Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Bethany House Publishers (2014), 480 pages
Original publication date
2014-09-30
Description
"In a story drawn from the Old Testament books of Ezra and Nehemiah, Ezra, a Jewish scholar, is called upon to deliver his exiled people from Babylon to Jerusalem--but the fight to keep God's Law is never easy"--
Language
Original language
English
Physical description
480 p.; 8.5 inches
ISBN
0764208993 / 9780764208997
User reviews
LibraryThing member kykim
Keepers of the Covenant by Lynn Austin is book 2 in the Restoration Chronicles, but is a good stand alone book. Bringing the Old Testament to life, as you read about how Haman got King Xerxes to sign a decree to annihilate all of Jews, and Queen Esther getting him to sign another decree.
The little
Then Ezra a quiet scholar and teacher of the law, wanting to take his family home, and leading the Jews back to Jerusalem from Babylon. This story comes to life as you meet his wife Devorah, their children, family, and friends and see how they live.
I loved my journey through these pages of the Old Testament, Lynn Austin has done a terrific job of making me feel as if I was right there taking part with them with her writing of this story. She has added some characters to help tell the story. This is the first book I have read by this author but will not be the last, I have found a new favorite author!
At the end of the book she tells you where you can read the stories/verses that she has used in this book in your own Bible.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who like to read Biblical stories.
I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review rather it be good or bad. Thank you.
The little
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crippled Edomite girl, Amina, who befriends the older Jewish woman, Hodaya, and finds she is has more in common with her than she first thought. Then Ezra a quiet scholar and teacher of the law, wanting to take his family home, and leading the Jews back to Jerusalem from Babylon. This story comes to life as you meet his wife Devorah, their children, family, and friends and see how they live.
I loved my journey through these pages of the Old Testament, Lynn Austin has done a terrific job of making me feel as if I was right there taking part with them with her writing of this story. She has added some characters to help tell the story. This is the first book I have read by this author but will not be the last, I have found a new favorite author!
At the end of the book she tells you where you can read the stories/verses that she has used in this book in your own Bible.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who like to read Biblical stories.
I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review rather it be good or bad. Thank you.
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LibraryThing member vintagebeckie
I think it must be really hard to write Biblical fiction — fiction that is entertaining and engaging while at the same time faithful to God’s Word, His intent and His purposes. Lynn Austin is an author who does an exemplary job of combining all the necessary ingredients to do just that. In her
Ezra is a scholar with no other desire but to study the Torah. But when word comes of the Persian king’s edict in which all Jews are to be killed, he is called to become a leader of his people in Babylon. Reluctantly he follows God’s call and embarks on a journey to know Him. Amina and Reuben are children in the days of Haman’s schemes and Esther’s triumphant victory, but the thirteenth of Adar changes their lives for ever. Austin follows these characters and their families in examining God’s everlasting covenant with those He calls His own.
Keepers of The Covenant is three stories in one that come together as the people of Israel return to their home in Jerusalem. All the characters face doubts and fears as well as decisions that change the course of their lives. I found all of the characters realistic and relatable for readers in the 21st century. There really isn’t anything new under the sun, and the difficulties of life are as real now as they were then. Austin has created a wonderful sense of place as well. You can almost see the the green hills surrounding Jerusalem and feel the sandy grit of 4 months travel from Babylon to the Holy Land. The theme of justice tempered by mercy is strong and a good lesson for readers today. But it was the the inclusive love of God that really spoke to me.
Keepers of The Covenant is an excellent novel, one that I will recommend to anyone regardless of their favorite genre. This historical novel is much more than dates and places in the past, but a retelling of God’s timeless truths and promises.
Highly Recommended.
Audience: older teens and adults.
(Thanks to LitFuse and Bethany House for my review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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latest book in the Restoration Chronicles, Keepers of The Covenant, Austin combines the stories of Ezra and Esther to bring forth a cohesive narrative of the life of post-exilic Israel. She also does the best thing I like about Biblical fiction, she inspires her readers to open up God’s word to look into scripture for themselves. Ezra is a scholar with no other desire but to study the Torah. But when word comes of the Persian king’s edict in which all Jews are to be killed, he is called to become a leader of his people in Babylon. Reluctantly he follows God’s call and embarks on a journey to know Him. Amina and Reuben are children in the days of Haman’s schemes and Esther’s triumphant victory, but the thirteenth of Adar changes their lives for ever. Austin follows these characters and their families in examining God’s everlasting covenant with those He calls His own.
