The Mulberry Leaf Whispers Book Review
Book Description
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 Thoughts
Two distant times are expertly woven together. And one distant story has more impact in later generations that can possibly be realized.
Linda Thompson has now given us two brilliantly crafted timeslip novels. The Mulberry Leaf Whispers ventures deeper into the past of Akira, brother to Miyako from The Plum Blooms in Winter. His life as a soldier in the Japanese Navy reflects that there is no greater honor than serving, even dying, for one’s country. After all of his shipmates perish in a bombing, he is taken as a prisoner of war to America and slowly makes his way back to Japan. He believes he has brought nothing but shame upon his family, and while he knows he must find out if they are still alive, his journey back home is filled with people that will change his life eternally.
Akira’s story is paired with that of Lady Sono who has been married into the House of Matsuura. She is told that she will be able to keep her Christian beliefs, but everyone around her is Buddhist and their practices make it extremely difficult. In arranging this marriage, Lady Sono’s father believes that she will be the catalyst for the Christian faith to flourish for their village and the House of Matsuura. Her faith is tested like never before when she bears a son, and then immediately told she must give him up…but it’s not for the reasons you might think.
While the main storylines are about Akira and Lady Sono, the author was not finished telling us about Miyako. At the end of The Plum Blooms in Winter, I knew that her life was about to be forever changed. However, I did not expect how much, and there is more than one surprise in store for her once she and Akira are reconnected.
I knew that I was in for a treat with this second book, but I did not expect to be up until midnight so I could finish it! Oh, how I hope Linda writes at least one more book in this series! I desperately want to go back to Japan, and read about these characters just one more time. She’s already hinted at material and characters for another book, and I so hope that becomes a reality.
5 Stars
Jewelry Inspired by This Book
I had so many directions that I could go with jewelry, mostly based on Lady Sono’s character. She wears a gold cross around her neck. But it wasn’t until I reached a part in Miyako’s story where she is discussing her conversion experience with Akira that I knew I had my design.
Those of us that are children of God are called his sons and daughters. (Romans 8:14-17)
He Calls Me Daughter Necklace
A daily reminder for you to know that you are loved by God.
A large aluminum disc has been hand-stamped with the words “He Calls Me Daughter.” It is paired with a tiny gold cross charm studded with tiny clear rhinestones. Both are loosely strung on a silver toned chain measuring 18″ long including the lobster claw clasp. Disc measures 1-1/4″.
Suggested book pairing – <a href="https…
*Many thanks to the author for providing a copy for review. All thoughts are my own. This post contains affiliate links, and I may be compensated upon your purchase of any products through those links.
