On This Foundation Book Review

The Restoration Chronicles

Book Three

SUMMARY:  Stone by Stone, the Wall Will Rise Once More Around God's City

     When news reaches him that Jerusalem's wall is shattered and its gates burned with fire, a distraught Nehemiah seeks God's guidance in fasting and prayer.  Granted an unexpected leave from his duty as cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, Nehemiah sets out for Jerusalem to rebuild the city wall - never anticipating all the dangers that await him on his arrival.

     The leaders of the surrounding nations become his fierce enemies, plotting to assassinate him and stop the wall's reconstruction forever.  A drought, meanwhile, has left the country impoverished, with many families resorting to selling their children as bondservants just to keep from starving.

     Capturing the rebuilding of the wall through the eyes of a number of characters, On This Foundation is the powerful conclusion to The Restoration Chronicles.  This exploration of faith in the midst of oppression offers hope that, in spite of appearances, the gracious hand of God is upon those who believe.

REVIEW:  Trusting God to follow through and trusting Him to be there during difficult times is the crux of this novel, even when it seems like He isn't listening and has turned His back.  Nehemiah has to trust the Lord is leading him to rebuild the wall surrounding Jerusalem against opposition by Israel's enemies and those inside Jerusalem determined to stop him from upsetting the new normal.  Nava has stopped trusting God after she is forced to work as a bondservant to protect her family farm after years of drought and leave her childhood boyfriend, whom she was to marry. Chana doesn't know if she can trust Yahweh after her fiance' is killed by robbers just before their marriage.  When she is pledged to another in marriage, she has to decide if God is with her after all or if she will turn her back on Him.
     This novel is a wonderful wrap-up to the series about the Jewish nation's return to Israel after the Diaspora.  The author shows how difficult life was in Jerusalem.  But, when the people obeyed God's law, His provisions and blessing came in abundance.  I like how the author showed Nehemiah's humanity and didn't put him on a pedestal.  He wanted to become king, like some of the "prophets" claimed but knew it wasn't God's plan for him.  Not everything was tied up in a neat little bow but the twists and turns the author placed kept me turning pages to see how situations would play out. 
     This book is wonderful.  It ties the books of Esther, Ezra and Nehemiah together in a seamless way that is interesting and never dull.  Check it out for yourself.

This book was provided by Bethany House for review without compensation.

Lynn Austin is a bestselling author who 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. 

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.