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Wings of Refuge
A Powerful Story Set Against the Backdrop of Today's Israel
Nothing in Abigail MacLeod's life as a wife, a mother, and a teacher has prepared her for what she will experience during her summer in Israel. At forty-two, her life is in chaos, even before she leaves home--her marriage is dissolving before her very eyes, her faith is in shambles. This pilgrimage to Israel was supposed to be a new beginning for her. But by the end of the first day, she is forced to board an Israeli jetliner in spit of a bomb threat, and watches helplessly as a kind, fatherly gentleman she befriended on the plane dies in her arms.
This is a summer Abby will spend learning about archaeology, delving into the past. And it's a summer that will change her life in ways she never imagined.
Nothing in Abigail MacLeod's life as a wife, a mother, and a teacher has prepared her for what she will experience during her summer in Israel. At forty-two, her life is in chaos, even before she leaves home--her marriage is dissolving before her very eyes, her faith is in shambles. This pilgrimage to Israel was supposed to be a new beginning for her. But by the end of the first day, she is forced to board an Israeli jetliner in spit of a bomb threat, and watches helplessly as a kind, fatherly gentleman she befriended on the plane dies in her arms.
This is a summer Abby will spend learning about archaeology, delving into the past. And it's a summer that will change her life in ways she never imagined.
397 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
378 people are currently reading
1274 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Austin
69 books5,586 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 259 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.
September 11, 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.
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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.
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!
February 7, 2024
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
October 14, 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.
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.
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.
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.
August 11, 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.
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!!
April 6, 2020
As an avid reader, I am almost embarrassed to say this is my first book I’ve read by this author. Thru the years I have seen so many of her books have not 4.5 stars but most of them have full 5 star ratings plus I have purchased several of them but just hadn’t taken the leap to start reading. I now see what all the hoopla is about, wow, what an author with a very distinctive writing style. I will now be on an Austin binge.
It took me a little bit to understand this story is told in three different time frames, with Leah in Biblical A.D. time, Hannah in the 1950’s, and starting with Abigail in the 1990’s. Once you start paying attention to the chapter headings and figure out which characters were in which timeframe, the story takes off.
The author has the capability to recreate a biblical event along with the story and the character development that I found totally amazing. That was my favorite part of this book, Leah’s life was a wonderful reading experience. The Christianity message was so well received and relevant in this time and age, also Hannah’s faith was remarkable. I will be reading many more books by Lynn in the near future and for many years to come. Thank you, Amazon, for including so many of Ms. Austin’s books in the Kindle Unlimited choices.
Wonderful book – Highest five stars I can give.
It took me a little bit to understand this story is told in three different time frames, with Leah in Biblical A.D. time, Hannah in the 1950’s, and starting with Abigail in the 1990’s. Once you start paying attention to the chapter headings and figure out which characters were in which timeframe, the story takes off.
The author has the capability to recreate a biblical event along with the story and the character development that I found totally amazing. That was my favorite part of this book, Leah’s life was a wonderful reading experience. The Christianity message was so well received and relevant in this time and age, also Hannah’s faith was remarkable. I will be reading many more books by Lynn in the near future and for many years to come. Thank you, Amazon, for including so many of Ms. Austin’s books in the Kindle Unlimited choices.
Wonderful book – Highest five stars I can give.
November 30, 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.
May 21, 2018
I love this look at judaism and it's links to Christianity. The history tide into the bible that is written about here is amazing. Some I knew and some I didn't know and it makes me want to read more about the historical proof of the Bible-old and new testament.
I also like how the tensions between the Palatines and the Israeli jews is handled. the poor Palatine christians really are in a tight spot. I need to also look into the different Jewish Israeli subcultures. It shouldn't surprise me but about the bad treated of non European Jews-especially the ones who escaped to other nearby countries. & then there on the Jews who "never" left.
Such an interesting plot too. So many stories coming together but you don't get lost.
