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.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

Legacy of Mercy continue the riveting story of socialite Anna Nicholson and her task at trying to find more information about her mom. Anna’s adoptive parents and her fiancée are ready for Anna to forget about her past and live for the future, but Anna needs to find the answers. But will Anna be able to clear her mama’s name.

Though I love both books in this series, I’ll have to say Legacy of Mercy is the better written one. But you definitely need to read the first book, Waves of Mercy first for the story to make sense.

I really like Anna and Dirk. Anna has such a sweet spirit. And even though she was raised with having the finer things, anything she could ask for, she enjoyed the simpler things in life. I love the way Ms. Austin writes the two time differences in such a smooth way. Sometimes the going back and forth between stories gets annoying, but not with this book, or the book before this. These characters seem so realistic, with struggles such as the things we all struggle with. And the most fun part of this book is traveling on the journey, watching Anna as she searches for her mama. and I love  how Ms, Austin weaves the Christian life throughout this entire book. And anyone reading can see what the gospel is all about Throughout this book. That’s what it’s all about!

 This book was given to me by the publisher to read and review and post what I think about the story. This review offers my opinion only. The 5 Star rating is my opinion of how well the story flows, how well written, and just my overall opinion. 

Praise for the Book and this series. 

“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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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

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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 http://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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Litfuse presents Return To Me by Lynn Austin…Plus win a Kindle Fire

About the book: From the Acclaimed Author of Chronicles of the KingsAfter decades of exile, the prophesies are coming true—King Cyrus has declared the Jews may return to Jerusalem. Iddo, a priest, is sure this is a sign of God’s renewed favor. For too long they’ve remained in Babylon, and many, including Iddo’s sons, are losing the faith that sets them apart. And so only a few choose to leave everything to return—return to their home and their God. Nothing about their journey to the Promised Land is easy. As hardships mount, even the faithful, like Iddo’s beloved wife, Dinah, question the sacrifice of following God’s leading. Zechariah, Iddo’s oldest grandson, feels torn between his grandfather’s ancient beliefs and the family they left behind. But one life-changing encounter with the Holy One gives him insight that will change Zechariah—and history—forever. Bringing the Old Testament to vibrant life, Return to Metells the compelling story of two men living by faith in the midst of doubt, the women who love them, and the faithful remnant struggling to rebuild their lives in obedience to the God who beckons them home. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/pfkmh About Lynn: Bestselling author Lynn Austin has sold more than one million copies of her books worldwide. She is an eight-time Christy Award winner for her historical novels, as well as a popular speaker at retreats and conventions. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and live near Chicago. You can find out more about Lynn athttp://www.lynnaustin.org/. MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK Iddo is thrilled that the he and the rest of the Jews in Babylon are allowed to return to this beloved homeland to rebuild the temple.  This is a part of Bible history I knew about, but didn’t know the vivid details until I read Lynn Austin’s Return to Me. To understand this book better, I read the scripture that Lynn listed in the back of the book along with the book, to better understand to book. I was in awe of the accurate details and I loved all of the history I learned while reading this book. I love this entire story. A few of my favorites were Zechariah and Yale and their friendship, and Dinah and her struggles with leaving her family behind. I was happy when she finally found something the keep her occupied and make her feel useful. A lot of the things I knew before, but my memory was refreshed through reading the different scenes here. There is so much in this book, and I don’t want to give any of it away….so I will just say that if you enjoy Biblical or historical fiction, or both….then you need to read this one. You will surely not be disappointed! I received this book from Litfuse to read and review.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

AND NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY!!

Lynn Austin is celebrating the release of Return to Me, the first book in her new Biblical fiction series, The Restoration Chronicles, with a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat party.

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• Return to Me by Lynn Austin

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 22nd. Winner will be announced at the “Return To Me” Facebook Author Chat Party on October 22nd. Connect with Lynn and friends for an evening of book chat, biblical trivia, prizes, and get an exclusive look at the next book in Lynn’s Restoration Chronicles series!

 

So grab your copy of Return to Me and join Lynn on the evening of October 22nd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)

Don’t miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word — tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on the 22nd!

CFBA Presents …All Things New By: Lynn Austin

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

All Things New

Bethany House Publishers (October 1, 2012)

by

Lynn Austin

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

For many years, Lynn Austin nurtured a desire to write but frequent travels and the demands of her growing family postponed her career. When her husband’s work took Lynn to Bogota, Colombia, for two years, she used the B.A. she’d earned at Southern Connecticut State University to become a teacher. After returning to the U.S., the Austins moved to Anderson, Indiana, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and later to Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published twelve novels. Five of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn’s novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In the aftermath of the Civil War, Josephine Weatherly and her mother, Eugenia, struggle to pick up the pieces of their lives when they return to their Virginia plantation. But the bitter realities of life after the war cannot be denied: their home and land are but shells of their previous grandeur; death has claimed her father and brother; and her remaining brother, Daniel, has returned home bitter and broken. The privileged childhood Josephine enjoyed now seems like a long-ago dream. And the God who failed to answer any of her prayers during the war is lost to her as well.