Keepers of The Covenant is three stories in one that come together as the people of Israel return to their home in Jerusalem. All the characters face doubts and fears as well as decisions that change the course of their lives. I found all of the characters realistic and relatable for readers in the 21st century. There really isn’t anything new under the sun, and the difficulties of life are as real now as they were then. Austin has created a wonderful sense of place as well. You can almost see the the green hills surrounding Jerusalem and feel the sandy grit of 4 months travel from Babylon to the Holy Land. The theme of justice tempered by mercy is strong and a good lesson for readers today. But it was the the inclusive love of God that really spoke to me.
Keepers of The Covenant is an excellent novel, one that I will recommend to anyone regardless of their favorite genre. This historical novel is much more than dates and places in the past, but a retelling of God’s timeless truths and promises.
Highly Recommended.
Audience: older teens and adults.
(Thanks to LitFuse and Bethany House for my review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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LibraryThing member mbarkman
5 Stars ***** out of five
Historical fiction
Keepers of the covenant, following Return to Me, tells the story of the common people during the time of Ezra. We all know the story of Queen Esther, and when I picked up this book I was thinking I would be reading another version of her life in the
Thank you to Fred and Cheri at The Book Club Network, Lynn Austin and BethanyHouse, a division of Baker Publishing Group for the opportunity to read this work of art. I received a free book in exchange for an honest review. A positive critique was not required. The opinions are my own.
Historical fiction
Keepers of the covenant, following Return to Me, tells the story of the common people during the time of Ezra. We all know the story of Queen Esther, and when I picked up this book I was thinking I would be reading another version of her life in the
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palace. Though this story takes place during her time, very little is mentioned about her. Lynn is a brilliant biblical historical author, on par with Ellen Gunderson Traylor, who was the first author I knew that wrote in this genre. Through Lynn's precise writing, deep research and vivid imagery, I walked the streets with the rebel Rueben, the foreigner Amina and saw life and faith through the eyes of them, and their families. Life was easier back then? More black and white? Reading this gave me a deeper understanding of not only what the Jewish people had to face, but also of the basics of the scripture we read today. God was a God of mercy, and even if some of the rules seemed harsh, both to them and to us, there was a way out for those who truly loved and worshiped him. I recommend this book to those who do not read a lot of fiction, as well as those who read predominantly fiction. It's an awesome book!Thank you to Fred and Cheri at The Book Club Network, Lynn Austin and BethanyHouse, a division of Baker Publishing Group for the opportunity to read this work of art. I received a free book in exchange for an honest review. A positive critique was not required. The opinions are my own.
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LibraryThing member Beverlylynnt
Have you ever read parts of the Bible and then tried to imagine the events as they occurred in the day to day moments? I used to wish there were more books written that way. This book is one that accomplishes that feat completely. It opens the windows and doors and allows us to live with friends
Sayfah and Amina were Edomites living near Bethlehem in a village of their own. Amina was crippled from her younger years. Now she was treated like a servant in her own home and scorned by most of the men. One day she met an older woman who also suffered from a weak, twisted leg. But she was a Jewess, a talented weaver who brought her goods to Bethlehem to sell in the market. They became friends. It was a friendship that would save Amina and Sayfah's lives years later.
In Casiphia, another province of the Persian Empire and near Babylon, Reuben was apprenticed to his father, David. Reuben was twelve when he learned that through his second in command, Haman, King Xerxes had pronounced a death sentence for all the Jews living in all his 127 provinces, on the thirteenth of the month of Adar. They were to be killed and plundered. Reuben's father was angry at his peoples' helplessness and began to secretly stockpile weapons he made at his forge. Reuben watched in concern as people began to buy the supplies for their protection. When the day finally arrived, the fighting was fierce. Greed motivated some of the hatred against the sons of Jacob. Their enemies wanted the plunder. While most of God's people survived, some were injured or killed. Reuben's father was one who never returned from battle alive leaving Reuben at thirteen in charge of caring for his mother and family. Since he was too young to operate his father's business, his uncle sold it to another blacksmith who would continue Reuben's apprenticeship. But Reuben was filled with rage and hatred. He took to the streets at night, and eventually became adept at thievery. He was then taken in by a gang of Babylonian robbers. He turned his back on God.
Ezra's brother, Jude was also killed in the conflict in the city of Babylon itself. Some time later, God laid on Ezra's heart to petition the King of Persia to allow him to lead a group from his community back to the Promised Land, Israel, to build up the city of Jerusalem. Once the petition was granted, Ezra was appointed governor over the province. This wasn't the end of the story, however, but the beginning. Somehow Ezra, his family and friends, Reuben and his band of Babylonian robbers, Amina and Sayfah and their adoptive Jewish family all intersect in a powerful way.
