Flame of Mercy Tour By Eleanor Bertin

About the Book

Book: Flame of Mercy

Author: Eleanor Bertin

Genre: Contemporary Christian

Release date: November, 2021

Two families, worlds apart. Can they each find hope in the crucible of suffering?

All Lynnie Min ever wanted was to be a wife and mother. But when tragedy strikes her family, she’s left with nothing but her faith to begin life again. While pursuing a career she never wanted, can the precious faith she was raised on withstand betrayal by a hostile former friend, now a professor whose ideologies conflict with her own? And why do her puzzling dreams feature only one of her daughters, not both?

Out of a smoking ruin in northern Nigeria, Ihsan bin Ibrahim stumbles upon the solution to his wife’s barrenness and longing. But family ties have a long reach. Will he make the ultimate sacrifice to follow his conscience, even if it means losing the child he loves?

Click here to get your copy!

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Wow! Flame of Mercy takes readers on a rollercoaster ride that last from beginning to end! Lynnie Min is happy with being a wife and mother, until tragedy strikes and her life is totally changed. Lynnie struggles with many emotions, including that of a former friend who decides to betray her. Lonnie moved back to Canada to start life over, but these weird but realistic dreams she is having about Nigeria just won’t leave her.

This is a wonderful story, but sometimes it was very difficult to read. The excruciating hurtful pain was so real I could feel it through the pages. The emotions were everywhere. What Lynnie Min endured was more than any human could handle, but she had the hand of God on her. And her very strong faith brought here through when it seemed there was no way to keep going. This is a book everyone should read. Even thought it is full of heartwrenching tragedy, it is also full of hope in the God Lynnie knew. The God she trusted was faithful. Readers will see the love and faithfulness of God. They will see God’s hand on this character as she puts her total faith in the God she loves and trust. There are so many twists and turns in this book, making it seem so realistic. I highly recommend this book. For me, this is a Five Star read.

About the Author

From her home in central Alberta, Canada, Eleanor Bertin writes fiction that ponders the depths of God’s love and mercy to humanity.

She is the author of The Ties That Bind series, Lifelines, Unbound, and Tethered, as well as the memoir, Pall of Silence, about her late son, Paul. She lives with her husband of more than 40 years and their youngest son, in what will someday be a beautiful century home. www.eleanorbertinauthor.com

More from Eleanor

If you’ve read any amount of secular fiction these days, you must be shuddering at the landscape of the family in the world today. Strife and resentment, rivalry and spite–seems there’s nothing but dysfunction as far as the eye can see. And while conflict is necessary to any novel’s plot, I wanted to write about a stable family, a loving family, one that, while imperfect, still nurtured and protected its members with acceptance and harmony.

On top of that, I wanted to depart from my previous novels where the main characters were not believers. In Flame of Mercy, Lynnie is the main character whose trust in Jesus stands firm despite going through the fires of adversity. Her family is one of the reasons for that strength.

But of course, even the best, most faithful families have their quirks. Enter the grandmothers. Grandma Hardy is stiff, stilted, and staunch in her Christian beliefs. Nanny Roundell is sugar-loving, jolly, and lets mentions of faith slide off her chubby body with a smile. Their beliefs do not align with their personae. This paradox was suggested to me by a friend as I described the contrast between two elderly relatives, sweet Christian and sour unbeliever.

“Aren’t you glad it’s not the other way around?” she asked.

Because we all know it can be. Sometimes Christians look nothing like their Lord. And non-Christians can live blissfully inconsistent with their evil master’s agenda.

And so, I had fun writing these two ladies! “The grandmothers sat next to each other, one short and round, one tall and skinny. The Ball and Bat, we used to call them when we were kids, and I’d never been able to see them differently ever since. Come to think of it, Nanny, the Ball, was like a baseball in other ways besides physical. She had always been reactionary, flung here and there with every wind of doctrine but without any viewpoint of her own. By contrast, Grandma Hardy was the Bat. She stood alone, stiff and sturdy, unwavering, and if necessary, could give you a good whack to get you moving in the right direction.

“My sister was what Grandma frowningly called ‘frivolous.’ And Lissa was mischievous enough to purposely do things that would get Grandma’s goat. I mean, deliberately cavorting through the sprinkler in a bikini directly in front of Grandma’s kitchen window was outright asking for a lecture. You couldn’t call it a scolding since Grandma never raised her voice, but it was always a one-way communication generously salted with Bible verses. Lissa told me Grandma even referred to hand-written notes a couple of times while talking to her. And Grandma’s tone carried the expectation that we would change our ways accordingly. We had been taught to respect our elders so there was no answering back. We only meekly listened.” With Grandma, there was no statute of limitations and past sins could receive present censure.

