Legacy Of Mercy by Lynn Austin is a delightful Christian historical novel that I loved. It is the second book in the Waves Of Mercy series but can be read as a stand-alone.
The novel is set in the late nineteenth century America and the chapters alternate between a grandmother and her granddaughter. They are similar but different. The grandmother lives simply in a small country town. The granddaughter lives in a lavish town house with servants, in a sprawling city. Ironically there is far more freedom in the small town where characters can be themselves. There is no show to impress the neighbours.
Both characters love deeply. They have a heart for others and a desire to serve Jesus wherever He leads them. “Other Christians are the only hands and feet Jesus has.” We need to show the world Jesus, by our actions and by the way we live and love.
There are characters who have been hurt and are trying to outrun their past. “God hears you weeping…He longs to comfort you and the only arms He has are mine.” God sees our pain, and He uses others to help to heal us and to show us love.
A character feels useless. “My days feel so meaningless that I can’t help wondering what God’s purpose is for my life.” While we are still breathing, God has a plan for our lives. “God sees the long-range picture.” We see but a small part. God places us where He thinks we will bloom. “God can use even our greatest failures for His glory.” God takes our mess and transforms it into a masterpiece.
We meet characters who are all about wealth and power. They think showy, extravagant gestures show love – but not when they squash the desires of others. “It’s a showpiece … not a home.” A home is a home when it is filled with love not stuff, and certainly should not be celebrated when it is at the misfortune of others.
Prayer is important. “I… pray for her and entrust her into God’s care instead of worrying.” We are told in the New Testament to pray about everything and to worry about nothing. “Prayer doesn’t come with guarantees… praying will bring us closer to Him.” Sometimes people expect prayers to be answered their way but God answers prayers in His way and in His timing.
God longs for us to be real with Him. “It’s ok to be honest with God and let Him know when I am angry… He is always faithful.” He can take our emotions. What He doesn’t want, is our silence.
We all have doubts. Doubt is not the opposite of faith. Doubt goes hand in hand with faith. “Our faith allows us to bring our doubts to God and ask all those hard questions… Why?... Where were You?... How could You let this happen?” We were never promised an easy, problem free life, quite the opposite but God did promise to never leave us nor forsake us.
Legacy Of Mercy was a delightful read showing the heart of God through the use of His children. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I received a free copy. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

Lynn Austin is such a wonderful author. Her stories always touch my heart, make me consider things I hadn't before, and provide such a depth of emotion as one is reading. Legacy of Mercy is one of her finest - full of history, faith, relatable struggles, and well crafted characters.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel and was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Just got done reading book 2 of the "Mercy" series by Lynn Austin. It was such a great book, especially when I got to the 2nd half, where I could not put the book down. It was very well written and kept me guessing on what would happen next. There were so many different twists to the story.

I did find myself getting a bit frustrated with Anna for letting everyone walk over her in Chicago, everybody controlling her social schedule, and basically her whole life. I was thinking "stand up for yourself already"! But the book had a very satisfying conclusion and loose ends were tied.

I also liked reading more about Christina's story and what happened with her during her time in Chicago. The story with Cornelia was interesting as well. It unfolded quite nicely.

Rating: 5 out of 5

I received this book for free from NetGalley and Bethany House publishers in exchange for a review.

Legacy of Mercy was just as amazing as book one. I grew to love these characters and was so happy that their story continued on in this book.

The romance was good. I was hoping for a happily ever after and think this book delivered that. I was intrigued by the mystery of her mom and the events surrounding her past. I was surprised by certain aspects and couldn't read fast enough.

All in all, Legacy of Mercy was a fantastic read and I definitely recommend it. I'm hoping for another book with these characters as I'm not ready to say goodbye yet.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

“Legacy of Mercy” gave me the satisfying end that I’ve been waiting for since its prequel, “Waves of Mercy,” left me hanging. I’d love to read them both all over again as one complete story and re-embark on Geesje and Anna’s intertwining journeys of faith and love. Once I started reading “Legacy” I couldn’t put it down, as I wondered how Anna would be able to stay loyal to her family while seeking answers about her past. Whether Anna would end up marrying for love or noble reasons may seem obvious, Austin presented her dilemma in such a real and tangible way that I felt the struggle myself and couldn’t figure out how it would all wrap up. “Legacy” brought out all the feels and kept me in suspense from start to finish.

