The Restoration Chronicles

Lynn Austin has another Biblical fiction series that I love. This one is only 3 books, and it's called the Restoration Chronicles.

This series is set in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah, when King Cyrus of Babylon allows a return to Jerusalem, and for the city and walls to be rebuilt. 

What was so fascinating to me about this series was how it made the 2nd Exodus so real to me. It's easy to read as a reader in the 21st century and miss the time that passes, not only between books, but between chapters and verses. The Israelites were in captivity in Babylon for 70 years.

That is a long time. In fact, God through Jeremiah pretty much said that in Jeremiah 29:5, when he told the Israelites to plant gardens, build homes, and settle down. Even with the promise of being brought back to Jerusalem a few verses later (Jeremiah 29:11-14), they knew it would be a while. 

70 years means that the children who were taken into captivity are now elderly. Many might have died. It means that only few of the Israelites alive remember Jerusalem and what life was like there.

And that's what I love so much about this series. Lynn Austin made it so real. In this story, there's a multi-generational family. The patriarch, Iddo, cannot wait to return to Jerusalem. He has so many beautiful memories of it from his youth, and he longs for his true home. But his family doesn't really feel the same way. His wife would willingly go with him, except that his children (who are grown and have families of their own) do not. For Iddo and his wife to leave would mean possibly leaving their family forever. His wife cannot bear the thought of not being near her children and grandchildren. 

Babylon is what they know. They understand the culture and the way of life. They even know the practical things, like where to buy the best food, how to navigate the city, and how to live successfully as captives in Babylon. This was their home, even though it wasn't supposed to be... and they can't remember their true home. They've grown comfortable in captivity, comfortable with the wealth and depravity of Babylon. Jerusalem represents a decimated city where life will be difficult, far from home... and in the case of this family, far from their loved ones.

If you love historical fiction, don't miss this series! It will give a new perspective on what it meant for the Israelites to return to Jerusalem.

Chronicles of the Kings Series

A few years ago, a new trend hit the bookshelves of Christian bookstores: Biblical fiction. Meaning, a fictional re-telling of a well-known story from the Bible.

While not to be taken solely as truth alone, these stories can help set the stage and scene for stories in the Bible. 

Two of my favorite series' from this time period are by the same author, Lynn Austin.

The first one, is the Chronicles of the Kings series. This 5-volume series follows the storyline of King Hezekiah, a king that I honestly didn't know much about (outside from the miracle of the shadows going backwards as proof of his recovery). 

You are exploring the world of ancient Jerusalem, and the challenges, conflicts, and triumphs of that time period. You meet Isaiah, Hezekiah, and many other prominent characters from the Old Testament. 

The amount of detail that Lynn Austin using in writing this story, creating the setting, and really placing the reader in this time period is incredible. I highly recommend this series for any reader who loves historical fiction. (Honestly, that's really not me, as I only enjoy specific time periods), but this series was so incredible that I can't wait to read it again!

The Advocate

I'm currently re-reading an amazing book: The Advocate by Randy Singer.

Set in the time of the ancient Roman Empire, its story follows a character from Rome, to Rhodes, to Israel, and back to Rome. It gives a brilliant depiction of the culture, practices, places, and people of its time.

You'll stroll through the Roman Forum and sit in the Colosseum, then head south to Caesarea and Jerusalem during the most important Passover there ever was. You'll see familiar people—Seneca and Pontius Pilate, Joseph of Arimethea, Paul, Luke, and so many more—even Jesus.

If you love historical fiction, I 100% recommend this book!

Mark of the Lion Series by Francine Rivers

I can't talk about ancient Rome without talking about my favorite historical fiction series: The Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers.

This series not only entertains but also comes with powerful lessons of forgiveness, grace, and faith. There is so much to learn and enjoy from each aspect of the story, but for me, the character of Hadassah is one of the most incredible (and challenging) I've ever read. The reader finds themselves immersed first in Roman-ravaged Judea, then finally in Rome, Ephesus, and even Germania. Honestly, while the 3rd book contains a lot of references for the first 2 books and repeating characters, it can almost stand alone. I often just re-read books 1 and 2 because they are my favorites. 

From the roar of the games to the wilds of Germania, you'll go on the most incredible adventure and hopefully be encouraged in your faith as well. This series, (or at least books 1-2), are a "must read" to me.

Click here to find it on Amazon!