Return to Me
October 17th, 2013. Filed under: This & That.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.
ISLAND BREEZES
Finally the Jews are being allowed to return to Jerusalem. Some, like Iddo, remember the city and the exile, But many like his wife and children were born in Babylon, and aren’t all that excited about leaving their home.
The journey took months and then they arrived to rubble and angry neighbors. It’s a struggle to build homes and rebuild the temple with the many obstacles (both from within and without)that are placed before them.
Families continue to be divided, and years later the temple still hasn’t been rebuilt. During this time the strength of Iddo’s faith and that of his grandson, Zechariah continues to grow. We see how God used Zechariah to strengthen the people’s faith.
I enjoyed getting a closer look the prophet Zechariah and at how the return from exile might have worked out. I’m looking forward to the second book of The Restoration Chronicles.
***A special thank you to litfuse for providing a review copy.***
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.
October 22nd, 2014 at 17:46
[…] Austin’s Return to Me took the first Jewish exiles from Babylon back to Jerusalem. This book is centered on the struggles […]