Reading a Lynn Austin book is always a treat. In Legacy of Mercy Austin seamlessly stitches together two strong story lines, honoring each without detracting from the other. In the late 1800s women of society were not expected to marry for love, but for joining families to the mutual benefit of both. So, Anneke (Anna) Nicholson had resigned herself to the necessity of her marriage to William Wilkinson. The marriage would help her adopted parents both financially and socially. Still her mind, and her heart, could not help but wonder what life as a minster's wife would be like if her and Derk Vander Veen's circumstances were different. While Anna loved her parents and appreciated all that they had provided for her, the simpler, God-focused life of her recently discovered grandmother, Geesje de Jonge, spoke to her.

Cornelia Den Herder had known great loss in her seventeen years. She had lost her immediate family to a fire, everyone who loved her. Forced to live with a cold and distant grandfather and his extensive list of rules,Cornelia was bereft. Now she and her grandfather had fled their native Netherlands for an uncertain future in America. While searching for jobs and a place to settle, Cornelia had come to live with Anneke's grandmother, while her grandfather resided next door with Derk Vander Veen and his father. Geesje longed to help the deeply saddened young woman to repair her relationship with her grandfather, but Cornelia held deep secrets and her grandfather resented Geesje's meddling.

The need to accept and extend forgiveness and mercy is the theme that runs throughout this story. As always Austin has developed characters whose lives will matter to her readers as they, while set in another time and place, reflect elements of the readers own needs and desires. The need to be truly accepted for oneself is another strong theme in this story, one that resonates in today's society. I thank NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a copy of Legacy of Mercy in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

With dynamic characters that come to life, this story grabbed a hold of my heart and didn’t let go. I had not previously read the first book, Waves of Mercy, but not once did I feel lost in this story. I do, however, want to go back and read Waves of Mercy as soon as possible!

Anna is on a personal mission to learn about her biological parents, however, the information that is being uncovered by the Pinkerton agents is getting leaked to her new society friends, and causing problems. Anna is trying to do the right thing by her adoptive parents, but will she lose herself in the process?

William has his eyes on his future goals of taking over the family banking business, he has high aspirations in society, and wants to make a life with Anna. His vision of the future is filled with high society glitz and glamor, but is that what Anna wants also?

I especially appreciated how seamlessly Lynn Austen wove Bible verses into this story. With gentle reminders of how when you think that you can supply your own needs, you fail to see your need for a savior. We are also reminded that we are God’s hands and feet, here to serve others. We are blessed so that we can bless others. If we hold on to what we are given, we are not fulfilling God’s plan in our lives and allowing Him to work through us.

This story is multifaceted, with lots to enjoy. The settings, the history and the characters all blend together, with Lynn Austen’s signature writing style to make the perfect reading enjoyment. I give this story 5-stars and would encourage you to pick up a copy today to enjoy for yourself!

(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)

As I was reading this I realized that this was the second book in this series and I had not read the first one, that being said, I was not lost, enough information was given that I was able to enjoy this read.
Through the author’s pen we are given an insight into the Word of God and how it applies to everyday life, and we soon see how hard it is for the rich to give up and follow.
Yes, this is a different time, but it could apply to today, and as I was reading this story we put faces on those with much and those who readily share all that they have. Opulence in excess, and then poverty that makes you want to turn you head, but not your heart.
I found myself wanting get to the end of this book, for answers, but not wanting to leave, and now wanting to spend more time with these characters,

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

I absolutely loved the prequel to this novel, Waves of Mercy, so I was thrilled to discover that the author responded to the overwhelming encouragement to continue Anna and Geesje’s story. Anna faces trials that make her a realistic and relatable character and has a depth to her that allows me as a reader to connect with her and feel her struggles and emotions. Geesje as well is a compassionate soul with godly wisdom that reaches beyond the pages and encourages me as a reader. There is mystery surrounding Anna’s story that is unpredictable and the romance becomes complicated, leading to twists and turns unexpected. I loved the history of the Dutch heritage and the incorporation of many spiritual truths. I most highly recommend this novel!

Such a heartwarming story of restoration and steadfast love! Told from three points of view, Legacy of Mercy shows how God can work all things together for good, despite our mistakes. This fairytale-like ending will bring joy to the reader’s soul!

This is the second book in the Waves to Mercy series. I did not read book one, and I still loved Legacy of Mercy. I actually went and purchased book one after reading this one!

