There’s something hauntingly beautiful about a love story set among the dead. The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen is part fantasy, part romance, part love letter to the quiet resilience of the human (and sometimes not-so-human) heart. With its unlikely pairing of a grumpy marshal and a big-hearted undertaker, it’s a story that celebrates life — even in a world surrounded by death.
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy follows two lonely souls who couldn’t be more different. Hart Ralston is a gruff marshal tasked with patrolling the dangerous wilds beyond civilization, while Mercy Birdsall runs her family’s struggling funeral home with compassion and grit. They can’t stand each other in person, but when they begin exchanging anonymous letters, they form a deep, unexpected connection. Neither realizes the person they’re falling for on paper is the same one who drives them crazy in real life. You follow them in their shifting perspectives as these two enemies fall.
Writing Style and Atmosphere
Bannen’s writing has a cinematic rhythm to it. I found it to be vivid, funny, and full of warmth. Her worldbuilding is rich without feeling heavy, and it is presented naturally with the story so you don’t get overwhelming blocks of text to slug through.
I also think the dialogue sparkles with the personality of the speaker adding further depth to the character. What I loved most is how she balances humor and heartbreak, turning a setting filled with reapers and the recently deceased into something surprisingly comforting. The addition of heartfelt, anonymous letters deepens the emotional connection in a way that feels intimate and timeless.
Characters That Feel Real
Hart and Mercy are both layered and beautifully imperfect. Hart, weary from his duties and haunted by loss, hides a tenderness he’s not sure the world deserves to see. Mercy, with her fierce determination and open heart, embodies strength wrapped in compassion. Watching them find each other, accidentally at first, was such a rewarding journey. Their chemistry builds slowly but powerfully, and by the time their walls come down, I was rooting for them completely.
Final Thoughts
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy is the perfect mix of heartfelt and offbeat — a book that reminds you love can bloom in the unlikeliest of places. Megan Bannen delivers a story full of charm, emotion, and quiet magic. If you’re looking for a cozy fantasy romance with genuine heart, this is one you won’t forget anytime soon.
What do you think? Are you going to give it a read?
Hazel Harbor Books 
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