Return to Me

August 19, 2013
Christy Award Hall of Fame member Austin (Chronicles of the Kings series) resumes her fictional tour through biblical history with book one of the Restoration Chronicles, which follows the sojourn of the exiled Israelites in Babylon and their return to Jerusalem. Elderly Iddo can’t understand the spiritual complacency of his sons, who would rather stay in Babylon than heed God’s call. But his grandson Zechariah proves to be a devout, apt student of the Torah, helping to rebuild the Temple when they arrive in Judea and growing into his priestly destiny. But spiritual lethargy isn’t a problem just for those who stayed behind. The long fight to reestablish a foothold in Judea grows wearisome for many who have returned. Pagan neighbors oppose the Israelites economically and entice them spiritually. Iddo, Zechariah, and several family members experience personal crises as they try to answer the main question of the story: what does God truly want from his people—obedience or faith? Secondary characters, mostly women, provide strong subplots, and Austin shines a bright light on ancient Jewish life and lands. Biblical fiction fans will cheer her latest offering, which bolsters this challenging genre.

September 15, 2013

Almost 70 years after the fall of Jerusalem, a new Babylonian king releases the captive Jews and mandates that they return and rebuild God's temple in the remains of the Holy City. Iddo, who witnessed the fall as a child, is overjoyed to return home, but his children were born in Babylon and refuse to leave the pagan city. Undeterred, Iddo, wife Dinah, and grandson Zechariah make the months-long trek with thousands of other Jews, only to find a hostile welcome from the Samaritans who make the land around Jerusalem their home. As years pass, the immigrants face daily challenges to their faith as they listen for God's voice to lead them over the next 30 years. VERDICT Eight-time Christy Award-winning author Austin (Hidden Places; Wonderland Creek) launches a powerful new historical series that brings the Old Testament books of Ezra and Nehemiah to life. This work is sure to attract fans of Francine Rivers's biblical series ("The Mark of the Lion"; "Sons of Encouragement").

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