This is a historical fiction following two characters, Anna and Geesje. I loved the story for both, but I did prefer the chapters that followed Anna a little more. I really enjoyed how everything was connected in the end.

I really enjoyed the writing style, the characters, and the plot on this one. I liked it so much that I looked up other books by the author so I can check out more of her work.

Overall, I loved this and cannot wait to start book 1 in the series!

This story by Lynn Austin has a different feel compared to the many other books I’ve read thus far. The socialite, Anna Nicholson, has learned information about her birth mother and she is determined to find out more. Primarily, who is her birth father. Her fiancé on the other hand, really has no interest in her searching. He would rather she just set it all aside, lest she find out her true history, and that is something that he doesn’t want to deal within his society group.

The story has several stories within the pages here. We have first story, the letter writing between Anna and her birth grandmother, which sets up the rest of the book. At this point they have already met, although to be honest, I’m not particularly certain how they discovered each other. Letter communication like that at the beginning of a book I tend to scan over and skip right to the story itself.

The second story line is Anna’s grandmother brings in a young teenage girl with some issues, Claudia. Her grandfather stays next door with Anna’s grandson.

Then, when Anna finds various people from her mother’s history who knew here, another story line appears. In this, they are relieving the moments when they knew Anna and the time period during that time.

My initial thoughts when reading the book was that I wasn’t certain about it. Anna didn’t really capture my interest. She just seemed so dainty and “good. The story read a lot like a Grace Livingston book. The second half of the book I began to enjoy more, especially when Anna was discovering other pieces to the story of her life.

All in all, I did enjoy the book, however I wasn’t really certain the roll that Claudia and her family had within the pages. Because to be honest, I skimmed those sections and remained focused on Anna, while at the same time wondering when the two stories would tie in together.

*** I now realize that there was a book one to this series. This perhaps would have helped me understand Anna's history up unto this point.

I was able to download this story via NetGalley and was happy that the publisher, Bethany House, gave me the opportunity to read it.

Legacy of Mercy is the sequel to Waves of Mercy, but each is stand alone. I encourage you to read both! Returning to Chicago, socialite Anna Nicholson is unwavering in her quest to uncover the facts about her birth mother and father not fully realizing how many people could get hurt in the process. She is a determined young woman whose heart is in the right place when she accepts a marriage proposal from wealthy William Wilkinson. It soon becomes apparent to Anna, they do not share the same dreams for their future. Will Anna have the courage to do the right thing? I found this to be an endearing and engaging story. You will cry and rejoice with Anna as she searches for the truth. Anna’s grandmother, Geesje de Jonge, is very wise. I love this quote from the book when she says, “maybe change is His (God’s) favorite tool to make sure we keep growing closer to Him.” Hope, forgiveness, and integrity combine to make this an inspirational story that is a definite must-read.
I received a free copy of the book from the publisher.

This book took me to another time and place. Lynn Austin’s storytelling is always superb, and she’s able to make you see the details of what’s haooening around the characters in the story. The themes in the story of God’s mercy, love, grace, and forgiveness are timeless, and fit in the historical setting of this story as well as today.

The thing I loved most about this book was that although the two main characters, Geesje and Anna, faced difficult situations, including physical weakness, their faith in God made them strong. Even when they could not see the next step ahead, they were trusting God in every way to help them. They were both women of prayer who desired to do God’s will in their lives. The author did a great job of having their stories complement each other.

Although this is the second book in this series, I had no problem catching up and enjoying this book. I am going to make sure that I read the first book, especially since I loved this one is much,

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This is such an interesting book! Author Lynn Austin has written another fabulous story. Read “Waves of Mercy” first to get the beginning story, then go on to “Legacy of Mercy”. There are heart-wrenching circumstances taking place in the late 1800’s due to the high elite class and the very poor. The story develops in the settings of Chicago, Illinois and Hollland, Michigan. A young woman, Anneke, struggles to live in both worlds. There are such wonderful characters in this book. Oma Geesje, Anna’s grandmother, is one of my favorite. Through prayers and salvation, lives are changed, but there is always much to overcome. This is an exciting book from cover to end.

Thank you to Bethany House for the free review copy. All opinions are my own. 

I loved this book. God's grace and forgiveness was some major themes throughout, yet the characters talked about these topics and demonstrated them throughout the novel in ways that made them relatable. 

