Sunday, October 20, 2013

Review & Giveaway! Ends Oct. 22: Return To Me - The Restoration Chronicles 1 - 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.

My review:

I enjoyed this well-written, epic story about the Israelites rebuilding the temple.  It was interesting to see the struggles they had, from hostile Samaritans to the physical labor to the temptation to compromise their beliefs so things would be easier.  They had many of the same questions we do today, such as wondering why God let someone die or wondering what His purpose is for our lives.  I felt like I could relate to each of the characters' emotions and struggles, from Dinah missing her family and resenting her husband to Iddo trying to follow the letter of the law without love to Zechariah being torn between doing the right thing or the fun thing.  I especially thought it was interesting to see how Zechariah handled being friends with a Jewish girl who was turning to astrology and the choice he had to make to follow God or stay with his family in Babylon.   I liked the hint of romance and it was fascinating to learn the differences between the Jewish and Samaritans' customs about marriage and other things.  It's amazing to see Biblical characters come to life, like Zerubbabel and Haggai.  I did get a little bogged down in all the talk of rebuilding, but I feel like I learned a lot about what the Israelites went through.  Check it out if you want to learn more about Jewish and Christian history!


I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase a copy:
http://ow.ly/pfkmh

About Lynn: 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/.

Check out more reviews here: http://litfusegroup.com/author/laustin

Lynn Austin is celebrating the release of Return to Me, the first book in her new Biblical fiction series, The Restoration Chronicles, with a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat party.
returntome-rafflecopter
 
  One winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire HDX
  • Return to Me by Lynn Austin
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 22nd. Winner will be announced at the "Return To Me" Facebook Author Chat Party on October 22nd. Connect with Lynn and friends for an evening of book chat, biblical trivia, prizes, and get an exclusive look at the next book in Lynn's Restoration Chronicles series!

So grab your copy of Return to Me and join Lynn on the evening of October 22nd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word — tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on the 22nd!

No comments:

Post a Comment