Book: Return to Me (with giveaway!)

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.

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This is about the third book I've read by Lynn Austin and I think I would say her style is "in depth".  She really does her research and gets the setting and time right.  It adds so much to the story and especially historical stories like this I love feeling like I have a better understanding of what life was/could have been like back then.

This is the story of some of the exiles who returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple after the first one was destroyed.  It's at the end of Daniel's life when the king of Babylon sees the hand writing on the wall and then his kingdom is overrun by the Medes and Persians.

The middle part of the story started to drag on a bit for me, but then it picks up again and I had a hard time putting it down for the last third!  Even with company coming.

I loved how she didn't show the characters as perfect, but that they all had mistakes and slowly over time were able to overcome their doubts and live their lives.  Definitely like this author!

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Purchase your own copy and read other reviews here or enter my giveaway below!


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.

I received this book from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for my fair and honest review.  I received the second one from the publisher by accident so I'm giving it away on my dime!



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