Labor Not in Vain : The Mulberry Leaf Whispers by Linda Thompson ~ Just Read Tour, Review, and Giveaway

1.05.2021

The Mulberry Leaf Whispers by Linda Thompson ~ Just Read Tour, Review, and Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Mulberry Leaf Whispers by Linda Thompson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Mulberry Leaf Whispers
Series: Brands from the Burning #2
Author: Linda Thompson
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Release Date: December 15, 2020
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

A WWII Japanese naval officer. The teenage daughter of a legendary Christian samurai. Three centuries separate them, but a crucial question binds their destinies together.

Which lives have value?

In the highly anticipated sequel to her award-winning debut novel, The Plum Blooms in Winter, Linda Thompson provides a riveting story inspired by true events.

"Splendid story!... Rivals Shogun with its sweeping story of passion and faith, of survival and hope.... Be prepared to be enriched, moved and deeply satisfied." - Jane Kirkpatrick, award-winning author of Something Worth Doing

"Gorgeous... not-to-be-missed..." - Sarah Sundin, bestselling and Carol Award-winning author of When Twilight Breaks and the Sunrise at Normandy series

1587. Bartered off in a peace agreement to the ancient enemies of her illustrious house, is Sono a war prize, a hostage, or a bride? One hope sustains her. If she can provide an heir to the dashing husband she just met, she'll ensure decades of peace for the beloved family she was forced to leave behind. But when a dark secret threatens her desperate bid to purchase their security, she must rise to a battle she never dreamed she'd fight.

1942. Akira Matsuura’s naval vessel explodes under enemy fire. Everything he has lived for disappears in flames with it. His command, his crew, his future—all lost. Worse, his honor is eternally decimated. A prisoner’s life is of value to no one. Least of all to himself. But a stunning twist reveals his family’s secret shame. Can a long-buried truth provide the vital spark that reignites his will to live?

Thrill to two poignant journeys of courage, duty, and sacrifice, deftly woven through the centuries to inspire with dynamic faith that conquers despair.

Review:

I almost didn't read this book due to seeing that it was the second book in a series, and I had not already read the first book, but I'm sure glad that I gave it a chance! Though it is a sequel, this book stands well on its own, but I think that there might be a slightly higher reader payoff when things start coming together if the previous book is read prior to this one.

I was excited and intrigued by the Japanese setting, as there are not many Christian fiction books with an Asian influence, and I was impressed with how well the author vividly brings to life the shame/honor based culture, steeping the reader into the traditions and beliefs of an ancient nation. This is book is meticulously well researched, and I loved how the author went all in, making the cultural motivations behind Akira and Sono's plights understandable for Western readers.

This is a poignant and compelling read, it deals deftly with difficult topics, with a strong thread of faith throughout. I enjoyed the dual timelines, and though I recognized the family name in common, it takes a while for the dots to fully connect the stories. And it's hard to put the book down when almost every chapter would throw one of our protagonists off of a metaphorical cliff prior to switching perspectives back to the other one. I admired Akira, Miyako, and Sono for their courage, and not choosing the easy way out. I liked how we see the conflicting worldviews especially in Akira's story, as he struggles to reconcile his new faith with what he has known his whole life.

Overall, a well written and researched novel, with realistically flawed characters, and insights into Japanese culture that influences everything about this story. A remarkable story of lives interrupted and empowered by faith, this isn't a book that I will be forgetting anytime soon! So glad I gave this book a chance. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Linda Thompson stepped back from a corporate career that spanned continents to write what she loves—stories of unstoppable faith. Her debut novel, The Plum Blooms in Winter, was a Cascade Award winner and a Christy- and Carol-Award finalist. Linda writes from the sun-drenched Arizona desert, where she lives with her husband, a third-generation airline pilot who is also her Chief Military Research Officer, one mostly-grown-up kid, and a small platoon of housecats. When Linda isn’t writing you’ll find her rollerblading—yes, that makes her a throwback—taking in a dramatic desert moonrise, or enjoying their first grandbaby.

CONNECT WITH LINDA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a copy of the soon-to-be-released audiobook for Linda’s award-winning debut novel, The Plum Blooms in Winter, her latest release, The Mulberry Leaf Whispers, in winner's choice of Kindle or paperback format, plus a $10 Amazon gift card!

The Mulberry Leaf Whispers JustRead Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight January 4, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 11, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!