Blog & Review Tour: The Mulberry Leaf Whispers by Linda Thompson

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.

My Review ❤️

Incredible story!! Just wow! I was instantly captivated by the dual storylines of Sono, a bride who is a hostage to her new family in the late 1500's, and Akira, the naval officer that serves during World War II. Both of their timelines are intricately woven together, the reader being tossed to and fro between their lives like waves in the ocean.

I immediately connected with Sono and the unbelievable situation she finds herself in. Her strength of character and passion for her family and God is unmatched; her heart, faith, and devotion glowing from the pages. Every time I read about women being oppressed it makes me so thankful that I live in the time and country that I do, and grateful for everyone that has fought to make my freedom possible.

Akira's story is also quite unique, and is from a perspective that I have never read about before. Being a history buff, I've read my fair share of both fiction and nonfiction historical accounts in regards to World War II, but I have never read one about World War II both during the war and the aftermath, from the Japanese perspective. It was exceptionally enlightening and educational for me, especially the psychological aspect, and seeing the Japanese religious traditions, both for Christians and Buddhists, as well as military tactics and Japanese traditions and expectations, was quite impressive.

The Mulberry Leaf Whispers is sheer perfection in my eyes! It is not a quick read by any means, but has an incredible flow, the character depth unmatched, and the subject matter truly thought-provoking. Though it is a Christian fiction, there is some pretty heavy subject matter that is tackled that could be a little too deep for younger audiences, though the more graphic parts were handled in a very tasteful way.

I haven't had the opportunity to read the first book in the Brands from the Burning series, but I do intend to in the near future, and was thankful that The Mulberry Leaf Whispers can be read as a standalone. It is truly an incredibly impactful story seeped in history, depth, and heart. I truly hope this story continues, as there are several lingering questions in my mind that I would love to see explored.

My Rating: ★★★★★

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!

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*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions are completely honest, and my own.