Return to Me (The Restoration Chronicles, Book 1) by Lynn Austin

     Lynn Austin is a gifted writer and she has yet to disappoint me.  I LOVED her bible based series, Chronicles of the Kings, so I was super excited to hear that she was starting a new bible based series!  Austin has the ability to take scripture, history, and imagination, and weave them all so beautifully together, in a captivating and timeless tale. 

    I will be honest though, the first portion of the story was a much slower paced read for me.  Interesting but not gripping.  However, you know things are going to get better and sure enough you hit a point where you just can't put the book down.  The characters come to life and you can relate with their struggles.  You desire to see these people return to God and to put Him first, and you become frustrated with those who lack the faith and strength to do so.  All the while seeing that no one is perfect and yet, God still loves us all. With God it is so much more than following rules, it is about our heart! Do we find strength in following rules, do we turn from truth or do we love and depend on God?

    I believe that Austin gave us a very good depiction of the time, cultures, situations and characters with their struggles.  She portrayed life with all the good and the bad and brought forth the truth of Scripture in these circumstances. In the end I have to say, brilliantly done! I am looking forward to Book 2!