bravery of this woman and her fellow rescuers of allied troops is astounding. The scenes with building tension and arrests of this group of brave citizens is the saving grace of the story for me. I could definitely see the building evil of the military that turned the world upside down when the second world war devastated humanity.

Riveting with a fresh perspective on the time. The writing is well-crafted, the pacing comfortable, strong character development and an intriguing plot. An all-around easy to recommend title for historical fiction lovers.

A story of “hope and goodness in the midst of darkness.” In 1914 nurse Edith Cavell was the Matron of the Berkendael Medical Institute in Brussels, Belgium when the German army took control of the city. She was willing to treat anyone injured, regardless of nationality, despite the danger it put her in. Assisted by the Belgian resistance, Edith secretly helped wounded British soldiers to heal and escape the country without being captured. Her faith and reliance on God sustained her through the trials she faced.

This is a remarkable true story of a brave woman who helped at least 200 soldiers escape to safety. I’m grateful the author shared the story of Edith Cavell because she deserves to be known and remembered. Thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing for an ARC to use for my review.

These stories are so difficult to hear, but they MUST not be lost. This courageous woman, with God's help and the assistance of the other Berkendael Medical Institute nurses, changed the course of history for approximately 200 individuals. Matron Edith, with her compassionate, calm demeanor listened to her Guide rather than her oppression. Difficult to read? Certainly. But please -- help Edith's legacy live on. Help her story survive. We must never forget.
Thank you, Ms. Connolly, for sharing this with us. While others have mentioned this being a widely known, often-mentioned WWI incident, I'd never heard of it. This remarkable story never once crossed my path, through textbook, literature, lecture, or happenstance ... until now. I find myself both saddened and encouraged. Saddened at the darkness endured, but encouraged by Edith's unwavering, indomitable faith. Ms. Connolly, you have my gratitude.

Thank you, author and publisher, for sharing an advance copy of this title in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Under The Cover Of Mercy is a remarkable true story of the brave and courage’s women, Edith Cavell. A woman who dedicated her life to nursing and God, saving hundreds of lives, those she nursed back to health, both German and Allies and also helping allied soldiers escape occupied Brussels during WW1. Matron Cavell was an extrodianary women that paid the ultimate price. Towards the end there was a lot of religions prayers etc, as an atheist I did find myself skipping those parts, however this heartbreaking novel is a must read, about an inspiring, selfless, loyal and devoted women with an incredible story.
I would like to thank Shadow Mountain Publishing, NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read his complimentary copy for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I enjoy reading books that are based somewhat on reality, even if all the facts are not known. That is the case with this book. We learn about Edith Cavell, a nurse during WWI in Belgium that ended up giving up her life while helping soldiers escape the Germans. My heart broke for Edith when she was convicted of treason, but I admired her pluck in standing up for what was right.

This story is told from two points of view - Edith, and her Assistant Matron, Lizzie. At times it took me a minute to figure out whose POV was being told at that moment. I would have liked a clearer delineation of whose perspective we were seeing at that moment. Both of these women were to be admired for the lengths they went to to ensure that the soldiers were not caught by the Germans. 

The story contains a lot of dialogue, whether between characters or internally. I was disappointed that there weren't more descriptions of the women, men, or the hospital. We did see some descriptive narrative when they were walking about town and the shops they would pass, and towards the end when Edith was imprisoned and at trial, but not much more than that.

These women and the hospital were part of the Red Cross. I have to admit that I don't know much about how they operate during war or if they are protected from attack, but that was my impression in this book. I would hope that since this is a neutral organization that wants to provide aid to everyone, no matter their heritage, that they are protected by common decency. It did give me the desire to research the Red Cross and its mission.

This is an intriguing tale about Edith Cavell and her mission in life, especially during the war. I appreciated the author's notes at the end that shared more of Edith's history so we could understand her better. Overall, we give it 3 paws up.

Rebecca Connolly is a fantastic historical fiction writer. I’ve enjoyed all the books I’ve read by her including her historical romances. This book is the beautifully written story of Edith Cavell who was the Head Nurse at Berkendael Medical Institute in Brussels, Belgium during WWI. Her courageous actions were inspirational and I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about this little known story in history.

In 1914, the Germans took over Brussels. The new German governor directs Edith, who is the Matron of the Red Cross hospital, and her nurses to guard any prisoners of war they treat. As a devoted Christian believer, Edith has instructed her nurses to treat anyone regardless of what country they are from and refuses to be their jailers. Through her close friend who has ties to the Belgian underground, she treats two British soldiers and helps them escape to freedom. What follows is a harrowing story of bravery as she works to heal and free the Germans’ enemies. Her close friend and fellow nurse Elizabeth helps her on this mission. They risk everything, all under the close scrutiny of the Germans.

I was touched by Edith’s story and her desire to do what she felt she was guided to do. She didn’t hesitate to help others or risk her own life. This was the first I’d heard of this inspiring woman and I’m so glad that she and her fellow nurses will be remembered through this powerful story. The ending provoked all kinds of emotions and I found myself reflecting on what I would have done in her situation.

I read an advanced copy of the book and so I’m not sure what the final product will be like, but I only wished there was a list of the characters and maps included with the book. It would have been so nice to be able to picture where the Berkendael Institute was located. There were also several characters who all played significant roles in the story and I would have liked to have been able to have a quick reference for each of them. All in all though a fantastic read for historical fiction fans. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given.

Edith Cavell with her work in Belgium during WWI finds herself treating wounded soldiers, no matter which side they fight on. She becomes more embroiled in helping British soldiers to escape their German enemies and her life is jeopardized by her actions. Her strong faith in God helps to make her stand up against heavy odds. An excellent biography of a real life hero and a well respected caregiver; highly recommended reading.