I loved the characters of Tante Geesje, Anna, and Cornelia and the contrast they provided in the novel. Geesje was strong in her faith, yet showed where she had doubts and how she moves in her faith. I think her character really showed how a lifetime of faith doesn't mean she has it all figured out. I also loved the sass of this character and her enthusiasm about Jesus and the central message in the gospel.

Anna's character shows what it's like to be new in faith. I enjoyed her because I could think about where I was when I first believed, and this caused me to root for her throughout the novel to become all God wanted her to be. I loved seeing her struggle to find out what God was calling her to do. I think a lot of people have been in this place at one time or another during their walk with Jesus.

Corenlia showed what a new believer is like when what she has been taught about religion doesn't necessarily show what having a relationship with Jesus is like. I really liked seeing how she fought against God because it's so realistic. Letting go of hurt and learning to forgive is a process. 

Austin has written a fantastic novel about women in different places in their walks of faith. She has shown what it looks like to truly show God's grace and forgiveness. This book was so fantastic, and I felt convicted and encouraged while reading it.

I hope you'll check it out when it comes out next week on October 2. 

Happy reading!

This book rips your heart out, stomps on it a few times, and then puts it back. Beautiful, heart-felt story! Another amazing work by Lynn Austin. Anna's story couldn't have ended more perfectly. This book combines everything we love and have come to expect from this talented author. Thank you for writing the stories God lays on your heart.

I loved this continuation of Geesje and Anna's story. With some answers for her past, Anna returns to the luncheons, teas, literary groups and formal dinners that comprise her life in Chicago. As her faith grows, she begins to realize the shallowness of such a life. There are also many more details about her past that she would like to discover. Life has changed in Holland, Michigan as well. New arrivals from the old country bring new challenges to love people where they are, with Geesje praying she can help as the Lord would.
Can answers be found for Anna, will love win over necessity and can the past be forgiven?
I received an advance copy of this book for my enjoyment with no expectation of a positive review.

After reading Waves of Mercy, I was so hopeful that the story would continue! I was delighted to learn that the very talented Lynn Austin was indeed going continue the story of Anna and her grandma, Geesje, Derk and William. As Anna moves forward with her engagement to William (for noble reasons but not for love), she also embarks on a quest to learn more about her birth mother and discover who her birth father is. The story unfolds with a few surprises along the way and will have you running the gamut of emotions from happiness, to sadness, fear to hope, being indignant on Ann’s behalf to compassion. The strong faith of Geesje and the “growing stronger everyday faith” of Anna is a joy to read about. Cornelia and her grandfather are new additions to the cast of familiar characters and their story line is a fascinating one that transcends time, being just as relevant although more openly talked about now. As the storyline of Geesja and Anna concludes in a way that had me smiling, I find myself wondering what will happen next for Cornelia and her grandfather? And, I am cautiously hopeful that this “Mercy” series will continue!

This is the second book in a series, I guess. They called the first book, Waves of Mercy the prequel, so however that works. Anyway, I do recommend reading the book first. You can read this one as a stand alone, I guess, but you won't get as much out of it. I had read the first book awhile ago and would have found it helpful to read again first to fully get the story again.

But it's a good story. Anna was raised in a wealthy house, but had just found her real grandmother at the end of the first book. She wants to know more about God, to follow Him more faithfully, but her fiance is uninterested. Meanwhile, she has fallen in love with a young man who is studying to be a minister and not the least bit wealthy. And that is all I'm going to say about that so I don't give the story away anymore than I already have.

What I really like about this book is Anna's determination to follow God and to love her adopted parents well. She is willing to sacrifice her own happiness for their sake and that says a lot about a young lady in my opinion. I also love that she is willing to go "beneath her station" to spend time with her grandma and to learn from her.

This book flips back and forth between Anna and her grandma. Her grandma demonstrates God's love in action by taking in a young girl, by caring for the poor, and by being open to what God has for her. There's a great story in that side of the book as well.

So all in all, I really enjoyed this book and I really hope there are more books coming in this series, because it feels like there is much more to tell. I want to know how Anna's life continues, what happens to the young girl and more.

I received this book from Bethany House through NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review.

I really loved this book and had a heard time putting it down. This is the second book in the waves of mercy series. I didn’t realize that but the book also can stand alone as I did not read the first one. This book told one story from different perspectives and I enjoyed that. The story line was fascinating to me and I found myself thinking about the book long after I put it down. I would recommend reading the books in order as I am sure it gives more depth to the story. Legacy of Mercy releases in October so that gives you some time to read Waves of Mercy.

