Sweet Mercy by Ann Tatlock

Eve Marryat is tired of living in the city of St. Paul, Minnesota.  She's tired of all the crime happening around her and longs for a place that is peaceful and filled with good, honest people.  When Eve's dad looses his job at the Ford Motor Company in 1931 and decides to move his family to Ohio, Eve is pretty excited about the change.  But what Eve doesn't know is that trouble is brewing even in the places that seem to be safe.

This story takes place during the Great Depression and the age of Prohibition.  This is a period of time that I haven't read too much about.  Even seemingly good people were selling illegal liquor to make money and keep their family alive.  Eve, being seventeen, has a lot to learn about human nature and it's bent toward sin.  She has great ideals, but quickly realizes that not everyone upholds the law.    Many times the sin seems like an easy way out, but in the end it only compounds the misery.
I enjoyed reading this story.  The author even includes Al Capone in the story.  I can't imagine growing up in such a difficult time period.  If you're looking for a great story depicting how the Great Depression and Prohibition affected the people of that age, pick up Sweet Mercy by Ann Tatlock.

***I received this free book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.