Best Books of 2013

How long does a story stay with you?  

My very favorite books are ones that I find myself excitedly describing to friends weeks - and even months - after reading them.

The following books are ones that I read quite some time ago but whose characters are still hopping around inside my head. I've searched for sequels, sought out prequels, and wanted to email characters for holiday updates.  

So these may no longer be the hottest new releases, but they're my top picks from 2013.  If you haven't read them yet, these are the books that need to top your reading list for 2014.  

Ready?  Here goes, in no particular order:

"Dark Halo" by Shannon Dittemore.  These YA books about a girl who can see the celestial are unforgettable.  They've made me want to dive into the Bible to find out exactly what it has to say about angels and demons and spiritual warfare.  They're completely fascinating - and more than deep enough for adults.

"Once Upon a Prince" by Rachel Hauck.  This modern-day fairy tale is both fun and dramatic.  I loved the lessons that Hauck writes and have been eagerly awaiting the next in the series.

"Serpent of Moses" by Don Hoesel.  This Indiana Jones-style adventure is fun and full-out and safe for kids.  It's an adventure the whole family will enjoy - and I recommend it as such often.

"Tales of the Defended Ones" by Beth Guckenberger  This book, written by Mexican missionary Beth Guckenberger, contains stories of kids around the world and the ways that God is defending and protecting them even when they themselves can't see it.  I'm currently using this curriculum with our church's elementary-aged youth group, and I love it every bit as much as I did the first book in the series.  A very provocative read. 

"Return to Me" by Lynn Austin  This newest historical fiction by Austin is a real winner.  I'm saving it for my kids to read and have already loaned it out to several friends.  Be sure to read this soon so that you're ready when the sequel hits the stands!

"Submerged" by Dani Pettrey  This is one series that my husband and I are reading together, and it's fun to be able to discuss books with my husband, the determined non-reader!  He enjoys these just as much as I do, though, and with action, adventure, and mystery-romance all in each book, these are great reads for us both.

"The Tehran Initiative" by Joel C. Rosenberg  Rosenberg has completely altered my view of the news and of the Middle East with this series of books.  Never having had ANY interest in politics, world events, or understanding people's actions all the way around the world, Rosenberg has brought the Middle East conflicts to life.

What tops your reading list for 2014??

"Return to Me" by Lynn Austin

After decades of exile, the prophesies are coming true–King Cyrus has declared the Jews may return to Jerusalem. Iddo, a priest, is sure this is a sign of God’s renewed favor. For too long they’ve remained in Babylon, and many, including Iddo’s sons, are losing the faith that sets them apart. And so only a few choose to leave everything to return–return to their home and their God.

Nothing about their journey to the Promised Land is easy. As hardships mount, even the faithful, like Iddo’s beloved wife, Dinah, question the sacrifice of following God’s leading. Zechariah, Iddo’s oldest grandson, feels torn between his grandfather’s ancient beliefs and the family they left behind. But one life-changing encounter with the Holy One gives him insight that will change Zechariah–and history–forever.

Better than any book I've ever read, Return to Me answers the question, "What was it like to live then?"   Austin describes the fear, reservations, and confusion felt by the Israelites as they leave Babylon after a 70-year exile and return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple.  Never have I thought that the Israelites might have any doubt about leaving the city of their long enslavement, nor that they might compare this prison term to the time they spent in Egypt, but Austin sets up a scenario where both happen - and makes it completely realistic and understandable.  The temptations to intermarry with neighboring clans, worship pagan gods, and bend God's rules become clear and logical from the standpoint of these characters.  While a fictionalized version, it makes sense to think about how and why these Israelites behaved as they did, and this explanation helps to understand their choices.

When I turned the first page of this book, I thought I'd get to read about Daniel, which made me sit up straight and read faster.  I'm fascinated with the way that Daniel refused to change a thing about his faith practices with God in spite of the scary situations all around him.

Reading about Iddo and Zechariah might have been even better, though.

I love the way that scripture is carried throughout the story.  I love how Austin's research is evident as she takes what we know and fills in the gaps to create a plausible story of love, temptation, forgiveness, and redemption.

Zechariah's story is inspiring.  As a priest, he would have studied the scriptures and known them well - but I never thought much about that before.  How did they study?  Who taught them?  How did they learn?  The memorization implied in the book is impressive - and makes me want to sit down and get to work.  

It is always hard to get to the end of a good book and know that I must leave the characters for a while.  It has been a long time since I have been this sad to turn the last page, however.  While we know the ultimate end to the Israelite story, I am enthralled at the details brought to life within these pages - and I can't wait until the sequel is released.

Purchase a copy of the book here.

Bestselling author Lynn Austin has sold more than one million copies of her books worldwide. She is an eight-time Christy Award winner for her historical novels, as well as a popular speaker at retreats and conventions. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and live near Chicago.

I received a free copy of Return to Me from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.