I was blessed to receive an electronic copy via netgalley. All opinions are my own.

LYNN AUSTIN'S novels are always worth waiting for, and LEGACY OF MERCY is no exception. Although it is the sequel to WAVES OF MERCY, it can stand alone, but I am glad I read the books in sequence.
It is a truly inspirational novel, rich in Christian content, with characters that stay with you long after you have finished reading.
Anna Nicholson is engaged to be married to William Wilkinson, one of the the most eligible bachelors in Chicago. She has recently had an encounter with the Lord, and desperately wants to live a life that is pleasing to Him. William is not interested in what he sees as her religious fanaticism, and in fact he downright forbids her to get involved with helping the poor. It hurts her to realize that he isn't interested in that which really interests her. Although she loves her parents and is fond of William, she feels that the society life they all live is meaningless when there are so many people struggling to make ends meet. She is determined, though, to not compromise her faith, no matter what it costs. Her struggles are very real, especially when she finds out more about her biological parents, and becomes the subject of scandal. In those days even being adopted was frowned upon by society, and now the legitimacy of her birth is the subject of hateful gossip!
Anna's grandmother, Geesje, is a delightful character, strong in the Lord and not giving up, even when she comes up against the most difficult people. Anna feels relieved when she is with Oma Geesje, who is so full of Godly wisdom and lives a simple life of service to her Lord.
This novel is a real classic and a delightful read. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by Bethany House Publishers from NetGalley. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

“Legacy of Mercy” is a satisfying sequel to “ Waves of Mercy” by Lynn Austin. I always enjoy this author’s talent to introduce me to a historical setting and people I am unfamiliar with. This book reveals what it might have been like for Dutch immigrants that came to Holland, Michigan to escape religious persecution. The characters experience life-altering choices. They face the challenge to see how God is in control even when their world seems to be shaken, and there are no simple answers. This book tells the story of two time periods and life-altering decisions for women of different backgrounds. As with all of Lynn Austins books I enjoyed this story. This book was provided by NetGalley, and no review was required.

Legacy of Mercy is the sequel to Waves of Mercy, by eight-time Christy Award winner, Lynn Austin. I think the cover is stunning and would have caught my eye, even if I hadn't already read many of Lynn Austin's novels. Legacy of Mercy is written in the first person from the perspective of many of the novel's characters. I feel like first person is the most difficult point of view to write in and must be expertly crafted in order for the story to pop off the pages. Legacy of Mercy was missing the "pop" for me. I enjoyed reading Waves of Mercy and was eager to read the rest of Anneke and Derk's story. I would have liked more interaction between Anneke, Derk and William and less of Oma Gessje, Cornelia and Marinus. I loved Anneke's quiet spirit and Derk's devotion to her. I really liked Oma Gessje in the first book but found her a little overbearing in the second, which was kind of sad. The book has a strong spiritual message. In the book readers are reminded that God has created us and placed us where we are for a reason. He has a plan and purpose and when we can't understand the plan or the purpose we can trust Him because His ways are perfect.


Legacy of Mercy will be available for purchase from your local or online retailer on October 2, 2108.

Thank you Bethany House and Net Galley for the free copy of Legacy of Mercy. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Lynn Austin is one of my favorite authors and while <i>Legacy of Mercy</i> wasn't my favorite of her books, I still thoroughly enjoyed it.

WHAT I LIKED

-Anna/Anneke was a wonderful main character. I loved her gentle, caring spirit and her determination to discover the truth about her past. Geesje (how do you pronounce her name?) was also a great character, though I preferred the chapters from Anna's point of view.
-Can I just marry Derk? Love, love, love him. I kept imagining him as Michael Huisman (as he appears in the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society movie) so that was definitely a plus.
-I liked Anna's search for the truth about her parents and loved how that whole subplot tied up!
-Love the romance. For a bit I was worried that Lynn Austin wouldn't wrap it up the way I wanted but she totally did.

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE

-This book didn't grab my heart the way so many other Lynn Austin books have done. But it totally might work for you!
-As I kinda mentioned before, Geesje's point of view wasn't my favorite.

Overall, fans of Christian historical romance will probably love this book.

<i>I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.</i>