This may not be important for everyone, but for me living history is vital for our sense of identity and perspective on life. This book is artistically written to help the reader put faces and heart into people and events we may already have at least a nodding acquaintance with. It deepened my perspective and gave me a greater appreciation of the scope of God's love and protection. It also heightened my awareness of the types of difficult situations many have faced when putting God's justice into practice. This is a tremendous object lesson, carried out in the story line, how God tempers His justice with mercy and expects His followers to do likewise.
This message couldn't have been conveyed so aptly if the author hadn't written with authenticity and well-researched detail. Such a writing style drew me into the scenes and into the very hearts and minds of the characters. I was right there, experiencing the events unfold and feeling their pain and joys. Excellent writing.
The third element I enjoyed about this book was the complexity of the plot. You can't say that Keepers of the Covenant is all fast-paced adventure and action, nor is it completely character-driven. The author takes the best of both genres and seamlessly blends them. They are well-balanced. Readers may already know the basic story, but the draw is how the author pulls it all together and includes us in the ride. The book is filled with sensitivity and flair--adrenaline and contemplation. I'm definitely going to read other books by Lynn Austin.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from bookfun.org on behalf of Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. 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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and family of some well-known characters of biblical events. In this case, it's about Ezra, family man, scholar, Rebbe, husband, brother, friend, son, leader, and teacher. He struggled with daily life just like you and I do.Sayfah and Amina were Edomites living near Bethlehem in a village of their own. Amina was crippled from her younger years. Now she was treated like a servant in her own home and scorned by most of the men. One day she met an older woman who also suffered from a weak, twisted leg. But she was a Jewess, a talented weaver who brought her goods to Bethlehem to sell in the market. They became friends. It was a friendship that would save Amina and Sayfah's lives years later.
In Casiphia, another province of the Persian Empire and near Babylon, Reuben was apprenticed to his father, David. Reuben was twelve when he learned that through his second in command, Haman, King Xerxes had pronounced a death sentence for all the Jews living in all his 127 provinces, on the thirteenth of the month of Adar. They were to be killed and plundered. Reuben's father was angry at his peoples' helplessness and began to secretly stockpile weapons he made at his forge. Reuben watched in concern as people began to buy the supplies for their protection. When the day finally arrived, the fighting was fierce. Greed motivated some of the hatred against the sons of Jacob. Their enemies wanted the plunder. While most of God's people survived, some were injured or killed. Reuben's father was one who never returned from battle alive leaving Reuben at thirteen in charge of caring for his mother and family. Since he was too young to operate his father's business, his uncle sold it to another blacksmith who would continue Reuben's apprenticeship. But Reuben was filled with rage and hatred. He took to the streets at night, and eventually became adept at thievery. He was then taken in by a gang of Babylonian robbers. He turned his back on God.
Ezra's brother, Jude was also killed in the conflict in the city of Babylon itself. Some time later, God laid on Ezra's heart to petition the King of Persia to allow him to lead a group from his community back to the Promised Land, Israel, to build up the city of Jerusalem. Once the petition was granted, Ezra was appointed governor over the province. This wasn't the end of the story, however, but the beginning. Somehow Ezra, his family and friends, Reuben and his band of Babylonian robbers, Amina and Sayfah and their adoptive Jewish family all intersect in a powerful way.
This may not be important for everyone, but for me living history is vital for our sense of identity and perspective on life. This book is artistically written to help the reader put faces and heart into people and events we may already have at least a nodding acquaintance with. It deepened my perspective and gave me a greater appreciation of the scope of God's love and protection. It also heightened my awareness of the types of difficult situations many have faced when putting God's justice into practice. This is a tremendous object lesson, carried out in the story line, how God tempers His justice with mercy and expects His followers to do likewise.
This message couldn't have been conveyed so aptly if the author hadn't written with authenticity and well-researched detail. Such a writing style drew me into the scenes and into the very hearts and minds of the characters. I was right there, experiencing the events unfold and feeling their pain and joys. Excellent writing.
The third element I enjoyed about this book was the complexity of the plot. You can't say that Keepers of the Covenant is all fast-paced adventure and action, nor is it completely character-driven. The author takes the best of both genres and seamlessly blends them. They are well-balanced. Readers may already know the basic story, but the draw is how the author pulls it all together and includes us in the ride. The book is filled with sensitivity and flair--adrenaline and contemplation. I'm definitely going to read other books by Lynn Austin.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from bookfun.org on behalf of Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. 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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LibraryThing member robeik
This book is the second in another series of books by Lynn Austin. Although I am enjoying this series less than the previous one (Chronicles of the Kings) this book has pulled me back in a bit. The series covers the period of time of the exile of the Israelites in Persia, with this book dealing
The book starts with a fair bit of violence, that sets the scene for the rest of the book. Some of the plot is a bit predictable, yet Austin weaves a wonderful story. However, at times I got the feeling that the story becomes a vehicle for the message the author wanted to bring (as true as it is). This is the message of God's covenant love, justice and mercy for his children.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
By the way, if you have not read the series Chronicles of the Kings, please do!!
