On This Foundation (The Restoration Chronicles)

by Lynn Austin

Paperback, 2015

Status

Available

Call number

813.54

Publication

Bethany House Publishers (2015), 480 pages

Description

"Inspired by the biblical account of Nehemiah, Jewish cupbearer to the King of Persia, this story tells of the many dangers in his return to Jerusalem and the great opposition his people faced in their efforts to rebuild the city wall"--

Awards

Language

Original language

English

Physical description

480 p.; 8.5 inches

ISBN

0764209000 / 9780764209000

User reviews

LibraryThing member Harley0326
I love reading the bible and learning about all the different people in there. Sometimes you can read a story and think that you know everything about them. After reading this incredible book, I have a new found interest in Nehemiah. The author has done an exceptionally well depiction of this
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biblical character. The details are exact and make the story come to life. I am sad to see the series end, but I will not forget the writing that glided effortlessly across the pages.

The book is about Nehemiah and his journey to rebuild the wall around the city . Although he is determined to fulfill this mission, he does come in contact with opossition. Isn't it funny how we try to follow what God has called us to do, and obstacles get in our way. For some of us, we may give up but Nehemiah was a very determined man. Most of us know the story well but I have to say the author has done a great job of making the story parallel with the one in the bible. Although the book is long, I found it so engrossing that I was able to read it without stopping.

Nehemiah had a huge call from God and as you read the story, you find him facing struggles and learning to trust God. I can't count the times I knew I was called to do something, but needed a little push to take that first step. If you enjoy reading about biblical stories this one will definitely be a unforgettable read. Nehemiah is an encouraging story and the author vividly tells it with exact recall of the story found in the bible. I have enjoyed my journey in The Restoration Chronicles and hope the author starts a new book soon.

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member grammy57
Once again Lynn Austin out did herself. This book, based on the book of Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the wall is very well written. The characters are believable and full of life. It weaves in some intrigue and a love story also. The editing was superb with only one mistake I noticed. The story
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flows very well and you don't get bogged down in excess descriptions but still enough to keep it interesting. It is a book that will draw you in and not disappoint. I highly recommend this book. This book was given to me in exchange for my honest review by Bookfun.org.
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LibraryThing member vintagebeckie
On This Foundation, the third and concluding novel in Lynn Austin’s Restoration Chronicles, has been on my shelf way too long. I read the first two books, Return to Me and Keepers of The Covenant, in quick succession. Why, oh why, did I wait so long to read this wonderful novel? I can only plead
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ignorance — ignorance to how great this thoroughly researched and beautifully constructed book is. I expect writing Biblical fiction can be a daunting task, but Austin makes it look effortless. From the opening page to the last sentence, I devoured this book. It gets a highly recommended rating from me!

On This Foundation tells the story of Nehemiah, cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, who takes on the challenge of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. He is heartbroken by the state of his nation and the city that houses the worship center of the Almighty One. His determination to glorify God fuels the project threatened by obstacles from without and within Jerusalem.

Because On This Foundation is a re-telling of a Biblical story, it had to be accurate. As I read, I referred to the Biblical record to ensure that Austin had her facts straight. She did! The novel also did what all great Christian fiction should do — it pointed me to what God had to say on the matter. Nehemiah is believably written. He is an heroic figure, but has flaws common to all men. That’s important to portray, since God always chooses regular people to achieve his goals. I liked that Austin had Nehemiah struggle with trusting God and focusing on His goals. There are two other storylines that added depth to the story. Austin’s use of women characters makes the novel real and relatable. Trust in God is a major theme for these characters as well. As one character puts it — “All our lives, we’ve believed that Abba’s decisions were for our own good. We have to trust our heavenly Father the same way. Everything He does is for our good and for His purposes, even if we don’t understand it.” Prayer also plays a significant role in the life of the characters, and they have the same doubts and fears as the modern-day reader. Although On This Foundation takes place in 445 BC, its message is spot-on for contemporary readers.

On This Foundation is part of a series, but can easily be read as a standalone novel. I am using it in my Faith And Fiction Bible study later this month and am looking forward to its being a great compliment to our Bible study.

Highly Recommended.

Great for Book Clubs.

(Thanks to Bethany House for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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LibraryThing member khoyt
Once again Lynn Austin has wrapped a beautiful, engaging, faith-filled, God-glorifying, original story around a historical place and time. "On This Foundation" helped me feel as if I was a part of that Biblical event. Sometimes I can read the Bible in 2 dimensions. This book helped me to see
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Nehemiah's rebuilding in a whole new light with fallible people following the will of an infallible God. I am ready for more from her.
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