What do you think?
Im Sand der Erinnerung
Abigail MacLeod sehnt sich nach einem Neuanfang. Ihre Ehe ist gescheitert und Gott scheint ihr ferner denn je. Wo könnte die begeisterte Hobby-Archäologin besser Abstand gewinnen als bei Ausgrabungen in Israel? Ein Mord, der ihren Weg ins Heilige Land überschattet, verheißt nichts Gutes. Doch bald findet sie Halt in der Freundschaft zu Dr. Hanna Rahov, der Leiterin des Ausgrabungsprojektes. Deren dramatische Lebensgeschichte berührt Abigail zutiefst, ebenso wie die Vermächtnisse einer Frau aus dem ersten Jahrhundert, die sich in den Ruinen auftun. Sie bringen Abigail dazu, neu über ihr eigenes Leben nachzudenken und sich auf den Weg zu machen. Auf den Weg zu dem Ort, wo die Quellen der Vergebung entspringen.
Eine berührende Geschichte über das Geschenk der Versöhnung, die eindrucksvoll vor Augen führt, dass bei Gott alle, die mühselig und beladen sind, einen sicheren Hafen haben.
Eine berührende Geschichte über das Geschenk der Versöhnung, die eindrucksvoll vor Augen führt, dass bei Gott alle, die mühselig und beladen sind, einen sicheren Hafen haben.
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
About the author
Lynn Austin
70 books6,020 followersFor many years, Lynn Austin nurtured a desire to write but frequent travels and the demands of her growing family postponed her career. When her husband's work took Lynn to Bogota, Colombia, for two years, she used the B.A. she'd earned at Southern Connecticut State University to become a teacher. After returning to the U.S., the Austins moved to Anderson, Indiana, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and later to Winnipeg, Manitoba.
It was during the long Canadian winters at home with her children that Lynn made progress on her dream to write, carving out a few hours of writing time each day while her children napped. Lynn credits her early experience of learning to write amid the chaos of family life for her ability to be a productive writer while making sure her family remains her top priority.
Extended family is also very important to Austin, and it was a lively discussion between Lynn, her mother, grandmother (age 98), and daughter concerning the change in women's roles through the generations that sparked the inspiration for her novel Eve's Daughters.
Along with reading, two of Lynn's lifelong passions are history and archaeology. While researching her Biblical fiction series, Chronicles of the Kings, these two interests led her to pursue graduate studies in Biblical Backgrounds and Archaeology through Southwestern Theological Seminary. She and her son traveled to Israel during the summer of 1989 to take part in an archaeological dig at the ancient city of Timnah. This experience contributed to the inspiration for her novel Wings of Refuge.
Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published 27 novels. Eight of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.
It was during the long Canadian winters at home with her children that Lynn made progress on her dream to write, carving out a few hours of writing time each day while her children napped. Lynn credits her early experience of learning to write amid the chaos of family life for her ability to be a productive writer while making sure her family remains her top priority.
Extended family is also very important to Austin, and it was a lively discussion between Lynn, her mother, grandmother (age 98), and daughter concerning the change in women's roles through the generations that sparked the inspiration for her novel Eve's Daughters.
Along with reading, two of Lynn's lifelong passions are history and archaeology. While researching her Biblical fiction series, Chronicles of the Kings, these two interests led her to pursue graduate studies in Biblical Backgrounds and Archaeology through Southwestern Theological Seminary. She and her son traveled to Israel during the summer of 1989 to take part in an archaeological dig at the ancient city of Timnah. This experience contributed to the inspiration for her novel Wings of Refuge.
Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published 27 novels. Eight of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 283 reviews
July 19, 2022
A.D. 46 & 1999 Israel
Reeling from her husband's betrayal, Abby takes the trip of a lifetime to Israel to be a part of an archeological dig. Loved the glimpses back to A.D. 46 and life of young Leah.
Reeling from her husband's betrayal, Abby takes the trip of a lifetime to Israel to be a part of an archeological dig. Loved the glimpses back to A.D. 46 and life of young Leah.
April 25, 2014
Three different storylines going, at three different time periods. I liked learning more anout Israel's history after Bible times. A good read.
March 22, 2020
Austin does not write simple stories. She writes epic ones - this one included.
1. Though all three storylines are strong, I felt Leah's and Hannah's lives are chronicled well.
2. Having never read any book set during Israeli-Palestine conflict, it is delightful to read about it. Now, I wish to read more.
