Meet the very talented 

Lynn Austin

and her latest novel

Return to Me

Bethany House

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What appeals to you most about writing fiction?

I especially enjoy creating characters and seeing them come to life and become “real” people with distinct personalities. I write historical fiction because I love reading about true-life events from history and the many challenges and changes that people experienced in those time periods. I love creating my characters and their storylines and putting them within the historical context.

Why Christian fiction?

All authors write from their personal worldview, whether it’s explicit in their stories or “hidden” in the background. Because I’m a Christian, I can’t help writing from that worldview. But I specifically chose Christian fiction because I want to share my faith and the hope of the gospel in my stories.

Name five things you can’t live without

1- Books

2- Tea

3- Sunshine!

4-Nature

5- The Bible

Favourite book 

The Gift of Asher Lev by Chaim Potok

Favourite movie

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

Favourite TV show

Call the Midwife

Where is the most interesting place you have been?

The land of Israel. It’s the land where Jesus walked, and the Bible seems to spring to life in 3-D whenever I’ve travelled there. I love history and archaeology, and Israel with its many archaeological sites is like a fascinating layer cake of Bible history and story.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A psychologist. I think it was because I was fascinated with human behaviour and with people’s stories.

What are two things people might be surprised to know about you?

1- I’m clueless about technology

2- I was a cheerleader in high school

Return to Me

After years of watching his children and grandchildren wander from their faith, Iddo’s prayers are answered: King Cyrus is allowing God’s chosen people to return to Jerusalem. Jubilant, he joyfully prepares for their departure, only to learn that his family, grown comfortable in the pagan culture of Babylon, wants to remain. 

Zechariah, Iddo’s oldest grandson, feels torn between his grandfather’s ancient beliefs and the comfort and success his father enjoys in Babylon. But he soon begins to hear the voice of God, encouraging him to return to the land given to his forefathers. 

Bringing to life the biblical books of Ezra and Nehemiah, Return to Me tells the compelling story of Iddo and Zechariah, the women who love them, and the faithful followers who struggle to rebuild their lives in obedience to the God who beckons them home.

What was your favourite scene to write in Return to Me or share your favourite paragraph

Zechariah faces a very difficult decision and is asking God to please give him guidance and direction.  In Chapter 8, while he is reading a passage of scripture, God speaks to him in a very powerful way, offering him the answer he’s been seeking. I enjoyed writing that passage because I have also felt God speaking to me as I read the Bible—although not quite in such a dramatic way!

Which character did you connect to the most?

Dinah, because she had to leave her home and her family behind and move with her husband to a new, unfamiliar place.  My husband and I have moved away from our families a number of times, and we’ve even lived in two foreign countries for more than a dozen years.

Which character was the most difficult to write?

Yael because she didn’t believe in God and worshipped idols. She was very involved with astrology and horoscopes and I found it hard to relate to her superstitious beliefs.

What’s next in your writing pipeline?

I’m currently writing Book Two of the “Restoration Chronicles” entitled, Keepers of the Covenant. It continues the stories from the biblical books of Ezra and Nehemiah.

Thanks Lynn! Chaim Potok’s books are favourites of mine, too.

Relz Reviewz Extras
Character spotlight on Zechariah & Yael
Visit Lynn’s website and blog
Buy Return to Me at Amazon or Koorong