(No potential conflicts of interest to declare.)
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with the return of a remnant from Babylon under the leadership of Ezra just after the events surrounding the intervention of Queen Esther in plot of Haaman against the Jews.The book starts with a fair bit of violence, that sets the scene for the rest of the book. Some of the plot is a bit predictable, yet Austin weaves a wonderful story. However, at times I got the feeling that the story becomes a vehicle for the message the author wanted to bring (as true as it is). This is the message of God's covenant love, justice and mercy for his children.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
By the way, if you have not read the series Chronicles of the Kings, please do!!
(No potential conflicts of interest to declare.)
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LibraryThing member Virginia51
This was a wonderful historical fiction book. It really brings the Old Testament to life. It shows the trials and tribulations that the Jews and Gentiles went through. I look forward to reading the other books in this series. This was number two in the series but you can read it as a stand alone.
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It is so thought provoking. It shows how times really haven't changed as much as we would like sometimes. I received this book from bookfun.org for a fair and honest opinion. Show Less
LibraryThing member RayleighAnn
MY GENERAL THOUGHTS: Biblical Fiction has very quickly become one of my favorite genres (when written by the right person) and I have to say that Lynn Austin has to be one of my favorite Biblical Fiction authors! The way she writes just brings you into the story, brings the characters alive, and
QUESTIONABLE CONTENT: Once again, I am not completely finished with this book as I was late in receiving it and the review deadline was right around the corner, so I did not have much time to read it. However, I am a good ways into it and can confidently tell you some of the content, however please do not hold it against me should I have forgotten something. Keepers of the Covenant did have some violent scenes during the fight, though not overly so. There were also some comments from the Gentiles to the Jews about their sexual intent of taking the Jewish women into their homes before killing them that may be disturbing to some, however, as far as I have read, there has been no actual scene.
RATING AND RECOMMENDATION: So, overall, I rate Keepers of the Covenant 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to anyone who enjoys Historical Fiction in addition to Biblical Fiction!
"I received this book from the publisher/author for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are my own."
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refuses to let you put the book down! Keepers of the Covenant, though book two to a series that I do not own, grabbed my attention from the first paragraph and it was very easy to follow. The cover is beautiful and I loved how the plot unfolded. I also enjoyed reading this story through the point of view through two children in addition to the adults, it gave you a new perspective.QUESTIONABLE CONTENT: Once again, I am not completely finished with this book as I was late in receiving it and the review deadline was right around the corner, so I did not have much time to read it. However, I am a good ways into it and can confidently tell you some of the content, however please do not hold it against me should I have forgotten something. Keepers of the Covenant did have some violent scenes during the fight, though not overly so. There were also some comments from the Gentiles to the Jews about their sexual intent of taking the Jewish women into their homes before killing them that may be disturbing to some, however, as far as I have read, there has been no actual scene.
RATING AND RECOMMENDATION: So, overall, I rate Keepers of the Covenant 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to anyone who enjoys Historical Fiction in addition to Biblical Fiction!
"I received this book from the publisher/author for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are my own."
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LibraryThing member gmathis
My reading buddies have passed around many of Lynn Austin's books--her skill set is huge, ranging from biblical fiction to contemporary stories, all done well. This carefully researched novel adds depth to a portion of Old Testament history that many Bible readers are unfamiliar with--the return of
What distracted me somewhat may be minor to other readers, but some of the conversations and turns of phrase were decidedly not 445 BC in nature..."OK" and "boss" and contemporary contractions are anachronistic enough to bug me when they could have been caught by an editor. Yes, I'm picky.
But with that said, Keepers of the Covenant is well worth the read for biblical fiction enthusiasts and those who are pondering the "whys" behind the Old Testament books of Esther, Nehemiah, and Ezra.
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exiled Jews from Babylon under the care of Ezra, the priest. Lynn Austin presents the "people" side of the story plausibly--it's a good read!What distracted me somewhat may be minor to other readers, but some of the conversations and turns of phrase were decidedly not 445 BC in nature..."OK" and "boss" and contemporary contractions are anachronistic enough to bug me when they could have been caught by an editor. Yes, I'm picky.
But with that said, Keepers of the Covenant is well worth the read for biblical fiction enthusiasts and those who are pondering the "whys" behind the Old Testament books of Esther, Nehemiah, and Ezra.
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