Nanny’s eyes twinkled. “I’m feeling better every day. It’s given me my life back. Why, with my dentures and glasses, a new knee, and a titanium hip, I’m eighty percent fake.” She cackled her infectious laugh and we joined in, exchanging glances. Being in Nanny’s presence infallibly lifted my spirits.

“This cheesecake is delicious, Sue,” Nanny chimed in. “I could keep on eating and eating if I weren’t already so full after an excellent meal.”

Grandma frowned at what she doubtless saw as gluttony, one of the seven deadly sins. Thankfully she restrained herself this time…She set her fork down beside her plate that still held half her slice of cheesecake and taking her napkin, dabbed at her lips. “This is certainly a rich dessert.”

I hope you enjoy reading about the Hardy family’s faith and foibles as much as I have in writing them. Look for a bit of Grandma’s back story in my story in this year’s Mosaic Christmas anthology.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 11

Rebecca Tews, November 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 12

Texas Book-aholic, November 13

Inklings and notions, November 14

For Him and My Family, November 14

deb’s Book Review, November 15

lakesidelivingsite, November 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 17

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 18

Mary Hake, November 18

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 21

Blogging With Carol, November 22

Cover Lover Book Review, November 22

Splashes of Joy, November 23

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 24 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, November 25

To celebrate her tour, Eleanor is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/228a3/flame-of-mercy-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Mosaic Collection Unbound by Eleanor Bertin

Product details

• File Size: 1236 KB
• Print Length: 345 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1773541560
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Leaf & Blade Publishing (September 4, 2019)
• Publication Date: September 4, 2019
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC

My Rating 4⭐⭐⭐⭐

About Unbound 

Ruthie Adrian loves ranch life with her handsome husband, Mac and his family. But her fading hope for a child dissolves when Mac is killed in a crash along with his brother and father.
Added to their heartbreak, Ruthie and her mother-in-law, Naomi now face rejection by her sister-in-law, and impossible barriers as they try to protect their land.
Jake, a self-styled prophet steps up with a bizarre offer. A Godsend or a trap?
With raw grief, unexpected humour, and life-giving grace, Unbound is a modern twist on a timeless tale of the unique bond between two widows who harbour a few secrets of their own.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

In this loosely retelling of the story of Naomi and Ruth, author Eleanor Bertin does a really nice job of capturing my attention, with characters I grew to love and respect. Of course this version is the authors and her imagination of how it could have been back in that historical time. I always love reading Biblical fiction because it gives me ideas of how it was and it brings the story to life in my mind.

For some reason I had a hard time getting into the story, but then all of the horrific drama begins and it goes pretty fast. I wanted to get to the end to see how the author would weave it altogether. And she did a nice job of ironing it all out and coming up with an ending I was expecting. My heart hurt for Ruthie Adrian, and I cried for her during some of the harder scenes to read. She liked her life just fine, and wanted a family with Mac, but the accident took care of that for her. There was so much hurting and heartache, the raw emotion that so told the feelings of this family. At times it was hard to read because it was so real, and these things happen every day all around us. My heart was breaking as I thought about several families I know who have gone through the same thing in the past several months. Ms. Bertin does an excellent job writing everything into this story it a way that feels real, the characters felt real. And God’s grace, love, forgiveness and the peace that only He can give was weaved throughout the story in everything these ladies had to endure.

A copy of this book was given to me by the author or publisher. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions here in this review are totally mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Mozaic Collection -Eleanor Bertin

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for The Mosaic Collection, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE COLLECTION

For His glory…

The Mosaic Collection is an international community of women authors who use faith-based fiction to touch hearts with the good news that Christ’s finished work on the cross has made us one family, and to nurture affection for the people God has placed within our circles of influence, so that the grace and glory of God may become visible and personal to everyone we meet.

…and our good

We are sisters, a beautiful mosaic united by the love of God through the blood of Christ. We have experienced the redemptive, restorative power of God’s grace in our marriages and families, and we believe our God is able to heal, restore and redeem our brokenness. His love fills us with the courage to persevere, and to offer others a Christ-like compassion that is full of His wisdom and grace.

Visit the Mosaic Collection Website to stay posted on each new release & follow the collection blog for meaningful posts from the authors!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

In a fit of optimism at age eleven, Eleanor Bertin began her first novel by numbering a stack of 100 pages. Two of them got filled with words. Lifelines, her first completed novel, was published in 2016, followed by Pall of Silence in 2017, a memoir about her late son Paul.

She holds a college diploma in Communications and worked in agriculture journalism until the birth of her first child. The family eventually grew to include one daughter and six sons (the youngest with Down syndrome) whom she home-educated for 25 years.