3. The narrator, Romy Nordlinger, is very pleasant to listen to and has very believable Levantine voices.
1. Though all three storylines are strong, I felt Leah's and Hannah's lives are chronicled well.
2. Having never read any book set during Israeli-Palestine conflict, it is delightful to read about it. Now, I wish to read more.
3. The narrator, Romy Nordlinger, is very pleasant to listen to and has very believable Levantine voices.
April 19, 2018
3.75 stars
I went up and down about this book. There were times when the explanations and scriptures dragged because they were too much and too long. But it was also an interesting series of stories that came together. Lots of pain in the stories - but some great lessons and quotes too.
My first Lynn Austin book and won't be my last.
I went up and down about this book. There were times when the explanations and scriptures dragged because they were too much and too long. But it was also an interesting series of stories that came together. Lots of pain in the stories - but some great lessons and quotes too.
My first Lynn Austin book and won't be my last.
July 31, 2026
Loved this book. I’m pretty sure I read it years ago but I loved it all over again. The history of the struggles of the people of Israel (Jewish, Gentile, Christian, Muslim) are all woven together and illustrated with sensitivity along with an interesting plot. The theme of redemption is a strong part of the lives of many characters and I particularly loved dialog that brought to light the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy through the long awaited Messiah. Many aspects (such as the lining up of 3 Jewish feasts with Good Friday through Resurrection Sunday) were new to me. Heartily recommend.
Read
August 14, 2017I really enjoyed this book, so good! I loved the three stories from 2,000 years ago to several timelines of the characters life history. The subject of forgiveness was laced throughout the book. Lynn Austin remains one of my favorite authors.
September 10, 2024
Am dat din întâmplare peste această carte pe rafturile bibliotecii locale, însă ce pot să zic acum la finalizarea ei, e ca nu cred ca a fost o întâmplare ca am găsit-o!
E o lectură simplă de citit, însă cu multă poveste și învățătură. Se povestesc în paralel 3 povești, a 3 femei diferite, din culturi diferite și din perioade diferite, fiecare având experiențe de viață puternice din care au învățat lecții semnificative pentru viața lor. Experiențe care le-au ajutat să treacă peste suferințe, să ierte și cel mai important sa-L cunoască pe Cel Sfânt.
Cartea e plină de pasaje istorice, despre cultura evreilor, împlinirea profețiilor în Isus Hristos și despre modul cum El a venit să împlinească cu adevărat Legea, nu să o strice. Din acest punct de vedere, e o carte care nu doar ca te lasă cu experiențe de viață și mărturii, ci te și îmbogățește din punct de vedere al cunoștințelor. Te ajută într-un mod simplu și clar să înțelegi mai multe despre poporul lui Dumnezeu și despre lucrarea lui Isus, și cum aceasta a avut rezonanță în culturi diferite și perioade de timp diferite. Aș spune ca prin această carte autoarea a evanghelizat cititorii într-un mod foarte clar si ușor de înțeles, dat fiind faptul ca în carte sunt multe personaje cu contexte de viață foarte diferite care ajung să aibă o relație personală cu Isus.
Mi-a plăcut foarte mult această carte, m-a lăsat plăcut surprinsă și cu siguranță o să mai vreau să pun mâna pe alte cărți ale lui Lynn Austin.
E o lectură simplă de citit, însă cu multă poveste și învățătură. Se povestesc în paralel 3 povești, a 3 femei diferite, din culturi diferite și din perioade diferite, fiecare având experiențe de viață puternice din care au învățat lecții semnificative pentru viața lor. Experiențe care le-au ajutat să treacă peste suferințe, să ierte și cel mai important sa-L cunoască pe Cel Sfânt.
Cartea e plină de pasaje istorice, despre cultura evreilor, împlinirea profețiilor în Isus Hristos și despre modul cum El a venit să împlinească cu adevărat Legea, nu să o strice. Din acest punct de vedere, e o carte care nu doar ca te lasă cu experiențe de viață și mărturii, ci te și îmbogățește din punct de vedere al cunoștințelor. Te ajută într-un mod simplu și clar să înțelegi mai multe despre poporul lui Dumnezeu și despre lucrarea lui Isus, și cum aceasta a avut rezonanță în culturi diferite și perioade de timp diferite. Aș spune ca prin această carte autoarea a evanghelizat cititorii într-un mod foarte clar si ușor de înțeles, dat fiind faptul ca în carte sunt multe personaje cu contexte de viață foarte diferite care ajung să aibă o relație personală cu Isus.
Mi-a plăcut foarte mult această carte, m-a lăsat plăcut surprinsă și cu siguranță o să mai vreau să pun mâna pe alte cărți ale lui Lynn Austin.
