Return to me

After years in exile, Iddo and his grandson Zechariah follow God's leading home to Jerusalem, where they struggle to rebuild their lives and God's temple--bringing to life the biblical books of Ezra and Nehemiah.

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Library	Call Number	Status
Searching... Hardwood Creek Library (Forest Lake)	SCD FICTION AUS 12 DISCS	Searching... Unknown
Searching... Park Grove Library (Cottage Grove)	SCD FICTION AUS 12 DISCS	Searching... Unknown
Searching... R.H. Stafford Library (Woodbury)	SCD FICTION AUS 12 DISCS	Searching... Unknown

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Summary

Bestselling Author Lynn Austin Launches New Biblical Saga After years of watching his children and grandchildren wander from their faith, Iddo's prayers are answered: King Cyrus is allowing God's chosen people to return to Jerusalem. Jubilant, he joyfully prepares for their departure, only to learn that his family, grown comfortable in the pagan culture of Babylon, wants to remain. Zechariah, Iddo's oldest grandson, feels torn between his grandfather's ancient beliefs and the comfort and success his father enjoys in Babylon. But he soon begins to hear the voice of God, encouraging him to return to the land given to his forefathers. Bringing to life the biblical books of Ezra and Nehemiah, Return to Me tells the compelling story of Iddo and Zechariah, the women who love them, and the faithful followers who struggle to rebuild their lives in obedience to the God who beckons them home.

Reviews (2)

Publisher's Weekly Review

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. (Oct.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Library Journal Review

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"). (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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