I adore Lynn Austin and Legacy of Mercy does not disappoint! Austin has an uncanny ability to create the most lovely and real characters who find a way into your heart. By the end of the book, you can not bear to leave Anna, Geesje, Dirk or any of the other exquisite characters. Austin does not shy away from hard things in life and also doesn't sugar coat any struggles that her characters go through. She has a depth of wisdom that shines through in her writing and comes out in almost every page of this page turning novel. This is book 2 of the series.

I have loved every Lynn Austin book I've read, this is no exception! She's an excellent historical fiction writer, and really makes you care about the characters in each book. The books are long, but she makes you want to keep going with her interesting plots and characters.

I loved this partner book to Waves of Mercy.

There is something about a Lynn Austin book: I just immediately fall into the story and her warm narrative and the way she slowly unravels each thread of her well-researched historical inclusion holds me close until I am completely immersed and transported. Often, it is several hours before I look up and realize that I am not in Anna and Geesje's world but in my own.


I found this duology was a welcome insight into Austin's obvious passion for her home of Holland, Michigan and while each of her historical offerings is resplendent in its own way, the heart-tie and connection were especially welcome in this soft character piece.


The soft romance of Anna and Derk spoke to my love-story heart and Geesje's salt of the earth wisdom was so refreshing and speaks to a common thread of Austin's older generations serving at once as pragmatic and humorous.

Lynn Austin is a perennial favourite: she deals with fledgling faith in a non-judgmental and delicate way and there are few authors who delve so wonderfully into the complexity of flawed humanity.

There is simply no historical era she cannot wrap around her finger and we readers are so privileged for this unparalleled gift.

Lynn Austin book Legacy of Mercy did not disappoint. As a follow up to Waves of Mercy I find Anna and Geesje story pulled me in once again. As Anna seeks out her past and sees the effect it has in shaping her future I was encouraged by her heartfelt emotions, struggles in her own faith and desire to live for God even if she’s not sure what that looks like. Watching Geesje witness while submitting to the authority of a harsh man was also encouraging. It was a reminder that when waiting on God, and submitting to Him (no matter how imperfectly) can truly bring about answered prayers. If you are looking for an engaging story that also builds up your faith in God and helps you to contemplate the truths in these pages outside of this fictional story then Lynn Austin is definitely your author! This book was a delight to read, and nourishing for the soul.

Legacy of Mercy follows Waves of Mercy and it continues the story of Gessje and Anna. If you loved the first book then you will love this one also.  This is a great conclusion to the first book.                                                                                        
Austin continues with everyone's story,  plus introduces us to some new characters.  Then we go back and visit Geesje in Holland Michigan as Anna turns to her grandmother for advice and balm to her hurting heart. I loved how much the characters grew in faith and how they leaned on their faith when they faced trials and difficulties.......Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this great book.

Not having read the first book, Waves of Mercy, I was glad to see the author easily place me into the story. Even without the pertinent information from book one, I was able to follow the story of Anna, who is searching for her mother.
There are several aspects of Legacy of Mercy that I appreciated. One of them is forgiveness. Several characters had a lot they needed to be forgiven for, and even more they needed to forgive themselves for. My heart ached for Cornelia, and every time Geesje lit into the grandfather, I cheered. Geesje kept saying she should not lose her temper, and she would ask for his forgiveness for speaking so harshly, but I think she did the right thing.
Anna's story takes several turns from beginning to end. She's never loved William, but she is willing to marry him anyway for her parents' sake. Her selflessness is one of the reasons she finds herself trying to help others, and one of the lines of contention between her and William. Another is her faith.
As a new Christian, Anna is struggling to find her way in the socialite life. Things the other women do, Anna knows are wrong, but how can she stop them without putting her own family at risk of scandal?
It seems insane to be so worried over one's social standing, but this is consistent with the way of life for Anna. The world revolved around reputation and social standing.
I thought the author did a marvelous job with setting and characters. Nothing was overly done, and the balance between characters as we switch between Anna and Geesje feels natural. Overall, I enjoyed this novel and would happily read others by this author. If you're a fan of historical fiction, I think you'll enjoy it too.
My thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book. I was not required to leave a review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Legacy of Mercy
by Lynn Austin

Bethany House

Bethany House Publishers

Christian

Pub Date 02 Oct 2018

I am reviewing a copy of Legacy of Mercy through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:

Young Socialite Anna Nicholson can’t seem to focus on her upcoming marriage after returning to Chicago. She has learned new information about her birth Mother and that has continued to pull at her so she hires the Pinkerton detective agent to find the truth about her Mother. Meeting some of the people her Mother knew Anna soon comes to the realization that some secrets are better left hidden.

