Where We Belong

by Lynn Austin

Paperback, 2017

Status

Available

Call number

813.54

Genres

Publication

Bethany House Publishers (2017), 480 pages

Description

Fiction. Literature. Historical Fiction. Despite Victorian society's strict rules for women, Rebecca and Flora Hawes' desire for adventure has led them to the Sinai Desert. Accompanied by their young butler and their maid, the sisters search for a biblical manuscript. On their exotic journey, they experience challenges and wonders, and recall the events that brought them to this time and place.

User reviews

LibraryThing member lanehillhouse

Friday, October 27, 2017
Where We Belong by Lynn Austin, © 2017

Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.
Psalm 115:1

My Review:

What I liked most about this story is that is shows where they are now and then backtracks to where they were

from their own description and thoughts to their situation instead of talking in the third person.

Two sisters are used by God to rescue others and show them where they belong. Coming alongside, they react from their own character until they realize it is so much better to be cared for and protected.

"I will never leave you nor forsake you."
Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land that the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall put them in possession of it. It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
Deuteronomy 31:7-8 ESV

Being on the path we are supposed to be on is so much safer than the self-care we think we are able to do to survive. Thrive is so much better. There will be challenges and conflicts to overcome, but... you will. We do not walk this earth alone. How much better when we discover we truly are where we were meant to be all along. Rebecca and Flora Hawes are two sisters who gather others to come alongside and join the adventure(s) of a lifetime. Fiesty Kate Rafferty and solemn weight-of-the-world on his shoulders, Soren Petersen, will eventually glory in their exchange ~ we hope! Readers: be aware. You will fall into this book head-on and be amazed at the story as it develops––day-by-day.

Quotes from Where We Belong:
"We must pray for her too––not that she'll change into what we want her to be, but that she'll become all that God intends her to be." (394)
"This is where we belong, isn't it? On the path that leads to serving God? Isn't that the essence of faith––walking forward, trusting what you can't see?" (448)
"The irony wasn't lost on Rebecca that both of the people she loved... were refusing to accept grace and a brand-new life." (459)
"... I want you to become all that God created you to be." (460)
"We were completely helpless out there, but God..." (464)

I loved the detail in this book, and the extensive research and application of life and Truth of the Scriptures lived out as a reference point revealed in each day of continuing to put the next foot forward.

I have read a lot of author Lynn Austin's books. This book was different; more intense and right out of life, on the street action. These people really live ~ today, yesterday, and wherever we may find ourselves. A rescue. A respite. A time of recognizing a need for a hoped-for change to bring us true life beyond the mundane. What I liked about the sisters was that they brought people along ~ a journey built for them as well, a change that will bring a smile to your lips and hope in your heart. For it is possible to be redirected in a moment when you least expect.

This seasoned author is definitely a wordsmith galore, in plentiful amounts! Funny sections, serious aims, necessary to hold it all together under the One who has called us to be His own. EnJ*O*Y! I was astonished at how the depth could be more as historical feats are recalled and presented through these characters' lives. Bravo!

Travel in 1800 adventures in Chicago, Paris, the Sinai Desert; moving forward exactly where you are to be. There is no time period that this does not apply. Live wide open to all that is yours to behold and explore.
~*~
The real-life sisters, Agnes and Margaret Smith, who inspired my newest novel, “Where We Belong,” had a favorite motto that continues to intrigue me. Whenever they were in danger or in a precarious situation they would say, “God knows when the end of our days will be. We have nothing to fear.” I borrowed their motto for my fictional sisters, Becky and Flora Hawes, to use whenever they found themselves in a sticky situation.
Blessings as you fearlessly pursue a life of adventure for Christ.
~ author Lynn Austin

***Thank you to author Lynn Austin for the invitation to join the launch team for Where We Belong. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***

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9 more

LibraryThing member Becky_L

Where We Belong, by Lynn Austin, is the narrative of two wealthy Chicago sisters, Rebecca Hawes and Flora Merriday, who find God's purpose for their lives, one exotic journey at a time. We are treated to enticing slices of life as we take part with the characters in the Chicago fire, over crowded

orphanages in late 1800's, and Arabian culture surrounding sheiks.

The sisters are confronted with many trying circumstances. However, one of them is sure to remind the other to trust in the Lord and His faithfulness to deliver them from their problems. This is very inspirational. If God can help the Hawes sisters in their extreme predicaments,surelyHe can help any of us in any difficulty in which we may find ourselves.

The book is very informative; sometimes it is just a little bogged down by author's efforts to explain the gospel or theology.

Quotable: "This is where we belong, isn’t it? On the path that leads to serving God? Isn’t that the essence of faith—walking forward, trusting what you can’t see?”

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way influenced my opinions of the book, for which I am solely responsible.

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LibraryThing member JoyAnne

If you've ever read any of Lynn Austin's books you'll understand when I say "wow". I loved this book, it is a fabulously typical Austin book and at the top of my list of favorites. I felt like I was right there with these stubborn sisters and their unlikely ladies' maid, their story brought smiles

and left me thinking about them long after I finished reading. This is just plain delightful, a fantastic storyline with the best characters. The sisters face danger but their obstinance keeps them moving on. Austin knows how to tell a story and what a story this is.

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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LibraryThing member NadineC.Keels

Rebecca and Flora are nineteenth-century sisters who wouldn't be satisfied with only high society living. Their desire for adventure and to live out a deeper purpose eventually takes them to the Sinai Desert, in search of an ancient biblical manuscript. But their expedition becomes increasingly

dangerous in Where We Belong, a novel by author Lynn Austin.

Even at nearly 500 pages, which is longer than I usually go for these days (simply due to lack of time to spend on a single book), I remained interested for this whole novel. I liked the structure of the story, how it moves back and forth through time. It reveals bits of the tale in the "present," 1890, and then travels to the past to fill in the puzzle pieces.

I found Part One, from Rebecca's perspective, to be the strongest, but the other characters, and their respective parts, didn't do as much for me. Part Three in particular seems like a rushed section of background information that only has enough time for the highlights, so it becomes melodramatic, almost simplistic. Considering the novel's general pacing, it might have taken an additional book to bring out a richness in each character's part.

The romances in the story are underdeveloped, and one of them diminishes the greater purpose of the sisters' expedition, overshadowing a search holding such momentous international and historical implications with a more narrow quest for a husband. Also, the characters' eyes begin welling up too frequently. Well-placed crying or evidence of tears can be powerful, but when tears come up on so many occasions, the characters come off as weepy, and what could have been poignant starts to feel maudlin.

Nevertheless, the overall storytelling was enjoyable for me, as I'm sure it will be for many other historical ChristFic readers.
______________
Bethany House provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.

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LibraryThing member Meganleigh844

What an epic adventure! Lynn Austin is a new author to me, but I will be looking up her other books after reading "Where We Belong". If you like adventure, travel, strong female characters, and deep spiritual content, you will like "Where We Belong"!

This book is broken up into sections. Each

section is told from a different character's perspective. Ms. Austin has great characters. It truly is an epic story, following the character's lives from when they are young to middle-aged. I especially liked reading from the middle-aged perspectives, as that is not often an age that is covered in this genre. Because the book is broken into sections, it took me awhile to mentally change to the next character's perspective. This also felt a bit abrupt at times. But once I was able to make the change, I really enjoyed reading from so many different viewpoints.

One of our main characters, Rebecca, is a special favorite, as she doesn't care what others think, and has a strong faith. She doesn't worry about her life or safety, but trusts God with her future. She also loves reading, adventure and traveling. Rebecca (Becky) and her sister, Flora, do unconventional things in the Victorian era, like traveling across a desert with only a young butler as an escort. They have so many escapades–such as haggling in Arabic at a market, skipping school to have an adventure, and exercising in bloomers. Travel and adventure lovers will find kindred spirits in Flora and Becky with their free spirits, wanderlust and adventures around the world.

This story takes readers all over the world. The descriptions of the settings are amazing! I felt the sand blowing against the tent as I was transported to the Sinai desert. This is one of those books where you settle down and really immerse yourself in the story. It's not a quick read, but it is so rich and fulfilling. "Where We Belong" has themes of trusting God, finding one’s purpose and God's plan for our life. This book is just so well written. I would put this author up there with Liz Curtis Higgs and Francine Rivers.

Content: This is a clean read. I would give it a PG rating due to a bit of content. It is a little graphic when describing the tenements in a poor area. There is talk of a man's harem. One man almost says the word for an illegitimate child. There is talk of a man getting drunk and beating a character. A man tries to grab a girl. There is a scene where a girl gets forced into a brothel. There is a lot of content which alludes to the activities in a brothel.

Rating: I give this book 5 stars.

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction; Victorian; Adventure

I want to thank Lynn Austin and Bethany House Publishers for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.

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LibraryThing member JoyAnne

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LibraryThing member Virginia51

This book was fantastic. I think this was a tad bit different for Lynn Austin. I loved the areas that the characters traveled to. I did not want to put this book down. This went from the past and the present to explain each of the characters. Rebecca and Flora were two very unique Victorian women.

Not many people would have the types of adventures that they had even today. This made me laugh and cry. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

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LibraryThing member JLSlipak

The Adventure of a Lifetime for Two Indomitable Socialite Sisters

In the city of Chicago in 1892, the rules for Victorian women are strict, their roles limited. But sisters Rebecca and Flora Hawes are not typical Victorian ladies. Their love of adventure and their desire to use their God-given

talents has brought them to the Sinai Desert–and into a sandstorm.

Accompanied by Soren Petersen, their somber young butler, and Kate Rafferty, a street urchin who is learning to be their ladies’ maid, the two women are on a quest to find an important biblical manuscript. As the journey becomes more dangerous and uncertain, the four travelers sift through memories of their past, recalling the events that shaped them and the circumstances that brought them to this time and place.

MY THOUGHTS:

I was sent this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

I love, love, love this book! Rebecca and Flora are absolutely wonderful. Two women ahead of their time, seeking adventure when women were expected to be demure and dainty, they’re schlepping through jungles, dirt, sand and unbearable heat. Rebecca, strong and without fear and Flora, sweet and kind, a sister that will follow Rebecca anywhere.

With perspectives written between past and present, you learn how the girls grew in to loving adventure, their antics that set the stage for their future travels, and how close their relationship is. In the present, you see not only further development in their relationship, you’re taken on an incredible journey in search of more than just a relic. You’ll see how each woman faces their own insecurities about their choices in life, how they deal with society and their resolution to anxieties and fears that have plagued them since childhood.

Beautiful settings, a fantastical author voice that takes you on this journey transitioning smoothly from one important element to the next as the plot flows and develops in a lyrical and fascinating way. This is a historical fiction set around the Victorian era. How can you go wrong?

The characters grow, struggle, laugh, cry, take you along for the ride and leave you wanting more. This is a beautiful story, a page turner to the very end.

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LibraryThing member Mizroady

I am a great fan of Lynn Austin’s and collect her books. They are always well written and very entertaining. This book showcased once again her talent for writing. I found its style to be a bit different than in the past but the book was still a 5 star!
The story was made even more intriguing by

the fact that it was based on a true story. Sister’s Rebecca and Flora Hawes lived during the 1800’s. Even in this day they would be a most unique and non-conventional pair, but more so in the era they lived. Women just didn’t do what they did, especially from those in upper society. From a young age they both loved to travel but especially the oldest Rebecca. Their widowed father raised them to be self-sufficient, educated and has a strong faith in God. Through smart investing he became an incredibly wealthy man. Upon his death, their inheritance made them rich beyond imagination. Unlike most people they did not squander it nor were they prideful. They shunned elite society’s customs and imposed duties. Their focus was on God, His plan for their lives, and how their fortune could benefit others.
Through the years from their youth to adulthood they face so many changes, some very difficult but they never took their eyes off the Lord. It tickled me how the older sister, Rebecca always came up with the crazy adventure ideas and never failed to persuade Flora to come along even if she didn’t want to! I loved living through their bold exploits. I think the one I liked the best is when they skipped school to go work in a factory to see what it was like for the poor employees there. As I read, knowing these women really existed and did these things, it made the story that much more entertaining.
They had a delightful and quirky sense of humor which I loved. Their favorite saying of mine was, “God knows the hour of our end, so there's no need to worry" and was frequently followed by, “But I hope it’s not right now”.
If found the book not only enjoyable but inspiring. Another incredible Lynn Austin read!
I received this book from Bethany Publishers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

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LibraryThing member MaryAnnB1964

In the year 1892, the principles; that is the manners and customs for Victorian women were strict and their roles were limited. It was frowned upon for ladies to further their education but for the Hawes sisters, things were different. Their love for adventure and their search for God's purpose in

their lives leads them on an adventure of a lifetime to the Sinai Desert.

On a quest to find an important biblical manuscript, joined by their butler and ladies maid Kate, the four find themselves on a journey that is dangerous and uncertain; the four travelers find themselves looking back at their past and the events that help shape them into who they are and what brought them to this point in their lives.
Author Lynn Austin has done a wonderful job of research. She has written this novel from the inspiration taken from the true story of twin sisters Agnes and Margret Smith; who were born in Scotland in 1843.
This novel was a joy to read and hard to put down. The characters were very easy to relate to and the storyline was fascinating.

I truly enjoyed every aspect of this story, the determination of the ladies, to the principles they stood up for and their love for God.
This is an exceptional read and anyone who loves historical fiction will truly enjoy this.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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