Waves of Mercy by Lynn Austin
Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2fDFHIz
Geesje de Jonge crossed the ocean at age seventeen with her parents and a small group of immigrants from the Netherlands to settle in the Michigan wilderness. Fifty years later, in 1897, she’s asked to write a memoir of her early experiences as the town celebrates its anniversary. Reluctant at first, she soon uncovers memories and emotions hidden all these years, including the story of her one true love.
At the nearby Hotel Ottawa Resort on the shore of Lake Michigan, twenty-three-year-old Anna Nicholson is trying to ease the pain of a broken engagement to a wealthy Chicago banker. But her time of introspection is disturbed after a violent storm aboard a steamship stirs up memories of a childhood nightmare. As more memories and dreams surface, Anna begins to question who she is and whether she wants to return to her wealthy life in Chicago. When she befriends a young seminary student who is working at the hotel for the summer, she finds herself asking him all the questions that have been troubling her.
Neither Geesje nor Anna, who are different in every possible way, can foresee the life-altering surprises awaiting them before the summer ends.
My thoughts:
Richly layered and steeped in history, Waves of Mercy captivated me from beginning to end! The characterization is excellent, and I quickly became immersed in the lives of Geesje and Anna. I loved the memories and emotions Geesje shared while writing about her life experiences; the immigration from the Netherlands to Michigan was fascinating. I was also delighted by Anna and her determination to discover more about her family and her faith. Geesje and Anna’s journeys are beautifully intertwined, and I would love to continue their stories. If you are a fan of historical fiction, especially multi-generational stories, Waves of Mercy is a novel I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.
Buzzing About Books 
Excellent review, Britney! I LOVE Lynn’s books!
Thank you, Caryl! This was my first Lynn Austin book, and I can’t wait to read more!!