A Matter of Mercy: 10th Anniversary Edition

by Lynne Hugo

Caroline Marcum thought she' d put the great mistake of her life behind her when she left Wellfleet, but is forced to face it when she returns to her childhood home on the bay to care for her dying mother. Ridley Neal thought he' d put his past— and his prison term— behind him when he returned home to take over his father' s oyster and clam farm in the harbor. Casual acquaintances long ago, their lives intersect once again during a fierce nor' easter. But suspicions are soon raised when a lawsuit threatens Rid' s livelihood and a chance encounter with the woman Caroline most dreads results in threats and vandalism. Each burdened with guilt and struggling with mistrust, they must set aside their fears and take a chance on the possibility of forgiveness and love. Inspired by a 1996 lawsuit, Lynne Hugo transforms the pain and potential of human frailty into a beautifully rendered story of hope.

360 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 6, 2024

About the author

Lynne Hugo is an American author whose roots are in the northeast. A National Endowment For The Arts Fellowship recipient, she has also received repeat individual artists grants from the Ohio Arts Council and the Kentucky Foundation for Women. Her publications include eight novels, one volume of creative non-fiction, two books of poetry and a children’s book. She lives with her husband, a former Vice President for Academic Affairs of a liberal arts college and now a professional photographer, in the Midwest. They have two grown children, three grandchildren, and a yellow Labrador retriever.

Ms. Hugo has taught creative writing to hundreds of schoolchildren through the Ohio Arts Council’s renowned Arts in Education program. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Connecticut College, and a Master’s from Miami University.

When an editor asked her to describe herself as a writer, she responded:

“I write in black Wal-Mart capri sweatpants. They don’t start out as capris, but I routinely shrink them in the drier by accident. And I always buy black because it doesn’t show where I’ve wiped the chocolate off my hands. Now that my son and daughter are grown, my previous high grade of ‘below average’ in Domestic Achievement has dropped somewhat. But I’m less guilty about it now. I lose myself in crafting language by a window with birdfeeders hanging in the branches of a Chinese elm towering over the house. When I come up for air, I hike by the ponds and along the river in a nearby forest with my beloved Lab. My husband, with whom I planted that elm as a bare root sapling, joins us when he can.”

Reviews

[Donna Everhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several of Hugo's books, and this one goes to the top of the list for me, as one of my faves, although The Testament of Harold's Wife, The Book of Carol Sue, and The Language of Kin are all very good! ✨✨✨✨✨

The premise of the story is based on a real court case from the late 90s. The case was between aquafarmers working generational grants of oysters and quahogs (quahogs are edible clams, pronounced co-hogs), and the "wash-ashores," the name given to the rich who came to that area and built their summer homes on the cliffs/bluffs above the grants. The wash-ashores claimed they owned the property directly in front of their homes, even though the aquafarmers could only work their grants during low tide.

From this basis, we meet Caroline (CeeCee - sp?), Ridley (Rid), Terry, and a host of other characters. When we first meet Caroline, she's caring for her mother who has had cancer and has entered hospice. Since my own mother passed from a cancer diagnosis, I really (make that REALLY) wish I'd read this book during that time. Hugo nails the complexities of care giving, and how we often don't want to talk about what needs to be talked about with our dying loved one. My biggest regret is not letting my mom talk about her death. Not allowing her to show her grief over it in front of me. Instead, I showed up smiling, making my offers of drink, food, whatever she wanted as if nothing was wrong.

Caroline is also suffering from guilt over an accident that claimed the life of a young child, (Terry's disabled son) in an accident that sent her to prison. Enter "Rid," with all of his own "baggage," (to include his own prison sentence) and you have two broken, but good people who come together unintentionally, and have to come to terms with their own pasts and guilt. There's so much to this novel. Mystery, intrigue, romance, and life as I don't know it - i.e ICE, SNOW, SLEET, etc. ❄️🌨️🥶

Hugo's writing is wonderful as she describes what's around her characters. There's something all encompassing, and warm - like a hug - as she writes of the bitter cold, the fireplaces, the food, the cups of warm tea, but mostly, how the characters begin to grow and nurture themselves and others.

FYI, readers - I listened to the audiobook (Audible) and the narrator is fantastic! Of course, to my sensitive southern ears (haha) I found the pronunciations typical to the area where the story takes place, (Cape Cod, Provincetown, Wellfleet, etc.) and it was fun hearing them as it brought back wonderful memories of my summers in Maine. (my mother was from there)

Highly recommend - a page turner!

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 10th Anniversary release of this book with has an updated afterward. This is a fictional book set in a small town on the Cape. Part of the book’s plot is a court case about ownership of beach rights for sea farmers. This part of the book is true and the new afterward has an update on the real case. I thought this was a fascinating and unique part of the read.

The book itself is a combination of drama, romance, and bit of suspense.

The main characters are Rid and CiCi. Both have some past baggage. Part of CiCi’s past contributes to a suspenseful and emotional part of this read.

Through this read I also learned about the sea farming of clams and oysters.

[wellreadtraveler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m always in the mood for a Lynne Hugo book. Her stories are so enriched with nature and likeable characters it’s like a blanket for your soul. Set in Providence the story is about two people who are battling their past and dealing with struggles currently. For Caroline it’s coming home to her sick mother and facing the fact when her mother passes she will be alone. Ridley is always trying to run from his past and is trying to make something of himself with his families business. Both face obstacles that may prevent them from landing on their feet but sometimes in the darkness you’ll find light.
A second chance romance, love and loss, and new beginnings…..A Matter of Mercy will capture your heart and fill your mind with tales of the sea.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lynne Hugo, The Author of “A Matter of Mercy” has written an intriguing and captivating novel. This is the tenth anniversary edition of this book, and with a current afterword, the author explains the 1996 lawsuit of the oyster farmers and land owners. The basis of the suit was explore who legally owned or could claim the waterfront and land where so many fisherman made their livelihoods. The Genres for this book are: Historical Fiction, Women’s Romance, Women and Children, and Fiction. The author vividly describes the Cape Cod feel of “Wellfleet”, where the story takes place, and the colorful and dramatic characters.

