Mercy's Child: A Novel by Richard Paul Evans

Mercy's Child is a historical novel by Richard Paul Evans, set in Gilded Age New York and inspired by the story of Etta Wheeler. Its 384-page narrative follows Etta as an encounter with an abused child draws her into a struggle against powerful institutions.

At a glance

Historical fiction set in 1874, spanning an upstate New York town and Gilded Age Manhattan.
Inspired by the story of Etta Wheeler and her efforts to help a child in the tenements.
The publisher frames it as a story of compassion and moral courage, with lasting social change at its center.

Price

$13.98Save 30%

Reference price: ~~$20.00~~

Price checked: Nov 12, 2026

View offer

Often bought together

A Date with Santa: A Christmas Novel

$18.52

The Family Cross: An Alex Cross Thriller

$16.00

Pros and cons

Pros

A defined historical setting and a true-story inspiration give the novel a clear focus.
At 384 pages, it offers a full-length story for readers who want an immersive historical novel.

Technical specifications

7 specifications

Book details
Publisher	Gallery Books
Publication date	October 20, 2026
Language	English
Print length	384 pages
ISBN-13	978-1668264218

Dimensions and installation
Weight listed	15.2 ounces
Dimensions	5 x 1.1 x 7 inches

What to know before buying

Listing details to confirm

The listing describes the novel as inspired by Etta Wheeler’s story, so it should be approached as historical fiction rather than presented as a documented biography.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Readers interested in historical fiction set in Gilded Age New York.
Readers drawn to stories about compassion, child welfare and a woman confronting powerful institutions.
Readers looking for a substantial, emotionally focused novel.

Less suited to

Readers seeking a nonfiction account or a light, contemporary story.

Mercy's Child: A Novel by Richard Paul Evans · photo 2 — Additional product photo 2

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.8 / 5 · 352 ratings

5 stars90%90%
4 stars8%8%
3 stars1%1%
2 stars0%0%
1 star1%1%

Customer feedback describes the story as moving, engaging and readable, with readers appreciating its historical context and emotional treatment. That response may appeal to buyers seeking a character-led historical novel about social change, though the listing’s historical inspiration does not make it nonfiction. Aggregate ratings are strongly positive overall, but ratings alone do not explain individual readers’ reasons.

Positive themes

Readers describe the story as emotionally moving and engaging.
Customer feedback praises the readable, page-turning style and vivid historical context.
Readers appreciate the careful handling of the story’s emotional weight.

Frequently asked questions

What is Mercy's Child about?

It follows Etta Wheeler in 1874 as she encounters a child suffering in New York City’s tenements and becomes involved in a fight against powerful institutions.

Is Mercy's Child nonfiction?

No. The listing presents it as historical fiction inspired by Etta Wheeler’s story.

How long is the book?

The listing gives a print length of 384 pages.