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Finding Home

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What if achieving your dream means destroying your family and obtaining your desire means losing who you love?

In 1st century Galilee, two Jewish brothers face this dilemma. Seth pursues a rigid and divisive rabbi who teaches strict adherence to the law. Judah plots an escape from traditions that constrict him. And they both run from their father, but in opposite directions.

As Judah strives to make his dreams a reality, he makes a shocking request that tears his family apart and divides their community. Will his newfound wealth bring him success or disaster?

Experience a captivating journey through 1st century Galilee, praised by readers as "a spiritual experience embedded in pure drama." If you loved "The Chosen", you won't want to miss this powerful story.

Discover a tale that will mesmerize your mind and just might heal your heart.

Don't wait any longer, hit the BUY NOW button and experience this unforgettable journey for yourself.

354 pages, Paperback

Published February 20, 2024

8 people are currently reading
749 people want to read

About the author

Susan K Macias

4 books18 followers
Susan Macias loves words, and employs them to make much of Jesus and point others to their loving Heavenly Father, whether in her books, her blog, or on her podcast, We're Not Done Yet.

Her award-winning book Unceasing, calls parents to abandon worry so they can dive head-first into powerful prayer. Her devotional, Putting Jesus On, reveals the wealth of our identity in Christ. And her new novel, Finding Home, reveals new depths of meaning in the Prodigal Son Parable and how deeply our Heavenly Father loves us.

Married to her sweetheart for 39 years, she is mom to 7 and Daisy (grandma) to 12. She lives life free of gluten and full of caffeine, while focusing on her grandchildren, and finding time to write and speak.

You can find out more on her website, susankmacias.com.

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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Brock Meier.
Author 1 book8 followers
February 14, 2024
Finding Home explores a story both ancient and familiar, but now told with such a depth and breadth it pulses with a fresh, new vitality. Macias fills her novel with deep, vividly drawn characters, their dialogue rich and believable. And she breathes life into the world of first century Galilee and Anatolia, with authentic details of sight, sound, touch, and smell.

The book does not shy away from the fact that first century Judaic culture was steeped in knowing and attempting to follow their Holy Scriptures. In fact, 106 references (all from the Hebrew Bible) appear scattered throughout its pages. To include this many scripture references in a novel might seem it would make for a very preachy story. But Macias has so seemlessly woven them into the characters’ natural dialogue, they are not intrusive. Further, the references are not only unobtrusive, but become much of the bedrock out of which the story flows. Anyone who opines that the God of the “Old Testament” is only a harsh, demanding task master, has clearly not considered these 106 passages which robustly declare the tender and unfailing mercies of the God of Israel.

The book’s acknowledgements declare it was thirty years in the making. The wait was well worth it.
Profile Image for Michelle Nezat.
Author 1 book9 followers
February 22, 2024
Are you familiar with the parable of the prodigal son? I'm not sure why we call it that because it's really a parable of a Father's unconditional love. Susan Macias captured this love in her book "Finding Home." She takes the premise of the parable and weaves a tale of two sons and their Abba in first-century Galilee.

The characters are rich and memorable. I laughed, cried, and rolled my eyes as the story unfolded. I'm ashamed to say the most highlighted portions of the story -- the ones I personally relate to more -- are about the self-righteous son who stays home rather than squandering his inheritance. There's a lot to ponder and repent of there.

But the Father's love takes center stage.

"Oh, Judah. Are you surprised at my love? That I ran to you? Don't you know why? I study the Holy One, the One who loves me with an everlasting love. My Protector rides through the heavens to my aid. He gives me a place to dwell, and His everlasting arms always sustain me. I learned love from Him."

The story echoes through my soul long after I finished reading the text. I can't wait until you read it, too. Let's learn of His love together.

{I received an advanced copy of this text in exchange for an honest review}
Profile Image for Deborah Gatchel.
Author 12 books8 followers
January 13, 2025
I love the idea of biblical fiction but have become leary of it because it's often so poorly done - poor research and bad dialogue seem to be the main offenders.
This author got it right!
I binged the audiobook in two days.
A variety of characters, each with their own character. Lots of growth, even in the supporting cast.
At times, I wondered if the slaves' vocabulary wasn't beyond their education, but that was minor and only occasionally.
Profile Image for Glenda Shaw.
Author 16 books12 followers
February 26, 2024
The author has written an entertaining, captivating story of a father's love and what happens when one of his two sons asks for his inheritance so he can leave the family. You travel with this son on a journey like no other and an ending that will leave you ready for the next chapter.

