Old Testament Comes to Life -- Return to Me (with a GIVEAWAY)

If you've ever read the Old Testament and wondered what it was like to live during those events, Return to Me might be just the book for you.  Lynn Austin does a fantastic job of bringing to life part of the historical story of the the Jews returning to Jerusalem after their years of exile in Babylon.

Iddo and Zechariah were real people, a grandfather and grandson who both took seriously their family's calling to serve their God in the role of priest.  Return to Me is an intriguing look at what their lives might have been like, the kinds of joys and struggles they may have encountered as they followed that calling -- sometimes with the support of their family, fellow priests, and friends; and sometimes all alone in their quest to turn a remnant of their fellow Jews back to true worship of the Almighty One. Mixing facts from the Biblical narrative with details from her own imagination, Lynn Austin offers an inspiring story of hope and restoration.

Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group and Bethany House for providing me copies of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Read what other reviewers think about Return to Me here.


Giveaway:  I have an extra copy of Return to Me that I would love to share with someone.  If you are interested in receiving that copy, comment below between now and 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 22.  I will randomly select a name and contact the winner for a mailing address.


About the book:

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.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/pfkmh


About Lynn:


 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.

You can find out more about Lynn at http://www.lynnaustin.org/.

A Sweet Christmas Story -- A Christmas Gift for Rose

A Christmas Gift for Rose is a quick, sweet read from Tricia Goyer.  Rose's story -- the secret she learns about her past and her uncertainty as she comes to grip with the truth -- gives a beautiful picture of what love and family are all about.

Set near the end of World War II, the book offers a look at the struggle faced by many Amish in deciding how to deal with war.  There are also glimpses into the trials faced by servicemen who bring home with them the horrors of war, and the impact those events have on their families.

One of the most interesting things about this story is the inspiration from which Tricia wrote it.  During a trip to Amish country, she had the opportunity to meet and visit with some Amish couples.  While there, she was told the story of the grandmother of one of the Amish men who was left in the care of an Amish family when her family moved away.  That story grew into A Christmas Gift for Rose.

Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

You can see what other reviewers have to say about A Christmas Gift for Rose here.

About the book: 

Rose turned her back on the man she loves after he assisted the Englisch during World War II---only to discover she's an Englischer herself. Born in the midst of the hardships of The Great Depression, Rose grew up in Berlin, Ohio, in the arms of a loving Amish family. But she is overwhelmed by self-doubt when she learns that she was born Englisch and abandoned when her family moved West in search of work. Was she meant to be Amish or would she have been better off growing up with her own kind---Englischers? When the man she loves leaves her behind, Rose is certain he left for good. Yet Rose discovers sometimes our greatest gifts are the ones we fear.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/pfhBl

About Tricia: 

USA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer is the author of over 35 books, including the three-book Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series and "Lead Your Family Like Jesus," (co-written with Ken Blanchard). She has written over 500 articles for national publications and blogs for high traffic sites like TheBetterMom.com and MomLifeToday.com. She is the host of Living Inspired, a weekly radio show. Tricia and family live in Little Rock, Arkansas. They have six children.

You can find out more about Tricia at www.TriciaGoyer.com.

A Delightful Collection -- A Bride for All Seasons

A Bride for All Seasons is a collection of delightful stories of mail-order brides from years gone by.  The adventures -- and sometimes misadventures -- of these young ladies and their intended husbands provide short snippets of interesting reading and escape from the present day for a short time.

I've always thought the concept of mail-order brides was intriguing.  I guess there were numerous things that would motivate a young lady to leave everyone and everything she knew to travel across country and marry a man she had never met.  These authors present quite a variety of those reasons and very different scenarios that play out once the ladies reach their destinations.  The connection between the stories is the "help" (or is it "interference") by the editor of the Hitching Post Mail-Order Bride Catalogue that throws some unexpected twists in the match-making experiences.

I would recommend this book for one or more sessions of light reading pleasure.

Thanks to BookSneeze for providing a free copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book

It all started with an ad in a mail-order bride catalogue . . .

This charming bouquet of novellas introduces you to four Hitching Post Mail-Order Bride Catalogue prospects in the year 1870, all eager for second chances . . . and hungry for happiness. Year in, year out, they'll learn that love often comes in unexpected packages.

"And then Came Spring" by Margaret Brownley
Mary-Jo has traveled halfway across the country to meet her match, arriving just in time for his funeral. Returning home seems like her only option until her would-be brother-in-law proposes a more daring idea.

"An Ever After Summer" by Debra Clopton
Ellie had no idea she's not what Matthew ordered. And what's wrong with being a "Bible thumper" anyway? She's determined to show him she's tougher than she looks-and just the girl he needs.
 
"Autumn's Angel" by Robin Lee Hatcher
Luvena would be perfect for Clay if she didn't come with kids. But kids are a deal breaker, especially in a rough-and-trouble mining town. ­ The trouble is, there's no money to send them back . . .

"Winter Wedding Bells" by Mary Connealy
David's convinced he's not long for the world. He needs someone to mother his boys when he's gone-nothing more. Can plucky Irish Megan convince him to work at living instead of dying?