As this happening someone who wants to see Anna disgraced is going around spreading unflattering stories, determined to hurt her and to make sure her engagement is broken. As Anna begins to share her Faith with her friends in society she begins to see that her choice to seek God’s purpose in her life isn’t as simple as she hoped it would be.

At the darkest moments Anna knows that she can turn to her grandmother Geesje de Jonge, back in Holland, Michigan. Geesje has been helping Dutch Immigrants including a teen who is haunted by her past adjust to life in America. She hopes that her wisdom can help these people as well!

I give Legacy of Mercy five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Format: Paperback
Legacy of Mercy by Lynn Austin continues the story of the early Dutch immigrants that settled in Holland, MI that were introduced in book one in the series, Waves of Mercy. The book can stand alone but you really don’t want to miss the great story in the first book. Lynn Austin is so good at weaving well-researched historical fact with lovely, interesting characters and not predictable story lines. I LOVED everything about this book except turning the last page. I have quite a list of favorite Lynn Austin books. Legacy of Mercy is one more for the list.

Loved how easily I was swept away with every aspect of this book! The characters were very realistic. Story line and descriptive text flowed together very well. Saddened only by how fast the read ended as I couldn't put it down.

I have waited two years for this book and it is truly wonderful. Once again Lynn Austin has taken these genuine characters and woven together an engrossing story, which historical fiction fans will love. Set in 1897, the story takes place in Holland, MI and Chicago, IL, following the life of Dutch immigrants and their descendants. I kept turning pages as these characters learned to trust and depend on God. Austin’s characters are flawed and struggle and that makes it easy for me to relate to them. Although this book is a sequel to Waves of Mercy, it certainly can be read by itself. But like me, you might enjoy these characters and their lives and want to read more. I actually hope that she writes another book and turns this into a series. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are mine.

Takes place in 1897 Holland, Michigan and Chicago, Illinois. Anna is from a wealthy family, her parents adopted her after he saved her from a shipwreck where she lost her real mother. As told in the previous book, she learns who her biological grandmother is when she stays at a resort in Holland. The previous is a very involved book, recommended but not necessary to read this one. Anna also meets Dirk, quite by accident, yet has also recently reconciled with her wealthy fiancé, believing she must marry for money to save her adopted family. In this book Anna is trying to live in wealthy society and cope with marrying a man who does not share her newfound faith, while dealing with a jealous society girl. She's searching for information on her real mother now that she knows who she is, and trying to learn who her real father is. This information opens up a whole new set of problems.

It's also about Anna's real Grandmother Geesje, a Dutch immigrant, not of society. A young girl and her grandfather come to stay with her and her neighbor after moving from the Netherlands - a whole new story there that unfolds. Not everyone's lives are perfect and following a set line. This is about people who become endeared to you, lives who are battered and shredded, then mended and put right in faith as God can best do. Each person learning and becoming stronger by living through it. A lesson taught in no other way. Such a beautiful cover, don't you think?

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. 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 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Legacy of Mercy by Lynn Austin is a beautiful work of historical fiction. I would expect nothing less from this other, Iwas definitely not disappointed. This story centers around a young girl engaged to marry to perfect man in the eyes of society. Yet, she’s full of questions about her birth mother and feels compelled to find answers. Will she discover the truth and at what cost? I love the way this book dealt with this subject in a historically appropriate way. This is part of a phenomenal series and I highly recommend it. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

I didn't know how much I needed this sequel until I read this book. It picks up right where Waves of Mercy left off, Anna has returned to her life with her adoptive parents, and is preparing to marry William. But as the wedding approaches she begins to see how her old way of life and friends clash with her new found faith, yet she feels that she must marry William, because he holds the key to saving her family from financial ruin. But feelings for a young ministry student, Derk Vander Veen, and her current fiance's passivity to her faith and diststain for her humble beginnings make her wonder if she is making the right choice.



Meanwhile back in Holland, Michigan, Oma Geesje agrees to take in a troubled young woman who has just arrived from the Netherlands with her stern grandfather. Derk cannot forget about Anneke, he thinks of her often and can't seem to get her of his head.



Picking up right where Waves of Mercy left off this book tells the continuing story of Anna and Geesje. Anna goes back to Chicago, continuing to search for answers as to her parentage, trying to live her faith in her high society circle, in spite of cruel gossips. I admired Anna for her bravery to stand up for others, and her passion to do more with her life than go to teas and parties. Anna loves her parents and her newfound grandmother dearly.