I loved how deep and rich the characters were and how the father's love shines in this story. The book, to me, was also a lesson in the Jewish culture in AD 19, and AD 20. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Jean  Mader.
124 reviews6 followers
February 16, 2025
Finding Home by Susan K. Macias is a beautifully written, heart-wrenching, and heart-warming Christian novel that brings the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) to life in a fresh and deeply moving way.

Although the phrase “Prodigal Son” is well known from Sunday School and church, I realized I didn’t know exactly what “prodigal” meant. It’s defined as “a person who spends money in a recklessly extravagant way”—a definition that perfectly captures the journey of the younger son in both the biblical parable and this novel.

Set in Galilee around 20 A.D., Finding Home follows Ezra, a wealthy and devout Hebrew landowner, and his two sons, Seth and Judah. Seth, the older son, is serious and responsible, while Judah, the younger, is restless and full of big dreams. Unwilling to settle into a life he sees as dull, Judah leaves home to seek his fortune, convinced he will find something better.

As we know from the Bible, things don’t go as planned. But this novel goes beyond just retelling the familiar parable. It dives deep into the emotions, struggles, and relationships of each character, painting a vivid and immersive picture of first-century life. More than just a tale of a reckless son and a resentful older brother, it is ultimately a powerful story of a father’s unwavering love and the life-changing beauty of redemption—a message that remains just as relevant and hopeful for us today.

The writing is engaging, the characters are richly developed, and the historical details bring the setting to life in a way that makes you feel as if you are walking the streets of Galilee. This book is both an enjoyable and meaningful read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves biblical fiction, Christian themes of grace and forgiveness, or simply a well-told story.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advance digital review copy—this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Jeanette Durkin.
1,610 reviews50 followers
June 17, 2024
Wow. I'm still processing this book. It touched my heart on so many levels. The writing is extraordinary. I was literally transported to cities like Ephesus , Meron, and Sepphoris at the time period of AD 19-20. I could hear the lambs that were waiting for sacrifice and smell the roasting meat and baking bread!

The complete symbolism of Abba and God the Father blew me away. I have heard the story of the prodigal son since I was in Sunday school, but this book took it to new depths. The love and forgiveness that Abba poured out continuously on his sons brought tears to my eyes. "I give you everything, my possessions, this home, the groves, the vineyards and sheep. Everything is yours. But even more, all my heart is yours, I hold nothing back."

The characters are relatable in so many ways. Abba is so generous, loving, forgiving, sincere, compassionate, and giving. Hadassah is a woman of strength. Pavlos is an encouraging and caring man. The brothers- Judah and Seth. Each struggle with various issues. Their stubbornness and pride almost tear their family to pieces.

I recommend this book to everyone. The lessons learned by the brothers are relatable. The scriptures used throughout the entire book are inspiring and encouraging! I will definitely be reading it again to see what more I can glean!

I won this book from the author via LibraryThing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kayla Rohrer.
5 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2024
Susan Macias is a gifted writer. The characters in Finding Home are well thought out and diverse. This can be a challenge when writing from multiple perspectives, as there is a need to deeply understand people to share multiple points of view convincingly. Each character goes through a decent arc, making them multidimensional, relatable.

Another challenge she’s taken on in writing this book, is fiction meeting real life lessons. I have read some parable-esque books before, and the lessons were a little too obvious, making the reader leave feeling condescended to. This story allows for casual, but meaningful conversation between characters (rather than blatantly placed inner dialogue), and still has an interesting plot to follow.

The 3rd challenge she had was making this a historical work. She needed to understand the culture around AD20 for Greeks, Romans, and Hebrews. This is vitally important as (a 4th challenge here) this is based on Christ’s teachings, meaning the audience needs to know the culture of the people who would have heard His parables live.

Last challenge I’ll mention, this is directed at an audience likely familiar with the parables of Christ, so you’d know the gist of how it ends, but that did not make it any less compelling.

Challenges all accepted, and met. This was an enjoyable read!
118 reviews3 followers
July 25, 2024
J'ai reçu ce livre de la part de LIBRARYTHING Early reviewer, contre une critique honnête.