Caroline Marcum has come home to Wellfleet to take care of her dying mother. Years ago, Caroline was in a tragic car accident that caused a young child to die, and as a result lost her teaching license. Ridley Neal hope he can escape his past life from prison, and find home in the oyster and clam farm his father left for him.

Caroline helps Rid with his oysters during a Nor’Easter, and the two spend the night together. I love that the author writes about Rid’s loving dog. Rid and some of his friends and Oyster farmers are facing a lawsuit by one of the landowners for the waterfront that is used for them to make a living. At the same time, someone holds a grudge against Caroline, and is terrorizing her.

I appreciate how Lynne Hugo discusses the importance of communication, forgiveness, second chances, the chance for redemption, trust, hope and mercy. What does a home consist of? The author also mentions the importance of emotional support, family, friends, neighbors, love and hope. I highly recommend this memorable story.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was both fascinating and deeply emotional. Set upon the shores of Wellfleet, Cape Cod, among the oyster and clam flats, two broken people discover the power of mercy.

Caroline Marcum has come back to Wellfleet to care for her dying mother, but she brings with her a heavy burden - guilt and pain. Out in the harbor, she reconnects with Ridley Neal, who is now working a grant as a clam and oyster farmer.

But when a lawsuit threatens Ridley’s livelihood and physical threats are made against Caroline, the two are forced to look at what forgiveness and mercy can truly reap.

First off, I loved the rough, rugged atmosphere of the sea. The storms, wind, mud, and snow felt like harbingers of the coming turmoils. My eyes were opened to what aquafarming entails as this job's rich and gritty details were described.

Secondly, I was taken by how these characters, both having served prison time, worked through their emotions. They struggled with seeking revenge, anger, and having trust issues. But, in the end, they sought forgiveness and mercy for a brighter future for themselves and the next generation.

*This 10th Anniversary Edition has an updated Afterword about the 1996 lawsuit that initially inspired this novel.

Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @lynnehugoauthor for a spot on tour and a gifted book.

[TarHeelReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Matter of Mercy was inspired by a 1996 lawsuit. The 10th anniversary edition, which I read, includes an afterword with an update on the lawsuit. I read another recent book about oyster farming, Pearce Oysters, and it was fascinating to learn more here and also have it include clam farming as well, in a different location of Cape Cod Bay.

The main characters are Caroline, returning home to help care for her terminally ill mother, and Rid, returning home to take over the family business. Their paths cross during a massive storm, and not long after, their lives are shaken up again with external forces.

I loved the complex characters, showing all their sides. The lawsuit added interest, and I enjoyed the mystery and the relationship between Rid and Caroline, which is really the center of the story. It was great to have an update to the lawsuit at the end.

I received a gifted copy.

Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader

[crafty.jenn.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy 10th Anniversary to A Matter of Mercy!
The story is based on a 1996 lawsuit about seaside rights between oyster farmers and the landowners in a town on Cape Cod. This edition gives us an update on the actual lawsuit.

I absolutely love an emotional story. Rid and Cici are two characters that come with a lot of their own drama now, and in the past, especially for Cici. I especially enjoyed how much her character grew within the story. Her past is catching up to her which gives the story a bit of suspense. Rid is just trying to make the most of his life after prison and find some peace in solace in his oyster farm.
The author really showcases the importance of having a support system in your life and the overall feeling of hope left me felling content.

[Dawnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 10th anniversary edition. Caroline and Ridley find themselves back home in Wellfleet and facing their past once again. Caroline returns to care for her dying mother and Ridley returns home to run his father's oyster farm. Things get complicated and Ridley faces a lawsuit. This was inspired by an actual 1996 lawsuit. I never knew much about oyster farming and I really liked that I learned quite a bit about it. This is a beautiful story,real and raw,love and loss,and having hope.

Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a hard story to read. Not the book but the plot. While ultimately a story of second chances, it’s also heavy on loss. It’s also beautifully written and touching.

Caroline is a deep character that has had a lot of strife in her life. Seriously. She grows so much during the book.

I loved the Cape Cod setting and learning about oyster and clam farming. So very interesting and I appreciate the research the author put it into this.

For all the sadness there is redemption and hope for balance.

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second book from this author and both took me completely by surprise. She writes in such a mesmerizing way that it’s impossible not to fall in love with the story and it’s characters. A beautiful story about loss and second chances.

Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.

𝗔 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝘆, 𝗧𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗘𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 by Lynne Hugo released August 6th, 2024.

[Sarah W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy a story that involves second chances, lessons learned, and forgiveness. I thought all were done well. I loved learning more about the oyster farming process and the fact that this book was based on real events a town and their farmers experienced. Alongside the lawsuit there was a little mystery and I enjoyed getting the multiple perspectives. The switch between them kept me engaged and it was easy to follow. I liked Caroline’s growth the most after getting her backstory and seeing everything she went through during her return to the town. The afterward brought the reader up on the status of the real town and I really enjoyed that insite.

Thank you @lynnehugoauthor @suzyapprovedbooktours for the #gifted copy.