Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Waves of Mercy

GIVEAWAY

AUSTIN, LYNN
WAVES OF MERCY

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-Contennial 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.

My Review:

A fascinating novel steeped in history. Austin has created a rich, cultural backdrop to showcase two captivating storylines with two intriguing heroines.

Anna is at a crossroads when she arrives in Holland, Michigan. She's searching for answers to questions she doesn't even know how to ask as she looks ahead to an uncertain future. Geesje reflects upon her past -- fifty years of faith and love and a lifetime of struggles -- after she is asked to write her memoir. Two seemingly diverse life stories converge in the most amazing way. And the bridge that links them together is seminary student, Derk who sees God's hand in it all.

 I think what struck me the most about Waves of Mercy is the startling contrast between the heartbreak and joys of a seasoned believer and the wonder and confusion of new faith. However, I have to admit to being really disappointed with the ending. There's just too much left hanging and no indication that there will be answers in future novels since this doesn't look like it's part of a series. So that's really frustrating. :-(

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  Waves of Mercy please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the  subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday November 13 2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

51 comments:

  1. I have read several of Lynn's books in the past, historical fiction, and very much enjoyed them. Let's hope this is to be part of a series..... dixiedobie at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Or that at least has a sequel! Good luck, CC.

      Delete
  2. I loved Lynn's Refiner's Fire series and this beautiful cover had me wanting to read Waves of Mercy. The reviews are 95% four and five star, however I've read more than one review that said the same as yours, not enough answers. Makes it hard for readers to decide, doesn't it? Do you think the author is trying to get the reader to decide their own ending? I'm willing to give it a chance and hope for a sequel too.
    tracey14567 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm not sure. It's begging for another book to finish the story, I think. So who knows? It just left my sensitive reader's heart unsettled. :-) Good luck, Tracey.

      Delete
  3. Holland isn't far from me! I have been eyeing this book for the reason alone that it is set in Michigan here. lattebooksAThotmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michigan has such a fascinating history! I've read a lot of historicals set there. Good luck, Susan.

      Delete
  4. After reading your review I sure do hope there is a continuation of this book. I have spent many hours reading this author's books. I sure hope to get a chance to read this books her books are must reads!

    ReplyDelete
  5. The two story lines will make this very interesting.
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They make a very interesting contrast. Good luck.

      Delete
  6. I would like to take a chance on this one with hopes of a sequel down the road. Than
    Thank you, Kav


    mauback55 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes -- if the author doesn't have one planned I bet she gets a lot of requests from fans. Good luck, Melanie.

      Delete
  7. I love all of Lynn Austin's books!
    Elly -Indiana-

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love Lynn Austin's books! She is an amazing story teller.
    psalm103and138 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Have wanted to read her books but haven't gotten around to it yet. Thanks for the giveaway.

    mindyhoung AT msn DOT com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome, Mindy. There are so many good books out there it's hard to keep up, isn't it? Good luck!

      Delete
  10. I've enjoyed many of Lynn's prior books so have been wanting to read Waves of Mercy. It's good to know that about the ending; maybe I won't be as disappointed since I know there is unfinished business. Thanks for your review and the chance to win.
    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thank you so much for the chance. Blessings!
    leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  12. I was born and raised in Michigan and I love this author. Adding this book to my ever growing TBR list. Thanks, Kav.
    Dblaser(at)windstream(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There's a lot of books set in your home state, Diane. You could have a whole library just of Michigan stories. Good luck.

      Delete
  13. I'm hoping there is a sequel, from reading your review it sounds like one is needed. Thanks for the review and giveaway. d[dot]brookmyer[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes - a sequel is definitely needed. Good luck, Donna.

      Delete
  14. Thank you for doing this giveaway!! :)

    rosebudsinjune at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  15. This is going to sound very petty, but I don't like it when book characters have complicated, hard-to-pronounce names. Geesje de Jonge ranks at the top.
    Dianna

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm with you -- I don't mind if they give a pronunciation early on. I called her Geegee in my head through the whole read but I stumbled over her name a lot anyway. Funny the things that will stop the flow of a read. Good luck, Dianna.

      Delete
    2. If you look on her Facebook author page there is a video that tells you how to pronounce the names.

      Delete
    3. Oh, thanks for that tip, Christine. Very helpful.

      Delete
  16. Oh I really dislike unanswered questions hanging at the end of the book!! Especially if you don't know if there will be any other books. I like my stories all neatly tied up with a bow :-)

    But, I like Lynn's writing well enough to want to read this one. I love her historicals! Maybe we should email her and ask if she will be putting out a second book to this? :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

      Delete
    2. LOL -- she's probably been inundated with requests by now. Good luck, Trixi.

      Delete
  17. I have read some great and is not so great reviews of this book. Growing up in Michigan and having been to Holland makes me want to give it a chance.

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's generated a variety of opposing viewpoints, hasn't it? Good luck, Patty.

      Delete
  18. You're welcome, Kate. Good luck.

    ReplyDelete
  19. This is a new to me author but the book looks really good Thanks for the chance to win a copy iamabho (at) gmail (.) com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Always enjoy her books. cheetahthecat1986(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  21. Great review. I love Lynn Austin's books and can't wait to read this one. Thanks for the giveaway and good luck everyone. princessdebbie1_2000ATyahooDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  22. Thank you for the chance to win. :)

    melodybissonnette AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  23. I'd like to enter, thanks
    marcus802001(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  24. I believe you can never go wrong with Lynn Austin!
    Plus, look how gorgeous that cover is!!!

    samanthabis23 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete