Return to Me

The Restoration Chronicles, Book 1

By: Lynn Austin

Narrated by: Suzanne Toren

Length: 15 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2013 Lynn Austin (P)2013 Recorded Books

I love it! My kids love it too!

What made the experience of listening to Return to Me the most enjoyable?

I love how Ms. Austin sticks to Scripture. There's no theological 'fudginess' in the book, so I never have to stop the book to explain things to my children.

What other book might you compare Return to Me to and why?

I enjoy Ms. Austin's biblical history novels the most, but Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion series is also excellent.

Have you listened to any of Suzanne Toren’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I'm not sure. Her voice sounds familiar, but when you listen to a lot of audio books, sometimes people get blurred.

If you could take any character from Return to Me out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Iddo for sure. What a man of strong convictions and devotion to the LORD and His word! I couldn't imagine the trouble he and real people like him truly faced in their daily battles to remain in the land and remain faithful to the LORD.

Any additional comments?

This is a really encouraging book for people struggling to stand up for the LORD amidst trying circumstances. The Bible doesn't give every detail because it doesn't need to, but in listening to this book, I've found a new appreciation for those returning exiles and all the challenges they must have faced. We find that in our culture today where people don't want to listen to God's word or have perseverance in the face or seemingly overwhelming odds. The LORD was faithful then and He will be faithful now because He doesn't change. I just smile because it's a story filled with turmoil, but we know how it ends and it brings joy to the heart. My kids absolutely love listening to this book. We listen in the car and we often find ourselves just sitting at our destination because no one wants to stop the book!

Absolutely Amazing

What made the experience of listening to Return to Me the most enjoyable?

Lynn Austin's historical Biblical fiction has a way of bringing the Biblical history and prophecy narratives to life. So many things I've read and just passed by are contextualized in a way that makes me want to re-read and get a more full bodied grasp of the story lines. This narrator is one of my all-time favorites. Just an absolute pleasure on all levels.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Zechariah. Just understanding the process of a young boy being called to become a priest and prophet and following this progression, imagining what that would have been like, makes it so much more tangible and accessible to my spirit.

What about Suzanne Toren’s performance did you like?

The incredible inflection and tone of her voice, excellent ability to sound like various characters and so lovely to the ear. She enhances the reading of the book.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Almost weeping with joy and amazement over the victories God brings after such harrowing challenges.

my 10th or so time reading this!!

Draws me closer to God each time I read it! A story we can all learn from.

These stories bring the Bible to life !

This was the first Lynn Austin series I have read. I have become completely hooked ! These stories absolutely bring the Bible to life for me & I have already recommended them to church friends. The events of the Bible are so much easier to remember when you have people to tie the stories to. I will be finding more of these books to listen to.

Good story but not as strong as Chronicles of the Kings

I had listened to the whole series of Chronicles of the Kings andI was excited to see you this next series. The narrator did a fantastic job again. It was a good story but for me this one was based more in fiction and less in facts. The backstory, which was not heavily based on scripture, took a really long time to develop. It was only the last few hours that got back to the biblical text. I debated while listening to the story whether to turn it off at some point not because of the quality but because I love the fact that Austen’s stories are very much aligned with biblical passages. I plan to listen to the next one because overall these are really great stories

Wonderful book about a wonderful God

Great book! This is a true Christian book. Can't wait to read the second in the series.

Living Bible Story

The author makes both the biblical accounts and characters come alive. She also explains how loving and just the Holy One was and even is today. The Bible declares Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever in the book of Hebrews chapter 13 and verse 8.

Amazing!!!!

Highly recommended !!!! Cannot wait to get into the second book of the series.

Gripping.

A beautifully crafted novel with great character development. Narration was excellent. The story brings to life the struggles all people have had striving to follow God while being led away by the distractions of the world. A great and needed message for the world today. Can't wait to start the next novel in the series.

wonderful story and brought life to bible stories

I really enjoyed listening to this. definitely made me want to go back and read through passages referenced.