Review + Tour GIVEAWAY: Legacy of Mercy by Lynn Austin

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Legacy of Mercy
(Waves of Mercy #2)
By Lynn Austin
Christian Historical Romance
Hardcover, Paperback & ebook, 400 Pages
October 2nd 2018 by Bethany House Publishers

She Knew Her New Life Would Not Be Easy,
But Nothing Could Prepare Her For What Waits Ahead

Having returned to Chicago, young socialite Anna Nicholson can't seem to focus on her upcoming marriage. The new information she's learned about her birth mother continues to pull at her, and she hires Pinkerton detectives to help her discover the whole truth.

But as she meets people who once knew her mother and hears stories about the past, Anna soon discovers that some secrets are better left hidden. With pressure mounting to keep the past quiet, she discovers daily that her choice to seek God's purpose for her life isn't as simple as she had hoped.

When things are at their darkest, Anna knows she can turn to her grandmother, Geesje de Jonge, back in Holland, Michigan. Geesje's been helping new Dutch immigrants--including a teen with a troubled history--adjust to America. She only hopes that her wisdom can help all these young people through the turmoil they face.

Praise for the Book

"Varying points of view, well-placed clues, and an interesting subplot about Anna's grandmother welcoming Dutch immigrants to Michigan keeps the story interesting. Austin skillfully embeds her strong spiritual message into the actions of her characters, creating a wonderful historical tale that is naturally inspirational."--Publishers Weekly starred review

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My Thoughts

1897 Chicago and Holland, Michigan

Legacy of Mercy is 393 pages of incredible storytelling, with plenty of twists and turns, never a dull moment. I cherish a Lynn Austin book, and with each new release, she continues to prove her worthiness of all the awards she has received. This story is filled with rich historical detail, relatable characters, and a fascinating storyline. My reading goal is usually to reach the end of a chapter and lay the book aside temporarily, but each chapter ending only compelled me to turn the page.

“My life feels like a top that someone else is spinning,

and I can’t control what happens to it.”

- Anna

Legacy of Mercy continues the story begun in Waves of Mercy, that of Anna, Geesje, Derk and William. Although I haven’t read the previous novel, sufficient background is given to understand all that is happening. The focus is on the stories of Anna and her grandma, Geesje. Austin has the ability to envelop readers not only in the historical world, but into the characters’ lives as well. I felt for Anna, conflicted between the trappings of wealth and its expectations for her, and the desire to know her parents’ background, no matter what the result would be. And her grandmother, Geesje, is such a compelling character! The storyline around Geesje and the young boarder she takes in is captivating.

Legacy of Mercy shows, through complex characters and different cultures, lifestyles, and social status, that the insight into God’s Word and its application to daily living is just as relevant for today as the era in which the story is written. Legacy of Mercy comes to a wonderfully satisfying end, but I am eager for so much more!

High recommended.

I received a copy of this book from Prism Tours and Bethany House Publishers. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Other Books in the Series

Waves of Mercy
(Waves of Mercy #1)
By Lynn Austin
Christian Historical Romance
Hardcover, Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
October 4th 2016 by Bethany House Publishers

Haunted by the Unknowns of Their Pasts,
Two Women Search for Answers Along the Shores of Lake Michigan

Chicago socialite Anna Nicholson retreats to the Hotel Ottawa in Holland, Michigan, after breaking her engagement with her wealthy fiancé. Filled with questions about her newfound faith and troubled by a recurring nightmare, Anna finds solace in Derk Vander Veen, a seasonal hotel worker who plans to go into the ministry.

Prompted by a request from her son, Geesje de Jonge begins to sift through memories of emigrating from the Netherlands almost fifty years ago. As she writes them down for the Semi-Centennial anniversary of the town's settlement, her story takes on a life of its own as she honestly and painfully recalls her regrets, doubts, hardships, and joys. Her story captivates Derk, who sees similarities between Geesje and Anna, and wishes to bring the two together.

Past and present collide as Anna and Geesje seek clarity, but neither expects the revelations that await them.

Praise for the Book

"Interlacing the past with the present-day lives of Anna and Geesje, Austin compassionately delivers a moving tale of family bonds, tests of faith, and abiding love."--Booklist starred review

"Austin has crafted an interesting, historically accurate portrait of two profoundly different characters: one looking back at life, the other taking her first faltering steps toward independence."--Publishers Weekly

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│Book Depository│Christianbook│Kobo│Bethany House

About the Author

Lynn Austin has sold more than one and a half million copies of her books worldwide. A former teacher who now writes and speaks full-time, she has won eight Christy Awards for her historical fiction. One of those novels, Hidden Places, has also been made into an Original Hallmark Channel movie. 

Lynn and her husband have raised three children and make their home in western Michigan. Learn more at www.lynnaustin.org.

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Tour Schedule

October 15th:
Launch
Cover Lover Book Review
An Indie Adventure
Author Kelly D. Scott
October 16th:
Romancing History
Uplifting Reads
October 17th:
The Power of Words
Hearts & Scribbles
October 18th:
Fiction Aficionado
Splashes of Joy
October 19th:
Wishful Endings
Stacking My Book Shelves!
Rockin' Book Reviews
October 22nd:
Among the Reads
Book by Book
October 23rd:
Jen Around the World
Heidi Reads...
October 24th:
Jorie Loves A Story
Radiant Light
October 25th:
Tell Tale Book Reviews
Locks, Hooks and Books
October 26th:
Reading Is My SuperPower
Remembrancy

Check out the Bookstagram Tour schedule October 22 - 26 here!

Tour Giveaway

One Grand Prize Winner will receive Waves of Mercy and Legacy of Mercy by Lynn Austin and tulip notecards.

Two additional winners will receive Waves and Mercy and Legacy of Mercy.

For US winners only—international readers may enter, but a $35 gift card will be substituted for their prize if they are chosen as winners.

Ends October 26, 2018

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