Finding Home fait référence au fils prodigue de l’Evangile et Susan K Macias illustre parfaitement cet amour inconditionnel qui lie le père à ses deux fils.
Cependant, j’ai trouvé la lecture ardue, car le vocabulaire choisi est tout à fait inadapté à notre siècle et cela impacte profondément la compréhension de l’histoire, qui en devient anachronique.

Ce récit purement biblique passionnera certainement tout ceux à la recherche de la Foi véritable basée sur les fondations du judaïsme lors du siècle premier en Galilée !
Exaltant bien que difficile à lire, me concernant, le sujet brûlant de la famille divisée déchire le cœur avec une rare intensité, les émotions à leurs paroxysme.

Une fresque qui plonge le lecteur dans la vie de cette famille judéenne qui conservait et respectait par la transmission orale les histoires et les enseignements scripturaires.
Un volumineux récit de fiction historique qui explore les failles qui lézardent la légende familiale opposant le père et ses fils, tout en brandissant des convictions religieuses éprouvées, tel un cri du coeur ! Les prémisces pour tenter de comprendre les mutations d’Israël.
120 reviews3 followers
February 20, 2024
Susan K Macias has brought the unknown sons in the story of the prodigal son to life in Finding Home. Her thorough research of the culture and peoples of ancient Israel have brought us a story rich in Jewish tradition. The story is rich in intrigue, adventure, villains, family dynamics, redemption, forgiveness, and a bit of romance with Scripture expertly woven throughout the fabric of this book giving it life. The secondary characters were instrumental in bringing balance to the emotions raised as the sons each chose their own path, not always wisely. Their father, Ezra, brings his own lessons for us to learn in his wisdom and compassion. God’s unfailing love for us is evident in every chapter. This story greatly impacted me and my view of my Father’s love and will stay with me for a long time.

”Maybe. For now, Judah, don’t wonder at my knowledge of these words. Wonder at the words.”

“Transporting from lost to found is all that surpasses transforming from filthy to clean.”

“My Protector rides through the heavens to my aid. He gives me a place to dwell, and His everlasting arms always sustain me. I learned love from Him.”
Profile Image for Mary Hess.
7 reviews
August 7, 2024
I love the parable of the Prodigal Son -- probably because I relate to the Older Brother (embarrassingly so) and always craved to know the kind of love the Father showed not only him but his younger brother in this story. It touched my heart on a deep level.

In Finding Home, Susan takes us back to 1st Century Galilee and immerses us into this very story but in much greater detail. The imagery is vivid and I found myself completely caught up in the narrative. I could feel the tension in the family -- and the community -- as everyone processed through the younger son's decisions and the older son's reactions to both his brother's actions and his Father's responses.

I found myself, yet again, drawn into the heart of the Father -- rooting for the family to get it all figured out and find home! I'm already ready for Susan to write and release part 2 -- it's such an incredible read.

If you have someone who has wandered from the Father's love, this would be an amazing book for them to read.
8 reviews
December 31, 2024
Finding Home by Susan Macias. I love how this author created a cast of deeply human characters in this truly beautiful story! I try to read only what I can learn and grow from, and this was exactly what my soul needed! If you are ready to experience faith on a new level, mercy, love and truth that will encourage, strengthen and even step on a few toes, this is the book for you!! (there are lessons here for the prodigal and those rebellious of heart in so many other ways.)
I received this audiobook for free and though I normally love to read, I was excited to listen, thinking I could enjoy a book while still doing other things and not stay up until 2:00 am reading! I did enjoy listening while I worked (the reader was very engaging!!) however, I still ended up listening late into the night because I just couldn't stop!! 5 STARS FROM ME!!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,892 reviews
February 8, 2026
Seth and Judah are Jewish brothers in 1st century Galilee. Seth is committed to following the Torah and supporting his family. Judah bends the rules and wants to pursue a fortune. Both men run from their father but in opposite directions. Will the brothers remain on opposite sides of the law and estranged forever or can they reunite and reconcile with their family?
I enjoyed this story. It's told from multiple perspectives which can get confusing at times.
The scripture and date at the beginning of each chapter is helpful to provide context and keep readers organized.
The author weaves in many biblical parables and stories. I appreciated the unique perspective and thoughtful approach to the prodigal son story. I could feel Abba's love for the brothers and for me.
Profile Image for Leslie McLeod.
8 reviews
February 16, 2024
I loved Finding Home for so many reasons! This book took the spare Biblical narrative of the prodigal son and breathed such vibrant detail, emotion, and historically accurate context into the story that it truly brought it to life. I love a compelling story any time, and when it's crafted with such care and sensitivity, it's even more satisfying. I felt like I knew the characters, walked the dusty roads with them, and crawled into their hearts and heads to understand their motivations for choices good and bad. The message of redemption is woven skillfully throughout and leaves the readers with hope and affirmation that linger long after they turn the last page.
Profile Image for Adrianna | cozycraftyreads.
256 reviews11 followers
August 1, 2024
Have you ever just read a book right when you needed to? Without even realizing it?

