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.”