Book Review - Christmas at Harmony Hill

It is 1864 and the nation is still torn apart by civil war when Heather Worth discovers she is with child. She has been working as a laundress with her husband's army unit, but when the army gets orders to march south to Tennessee, Gideon insists Heather go home to have their child under safer conditions. Heather agrees, but returns home to another kind of devastation--deaths in the family and a father who refuses to forgive her for marrying a Yankee. With nowhere else to turn, Heather seeks refuge at the Shaker village of Harmony Hill, where her great aunt Sophrena lives. There, after many peaceful years at Harmony Hill, Sophrena is having doubts about her Shaker path. Both women are in need of love and forgiveness--whether given or received. With Christmas coming, can the miracle of new life fill their hearts with unexpected joy?

Ann H. Gabhart''s many fans will be thrilled to return to Harmony Hill at Christmastime for this stirring story of healing and hope.

REVIEW:

     The story is set during the civil war in the 1800's. One of the interesting parts of this story is the fact that Heather went to war with her husband as a washerwoman and worked until late in her pregnancy. Eventually she had to leave her husband at war and head home to prepare for her child.
     Heather looked forward to being home with her family to give birth to her child but when she arrives there is sad news and not a warm welcome by all. She goes to live with her mother's sister who is a Shaker until she gives birth. The life of a Shaker is an interesting one and we see this as Heather is welcomed and cared for by them in the last days of her pregnancy. A beautiful relationship is built with her aunt and at the end of the story there is a reunion not only with her husband but with her family as well. Forgiveness is given and received on Christmas! A beautiful gift!
     I would recommend this book! However it did not draw me in and keep my interest as much as other Christian fiction I have read.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Revell Books and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller.”

Return to Me by Lynn Austin

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.

REVIEW:
I have read the series by Lynn Austin called the Chronicles of the Kings which I thoroughly enjoyed. Her writing always causes me to look to the Scriptures and read the context behind the historical fiction that she writes. Return to me is a new series called the Restoration Chronicles. This book was a great read! I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

The story begins with Iddo and his family living in Babylon for twenty years or so and all during that time there was a desire in Iddo's heart to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. Finally, the way is opened up for the family and they are able to return. It is with heartache that they do this because much of the family is left behind in Babylon. Iddo and his wife Dinah head out with their grandson Zaki and family friend Mattaniah and his daughter Yale. After a 3 month journey, they arrive in Jerusalem and the next 20 years are challenging for them as they try to rebuild the temple.

In particular, I enjoyed the relationships within the story. Iddo and his wife Dinah and the struggles they faced as a couple. Dinah who left her children behind was lonely and trying to find her way in this new land and the sacrifices they made for God. Zaki and Yale's friendship was interesting and then to see how that changed as they matured. Zaki's desire for Yale to know God was a central part of this story.  Yale's friendship with a young Samaritan girl was heartwarming as well.

This is a story of sadness, heart break, sacrifice, love, deep friendships and family!

"Book has been provided courtesy of Bethany House Publishers and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller.”