This book picks up the story of Anna Nicholson who seems resigned to her upcoming marriage to a wealthy Chicago man. She was betrothed to him in what she views as the only way out of her father's financial mess. Her heart, though, belongs to a young seminary student back in Holland, Michigan.

Anna was adopted by the Nicholson couple around age 3 when her birth mother died in a shipwreck on the Great Lakes. In book 1 she finds her maternal grandmother in Holland, Michigan during a summer vacation. In book 2 she seeks more information about her birth mother as she attempts to prove that she (Anna) is not of illegitimate birth. The more she learns, the more she wishes to distance herself from the fluff of socialite society in Chicago.

He has locked himself in a prison made of laws and rules, where grace and mercy aren't allowed. I wonder how much more pain he will have to suffer before his prison walls begin to crumble.

After meeting her biological grandmother in Michigan and returning home to Chicago, Anna Nicholson is determined to walk in her new faith and discover what happened to her biological mother who died saving her in a boating accident. Anna's adoptive parents have been supportive in sharing Anna's past with her and encouraging her to know her grandmother. But now that Anna is engaged to be married to one of Chicago's most influential socialite the whose who of Chicago, her parents are fearful of what the past might bring up. Was Anna's mother immoral and who was her father?

The narration goes back and forth between Anna and her grandmother Geesje de Jonge . Her grandmother has agreed to house a young troubled girl and her grandfather has they adapt to their new country. The pair are dealing with loss of family and country and emotional turmoil as they live in fear of the past. The pair only have each other but the hurt that they share is done alone. Geesje breaks down the walls and offers hope of the gospel.

Between the two narrations, secrets are revealed and faith is restored. Loved how historical Chicago was brought to life and rich or poor, we need the gospel of grace and mercy.

A Special Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

Wow. What a great book! Legacy of Mercy blew me away and then some. I thought I’d struggle to understand some parts, because of its being the second in the series, and not having read the first book yet, but there was always just enough backstory that I never felt like I had to guess about the past. (Thankfully, there weren’t info-dumps, either—I’m grateful for that!)

I’ve been a fan of Lynn Austin’s writings for many years, and I’ve absolutely loved every one I have had the chance to pick up. This book was no different. This had deep spiritual truths set in a historical setting, but I never felt like it was over the top or too intense. If I had to sum the book up in a word or two, I’d say it was rich and tasteful.

What touched me the most deeply about this book was the reality I found in these pages. These characters were not too perfect; they struggled to find the right way, and each in their own way had their battles to fight through. I felt like I could relate to everyone, which was somewhat unusual for me. One of my favorite parts of good books is when I feel like I’m learning life lessons through the medium of story, and although I don’t think I learned that much from this book, I was caused to examine different things because of it. What are my motives for doing the things I do? How do I view the Lord—and is my perspective really true according to scripture?

Highly recommended, whether you’re looking for a good historical fiction to read, a novel with Christian values, or a book that delivers a little more than you might normally find in your typical fiction.

I requested a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

How wonderful it was to go back to Oma Geesje and Anna! I loved these characters in Waves of Mercy and was happy to see there was a sequel. After I finished reading Waves of Mercy, I wondered how Anna's life would be like after the choice she made. I'm so glad to have read more about it in Legacy of Mercy!
God's love and light shine in this book. Oma Geesje is a wise, elderly woman. Her love and care for the people placed in her life runs deep. Anna is a new believer and struggles to give Him His rightful place in her life. She wants to make time to read her Bible and spend time with God, but her social life is demanding too much of her and she starts to dislike it more and more. There's also the search for her biological father, which was very surprising and interesting to read.
If you enjoyed Waves of Mercy, then you certainly must read Legacy of Mercy as well.

The Refiner's Fire Series by Lynn Austin was the best book series I've ever read. I read the books in the series as soon as they released and the stories have stayed with me. I remember how impressed with the books in the series I was and still am. This series just may top it! Some author's change their writing style with the more books they release, not so with this author. If anything her writing style just continues to improve. She gives us a glimpse into the life of Anna Nicholson, a young socialite. Engaged to a wealthy young man, William she plays the part of happy fiancee but she's really not. This young woman was adopted as a very young child when her mother was killed in a boating accident. Anna is on a mission to find out all she can about her birth mother. The more she delves into family secrets the more complicated it becomes. Sometimes what you uncover from hidden secrets can have devastating consequences. Even though she has grown up rich with her adoptive parents does she really fit in with the gossips? Is the opulence what she even really wants in life? A compassionate story, Austin weaves a masterful story of profound faith and overcoming weakness in the darkest times with faith,love and forgiveness.
Pub Date 02 Oct 2018
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley and their Bloggers Program. Thank you All opinions expressed are my own.

