Launch Day

ByLynn Austin
46 Comments

There are two days I look forward to the most in my writing life—the day I turn in the finished manuscript of my novel, and the day the novel is finally released to the public. Tomorrow is launch day for my newest book, “Legacy of Mercy.”

The novel is a sequel to “Waves of Mercy” and features the same main characters. Geesje DeJonge is a 67-year-old widow who told her story of immigrating from the Netherlands in 1847 in the first book. Anna Nicholson is a wealthy 23-year-old woman from Chicago who is engaged to a wealthy banker, and is just beginning her walk of faith under Geesje’s guidance.

I never planned to write this sequel. Aside from my biblical fiction, my books have all been stand-alone novels. But since Anna is only 23, readers of the first book begged me to write about what happens next in her life. The more I thought about it, the more I wanted to find out what happens next, too.

As part of my book launch, I have several fun events planned. If you’re in the area, I would love to meet you at one of them and sign a brand-new copy of my book for you.
• On October 2, I’ll be speaking at Christ Memorial Church in Holland, Michigan at 7:00 pm about my writing process and the inspiration for both books.
• On October 4, I’ll be speaking on those same topics at Baker Book House in Grand Rapids, Michigan at 7:00 pm.
• I’ll be at the Barnes & Noble bookstore in Holland on Saturday, October 6 from noon until 2.
• And I’ll be at Georgetown Township Public Library in Jenison, Michigan at 7:00 pm on October 9.
• Last but not least, we’re planning another luncheon and bus tour to visit some of the sites around Holland that are mentioned in my books. (Contact Tam Velderman for more information about the tour at tamvelderman@yahoo.com)

So, how do I entice you to want to read “Legacy of Mercy” without giving away the plot? Well, there’s a mystery that Anna will be trying to solve with a little help from the Pinkerton detectives—a real agency founded in 1850. You may enjoy solving it along with her.
The story takes place in the Gilded Age when society women wore beautiful gowns like these and the one shown on the book cover.
The Gibson Girl hairstyle was a popular look.
And wealthy Chicagoans were building over-the-top mansions to replace the homes destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire.
And staffing them with servants at their back and call.
Every good novel needs a love story, and I hope readers will enjoy the one I’ve created in “Legacy.” Sorry, I can’t tell you who the lucky lovers are, but I hope you’ll be surprised.

I doubt if many of us share Anna’s extravagant lifestyle, but many of us have shared her journey to find God’s purpose for our lives. It’s a theme that’s very dear to me because it also took me a long time to discover my purpose. I love to share my story whenever I’m invited to speak at events because it’s the story of God’s faithfulness. I don’t have the time or space to share it here, but I hope that Anna’s journey will inspire readers who are still seeking.

Finally, I’m giving away two free copies of “Legacy of Mercy” to help celebrate launch day. One winner will be randomly selected from among my newsletter subscribers (go to www.lynnaustin.org to subscribe.) The other winner will be chosen from those who leave a comment below. Good luck! And I hope you enjoy “Legacy of Mercy.”

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Lynn Austin, a former teacher who now writes and speaks full time. Lynn was recently inducted into the Christy Award Hall for Fame for winning eight Christy Awards for her historical fiction. One of those novels, Hidden Places, has also been made into a Hallmark Channel movie. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and make their home near Chicago, Illinois.

46 Comments

  1. Congratulations on your book release! I am looking forward to reading this story. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.

  2. Congratulations on your book release! I’m lookibg forward to reading the story and seeing how she finds her purpose. I’d love to hear your story sometime too! I feel like I’m still figuring mine out!

  3. Congratulations on your newest release day. What a blessing you and your stories have been. Thank you for sharing. 💕

  6. Love this era and look forward to reading this two book series! Have always enjoyed reading your books!

  7. I’m so excited to see you revisit a character. I love to read sequels and be able to check in on old friends.

  8. Those dresses are gorgeous, but I’m really glad jeans were invented, too! Best wishes on this new novel launch,

  9. Lynn, I love your books! I have an order ready to go to CBD and your new book tops the list! Excited to read on in the lives of your characters. Thanks for sharing your wonderful talent and bringing us all closer to God through their lives. It’s truly a blessing to read your books. God bless you!!

  11. I just started to reread Waves of Mercy this weekend, in preparation for Legacy to come out. I always enjoy your books, and this one is one of my favorites (although it is hard to choose). Geesje’s honesty in her faith throughout her struggles is beautiful.

    Side note: I’ve been marveling at how well written your first sentences are at the beginning of each chapter. They are powerfully designed to draw the reader in. The aspiring writer and former editor in me would love to know if you spend a lot of time crafting and editing those first sentences or if you manage them on the first attempt.

  13. I am so looking forward to reading these books. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.

  15. I have been eyeing this book ever since I saw that you had written a sequel! Thanks for the opportunity to win! I love your writing!

  16. I’m looking forward to reading this new book! I’m definitely intrigued by what you’ve shared of the plot so far!

  17. I will have to check this out! I grew up in a Dutch family in GR and my husband grew up in Chicago.
    Thanks for writing about these people and places.

  19. Congratulations on your sequel!
    I read Waves of Mercy this summer and am looking forward to reading Legacy of Mercy. Thank you for the chance to win a copy!

  20. congratulations on your newest release. I would love to read one of your books. Thanks for the give away

  26. I was at my grandmother’s house yesterday and spotted “Legacy of Mercy” on her organ with a bookmark sticking out of the pages. I kinda did a little happy dance, I was so excited to see that book!

  29. My book club discussed Waves of Mercy and were among those who thought there needed to be a sequel. We were delighted when we heard you were writing one. I’m glad Legacy of Mercy is finally here and hope to read it soon. Thanks for giving away a copy.

  37. Legacy of Mercy sounds like an inspiring book, and I’m putting it on my Wish List!

  38. I’m looking forward to reading your continuing story about Anna; note to self I need a block of time with a great big ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign!

  39. I have enjoyed Waves of Mercy and Legacy of Mercy. These books have touch me deeply. I wrote that into my review of book one. I’m not quite finished with book two, but I’m sure enjoying the journey.

  41. Lynn,
    We have your books in the Church Library.
    I have heard of the Pinkerton Detective Agency and look forward to reading this book.
    I cannot imagine living as a “High Society” woman but love the idea of having servants so I don’t have to lift a finger to do anything at all.

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