March 28, 2026
Ik heb dit boek 10 jaar geleden ook gelezen en het maakte een diepe indruk. Ik was eigenlijk bijna alles vergeten, dus ik besloot het opnieuw te lezen. Wat een mooi en ontroerend verhaal over geloof, verdriet en vergeving! Wat ik ook echt veel vond toevoegen, waren de verhalen van drie verschillende vrouwen in andere tijden en hoe het samenkwam. Erg goed gedaan! 🥹❤️
January 11, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this story taking place in Israel. There is much to learn about grace and forgiveness. There are some humor and tears shed while on an archaeological dig in Israel that takes you sometimes back in time to the people living during the beginning of Christianity. Each chapter you come to, make note of the date in which that story is taking place. I will never forget this novel.
October 13, 2022
This starts off with a bang (literally), then it's slow plodding. I stuck with it and it picks up again. Possibly a little too preachy in parts for non-Christians, but I hope they continue reading. This also gives a nice bit of history about the battles of religion between the Philistines and Israelites.
February 20, 2018
This author has such an amazing way of drawing you into the story. I am especially fascinated with how Jesus, as a Jew, fulfilled all the prophecies of the messiah, and how the feasts are an amazing picture of Jesus himself. This book described the connections so well.
May 10, 2019
I have a hard time rating this book, it started out slow and I just wasn’t loving it, but then at the end I couldn’t put it down and loved the stories that all came together. I recommend it, just give it time!
May 26, 2019
An interesting weave of three storylines about Israel and Jewish history. Lynn Austin is one of my most highly recommended authors and this one did not disappoint! I learned a lot more about Israel. I also enjoyed it a lot more as we recently returned from a trip to Israel.
October 14, 2016
I don't know how I haven't read this book before. Fascinating look at three different time periods in Israel and the lives of three different women.
September 12, 2026
Certain books come into your life at just the right time. This is one of those books. Another incredible novel by Lynn Austin!
Abby is going on her dream trip to Israel to join an archaeological dig. She is also in the middle of her marriage breaking up. She is in great turmoil about her relationship ending with her husband. However, she has no idea of the turmoil that is about to unfold or the life-changing experience that she will have in Israel.
This novel follows the story of three women. Leah (biblical times), Hannah (1960's), and Abby (modern times, 1999). The circumstances of these three women are all different in what they endured. Each of these women learns to forgive in the midst of tragedy. It shows that forgiveness isn't always easy and there is a process to work through.
I loved learning about the history of Israel. Although this novel is a little more suspenseful than Lynn Austin's other books, it is a beautiful redemption story! Highly recommend! 5 stars!
Abby is going on her dream trip to Israel to join an archaeological dig. She is also in the middle of her marriage breaking up. She is in great turmoil about her relationship ending with her husband. However, she has no idea of the turmoil that is about to unfold or the life-changing experience that she will have in Israel.
This novel follows the story of three women. Leah (biblical times), Hannah (1960's), and Abby (modern times, 1999). The circumstances of these three women are all different in what they endured. Each of these women learns to forgive in the midst of tragedy. It shows that forgiveness isn't always easy and there is a process to work through.
I loved learning about the history of Israel. Although this novel is a little more suspenseful than Lynn Austin's other books, it is a beautiful redemption story! Highly recommend! 5 stars!
February 10, 2023
The plight of Jews through the lives and times of three different women.
Leah, 1 AD.
As a teenager, Leah is sold to serve in a hated tax collector's household. However, her master is kind, and years later, Leah marries him only to lose him to the violence sweeping through the area. Times are dangerous as Romans are ruthlessly suppressing any rebellions. And Leah is caught in the middle of one.
Hannah, 1958 - 1999
Hannah's family fled Iraq for the new state of Israel. Her life at the refugee camp is miserable, but here is where her love for archeology begins. Hannah grows up and marries a godly Jewish man. Times are dangerous still as Israel faces one threat and war after another. Losing her husband in one of those conflicts proved hard enough, but suffering through a terrorist attack and watching her only daughter die, leaves Hannah bitter and hateful.
Abigail, 1999
Abigail decided to fulfil her dream and joins an archeological dig in Israel as a volunteer. She also needs to distance herself from her martial problems and hopes to rekindle her faith in this Biblical land. But she literally lands in the thick of bomb threats, and a terrorist attack.
The book is overflowing with both ancient and recent history of Israel. In fact, half the story is overshadowed by it and numerous Old Testament references. It is towards the end of the book that the characters and the plot come forth from behind the historical facts and Bible verses.
