Return to Me by Lynn AustinISBN: 9780764208980
Paperback, 460 pages
Publisher: Bethany House
Retail: $14.99
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 Metells 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.
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
My thoughts:
I really like this book. It's been almost a year since I've read the accounts in the Bible that this story is from but I could recall just about all of it while reading this! The writing style of Austin is very calm and rather predictable; which I enjoy! She gives enough detail in the portions where it something unpleasant has happened, or could happen, that you get an idea but it isn't painted vividly. I think in some respects, the Bible is much more gruesome in some of the recounts.
Accounts from the Bible mentioned in this novel include 2 Kings 17:24-40 and 25:1-21, Ezra 1-6, Haggai 1-2, Zechariah 1-14 and Daniel 5 and 9. The NIV Bible is used when quoting the scriptures, which made it flow more with the dialogue and story (but I really prefer the KJV- it just wouldn't have meshed, I don't think). One thing that I didn't like, although could have truly happened, was the defiant attitude of Yael. She made me so upset through most of the book. Also, since we can easily see how it went with the Israelites in the Bible, I was shaking my head so often at the doubt of the people in the book. But historically, I think this has been portrayed quite well in the book.
I can't really think of anything else that I didn't like about this book. I read it in the space of two or three days. I love novels like this that take history and make it come alive. Perhaps it could have been livelier with the writing. Maybe but it's good the way it is.
I really enjoy reading Lynn Austin's books. So far I have read the first two of the Chronicles of the Kings and this book. I fully intend to read more!
Accounts from the Bible mentioned in this novel include 2 Kings 17:24-40 and 25:1-21, Ezra 1-6, Haggai 1-2, Zechariah 1-14 and Daniel 5 and 9. The NIV Bible is used when quoting the scriptures, which made it flow more with the dialogue and story (but I really prefer the KJV- it just wouldn't have meshed, I don't think). One thing that I didn't like, although could have truly happened, was the defiant attitude of Yael. She made me so upset through most of the book. Also, since we can easily see how it went with the Israelites in the Bible, I was shaking my head so often at the doubt of the people in the book. But historically, I think this has been portrayed quite well in the book.
I can't really think of anything else that I didn't like about this book. I read it in the space of two or three days. I love novels like this that take history and make it come alive. Perhaps it could have been livelier with the writing. Maybe but it's good the way it is.
I really enjoy reading Lynn Austin's books. So far I have read the first two of the Chronicles of the Kings and this book. I fully intend to read more!
**Disclaimer: I received this book free from Bethany House in conjunction with LitFuse for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was given. All opinions stated are my own. See Disclosure/Policies.**