Beautiful, based on a true story. One nurse in Brussels, during WWI struggles to help the resistance everyone who is injured and in danger. She works with the resistance to help those who are injured and have been captured. A true humanitarian and very inspirational story.

A very informative historical fiction novel centering around a nurse during WW1. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the sneak peek in exchange for my honest opinion. I enjoyed this book.

3.5 Stars

This was a wonderful story, and one I had never heard. I haven't read or seen much WWI fiction, and this was a great retelling of the true story of Edith Cavell's life. I was fascinated by her story and bolstered by her faith. I really enjoyed Lizzie's character and the other nurses were sweet, but not super memorable. Overall it was an interesting read, and I'd recommend it to historical fiction readers!

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for an advanced copy of this book, all opinions are mine.

As a fan of World War One and Two narratives, I was looking forward to reading this and I was not disappointed.
Based on a true story (I do like those), the character of Edith is strong in her beliefs and courageous in the face of danger. This book is a testament to those who risked their lives to help those facing terrible fates.
I enjoyed the dual point of view, moving from Edith herself to her fellow nurse and friend, Lizzie, but I would say I would have liked to have gone deeper in Edith's character. The cover is striking and the author's note and epilogue interesting bonuses.
I haven't read anything by Connolly before, but having enjoyed her writing style here, I will be looking out for her other narratives going forward. An inspirational and sombre read, one I would recommend to those who enjoy historical fiction and world war stories based on true people.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy to read.

This is a true story written like a novel. It was an easy read and kept my attention from the beginning. The faith content was amazing! Edith Cavell was a faith-filled truly remarkable woman. A great book.

This cover is beautiful! I'm familiar with Edith Cavell's heroic story, so I was intrigued to read this. I have read most of this authors books, and loved them so I figured I wouldn't be disappointed by reading something different than her regular works. That being said, Edith's story is so brave and all of the events that led up to what happened to her was just asking to be written into a story. However, this book was slow, I understand writing about actual people is difficult, but this story felt a little flat to me. While I understand why its there, I didn't like the changing POV's, I was confused sometimes about who I was reading. Though this is just a personal preference, and I know it was based on her life, but I like a smidgen of romance in my stories. Even if it wasn't with Edith.

The book was very on par with Rebecca's writing style and while I enjoyed the book, I probably won't read it again. The author's notes definitely improve the over all story. so give those a read This isn't one of those deep filled to the brim with details, gritty historical books. It's a pretty light read for a heavy subject if that makes sense. It was pretty good and I would recommend to anyone looking to learn more about Edith's story.

I received a copy of from the publisher for my honest review.

I was disappointed in this book that I had expected to enjoy reading. I found it hard to decide whether Lizzie or Edith was the real protagonist, and I found it to be preachy instead of inspirational. I will not be reviewing it on my blog since I only blog about books that I can recommend to my readers. Thanks for letting me preview the book that I at least found to be educational about Edith Cavell's life.

This story of Edith Cavell is tidily summed up in this novel by Rebecca Connolly. I was genuinely moved by her choices, her faith, and her sacrifice. But I found the telling of this story so unembellished by descriptive, world-building details that it left me wanting so much more for this heroic woman. But for the right audience, this is still a worthwhile book.

I'm always up for learning when I read, and love fitting in these 'based-on-a-true character' type reads with my purely fiction reads. WWI is always interesting to take on and I was immediately drawn in by the cover and premise.

I had read A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice by this author and knew I needed to see what she had coming next. (If you haven't read A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice I HIGHLY recommend it!)

I did feel like this book read more like a biography than a novel. It was very informative and I really learned a lot of behind the scenes work during this war. This book was gripping, inspiration and heartbreaking all at the same time.

I had never heard of this woman before I read this book and am so glad this author gave her a nod of recognition. It is a story worth telling. The bravery this woman had was touching. I appreciated the dual POV with one of Edith's fellow nurses and felt it added great depth, especially as the book progressed.

If you're a fan of history and inspirational war stories you should definitely check out this book.

Thanks to the publisher for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Under the Cover of Mercy by Rebecca Connolly will be available April 11, 2023!

Under the Cover of Mercy is all about the amazing Edith Cavell, who stood up to German occupiers in Belgium during World War 1.

Things I loved:
- I could see the real challenge that it was to work against the German soldiers
- The book portrayed how difficult it was to trust strangers
- I learned so much about Edith

Things I didn’t love:
- The description of the place and certain events was lackluster. I couldn’t envision the surroundings of the characters.
- The switching Point of Views got confusing sometimes.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

Edith Cavell was the head nurse at a Brussels Hospital she was a proper English woman who wanted to teach her students quiet serenity respect for their self and their patients And the proper duties of the nurse. When Germany took over Brussels the new duties were to watch the German prisoners take care of the injured German soldiers and pretend like they were OK with the status quo but when a friend of Edith sent an introductory letter asking her to 10 to two British soldiers hiding out in the Brussels countryside she was at first a little hesitant but eventually would say yes this would start a whole secret mission to not only help British soldiers get better but also get back home to England it wasn’t until a Brussels man who they tended to and sent to England showed up again that Edith started worrying maybe they were on to her it’s her her best friend Lizzie and the other nurses if called could be tried for treason and killed but because she was a nurse and took a vo to make those sick better she carried on with her secret work. This was such a good book so touching and such a sad ending but one that makes you proud to be human. Edith and Lizzie put their lives on the line to help those in desperate need despite the consequences they did what they could and gave their best when they didn’t have to. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it if you love historical fiction based on fact you love Under The Cover Of Mercy By Rebecca Connelly I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.