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Darling readers, you know that feeling when you finally get your book bestie to read one of your favorite titles… and then in search of confirming the aforementioned title did indeed make your “favorite of the year” list, you realized that you never actually did anything with the aforementioned list?  Just me, well it’s fine, focus on the first part of it – over a year later, Jamie B. Golden and I worked together (ish) to get Ashley to read The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen!  It was published in August 2022, and somehow (I wish I knew), I heard of it and read it in October, on vacation, very quickly, and then Jamie B. Golden included it as her greenlight in March 2023, and FINALLY Ashley read it this month!  Please know this novel has fantastic fall vibes, featuring souls, zombies (sort of), and our titular undertaker!  I’m sure it’s a delight all year round, but I do love reading, and rereading this story in the fall.  

Way back when, this is what I had to say after first reading of Hart-ache and Merciless:

I read this title quickly, on vacation, and it helped me recover from a slump, so it has a special place in my reading year, but the characters of Hart and Mercy are just amazing and dimensional, and the world they live in is so creative and unreal.  The writing is clear and engaging, with picturesque descriptions that helped me connect the dots before our characters did.  The story is gut-wrenching too, as our characters both grow into better versions of themselves, because, no spoilers here, but this is a romance complete with HEA.  

Now, after rereading it (partially because my memory is lacking and partially because I love it), I have more to say about The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy.  This is a grumpy / sunshine (but not to him), sci-fi / fantasy, open-door romance that includes a lot of doing the work for both of our lead characters.  If you’re not into fantasy / sci fi, please hear me out!  Mercy and Hart’s world looks similar ish to ours – he’s a Marshall, she’s an undertaker.  While the religion, cars, and fauna is very different from ours, the family dynamics, the internal struggles, and the general chaos of life found in this novel are so very relatable!  I think this might be a great toe-dip into fantasy / sci fi for folks who are curious or skeptical.  

Some of my favorite aspects of  The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy include the solid, lush writing, the dimensional characters (yes, even the supporting cast), and the witty dialogue!  I also adore the family drama on both sides, how found family and small town community come into play, and the ending is such a delightful bow!  

Yet again, I’m giving The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy five solid stars.  This might be an annual reread for me because it’s quick, moody, and an utter delight (also a great way to hack your cry – attuned readers will see that coming before it hits).  I’m super excited for the follow up, expected in 2024, and VERY interested in Bannen’s backlist.

What’s a title that just hit right with you, and stood up well upon a reread?

~Nikki

The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy is the first romance and adult novel published by former public librarian, Megan Bannen. She has written two other stand-alone YA novels, The Bird and the Blade and Soulswift. Known for her immersive worlds and character development, Bannen’s works have won awards and been on numerous ‘Best Of’ lists. She lives in the Kansas City area with her family and ‘more pets than is reasonable.’ I’m here for book two in the Hart & Mercy series, The Undermining of Twyla and Frank, a best friends-to-lovers romance – even though I think enemies-to-lovers is better.

And, oh, is the enmity between Mercy and Hartley deliciously thick with misunderstanding and secrets. It’s stated in the marketing copy, so I’m not afraid of giving you spoilers about anything, but after Marshal Hart Ralston leaves another nameless drudge (zombie) and nerve-wracking argument with undertaker Mercy Birdsall, he returns to the wilds of Tanria and pens a letter about his loneliness to ‘A Friend.’ Through the world’s magic, the letter is delivered to none other than his mortal enemy, and from there they begin an anonymous, emotional friendship/relationship through their letters. After Mercy divulges the secrets she’s been keeping for her father, brother, and sister, she writes to her ‘friend’ that they should meet, but when Hart shows up and realizes who his pen-pal is, he has a decision to make about how he will handle it. All of the drama of enemies being secret pen-pal friends makes my black little heart sing. My second favorite part of the entire book is the theme of life’s purpose. Each character runs into that question in one way or another throughout the book, not just Hart and Mercy, but Mercy’s brother Zeddie, her father Roy, sister Lil, and Hart’s apprentice Penrose Duckers. That’s a whole theme in my life now, too, and it’s always fun to feel a little less alone in that struggle. My third favorite part of the book is that the appendix houses the human soul, and in this world, if your appendix bursts or is removed, there’s a special tattoo that is created to house your soul within your body. I love that idea, cause I would need one of them, not having an appendix myself.

I’m giving The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy 4.5 rounded up to 5 stars. I typically like my romance to have a little more heat in the spice department, but everything else was top notch exciting. I’m likely to re-read Hart and Mercy before I read Twyla and Frank in the future, and I’m definitely interested in Bannen’s backlist, even though those titles are YA. (Surprise!) 

I can’t believe I waited this long to read this book.

~Ashley

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