Keepers of the Covenant Book Review

The Restoration Chronicles

Book Two

SUMMARY:  In Their Darkest Hour, Where Would Hope Be Found?

     In one life-changing moment, the lives of the exiles in Babylon are thrown into despair when a decree from the king's palace calls for the annihilation of every Jewish man, woman and child throughout the empire in less than one year.

     Ezra, a quiet but brilliant scholar, soon finds himself called upon to become the leader of his people.  Forced to rally an army when all his training has been in the Torah, he struggles to bring hope in a time of utter despair, when dreams of the future - of family and love - seem impossible.

     In Keepers of the Covenant, acclaimed novelist Lynn Austin weaves together the struggles and stories of both Jews and Gentiles, creating a tapestry of faith and doubt, love and loss.  Here, the Old Testament comes to life, demonstrating the everlasting hope displayed in God's unwavering love for His people.

REVIEW:  I really enjoyed this book!!  It weaves together the Old Testament books of Esther and Ezra seamlessly.  This is the first time I've read a book that shows what the Jewish people went through and how they felt after Haman's decree went out across the Persian Empire.  While I know the events of this book are fiction, Ms. Austin made me feel like I was right there experiencing the devastation and loss, along with the joy and jubilation of being given the right to defend themselves and after the war was over.  She also shows how this event affected those living in Judah, both Jews and Gentile, and the return of Jews from Babylon under King Artaxerxes.  The parts of the returning Jews I found though-provoking were when Ezra informs the people of Judah they must now completely follow the law of Moses, given to them by God, and the consequences some had to face because they had married Gentiles who did not follow the Almighty One exclusively.  I also loved how Esther's story is woven in at the end and the discussion (by characters in the book) on why God's name is never mentioned.  Even if you find the book of Ezra boring and difficult to follow, this book will help you understand it and why Ezra made the decrees he did as governor.  Fascinating read!!

 

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

Lynn Austin is a bestselling author and 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 in Michigan.  Learn more at www.lynnaustin.org.