Keepers of the Covenant

MY GENERAL THOUGHTS: Biblical Fiction has very quickly become one of my favorite genres (when written by the right person) and I have to say that Lynn Austin has to be one of my favorite Biblical Fiction authors! The way she writes just brings you into the story, brings the characters alive, and refuses to let you put the book down! Keepers of the Covenant, though book two to a series that I do not own, grabbed my attention from the first paragraph and it was very easy to follow. The cover is beautiful and I loved how the plot unfolded. I also enjoyed reading this story through the point of view through two children in addition to the adults, it gave you a new perspective.

QUESTIONABLE CONTENT: Once again, I am not completely finished with this book as I was late in receiving it and the review deadline was right around the corner, so I did not have much time to read it. However, I am a good ways into it and can confidently tell you some of the content, however please do not hold it against me should I have forgotten something. Keepers of the Covenant did have some violent scenes during the fight, though not overly so. There were also some comments from the Gentiles to the Jews about their sexual intent of taking the Jewish women into their homes before killing them that may be disturbing to some, however, as far as I have read, there has been no actual scene.

RATING AND RECOMMENDATION: So, overall, I rate Keepers of the Covenant 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to anyone who enjoys Historical Fiction in addition to Biblical Fiction!

“I received this book from the publisher/author for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are my own.”

I wish there was more information regarding the 70-year passage. I couldn't remember reading anything that suggested time had gone on for that long until I got almost to Chapter 5 and was hit with the time lapse. My heart sank every time the Jews' massacre was discussed. I didn't like to think about the demise of anyone, but especially women and children. However, I found myself rejoicing when good news arrived. Like the first book in this series, I felt like I was sharing the good and the bad with the characters. I enjoyed the intersections coming from Bethlehem as it reminded me as sort of a “meanwhile in. . . “ perspective. There were times I was shocked about my reaction the words brought, for example, the times I thought I would be sympathetic, yet I found myself angry. I did find myself sympathetic but shocked regarding Rueben's actions following an event. There were multiple times when I was caught off guard because I thought I knew what was coming, but I was proven wrong. I loved that about this book.

Favorite quote: “ It's much harder to resist the enemy of gradualism and assimilation. Much harder to maintain a passion for god when we are bogged in the daily routine of life” - Ezra