I also like how the tensions between the Palatines and the Israeli jews is handled. the poor Palatine christians really are in a tight spot. I need to also look into the different Jewish Israeli subcultures. It shouldn't surprise me but about the bad treated of non European Jews-especially the ones who escaped to other nearby countries. & then there on the Jews who "never" left.
Such an interesting plot too. So many stories coming together but you don't get lost.
March 22, 2011
i found the archaelogical aspects of this interesting. And the story line about racial tensions was interesting. I definitely liked learning about the different Jewish feasts from the perspective of the archaeologist who was a Messianic Jew. But the main character was annoying and I was irritated w/her storyline (might be getting a divorce). I'm tired of the attacks on marriage in a lot of literature. The Jewish girl, from the past, storyline was interesting in a historical context. But I felt like the author made her seem too good at times.
December 1, 2024
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.
December 28, 2024
#BookReviewFriday
#2024readingchallenge
#1Takesplaceinisreal
Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
# 1 Takes Place in Israel
Book: Wings of Refuge
Author: Lynn Austin
Narrator: Romy Nordlinger
Little did I know the first category I wrote down would end up being my last book read of the year. It was a happy coincidence, but a profound one. I wasn't even going to read this book for this category, it was a last minute addition. Well, there are no coincidences with God so actually it was a God thing.
Like most of you, I heard about the attack on Israel in October 2023. I added this category because I wanted to acknowledge what was happening with our kinsman there.
Sometimes a book comes along and it's so timely and speaks directly to your heart in such a way that you know anything written to honor God, can have the most wonderful side effect of changing you! It's why the tagline for this page says, "you are what you read".
I've mentioned on this page before some of the books that changed my life by speaking directly in to my soul, such as Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. I read that book during a dark time in my life, and I had never seen such a powerful witness of forgiveness. When I struggle with forgiveness, I literally think of all the things Michael forgave and overcame in that book. Forgiveness is not for the other person, but for you.
Wings of Refuge by Lynn Austin now joins this book as a powerful witness of forgiveness that I needed to read. My review below:
This book is an absolute five star and a wonderful way to close out my year. First of all, Lynn Austin is a fabulous story teller. Her books pull you in, you forget you're reading, you feel like you're watching a movie. Second of all her story telling is engrossing and it always seems to grow me. I consider it the best side effect when my fiction book actually moves me, makes me think, stretches and grows me.
The three POVs in this book are all strong women in the faith who went through extreme heartache and adversity. The story takes place in modern day and ancient Israel, making it a double treat. I greatly enjoyed learning about past and present times in Israel and I learned a lot culturally.
This book help put in to perspective how powerful forgiveness can be, and how hard that first step is. She painted a very clear picture of how the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine started, how they are interwoven culturally and how things are much more nuanced than they are ever portrayed to be on tv. I connected with all three women and the side characters. I want to be as devout as Lea, as resilient as Hannah and as open to growth as Abby.
This book solidified Mrs. Austin as one of my favorite authors, I cannot wait to read more of her books. I highly, highly recommend picking up this book!!
Check out my reading challenge
https://www.facebook.com/share/3WYas3...
#2024readingchallenge
#1Takesplaceinisreal
Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
# 1 Takes Place in Israel
Book: Wings of Refuge
Author: Lynn Austin
Narrator: Romy Nordlinger
Little did I know the first category I wrote down would end up being my last book read of the year. It was a happy coincidence, but a profound one. I wasn't even going to read this book for this category, it was a last minute addition. Well, there are no coincidences with God so actually it was a God thing.
Like most of you, I heard about the attack on Israel in October 2023. I added this category because I wanted to acknowledge what was happening with our kinsman there.
Sometimes a book comes along and it's so timely and speaks directly to your heart in such a way that you know anything written to honor God, can have the most wonderful side effect of changing you! It's why the tagline for this page says, "you are what you read".