I love when that happens, and that’s exactly how it went with this novel. I found myself learning so much from it, and from all of the characters. And the overall message, though I’ve heard it before, was full and strong.

It’s a story of the prodigal son, given in a historical perspective. With multiple POVs, I was able to emphasize with and gain an appreciation of the characters. Not only the brothers, but also those around them.

It was an excellent biblical retelling, and gave deeper understanding and empathy towards all involved in the story. With the Bible verses, character developments, POVs, and overall wonderful storytelling, it was easily a favorite. I really can’t emphasize how compelling it was. It’s a book I’m going to think back to for years to come. I’m looking forward to the next novel that this author writes!
Profile Image for D.M. Griffin.
Author 86 books169 followers
October 1, 2024
The parable of the prodigal son is probably one of the more well-known of Jesus’ parables. But after reading Finding Home by Susan Macias, you will have an entirely refreshed perspective that might just alter your views of the famous story.

Though the well-known aspect or over-taught lessons about this parable often cloak deep spiritual meaning, Macias doesn’t hold back with her descriptive writing style that plunges her readers straight into the middle of the heart-wrenching narrative. Thought-provoking scenes and meaningful dialogue reveal dimensions of the famous parable that make it impossible to keep an emotional distance or hide behind familiarity.

Her beautiful characterization engages the imagination and tugs at the heart as the father and his two sons become so real you feel like an invested part of the family. So used to focusing on what the father and his sons represent symbolically, perhaps that ‘family’ aspect was part of the message in the parable Jesus delivered that I initially missed.

You will definitely want to add this one to your reading list. The spiritual takeaways are sure to shape your soul. Perfect for a book club selection.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the author but was not required to post a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
141 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2024
This was an excellent story. It explores the parable of the prodigal son. Susan Macias breathed life into the characters and gave them a story.
One of my favorite concepts was both sons were not willing to have a relationship with the Father as he was. He asked them to have a relationship with who he was instead of who they wanted him to be. It made me question where I try to make God into who I want Him to be instead of who He is.
I also saw myself in both sons.
Lots of scriptures and lots of food for thought. Read it and let God show you more of Him in this story. Happy reading.
Profile Image for LAMONT D.
1,317 reviews15 followers
July 6, 2024
Did not quite know what to expect, was a little bit confused at the beginning, but with the short chapters and the narrative coming alive with the characters from the well know story from the Bible it was a delight to read, and I would recommend to anyone wanting to put Middle Eastern eyes on the Prodigal Son parable. I especially liked the verses that were shared at the beginning of each chapter. The additional insight to the story surrounding the banquet given where no one wanted to come was an added bonus.
Profile Image for Brandi Massie.
1 review1 follower
June 4, 2024
Wow

Reading this was phenomenal for someone who has been trying to find their faith. I truly enjoyed this book much more than I anticipated. I could picture it happening while reading and that’s something I always enjoy. It was hard for me to stop reading, until I got closer to the end- by then it was hard to continue reading because I didn’t want it to be over!
Profile Image for Carolyn Jacobs.
Author 1 book3 followers
February 23, 2024
Susan Macias brings the story of the the Prodigal Son to life in beautiful, heart-rending detail. Great biblical fiction gives the reader a deeper appreciation for the God we serve and a hunger for his word. Mission accomplished.
1 review
March 24, 2024
Hard to put down. The parallels and truths in the text made me stop and re-read lines at times. I find myself relating to more than one character and for sure cried and chuckled. Read it!
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