From The Back:
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-Centennial 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.
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-Centennial 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 Reflections:
Lynn Austin is a master storyteller and her past and experiences shine through the pages of this novel, with her attention to detail and her character development she was able to pen a captivating dual storyline.
I usually don't care much for twin stories, I am a one story at a time kinda girl. Austin made it easy for me with her ability to make the plot flow smoothly, maybe that or else I was just primed by all the dual stories I have been reading as of late. I think this may be an author trend, so I better get my twin brain in gear!
1897 Miss Anna Nicholson has travelled to Hotel Ottawa on the shores of Lake Michigan to lick her wounds after a jilted love. William her former fiance has broken the engagement due to the fact that their religious beliefs don't line up. Being from the upper class, she is expected to attend a respectable church. The problem is that, she has found a place to call home where the faith is vibrant and the God they serve is very real and present. Anna must consider what her future holds, now that all her dreams and plans have been lost. While at the resort she meets an interesting seminary student, named Derk. He is an employee at the Hotel and consequently the neighbour of Geesje's. The two become acquainted an the past touches the face of the present, impacting everyone involved.
Geesjse is one of the original immigrants to Holland, Michigan. Her family had to flee from religious persecution in the Netherlands in the 1840's. Geesjse's son, along with the Michigan Central Committee encourage her to write a memoir of her life. This story of heartbreak, love, loss and endurance are nestled into the present day of 1897 and weaved into Anna's story.
God is good and faithful and this story makes one reflect on the fact that a prayer no matter how long you have prayed it will get answered, one way or another.
If you are looking for a unique storyline, and a change of style I would definitely recommend Lynn Austin's Waves Of Mercy. Good plot, not overly predictable, and purposeful faith message. It is not the grab you from the first page kind of read but well worth your time none the less. Great book for those people who have read everything and are looking for something a little different.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc
Lynn Austin is a master storyteller and her past and experiences shine through the pages of this novel, with her attention to detail and her character development she was able to pen a captivating dual storyline.
I usually don't care much for twin stories, I am a one story at a time kinda girl. Austin made it easy for me with her ability to make the plot flow smoothly, maybe that or else I was just primed by all the dual stories I have been reading as of late. I think this may be an author trend, so I better get my twin brain in gear!
1897 Miss Anna Nicholson has travelled to Hotel Ottawa on the shores of Lake Michigan to lick her wounds after a jilted love. William her former fiance has broken the engagement due to the fact that their religious beliefs don't line up. Being from the upper class, she is expected to attend a respectable church. The problem is that, she has found a place to call home where the faith is vibrant and the God they serve is very real and present. Anna must consider what her future holds, now that all her dreams and plans have been lost. While at the resort she meets an interesting seminary student, named Derk. He is an employee at the Hotel and consequently the neighbour of Geesje's. The two become acquainted an the past touches the face of the present, impacting everyone involved.
Geesjse is one of the original immigrants to Holland, Michigan. Her family had to flee from religious persecution in the Netherlands in the 1840's. Geesjse's son, along with the Michigan Central Committee encourage her to write a memoir of her life. This story of heartbreak, love, loss and endurance are nestled into the present day of 1897 and weaved into Anna's story.
God is good and faithful and this story makes one reflect on the fact that a prayer no matter how long you have prayed it will get answered, one way or another.
If you are looking for a unique storyline, and a change of style I would definitely recommend Lynn Austin's Waves Of Mercy. Good plot, not overly predictable, and purposeful faith message. It is not the grab you from the first page kind of read but well worth your time none the less. Great book for those people who have read everything and are looking for something a little different.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc
THE AUTHOR
Lynn Austin
Lynn Austin has sold more than one and a half million copies of her books worldwide. A former teacher who now writes and speaks full-time, she has won eight Christy Awards for her historical fiction. One of those novels, Hidden Places, has also been...Continue reading about Lynn Austin
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