Masterfully told: My review of "Return to Me" by Lynn Austin @GrafMartin

about the book....

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....

There is a reason that Lynn Austin continues to be one of my favourite authors, and "Return to Me" is a perfect example of why! In spite of the fact that this book is well over 400 pages, there was not a dull moment to be had. "Return to Me" is a masterfully told story pulled from the pages of the Bible, and brought to life with characters who live and breathe through Austin's talented pen. The characters are complex and true to life, struggling with the gamut of human emotions that we all face, whether uncertainty and fear, difficulty finding hope in the midst of despair, or attempting to overcome the lure of world around us. This is the first novelization I have encountered about the prophet Zechariah, and I found his transformation from boyhood to man to prophet to be absolutely profound. I was so stirred by some of the scenes in the book that I had tears in my eyes! It's not often I close the pages of a book and find myself hungering for the Bible, but such is the case with "Return to Me". The message is a timely one, calling God's people to turn from their sin and their apathy and renew their relationship with God. Our church today is not all that different than the Israel of Old, facing a slippery slope of temptations from the world around us. It can be so hard to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus rather than to compromise our morals, one step at a time. Lynn Austin provides a powerful reminder of the impact that sin has on our lives and our families, and the risk we take when we allow the world to define us rather than God.

I highly recommend this well-written, faith-stirring novel, and award it 5 out of 5 stars. Well done, Lynn Austin!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

 about the author....

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. Learn more at www.lynnaustin.org.