I've mentioned on this page before some of the books that changed my life by speaking directly in to my soul, such as Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. I read that book during a dark time in my life, and I had never seen such a powerful witness of forgiveness. When I struggle with forgiveness, I literally think of all the things Michael forgave and overcame in that book. Forgiveness is not for the other person, but for you.
Wings of Refuge by Lynn Austin now joins this book as a powerful witness of forgiveness that I needed to read. My review below:
This book is an absolute five star and a wonderful way to close out my year. First of all, Lynn Austin is a fabulous story teller. Her books pull you in, you forget you're reading, you feel like you're watching a movie. Second of all her story telling is engrossing and it always seems to grow me. I consider it the best side effect when my fiction book actually moves me, makes me think, stretches and grows me.
The three POVs in this book are all strong women in the faith who went through extreme heartache and adversity. The story takes place in modern day and ancient Israel, making it a double treat. I greatly enjoyed learning about past and present times in Israel and I learned a lot culturally.
This book help put in to perspective how powerful forgiveness can be, and how hard that first step is. She painted a very clear picture of how the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine started, how they are interwoven culturally and how things are much more nuanced than they are ever portrayed to be on tv. I connected with all three women and the side characters. I want to be as devout as Lea, as resilient as Hannah and as open to growth as Abby.
This book solidified Mrs. Austin as one of my favorite authors, I cannot wait to read more of her books. I highly, highly recommend picking up this book!!
Check out my reading challenge
https://www.facebook.com/share/3WYas3...
June 26, 2022
This got better later on as the plot developed and a mysteries begun to be unraveled. A woman leaves Indiana to volunteer for an archaeological dig in Israel after finding out her husband is having an affair. She has always been fond of history, and especially archaeology, so this is a perfect opportunity to get away, fulfill a lifelong dream, and start a new life. She leaves behind her young adult children, who she figures are mature enough now to reconcile their family upheaval.
While on the flight to Israel, Abby is seated next to a man who helps keep her calm because she is afraid of flying and is still experiencing shock over her husband's betrayal. This man Ben begins to talk about God and quotes scriptures to her, and finally gives her his small Bible. He escorts her off of the plan to help with her luggage and to get through customs since he is an Israeli. As they walk to the security area, Ben is shot and killed. Abby holds him as he dies in her arms; he says something to her like I am sure there is a traitor. Abby is taken into custody for questioning but later released. Ben was a spy for Israeli as are some others revealed later on in the story.
At the archaeological site, she is befriended by Hannah, one of the directors of the dig. She meets another leader Ari and a Palestinian who helps for afar. All of these people have had horrible things happen in their families, so they are kind of shell shocked. Throughout Abby's time there, while the group unearths treasures, she is told of the background of the people whose treasures they unearth and of the people she is working with. The time frame covers 1999, the 1960's-90's, and AD 47-67.
I enjoyed how each of the characters developed during the different time frames, how enemies became friends, how friends comforted each other, how mysteries were solved. There were many scripture references and detailed information about Jeshua the Savior who many of the Jews came to know in the first century AD, as did some of those featured in the book later on. Forgiveness plays a big role as a plot in the stories.
While on the flight to Israel, Abby is seated next to a man who helps keep her calm because she is afraid of flying and is still experiencing shock over her husband's betrayal. This man Ben begins to talk about God and quotes scriptures to her, and finally gives her his small Bible. He escorts her off of the plan to help with her luggage and to get through customs since he is an Israeli. As they walk to the security area, Ben is shot and killed. Abby holds him as he dies in her arms; he says something to her like I am sure there is a traitor. Abby is taken into custody for questioning but later released. Ben was a spy for Israeli as are some others revealed later on in the story.
At the archaeological site, she is befriended by Hannah, one of the directors of the dig. She meets another leader Ari and a Palestinian who helps for afar. All of these people have had horrible things happen in their families, so they are kind of shell shocked. Throughout Abby's time there, while the group unearths treasures, she is told of the background of the people whose treasures they unearth and of the people she is working with. The time frame covers 1999, the 1960's-90's, and AD 47-67.