All three women in this story come face to face with danger and death. All three find their strength and comfort, their peace in their faith in God. They find their refuge under the wings of their Redeemer.
Leah, 1 AD.
As a teenager, Leah is sold to serve in a hated tax collector's household. However, her master is kind, and years later, Leah marries him only to lose him to the violence sweeping through the area. Times are dangerous as Romans are ruthlessly suppressing any rebellions. And Leah is caught in the middle of one.
Hannah, 1958 - 1999
Hannah's family fled Iraq for the new state of Israel. Her life at the refugee camp is miserable, but here is where her love for archeology begins. Hannah grows up and marries a godly Jewish man. Times are dangerous still as Israel faces one threat and war after another. Losing her husband in one of those conflicts proved hard enough, but suffering through a terrorist attack and watching her only daughter die, leaves Hannah bitter and hateful.
Abigail, 1999
Abigail decided to fulfil her dream and joins an archeological dig in Israel as a volunteer. She also needs to distance herself from her martial problems and hopes to rekindle her faith in this Biblical land. But she literally lands in the thick of bomb threats, and a terrorist attack.
The book is overflowing with both ancient and recent history of Israel. In fact, half the story is overshadowed by it and numerous Old Testament references. It is towards the end of the book that the characters and the plot come forth from behind the historical facts and Bible verses.
All three women in this story come face to face with danger and death. All three find their strength and comfort, their peace in their faith in God. They find their refuge under the wings of their Redeemer.
April 18, 2020
This book had a good forgiveness message and an interesting setting, but two things made it arduous to get through for me. It was really a book within a book within a book within a book. The current day plot happened in 1999. But Austin also brings in stories from the first century, the 1970's, and 1994 that related to that story. Characters learn from those past stories, then passed those lessons on to others. I had a hard time really getting into one story because as soon as I got interested, the story jerked to a different story. Instead of making one strong plot with one point she had a bunch of little plots that made the same point. I like a Christian book to have a strong message, but continuing to give the same message over and over again made it seem preachy.
Austin also shares a lot of information in this book. She talks a lot about archaeology as well as first century life as well as life as a Jew or Palestinian. She had so much information to relate, some scenes felt like info dumps where she was sharing the scene to give info more than advancing the plot.
There are many good things about this book and others may like it, but these two things kept me from getting into it and enjoying it and I had to push myself to finish it.
Austin also shares a lot of information in this book. She talks a lot about archaeology as well as first century life as well as life as a Jew or Palestinian. She had so much information to relate, some scenes felt like info dumps where she was sharing the scene to give info more than advancing the plot.
There are many good things about this book and others may like it, but these two things kept me from getting into it and enjoying it and I had to push myself to finish it.
October 12, 2025
This is a triple timeline story. Connecting the lives of three women in Israel in the year 70 A.D., the 60s/70s just after the national of Israel was founded and the late 90s.
For each woman, it is a story of forgiveness, learning not to hold on to bitterness and going on with their lives after suffering loss.
I really really enjoyed this book a lot. Especially because of the historical aspects of the story. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the history of Israel. Especially the time period of Leah, around 65-70 A.D. was super interesting to me, because I didn’t know a lot about the zealots.
This book was written 20+ years ago, but in light of current historical events, it is more current than ever.
For each woman, it is a story of forgiveness, learning not to hold on to bitterness and going on with their lives after suffering loss.
I really really enjoyed this book a lot. Especially because of the historical aspects of the story. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the history of Israel. Especially the time period of Leah, around 65-70 A.D. was super interesting to me, because I didn’t know a lot about the zealots.
This book was written 20+ years ago, but in light of current historical events, it is more current than ever.
March 9, 2012
I have to say that I love Lynn Austin! I love how she doesn't stick to one genre, and once again, this book is very different than anything else she has written. This is probably my least favorite of her's so far, but it was still enjoyable. What I did like about it was that I learned so much about Israel's history. While I know it's a country of much turmoil, I have never learned about the details. I know this book probably just skims the top of a very deep and extensive history, but what she does cover she gives so much detail and information about. I would recommend this book.
August 2, 2026
To say this is superb is an understatement. I cried a few times, I cared about the characters so much. A very important story and message for our times, just as much as when it was published in 2000. It could change lives.
October 26, 2023
Blown away how this book affected me….read it in one day. It is about Israel - it’s struggles told through excavated ruins and through the stories of people, centuries ago and today. I had to bring up a map of Israel on my iPad in order to better understand where the cities were located and what other countries bordered Israel. This heart-moving novel is about tragedy, pain, forgiveness, resilience, and grace.
