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.

*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. ( )

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.

Originally reviewed at blissbooksandjewels.com ( )

The Mulberry Leaf Whispers, the second book in Linda Thompson’s Brands from The Burning series, whisks the reader back to a time and place not often visited in Christian fiction, at least not Ameican CF. Japan was very foreign indeed in the 16th century, and the values that embodied the time of the Samurais was still in place during WWII. Honor in dying, shame in capture are just two of the principles explored in this novel. I found the settings fascinating, but it really was the main characters that captured my imagination. For unique insight and fresh perspective, this novel is a highly recommended read.

The two stories revolve around Omura Sono and Matsuura Akira, two characters who could not be more different, yet I became very invested in both of their life journeys. Sono is the daughter of a lord who becomes an offering as she weds the son of another great house and seals a peace treaty. Unique for her time, Sono is a Christian, having been taught by the Portuguese Jesuits. She is promised the freedom of following her beliefs, but finds promises and reality very different. Akira is a young and devoted naval officer who finds himself a prisoner following the Doolittle raids on Japan. His shame dominates his time in a US camp, until he discovers the mystifying concepts of forgiveness and surrender. I really liked the inner struggles that the two share — the will to persevere in the face of hostile opposition and to surrender to the sovereignty of God. As I said, the settings proved to be fascinating. I feel the author really captured the times in which the characters lived. Historical details including food, dress, and rituals gave this reader a vivid reading experience. Sono was a historical of the time period, and Akira was inspired by a real person — her research into the two made the novel all the more believable. The faith messages are strong and are beautifully woven within the narrative. I especially found the expressions of the sanctity of life very moving.

The Mulberry Leaf Whispers is not a quick read — it is one that should be given time in order for it to seep into one’s thoughts. Make some time for this one — you won’t be sorry. It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading The Plum Blooms in Winter first. And because both are available you will have lots of quality reading time!

Highly Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(I purchased the book from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

Look at the mulberry leaf ~ It lives to serve, furnishing leaves to the silkworm so it can spin.

This imagery continues throughout this absolutely incredible book! The detail is so well portrayed that you can almost see the castles, smell the sea and feel the despair of those who feel they have brought shame on their families. The strict social structure is seen as far back as the story of Sono and what she is confronted with as she attempts to live out her faith. Some of the rituals seem most barbaric, but unfortunately can still be seen today in our so called enlightened society.

Honor is most important inasmuch as Akira would rather have died in the war, thus paying the blood price rather than bring dishonor to his family. Learning that the price had already been paid, turns this story around for many of these wonderful characters. They learn to follow a different path, one that leads to joy and the service of others.

This ARC on this second book in the Brands from the Burning series was received from Mountain Brook Ink. The impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited. ( )