A First for Me

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They say “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” but I learned a new one this past year. After writing twenty-four novels, I just completed a sequel to one of my stand-alone books. The sequel wasn’t planned. In fact, I wrote and published a completely different book, “Where We Belong,” in between the original and the sequel. I had believed that the story I told in “Waves of Mercy” was finished. It seems that it wasn’t.

I created “Legacy of Mercy,” at the request of hundreds of readers. They weren’t satisfied with the way the first book ended, and they begged to know what happens next in the life of my main character, Anna Nicholson. Does she find God’s purpose for her life as a wealthy Chicago socialite? Will she marry her rich fiancé, William? Will Geesje continue to play an important role in her life? And what about her friendship with Derk Vander Veen? Here is the cover of the new book:

At first, I was a little nervous about writing a sequel. Every good novel needs to have characters who grow and change over time, and both Anna and Geesje had done that in “Waves of Mercy.” A satisfying sequel should feel fresh and new, and not like a warmed-over episode in a never-ending soap opera. Yet I have to admit that I was as curious as my readers to find out what happens next in Anna’s life—because I had no idea!

I’m one of those authors who never plans out the plot of her novels ahead of time. It’s much more fun for me to make up the story as I go along. I keep writing to find out how everything will turn out, with the hope that my readers will keep reading for the same reason. If I’m surprised by the story’s events, then readers will be, too. And I hate sugar-coated endings that are too predictable or cliched, with everything tied up in a neat bow.

So, will readers be happy with the way “Legacy of Mercy” ends? Well . . . I can’t give anything away, but I will say that I’m happy with it. And I can promise you this, there really won’t be another sequel to the sequel!

“Legacy of Mercy” will be released in early October of 2018. I hope you enjoy it.

38 comments

    1. Yay !! That was the ONLY book of yours that left me feeling there was more to be told …so excited…I of course don’t want to wish summer away before it gets here…but will be looking so forward to Oct 2018 !! You made another Mi gal happy !!

    2. Thank you, I will enjoying rekindling my relationship with my old friends in Holland, MI.

    3. I want another sequel to the sequel! I was happy how the book ended, but was sad to be at the end of the story. I would love for you to continue the story! I live in Holland and loved reading all the history of our city. You are a very gifted author!

    4. I just finished Legacy of Mercy, and I would love this Series to continue!!! I love to read your books, LiefSus (Dear Sister in Afrikaans) Lynn Austin!!! I am a walking library and lend my books to other!!! Our LORD has blessed you with a wonderful talent and I appreciate you lots!!! Lots of love and SHALOM!!! (Many years ago I thought that a fourth book of the Refiners Fire series can tie the books together)

  3. This is a beautiful cover, Lynn.
    I’ve never been disappointed by any of your books. I seriously doubt this will be an exception. I’m looking forward to reading it.

  4. I’m delighted you wrote this!! Can’t wait to read it! I will be reading Waves of Mercy again as well. I love your stories, Lynn.

  5. So happy that there will be a sequel to Waves of Mercy. Have so many of your novels and am sharing them with friends. Cannot wait until Oct.
    Lona

  8. You have never disappointed and I am thrilled to hear about another book with Holland, Michigan as the setting (I think?) Whatever, October can’t come soon enough. Thank you!

  9. Great!!! I am so excited and I love the cover. If you are thinking about your next project, how about a sequel to A Proper Pursuit, please….. ok, truth, I’ll read anything you write. Blessings

  11. Congratulations! I can not wait to read it.
    I am also glad to read that you are not a plotter. All the authors around me are and I feel like the black sheep. Lol.

  13. I have never followed you before. I must say I love the cover of this book and hope to read some of these books..this was sounds intriguing..who will she end up with….curious readers want to know..

  15. Thank you, Lynn, for “introducing” us to LEGACY OF MERCY. So eager to reconnect with our friends in the book. Love your books, Lynn, for the characters walk through life just like we do pointing us to hope in The Who is Hope.

  16. Pingback: To pull a George R. R. Martin | schnabeline

  17. Lynn, I’m thrilled that you decided to write a sequel. Can’t wait for it to come out.

  18. Thank you so much for writing a sequel! I can’t WAIT to read it!!! Thank you for listening to your readers and staying on this journey of Anna’s life with us! I just can’t tell you how thrilled I am. And I love how you described how you write a novel – I am going to read your description to my homeschooled girls to encourage them to keep writing! 🙂

  19. I love love love Lynn Austin and ALL Of your books!!! I don’t want to read anything else!!! Thank you for all you do ! Please keep it up!!

  20. I can’t wait to see what happens! What a beautiful cover-I want that dress!(although I doubt it comes in my size!) I have read most of your books and love them! Some I’ve read twice. Thanks Lynn for giving of so much food for thought! I’m planning on reading Pilgrimage again as it really ministered to me. Praying the Lord continues to bless & keep you!

  22. I am looking forward to reading it! In fact, I will probably buy some as Christmas gifts. What fun.

  23. I was so looking forward to this. I would check Amazon every once in a while for ages hoping to see a sequel. The day I saw a pre-order for the new sequel and this beautiful book cover, I was thrilled. Thanks so much, and can’t wait to read!

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  27. I’m so happy there will be another one!!! Waves of Mercy was really nice to read but I also wanted to know more what happened next. So exited! I hope I will be able to buy this book in Sweden in Oct! Thanks for writing so many great books!

  28. Okay, I just read Legacy of Mercy and I loved it, but I do think there needs to be a third part: how did Anna adapt as a minister’s wife and what happened to Geesje and Marinus and Cornelia? I really really enjoyed the book.

  29. I am so happy to know there is a sequel to Waves of Mercy. I loved that book and was sad to see it end. I, too, felt that I wanted to know more of Anna’s future and how her life has been. I was very drawn into the book…couldn’t put it down! Thanks for all your wonderful books.

  30. I can’t speak highly enough of all of your books. I have read almost EVERY SINGLE one of them. ( I think maybe 2 I haven’t.). They are a treasure! They are packed with history, culture, great characters, amazing details, and most of all godly encouragement.
    I am picky with my time and only read books that can encourage and teach. You do those in a magnificent way.
    I’m so grateful for authors like you, who are rare. Thank you for all the time and perseverance you put into each book. I can’t imagine all the work that goes into a book. Your’s are seamless. What a gift you are to the reading “world.”
    Thank you for using your gifts for the glory of God. You are making a difference!
    With much gratitude,
    Kerri Graham

  31. My sister gave me “Waves of Mercy” and “Legacy of Mercy” for my birthday. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THESE STORIES! I really wish there was a sequel to “Legacy of Mercy,” because I care about everyone!

  32. My three sisters and I started a book club so that we would share common experiences to discuss and strengthen our relationship. We are of Dutch decent and after reading “Waves of Mercy” we decided to get together in Michigan (where all of my sisters live, except me) and explore places mentioned in the book. We went to the Holland museum, the historical walkway at Ottowa Beach, and ate at Dutch restaurants. The docent at the Pump House at Ottawa Beach told us that we just missed meeting you as you had been in the area a couple days before.

    We are now reading “Legacy of Mercy.” I am enjoying it so much!D

  33. Read both Waves of Mercy and Legacy of Mercy. I connected so much with the characters that I would love a third book to see where everyone ends up. Great work!

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