I enjoyed how each of the characters developed during the different time frames, how enemies became friends, how friends comforted each other, how mysteries were solved. There were many scripture references and detailed information about Jeshua the Savior who many of the Jews came to know in the first century AD, as did some of those featured in the book later on. Forgiveness plays a big role as a plot in the stories.
May 5, 2023
Enjoyed the book but the were some issues with storyline. The spy portion was not clear how Abby was initially pulled into it. Was the archaeologist who ordered her tickets involved and using Abby? He's role in the story was so minor and short it's not clear other than to support Abby's innocence. The spy portion also seemed to only serve to keep the reader interested. The connection to the spiritual growth resulting from the dig and the lectures and the spy plot was not clear. Abby was also inconsistent with her position on being mad at God. Her struggle with forgiveness didn't seem to connect to the other characters she was learning about forgiveness from. The flashback to the original time relating to the dig discovery allowed the reader to confirm the connection and relevance to the forgiveness lesson but there were times when the archaeologist also knew that information without the explanation how they knew or concluded that based on the relics found and other historical data known about the location.
Ignoring those things and accepting the book is for entertainment it was a good book.
Ignoring those things and accepting the book is for entertainment it was a good book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2024
"Wings of Refuge" is a Christian historical set in the land of Israel. The main action started with a lot of suspense as Abby got accidently caught up in spy games in 1999. After the initial excitement, though, she settled into working on an archeological dig. The repercussions of the initial situation were pretty much dropped until the very end, and even then some things were never explained.
Abby works under a Messianic Jew, so she asked about her life and we're taken back to the origins of the state of Israel and the wars fought when Israel was attacked. Abby also uncovered items in the dig providing clues about a Jewish woman living in the 60-70 AD. So we get her story: how she came to believe in Jesus and witnessed the Jewish revolt against Rome.
The main characters were complex, realistic people that were well-developed. Historical details were woven into the story in vital, interesting ways which brought the stories alive in my imagination. The main characters dealt with forgiving those who had wronged them. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting story.
Abby works under a Messianic Jew, so she asked about her life and we're taken back to the origins of the state of Israel and the wars fought when Israel was attacked. Abby also uncovered items in the dig providing clues about a Jewish woman living in the 60-70 AD. So we get her story: how she came to believe in Jesus and witnessed the Jewish revolt against Rome.
The main characters were complex, realistic people that were well-developed. Historical details were woven into the story in vital, interesting ways which brought the stories alive in my imagination. The main characters dealt with forgiving those who had wronged them. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting story.
August 18, 2021
Another Winner From Lynn Austin
Another of Lynn Austin's engaging stories. It will suck you in from the beginning and keep you there from beginning to end. She brings her characters into your life and endears them to you, flaws and all. At a lot of the historical information I was nodding in agreement. I had read The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah and had a smidgeon of Josephus. But I learned something new: how archeology can contribute to our faith and even affect nonbelievers when God chooses. How patient He is to bide His time centuries and surprise us with treasures that affirm the truths of scripture. So many great elements of this book: the characters, the interweaving of the past to the present, fantastic research and good insight into spiritual truths, how life can knock us down and how He can redeem us and restore our broken hearts. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
Another of Lynn Austin's engaging stories. It will suck you in from the beginning and keep you there from beginning to end. She brings her characters into your life and endears them to you, flaws and all. At a lot of the historical information I was nodding in agreement. I had read The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah and had a smidgeon of Josephus. But I learned something new: how archeology can contribute to our faith and even affect nonbelievers when God chooses. How patient He is to bide His time centuries and surprise us with treasures that affirm the truths of scripture. So many great elements of this book: the characters, the interweaving of the past to the present, fantastic research and good insight into spiritual truths, how life can knock us down and how He can redeem us and restore our broken hearts. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
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