Eleanor lives with her husband and youngest son, Timothy, amidst the ongoing renovation of a century home in central Alberta where she reads, writes, sweeps up construction rubble and blogs about a sometimes elusive contentment at jewelofcontentment.wordpress.com.

CONNECT WITH ELEANOR: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Cornerstone message from the collection: 

Launch out into the far reaches of the universe. Delve deep into the intricate wonders of creation’s minutest particles. The farther humanity goes, the more awe I feel at the God whose power and genius spoke it all into existence. As a very young girl, I relished the delicious thrill of feeling tiny in the face of vast power, whether under a giant prairie sky, or failing in my count of the sparkling night stars. Like holding hands with a grizzly bear, God’s thundering bigness against my feeble smallness terrifies and quiets me.

That shivery awe fills the pages of the Bible, where God’s mighty power and fearsome holiness are vividly on display. There I read of a majestic King, both perfectly holy and utterly sovereign. That’s the terror part! He governs every detail of history, and every detail of my life. 

But layered within that message is the constant harmony line of God’s pure goodness and the astonishing message of His never-ending love in the sacrificial death of His Son Jesus in my place.

“And from my smitten heart with tears 

Two wonders I confess — 

The wonders of His glorious love 

And my unworthiness.” 

(Elizabeth C. Clephane, Beneath the Cross of Jesus)

I’m flooded with joy knowing I belong to a trustworthy, loving God who forgives me and never leaves me!

BOOK SPOTLIGHT-FUN FACTS

Favorite place to read: On my bed, or stretched out on the couch. With fuzzy blanket. And chocolate.

Favorite book character from childhood: Anne of Green Gables

Favorite movie: Pride & Prejudice (6 hr. BBC version)

Favorite quote or Bible verse: “Ascribe greatness to our God. He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.” Dt. 32: 3,4 coupled with “He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zeph. 3:17

Favorite splurge/treat: Chocolate-covered dried cherries!

Favorite character you’ve created: Can I pick three? None of these are my main characters, but they appeal to me anyway.

Anna Fawcett, a wise senior whose insightful questions and warm caring transform those she touches. (She’s modelled after my own mother.)

Jesse Fawcett, her 24yo son who has Down syndrome. I love his quirky ways, many of which are derived from my own son, Timo, or accounts of real people with DS as told to me by their families.

Jake Adrian, cultish, controlling legalist, manipulative self-styled prophet, tyrant of his family, money lover and secret gambler, northern Alberta farmer. (It was alarming to me how easily his wonky theology flowed onto the page!)

Last 3 great books you read: Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin, The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah, The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul

Dream vacation: leisurely British/European tour of great art, museums, architecture, history

Hidden talent: Pie-making. (“Maybe it should be less hidden,” husband says.)

Plotter or pantser: I plot by the seat of my pants. By that, I mean I have an overarching theme that governs why I’m writing the book, I make a rough outline of key plot points, and then I live with my characters day in and day out, letting the details of their characters unfold. Unbound (my Mosaic book) is my most plotted book thus far. Three-quarters of the way through its sequel, Tethered, I still wish I’d taken the time to plot this one in more detail.

In no particular order, ten of your favorite things (i.e. hot cocoa, a warm breeze, There are no warm breezes in Alberta. The first time I experienced such a thing was in 100degree heat in Texas. I was not amused., the sound of my kids’ laughter, etc.) : 

The swish of a tape measure  

The squeal of a power tool {These two reveal my eagerness to see our 16-year whole-house renovation completed!}

All my grown sons kibbutzing together (they’re very witty!)

A long conversation about Jesus and theology with whoever will indulge with me

Listening to Handel’s Messiah

Mowing our acreage, seasonally scented by lilacs, chokeberry blossoms, wolf willow, or alfalfa

Reading to/chatting/snuggling with my 5 (soon to be 7) grandchildren

Sewing (especially quilts)

Flower gardening (Lilies! Roses! Delphiniums!)

A deep discussion with my husband (or daughter, or sister, or mother, or friend)

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card & an ebook prize pack*!

Winner will receive an ebook of:

• Where She Belongs
• Pieces of Granite
• Lifelines
• Christmas on a Mission
• Vigilant
• Other Side of the River
• The Third Grace
• Carolina Grace
• The Benefit Package (a devotional)
• Dance of Grace
• When Love Calls

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight July 10, 2019 and last through 11:59 PM EST on July 24, 2019. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Open internationally, but international winner will receive a gift card only *(may be substituted for a Book Depository gift card if winner cannot accept from US Amazon)

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

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See tour landing page for a complete list of authors & book release dates.

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.