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 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. ( )

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. 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. ( )

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 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.) ( )

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 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.” ( )

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 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. ( )