I liked this book but in some parts it felt very drawn out. I liked putting myself in Nehemiah's shoes and seeing things from his perspective. I also enjoyed the other characters stories. ( )

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 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. ( )

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 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.) ( )

Title: On This Foundation (Restoration Chronicles #3)
Author: Lynn Austin
Pages: 480
Year: 2015
Publisher: Bethany House
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book from www.bookfun.org
Nehemiah is serving as the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, the Persian King. He is a Jew, but has lived in Persia all his life. His father was killed by someone he knew when Nehemiah was very young, leaving Nehemiah as protector of his two younger brothers. Now Nehemiah is a grown man and serves to protect the king. His two younger brothers have returned to Jerusalem. One brother arrives in Susa, the Persian capital, to petition the king for tax relief as there has been a two-year drought in Jerusalem that has severely diminished the crops, leaving many unable to pay the steep taxes imposed by the king. Nehemiah’s brother tells him of the state of disrepair in Jerusalem. Nehemiah fasts and prays to God for an answer and boy does God give him one!
The other tangent of the story is about Chana, a young Jewish woman whose fiancé is killed shortly before their wedding due to the walls not being built and able to keep out criminals. She is left bitter and unhappy. Her father encourages her to marry and introduces her to a wealthy suitor. Chana is unsure if she is ready to marry and has found a purpose in helping to rebuild the walls of the city. A husband surely wouldn’t allow her to continue this work. Nava is a young girl whose family cannot pay their mortgage to Chana’s suitor, so they are forced to sell her as a bondservant. She is faced with many struggles as she must adapt to servitude and giving up her freedom. She turns to Chana for help, but both women are bitter and angry. Where is the Almighty One in this suffering?
One of my favorite things about Lynn Austin’s writings is her God-given ability to take historical people, research the time in which they lived, intertwine fact and fiction to create a believable fictional tale that is a joy to read. I have enjoyed this entire series immensely and encourage readers to get these three books for their personal libraries. These are books to hand down to the next generation. The stories are timeless with biblical truths lived out with a God-focus exemplified by these historical biblical characters.
My rating is 5 stars.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.” ( )

I knew the story of Nehemiah from the bible, where he worked for the King of Persia, who noticed that Nehemiah was unhappy and he asked why. When Nehemiah told him he was upset about the destruction of the walls around Jerusalem, his home town, leaving it defenseless - the King gives him permission to go home and rebuild the walls - providing a guard and materials, and making him the governor. What I didn't know was the background on Nehemiah and his brothers that led him to work for the King.

There are other character's lives within the story as well. Can you imagine being put into slavery for 6 years because your family is about to lose their home and land? There was a drought, and people were forced to pay taxes and mortgage their property even though they were starving. For many the only thing they could do was go into bondage to pay their debt - which happens to a young girl.

And then of course Nehemiah is not popular with everyone, and there are plots to remove him. There is another young girl whose family wants her to marry into a political family entrenched in this part of the intrigue. The story is beautifully woven, with fabulous messages of God's faithfulness. This is a book I highly recommend - especially if you think you already know the story!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Baker Publishing Group, Bethany - Netgalley book review bloggers program. 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.” http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html. ( )