I really enjoy the way Lynn Austin writes Biblical History, of course not all her books are Biblical History, but I especially like the ones that are. 🙂 I realize she has to add fiction in because we don’t have all the information, but Lynn Austin has an amazing way of making Bible stories come alive and I believe she strives for truth and not writing for drama. She portrays the personalities of people with the culture of the day so well, making you feel as if you are there experiencing the events yourself. An added bonus – in church recently our pastor preached from one of the passages of Scripture about Ezra (book 1). Because I had just finished the series it made so much more sense to me, I felt as if I already knew Ezra (in a way I felt I knew him personally) because of having just read Return to Me (book 1); I had to remind myself some elements of the story were made up because it was so realistic and right in line with what the pastor was saying. Which tells me she kept the tone and accuracy of the day very well.

Keepers of the Covenant (book 2), portrays a different side of the story of Esther. I had often wondered what the Jews thought of the King’s decree, but I hadn’t ever really thought about how it all played out for them. Also, the non-instantness of communication – in this book you painfully felt the time lag. The months of desperation & uncertainty of the Jews’ waiting – they were living every day lives, just like us today – but with a HUGE question lingering on how God was going to protect them. Some Jews didn’t even turn to God because they had strayed so far from Him in the first place. I find it easy to forget when I always see the beginning and the end of their story in a short time, just read the book of Esther, and it’s a short little story. But Lynn helps us realize they had to live out their story just like each of us. One day at a time.

Choosing to believe and be faithful, in spite of what the circumstances looked or felt like.

Also, I have a renewed appreciation for the barrier Jesus conquered with His death & resurrection for those of us who are Gentiles, and not having to be dependent on daily sacrifices. Oh, I am so thankful He has covered me.

For unto us a child is born… Isaiah 9:6

For you. For me. God sent His son as a baby, to die on the cross, to be raised again – for us. The Restoration Chronicles is an awesome series to read and be reminded of how much we have to be thankful for.

When I received the book in the mail I was surprised to find out it was a book 2… I made the decision to order book 1 and read it first – and even thought book 1 took f.o.r.e.v.e.r to come, I am SO GLAD I waited! While neither book is dependent on the other, I so appreciate having the history in order in my mind.

I received this book (Keepers of the Covenant) for free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review, and my simple, honest opinion: if you like Biblical Historical Fiction – get the book, you won’t be sorry! There is so much more I could say, but so you can enjoy the read for yourself I won’t say it all :-).