I truly enjoyed reading about Anna’s journey to find out more about her parents. I actually like how the story moved along with letters. I held my breathe a few times and smiled a lot... got mad! Ran through a lot of emotions. That is what makes it a really good book!

As usual, another great book by Lynn Austin! Our book club read Waves of Mercy and several members wished for a sequel. Well, here it is, and it’s every bit as wonderful as the first book.

Lynn Austin’s books are characteristically so good that I automatically purchase each new title for our church library.

I received a copy of this book from The publisher via netgalley.com. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Can their faith sustain them?

So, I must make a confession....Despite having heard many great things about her for quite a few years I had not read a Lynn Austin book until I picked up Legacy Of Mercy. Yes, it is a sequel so it probably is an odd choice to start with but I enjoyed myself anyway.

I have to admit that much of the time I just wanted to shake some sense into Anna, and yet, her heart for the hurting and her love for her adoptive parents was wonderful. It was actually Oma Geesje, I have no idea how to pronounce it but that's OK, who won my heart. She is the grandmother that everyone would love to have, a grace-filled woman of faith who has been knocked around by life but has managed to hang onto that faith even when things seemed bleakest.

Legacy Of Mercy was a sweet historical romance, a story of loss and love, finding one's place and purpose, and most importantly a story of forgiveness and faith. The theme of hanging onto God's love through the dark times, when things just don't make sense, is a good reminder for us all.

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

We used "Waves of Mercy" as a book club choice, and we spent a lot of time discussing what might happen in the sequel. Well, we got some things right, and certainly more than a few surprises. Both books are delightful reads. Wonderful!

This book carries on the story that begun in Waves of Mercy. In this story Anna Nicholson, Geesje de Jonge's granddaughter, is preparing for a society marriage to a wealthy young banker in Chicago. Meanwhile, back in Holland, Michigan, Geesje has an unexpected houseguest -- a troubled young girl from the Netherlands that doesn't speak any English. Her grandfather, her only surviving relative, is boarding next door. Anna longs for the simpler life in Michigan and also for Geesje's neighbor, Derk who is a seminary student. She also longs to fulfill God's calling on her life to help those less fortunate but feels bound to her engagement in order to help her parents through financial difficulties.


Many unexpected things occur that affect the lives of the young refugee, Anna, Derk and Geesje. These are such caring, well-developed characters that the reader feels like they are family or at the very least dear friends. This was one of those books that I couldn't stop reading until the very last page. Lynn Austin always has a wonderful tale to tell. This one is chock full of historical details.


Bethany House provided me with a digital copy of this book for the purpose of a review. I highly recommend this book to anyone who just wants a riveting story.

Legacy of Mercy, by Lynn Austin, is the second book in the Waves of Mercy series. Told from the first-person perspectives of a grandmother and her granddaughter, this historical fiction novel swiftly and easily captured my attention from the very first paragraph straight through to the final word. Set in America in the late 20th century, this novel truly touched my heart with its captivating characters and compelling plot.
Legacy of Mercy is an utterly engaging novel. The well-developed characters are simply captivating and abound with authenticity and credibility. Their questions, their insecurities, their fears, their needs, and their desires are wholly believable, heart-wrenching, and inspiring. The opportunities, the choices, and the trials that the characters endure are intricately developed, and from them there unfolds a story that is thoroughly enriching and ultimately uplifting. The well-researched details and descriptions ensure that every moment spent reading this book is a thoughtful experience to be savored.
With elements of mystery, history, and romance, Lynn Austin has crafted a story that entertains as well as inspires. With a thematic emphasis on grace, forgiveness, and unconditional love, this novel is one of hope and second chances. Ms. Austin is an incredibly talented author with a real gift for meaningful story-telling. Legacy of Mercy is a book I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who enjoys terrific historical fiction.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.

This is the first Lynn Austin novel I have read, and I have to say, I was greatly impressed!

Despite this being book two in a series, I was able to jump right into the story without any confusion and still be just as attached to the characters, despite not knowing their complete story. I quickly fell in love with the beautiful and realistic characters in this story. While I loved Anna, I had a hard time relating to her based on the decisions she made, so I have to say I loved Geesje's storyline better. She's just such a beautiful character, and I can't wait to go back and read book one to learn more about her. I also loved Cornelia's character, and the storyline between her and her grandfather was incredibly touching and inspiring!

