According to Deadline, CBS All Access has successfully acquired the rights to author Alena Dillon’s recently published novel titled Mercy House. The streamer is currently in the process of developing a series adaptation of the novel, which follows a group of rebel nuns, with Trainwreck star Amy Schumer and The Good Wife writer Corinne Brinkerhoff signing on as executive producers.
“It is a thrill to put these characters, who are so dear to me, in the hands of brilliant and influential creators,” Dillon said in a statement.
Brinkerhoff added, “I fell in love with this story about resilience, redemption, and the collective power of strong women — especially the singular Sister Evelyn, a reluctant hero whose moving journey exemplifies the bold, socially relevant, female-driven stories I want to tell.”
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Published in February 2020, Mercy House will follow the story of renegade protagonist Sister Evelyn as she leads other fellows nuns in creating a safe haven for the abused and abandoned. However, the sanctity of Mercy House is being threatened when Evelyn finds out they will be investigated by Bishop Hawkins, a man with whom she shares a dark history. Determined as ever, Evelyn will stop at nothing in order to protect the women under her care.
Pick up a copy of the book here!
The official book synopsis reads: “Inside a century-old row house in Brooklyn, renegade Sister Evelyn and her fellow nuns preside over a safe haven for the abused and abandoned. Gruff and indomitable on the surface, warm and wry underneath, little daunts Evelyn, until she receives word that Mercy House will be investigated by Bishop Hawkins, a man with whom she shares a dark history. In order to protect everything they’ve built, the nuns must conceal many of their methods, which are forbidden by the Catholic Church.
Evelyn will go to great lengths to defend all that she loves. She confronts a gang member, defies the church, challenges her own beliefs, and faces her past. She is bolstered by the other nuns and the vibrant, diverse residents of the shelter—Lucia, Mei-Li, Desiree, Esther, and Katrina—whose differences are outweighed by what unites them: they’ve all been broken by men but are determined to rebuild.
Amidst her fight, Evelyn discovers the extraordinary power of mercy and the grace it grants, not just to those who receive it, but to those strong enough to bestow it.”
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The Mercy House series will be written by Corinne Brinkerhoff, who will also serve as an executive producer through her Green Ribbon Banner. Brinkerhoff is best known as a writer and producer for CBS’ critically-acclaimed legal and political drama The Good Wife which starred Emmy winner Julianna Marguiles.
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