The Merciful Scar

Starred review from September 15, 2013

Kirsten cuts to remember and to forget. She cuts to remember the tragedy that shattered her family when she was 16, and she cuts to let out the pain that builds up under her skin until she could scream. After she finds out her long-term boyfriend/almost fiance Wes cheated on her with her best friend, she self injures to relieve the pain but accidentally cuts too deep when Wes barges into the bathroom. In the wake of her suicide attempt (a term Kirstin strongly disputes), doctors discover her self-injury scars and recommend a course of psychiatric treatment. A local minister advises another way and puts Kirstin in touch with Sister Frankie, a nun who helps people through physical labor, faith, and therapy while they stay at her sheep ranch for 30 days. Kirsten leaps at the chance to get away from the doctors who want to medicate her, not realizing that Sister Frankie will break open barriers she's hidden behind for years as she learns to listen for God's voice on the wind and to open herself to new friendships and a new relationship. VERDICT Grammy and Dove Award-winning St. James (Wait for Me: Rediscovering the Joy of Purity in Romance) and Christy Award winner Rue (The Reluctant Prophet) tackle a tough topic with sensitivity and forthrightness in an intense novel about self-injury, self-esteem, and the numerous shades of love. Highly recommended, with crossover appeal for New Adult readers.

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