The story was very interesting, and while I expected to be bored, I wasn't at all. There was not one time I wasn't invested in the story and anxious to see what would happen next. I particularly loved all the historical detail Austin includes in her story. For example, a little-known fact is that on the day of the Great Chicago Fire, massive fires broke out all over the state of Michigan and caused an incredible amount of damage to large portions of the state and destroyed much of Michigan's timber, known as "green gold" for its great value. I appreciated how Austin included this information along with the history of the Great Chicago Fire. Also, I found it very interesting to be reading about Holland, MI, as I have frequently been there, so to learn some of the history of it was fascinating for me.

All in all, I greatly enjoyed this beautiful novel by Lynn Austin, and look forward to reading the first book, and more from this talented historical author! Highly recommended!


CONTENT NOTE: Recommended for ages 16+ for mild romance and mentions of illegitimate births and domestic abuse.

4.5 stars

Somehow I missed the fact that Legacy of Mercy was the sequel to Waves of Mercy, so I got to discover the connection as I began reading. Imagine my delight to be reunited with Anneke, Derk, and Geesje! I have always wished for more to this story, and now I was given a conclusion that made my heart happy. However, if you haven’t yet read Waves of Mercy, the author does a nice job of summing it up in the first few pages of this next book.

Anneke (Anna) is caught in an impossible situation in several areas of her life. While learning more about her birth mother opened her heart in new ways – including a relationship with Jesus – it also exposed her to more vulnerability as she struggles to join her two worlds. Her birth mother’s life is shunned by Anna’s society circles, and living out her fledgling faith isn’t easy among people who care more about appearances than loving the least of these. While my heart ached for Anna and the hard life lessons she’s forced to learn in Legacy of Mercy, I also loved the journey that Austin took her on in the process. Additionally, Anna’s continued search for information about her birth father – which takes her down a path of potential scandals and long buried secrets – had me riveted to the page as new leads surfaced only to take unexpected turns.

Back in Michigan, we get to spend lots of time with Geesje (though it’s never enough because I love her so much) and her steady wisdom and big heart. As God brings two wounded souls into her life, we get to see her ‘tough love’ side as never before and oh what we could all learn from her. When to correct and when just to love. As my friend Katie said, “oh, that we could all have a Geesje in our lives!”

Bottom Line: Austin’s writing is always impeccable, and Legacy of Mercy is no exception. There’s so much more I wanted to talk about in this review but didn’t, for sake of avoiding spoilers. However, if you have read this book too and want to chat with me about it, I still have a lot to gush over haha! More than the great characters, spot-on characterization, and vivid setting & time, though, is the gentle message of mercy that manifests as both a legacy and a fresh start. More than once, it had me in tears, so touched was I by the events unfolding on the page and the embrace of mercy on their lives. If you’re a fan of stories that linger with you, make sure you add this book to your TBR list!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

The history in these books was amazing. I live in the great state of Michigan and loved reading about some of the first immigrants to settle the city of Holland, Michigan. History has always fascinated me and historical fiction is a great way to learn about history. This story was filled with many different themes as many of the characters struggled through various trials in their lives. But the central overarching theme of God's love comes up again and again as these characters seek to following God through their circumstances. Be aware that there is mention of a past incident of child sexual abuse in this story. It is not in detail and just mentions the event.
My favorite lines from this book are the words that Geesje de Jonge spoke concerning all the loss that she had endured as I have also lost loved ones close to me.

"There was a time in my life when I said I was willing to serve God any way He chose--and I meant it. But then I began to lose the people I loved, and I became very angry with Him for making me suffer. As my resentment grew, I nearly turned away from Him altogether. Then one day I found myself praying with a friend whose baby had been stillborn, and I understood that this was how God was asking me to serve Him. Would I accept my own suffering as something He allowed in order to shape me into something He could use? Someone who would love like Jesus? Was I willing? Over time--and it was a long time--I chose to let go of the resentment and to trust Him. Simply trust Him. I don't need to see exactly how He's going to weave together all of the broken strands--in my life or anyone else's. But I know that the finished work will be beautiful." (pg. 370)


If you're looking for a good series with some fun Michigan history, pick up this set of books from Lynn Austin!

***I received this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

A beautiful conclusion to Anna's story! This is historical fiction in its finest. The story flows well as written in first person by Anna and her grandmother. Occasionally another character will have a voice to move the search for Anna's father along. Readers will need to read Waves of Mercy for the background to this story. My favorite character was Geesje, the grandmother. She was wise in her years, faith and understanding. A lot can be learned about the culture and society during this time period in Chicago. A powerful story of faith and love! Highly recommended!