Josephine soon realizes that life is now a matter of daily survival–and recognizes that Lizzie, as one of the few remaining servants, is the one she must rely on to teach her all she needs to know. Josephine’s mother, too, vows to rebuild White Oak…but a bitter hatred fuels her.

With skill and emotion, Lynn Austin brings to life the difficult years of the Reconstruction era by interweaving the stories of three women–daughter, mother, and freed slave–in a riveting tale.

If you would like to read the first chapter of All Things New, go HERE.

 

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

The setting of this book takes place at the end of the war, going into the lives of a rich Southern Virginia family having to deal with the fact that there are no more slaves. Some of them stayed, but most flew the coop. Josephine, her mom and sister moves back to their Virginia plantation after the war ends. Josephine’s mother and brother had a rough time realizing the ex-slaves that stay one to work for them were servants, not slaves. As the story unfolds, Josephine’s brother Daniel tries to take the situation in his own hands, and things got a little nasty there at one time.

It took me a while getting into this book, it was just slow going and boring until over half way through for me. Maybe that’s the way it was back then though. What kept me reading was, I wanted to find out what would happen to the once slaves that were now free. Parts of this book are very sad and depressing, and it is difficult to read. But overall, I am glad I finished reading it because it has a wonderful ending. Lynn Austin does a wonderful job of pulling all of the issues and situations together for the end. I do feel however that there was enough left for the imagination that a book two would be an interesting book. I would love to read what happened to Josephine and her northern friend, and the Weatherly family, an well as the slaves set free. And that’s all I will say about that, cause I would give away too much!

This book was provided by Bethany House through Christian Fiction Blog Alliance. I was not required or expected to give a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.

CFBA Tour * Wonderland Creek * By: Lynn Austin

CFBA Tour * Wonderland Creek * By: Lynn Austin

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingWonderland CreekBethany House (October 1, 2011)byLynn AustinABOUT THE AUTHOR:

For many years, Lynn Austin nurtured a desire to write but frequent travels and the demands of her growing family postponed her career. When her husband’s work took Lynn to Bogota, Colombia, for two years, she used the B.A. she’d earned at Southern Connecticut State University to become a teacher. After returning to the U.S., the Austins moved to Anderson, Indiana, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and later to Winnipeg, Manitoba.

It was during the long Canadian winters at home with her children that Lynn made progress on her dream to write, carving out a few hours of writing time each day while her children napped. Lynn credits her early experience of learning to write amid the chaos of family life for her ability to be a productive writer while making sure her family remains her top priority.

Extended family is also very important to Austin, and it was a lively discussion between Lynn, her mother, grandmother (age 98), and daughter concerning the change in women’s roles through the generations that sparked the inspiration for her novel Eve’s Daughters.

Along with reading, two of Lynn’s lifelong passions are history and archaeology. While researching her Biblical fiction series, Chronicles of the Kings, these two interests led her to pursue graduate studies in Biblical Backgrounds and Archaeology through Southwestern Theological Seminary. She and her son traveled to Israel during the summer of 1989 to take part in an archaeological dig at the ancient city of Timnah. This experience contributed to the inspiration for her novel Wings of Refuge.

Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published twelve novels. Five of her historical novels have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. And two of her inspirational fiction books were chosen by Library Journal for their top picks in 2003, and 2005. One of Lynn’s novels has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Alice Grace Ripley lives in a dream world, her nose stuck in a book. But happily-ever-after life she’s planned on suddenly falls apart when her boyfriend, Gordon, breaks up with her, accusing her of living in a world of fiction instead of the real world. Then to top it off, Alice loses her beloved job at the library because of cutbacks due to the Great Depression.

Fleeing small-town gossip, Alice heads to the mountains of eastern Kentucky to deliver five boxes of donated books to the library in the tiny coal-mining village of Acorn. Dropped off by her relatives, Alice volunteers to stay for two weeks to help the librarian, Leslie McDougal.

But the librarian turns out to be far different than she anticipated–not to mention the four lady librarians who travel to the remote homes to deliver the much-desired books. While Alice is trapped in Acorn against her will, she soon finds that real-life adventure and myster–and especially romance–are far better than her humble dreams could have imagined.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Wonderland Creek, go HERE.