Oma Geesje prays for her granddaughter unceasingly, and takes a troubled young Dutch girl under her wing. Geesje stands up for the girl, and tries to show her God's grace, and help Cornelia reconnect with her grandfather. Geesje is a wise woman, who acknowledges her own failings, but finds hope in Christ alone. She encourages others in faith, and has a way of gently smoothing the way for things to come.



Overall, a fantastic book I enjoyed every minute of this sequel done right. I loved continuing Anna's journey, and how she took her faith home to Chicago. This book ties up all the loose ends from Waves of Mercy, with a fantastic ending. I would definitely recommend reading this duology in order so you don't miss out on important parts of the story. I liked the contrast of Geesje and Anna, a woman new in her faith, and a woman who has been a believer for many years, as well as how they both encourage Cornelia. A gripping read about family, faith, love, and forgiveness.




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

Legacy of Mercy by Lynn Austin is the second book in this series by her and I found that it was an emotionally, beautiful book. I don’t think you can ever go wrong picking up a book by this author. In her penning of a masterpiece, she fills the pages with a story weaved with the Word of God, with people with relationships with God, living out what is on the pages of Scripture. It’s not just fiction where God is mentioned a few times, but it’s fiction where God is interwoven throughout. I feel that this type of writing inspires me greatly. Grace, forgiveness, and love were so deep in this one. No matter who you are, the church attender or the pastor, you need to proceed in life with grace, forgiveness, and love. This can only come through the power of the Holy Spirit in us. May we allow the Holy Spirit to be seen in us by our brothers and sisters, spurring them on to grace, forgiveness, and love as well. Read this one and be inspired by the themes of hope for the future, letting go of the things we can’t take with us, and forgiving those that hurt us. Warning: Once started, you might be not able to put it down.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

****Also posted on B&N, CBD

Legacy of Mercy by Lynn Austin is the second novel in Waves of Mercy series. Anna Nicholson has returned home to Chicago after spending time with her newly discovered grandmother, Geesjede Jonge in Holland, Michigan. Her mother wishes Anna to focus on her upcoming wedding to William Wilkinson, but Anna wants to know more about her birth parents. Her father hires Pinkerton detectives and Anna soon finds herself meeting people who once knew her mother. The more Anna learns, though, the more she understands why her adopted mother wished her to leave the past buried. Unfortunately, secrets have a way of coming out especially when there is a vengeful society lady involved. Anna wants to share her faith with others, but her society acquaintances are not receptive. Anna wants to make a difference and is curious what God’s purpose is for her life. Anna seeks counsel from her Oma, Geesjede in Holland and she also gets to spend time with Derk Vander Veen. Geesjede has the troubled Cornelia Den Herder staying with her. Cornelia and her grandfather, Marinus are new to America. Geesjede hopes in time that Cornelia will open up to her and she can help the unsettled young woman. She also hopes her insight will guide Anna to make the right choices. Where will Anna’s search lead her? Will she follow her heart, or will Anna do what is expected of her?

Legacy of Mercy is a multifaceted story with developed characters. I thought Legacy of Mercy was well-written with a gentle pace which suits the story. The author’s writing drew me into the book and it held my attention. Anna Nicholson is a thoughtful, Christian woman who has recently discovered her maternal grandmother. Despite negativity from her adopted mother, Anna is determined to learn about her birth parents. The information she learns, though, could jeopardize her standing within society. I liked that Anna wanted to share her Christian values with her circle of friends and her family. Anna needs to decide if she will marry William as expected or follow her heart. While the focus of Legacy of Mercy is Anna, we also spend time in Holland, Michigan with Geesjede. Geesjede is forced to share her cottage with newcomer, Cornelia. She soon learns that God put Cornelia with her for a reason. While Legacy of Mercy can be read on its own, I recommend starting with Waves of Mercy first. Lynn Austin captured the era with the clothing, buildings, furniture, conveyances, books, expectations for women, and the historical characters referenced (Jane Addams and Ellen Gates Starr for instance). I appreciated that Anna went to visit Hull House and the author talked about the conditions that exist for the poor in Chicago in 1897. The Christian element is integrated nicely into the book. Anna is trying to live a Godly life, but it is difficult as a society woman. We see the struggles Anna faces. There is a lot going on in Legacy of Mercy, but it is enjoyable to read. Personally, I could have done without the secondary storyline involving Cornelia and her grandfather (it did not tie in with Anna’s story). I did feel that Cornelia’s story was incomplete (I wanted a better ending for her). I am giving Legacy of Mercy 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). Legacy of Mercy has a heartwarming ending that will please readers.