Return to Me Book Review

The Restoration Chronicles

Book One

SUMMARY:  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 thier 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.

REVIEW:  I don't know about you but I am interested in reading fictional stories about people, places and time in the bible.  Even though the stories are made up by the author, they give me a better sense of what life may have been like and more insight into that particular place and time in history.  This novel fits that bill.  Set the time of the return of some of the Jews to Jerusalem from Babylon, the author shows us how difficult life was.  They had to build houses out of the rubble; there were no walls around the city to protect them; and they faced latent hostility from the people who were left behind.  Memories of what Jerusalem had been, the horrors that took place during the Babylonian siege and what is left behind in Babylon assail them at every turn.  Everyone also struggles with doubts as to whether or not it was God's leading to return and about the situations they currently face.  But, time and time again, God shows Himself to this little band of people who listened to Him and are doing what He asks.  He does this through his prophets Zechariah and Haggai and in the temple when God accepts their sacrifices and follows through with His promises.
     While, the book seemed to drag a bit in places, the details provided are necessary to cover all the details involved and to understand everything going on.  This is a great book and I'm looking forward to reading the next ones in this series.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Bethany House for review without compensation.

Lynn Austin has published twelve novels. Eight of her historical novels have won Christy Awards for excellence in Christian Fiction: Hidden Places (2001), Candle in the Darkness (2002), Fire by Night (2003), A Proper Pursuit (2007), Until We Reach Home (2008), Though Waters Roar (2009) While We're Far Apart (2010), and Wonderland Creek (2011). Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film. For more information, visit her website at www.lynnaustin.org.