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
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
EXCERPT:
I couldn’t be more stunned if William had slapped me across the face. “I don’t understand. Don’t we have an obligation to help the poor? What difference do their political views make?”
“Jane Addams is not only a social progressive, she’s anti-capitalism. Those people support trade unions and women’s suffrage. You cannot be associated with them and their outrageous ideas, Anna. Does your father know you went there?”
“I haven’t had a chance to—”
“Make sure you tell him. I know he will agree with me. He won’t want his daughter affiliated with that place.”
My disappointment is overwhelming. I turn away from William to stare out of the carriage window at the wide, gas-lit boulevard and handsome stone houses we’re passing. This clean, tree-lined street might well be in a different world from the neighborhood I visited this afternoon. I struggle to control my tears so I won’t arrive with red eyes and a running nose. I hesitate to argue with William, yet I must make him see the benefits of the settlement house and why I feel compelled to be part of it. “Why is it so wrong to help immigrants and poor, working-class people, William? My mama was a cook in a boarding house, and her husband was a railroad worker. My grandma Geesje and her family were all immigrants. How can it be wrong for me to spend my time helping people like them instead of attending tea parties and luncheons?”
“There are plenty of acceptable charities here in Chicago that you can volunteer for and contribute to. But you aren’t an immigrant or a poor, working-class woman, Anna. Your true family is the one that raised you—the Nicholsons. Your social obligations are to them, not to the people who gave birth to you. And you will become part of my family after we’re married.”
I pull a handkerchief from my reticule and dab the tears from my eyes. William is right, I suppose. But I can’t escape the feeling that what I read in Scripture and saw in person at Hull-House was the true path I should be taking if I want to follow Jesus. William lifts my gloved hand and kisses the back of it.
“I’m sorry if I sounded brusque, darling, or if I upset you. But those sorts of people are some of our harshest critics. They dismiss the hard work of men like my grandfather, who started with nothing and worked hard to succeed. They treat us as if we’re the enemy. Anyone in America can get ahead and make something of himself if he’s willing to work hard, even if he’s an immigrant.”
I swallow the lump in my throat and ask, “Have you ever seen the tenements where they live?”
He kisses my hand again and says, “Of course I have. Listen, I admire your tender, generous heart, Anna dear. I will ask Mother to give you the names of the wonderful charities she supports. But please don’t ever mention Hull-House again, especially at the dinner tonight.”
The subject is closed and sealed. But it leaves a hollow place inside me, and I don’t know what will replace it. I stay by William’s side for the remainder of the evening and fill the role that’s expected of me. But I feel like I’m playacting, reciting lines that someone else has written in a drama that I no longer enjoy.
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!
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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the excerpt sounds very interesting thanks
ReplyDeleteAhh i need this book in my life!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tour, grats~
ReplyDelete