Legacy of Mercy is the sequel to the book Waves of Mercy, which came out about 2 years before this one. If you haven't read the first one, you could still enjoy this one, but you will understand more if you read Waves of Mercy first. I was grateful that the author chose to begin the book with letters between Anna and Geesje (the 2 main characters from Waves of Mercy) as it brought some remembrance to what happened in the first book (and can set the stage for anyone who hadn't read the first book). Because of that, it felt a little "slow" at the start; however, because I know and trust Lynn Austin's work, I continued on and was so glad. It definitely picked up steam before 10% and I was fully engrossed!

This story was a beautiful tale of love (not even romantic love, though that was touched on.... but love for parents, love for fellow man), forgiveness and healing. I loved how the pain Geesje encountered in the last book came full circle in this book and allowed her to help a young woman named Cornelia who came to stay with her for a time. We get to see more of Anna's life in Chicago among the elite and see her trying to live out her fledgling faith back home, while she also attempts seek out information about her birth parents without causing a scandal (sometimes unsuccessfully). Throughout the story, you know how you want it to end, but can't see how it could end that way. I will only say that the ending was very satisfactory. :)

Lynn Austin is a master craftsman of words and an avid story-teller. I have loved everything of hers that I've read and this one was no different. I laughed and cried at various places and I believe this one MIGHT be better than the prequel (which very seldom happens in my opinion!). If you enjoy good character-driven stories with a hint of mystery and romance, I can't recommend this one enough!

Special thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ecopy of this book. I was not required to write a review and the thoughts and opinions contained within are my own.

I haven't read book one, Waves of Mercy. I do have it so there is no excuse. However, I didn't find myself lost in the story line. I will be reading book one very SOON!

Anna and I have a lot in common. I'm adopted and the story of my conception is not a happy one, so with every discovery she made about her family my heart cheered for her because she was answering questions about herself. William's family were annoying yet for the time period their behavior was spot on.

I'm not a huge fan of first person stories yet I didn't even pay attention to that because I was so drawn into the story.

Lynn Austin is a great storyteller and I enjoy each one of her books. She seamlessly weaves the two stories of Anna and her recently found grandmother, Geesje from Holland.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in association with Prism Tours. I was not required to write a review all thoughts and opinions are my own.

In the sequel to Waves of Mercy, readers get the rest to spend some more time with Anna Nicholson. As Anna (also called Anneke by her biological grandmother Geesje) goes in search of answers to her parentage, her discoveries alternately bring sadness and delight. But the entire journey is worth it. At the same time, Anna must navigate an indifferent fiancé and a society that thrives on gossiping about each other—both of which concern Anna.

Geesje (if you’re wondering, the audiobook narrator pronounced the name Hay-sha) has her own challenges to contend with as she takes in Cornelia, a young woman whose life is immersed in grief and pain. A young lady who Geesje is determined to love through her pain and sadness.

Cornelia’s story is heartbreaking, and I couldn’t help but pray for healing from the hurt and depression in her life. Anna’s story is different but no less moving with the anticipation of discovering whether her lineage will bring her and her parents shame or joy.

There’s a lot happening throughout Legacy of Mercy that the reader barely catches their breath before more questions are brought forth. Austin expertly weaves each characters’ story together to create a memorable and satisfying read.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Book 2 in the series, Legacy of Mercy continues where book 1 (Waves of Mercy) ends. Lynn Austin writes with depth and historical accuracy that is hard to beat. Interlacing present day with the past, Austin writes about family, legacy and faith in this difficult to put down series.

A story of hope

My rating is 4.5 stars

Anna experienced the painful reality of how inflammatory and painful gossip could be. Ironically, it was shortly after she politely suggested that the women in her social circle were wrong for gossiping about another woman.

Anna, newly introduced to the Bible and living for God, struggled with how to reconcile her life among the wealthy with the teachings of Jesus. Her kindness, compassion, and respect for her adoptive parents were so admirable.

Slowly, the answer to the mystery of her parentage unfolded. As she learned the secrets of her birth, they somehow were being spread among her peers, but in a less than flattering manner. Anna was surprised to learn the source and the reason behind the campaign of slander that was being waged and was hard-pressed to come up with a way of stopping it that wouldn't hurt the people she loved the most.

Geesje, Anna's grandmother, was embroiled in mysteries of her own after opening her home to a troubled young girl with no desire to live. Crossing words with the girl's stoic grandfather, she loved her through the darkness that was choking her and led her into a life of freedom in Christ.

From the drawing rooms of the Chicago elite, to the slums and tenements, and to Holland, Michigan, author Lynn Austin tackled difficult subjects in Legacy of Mercy with grace and aplomb. Grief, guilt, poverty, domestic violence, gossip, and unforgiveness to name just a few. Despite the heavy subject matter, she crafted a story that was full of hope and pointed to Jesus all along the way. The ending was so touching and beautiful.


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I was given a free copy of this item. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.