February 15, 2020
This is a Christian novel that also doubles as historical fiction, telling parallel stories of two Jewish women (one contemporary and one in Roman times) who embrace Christianity. While so much Christian fiction is similar, I enjoyed learning the history of Israel and how Jesus' teachings resonated with Jews.
September 12, 2021
I just happened on this book. I was so delighted when I realized it was about Israel. I have plans to visit The Holy Land after the first of the year. This book is both a contemporary story and a historic one. Both were good stories and helpful insights for my trip. Plus Lynn Austin shared the gospel, at length, making Wings of Refuge a true Christian novel.
October 24, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. The only fuss I have is that it had an intriguing story line going that seemed to wind up too quickly in the end. (But that's neither here nor there; I think that of a lot of books and movies.) It had loads of terrific theology and I love reading about Israel in any form.
July 27, 2024
I think the plot was fascinating but the author could have done better bringing it all together. I felt confused at times of which character the book was following at certain times. I think the writing could have been better but all in all the story was very good & intriguing, just not my favorite book by Lynn Austin.
May 13, 2026
I highly recommend this book 📖 It still applies today and helps explain life in Israel. As a Christian this book explained scripture from the point of view of Jews and helped my faith grow. I loved this story and plan on reading over again.
I love a book that helps my faith grow and teaches me something new. This book is 💯
I love a book that helps my faith grow and teaches me something new. This book is 💯
November 5, 2019
One of my top 10 favorites of all time....I love her writing, I felt I knew each person personally and I lived the story as I read it. Great read!!
November 9, 2025
Not sure why but this book wasn’t as engaging as the other Austin books. Perhaps I’ve overdosed on her books and need to take a break.
February 21, 2026
In het begin vond ik hem wat saai maar het boek word steeds leuker naarmate je verder leest
January 2, 2017
I could not put this book down.
It starts off with a scared woman (Abby) at an airport terminal just trying to get her seat assigned on a flight to Tel Aviv, when she finds out the ticket she's carrying is not valid. She was suppose to go with a group to Israel from America for an archeological dig but they were going to change planes in Athens. Her fear of any possible terrorist activity in Athens changed her mind about flying with the rest of the group. So she flew alone into a non-terrorist involved city as her stop over before proceeding to Israel.
Because of her bad ticket, she becomes the suspected terrorist herself.... at least to security. Too many things didn't add up about her traveling conditions, and it was assumed she was a mule (carrier of something suspicious) for the tour guide who wasn't with her.
From there things just don't stop. She witnesses someone shot and killed at the Tel Aviv airport, which ends up to be the cousin of the archaeologist/professor (whose name is Hannah) in charge of the dig. Also, a suspicious, recently added archeologist stays close to her throughout the team's stay in Israel. Meanwhile her house back in Illinois is ransacked, but she's talked into staying in Israel.
And, as is normal for Lynn Austin books, there are 2 other stories going on simultaneously. One is Hannah's (the archaeologist) story from childhood to present. The other is of Leah, a young woman from first-century Israel.
This book has some of the best described historical and biblical events I've ever read in fiction. Theology is spot on, too.
Best book I've read in a while! Highly recommend!
It starts off with a scared woman (Abby) at an airport terminal just trying to get her seat assigned on a flight to Tel Aviv, when she finds out the ticket she's carrying is not valid. She was suppose to go with a group to Israel from America for an archeological dig but they were going to change planes in Athens. Her fear of any possible terrorist activity in Athens changed her mind about flying with the rest of the group. So she flew alone into a non-terrorist involved city as her stop over before proceeding to Israel.
Because of her bad ticket, she becomes the suspected terrorist herself.... at least to security. Too many things didn't add up about her traveling conditions, and it was assumed she was a mule (carrier of something suspicious) for the tour guide who wasn't with her.
From there things just don't stop. She witnesses someone shot and killed at the Tel Aviv airport, which ends up to be the cousin of the archaeologist/professor (whose name is Hannah) in charge of the dig. Also, a suspicious, recently added archeologist stays close to her throughout the team's stay in Israel. Meanwhile her house back in Illinois is ransacked, but she's talked into staying in Israel.
And, as is normal for Lynn Austin books, there are 2 other stories going on simultaneously. One is Hannah's (the archaeologist) story from childhood to present. The other is of Leah, a young woman from first-century Israel.
This book has some of the best described historical and biblical events I've ever read in fiction. Theology is spot on, too.
Best book I've read in a while! Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 283 reviews