With Mercy’s Eyes is a raw and emotionally charged novel that follows Lane Harris, a gay actor navigating grief, spiritual trauma, and identity after the sudden death of his husband, Stephen. Set against the backdrop of Hollywood and faith communities, Lane’s journey unfolds through a string of gut-wrenching losses, unsettling confrontations, and tentative spiritual rediscovery. Powell doesn’t flinch from heavy themes—suicide, sexual assault, domestic violence, and faith-based rejection—and she handles them with a steady hand and an unwavering desire to show the heart of God without watering down the pain of real life.

Powell’s writing is lyrical and fierce and filled with dialogue that feels lifted straight from a real argument or heart-to-heart. There’s a deep, aching sadness in Lane’s life that never feels manipulative or preachy. His grief is suffocating, but it’s honest. The way Powell lets faith trickle in, not with neon lights or loud salvation moments, but through quiet, broken interactions, is powerful. I don’t often find Christian fiction that’s willing to sit with the tension and not rush to a clean ending, but this one does.

A few of the side characters, particularly the ones in conflict with the main cast, didn’t feel as fully developed as I hoped. And some of the redemptive turns happened a little faster than expected, especially after such heavy events. Still, maybe that’s intentional. Life has a way of offering hope at unexpected times. As for the spiritual themes, not every reader will interpret them the same way, but Powell approaches them with grace. She gives her characters room to question, to stumble, and to search, and that openness is something I appreciated.

With Mercy’s Eye is messy and brutally honest. But if you’ve ever struggled with feeling outside the reach of grace—especially within Christian circles—it’s a healing balm and a challenge. I would recommend With Mercy’s Eyes to readers who aren’t afraid to have their worldview shaken a bit. To those who’ve been hurt by the church. To those who want to believe in mercy again, even if it comes through tears.

Pages: 564 | ASIN : B0F2SQXC8M