Friday, October 11, 2013

Book Review - Return To Me by Lynn Austin

ABOUT THE BOOK:

From the Acclaimed Author of Chronicles of the Kings

After decades of exile, the prophesies are coming true---King Cyrus has declared the Jews may return to Jerusalem. Iddo, a priest, is sure this is a sign of God's renewed favor. For too long they've remained in Babylon, and many, including Iddo's sons, are losing the faith that sets them apart. And so only a few choose to leave everything to return---return to their home and their God.

Nothing about their journey to the Promised Land is easy. As hardships mount, even the faithful, like Iddo's beloved wife, Dinah, question the sacrifice of following God's leading. Zechariah, Iddo's oldest grandson, feels torn between his grandfather's ancient beliefs and the family they left behind. But one life-changing encounter with the Holy One gives him insight that will change Zechariah---and history---forever.

Bringing the Old Testament to vibrant life, Return to Me tells the compelling story of two men living by faith in the midst of doubt, the women who love them, and the faithful remnant struggling to rebuild their lives in obedience to the God who beckons them home.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bestselling author Lynn Austin has sold more than one million copies of her books worldwide. She is an eight-time Christy Award winner for her historical novels, as well as a popular speaker at retreats and conventions. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and live near Chicago.

You can find out more about Lynn at http://www.lynnaustin.org/


MY REVIEW:

Return To Me is a fictional story based from the Old Testament. I had a hard time with the first few chapters getting into the story. As a side note - this book is 455 pages long - so it seemed rather daunting at first. However, as I kept reading, I found myself really getting into the story and really caring about the characters.

Lynn Austin is an excellent writer and brings this Biblical story to life. You really feel like you're with these Jewish families as they go through their daily activities, on their trek back to Jerusalem and then as they settle in Jerusalem.  You can tell that she really researched historical facts for this book and it just added so much to our understanding and to the storyline.

I thought it was so interesting, too, how we see Iddo's sons having so much doubt about who God is and what He can do. I saw in Iddo how important it is to teach our children about the Lord all through their growing up. Iddo really understands his lack of teaching to his children and so makes it his mission to teach his grandson, Zachariah, about the Lord. We see how Zachariah struggles with what his father believes as opposed to what his grandfather believes.

This book really helped me to understand this part of the Old Testament. I have read this story several times, but having it put into a story form just really brings the whole thing into an understanding. I also love how we see how God always keeps His promises and is faithful to His people - if they will just return to Him and follow His ways.

I highly recommend this book. It's the perfect Christian fiction book in that it is based on Biblical history and written in a way that pulls you in.

*This book was provided to me for my honest opinion by LitFuse Publicity Group


Blessings - Julie

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