We’ve read the story of Queen Esther in the Bible. We know her side of the story. But what was it like to be a Jew when the King’s edict to kill all Jew’s was published? That is the side of the story the Bible doesn’t tell us about. In Keepers of the Covenant, the new book by Lynn Austin that I received to review, we learn what it may have been like.
In one life-changing moment, the lives of the Jewish exiles in Babylon are thrown into confusion and despair when a decree arrives from the king’s palace in Susa. It calls for the annihilation of every Jewish man, woman, and child throughout the empire on the thirteenth day of Adar, in less than one year. Ezra, a quiet Jewish scholar and teacher, is suddenly called upon to lead the community as they seek God for a reason for this catastrophe. When a second decree arrives, authorizing them to fight back, Ezra is thrust into the role of military leader as they defend themselves against their enemies.
When the battles come to an end, Ezra’s brother Jude is dead and Ezra is required by the Law he so diligently studies to marry Jude’s widow, Devorah, and provide an heir. Fatherhood changes Ezra, and he asks God to make a way for him and the other exiles to leave Babylon for good and return to Jerusalem. His prayers are answered and the exiles move to Judea to revitalize worship at the temple—but the fight to keep God’s Law is never easy. As more and more of his community are tempted, a new battle emerges . . . this one for the survival of God’s covenant and the souls of His chosen faithful.
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I have loved reading Keepers of the Covenant. I was intrigued and fascinated by the story line. The characters are many, and varied, all with depth to them. We, through the characters, experience a variety of emotions. From fear when they first hear of the King’s edict, (can you even imagine what it would have been like to hear that you where going to be killed soon?!), heartache at not being able to protect your family, to joy and relief when the new edict is published. There are heart warming family scenes, and heart breaking family scenes when hearings to judge mixed marriages were held. All Jew’s that had married someone not of their faith, had to go before the jury and explain their situation. Most of the Jew’s, in this story, were ordered to divorce their non-Jew spouses, and the spouse and their children were sent away. Heartbreaking.
Keepers of the Covenant is an excellent read. With 473 pages it’s not a quick read, but we get to visit with the characters for a while.
See what others have to say about Keepers of the Covenant by visiting Litfuse Keepers of the Covenant book tour page.
Lynn Austin is back with the next book in The Restoration Chronicles series, Keepers of the Covenant. Austin weaves together the struggles and stories of both Jews and Gentiles, creating a tapestry of faith and doubt, love and loss. Here, the Old Testament comes to life, demonstrating the everlasting hope displayed in God’s unwavering love for His people.
Lynn is celebrating with a Kindle HDX giveaway and a live author chat webcast on October 21st.
One winner will receive:
- A Kindle HDX
- Keepers of the Covenant by Lynn Austin
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 21st. Winner will be announced at the Keepers of the Covenant LIVE webcast event on October 21st. Connect with Lynn for a fascinating evening centered around God’s unwavering love for His people. She’ll be hosting a Biblical fiction book club discussion, giving away prizes, answering your questions, offering an exclusive peek at the next book in The Restoration Chronicles, and much more!
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 21st!
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for review purposes. I received no other compensation. I was not required to write a positive review. My opinions 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.”
