Kirsten has spent her life trying to forget. But mercy begs her to remember.

When she was in high school, a terrible accident fractured her family, and the only relief Kirsten could find was carving tiny lines into her skin, burying her pain in her flesh. The pain she caused herself was neat and manageable compared to the emotional pain that raged inside.

She was coping. Or so she thought.

But then, eight years later, on the night she expects her long-time boyfriend to propose, Kirsten learns he's been secretly seeing her best friend. Desperate to escape her feelings, she reaches for the one thing that gives her a sense of control in the midst of chaos.

But this time the cut isn't so tiny, and it lands her in the psych hospital. Within hours of being there she knows she can't stay-she isn't crazy, after all. But she can't go back to the life she knew before either.

So when her pastor mentions a treatment program on a working ranch, Kirsten decides to take him up on the offer and get away from it all. But the one thing she can't escape is herself-and her shame.

The ranch is home to a motley crew, each with a lesson to teach. Ever so slowly, Kirsten opens herself to embrace healing-even the scarred places that hurt the most. Mercy begs her to remember the past . . . showing her there's nothing that cannot be redeemed.

"[St. James and Rue] 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." -Library Journal, starred review

About the Author
Rebecca St. James, an Australian born Christian recording artist, is both a Grammy Award winner and multiple Dove Award recipient. She is also the bestselling author of Wait for Me, SHE Teen, and What Is He Thinking. She has appeared in the film Sarah's Choice and provided a voice in VeggieTales An Easter Story. Nancy Rue has written over 100 books for girls, is the editor of the Faithgirlz Bible, and is a popular speaker and radio guest with her expertise in tween and teen issues. She and husband, Jim, have raised a daughter of their own and now live in Tennessee.

Reviews
"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." * Library Journal, starred review *
"My brother Joel and I speak after shows to teens and young adults across the country. Because of this, we know that the message of this book is relevant and timely! The mix of humor, insight, and drama in The Merciful Scar helps to powerfully convey needed truth. Congrats to our sister Rebecca and Nancy on a great book!" * Luke Smallbone, For King and Country *
"Rebecca St. James and Nancy Rue have crafted a beautiful and moving story about how an unexpected difficulty can truly be a blessing in disguise. Anyone reading will not only be entertained, but also inspired as Sarah's Choice reveals that no matter the circumstances, God does work everything for our good. Having traveled the country to speak to thousands of young people, I think this book is especially timely for the challenges many of us are facing. I am sure this book will touch many hearts!" * Lila Rose, president of Live Action, a media-based nonprofit dedicated to building a culture of life *
"St. James and Rue show their amazing teamwork by focusing on an issue that could be a little unsettling for some readers: cutting. The authors paint a very realistic picture of a bright young woman's non-suicidal self-injury habits with a smooth and relatable writing style that's certain to pull the audience in." * Romantic Times, 4-star review *
"The Merciful Scar is a tender, beautiful, and insightful book about a difficult subject. Nancy Rue and Rebecca St. James have crafted a heart touching story that feels more real than imaginary. While reading, you might need to remind yourself that these characters are fiction. The plotlines, twists, turns, and heart-wrenching situations will wrap around your heart in such a way that you can't help but be affected." * Lori Twichell, Fiction Addict *
"We shouldn't be too surprised to discover that a singer-songwriter as gifted and sensitive as Rebecca St. James has produced an amazingly moving novel---one that young women will find both relevant and deeply satisfying. Beautifully crafted with co-author Nancy Rue, The Merciful Scar will not only touch your heart, it might just help heal it." * Kari Jobe, Dove Award-winning artist and speaker on the Revolve tour *



Book Information
ISBN 9781401689223
Author Rebecca St. James
Format Paperback
Page Count 368
Imprint Thomas Nelson Publishers
Publisher Thomas Nelson Publishers
Weight(grams) 335g
Dimensions(mm) 213mm * 139mm * 25mm