Keepers of the Covenant by Lynn Austin

This is the second book in Austin’s Restoration Chronicles series, which vividly portrays the fictional lives of several Jews and Gentiles based on the Old Testament books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther.  My father-in-law and I both read this book and were intrigued by the details and emotions that Austin captured in her retelling.  The fear and doubt, love and faith are evident throughout the book.  

Ezra is a scholar who is quickly thrust into a position of leadership for which he has no desire.  He learns many things about himself, about God, and about relating with others through his fervent studying of the Torah after Haman’s evil plan is set into motion.  The Jews pray for deliverance while the Gentiles torment them and plan their attack.  For several months, the Jews lived with anxious, heavy hearts because their future seemed hopeless.

Austin offers different perspectives by writing from several characters’ point of view.  She alternates between characters, so the reader must wait to find out what will happen next.  I was spellbound by the interwoven stories of the main characters.  This retelling of Old Testament information is rich and suspenseful.  Austin is a master story-teller, who is able to include romance and suspense in a book about God’s faithfulness to his people. 

This is a must-read for any Christian, but it would also appeal to those who love history and historical fiction.  I received this book free from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. 

Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey



This is the fifth and final book in Pettrey’s Alaskan Courage series, and she wraps up the stories of the McKenna family with plenty of drama and suspense.  I somehow missed book four but didn’t realize it until I was a few chapters into this book.  It has been too long since I read book three, and I thought I had simply forgotten a few details.  I will have to go back and read book four soon because I have to know how two characters fell in love!

Sabotaged centers around Reef McKenna and Kirra Jacobs and the Iditarod race.  Reef and Kirra are working search-and-rescue when something happens to her uncle, who is a participant in the race.   Their search for clues takes them all over Alaska as they race against time to find the men who have threatened them and her uncle and taken her cousin.

Kirra must deal with the pain of her past and reveal her darkest secrets with Reef, whom she detests.   Reef has changed his rebellious ways and now relies on God and prayer to lead him and help him make decisions.  He doesn’t understand why he is attracted to Kirra, who has always irritated him.  Their journey to friendship is interesting albeit rushed because of their dangerous search. 

The rest of the McKennas make appearances throughout the book based on their areas of expertise.  Pettrey beautifully wove all of her main characters into this final book for a wonderful reunion and conclusion. 

I enjoyed reading this book even though some parts seemed less plausible than others.  Pettrey is a good story-teller and keeps you on the edge of your seat from the first page.  I love the Alaskan setting and hope she will write more books set in Alaska.  

I received this book free from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.